Thoughts on a new beginning... (Jedi Party - Table 3)

[Figrin D'an]

Figrin meandered back to his table, exchanging a few greetings along the way. Upon reaching his seat, he set his drink on the table, and removed a data pad from the folds of his cloak. He sat down, and quickly review the list of people that would be at his table. Although he knew all the names and somethings about each of them, there were several that he did not know beyond the level of acquaintance. Although he was not much for small talk at times, he would do the best to get through it, and hopefully initiate conversation of more depth.

But only time would tell how the evening would progress...

[Sene Unty]

Sene stood in the back of the room and watched as the festivities began. Everywhere around him, others met and greeted those they knew. Smiles and words were exchanged, but Sene remained quiet and alone through it all. In his right hand a glass of water was slowly getting warmer, while in his left, a datapad held a list of all those who would be at his table. Some he knew, but most he did not.

"Well this seems as good a time as any." he whispered to himself as he placed the pad in his pocket. With a final inspection of his black robes, Sene displaced himself from his spot and made his way to table 3.

When he was close to it , he noticed that only one other person had arrived, Figrin D'an. Sene smiled, this just so happened to be one of the people he wanted to talk to.

"Is this seat taken sir?", he asked as he motioned towards the seat on Figrin's right....

[Xazor Elessar]

It was an evening full of joy and happiness for Xazor as she walked around and exchanged greetings with others. Hugs of many and kisses from others coupled with kind words made this party very enjoyable. Perhaps it was because of the fact that she was with child, but it mattered not -- the Jedi Knight needed a rest from her feet so she found her table where two others were seated already. Master D'an and Knight Unty, her former Padawan. A smile crossed her lips as she sat beside Figrin and across from Sene.

"Greetings friends -- what a lovely eve this has turned out to be."

She said softly, bowing her head formally before raising her eyes to meet those of the men at the table. It would be interesting getting to know Figrin more, and she assumed that others she knew not very well would be there. Playfully the Knight kicked Sene beneath the table before resuming a 'serious' manner, allowing her eyes to wander a bit -- wondering who else would join them.

[Anthony Scott]

A bit nervously, Anthony Scott made his way through the crowds of Jedi that were gathering in the dining hall. A few stopped and smiled at him, offering friendly greetings here and there though he knew none of them. He searched around after a few moments for the table he was supposed to join, and at last he spotted it. Slowly he made his way past chattering groups as laughing and talking combined to make a melodious sound that filled the air. A feeling of love seemed to engulf the room and to Anthony, it was amazing how so many people could feel the same way about one another, even if they did not know everyone. Finally he came to the table where two men and a woman were sitting already.

"I'll sit here if this seat is not taken."

He spoke in a very polite manner to Xazor, a Jedi Knight he had heard about in his travels throughout the Jedi Order. Without waiting for a reply, the young Padawan sat down with the feeling that he was a bit incongruous simply because of his lack of inexperience and rank.

"I'm Anthony Scott -- Padawan of Oriadin."

With this the young man steepled his fingers on the table and looked down at them for a moment before breathing in deeply several times to calm himself. It seemed to work almost instantly and soon he looked at the others seated at the table, curiousity nibbling at his mind about each of them and their experiences. Hopefully he would learn of some of these things before the night's end.

[Figrin D'an]

Figrin nodded to Sene.

"Not at all. Please, have a seat. I decided to making seating first come, first serve for those at this table, rather than specifying seats."

Xazor arrived next, moving to a seat on Figrin's left. He stood as she greeted both he and Sene. He bowed to her, gently taking her hand and helping her to her seat.

"Indeed it is, Madam Xazor. It is a pleasure to see you here this evening."

The next arrival was a padawan of Oriadin, Anthony Scott. Figrin didn't now know the young man well, though he returned his greeting with a similar introdcuction, showing respect for him as he joined the group.

"A pleasure to have you join us this evening, Anthony. I am Figrin D'an. Sit with us a relax while we await the other guests."

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle and Iago Kent entered into the huge dining room and were immediately struck by the air of celebration and good will that swept over them.

Already it was busy. Many tables of Jedi - both new and old - were caught up in conversation, laughter and socialising.

Estelle recognised many and said quick hello's to a few as they passed by.

It didn't take them long to find the table they were assigned to and made their way in that direction.

Already seated were Figrin, Xazor, Sene and a fellow Estelle didn't know, who later would be introduced as Anthony Scott. She felt an excitement wash over her at the prospect of meeting and re-aquainting with those that she shared the honor of serving the Order with, and said as much to Iago.

The new padawan had agreed to accompany Estelle to the dinner. It was all a part of everyone getting to know each other better..and Estelle knew very little of Iago.

He was a warrior of some note, she could tell from his bearing, and some of the things he said. This promised to be a very interesting and fun night.

Coming up on the table now, the pair smiled warmly and greeted each in turn.

"Hello, Im Estelle Russard a knight of the Order and this is Iago Kent."

She turned to Figrin, who was head of the table for the evening.

"Shall we sit anywhere?"

[Iago Kent]

Iago gazed around the table, then around the room taking a moment to brush his hair back behind his ears.

Estelle had asked him a few weeks prior to escort her to this Jedi 'Meet and Greet'. He certainly wasn't against the dinner, but he had a feeling that Estelle's mind was on other things.

So was his for that matter. He still hadn't heard from his father in over a month, and news from Almania tended to arrive at Coruscant fairly quickly.

The good news was he didn't have to wear any sort of formal wear. But he did have to wear the Padawan Robes- and he didn't really like that.

Iago did wish he could wear the formal wear he had back on Almania. The feasts at his father's castle would make this Jedi Banquet seem like a fast food dinner.

He nodded at a few of the padawans he knew from around the Jedi halls but outside of that...most of the people here were new to him.

"Nice to meet you all," his accented Basic said as he waited to take his seat.

[Figrin D'an]

"Indeed," Figrin stood, motioning to the open seats, "sit wherever you like. There is no seating arrangement, so as to allow for what you deem most comforable."

The hall was starting to swell with the voices of Jedi, and more and more entered, exchanging greetings and casual conversation. It certainly was an occasion worthy of celebration... the Order had come so far since the dark times that made necessary the new building in which they now sat. But, it was difficult not to drift into thoughts of that fated day when the Order, and the lives of each Jedi, was irrevocably changed. Figrin's mind wandered a bit as recalled the mental images.

[Clay Dennatta]

((EDIT: Ignore This!))

[imported_Terran Starek]

There was something I was supposed to do tonight, wasn't there? He thought, his nose popping out an old text called Atonement: The Anakin Skywalker story and his eyes scanning his room.

"Computer: show datebook," he spoke, coming to stand from the soft rug he had been resting on. The book was extraordinarily interesting and he hated to leave it, but something had caused him to wonder if he had forgotten an engagement. Just soon after his thought passed, his planner was projected as a holo-image, showing that indeed, he had an appointment to meet.

The Jedi Dinnner Party!

"Oh, frell!" He swore--something he didn't do often--as he ran into his bedroom. He was already a few minutes late. Luckily, it was in the Great Hall of the Temple, which wasn't too far from his room. Grabbing his ceremonial attire, he pulled the robes on changing from his lounging clothes. Giving his hair a quick one over, he tied most of the locks back into a pony tail behind his head.

Crap! He just remembered! Master Figrin D'an would be there tonight! He knew that he was sitting at his table! His palms began to sweat--he was very anxious to meet the Master, fo someday, he wished to be the Council's liasion to the Senate and attain the same level of knowledge that Master Figrin was known to have. He needed to prepare something, have a note pad, something!!

Grabbing his brown satchel--which contained a few datapads, some old parchment notepads, and some pens and recorders, he made his way out of his room and down the hall.


Arriving at the Hall, he scanned the room. Four grand tables stood--each with different members of the Order and teaming with friendship and goodwill. He smiled brightly--he was known for his sensing abilities, and he could feel a certain warmth in the Force here tonight. He felt very at ease.

Making his way towards his table, he made eye contact with Xazor. His heart raced as he neared it--she had been gone on some sort of vacation--with Dasquian, maybe, he wasn't sure--and he had missed her so. She shot him a quick look of contempt as he was late. Of course, in true Xazor style, she followed it up with a happy smile.

At the head of the table, Master Figrin sat. Terran stopped for a second, organizing his thoughts. He wanted to sound wise, smart, and funny. He had to be friendly--but not too friendly--and he had to be smooth--but not sound like he thought he knew more than Master D'an. He had to--

Calm down, calm down! You're gonna give yourselt a heart attack! He made his way slowly to the table. This was it.

"Ummm. . .hello, Master Figrin." He extended a hand out to the Jedi Master. "My name is Terran Starek, I'm a padawan here--padawan to Marcus Elessar. . .I guess you probably already knew that. . ." Stupid, stupid, stupid! "I just wanted to say, it's an honor to meet you, Master." He smiled a goofy, sheepish grin as he promptly dropped the contents of his satchel onto the floor.

"Ummm. . .I better get these. . ." he stuttered, bending over, his face beet red, as he started to pick up the mess.

[imported_Jackson Mcgraves]

Jackson walked in quietly and spoke to no one really he nodded to his master as he passed him by on his way to his table. Jackson was shy like normal and he could entertain himself with his imagination other then idle chat.

Jackson made it to the table as he peered at all the people who where already sitting there. Jackson wasn't really dressed up he wore his normal red long sleeve shirt but this time his sleeves where not rolled up and he wore a nice clean pair of Kaki pants.

Jackson saw an empty seat away from where most the people where already sitting at his table and he claimed that as he sat down. All he said to the rest of the group was.

"Good evening."

[Anbira Hicchoru]

Anbira entered the dining hall, and made his way to the designated table, sitting at the nearest unoccupied seat. He spoke to no one, but afforded each of those at his table a glance. His greyed, angular features were accentuated by a dark suit and cloak, quite different from most of the traditional Jedi attire. It spoke volumes of the man who wore it...a man who seemed to live beneath the shadow of his past life. Indeed, to those who weren't close to the Jedi master, he could appear to be quite uncomfortable, and even intimidating.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle was chatting softly with Iago, general back and forth as the others joined the table, greeting them warmly as they sat. She was pointing out those she knew, giving Iago what little background she could on them.

"I see Navaria over there and the man...that's....hugging...her...(Estelle had taken on a slight surprised tone, which caused Iago to look a little closer at the couple she was mentioning)....is a Mr. Sanis Prent. I dont know him at all, but he is quite the Entrpeneur and a bit of a scallywag. Or so I hear. She grinned. Looks like he cant be too bad a sort though, as Master Tarkin seems quite fond of him."

She saw Maximas, one of her padawans over at another table, but he didnt see her as he was talking with Oriadin - "you should get to know him, Oriadin, too, he is a nice fellow" Estelle remarked. Max was looking very nice, but that arogant air he carried himself with was reaching even over to where she sat. A small frown crinkled her brow, but she quickly moved passed it.

"And here comes Master Hicchoru - I find him quite scary, myself." she confided and shrank a little as he joined the table.

She saw that Jackson and Terran noted her change of face and turned also to see Anibra approach.

As the dark-clad Jedi took his seat, Estelle watched Master Figrin and waited for him to speak. Although she had not spoken at all with Figrin, she was much more comfortable in his presence than Anibra's - though she tried very hard to not show it. Almost succeeding.

[Iago Kent]

"Hmm...interesting," Iago said as he saw the smuggler and the Jedi hug. He'd never thought that Jedi and smugglers could have relationships. Although, he had heard that Leia Organa Solo had been briefly married to Han Solo...who hadn't after all.

He watched as Anbira strode towards the table. He was indeed an intimidating figure. The padawan stared at the master and he nodded in respect.

Iago sat next to Estelle, "I don't think you have anything to worry about from Master Hicchoru. He looks like someone who has seen plenty of battles and fought in much more."

He saw Terran enter the hall in a hurry and offered his hand.

"You're late Terran," then he smiled as he poured two glasses of water for himself and Estelle.

[Sene Unty]

Sene smiled at his former master as she kicked him under the table. It was just like her to show a bit of affection at such a formal dinner.

He was seated next to Figrin and watched as the others assigned to the table arrived. It was an eclectic array of individuals but Sene suspected that was the purpose of the party. He was supposed to get to know them all.

Sene sat back in his seat and noted all those that arrived. Then Anbira Hicchoru entered. He was a powerful figure, and the aura that surrounded him told Sene that. It would be interesting to see who he conversed with this night....

[Kyle Krogen]

Kyle Krogen entered the building wearing his normal jedi robes, he looked around for his table and spotted he walked over to it see'ing a few people he knew and a few he didn't "hello master D'an" he sat down next to Jackson "hello i dont think i've met you before" Kyle extened his hand "my name is Kyle Krogen."

[imported_Jackson Mcgraves]

Jackson extended his hand as well as Mr. Krogen offered his greeting.

"No I don't believe we have met either, it's nice to meet you Mr. Krogen. I'm Jackson Mcgraves Jedi padawan to Dasquian Belargic."

Jackson spoke quietly although Krogen heard it well. Jackson wasn't much of a speaker but it was clear he was a very courtesies speaker. Jackson preferred to use titles such as mister. Although he was for sure how Kyle would react to it.

[Figrin D'an]

Figrin looked at Terran quizically as he attempted to gather the many data pads and writing implements that had emptied from his bag. Perhaps he just came from the Archives, the Jedi Master silently considered. Still, the young Jedi was most definately nervious, and was clearly embarassed. In an effort to eleviate the padawan's concerns a bit, Figrin leaned over and picked up a couple
of data pads, handing them to the flustered Terran.

"Yes, I do know of you Terran. Marcus speaks quite highly of you."

He smiled, hoping that it would help the padawan would calm himself a bit.

"It's not often that brings work to a formal banquet. I hope that you will find time to eat and talk with us in your busy schedule."

The comment was in jest, of course, and was spoken in a light-hearted manner. A few of the others at the table chuckled.


Nearly everyone had now gathered, and Figrin decided it was time to address the small group. He took a slow drink of wine from his glass, then began to speak.


"Thank you, all, for attending this evening. It is not often that we are able to gather together in one place for the sole purpose of celebration. Of course, we are hear to dedicate this, our new home. The very fact that we have perservered through dark times... driven from Coruscant, from Dagobah, having made our way to Yavin... only to return here and have the Order emerge stronger than before... well, it shows that the Force is with us. But more than that, it serves to demonstrate what it means to be a Jedi. Our lives are not easy ones... we live to serve the greater good, and we die to protect it if necessary. Each of us accepts this willingly, without regret. Through the selfless sacrifices that each of us make individually, the Jedi Order strengthens. It is because of people like you that we are allowed to sit here today, as brothers and sisters in the Force, and mark this occasion with the others of the great Jedi legacy."

Figrin pause, raising his glass in a toast.

"This evening is for all of us... enjoy it, in the company of those that mean the most to us. Let us toast this new beginning, and remember the past while building toward the future."

He took a drink, and rest of the table followed suit.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle was careful to take a glass of champagne for herself and Iago from the server droid as he passed. It was not done to toast with water, and so required something more appropriate to the occassion.

It truly was an amazing thing to realise the great history of the Jedi, and to be here now, a part of that same great Order.

Figrin had spoken eloquently and set the tone for the evening. As had Master Helenias earlier.

As the glasses tinked back to the table once all had toasted, Estelle adressed the table in general.

"Many of you I dont really know, and so would it be possible for each of you to tell how you came to be at the GJO?"

[imported_Terran Starek]

I know, tell me about it! Terran shot a quick thought to Iago. He winked and grinned sheepishly at his friend while Master Figrin helped him scoop up some of his belonglings.

"I will always make time for the chance to be in the presence of my fellows, Master Figrin," Terran had responded as the Jedi Master turned his attention away from the padawan.

Terran smiled as Master Figrin began his toast. He was an eloquent speaker, and his words were as articulate as imagined by Terran. He looked up to this man greatly, and his respect for him only grew with each word. Terran toasted politely, sipping the champagne gingerly. He was not much for alchohol, but he enjoyed a social drink when times called for it.

Master Russard then spoke, taking hold of the floor and asking that the table become better reaquainted with her and each other. Terran saw the oppurtunity to slip in and introduce his coming as everyone else began to think about their response.

"Master Russard, if I may begin," he nodded to her politely. "I know a number of you here, but others I am not so familiar with. Forgive me--my head tends to bury itself in the archives before I can send it into a more social setting," he smiled. "My name is Terran Starek, and I am the padawan of Master Marcus Elessar. Despite my general rambling nature, I'll explain my arriving here briefly."

"I found myself wandering the galaxy aboard a smuggler's ship with no name or purpose just 8 months ago. Through the Force, I found my way to this Order." He eyed Xazor thankfully. "I found my true past, which had escaped my memory. I found here a union of just, noble souls in all shapes and sizes who seek the peace of this Galaxy which--to the weak of will--seems unattainable. I accredit you all and the warm nature of the Jedi for finding my place in a true family." He was greeted by warm smiles and encouraging 'here-here's and cheers.

With that, he promptly found his seat next to Xazor.

[James Prent]

[ walking again... (http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=498720#post498720>walking...</a>) ]

[Estelle Russard]

As Terran was speaking, James Prent caught Estelle's eye. The woman smiled faintly and nodded a hello, and Estelle returned the same as she passed by.

Returning her attention from the breif distraction, Estelle concluded (and Terran taking his seat naturally beside Xazor confirmed) that the two were quite close.

"Well said Terran. I agree - there are many noble hearts here among us. We are lucky to be in such company."

[Figrin D'an]

Figrin noded in agreement.

"I think we can all agree, that despite some of us knowing each other only as acquaintances, how we each contribute to the Order can have profound effects upon us all. Despite our differences, we share a bond that few beings in galaxy can say they truely understand."

He chuckled a little.

"If only the members of the Senate could understand each other as well... two-a-day sessions would be so much more productive."

[Anthony Scott]

Anthony laughed to himself as Figrin spoke. He knew very well what a Senate meeting was like -- unfortunatly he attended a few himself because of his Father's status. Thoughts of this swept over his mind and he quickly shook them away.

"I came here because I was drawn. I don't understand exactly how, but I just was. Perhaps it was due to the Force." He stated quietly as his eyes wandered over to the man who had spoken before him. A smile was offered in Terran's direction and a bow of his head to the Lady Xazor who had greeted him into the Order.

"We are all meant to be here, though. I know that is true." The Padawan said with confidence before withdrawing once again and watching the others.

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor smiled as Terran came and sat beside her, though an aching set upon her heart. She looked down at the table for a moment and nodded in aggreement.

"Yes indeed, I came from a path of darkness and found my way to the Jedi. Now I serve a higher purpose beside not only one who believes in me, but many."

She would have said more, but in all honesty -- she could not muster it at the moment. Her eyes shifted across the room to meet those of Dasquian who sat beside someone else. They could not even speak without looking suspicious. Instead, she turned her attention to Terran and leaned against him slightly.

[Figrin D'an]

The menus had been presented, and the seated guests began to pour over the available course selections while some light chatter continued. Figrin glanced at his own menu briefly... a large and expensive set of meal options, to be sure... but, it only took him a few moments to determine his choice for the evening.

He turned back the lead waiter for his table.

"I'd like the Corellian swordfish, grilled, lightly seasoned... the standard side dishes will be fine. And bring a bottle of Chandrillian chardonnay, Grashan province, current vintage... I have yet to try this years offering." He had yet to be disappointed with the wines offered from probably the most well-known agricultural planet in the civilized galaxy... he had a hunch that this instance would be no different.

As he turned his attention back to the table, several sets of eyes were upon him. Everyone had been sharing their tales of how they first came to the Order, and it now appeared that Figrin's turn had come up. He shifted in his seat a bit, smiled coyly, and wondered how much he dared to share. The other guests seemed quite eager to know more about a man that rarely discussed his past.

"My beginnings with the Jedi were much like many others, I suppose... I realized at a young age that I was different, that I had unusual abilities. I saw the universe uniquely when compared to others my age, my teachers, and my family. My nature compelled me to seek answers, and I knew that to do that, I would have to leave my home..."

He trailed off for a moment, before gathering his thoughts before continuing.

"I wandered the galaxy for more than a year, traveling from system to system, doing odd jobs to get by, while scouring libraries to continue my education and determine what I should do with my life. I eventually found my way to Coruscant, and through some very fortunate incidents, I was introduced to some students of the Jedi Academy. They explained that, since the fall of the Galactic Empire, the Jedi Order had been refounded, and that new potentials were always welcome. Shortly thereafter, I began training to be a Jedi. The rest is, as they say, history...."

Although, as the scholar inside Figrin would point out, history was never quite that simple or mundane. There was much he left out, and much that he wished not to discuss. Fortunately for him, he hid such intentions well.

"Much has changed since those days," he said in mild reminisence.

"The wheels of time yield to no one, I'm afraid... change, be it good or bad, is a perpetual horizon," he quiped, intentionally over-philosophical, and took a drink from his wine glass.

[imported_Terran Starek]

Terran smiled, finding his own mind stimulated by Master Figrin's comment.

"Unlike our own physical horizons, Master Figrin, it seems we have great difficulty constructing an accurate map of change." Terran smiled. He found much, much pleasure in discussions of philisophical nature. Few would engage in discussions of philosophy--many Jedi here were practical, goal-driven beings. Some had little time for debate or commentary, and he found it sometimes rather frusterating.

"Even through the Force, it seems, at times, nearly impossible to decipher the coded road signs of the curves and banks ahead in our paths. I have even heard stories from skilled Force-seers about the difficulty." He thought of Master Helenias Evenstar. "Sometimes, it leads me to wonder why things would remain hidden in the Force. If only change were as clear as the horizon, I would value my maps." He smiled and laughed.

Terran felt Xazor beside him and reached down to take her hand under the table. She naturally accepted. . .but something seemed different. For one fleeting second, he felt as though something was strange about her touch. Perhaps she had hesitated or drawn back for merely a nanosecond. The moment passed though as he found himself interested in the menu as well. He made a typical order with a glass of ice-cold sweetwater. He turned his attention to Xazor--whose attention seemed almost distant.

Squeezing her hand for reassurance, he let his attention fall back to table conversation.

[Figrin D'an]

Figrin chuckled a bit at Terran's comment. It was a humorous truth, despite the frustration that unexpected change could bring. In many cases, humor was the best way to deal with such matters...

The Jedi closed his eyes for a bit, as he felt a slight sting in his temples. Not so much uncomfortable as annoying, he took a moment to supress the odd sensation. He set his wine glass on the table, craned his neck a bit, and stood up slowly. With so many bodies moving about, the crowded room had become stuffy. Perhaps some fresh air would help, he thought.

"If you all will excuse me, I need to step out for a moment. If nothing else, it will give you all a chance to talk about me behind my back." He smirked a bit, then wove his way through the room towards the main door.

A short walk down a side hallway lead to another smaller doorway. It opened to an expansive balcony (http://www.swforums.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28576), several stories above the permacrete ground. Figrin stood near the walled railing, looked out over the brightly lit Coruscant sky, and attempted to clear his head.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle noted that Iago was very quiet. She hoped he wasn't feeling uncomfortable. Some people prefered to listen and let others do the talking. Perhaps Iago was one of these. Estelle wasnt used to it. The men she was friends with and spent any amount of time in their company, namely Kazaar and Maximas - even the Cizerack Emissary, Keerrourri Sarrtarroa - all seemed to always have alot to say.

As Figrin got up from the table, she turned to ask Iago if he was having a good time, and was surprised to see him watching Terran and Xazor closely. But his features were blank and Estelle could not tell what thoughts he kept behind his clear, kind eyes.

[Iago Kent]

"Hmm?" Iago said as if just now noticing Estelle was there, "I'm sorry, I was neglecting my duty as your escort. Please forgive me."

He'd been watching his former master and Terran interact. It was interesting there almost seemed to be a strain growing between the two. Something was going on...Iago had no clue what and he didn't exactly care either. It wasn't his business.

"I'm afraid I'm still taking things in, being with the Jedi I mean," he said sheepishly, feeling slightly embarrassed, "I'm used to the banquet halls on Almania...this...is definately different."

[Estelle Russard]

"Yes, being away from home and all that is familiar takes some adjusting. I hope it wont be long until you feel like this is home too."

She nibbled at some salty treats that were in a small dish on the table, and hoped dinner wouldnt be long..she was becoming quite ravenous.

"What are the banquest like in Almania?"