The Thousand Steps

Stepping outside, you make your way towards the wartorn entrance leading out to Tythos Ridge.

Suddenly, hoots and whistling catch your attention. You look over as a crowd of onlookers leer at a naked, female Twi'lek, who comes stumbling down a path into the village. She's flushed dark blue as she covers her privates and tries to run past everyone to her home.

Walking over, you glance around until you spy one Twi'lek who watches the event with a solemn face. He appears somewhat disappointed, but not totally depressed.

He then looks to you, an eyebrow raised. "More young Jedi in Kalikori, I see." He strokes his chin. "I am Yuleteph Phan, master of rituals. I welcome you."

He gives a curt bow, and you return it. "You wish to participate in the ceremony, I presume? You understand the danger?"

You blink, then raise your hands. "Um, no. I- Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about." You glance up the path, then to where the naked Twi'lek ran. "Is that what happened to her?"

He shakes his head. "Nothing has happened to her. She chose to undertake the rite of passage, as all our people do. Unfortunately, she failed, and will have to try again when she is ready."

"Oh?" You blush at the imagery your mind conjures. "So, this is a tradition among your people?"

He nods. "I do apologize for presuming you had been told. Many of your brethren—your fellow 'padawan'—come to Kalikori to perform our rite of passage." He gestures up the path. "Those who perform the journey are awarded with an audience with Kolovish to receive her wisdom and gifts."

You ask him several more questions in the moments that follow, and he elaborates as best he can.

Kolovish is the first matriarch among the Twi'lek pilgrims. She was the one who led them here, and presided over their settlement until she stepped down. Now she lives in solitude at the end of the path, awaiting those who would undertake the ceremony.

The wisdom and gifts she offer are vague. The way Yuleph explains it, is that she offers victors guidance and understanding of what they had done, and why it is significant. There is also a physical reward she offers to honor them as well.

Finally, you ask about the other padawan. It strikes you as odd for anyone of the Order to travel here to do... well, this. Running naked through the woods? It was bold, and incredibly embarrassing. Not to mention the fact that if you somehow failed, you'd be **** to run back naked and ashamed.

...Although, a Jedi must be willing to endure any challenge and overcome any obstacle. And the **** did tend to work in mysterious ways in presenting such opportunities to grow.