The halls were quiet that afternoon. Of course, that was not altogether uncommon, given that the temple was a place of peace and meditation; those who roamed there, even on the busiest days, kept to hushed, whispered tones. Yet that afternoon, Leoria sensed an emptiness more complete than she was used to. [i]The group bound for Corulag must have already left,[/i] the young woman thought briefly, her pale pink lips turning down at the corners. That meant even fewer individuals for her to interact with. 

It was true that Leoria, now a two-year Jedi Knight, was perfectly capable of entertaining herself. There was no way that she could have passed her training without such a skill. But while the girl was perfectly content with her own company, she far preferred that of others. She was a social creature, a trait which her former Master both admired and detested. Arianth, the middle-aged woman who had served as her mentor and friend for years, had struggled to help Leoria rein in her naturally bubbly tendencies. To simply squash the girl's light would completely kill her spirit, and besides, much of the business attended to by Knights required a good natured personality. The doe-eyed blonde, Arianth had finally decided, would be a vital communicator. 

But that did not mean that she did not require hardening. The bulk of Leoria's training had consisted of drills to strengthen her resolve, and bridle her kindness, as blind generosity had no place among Jedi Knights. It had been difficult for the girl, but Arianth had been persistent. And she constantly reminded the Padawan that, in her own way, she would be helping people every day as a Knight. No matter what atrocities she witnessed while in the field, or what terrible choices she was forced to make, she was making a difference. That fact stirred her from her bed every morning, and helped her fall asleep when she returned every night.

No, the hall was far too quiet for her taste. The only sounds she heard amongst the emptiness were her own footfalls, and the swishing of her cloak as it swirled about her ankles. They seemed all too loud, echoing eerily due to the hall's high, vaulted ceilings. It was just the motivation she needed to find some conversation, and fast. Besides, she had the day off, as she had woken early to tend to her duties. Assuming Yerbol was also free, perhaps she could talk with him. The two had belonged to the same clan, and over the years, grown to be friends. He was her favorite person to harass.

She found him as he turned into the hallway, his features hard with frustration. He had worn that expression more often the not the past few weeks, and that bothered her. [i]What was it that had him so upset?[/i] Though her blue eyes flashed with concern, a warm smile lit her face. "Just who I was looking for."