Chapter 5: A debt repaid
A new day dawned, fresh with the promise of wholesome camaraderie, learning, and perhaps even better, Beldorion's first lightsaber class. Being a neophyte, he didn't expect to engage in actual combat, but he remained hopeful that it would be an exciting time nonetheless. His fellow younglings hurried to get ready, a steady stream of chatter filling the room. The topic of choice was the expected class, of course, considering new recruits were usually treated to a practical demonstration by a couple of the available Knights and/or Masters. This came as a welcome surprise, as Bel hadn't actually realized this was an established tradition, though it certainly was an improvement over some dueling theory followed by wooden saber practice. His new friends, Ta'gen and Bink, had even taken it upon themselves to prepare him.
"Remember, don't try to do anything too fancy, just practice the moves like the teacher shows you, and you'll do fine." Ta'gen seemed to behave somewhat as a mother gartros, after the debacle the night before, maybe feeling guilty for being too agressive yesterday, Bel realized. Nonetheless, both he and Bink seemed honest in their helpfulness, and some of the smaller kids felt encouradged to pipe in occasionally with some dubious recommendations. I don't think I can try to jump on the teacher to impress him, or that I could do a backflip at all... maybe later I could try. Bel shook his head with a smile, dismissing the thought of Hutt acrobatics, and nodded along to Ta'gen's remarks. They really had some useful info, and their earnestness did them credit.
Eventually, the children were dressed up and ready, save a few spots perhaps, and so their caretaker for the day met them. "Well then," said fosterer Hyber, while she wiped the Bolb's face with a towel, "guess you lot look pretty eager for today's lesson. Fall behind me then!" The youngling quickly formed a mostly regular line, with minimal shoving, then stood attentively while she inspected them. Finding no more issues, and all Clawmice being accounted for, she nodded firmly and led them towards the sparring room. She noticed with a smile none of the children seemed surprised that she was headed for the larger central room, instead of the one assigned to Clawmouse clan, but still knew she could expect to see some surprised looks in a while. This was not the usual show for the new kids, after all.
After a short walk, they arrived at the sparring room, some of the clans having beaten them to their seats, while a few were still to arrive. Excited, they claimed seats on one of the sides, the space sufficient for most of the younglings to enjoy front seats. Once the rest of the clans filed in, Master Beq walked to the center of the room, and the youngling's voices quieted, while whispers intensified. "Good morning, younglings, and thank you all for gathering so promptly." She smiled, well aware that they expected a show. So let's give them one, she thought. "Now, today is a special day, for more than one reason." She gestured towards both Clawmouse and Squall clans. "This month two new friends have joined us, and it is time that we show them some advanced lightsaber training. Show them," she emphasized, "these maneuvers are not going to be practiced by them, or any of you, just yet." The whispers became frenzied, this kind of warning a promising departure from the usual script.
As Master Jaune turned to look at the entrance, in came Rowe Fitska, with a morose expression, followed by Andori and Mertyn Remshi, the Sephi brothers, and finally Tara Sarn, an Umbaran Jedi Knight. "Yes, today we have an exhibition which these fine sophonts have agreed to participate in. Please show them your appreciation." She clapped and the children followed suit, enthusiastic. The enthusiasm seemed lacking among three of the four Jedi Knights, however. If one where to characterize their facial expressions, "regretting their life choices" would probably hit near the mark. On the other hand, Tara Sarn was bouncing on the balls of her feet with a wide grin, so maybe she was just built different like that. "Now then, as there are four volunteers, they will do us the favor of demonstrating Form I," she pointed to Rowe, "Form II," she pointed to Tara, "and of course III and IV," she gestured to the Remshi brothers. "Finally, the winners of both duels will demonstrate form V and VI by dueling between themselves," she smiled, perhaps too widely, "and I will exemplify Form VII. On the finalist." Rowe seemed to turn pale, but resigned, while the brother settled on determination, and Tara practically vibrated on place.
"But Master Beq, isn't Form VII the most aggressive form? The Grandmaster said it can make you very angry!" One of the older students, from Boma clan maybe, unless Bel got them confused again, asked with a worried look. Master Jaune smiled a beatific smile, and replied in a cheerful voice, "oh dear, you don't need to worry about that! There is a set of special meditation exercises precisely to prepare for this, and I have trained in them for years now. I would never hurt my fellow Jedi, too much." She ended her explanation with a whisper, and a sideglance towards the volunteers. Even Tara's smile dimmed on seeing that, while Rowe looked ill and the Remshi brothers took a synchronized step back. It seemed the tournament wouldn't have much of a prize for the finalist, except, of course, for the firm intention to avoid pranks and bets in the future. And that was something all four could agree on.
Author's note:
I've decided I quite like short chapters, they let me set a scene, the wrap it up, set up the next one. Oddly I enjoy reading larger chapters, but feel more comfortable writing short ones, even if I write more than one at a time.