Chapter Two:

A few weeks passed and Eliza still felt no different. Nothing had changed and the Council still had yet to decide what would happen with her. Eliza had hoped she would get a new Master but the longer they deliberated the more likely it seemed she wasn't going to be getting one.

Eliza was in the training room though she didn't seem to be getting anywhere. She decided not to use a practice droid since it beat her last time and that was humiliating enough. She practiced her stances and followed through with her motions but something felt different, it didn't feel right.

She covertly looked to the other side of the training room and watched a couple of Jedi Masters instruct a couple of younger students. She had seen both Jedi Masters before but had never spoken to either of them. She watched as they taught the younger ones similar stances that Eliza was attempting.

Unbeknownst to Eliza, both Jedi Masters were watching her. They exchanged glances and continued with training, both of them aware that she was watching. When she finally looked away both of them returned to their observing.

'She seems distracted,' said Kit Fisto softly.

Beside him, fellow Jedi Master Plo Koon nodded in agreement. 'She's stiff and thinking too much. She needs to learn how to feel again.'

'But first she may need to learn to let go of her attachments,' said Kit quietly.

They continued their teaching of the younger students but Kit found himself looking over at her every so often. It was becoming hard not to. There was something about her that tugged at him, an annoying feeling that he had to do something about.

Near the end of the training Kit and Plo allowed the students to leave but they stayed and covertly watched Eliza. They didn't want her aware of their staring but before they learn anything more both of them looked to each other, sensing the building anger within the room and it was only coming from Eliza.

She suddenly cried out in frustration and kicked one of the droids away from her. She left the room in a huff and went straight to the mediation room. She sat down and attempted to calm herself though still, nothing worked. She stood and opened the blinds to the window a little. The afternoon light poured into the room but Eliza looked past the glare.

It did not take long for the mediation room door to open and Eliza jumped as it startled her. She turned and watched as Yoda hobbled into the room on his walking stick and sat down on one of the small brown seats. He strongly gestured for Eliza to join him. She hesitated before taking a deep breath and sitting on the seat beside him.

'You are troubled, young Padawan.'

It wasn't a question, Yoda was stating a fact. Eliza shifted instantly in her seat. Suddenly she felt uncomfortable. She looked at Yoda and he looked back, passively. 'Close your eyes Padawan, show you something, I will.'

Eliza hesitated before doing as he said but she knew not to argue or say no to Yoda. So, she crossed her legs and closed her eyes and took a deep breath and Yoda did the same thing. At first, Eliza noticed nothing but then there was something, tugging at her, gnawing at her insides. She could feel it. There was something there but it was hard for her to recognise what it was.

'Close you mind,' said Yoda in a soft, tranquil voice. 'Let all of your emotions slide away and watch them vanish. Padawan's are taught to not have attachments but letting go of a Master can be challenging, even when they do not die.'

The flashes within her mind slowly vanished and were no longer seen. Eliza frowned, what happened? Did Yoda do that? She remained quiet as the silent lesson continued. Eliza knew it was finished when Yoda cleared his throat. She opened her eyes and met with his. He searched her but she did not look away. She had done enough of that and she was sure he knew it.

Once he was finished he finally spoke. 'We may have a new Master for you, young Padawan. Be patient.'

Eliza only nodded and she watched as Yoda left the room and she continued with her meditation alone.

It was starting to get close for the Council to choose a new Master for Eliza but most of them were still at a loss of who to pick but out of all of them, Yoda had an idea of who to choose. He waited inside the Council chambers alone, waiting for the Jedi Master that was to join him there soon. He moved the chairs within the room and he stood at one of the windows, watching the sun set upon Coruscant.

When the doors opened and closed, Yoda did not move. He waited until the Jedi stood beside him and it did not take long.

'Master Yoda, you summoned me,' said Kit Fisto quietly.

'I did, yes,' replied Yoda. 'How would you feel about having a new Padawan?'

'You speak of Eliza Linth,' he said knowingly.

Master Yoda just nodded and said nothing.

'I do not know if I want another Padawan,' said Kit, thinking it through. 'I did once say that I would never take another one. I've already had two.'

'This one, suited to you, she is,' said Yoda quickly. 'Speak with her and let us know your decision.'

Kit nodded and bowed to Yoda before leaving the room. Kit left with a slight frown on his face though. Was this Padawan similar to himself? Could he train her? He knew the Master she had before. It would be difficult to change her ways of training and thinking.

A week later, Eliza was standing just outside the Jedi Temple, atop of the stairs leading inside. She hadn't been outside in a while and she thought some fresh air may do her some good. She breathed deeply and looked around her. It was early morning though Coruscant was already beaming with life. People were out and about already.

Eliza slowly walked over to one side, near the corner and watched as people walked by, doing their day to day things. Eliza suddenly wondered if she would have been like them had she not become a Jedi. She noticed some people look at her, but most of them were children. Eliza ignored them. She had no patience for children.

Before long, Eliza felt a presence near her. She turned her head slowly and she saw Kit Fisto standing to the side behind her. She completely turned around and bowed to him. 'Master,' she said politely.

'Padawan,' he said, returning the greeting. 'I saw you and wondered if you were alright.'

'Yes, Master, I am fine,' she said quietly. She turned back to look at the city and Kit stood by her side. He folded his arms across his chest loosely and looked out over the city with her.

'I can sense your apprehension,' he commented. 'You are worried you will be excluded from the Order.'

'Yes,' admitted Eliza. 'I worry that no Master will want to take me on, seeing as I'm close to the trials and taking on someone older that you do not know can be difficult.'

'Are you sure this is the path you want to take?' asked Kit.

'Yes,' said Eliza determinedly. 'I want to be a Jedi Knight and I will prove to it to the Master I am given ... if I get one,' she added with a sense of anxiety.

'If they said they had a Master for you, would you take it?'

'Yes,' Eliza repeated quietly. 'I know what I want.'

Kit nodded and nothing more was said between them. Kit found the answer he needed and he decided to wait until he spoke with Yoda before speaking with Eliza again. He left her side and went to find Yoda. The Council should the one to tell Eliza of her new Master. Kit was not sure it was his place to do so.

Later the same day, Eliza slowly walked the path to the Council chambers. She knew they were telling her her fate tonight and she was nervous. It was something she couldn't hide anymore. She knew everyone could sense the feelings within her, that something was not right.

She entered the room and stood in front of Yoda and bowed to the Council. She stood up and remained silent, waiting for them to speak first. Eliza wasn't confident in her ability to speak at the moment. Yoda searched her with his eyes and the Council exchanged a few glances among each other. Eliza took in a deep, but shaky breath.

'A new Master, the Council has for you,' said Yoda, still watching Eliza.

Something within Eliza jumped. They had a Master for her? 'Really?' she asked, her voice croaky.

'Yes,' said Yoda softly. 'Join you now, he should.'

For a moment, no one moved. Eliza held her breath. Was I really getting a new Master? She knew they wouldn't play a joke but nothing seemed to happen and it made her nervous. She could only imagine who it would be.

She looked over to the side as she saw someone move and she watched as Kit Fisto joined her. He stood next to her and smiled. Eliza returned it, faintly. She wasn't sure how she felt about this. She managed to hide her feelings and she turned back to Yoda and Kit did the same thing.

'Accept, do you?' asked Yoda after a moment.

'Yes,' said Eliza simply. She then looked at Kit. 'Thank you, Master Fisto. I am honoured you've chosen to train me.'

He gave her a head nod but said nothing. When they finally got to leave the Council chambers, Eliza and Kit walked down to the mediation room together. They sat on the chairs and relaxed. Kit wasn't entirely sure how to start off his training with her and mediation seemed like a good place.

When the session ended Eliza returned to her room and sat down on the only armchair in the room. She breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly. She wasn't sure why she didn't want Kit as her Master. There was nothing wrong with him but for some reason she didn't trust him. She had never met someone of his species before and she didn't normally judge people on that but there was something she didn't trust.

The next evening Eliza met her new Master outside of the Council chambers and they entered together without a word spoken between them. They bowed to the Council and waited to hear what they had to say. Eliza felt nervous but she waited patiently.

'A new mission we have for you,' said Yoda slowly. His eyes watched Eliza.

'We are sending you to Iridonia,' continued Mace Windu. 'We have been contacted by the leader of all the tribes. He wants us to help him with a dispute between two of tribes which cannot agree on anything. He is hoping that we can settle the matter peacefully before things get out of hand. Take a ship and leave tonight. Padawan, would you excuse us?'

Eliza nodded and bowed to the Council before leaving. She waited outside for Kit. She couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing and she knew it was about her, it had to be. Otherwise, why didn't they let her remain in the room?

'Iridonia is your Padawan's home planet,' said Eeth Koth in a gentle, soothing tone. 'This is her first mission with you and it may prove to be a hard one for her.'

'Is she aware that it is her home planet?' asked Kit slowly.

Eeth nodded. 'Yes, she knows she was born there but she has little memory of it. She was taken at the age of three and there is no telling what she remembers.'

'Also, be careful, Master Fisto,' warned Yoda. 'Her family may still be able to recognise her. Keep her away from them, you should.'

'Then why send her to the planet with me at all?' asked Kit. 'This could potentially be dangerous for her.'

'Your Padawan must learn to let go of her family,' explained Mace Windu. 'Master Yoda has sensed her longing to return to the planet. She must face it but we will not permit it to happen alone. She will need you when the end of this mission comes.'

'Yes, Master,' said Kit politely and he left the Council chambers. Eliza looked to her Master as he left the chambers but he said nothing. Eliza looked away and followed Kit down to the hangar and they boarded a small ship together. Kit went up front and got them off the ground while Eliza stayed in the back, not wanting to be drawn into a meaningless conversation with him.

Eliza sat at a small table and fiddled with her lightsaber. She turned it over in her hands and moved a part at the back. 'I hope you're not planning to pull it apart,' said Kit, his voice reaching her easily. 'You may be needing it soon.'

Eliza bit down on her tongue softly as she bit back an uncouth reply. 'No, Master,' she said softly. 'Just checking that it's in good order.'

When they arrived on Iridonia, Eliza followed Kit down the ramp. They had landed in a starport of the largest city on the planet. Eliza pressed her lips together as they waited and locked up the ship. Her eyes were wide. It still looked as she had remembered. The same buildings and skyscrapers were still in place as was the planetary shield.

Kit looked to her but Eliza avoided his eye. She couldn't bear it at the moment. 'Do you know where to go?' asked Kit quietly.

'I think so,' she replied.

He gestured for her to lead the way and she looked to him. He insisted and Eliza hesitated for a moment before moving. He must know. Eliza took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. They walked into the city and once seeing people Eliza slowed down. Many Zabraks they passed looked in their direction, particularly at seeing a fellow Zabrak whom was a Jedi.

She eventually ignored the stares and she felt her way around, listening to the Force properly, for the first time since her last mission with her first Master. She eventually found her way to the central building and they entered. Upon entering a woman approached them.

'Welcome to the central office, Master Jedi, how may I help you?' she said politely.

Eliza looked the woman over. She was a Zabrak, a little older than herself. She had long black hair that framed her face and horns and her dark skin stood out against her bright yellow clothing. Her black eyes searched both of them, waiting for an answer.

Kit gave her a small, polite smile. 'We have been sent by the Council,' he said, getting to the point. 'We have come to see Ceza Michqa, the leader of all tribes.'

'Of course,' replied the woman courteously. 'He is expecting you. Follow me,' she added quietly.

Her eyes lingered upon Eliza before she turned and took them to where they needed to be. She led them down a long corridor and she stopped at the door at the very end. She knocked firmly and waited for permission to enter. Once she had it she opened the door and led Eliza and Kit inside.

'Sir, these are the Jedi the Council sent to speak with you,' she said clearly. 'Is there anything else?'

'No, thank you, Aileen, you can go back to your duties.'

Aileen bowed her head to him politely before leaving the room. Ceza turned to both Jedi and looked them over. Eliza watched as his eyes widened a little when they landed on her. He tried to hide his surprise though it did not go unnoticed. Eliza opened her mouth but Kit cleared his throat to stop her.

'I am Master Kit Fisto and this is my Padawan Eliza Linth,' he said, introducing both of them, though he already seemed to know who Eliza was.

Ceza came forwards and shook hands with both of them. He walked back to behind his desk but he didn't sit down, he remained standing but he leaned on the desk by the palms of his hands.

'Two of my tribes are fighting and it is likely a civil war will break out if nothing is done,' he said, getting straight to the point. 'Neither tribe wants to concede and I feel as though I have run out of options.'

'How did the conflict start?' asked Eliza calmly.

Ceza sighed heavily. Eliza could see the impact this was having on him. She could sense his worry and frustration and the hopelessness of feeling useless. He pushed off his desk and walked to the large square window in the room. His back was to them but Eliza could still sense the expression on his face. It had not changed.

Ceza was a large Zabrak with a heavy build. Eliza counted ten horns on his head though there was no hair. His tattoos were of black ink only and covered his entire face. He continued to look out the window and he sighed heavily once again.

'The conflict started between two families; the Jode and Kordaye families. The parents of each family agreed that their two eldest children would marry but things went sour and it went downhill from there. The communities of each tribe became involved and it hasn't ended. Only a few people have died. I would have contacted the Jedi sooner but I thought I could handle this myself.'

'Tell us more about each family,' said Kit patiently.

Ceza turned and looked at them again. He sighed and walked to his desk and sat down. He offered Eliza and Kit a seat but both politely refused. Ceza shook his head. 'I'll never understand why Jedi stand all the time,' he commented to himself.

'The Jode family consists of five people. The father is Alhan, his wife Sasara and their three children, Horus, Quila and Ardree. The Kordaye family consists of four people, Adame Kordaye, his wife Pavarti and their two children, Leonora and Jaxson.

'Horus is a good man and good son to his parents. He is only a year older than Leonora, the woman he was promised to marry. They seemed to get along but where things went sour, people can only guess. One the day of the wedding Leonora did not turn up, she just seemed to vanish. Adame alleged the Jode family of planning his daughter's kidnapping, saying that it was the only way he could stop his son from marrying and making a mistake.

'Leonora suddenly turned up at her parents' house exactly one year of what was supposed to be her wedding day. She offered no explanation as to what happened. She was brought to me but even to me she wouldn't speak. She seemed scared, but of what, I don't know.'

'Did she ever say anything about it?' asked Eliza.

'Patience, Padawan,' said Kit quietly so only Eliza could hear him.

She shook her head and bit down on her tongue again. She inhaled sharply. She quickly relaxed and once Ceza felt the agitation in the room leave he continued telling the story.

'She did eventually speak,' said Ceza gently, answering Eliza's question. 'She said she left of her own free will, that she no longer wanted to marry Horus, but no one was convinced of her answer but they accepted it. The father's of both families began fighting, blaming each other for the promise that was now broken.

'The fighting gradually elevated and the rest of the family became involved. Quickly, each community heard about it and it grew further. It has been quite impossible to ease the fighting and tension on each side. Neither one is willing to give up and as I said before, I am no longer sure what do about it.'

'And what do you expect the Jedi to do exactly?' asked Eliza. 'I mean, we are keepers of peace, not warriors. We cannot fight any battles for either side.'

'And nor am I asking you too,' said Ceza, his tone still gentle. 'I want a peaceful solution to this conflict and that's why I asked for the Jedi to become involved.'

Kit looked reprovingly at his Padawan and she nodded her head slowly. 'Forgive me for my outburst,' she said truthfully. 'I keep anticipating that people expect too much of the Jedi.'

Ceza held up a hand and smiled. 'No apology needed young one,' he said gently. 'I could understand why you came to the conclusion that you did.'

'I understand you want a peaceful solution,' said Kit slowly. 'But how exactly do you want us to go about this? Would you like us to speak with the families and attempt getting a treaty in place?'

Ceza seemed to weigh up the options in his mind. He didn't seem to really know what to do either. 'I suppose you could try talking with them first and see if you can get anywhere. They may listen to a Jedi.'

'Very well,' said Kit. 'We will need someone to show us the way.'

'That can be arranged,' said Ceza swiftly.

He went to his desk and picked up the phone. Within seconds, Aileen returned and gave both Eliza and Kit a small smile. 'I would be happy to show you to each family home,' she said kindly.

'Thank you,' said Kit returning the smile.

Kit turned back to Ceza and bowed to him lightly. 'After speaking with each family we shall return and inform you of what we know.'

'Thank you, Master Jedi.'

Both Eliza and Kit bowed to Ceza and left the room and began following Aileen. They left the building and walked at a couple miles away. They stopped in front of a large mansion. Aileen walked to the door and Kit followed but for some reason Eliza remained behind. Kit stopped and turned to her.

'Padawan,' he called.

Eliza shook the thoughts from her mind and joined her Master's side again. Aileen patiently waited for them and she knocked on the door. A middle-aged female Zabrak answered the door. She looked at Aileen, knowing who she was but she jumped slightly at seeing Kit and Eliza.

'Hello, Mrs. Jode,' said Aileen in greeting. 'Ceza wanted these two Jedi to have a talk with you if you and your husband are free.'

'Y-yes, of course,' she said nervously.

She opened the door for them and led the way into a large sitting room. The whole family appeared to be there including a few servants, by Eliza's guess. Sasara approached her husband, who was sitting in a large, leather armchair in the corner of the room. He was reading and he placed it beside him and he stood up. He approached both Kit and Eliza and looked upon them, his eyes lingering upon Eliza longer.

'Aren't you...'

His sentence was cut off by Kit. He wanted to avoid getting into anything here that involved his Padawan's family. It was something they didn't need right now. They had enough to deal with. 'I am Kit Fisto and this is my Padawan. We would like to discuss your quarrel with the Kordaye family.'

Alhan immediately got the message that talking about Eliza was off limits. He nodded his head once and the other people in the room moved but so did Kit and swiftly. 'I believe it would be best if everyone remained here. I am sure they already know the situation and hearing other people's perspectives at the same time could be a good thing.'

For a split second Alhan looked as though he were going to argue but decided against it which Eliza thought a smart thing to do. 'Very well,' he said resignedly. 'Everyone stay. I suppose Ceza already informed you of the basic story?'

'Yes,' said Kit softly. 'Is there anything you have to add?'

Alhan scoffed. 'The Kordaye family is nothing but a blight upon this planet. They have caused nothing but trouble...'

'Why?' asked Eliza interjecting. 'Because Leonora Kordaye decided she no longer wanted to marry your son.'

'She loves me,' said Horus standing up, appearing to challenge Eliza.

'I'm just saying that-'

'Please, forgive my Padawan,' said Kit gently, interrupting Eliza. 'Please continue.'

Alhan got his son to sit back down but his eyes still lingered upon Eliza, showing small amounts of hatred and Eliza could feel it. Alhan seemed unsure of what he wanted to say now.

'I do not want war with that family,' he continued slowly. 'But if they would just apologise and get their daughter straight then we wouldn't have a problem.'

'It seems that if you do not back away from this then war is what you will receive,' said Kit clearly. 'We are Jedi and Jedi are not warriors and neither will we choose sides here. We are looking for a peaceful solution to this but both families must agree and stick to it.'

'Then we shall try,' said Sasara quickly.

'So, what would you like to see happen for this to end?' asked Kit, glancing around the room. He could feel that something was wrong and he briefly glanced at his Padawan but she seemed to not notice anything wrong.

'We went Leonora Kordaye and her family to keep their promise. She will marry our son,' said Alhan heavily, with great conviction.

Kit bowed to them. 'We shall speak with the Kordaye family and return soon.' He turned away from them and Eliza followed. 'Come, Padawan, we must move quickly.'

She asked no questions until they left the mansion and were once again following Aileen who was taking them to the Kordaye family home which was in the other direction.

'Master, is something wrong?' she asked quietly.

'I am not sure,' he replied in the same quiet tone. 'Something feels wrong here and it has nothing to do with the two families.'

Eliza felt for something but she came up empty. She could feel nothing wrong. She frowned. Maybe there was something wrong here, but not with the planet, with her. She shook herself mentally and kept her eyes on Aileen as she walked in front of them. The wind started and Aileen's long, yellow robes seemed to blow slightly.

'Master, should we not try and dissuade the Jode family from wanting the marriage to go ahead,' said Eliza quickly. 'It doesn't seem like the best option. Once they are married both families will be joined and they seem to cause enough trouble apart.'

Kit slowed his walking. 'My Padawan,' he said quietly. 'If both families can agree on the same thing it does not matter. We must keep our opinions out of this.'

'But why?' asked Eliza, pressing the matter.

'Because they have nothing to do with us,' said Kit firmly, but quietly. 'Their private lives are their own business and we have no right.'

'But then what right to we have now?' asked Eliza, her voice slowly rising.

Kit stopped as did Eliza. Kit looked down at her and searched her face. 'Padawan,' he said in the same tone as before. 'We are attempting to help them come to a solution and that is all.'

'But why should we bother doing that at all?' asked Eliza, her voice still rising. 'We are still intruding on their personal lives.'

'Padawan, you must learn that you cannot bring your own feelings and opinions to others on matters that have no connection to yourself,' explained Kit. 'We are bound to help and that is all.'

'Master-'

Kit cut her off quickly. 'Padawan, maybe this is a good time to teach you the lesson on not disagreeing with your Master to the point of argument. That is one lesson you should have been taught already. This conversation is over. Now, come!'

He walked away from her and began to follow Aileen again who waited for them. Eliza took a moment to herself before following also. She could feel her heart beating fast as a small feeling of hatred ran through her veins. She took a slow, deep breath and gradually let it go.

As they entered at the next community Eliza looked around. This one seemed almost identical to the one they had just left. Eliza frowned and looked around again. Is this what Master was worried about? She had never realised that all communities looked the same. It was kind of nauseating.

'We are almost there,' Aileen called out to them. 'It's the large house up here,' she added, pointing down the end of the street they were on. If it was the one she thought then Eliza realised that both families were quite wealthy.

Suddenly, Eliza stopped walking. She remained on the spot and glanced around. There was suddenly an unfamiliar, yet familiar presence near her. Kit eventually noticed and waited for her to join him but he quickly felt the presence also. Kit hurried to Eliza's location, mentally telling the Council off her sending her here in the first place.

'We must go,' said Kit firmly.

Eliza looked at him and gradually she nodded slowly. They set off again, towards the place that they needed to be. Eliza felt the tugging again but ignored it.

'Elysabeth,' whispered a voice.

Eliza stopped again. Icy, cold chills running through her body made, she hadn't been called by that name in a long time. It made her feel almost unable to move but she slowly turned to see a woman standing before her. Kit stopped again and turned, his eyes widened. He had failed. Eliza's eyes widened also. The woman approached her.

'How do you know my name?' she uttered under her breath.

'Elysabeth,' the woman whispered again.

Eliza searched the woman's eyes but she quickly moved to the face. Her eyes widened further. The tattoos were similar in design to her own. Eliza shook her head slowly. No, this wasn't happening. The woman approached her further and took Eliza's hand. Eliza's mouth hanged opened as she realised who this person was.

'Mother....'