Open Starlight Razliubiti

[Roanoke]

The good thing about meditation is that it helps clear one's mind. It helps calm him down in ways he'd never felt at home, and in the presence of his former peers who shunned him for being who he is.

Meditation, however, also leaves much room for introspection. And Roanoke has always been a quiet, reflective boy.

Being a part of the Jedi Order is quite akin to a dream, a once constant what-if that played every now and again in the former acolyte's mind. He thought about it before, of course, back when he spent quiet afternoons ruminating about a life far removed from the darkness his parents set for him. Would it be too preposterous for anyone to assume that just because his parents served the Sith meant that the first thing young Roanoke felt in the Force was Darkness? Of course not. The life of serving the Dark Side was all he's ever known. It was all he's ever taught to drink in. Except... Except he didn't feel the cold, oppressive allure of the Dark Side when he first sensed his connection to the Force. It was Light–warm, comforting–that first touched his soul in an environment that promised nothing but a lifetime of servitude to the dark.

Light bloomed in an all-encompassing darkness, and Roanoke felt that he was someone that shouldn't be. A boy baptized in darkness who possessed a spark of light he dared not reveal until...

He opens his eyes, dark brown gaze fixated on the cool, metal floor. The Jedi Knight who brought him to her Order told him that the path his parents decided for him can still be refused; that he deserves redemption because his soul sings of Light and hope. He believes her, of course he does, with every fiber of his being. He doesn't want to be Sith. He doesn't want to live in the dark. He doesn't want to love and embrace something his mind, heart, and soul rejects.

And yet...

It's difficult to be here. To be surrounded by people who regards him with suspicion and wariness. He doesn't blame them, not when he's honest about the fact that he was an ex-Sith. Granted, he hasn't killed nor harmed anyone, nor has he tried to fully draw from the Dark Side of the Force. But the conditioning is hard to shake, a lifetime's worth of training drilled into him difficult to relinquish. The Jedi are enemies, his parents reminded him every night before he went to sleep, like a twisted lullaby he was expected to cling to until the day he dies. You are Sith, they whispered to him, and they expected him to only ever hold on to that belief.

Roanoke rises to his feet when a group of Padawans entered the training room. He tries to make himself inconspicuous, finding a spot in the corner of the vast room to slink onto. Suddenly he feels so insecure of the scars that adorn his exposed arms and face. He feels so out of place, so disconnected from it all as the group of teenagers throw wary glances towards him. The former Sith tries to smile politely, but his facial muscles just wouldn't cooperate. So he stands there, gaze fixed on the floor, while his new peers go on about their training routine.

Fuck it, I'd give anything to have someone to talk to right now... someone who won't look at me as if I'd go batshit insane and shoot lightning from my fingers at any given moment...

 

[Shaw Amaris]

Sunlight poured through the windows of the training room. Some breakfast before training would have been nice, but Shaw supposed it gave him something to look forward to later that morning after training. A nice cold shower and a big breakfast. He had been surprised to find that the order put out a pretty good spread every day. Not really what he'd expected from a group that he had always heard was short on credits. Maybe he'd heard wrong.

The padawans started pairing up into groups of two to get in some light sparring. Shaw looked around for a partner and spotted a guy over in the corner by himself. Not the shy type, Shaw approached him and struck up a conversation. "Sup dude?" he greeted, giving a little nod. "Need a sparring partner?" @Graveyard Shift

 

[Roanoke]

Roanoke isn't new to panic attacks, but now isn't the time to have one. Not when a handful of Padawans pointedly ignore him while some glance at him with either disdain or pity. No, he's not even close to panicking, especially when one Jedi approached him almost nonchalantly and asked if he needed a sparring partner.

"Do you?" the ex-Sith asks thoughtlessly until he catches himself, face exploding in a brilliant shade of red out of sheer embarrassment. Roanoke didn't mean to sound so stupid, but mortification does strange things to the out-of-place teen. Oh, shit, what a way to make a first impression. "A-Ah, I'm sorry, I m-mean-"

He clears his throat, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. Returning the other teenager's nod, Roanoke smiles, hoping that it passes off as friendly (except it's born out of sheer nervousness and a string of Don't mess ups running on repeat in his mind). Although he didn't come here to spar, he supposes that agreeing and engaging in friendly fisticuffs wouldn't hurt. And besides, the guy is nice enough to pick the newbie trying his best not to cower in the corner like some huge nerd as a sparring partner.

"S-Sure thing," he replies, and hastily adds, "thanks."

He finds an empty spot in the training room, trying his best not to wilt under the other Padawans' gazes. Roanoke has to mentally remind himself that he's not in the Sith Order anymore, that this is a totally, one hundred percent brand new environment-

"I-I'm Acolyte-" Roanoke catches himself, barely, and blurts out, "I'm Roanoke, b-by the way."

Fuuuuck. He knows old habits die hard, but he really needs to stop introducing himself as an acolyte of the Sith Order, even if he's honest about his former ties to that group.

@throwitintothefire

 

[Shaw Amaris]

Shaw was kinda getting mixed signals from the other padawan at first and wondered if maybe he just wanted some time alone. "No need to stress, bro. I can-" He started to gesture back to the other group of padawans, suggesting that he could go spar with one of them instead when the padawan agreed.

"Sweet," Shaw grinned, extending a fist bump to the other teenager. "Roanoke. Cool name! I'm Shaw." Luckily for Roanoke Shaw was a teenager that didn't always listen or process other people's words. Hopefully something that would come with age. He didn't even register Roanoke's "acolyte" slipup and even if he had wouldn't have held it against him. Shaw really hadn't gotten into the politics of the Jedi. He was still finding himself, discovering his world views. He really didn't have many yet. Everything he'd been taught by his parents was kinda being challenged now, so he was a bit confused and lost at the moment.

"You ready?" Shaw got into position, left foot in front and fists raised. He offered Roanoke a cheesy grin. "Just go light on the mumbo jumbo stuff, okay? I haven't really learned any of that yet." As was evident by the way most of the other padawans had been throwing him around with ease. The bruises up and down his sides could attest to that. @Graveyard Shift

 

[Roanoke]

Great, now Shaw thinks he's can't even make up his mind and-

Roanoke's lips curve in a relieved smile when the other teenager grins and extends a fist bump to him, which he readily reciprocates, albeit still shyly. The other Padawan's name is cool, too, but he doesn't say it out loud in case Shaw thinks he's just pandering or something. Shaw also doesn't seem to mind Roanoke's slip up and just straight up ignores the Initiate's dark past, as the other Jedi learners keep on whispering about like some kind of nasty rumor. Well. Being a former Sith is nasty...

Pushing that thought aside, Roanoke also gets into position, standing tall but slightly crouched, with his legs planted shoulder-width apart, ready to engage in combat. He makes sure that his weight distribution is balanced, allowing swift and agile movements while maintaining stability. His lead hand is poised in front of his body, at approximately chest height, while his other hand rests near the hilt of an imaginary weapon.

At Shaw's cheesy grin and his reminder for Roanoke to go light on the Force stuff, a short burst of genuine laughter escapes the ex-Sith. It's the first time he's laughed ever since being brought to the Jedi Order, and he feels both scared and hopeful at the same time. Maybe it's because unlike the others, Shaw isn't being suspicious and just treating Roanoke like another normal person. He reciprocates the Padawan's grin, starting to feel comfortable even as the other Jedi keep throwing glances his way.

"D-Don't worry, I ain't gonna go all Forcie on you," he assures Shaw, if only to refrain himself from using any Dark Side stuff he's been forced to learn as an acolyte.

Without any further ado Roanoke surges forward, throwing Shaw a seemingly basic punch while keeping a close eye on any counterattack the Padawan might make.

@throwitintothefire

 

[Shaw Amaris]

"Appreciate it," Shaw grinned, beckoning his hand to let Roanoke know he was ready whenever he was. Roanoke didn't need to be told twice. There was no circling, no sizing the other one up to better strategize for weaknesses or vulnerabilities. The other padawan surged forward with a speed that took Shaw by surprise and a punch that connected with his jaw and sent him staggering back.

That woke Shaw up! Blinking stupidly a few times, he started to laugh. "Bruh! You really pack a punch!" The teenager bounced on his toes for a few seconds, shaking his shoulders loose and blowing out a long breath. Any indecisiveness Shaw might have assumed to be in the other padawan certainly didn't extend to his fighting. Getting back into position with his left foot in the lead, Shaw threw a cross punch at Roanoke, angling his weight into the punch. Roanoke would probably see it coming, so Shaw followed it up with a light jab. @Graveyard Shift

 

[Roanoke]

Roanoke knows that he has done the right thing by taking the initiative in attacking without any preamble. But as his punch connected, the ex-Sith has to visibly fight back the urge to apologize for it, his lips pursing with worry. They're sparring, after all. He just hoped that the force behind the blow wasn't enough to knock out the Padawan...

Roanoke blinks, surprised at the laugh that escaped Shaw. Huh. Seems like the knock woke the latter up rather than knock him out. That's good. It means Roanoke can relax a little. He has no intention of underestimating the Padawan, nor would he even dream of it. So when Shaw gets back into position Roanoke does the same and answers the Padawan's comment with a shy but proud smile.

As Shaw's cross punch bore down towards the former acolyte, Roanoke's reflexes kick in. Sidestepping wasn't on the table today. Instead, he lifts his right arm in an attempt to divert the trajectory of the Padawan's punch. Even as he does so, Shaw's anticipated light jab came. With his left forearm, Roanoke parries it and moves to quickly leverage the momentum to his advantage. The ex-Sith moves to counterattack with a swift punch to Shaw's exposed flank, taking advantage of the extended jab that had left him open.

@throwitintothefire

 

[Shaw Amaris]

Rather than sidestepping the cross punch, Roanoke diverted it. Shaw's right fist didn't connect. Neither did the left jab he threw, parried at the last second before it could make contact with the other padawan's jaw. Roanoke had sharp reflexes! The first stroke of luck for Shaw was that Roanoke had spread himself thin by crossing his arms, his right arm deflecting Shaw's right fist and his left arm parrying Shaw's left jab.

Shaw used that split second of awkward positioning hopefully to his own advantage, shoving his right forearm into the other padwan's abdomen in an attempt to ward off Roanoke's attack to his left flank and to shove him back a little, creating distance between the two. "You're quick for a big guy!" Shaw remarked in between breaths. If Roanoke stumbled back, Shaw would go in for an uppercut, back arched and knee bent. If he didn't stumble backward, Shaw would maintain distance between them, wait for his next attack so he'd be better prepared. @Graveyard Shift

 

[Roanoke]

Roanoke's heart pounded in his chest as he successfully diverted Shaw's punches, his sharp reflexes proving to be his advantage. His well-timed parries prevented Shaw's strikes from landing, showcasing the precision and agility he had honed throughout his training as an acolyte. However, the ex-Sith can't help but acknowledge the stroke of luck that favored Shaw in the following seconds.

Feeling the force of Shaw's forearm against his abdomen as he was unable to dodge or block it, Roanoke instinctively tensed his muscles, absorbing the impact. He assumed that it's Shaw's attempt to create distance and gain an advantage, but Roanoke refuses to be thrown off balance. He tries to keep his stance strong and would plant his feet more firmly on the training mat underneath-

The Padawan's remark does not go unheeded. Any other person would properly react with a grin, or maybe a quick "thanks!" while following up with a counterattack. But Roanoke, who has never once been praised for anything almost his entire life, is visibly caught off guard by Shaw's seemingly genuine comment. The effect of the Padawan's words is instantaneous. Roanoke paused, eyes growing wide with genuine surprise and disbelief. The ex-Sith's reaction gives the Padawan's follow-up attack the opening it needs.

"Wait, wha-"

Shaw's fist connects in its delivery, hitting Roanoke's chin squarely. The taller teenager lets out a rather undignified yelp and stumbles a few paces backwards, before falling gracelessly on his ass. He slumps on the mat, eyes screwed shut, the spot where Shaw's fist connected throbbing with pain. Lifting one large hand, Roanoke rubs the spot with a low hiss, before opening his eyes and gazing up at the Padawan with an awkward chuckle.

"Dude, you pack quite a kriffin' punch," the ex-Sith comments, bashfulness momentarily forgotten. He stays there, sitting on his butt on the mat for a few moments while rubbing his smarting chin. "That fuckin' hurts like a bi-"

But then he catches himself, remembering where he is and practically everyone else in the training room. He can feel the gaze of the other Padawans, and he quickly shuts his mouth when he hears a faint, condescending snicker somewhere behind him.

It takes every ounce of Roanoke's willpower not to crawl back to his shell when he stammers, gaze downcast, "S-Sorry. I didn't m-mean-"

"Sith," someone spits behind Shaw, a Devaronian Padawan sneering at Roanoke, clearly pleased that his fellow Jedi managed to land a painful blow.

@throwitintothefire

 

[Shaw Amaris]

Shaw was a little surprised that that had worked. Roanoke's eyes went wide. He muttered something. Shaw felt his own fist make contact with the padawan's pale jawline. And then Roanoke was on the floor, flat on his trash compactor. A position Shaw had found himself in one too many times in the past. Probably would again too if he was being honest with himself.

"Really?" he grinned stupidly, his ego a little bit stoked by the other padawan's praise. Nice to know Roanoke wasn't the only one around here that could throw a punch! "Bro what are you apologizing for?" Shaw was genuinely confused. He looked between Roanoke and the Devaronian across the room. The two musta had some kind of beef going he concluded. "Let's call it a draw." They'd both gotten a punch in, right? They could always rematch later if their testosterone couldn't handle the stalemate.

Shaw wiped his brow with his forearm and then offered Roanoke a hand to help him up. "Whaddya say we hit the showers and grab some breakfast? I'm starving!" Truth be told Shaw was always hungry. @Graveyard Shift

 

[Victor-Ryder]

Victor followed his training section in a rhythmic, rhythmic and even a little robotic way. His partner was very good and was putting him under pressure all the time. But she, like the vast majority of padawan there, wasn't focused today. There was something that caused everyone to feel uneasy. Not exactly something, but rather, someone. The big rookie everyone was talking about in the corners. -“So, this is the Sith?” Victor shifted his gaze towards the newbie as he asked. A mistake that resulted in a punch to the jaw that sent the red-haired padawan staggering back a step. -"Yes, that's him. I don’t know where the Council was thinking in allowing him to be here.” The young woman advanced with a left blow that was easily dodged by Victor. -“I heard he’s a murderer. He killed 2 padawans before coming here.” The third voice came from a young Rodian, who was training the right with his Twi'lek partner.

A sigh of disdain left Victor's mouth: - “Really, Chryinst?!” He advanced with a sequence of three blows, which made his partner retreat. – “And the Council placed this monster among us? This is unacceptable.” The young Moreliano shook his head and let out a half-smile in disbelief at how foolish and susceptible to believing rumors the other padawans were. Maybe there was a good story there, maybe not. Victor had no way of knowing. The only thing that was certain was that the “Sith” did not appear to be a murderous monster and if the Jedi allowed his presence there, he certainly did not represent a danger. Maybe he wasn't even a Sith.

Victor remembered when he arrived at the temple. He was “too old”, a “barbarian from some cave in wild space”, had probably killed a person or two too. It was difficult to fit in and even though it had been 5 years and he had some friends, he still didn't feel completely comfortable there. Maybe there really was something wrong with the Sith, but Victor learned not to jump to conclusions. He was never the kind of guy who was sociable and had a lot of friends, so he used to think, analyze and try to get to know people well before judging.

The other kid training with Roanoke was Shaw. Victor couldn't say they were friends, but at least he wasn't a total stranger. They had already exchanged one or two greetings through the corridors and rooms of the temple. He was a young man who people generally spoke highly of.

"Sith", The Devaronian's voice reached their ears. A mockery shared by many in that room. Victor's eyes swept around the room. -"I'll be right back." He ignored the Devaronian and approached the newcomer. He looked at Shaw and then at Roanoke. –“Be careful with this guy. He is very good." He spoke pointing to Shaw and then extended his hand to Roanoke. –“So, you are the Sith. I am Victor.” Victor had a friendly smile on his face. –“Sorry to ask like this, but people here want to know: Is it true that you have already killed two padawans? I bet it was just one.” I didn't want to expose anyone, but I knew from my own experience that it was necessary. Roanoke's response and reaction could put the padawans off his back for a while.

[B]@Graveyard Shift[/B] & [B]@throwitintothefire[/B]

 

[Roanoke]

"S-Sorry!" is all Roanoke blurts out again at Shaw's question, unable to stop himself from flinching when he sees the sneer the Devaronian gives him. The former acolyte frowns and bites the inside of his cheek to prevent any defensive words from slipping out. The least Roanoke wants is to get ganged upon by the other Padawans and the possibility of Shaw getting in the crossfire. Roanoke decides that he can't do that to the other teenager.

He rises back up, gratefully accepting Shaw's proffered hand and rubbing his smarting chin with his free hand. The ex-Sith gives Shaw a grateful look when the latter suggests to call their spar a draw and the offer of breakfast. He nods vigorously, eager to get out of here and away from the judgmental looks and unwanted attention. Before he can take a step forward, however, a red-haired Padawan approaches the pair and asks a question that paints Roanoke in a rather infamous light.

The Initiate, in response, chokes on his spit.

Eyes watering as he coughs to clear his throat, Roanoke then takes a few steadying breaths before leveling the other Padawan a shocked, indignant look. Screw sounding so defensive—he has never killed anyone before nor thought about it, and that's the truth.

"I-I've never killed anyone!" he yells out in a strained voice, face red with mortification. Roanoke casts a quick glance at the extended hand clearly offered in a friendly handshake, torn between accepting it or slapping it away. He does neither. "What the hell?! Why w-would I even d-do that? It's n-not nice!"

With an aggrieved sigh, Roanoke stands a little taller and squares his shoulders. All eyes in the room are on him now, and as much as he wants nothing more than to run out of here and crawl back to his bed to nap all this... this shit, away, he knows it will only hurt his reputation further. So he decides to stand up for himself even just this once.

"Yeah, I am– was a Sith acolyte. Yes, I was taught to use the fuckin' Dark Side of the Force," he addresses everyone in the room, hands clenching and unclenching anxiously at his sides. "But I haven't... I-I haven't killed... anyone... The Knight who saved me and your Jedi Council thought that I deserve a second chance, and I'm gonna grab that opportunity with my bare fucking hands even if you won't accept me! But at least–" Roanoke swallows, voice growing quieter as his courage leaves him as soon as he finds it "–at l-least stop m-making rumors that a-aren't even true..."

@throwitintothefire @Victor Ryder

 

[Shaw Amaris]

Shaw felt like he had gotten himself in the middle of something he didn't completely understand. Some kinda rivalry? Some kinda bullying scenario? He wasn't sure. He just knew there were some pretty serious accusations being thrown around. that Roanoke was a Sith, that he had killed a couple of padawans... Sheesh! And he had heard that Jedi padawans were little goodie two shoes that got along all the time!

Roanoke confirmed it though. The part about being a Sith, not about murdering a couple of padawans. Shaw really wasn't sure how to feel about that. He had been brought up to hate all force users, regardless of the banner they waved over their heads. Jedi, Sith... whatever else might be out there. It was all a little jumbled up in his head now that his parents had been forced to send him packing to the Jedi Order. He knew that it was a Sith that had sent those razelings to Coruscant and ripped away his homeworld, but he'd seen plenty of messed up stuff pulled off by the Jedi on the holonews too. For the moment they were just a couple of teenagers. And Shaw was a very hungry teenager.

"Listen, man. You don't have to stand here and take this," Shaw interjected himself into the conversation, looking at Roanoke. "I'mma hit the showers and then meet you in the mess hall." He looked at Victor. He had nothing against the guy, even if he had come up and accused Roanoke of killing someone right out of the gate. Shaw had stuck his foot in his mouth more times than he cared to count. To Victor he added, "If you want to cut the crap you're welcome to join us too." And he meant it too. So long as he dropped the accusations, Shaw was happy to have him around. He looked like he knew a thing or too. And by a thing or two Shaw meant a lot more than he himself had learned in his short amount of time with the Jedi. Shaw turned and headed for the refreshers to take a nice cold shower. @Graveyard Shift @Victor Ryder

 

[Victor-Ryder]

Ryder didn't bother to withdraw his hand and held it in the void for a while, while he listened to the other's words. It was the first time he heard the new padawan's voice come out strong and clear. The response was good. It was easy to feel there was truth in them.

The room was quiet now, everyone taking in Roanoke's words, watching and reflecting. Obviously it wouldn't be easy to get rid of them and not everyone would believe it so easily, but they were young Jedi and most were understanding and fair (or at least they were training for it). They would continue talking in corners and whispering behind the rookie's back, but at least now Roanoke would have some voices speaking in its defense. Strong voices, from those who saw the truth in his words.

-I'm sorry! He maintained a constant friendly smile. -But they needed to hear that. The gaze shifted to an instructor who was a little away in a corner of the room and was watching everything carefully. -Sometimes, instructors think that the best thing for us is not to know things. But one thing I learned here is that they are not always right.

There were some murmurs here and there, but the eyes started to move away from them. Little by little the padawan returned to their activities. -These guys can be pretty cruel sometimes. But don't take it personally, we're all still learning. The rumors won't stop, but they will leave you alone for a while. He looked around the room. -And you won the sympathy of some of them.

Victor was never very good with people, sometimes he was too direct to the point of being invasive. He had probably gotten burned by the newbie, but he knew he had managed to help in some way. That was fine enough with him.

He heard Shaw's words and turned to him. –“Now, we are talking about something really important. Food is always welcome and I am starving.” Victor smiled. -If it really doesn't bother you, I'll accept the invitation. The last words awaited the approval of Roanoke, who was the one who had been exposed to all of this.

@Graveyard Shift & @throwitintothefire

 

[Roanoke]

It felt... good saying all the things he's been wanting to say since he's brought here, and for once Roanoke feels oddly proud of himself. He's never done this before, speaking his mind and finally standing up for himself. He was used with being the victim of the other acolytes' cruel pranks and bullying. But here, with the Jedi, a part of him had relentlessly bugged him about taking that huge target off of his back. Not because he didn't want to be relentlessly bullied by a bunch of Padawans (okay, maybe a little bit), but more so out of the lines of avoiding to do himself a disservice by continuing to be perceived as a victim. He refuses to be one now. Never again.

He takes in Shaw's advice and Victor's encouragements. Roanoke has never received the kind of support he's getting now, and he feels a rush of warmth fill him. Is this what it feels like to have friends? He sees the sympathetic gazes, others apologetic, a handful of Padawans send his way. While there remains others who refuse to believe the sincerity in the ex-Sith's words, Roanoke chooses to ignore them for now. What's important is that he didn't just stand his ground today, it's also the fact that others are beginning to see him as more than the acolyte thrust into the Jedi Order.

Roanoke lets out a soft breath, visibly relieved at the outcome of his outburst. He didn't really mean to be so assertive, but he managed to get his point, at least. The mohawked teen watch as Shaw leaves, before his gaze focuses back on Victor.

"I-I don't mind," he tells the Morellian, a small but sincere smile finding its place on his face. "You r-really didn't have to ask."

He gives the gathered Padawans and the instructor in the corner a bow that is half-grateful and -apologetic, before straightening back up and leaving the training room. "L-Let's meet Shaw in the mess hall," he advises Victor before making a beeline towards his dorm room instead of the refreshers. There, in the privacy of his room, Roanoke allows himself to tear up a little, thankful for Shaw and Victor's support, and for the courage—no matter how briefly—he has managed to find in himself earlier.

After taking a quick shower and changing into something more comfortable, Roanoke zips up his purple jacket (paired with purple sweatpants, of course) and heads for the mess hall, uncaring if he looks like a walking eggplant. While waiting for Shaw and Victor since he got here first, he picks up some food and piles his plate high. He's heard other Padawans complain about the food, but Roanoke is just glad that he's getting something to eat (and as much as he wants to, surprisingly). He takes a seat on a table by a viewport that offers a view of the stars and some cool and pretty nebulae, and begins munching on one out of two bantha burgers he's picked up as he waits for his new friends.

They probably have so much questions for him. Surprising even himself, Roanoke feels at ease with the thought for the first time since being brought here in the Order.

@throwitintothefire @Victor Ryder

 

[Shaw Amaris]

After a nice cold shower, Shaw threw on some comfy clothes, sweatpants and hoodie, and headed for the mess hall. Starlight was a confusing mess if you wanted his opinion, and he still couldn't find his way around but the one place he did know his way to was the mess hall. That was essential.

It didn't take the teenager long once he got in line. He knew exactly what he wanted, filling up his tray. A tall stack of panna cakes smothered in syrup and fresh fruit. Eh who was he kidding? The fruit was frozen but still tasty. The panna cakes were hot off the robo-griddle though. Not as good as Mrs. McGrady's of course, but passable. Especially when loaded down with sugary syrup. Some puffer pig bacon and some nuna sausage on the side that took him right back to some of those cheap, greasy diners on Coruscant that he had loved to frequent when he had the credits to spend. Lastly a couple of eggs over easy. A breakfast classic you could never go wrong with.

Shaw slid onto the seat across from Roanoke and greeted the padawan with a little nod. "Great view, huh?" he asked, glancing out the viewport before chowing down. @Graveyard Shift @Victor Ryder

 

[Victor-Ryder]

As the two walked away, Victor remained standing in the training room for a few moments. -That was interesting. It seems the rumors were a bit exaggerated. The young woman who had just been training with him approached. -He seems cool... But he's still pretty weird.

Victor let out a laugh. -True! He turned to her. -But who here isn't weird, Liz? Every Jedi is a little bit actually.

This time it was the young woman who smiled. -Well, you got me there. She watched Roanoke disappear into one of the hallways. -Anyway, he doesn't look anything like any sith I've ever heard of.

-No, he definitely doesn't look like it. Victor took a step towards the exit. -I'm going to take a shower and eat something. Meet us in the cafeteria later, okay?

He left and some time later the young Morelian walked through the cafeteria door. He had taken a shower and was wearing a simple white shirt with sweatpants. A quick glance was all it took to find the two other padawans. Roanoke's purple clothes made him stand out in a crowd of young people. Victor joined the food line, where he contented himself with a bantha sandwich, a piece of jogan fruit pie, and a juice.

He found it more appropriate to sit next to Roanoke. Maybe it would be more comfortable for the newbie like this than having the two of them facing him. -Nice place! Victor adjusted himself in his seat. -So, what were you talking about?


@Graveyard Shift & @throwitintothefire

 

[Roanoke]

It doesn't take long for Shaw, then Victor, to join Roanoke in the mess hall. The mohawked teen offers the former a quick but sincere smile, while blinking in surprise at the latter when he opts to sit beside the ex-Sith.

"Yeah, it's great, isn't it?" he agrees with Shaw, before offering Victor another smile. "Nothing yet, you didn't miss anything, don't worry..."

With a few quick but large bites Roanoke finishes his first burger, then lifts his fork to spear some of the vegetable salad he added as an afterthought for his breakfast. He then shifts slightly on his seat so he can look both Shaw and Victor in the eyes, before addressing one of two elephants in the room. "About my outburst earlier, I..."

The former acolyte fights the urge to avert his gaze, instead owning up his embarrassment and giving the two Padawans a smile that is equal parts apologetic, determined, and grateful. "I-I'm sorry about my outburst earlier. I should've known better t-than to raise my voice and a-assert myself like I did back in the training room," he begins, voice breaking slightly in a few places. But Roanoke only squares his shoulders once more, and clears his throat to steady the diffident quiver in his voice. "Thank you for listening to me, however. A-And for not stopping me from speaking my mind."

He dips his head slightly in sincere gratitude, his face slightly pink with shyness but he doesn't bother hiding it. With his earlier behavior addressed, Roanoke doesn't waste time and go straight for his next point.

"I'm sure you guys have questions... about me being an ex-Sith an' all," he gently prefaces, his tone carrying both an assurance and willingness to answer any question they might pose. "You can ask me anything, and I'll answer them as best as I can."

@throwitintothefire @Victor Ryder

 

[Victor-Ryder]

Bantha's sandwich was very good. Victor devoted himself to appreciating him as he listened to Roanoke's words. It was strange how shy the newbie seemed to be. Had he really been a sith? How did someone like that manage to survive among them?

The young Morellian followed and absorbed every word, until he felt it was his turn to apologize. -You don't need to apologize for anything... In fact, I'm the one apologizing for forcing you. He paused briefly for breath before continuing. -I didn't mean to cause any harm, but people were curious. No one was talking about anything else but the new student. He avoided using the term Sith. -As I said before: Instructors often hide things from us. They think they're protecting us. Usually they do a good job, but sometimes what we need is to know the truth.

He took a sip of juice and continued listening to the other young man.

The sandwich was finished and Victor was now devoting himself to the piece of pie. -I don't know about Shaw, but I don't. He stared at the other with a sincere look. -I don't care where you came from and who you were. To me, it looks nothing like a Sith... You're a nice guy and that's what really matters... The red-haired padawan paused for breath. -If you want to tell us something or talk about your past, I'll be honored to hear it... But if you prefer, we can just eat and talk about and silly things like three friends without a lot of responsibilities.

Victor was really happy and it showed on his face. He really sympathized with the two new friends.

@Graveyard Shift & @throwitintothefire

 

[Shaw Amaris]

Shaw looked down at Victor's plate when he joined them and grinned. It was pretty light by his standards but the fruit pie for breakfast made up for that. They were gonna get along just fine. The teenager shoved one forkful of panna cake after another into his mouth, staring across the table at Roanoke as he explained away what had happened earlier.

Not that he had to but it seemed like he really wanted to, like he was feeling pretty conscientious about the whole thing judging by the way his cheeks kept growing pinker and pinker. It wasn't the sort of thing Shaw, a typical sixteen year old boy, would typically notice, but since they were sitting right across from each other it was kinda hard not to pick up on it. Even for Shaw.

"Seriously dude. Stop stressing about it." As far as Shaw was concerned Roanoke had nothing to apologize for. Looked like Victor felt the same way. "Can't let those ear hustlers get to ya. Here." Shaw dipped one of his panna cakes onto an extra plate and slid it across the table toward Roanoke. "Less acid and more panna cake on that stomach, aight?"

Shaw wasn't sure that he had a lot of questions, but he did have a couple if Roanoke was willing to talk about it. Over a mouthful of nuna sausage he asked, "Did—did you make many friends?" Shaw wondered if Roanoke knew the acolyte he had met on that jungle planet with all of the crazy mushrooms and animals running around. He hadn't mentioned meeting an acolyte to anyone and didn't intend to. Not when he'd already gotten into enough trouble for wandering off like he had. The chances that Roanoke and Lil Nash had run into each other were probably pretty slim anyway. "You like it better as an acolyte or a padawan?" Maybe an obvious answer to the other two but Shaw was still coming to grips with himself and making his mind up about the world. @Graveyard Shift @Victor Ryder