Some Backstory
In the grand and majestic halls of the High Temple carved and formed with such elegance and richness that it seemed rather in contrast to the humble intent of those within seeking to commune with the grand will of the Force by liberating their consciousnesses. But the building reigned as a truly inspired point on the Coruscanti skyline. The world was in a state of perceptuality, without season or age as the structures rose and fell as construction allowed.
Yet it was in these halls where yet another argument had broken out. Dressed in white as the lone girl was debating with her fellow initiates after being teased and harassed about her attention and worry about the war. Backed into an alcove as the others surrounded, such things echoed down the halls and would pick up notice in due time.
Softly shushed by one of the custodians she’d be guided with a tender grasp on her shoulder towards the medical area, they needed an extra pair of hands anyway.
As the years went by, one by one, those same faces that once surrounded her started to disappear. Going off into the war to do good in the galaxy.
But Ingrid obeyed the Council’s order, she stayed behind.
The laughter of Life Day, the hustle of young Jedi towards their specific cubby places where their companions and masters could leave all manner of gifts, things that were made and given with someone else in mind.
Yet the one in white came slowly rather than eagerly. There were packages with the name Ingrid scrawled in various ways, but in feeling them out it was a familiar weight and shape to each of them. Socks. It was always socks.
Trained not to respond to those more intense emotions that set in she’d sink to her knees before her spot as the others hugged and embraced, thrilling in their model starfighters and other play things. Just as she was to reach up and wipe her eyes after the first package opened revealed what she expected there came a presence over her that was much taller than the others, so unexpected the others gave them a bit of a pause and issued a respectful bow.
"Master Zhaf" they all answered in synchronized greeting.
Dropping to a knee the figure came to Ingrid with an outstretched offering. After the momentary stun of being caught off guard her hands reach out to take it up. Opening the silken ribbon to allow the concealing cloth to reveal a hand carved wooden horse figurine.
She forgot herself, only springing into the arms and hugging him right. A gentle laugh in her ear.
A year away from the High Temple was something healing, seeing something other than the same halls, hearing the memories of her former fellows who’d never return. But even here the other Jedi could sense the fury in the pit of her stomach, that anger that had yet to be quelled. Master Zhaf payed them little mind, keeping her at his side.
Until one day, the question would one day come while she served him a new blend of tea they had been experimenting with out in the garden. "You know, it’s been a few years since I trained a Padawan of my own…"
But the moment was broken as the scream of an opening artillery strike pierced the skyline…
The Sith had arrived on Dantooine.
Expending a social battery in an unfamiliar hall of Jedi, Initiates, Padawans, Knights, and a Knight-Captain all looking on with focus and interest. Keeping her feet under her, the little one waited to be dismissed even though she was the one speaking.
With a brief word, the Knight Mannor helping her offered that she close out her own lesson.
A shy adjustment and the end of the day she would retreat to a space where she could simply settle and meditate. Only to limply fall sideways and just lay there for a bit.
But you wouldn’t know it by looking at her, all dressed in white.