STAR WARS: RETROSPECTION- Learner

"Yes, Master Rand," Foghren replies.

While Rand may be older and wiser than your Master, Rianna, he is certainly physically weaker than Myraline. Though he is a superior swordsman by far, he too has been going on diplomatic missions more often than not. Lack of physical requirements on missions has made him lax.

"Rianna!" someone calls out behind you.

"Thank you." Rianna replies, before turning to see who is calling her.

(I wonder who it could be...)

"Rianna, how many times have I told you not to engage in practice duels without my supervision?" Myraline demands, striding into the courtyards as another set of Padawans engage in a duel. "You know how I dislike it!"

She gives a curt nod of acknowledgement when she notices Master Rand and Foghren.

"I couldn't sleep at all, what would you have rather me done? And it's not exactly like we're unsupervised here..." Rianna says, annoyed but trying to hide it.

"There is much you could have done, my very young apprentice," Myraline says. "Being a member of the Jedi Order is not just about flashy swordplay, and you know that from your time with me! Isn't that so, Master Rand?"

"Certainly, Myraline," Rand says, forcing his unnerving smile to return after it had flickered out at the arrival of Rianna's mentor. "Indeed, a Jedi must possess more than the ability to manipulate the Force and the skill to wield a lightsaber. Embodying the concept of the galactic renaissance man is something to strive for. I find that attempting public speaking with pirates and collecting strange stories to pass on to your students are also very important, don't you think?"

"Quite," Myraline says, curtly. Her sharp gaze flicks back to Rianna. "Come, Rianna. I will escort you to your quarters and discuss this further. Adieu, Master Rand, may the Force be with you."

"I'm no good with that other stuff. And if I'm awake unable to sleep, the last thing I want to do is get myself even more frustrated!" Rianna replies, leaving with Myraline. "Because that's all that happens, you know it."

"Pleasant dreams, Myraline," Rand says. "And good night, Rianna. I wish you well in your training."

The Jedi Master beckons for Foghren to return to his practices with the other students, watching as Myraline and Rianna stride out of the courtyard and from his line of sight.

She will be a magnificent swordsman one day... Rand thinks to himself. He closes his eyes and begins to meditate against a wall at the courtyard, trying to pry something from the Force about the future.

Myraline walks down the corridor at a fast past, her boots clicking on the polished floors of the Jedi Temple.

"I am not mad, Rianna," she says. "Do not mistake my expressions for anger. But I am frustrated. I am trying to provide the very best education that a Jedi can receive, but I can only do so much. There are two halves to an apprenticeship."

She casts a glance back towards the courtyard, catching Rand for a moment before he goes into his meditative state. "And I have warned you about Master Rand. Please stay away from him."

"I try. But what good does it do me? I don't have a strong connection with the Force, I don't have the patience for diplomacy, and hours of reading things out of books simply bores me." Rianna replies, trying to hide her own frustration. "At least I have one thing I'm good at!"

"And there wasn't much I could do, Foghren was the only one willing to duel with me. None of the other Padawans like me, and I am more skilled than them."

"I understand how you feel about your lightsaber training, but you cannot dedicate to yourself to it. Such aggression being the sole focus of your training can lead to the Dark Side, Rianna!"

"I don't really think you do... and there are others who manage it without falling to the Dark Side. Why can't I do the same? It doesn't have to lead there!"

"But the risk is great. Many Jedi warriors have sought perfection of their combatative skills and lost to their emotions. Even Master Windu has walked this path with great risk. It is risk that I don't want to take, and a Jedi is more useful with a wider range of skills."

"Isn't holding back on something due to fear of a possible outcome just as bad, though?" Rianna replies. "I can't deny where my skills lie. And if this is just going to be another lecture, can it at least wait until I've slept some?"

Myraline sighs. You have reached your quarters.

"I shall save it for tomorrow," Myraline says. "I just worry about you, Rianna. I care for you deeply as only a mentor can for their apprentice. I don't want your training to go wrong because I didn't try hard enough."

"Don't worry so much, it's not as though I'm going to go and try and pass the Trials tomorrow..." Rianna says, opening the door to her quarters and suppressing the desire to roll her eyes.

"Good night, Master."

"Good night, my Padawan Learner."

As ever, the night is long. You are prone to practicing stances while in the Jedi Temple, as there is little room for you to execute full lightsaber swings without driving your lightsaber into your neighbor's room. But other than that, there is little else to be done. Eventually, you go to sleep.

The next morning begins as it always does. You are awoken by Master Myraline banging upon your door.

"I'm awake! Sort of..."

Rianna goes to open the door.

Myraline is standing, ready to begin training exercises for the day. She is dressed, as ever, in her cream-colored Jedi robes.

"Good morning, Rianna," she greets. "I hope you slept well."