Trials of Mastery: Tynian

[Fennex Zeerda]

The Trials of Mastery are an ancient tradition of the Jedi Order, used at various times throughout history. The betrayals of the Hundred Years Darkness and the Rise of the First Sith have pushed the Jedi into action, and the Trials are once again returned to their place of sacred importance in the Order. Jedi Knights face great challenges every day, and when they believed they are ready, they must stand and be judged harshly by their would-be peers, ensuring that only the greatest Knights are entrusted with the title of Master.


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It was about time he chaired one of these things, Fennex thought, ear twitching as young Tynian was brought into the Council of Mastery chambers to stand before them. The oceans of Tython lay unusually still and sprakling in the grey early morning light outside the massive windows of the chamber, and even Fennex with his perpetual detestment of large bodies of water (or really any water at all, with how it made his fur puff up and smell) found the view rather calming.

"Knight Tynian," Master Zeerda called out as the boy entered, his little voice filling the chamber despite his diminutive size, "I have to say I'm a bit surprised to see you here."

The young Knight had only very recently become a Knight at all- he was barely past his initiation period. It was highly unusual for such an inexperienced Jedi to vye so strongly for Mastery- those that did were often of a rapidly maturing or short lived species, were of incredibly uncommon insight or virtue, with powerful conenctions to the Force... or they were just plain over eager. Fennex had done his homework, and now the Council of Masters would find out which of these types Tynian was.

"Especially since you don't appear to respect the decisions of this Council," Fennex said neutrally, rather than admonishingly. He was aware with the incident with the Grandmaster at Tynians Knighting ceremony, where he asked old Wyck to overturn this very Councils decision regarding Knight Kane, the boys former teacher and apparently adoptive father, "Do you intend to appeal our verdict if you're denied Mastery like your friend Knight Kane was?"


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[Tynian]

Tynian was now standing in front of the Jedi Council. He had his hands clasped in front of him and tried his best not to be too nervous. His journey in the force had brought him to this point, he was not going to back down from it.

As Master Zeerda addressed him, he listened intently to the question and then took a breath as he was now expected to give an answer for actions in his past. He remembered quite well of what the Jedi Master was referring to, as well as what had transpired.
Without wavering, and with all humility, he bowed his head in respect to the Masters. "First I am very grateful that you would all consider me for the rank of Master. Your time as I am sure, would probably be best served attending to more important matters... So I am honored. Second, I sincerely apologize for any offense I may have caused in asking about the Jedi Knight Kane, my former master. As I'm sure you all know, I grew up on the plains of Ossus, in the tribe of the Silver Moon. I am Ysanna… and we are an honorable people. Sometimes to a fault. The Ysanna regard honor very highly, so in my youthfulness, yes I asked Grand Master Wyck to grant the rank of master to Kane."
He looked them all in the eye, without a hint of guile whatsoever. "Please understand my heart and meaning in asking at that time. I greatly respect Kane, he has been like a father to me. And in my request, I was only trying to honor my former master by asking that. I have never thought to undermine the decision of the Council... Nor will I. I will add, that Grand Master Wyck was very gracious to me in his response, and I respect and honor that... As well as all of you. Do I regret asking? No. But I do respect the decision, and will abide by it."

He looked at Master Zeerda, "I do understand your surprise of my being here. I admit that it is seldom someone of my age requests the rank of Master. I assure you, that it is not a self-serving reason that I am here before you. My only wish is to serve the Order in the best way that I possibly can. I do have much to learn, as we all do, but my life is in the hands of the living force, and I feel in my soul that this is the next step in the course that the force has me on. I take this very seriously. I will not dishonor you, the Council, nor my brothers and sisters in the Order."

He wanted to say more, but restraint was better in this case. So he waited for the Council to reply.


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[Austin Wolfe]

Listening in silence to the proceedings, Austin carefully observed both physically and mentally as Tynian answered the Amaran's question. In contrast to the Firrereo also presiding today, Tynian was just as long-winded as Austin was during his own Trial. Though Fennex was a great supporter of brevity, the doctor did not mind listening to everything the Knight said — it was indeed nothing in comparison to the speech they'd all heard from Councillor Guleya at the Conclave.

Inhaling calmly, Austin asked the second question of the Trial. "Tynian, how would you describe your relationship with Knight Kane, then? It is our understanding that he adopted you as his own son, in fact during your very ascension to Knighthood. Would you consider being close to your father a beneficial bond? You seem most intent on honouring him — making him proud."

Having leaned forward to ask the question, Austin relaxed against the back of his seat. "Please, speak freely."

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[Tynian]

Tynian turned to Master Wolfe. The Council had definitely done their “homework”, but the Ysanna expected nothing less from them.
“Yes, Kane is and has been like a father to me. He has taught me more about being a Jedi than I could express. I know that he is gruff and hard at times, but it was what I needed in a master. To stretch me, challenge me and correct me. If you remember when I first came here, I was very immature, impetuous, and needed a lot of guidance. Kane was very patient with me and I believe he taught me well.”

Tynian thought back to all Kane and him had been through in the last few years and he allowed himself a slight smile. “We do work well together. And I must say, that we do get results. We have fought together, succeeded and failed together, and just like all my brothers and sisters in the Order, I would lay down my life for him if need be.”

He looked around the Council and then stated. “Is our relationship beneficial? I guess I just gave the long answer to yes.”


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[Azar Torsin]

Jedi Master Azar Torsin was still getting used to being a Jedi Master. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy it, but he'd never had the opportunity to sit on the Council of Mastery before, and he would have liked to have done it at a time when there was less turmoil in the Jedi Order - and the galaxy as a whole. Even still, he was devoted to this, and when given the chance to sit on the Trial, he didn't shy away.

He listened to the answers and questions given thus far. The fact that the Knight had a fatherly bond was unusual. The Jedi didn't typically allow attachments, even to one's parents, but it did bring to mind another interesting point. Knight Tynian, you attribute a great deal of your success to your father and his training. You speak very highly of him, he stated. It was a fair assessment that could be made just on what had been said in the trial thus far.

You believe you are ready for Mastery now even though your father was not. Do you believe you surpass your father in wisdom, experience, and knowledge of the Force? Most of your missions and training have been at his side even as a Knight. If he's the one who has trained and prepared you, then what has readied you to move beyond Knighthood and continue where he stopped? he asked.

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[Tynian]

Tynian turned to face Master Torsin. He hadn’t met him before, but that was of no consequence. Master Torsin was a Jedi and that was enough for Tynian’s respect.
“In all honesty, I am in no place to say if I have surpassed anyone in wisdom, experience and in the knowledge of the force. I would hope and pray that my actions and words as Jedi Knight have proven of what I am, and what I am capable of. Kane has taught me to trust the force, and that is what I do. But the force itself has taught me a great deal as well...I have been in situations where that trust has been tested, with or without Kane. It was in those times that I’ve learned the most about being a servant of the living force.”

He took a breath then continued. “I won’t discount the influence Kane has had on my life, for it has been great. But I do know in my heart, that I am a Jedi first and foremost... A child of the Light and a tool for its purpose.”

He thought for a moment then answers the last question posed by Master Torsin. “I would consider it a privilege to become a Master. To be able to teach others from what I have learned and experienced would be a great honor. I do know that I am young, but I also know what I have been through, experience is a great teacher indeed. And I feel that I could help a young Jedi just starting out.”


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[Fennex Zeerda]

"Knight Tynian," Fennex broke back into the discussion, whiskers twitching as he regarded the youngling, "You mentioned passing on your experiences to younger Jedi, but I'm not sure what those experiences are. Can you explain to the council what you've done since you became a Knight that you think meets the criteria of the five trials of Mastery?"

Fen sat back in his chair with the usual impassive expression. Unlike many of the current crop of Masters, he actually had an advantage when it came to these things. His inhuman features were totally inscrutable to anyone who didnt know him intimately. A feral snarl and a smile looked the same to most people. Fen would leave Tynian guessing as to which he was getting as his answers came.

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[Tynian]

Tynian thought for a moment. He certainly had gone through things which have tried every bit of his character and growth as a Jedi... but to look at them in the light of becoming a master was a bit more difficult. But he didn't flinch, nor did he worry. He answered Master Zeerda's question as honestly as he could.
"Master Zeerda. I appreciate your question. But to answer would be to think that I somehow have earned or deserve the rank of master. That is not for me to decide, it's the answer the council must weigh out and decide upon." He took a breath and then continued. "But regardless, since you want more of an answer than that, I will try to address your question as best as I can. I know I am young, and I understand the concern the council has about my age. I do admit that there are times I am immature, but I am learning how to curb that... But I assure you all that I will not fail you, nor will I fail the Order. I will strive to uphold all that we are with reverence and honor."

Another breath...he really didn't like talking about himself like this. Even though he was confident in who and what he was, he wasn't someone to go boasting about it.
"And although I am young I have experienced much since becoming a Knight. I have fought Sith and prevailed, I have kept up my training, knowing that I still have much to learn as we all do. I have served the Order on missions and succeeded, I have faced fears and conquered them, as well as faced the bounty on my head, with the help of Master Wolfe. I have sought out and watched those who are more experienced than I and have learned much from them... And not just from Kane. I do feel I have a lot to offer in teaching the younger Jedi... I hope that helps answer your question?"


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[Fennex Zeerda]

Fennex raised a furry eyebrow- the most noticeable change in expression any master had displayed at all so far. He glanced briefly at the other Masters before turning his attention back to the young Knight. Fennex placed his paws in his lap, cocked his head at an angle, and leaned forward, for all intents and purposes looking like a confused puppy as he tried to determine what had happened.

"Perhaps there was some misunderstanding, Knight Tynian, but I dont belive you answered the question at all..." Master Zeerda paused as he considered how to rephrase this thing in a way that was clearer to the applicant, "What specific actions, events, or realizations of yours meet the requirements of the five trials, in your estimation?"

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[Tynian]

Tynian allowed a smile to form, "I apologize that I misunderstood Master Zeerda. As far as the trials, I will try to address them one at a time." The Ysanna thought back to all he had been through and then began to answer, focusing on a couple of events that came into his mind. "The skill trial, I have grown considerably in my skill with a lightsaber, and had requested several Jedi to train me in the style that they use. I have learned from them, and have been applying it to every situation I have encountered since then. Coupled with the courage trial, I have faced and defeated a Sith named Vincent, in protection of a force aware Twi'lek child who I was able to bring to the Temple to be trained. I also have faced a former friend of mine named Se'Roc, who is also a Sith. I was able to defeat him, although I did not kill either of them, but I was able to win the day and accomplish my mission despite their involvement."

He thought about the trials of insight and spirit and then continued. "Choosing the right or correct path isn't always easy, but when I faced the Sith I spared them both. I think it was because I wasn't seeking to kill them, we are Jedi, not barbarians... but rather I hoped that they would turn back to the light. The one called Se'Roc is conflicted and I sense is close to turning... and ending his life wouldn't help anything in the least, certainly not him. The force has taught me much, including that all life is precious. And as Jedi we are to protect and save lives as much as possible. But please make no mistake. If it comes to having to end a Sith's life for the sake of an innocent being, I will do so."

He hoped that the last answer was what the Council was looking for, so he kept going onto the last trial. The trial of the flesh. This was one of the hardest things he had ever had to face. "I have family. Back on Ossus." As he looked at them, they cold see the concern on his face...it wasn't stern or uncaring as he explained this, but it held a calm humility. "I am concerned for their welfare, especially in light of the bounty placed upon my head. What happens if someone finds out about them? In fact I have spoken with Master Wolfe about this recently. Have I struggled with it in my heart? Definitely yes. But does that stop me from acting as a Jedi should? No. I do wish that I had the luxury of growing up an orphan, without attachments, but I cannot change my past. All I can do, is not allow fear to dictate my actions, but rather become the best I can be as the force wills."

A thought came to him. "As a Jedi Knight, I have a responsibility to the Force and to the Jedi Code. I pray that I have lived according to that in my actions and with my words."

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[Austin Wolfe]

Leaning forward and gripping the arms of his chair for support, Austin peered intently at Tynian. "You speak of this...attachment to your family. Tynian, are you aware that upon joining the Order we are to abandon such things as required in our Tenets? You speak of your Trial of the Flesh being the concern you have for your family."

The doctor took a moment, letting a brief silence fall on the Council chambers. "It is the opinion of many in our Order that our Tenets are outdated and old, having been set down nearly a hundred years ago. Would you then agree, in that having attachments are in fact beneficial to us as Jedi, allowing us to work in greater strength against our foes?"

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[Tynian]

Tynian looked down. It was the first time in the meeting that he didn’t look the members of the council in the eye. “I understand about attachments. But I cannot change my heart toward those who are in my life, nor can I stop caring for them.” He raised his head and looked around the room... yes there was emotion, but there was also peace in his heart as he spoke. “To stop caring would be to become like a Sith. Uncaring and unfeeling. We are Jedi because we care... We care for those around us, we act on behalf of those who cannot act on their own.”

In his own heart he knew that answer to Master Wolfe’s question. “I cannot speak for others and their opinions on the Jedi tenats, but I do know that attachments such as family, friendships and camaraderie are beneficial to us as Jedi... it strengthens us to know we are not alone in the universe. As well as being able to face insurmountable odds and prevail... through the strength of the force and in each other.” He now looked them in the eyes again. “The Order is my family and my friends. I believe that is very beneficial. Yet if this disqualifies me in becoming a master... then so be it.”

He wanted to say more, but felt this was a good time to hold his words back. He wasn’t being defiant, he was just sharing what was already in his heart.


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[Fennex Zeerda]

"Tynian," Fennex began softly and inscrutable as always, now that they had moved past his previous questions confusion, "do you understand why the tenants were written to preclude strong attachments such as marriage and deep familial bonds?"

This was a question relevant to Fens own recent experiences. He'd seen and dealt with those bonds between others, and gotten a first hand experience in why the Jedi did things the way they did- something few in the Order ever seemed to truly understand or appreciate.

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[Tynian]

Tynian nodded in response to Master Zeerda’s question. “Yes. Because the fear of loss can be strong enough to lead someone astray and toward the path of the dark side.”

Tynian had hoped to convey his compassion in this matter, but he felt as if he was failing at expressing what was in his heart. So instead of “plowing” forward with more explanations, he just stayed quiet and waited for what would come next.


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[Fennex Zeerda]

Fennex nodded at the answer. This trial had gone much the way he had expected it to, and it was time to draw it to an end. The Council would discuss and finalize their decision and then explain it to the applicant. He looked at each of them in turn, silently concurring with this conclusion, and then waved his paw to the guards to escort the applicant out. It was, truly, unnecessary, and had first Fennex had always balked at the need for Temple Guard in these Trials- but he'd learned it wasn't about security. No. It was about humility.

"Thank you, Knight Tynian. You'll be escorted back in when our decision is made."

---​

"I want to make a few things clear, Tynian." Master Zeerda started, wagging a pointed claw at Tynian meaningfully. He'd seen Master Shai and others conduct these closing statements, and he'd always found them just vague enough to make an applicant think about what they had said and consider their choices and actions, but noe more. For many, in fact, this first rejection was the end of their bid for mastery without addressing their flaws- an outcome that Fennex detested. In this case, Fen felt something a bit more direct than usual was in order. Tynian needed a firmer word than Kane had ever offered him, and to be corrected on his carelessness and overconfidence. The Fox didn't take such a move lightly- he may be an anomaly of disposition next to many of his peers, but he didn't adhere to a fundamentally different philosophy.

"The Council is not making you a Master. Not today." Fen let the words sink in a moment as the Knight stood in front of him, "It has nothing to do with your youth, and everything to do with your ignorance and remarkable lack of experience as a Knight." Fennex leaned forward meaningfully and jabbed, once again, a clawed paw at the boy. Tynian needed to think and meditate on things. "You are wrong, if you think the Order forbids caring for one another; friendship, comradery, or brotherhood, or that any of those things constitute a breaking of your vows as a Knight... You think I didn't care about my friends Councilor Atriedes or Dan'ela's deaths? About the death of Knight Pavan, or the fall of Knight Drast? The horrific maiming of my old friend Councilor Shivaaga? And what of the fall of Masters Vox and Ward? You think none of us cared?" Fennex grilled Tynian with the major losses he had personally experienced as a Jedi. "What matters is how we handle it. If Knight Kane was murdered would you fly off in a fit rage? Seek revenge? Lament and despair?" Fen asked rhetorically. "We suspect you would... Because you don't demonstrate the understanding of the code and the tenants we expect of Masters."

Fennex took a deep breath and sat back in his seat. He'd been harsh and he knew it, and he suspected this was exactly what the young Knight had needed. If Tynian was truly meant to be a Master he would learn form this embarrassing charade. But it would not be an easy road. The boy needed experience, and he needed an enlightenment- especially on the failings and shortcomings of those close to him. The path of a Jedi Master was difficult and lonely, and required a certain fortitude uncommon within the modern Order.

"We appreciate your efforts, Knight Tynian, but you're not ready."

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[Tynian]

Tynian listened to Master Fennex tear into him. The master attacked the young Knight’s character and his integrity while telling him that the council was not going to make him a master.
The decision of the council was not hard to take, in fact Tynian almost expected it.
The reason behind the decision was actually very confusing. Master Fennex was harsh and painted Tynian as misguided, too emotional and inexperienced in the force.

But... in light of all that, Tynian just bowed politely. “I am truly sorry for your losses of those close to you. Please forgive me if I offended any of you with my answers. Thank you for your time. May the force be with you all.”

He turned and left the council’s hall... Outside just beyond the doors, he stopped, let out a long held breath, and headed to his next assignment.

{exit thread}