I own Ayame and Kamuro. Everything else belongs to their respectful owners.
That morning, Ayame and Kamuro were sent to Senator Amidala's apartment while Obi-Wan and Anakin met with the council. When they arrived, the Senator was in a flurry.
"I need to be here for this," she was saying to no-one in particular. When Ayame and Kamuro walked in, she started slightly. "Oh, I didn't hear you come in," she said. Ayame and Kamuro bowed respectfully.
"Forgive us for startling you, my Lady," Ayame said.
"No, it's fine," Padmé replied. "Please, sit down." She motioned to one of the couches and sat opposite the two Jedi. "I apologize if I seem on-edge, but I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Understandable," Ayame commented. "You've been through a lot in just the last day alone."
"You seem to be handling this much better than most, my Lady," Kamuro said. "That says much about you."
"Thank you, Kamuro," Padmé said, managing a smile. Eager to change the subject, Padme continued to speak to Ayame's young apprentice. "When did you first come to the Temple?"
"I was very young. About 3 years old, I believe. I don't remember much before age 5," Kamuro said. "I was discovered by the village matriarch, and she contacted the Temple immediately. I can still remember saying goodbye to my parents. There were no tears, but they were very proud. My whole village was proud."
"It still must have been hard," Padmé said.
"It still is, sometimes. I wonder how they are doing. I was hoping to return home to complete my Rite, but I have been very busy of late to do so," the young Trianii replied.
"Rite?" Ayame asked. He had never mentioned this.
"It is a Rite of Passage, a tradition of my people that ushers us into adulthood. When we come of age, we are taken to the temple, and the priests have us drink the nectar of the Gods. We are then taken into the spirit world where we are made to face our fears. If we do not die or go mad, then we are released back into our world and accepted as a full-grown member of the village." Ayame stared at her apprentice. That sounded like the Trials that Jedi faced when they were ready to become Knights.
"What age is this performed?" she asked. Kamuro looked at his Master. The worry was evident in her eyes. He knew that the answer would upset her, but he had no choice but to tell her the truth.
"15. When one is old enough to hunt and do work around the village," he said. Ayame's eyes grew wide.
"Kamuro, that was 3 years ago!" she said, shocked. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I am a Jedi now, Master. You, Master Obi-Wan, Anakin, you are my village. You are my family," Kamuro replied, his voice steady.
"Surely this Rite must be important to you, though," Padme said. Kamuro looked at the Senator, and back at his Master. Feeling the probing gaze coming from both women, Kamuro merely nodded slightly, his head barely moving. Ayame placed a hand on Kamuro's shoulder, drawing his gaze to meet hers.
"I will make this up to you, Kamuro. You have my word," she said, solemnly.
"Master, you don't have to..."
"Yes, I do. I am your teacher, Kamuro. I have a responsibility to know how best to teach you, and that means knowing as much about you as I can. I have failed in that responsibility, and I beg your forgiveness," Ayame said. "Can we agree to be more open with each other in the future?" Kamuro was quiet for a moment, studying the look in his Master's eyes. She was sincere in both her apology and her promise. The young Trianii smiled, and placed his arm on his Ayame's shoulder.
"It's a promise, Master," he replied. Padme had a strange feeling that she had just witnessed something that few people got to witness between student and teacher: a special connection.
