Kailen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=677250)<br/><br/>As the tray of food moves around, Kailen secures a small plate of cold cuts and nuts.  He'd finally stopped getting taller, but his regular exercise gave him a high caloric requirement, and a need for protein.  He quickly sets the plate aside, though, as Linzi asks her questions.<br/><br/>And what questions!  Kailen's training with Merryn had helped him keep his emotions a bit more under control, but he cannot quite keep a tiny frown from his handsome features.  The Jedi Order taught many things, but it seemed that there was little overlap between what they taught and the skills that the Republic military apparently valued.  Would it be an issue that he couldn't do any of those things, couldn't pilot a starfighter, or fix one, or run its computer, or, or, or?  There was his connection to the Force, but it seemed that it would be hard to explain that to someone who didn't have it.  It was difficult enough to talk about it with other Jedi, sometimes.  He sits, quietly frowning, as the others speak.<br/><br/>Merryn's validation of his skills, however, causes his chin to tilt upwards, his frown vanishing, although the faintest of flushes colors his cheeks.  To have his master's esteem was something that he greatly desired.  He knew he had it, but to hear her say it to someone else... Kailen steps forward, away from Nory, to stand next to Merryn, his solid presence reassuring, his support of her almost tangible.<br/><br/>Before he speaks, however, Jekin begins.  Kailen's estimation of his fellow continues to improve.  It seemed that he had some familiarity with many of the skills that Linzi had asked about.  His training seemed surprisingly worldly, practical.  Perhaps not everyone in the Order would have appreciated it, but it certainly seemed that it would be handy now.  He gives his fellow another approving nod, the second at least.<br/><br/>In the silence following, Kailen clears his throat before speaking in his usual deep voice.  "I'm afraid that Mas... I mean, Merryn, has already pretty much summed up my skills." He says somewhat ruefully.  "I haven't been trained in any weapons besides the lightsaber, and I don't know how to do any of those other things."  His expression goes a bit more serious.  "And then there's the Force..."<br/><br/>There are a few more moments of silence as Kailen frowns, carefully considering his words.  "Jedi tend to have different strengths in the Force.  I can use it to enhance myself, performing superhuman feats, or to move objects from a distance.  Nory can do entirely different things, things I can't even understand.  Merryn..."  Kailen shoots her a quick smile.  "Merryn, I think, was being a touch modest.  She may be the most powerful telepath in... among the Jedi."  He quickly amends the 'in the order' he'd been about to say.  He continues.  "And... the Force... to me, it's like a close friend.  One that's always there for you, always able to help you.  I take both strength and comfort from it."  Just as he supposed he did with all his friends.<br/><br/>A moment passes, and Kailen grins sheepishly.  "I'm not sure that's what you were looking for."  He shrugs expressively, his broad shoulders rising and falling.  "I hope it helps."