"What troubles you, Padawan?", came a voice from behind Xin Quon as she peered into the calm waters of the Jedi Temple Garden's pond.  Slightly startled at first, Xin continued to stare at the water for a moment before turning to the man leaning against the bridge rail and addressing him.

"Good morning, Master Korgan," she replied to her Jedi instructor, head bowed in respect to the man, "it's nothing, really.  I awoke this morning after having a disturbing dream and felt uneasy.  I came here to meditate... to find harmony from the chaos clouding my thoughts."  Turning again to to gaze  upon the still waters, Xin continued in a somber tone, "I'm finding it difficult."

"I see, this 'nothing' seems to be causing you a bit of uncertainty and distress," Master Korgan responded to the young woman, his voice conveying a soothing concern, "perhaps, if it is your wish, you would care to share this dream with me, together we may be able to bring balance to the situation."

Xin again faced the older man, the sight of his serene face brought some peace to her troubled thoughts for the moment.  Over the years, since that fateful day the two first met on Coruscant, Xin had developed a great fondness for the old Jedi.  To her, Korgan Deru was more than her mentor in the ways of the Jedi, he was a friend, an ally, a confidant... but most important in her heart and mind, he was the father that she had lost before meeting him, to the horrors of war.  "It wasn't what I saw that gave me concern, Master, for it was as I was looking through a dense fog... I couldn't really see anything but shapes and shadows," drawing her breath, Xin continued, "I could also hear voices, but I didn't recognize any of them and was unable to make out what was being said."  As Master Korgan nodded in acknowledgment, Xin spoke further, "it was the feelings I experienced, both happiness and apprehension.  I sense something is going to happen today that will not only change my life, but yours as well."

Smiling at his Padawan, Master Korgan spoke to the young woman, "I can see why this would cause turmoil, Xin.  The Force manifests itself in infinite ways, even dreams.  It doesn't always provide clear views of events to happen and leaves that up to the individual to decide the outcome.  Though the Jedi Code teaches us there is no chaos, there is harmony, one cannot truly exist without the other or balance would never be achieved.  I know it's not the answer you want, but it's the only answer there is.  Trust in yourself and the Force, to decide the correct outcome."  Placing his arm around her shoulder and giving his student a reassuring hug, the old Jedi continued, " unlike most in the Order, you weren't an infant when you came here to Tython to begin Jedi training.  I still vividly remember that scrawny street urchin attempting to use her raw Force talents to bewilder me while she picked my pockets those years ago.  I knew then that the Force guided me to you and wanted me to take you as my student.  You have overcome so many obstacles to get where you are today and there will be many more to come, I can only hope my guidance has been helpful in your journeys."

"Without you, Master, I would still be roaming the slums of Coruscant barely eking out a survival, if not not already dead," Xin responded to her mentor, "everything I am, I owe to you.  You have taught me so much over the years and given me a home... and hope.  I pray I have made your choice to make me your Padawan, one you will never regret.  I know I never will."

"It was meant to be, Xin," Korgan replied with a smile, "though there were times you did try my patience, as I'm sure I did yours as well, I have never had a single regret... and never will.  Come now, my Padawan, Grand Master Satele has asked us to meet her and some other council members here in the gardens, it's best we not keep them waiting too long."  As the two turned to walk down the path to their meeting, Master Korgan spoke again to the young woman, "oh, by the way, I believe this is yours.  Seems there are some things a master can learn from the student."

Surprised to find her lightsaber in the old Jedi's hand, Xin turned her head and with a laugh, said to the man, " you never cease to amaze me, Master... some days I wonder about you."  Taking the lightsaber from his hand, Xin continued, "as you said, it's best not to keep the grand master and the council waiting too long... shall we go?"

Her mind now at ease, Xin affectionately embraced her dear friend as they headed toward their meeting, still pondering the meaning of the dream she had.

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Mioraa