The Jedi working the information desk picked up on the other end of the comlink.
"Jedi Knight Mina Lor here. How can I help you?" A feminine voice asked.
"Knight Lor, I am trying to find the location of Master Talias Banz. Is he at the Temple or on a mission?" Lindoro
asked as he arranged his new desk. Setting up a datapad so it could link wit the computer. He also placed a drawing
pad off to the side of the viewing screen of the computer.
"Hold please as I access the information." He heard a click and then music came thru on his comlink. Relaxing and
soothing music that had nature sounds mixed in.
He placed several writing utensils and scrap paper in one of the drawers. A couple of minutes passed before the click
was heard again and the music was replaced by the voice of Knight Lor.
"He isn't at the Temple right now. He is on a mission. May I take a message and forward it to him?" She asked
politely.
"If the mission isn't confidential, may I have the coordinates of his comlink?" He anticipated the next question and
awaited her query.
"Authorization please?"
'Yep, figured she'd ask that next.' He nodded to himself. He sat up straight in his chair without thinking. "Knight
Lindoro D'Lockens - authorization code - 7 Alpha Minor 32 Death Dealer." He said calmly as he nearly chuckled
out loud at realizing he had come to attention in his chair. 'As if she could see me anyway!'
"Hold please as I verify your authorization." The all-familiar click then music were heard once more. "Glad patience
is one of my few virtues." He mumbled to himself as he ran his fingers through his goatee. A few more minutes
went by slowly.
"Your authorization checked out Knight D'Lockens. Master Banz is on Alderaan and due back within a couple of
weeks. Was this all you required?" Her voice had taken a slight edge tone.
'Hrmm wonder what caused that? Probably due to me being a Death Dealer.' He thought as he scratched his chin and
sighed. 'I knew I should have given the other access code...I was to use to providing the undercover one.' "Yes, that
will be all." He informed her.
"I'll transfer the coordinates to you then. May the Force be with you." Before he could answer she cut the signal
right after his comlink beeped confirming that the transfer had been accomplished.
"Now that was odd...odd indeed." Shaking his head, he shrugged the thought a way. He then anxiously used the
newly acquired coordinates to contact his Master. He was saddened at only getting the voice recording. He left a
quick message stating that he was back at the temple and if he could contact him later when he had the chance. He
left his comlink coordinates at the end of the message then cut the signal. Pushing back from the desk, he got up
from the chair.
'Guess I could go and meditate for a while. I'll join Menaria for lunch afterward. 'He then headed out of his quarters
and out into the hallway. The Room of the Ten Thousand Fountains. 'Never can get enough relaxation and peace
from there. Probably the reason why myself and lots of others return there each day.' He chuckled as he awaited the
turbolift to take him to his destination.
She reached Astrophysics with only a few minutes to spare.
Almost immediately the other students swarmed around her as they noticed the Padawan braid.
Kork was the only one from her clan that had Astrophysics at the same time as she did. His blue head was seen as
he squeezed himself in between the other students. He immediately began to make room so she could breathe and
answer their questions.
"Step back, good grief! You act like you haven't ever seen a Padawan before!" He barked out as his long ears lay
back with agitation. But Menaria got a glimpse of his dark brown eyes. They were sparkling with mirth.
"Thanks Kork." Menaria whispered to him as she patted his furred arm gently. She then began answering the
multiple questions that had been voiced.
After a few more minutes passed then Master Linia entered. She called out as she attempted to get some order
achieved. "All right class into your seats!" She then spotted Menaria's braid. The black hair mixed in with the girl's
red hair.
"Well Menaria, or should I now call you Padawan Darce? Congratulations are in order I take it?" She smiled
warmly as she walked over to Menaria. Linia was human around her 60s. Her long black hair was streaked with
silver and in the fashion of a bun at the back of her neck.
"Yes Master Linia, and thank you." Menaria blushed at the attention.
"Might I ask your Master's name?" It was evident that Linia was happy that Menaria had been chosen. 'Such a
bright girl too! I am happy for her.' Her smile widen as she saw the girl's excitement reflecting in the green eyes.
She glanced over at the other students; they had taken their seats and readied their datapads for the lesson.
Menaria glanced down at her own datapad right quick then back up at Master Linia. "Knight Lindoro D'Lockens,
Ma'am." She said as she took her own seat and smiled. But her smiled wavered slightly as she saw the elder's face
darken and the woman's smile become a grim line.
"Knight D'Lockens? Hmmm I did not realize he had return back from the Rim." Recovering herself, Linia just
nodded. "I am happy that you have been chosen. And I wish the best for you." Her smile and warm outlook returned
as she walked up to the board at the front of the classroom.
The classroom was setup in the typical school fashion. Chairs with desks were lined up facing a board and a larger
desk that was the instructor's off to the side of the board.
The next couple of hours went by in a blur for Menaria. She took notes and paid close attention to each instructor.
Kork helped her with the other students in her History/Diplomacy class as well. Master Cear reacted nearly the
same way as Master Linia did when she mentioned her Master's name. This was unsettling to Menaria. Throughout
the last hour of class, her mind was a buzz with wonder. 'Why did they react the way they did? Has Master done
something in the past?' She sighed and waited the time to be over.
Several hours went by as Lindoro meditated beneath the largest tree in the room. Time meant nothing at the moment
as his mind was at peace. A buzzing sound cut through the man's calm. Bringing him once more to the 'here and
now'.
Sighing heavily then grinning widely, his emotions did a 360-degree turn as he hoped the signal was from his
Master. Excitement rushed through him reminding him of his Padawan days.
"Knight D'Lockens here." He said while holding the comlink near his mouth. His joy was evident in his voice. Still
sitting upon his knees on the ground, he got up slightly and sat back down crossing his legs in a more comfortable
position.
"Lindoro! It thrills me to hear from you!" A gruff voice that echoed the Knight's enthusiasm came over the comlink.
"Master! You can't imagine how good it is to hear your voice!" He chuckled.
"How long are you to be at the Temple? It has been six years now. And the last time we saw each other it was only
for a few hours. The Council has been running you ragged. I am pleased... No, I am relieved to know you are well.
The Council would not tell me anything except only that you were alive." His gruff voice took on a note of concern
and irritability.
"I know, Master. The mission was confidential...well the majority of my last 10 years have been..." Lindoro
stammered. "I am now going to be doing negotiation work for a while." His smile forming once more as he readied
himself to tell his Master the good news.
"Really? That is good to hear. Something that you still need to work on, Padawan." Master Talias said teasingly. His
rough, barking laughter brought back memories to Lindoro. 'How I have missed his laughter!'
"Yes Master, diplomacy has always been a weak point of mine. But that isn't the main reason though that I have
returned. I believe it was the will of the Force that caused me to return." He paused dramatically.
"Will of the Force? Lin...what is wrong?" Alarm laced the Master's voice. Lindoro was touched by the use of his
nickname of old.
"Nothing is wrong, Master. More like something 'right' has happened. I have taken a Padawan Learner."
There was a few seconds of dead silence. Lindoro was just about to ask if his Master was all right when the Bothan
finally spoke up.
"Padawan? You've taken on an apprentice?" The shock and excitement was clear. "That is great! This is great news,
young one! A Padawan? So I am a Grand Master! (His barking laughter rang through the comlink) Who is it?" He
paused in mid chortle.
Lindoro chuckled at his Master's enthusiasm. "Her name is Menaria Darce, a very impressive young lady. I believe
you'll get along well with her. You have a couple of weeks left on your mission? Will you be able to return to the
Temple afterward?"
"Yes. I have about 10 more days left then I should be able to return. I'll request a few days just in case the Council
has future plans. They owe me a few days off." His gruff chuckle was heard once more.
Lindoro fingered his comlink affectionately, wishing that his Master were already back. 'How long it has been...'
"It won't be soon enough. I've missed you..." His voice went hoarse as a lump formed in his throat.
"I know, Padawan. I know. I, too, have missed our talks over tea and ale. I look forward to those days once more.
Keep your chin up, young one. The day will arrive soon enough." The passion behind the gruff Master's voice nearly
broke Lindoro's heart.
"Yes Master, I await that day and will meet you at the landing strip. Please let me know when and where so I know
where to be when the time comes."
"I will contact you later, Lin." There was a momentary pause as the Bothan took a deep breath. "I am proud of your
achievements. And honored to have been your Master and friend." Tears pooled in Lindoro's eyes.
"You have been more than that, Master. You have been a father to me as well. Take care and I will see you soon."
"Until later, may the Force be with you, Padawan of mine."
"And with you, Master of mine." The two signed off at the same time as the click seem to echo through Lindoro's
consciousness. 'I will be seeing him...it *has* been too long.'
Afternoon meal had finally arrived. Nania, Kork and Seriu joined her at an open table near the Initiates' section.
"Guess you'll be eating with your Master for now on?" Nania asked as she plopped her vegetable filled plate onto
the table next to Menaria's veggie/meat mixed plate.
"Yeah. If you want I'll ask to see if you guys can sit with us? I don't know if he's gonna have me eat at the
Master/Padawan area or not. He didn't really say. Maybe he won't so you guys could then sit with us." Her eyes lit
up at that thought. She had eaten with her crèche mates since forever and the idea of *not* eating with them nearly
ruined her appetite.
Kork sat to Menaria's right while Seriu sat across from the three.
"So...how was it? I mean the ceremony?" Seriu asked as he dug into his food. Seriu's plate consisted of meat,
veggies, and several chunks of fruit. Kork's was nearly all meat with a few veggies.
"It was breathtaking! I was so caught up in it that I forgot about the Council being there!" She sighed with pleasure
at the memory. "And when he did his vows, his voice got hoarse!" Her friends listened intently as she went through
the detailing of the ceremony. Nania sighed as Menaria finished the tale with the bonding part.
"I can't wait to be chosen! That sounded so heavy!" Nania exclaimed as her expression took on a dreamy look.
Kork offered Menaria a roll from the large bowl of rolls that he had brought to the table along with his plate. Taking
it she smiled and nodded her thanks.
A shadow fell across the table causing Nania to let out a little yelp, as she was not expecting the presence that now
stood behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, Nania then looked up, and up, and up. She was taken back by the
man's height and demeanor.
"Master!" Menaria exclaimed as she smiled at the tall Knight.
"Padawan." His deep voice sent shivers through Nania as she continued to stare at the stern looking man. A kick
from under the table from Seriu got her attention and she was able to close her mouth after realizing that it was open.
"I take it these are the friends you were talking about?" His blue eyes twinkled as they focused upon Nania, causing
the girl to blush bright red. He cocked an eyebrow at her response. It was obvious that the man was trying hard not
to smile. The corners of his mouth were twitching causing his long mustaches to quiver slightly.
"Yes Master. This is Seriu Laren, Kork, and Nania Iuza." At the introductions, the initiates got up from their seats
and bowed the ceremonious greeting to the Knight then returned to their lunch.
Nania, though, took her plate and sat next to Seriu. Glancing at Lindoro she motioned to the now empty spot next to
Menaria. "So you can sit with your Padawan, Knight D'Lockens." Nania stuttered quietly, still embarrassed of her
being caught off guard.
"Thank you Initiate Iuza." Lindoro finally smiled which caused the girl to blush once more. 'Never thought I'd be
one to cause an initiate to blush...but then again Menaria blushed as well.' Lindoro chuckled quietly at that. It
seemed to break the slight tensed atmosphere.
Seriu grinned widely as he nudged Nania who in turn smiled back at him. Kork's raspy laughter joined Menaria's
lighter tone.
Lindoro took the offered seat and gently placed his plate on the table. Sliding his long legs over the bench, he then
glanced over into the green sparkling eyes of his Apprentice. 'Padawan...*my* Padawan.' He grinned a lopsided
smile at her then took the offered roll from Kork. He nodded at the Squib. "Thank you Initiate Kork."
For the next few minutes they all ate quietly. Seriu finished first followed by Kork. Nania and Menaria took their
time as they savored each bite.
"Master, are we to sit with the other Masters and Padawans?" She looked up at him, as he was finishing off his dish
of pasta.
Taking a cloth napkin, he wiped his mouth before answering. "Not unless you want to." He then glanced over at the
table that sat numerous Masters and their Padawans. He frowned slightly as he recognized a few of the Masters.
One of the few that he knew was observing them after the outburst of the laughter. The Master was scowling heavily
and when he noticed Lindoro looking back, the man's eyes narrowed right before he turned away. 'Will it ever
end...?' Lindoro sighed.
"Though I prefer not to." He looked back down at Menaria. He could see that she was puzzled at his expression due
to the furrowing of her red tinged eyebrows.
"I would like to continue to sit here, if it's alright with you? I've never eaten away from my friends..." She trailed
off as she looked down at her now empty plate.
Lindoro patted her hand gently. "Then by all means, we'll eat here. That is if it is all right with your friends?"
Menaria's head shot up at that. Her eyes widen with shock. 'He's asking for their approval?!' She searched his face
to see if he was serious. She recognized the twinkling of his ever-deepening blue eyes. She smiled.
"I'm sure they don't mind, would you guys?" She chuckled as the 3 shook their heads. They had the same shocked
expressions upon their faces.
"Then it is settled." Lindoro smiled at the initiates then turned to Menaria. "Well, Padawan, ready for meditation
then katas?" He asked as he stood up and took his plate and drink.
She nodded as she swallowed the last of her muja juice and grabbed her plate as well. Looking at her friends she
smiled at them. "See you guys at evening meal then!" The three waved at her.
"Nice meeting you, Knight D'Lockens." Seriu said as the other two nodded in agreement. They all took their plates
to the table near the serving line. Saying their good-byes once more, Menaria and Lindoro headed off to the
meditation rooms while the 3 initiates headed off to their next class.
The meal had been observed by two Councilors. Master Windu and Master Yoda had watched from a distance. The vast room was filled with long tables and long benches.
The exchange between the Knight and the Master from the other table had not been lost on Mace. The narrowing of the eyes and Lindoro's near painful expression in response that had been barely held in check. He could imagine hearing the taller Knight's sigh before returning his attention back to new Padawan. The man's blue eyes had spoke in volumes.
Mace only knew a few who speak with their eyes. His friend, Master Qui-Gon Jinn was one and Knight D'Lockens the other.
"Were we right in allowing their union?" The dark-skinned Master asked as he watched the Master and Padawan leave.
"Ask again need you, Master Windu?" The little Master looked up at the taller man his long ears rising slightly in question.
Mace closed his eyes for a moment then reopened them. He locked gazes with the elder Master.
"I am concern for the Padawan." Mace intoned.
"Worry you should not. Will of the Force this was. Hmmm. Dwell on better things does Knight D'Lockens now. Bother him the past will not as much as before." He paused as he nodded to himself. "The light she will be in the darkness that taints him. Hmmm seen this I have." Yoda then closed his eyes and 'hmmm' several times quietly.
Mace watched Yoda for a few seconds before sighing quietly again. He then looked over at the doorway where Lindoro and Menaria had left through. 'I do hope so, Master. For the girl's sake I hope so.' He thought as he rubbed his chin slowly.
"Jedi Knight Mina Lor here. How can I help you?" A feminine voice asked.
"Knight Lor, I am trying to find the location of Master Talias Banz. Is he at the Temple or on a mission?" Lindoro
asked as he arranged his new desk. Setting up a datapad so it could link wit the computer. He also placed a drawing
pad off to the side of the viewing screen of the computer.
"Hold please as I access the information." He heard a click and then music came thru on his comlink. Relaxing and
soothing music that had nature sounds mixed in.
He placed several writing utensils and scrap paper in one of the drawers. A couple of minutes passed before the click
was heard again and the music was replaced by the voice of Knight Lor.
"He isn't at the Temple right now. He is on a mission. May I take a message and forward it to him?" She asked
politely.
"If the mission isn't confidential, may I have the coordinates of his comlink?" He anticipated the next question and
awaited her query.
"Authorization please?"
'Yep, figured she'd ask that next.' He nodded to himself. He sat up straight in his chair without thinking. "Knight
Lindoro D'Lockens - authorization code - 7 Alpha Minor 32 Death Dealer." He said calmly as he nearly chuckled
out loud at realizing he had come to attention in his chair. 'As if she could see me anyway!'
"Hold please as I verify your authorization." The all-familiar click then music were heard once more. "Glad patience
is one of my few virtues." He mumbled to himself as he ran his fingers through his goatee. A few more minutes
went by slowly.
"Your authorization checked out Knight D'Lockens. Master Banz is on Alderaan and due back within a couple of
weeks. Was this all you required?" Her voice had taken a slight edge tone.
'Hrmm wonder what caused that? Probably due to me being a Death Dealer.' He thought as he scratched his chin and
sighed. 'I knew I should have given the other access code...I was to use to providing the undercover one.' "Yes, that
will be all." He informed her.
"I'll transfer the coordinates to you then. May the Force be with you." Before he could answer she cut the signal
right after his comlink beeped confirming that the transfer had been accomplished.
"Now that was odd...odd indeed." Shaking his head, he shrugged the thought a way. He then anxiously used the
newly acquired coordinates to contact his Master. He was saddened at only getting the voice recording. He left a
quick message stating that he was back at the temple and if he could contact him later when he had the chance. He
left his comlink coordinates at the end of the message then cut the signal. Pushing back from the desk, he got up
from the chair.
'Guess I could go and meditate for a while. I'll join Menaria for lunch afterward. 'He then headed out of his quarters
and out into the hallway. The Room of the Ten Thousand Fountains. 'Never can get enough relaxation and peace
from there. Probably the reason why myself and lots of others return there each day.' He chuckled as he awaited the
turbolift to take him to his destination.
She reached Astrophysics with only a few minutes to spare.
Almost immediately the other students swarmed around her as they noticed the Padawan braid.
Kork was the only one from her clan that had Astrophysics at the same time as she did. His blue head was seen as
he squeezed himself in between the other students. He immediately began to make room so she could breathe and
answer their questions.
"Step back, good grief! You act like you haven't ever seen a Padawan before!" He barked out as his long ears lay
back with agitation. But Menaria got a glimpse of his dark brown eyes. They were sparkling with mirth.
"Thanks Kork." Menaria whispered to him as she patted his furred arm gently. She then began answering the
multiple questions that had been voiced.
After a few more minutes passed then Master Linia entered. She called out as she attempted to get some order
achieved. "All right class into your seats!" She then spotted Menaria's braid. The black hair mixed in with the girl's
red hair.
"Well Menaria, or should I now call you Padawan Darce? Congratulations are in order I take it?" She smiled
warmly as she walked over to Menaria. Linia was human around her 60s. Her long black hair was streaked with
silver and in the fashion of a bun at the back of her neck.
"Yes Master Linia, and thank you." Menaria blushed at the attention.
"Might I ask your Master's name?" It was evident that Linia was happy that Menaria had been chosen. 'Such a
bright girl too! I am happy for her.' Her smile widen as she saw the girl's excitement reflecting in the green eyes.
She glanced over at the other students; they had taken their seats and readied their datapads for the lesson.
Menaria glanced down at her own datapad right quick then back up at Master Linia. "Knight Lindoro D'Lockens,
Ma'am." She said as she took her own seat and smiled. But her smiled wavered slightly as she saw the elder's face
darken and the woman's smile become a grim line.
"Knight D'Lockens? Hmmm I did not realize he had return back from the Rim." Recovering herself, Linia just
nodded. "I am happy that you have been chosen. And I wish the best for you." Her smile and warm outlook returned
as she walked up to the board at the front of the classroom.
The classroom was setup in the typical school fashion. Chairs with desks were lined up facing a board and a larger
desk that was the instructor's off to the side of the board.
The next couple of hours went by in a blur for Menaria. She took notes and paid close attention to each instructor.
Kork helped her with the other students in her History/Diplomacy class as well. Master Cear reacted nearly the
same way as Master Linia did when she mentioned her Master's name. This was unsettling to Menaria. Throughout
the last hour of class, her mind was a buzz with wonder. 'Why did they react the way they did? Has Master done
something in the past?' She sighed and waited the time to be over.
Several hours went by as Lindoro meditated beneath the largest tree in the room. Time meant nothing at the moment
as his mind was at peace. A buzzing sound cut through the man's calm. Bringing him once more to the 'here and
now'.
Sighing heavily then grinning widely, his emotions did a 360-degree turn as he hoped the signal was from his
Master. Excitement rushed through him reminding him of his Padawan days.
"Knight D'Lockens here." He said while holding the comlink near his mouth. His joy was evident in his voice. Still
sitting upon his knees on the ground, he got up slightly and sat back down crossing his legs in a more comfortable
position.
"Lindoro! It thrills me to hear from you!" A gruff voice that echoed the Knight's enthusiasm came over the comlink.
"Master! You can't imagine how good it is to hear your voice!" He chuckled.
"How long are you to be at the Temple? It has been six years now. And the last time we saw each other it was only
for a few hours. The Council has been running you ragged. I am pleased... No, I am relieved to know you are well.
The Council would not tell me anything except only that you were alive." His gruff voice took on a note of concern
and irritability.
"I know, Master. The mission was confidential...well the majority of my last 10 years have been..." Lindoro
stammered. "I am now going to be doing negotiation work for a while." His smile forming once more as he readied
himself to tell his Master the good news.
"Really? That is good to hear. Something that you still need to work on, Padawan." Master Talias said teasingly. His
rough, barking laughter brought back memories to Lindoro. 'How I have missed his laughter!'
"Yes Master, diplomacy has always been a weak point of mine. But that isn't the main reason though that I have
returned. I believe it was the will of the Force that caused me to return." He paused dramatically.
"Will of the Force? Lin...what is wrong?" Alarm laced the Master's voice. Lindoro was touched by the use of his
nickname of old.
"Nothing is wrong, Master. More like something 'right' has happened. I have taken a Padawan Learner."
There was a few seconds of dead silence. Lindoro was just about to ask if his Master was all right when the Bothan
finally spoke up.
"Padawan? You've taken on an apprentice?" The shock and excitement was clear. "That is great! This is great news,
young one! A Padawan? So I am a Grand Master! (His barking laughter rang through the comlink) Who is it?" He
paused in mid chortle.
Lindoro chuckled at his Master's enthusiasm. "Her name is Menaria Darce, a very impressive young lady. I believe
you'll get along well with her. You have a couple of weeks left on your mission? Will you be able to return to the
Temple afterward?"
"Yes. I have about 10 more days left then I should be able to return. I'll request a few days just in case the Council
has future plans. They owe me a few days off." His gruff chuckle was heard once more.
Lindoro fingered his comlink affectionately, wishing that his Master were already back. 'How long it has been...'
"It won't be soon enough. I've missed you..." His voice went hoarse as a lump formed in his throat.
"I know, Padawan. I know. I, too, have missed our talks over tea and ale. I look forward to those days once more.
Keep your chin up, young one. The day will arrive soon enough." The passion behind the gruff Master's voice nearly
broke Lindoro's heart.
"Yes Master, I await that day and will meet you at the landing strip. Please let me know when and where so I know
where to be when the time comes."
"I will contact you later, Lin." There was a momentary pause as the Bothan took a deep breath. "I am proud of your
achievements. And honored to have been your Master and friend." Tears pooled in Lindoro's eyes.
"You have been more than that, Master. You have been a father to me as well. Take care and I will see you soon."
"Until later, may the Force be with you, Padawan of mine."
"And with you, Master of mine." The two signed off at the same time as the click seem to echo through Lindoro's
consciousness. 'I will be seeing him...it *has* been too long.'
Afternoon meal had finally arrived. Nania, Kork and Seriu joined her at an open table near the Initiates' section.
"Guess you'll be eating with your Master for now on?" Nania asked as she plopped her vegetable filled plate onto
the table next to Menaria's veggie/meat mixed plate.
"Yeah. If you want I'll ask to see if you guys can sit with us? I don't know if he's gonna have me eat at the
Master/Padawan area or not. He didn't really say. Maybe he won't so you guys could then sit with us." Her eyes lit
up at that thought. She had eaten with her crèche mates since forever and the idea of *not* eating with them nearly
ruined her appetite.
Kork sat to Menaria's right while Seriu sat across from the three.
"So...how was it? I mean the ceremony?" Seriu asked as he dug into his food. Seriu's plate consisted of meat,
veggies, and several chunks of fruit. Kork's was nearly all meat with a few veggies.
"It was breathtaking! I was so caught up in it that I forgot about the Council being there!" She sighed with pleasure
at the memory. "And when he did his vows, his voice got hoarse!" Her friends listened intently as she went through
the detailing of the ceremony. Nania sighed as Menaria finished the tale with the bonding part.
"I can't wait to be chosen! That sounded so heavy!" Nania exclaimed as her expression took on a dreamy look.
Kork offered Menaria a roll from the large bowl of rolls that he had brought to the table along with his plate. Taking
it she smiled and nodded her thanks.
A shadow fell across the table causing Nania to let out a little yelp, as she was not expecting the presence that now
stood behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, Nania then looked up, and up, and up. She was taken back by the
man's height and demeanor.
"Master!" Menaria exclaimed as she smiled at the tall Knight.
"Padawan." His deep voice sent shivers through Nania as she continued to stare at the stern looking man. A kick
from under the table from Seriu got her attention and she was able to close her mouth after realizing that it was open.
"I take it these are the friends you were talking about?" His blue eyes twinkled as they focused upon Nania, causing
the girl to blush bright red. He cocked an eyebrow at her response. It was obvious that the man was trying hard not
to smile. The corners of his mouth were twitching causing his long mustaches to quiver slightly.
"Yes Master. This is Seriu Laren, Kork, and Nania Iuza." At the introductions, the initiates got up from their seats
and bowed the ceremonious greeting to the Knight then returned to their lunch.
Nania, though, took her plate and sat next to Seriu. Glancing at Lindoro she motioned to the now empty spot next to
Menaria. "So you can sit with your Padawan, Knight D'Lockens." Nania stuttered quietly, still embarrassed of her
being caught off guard.
"Thank you Initiate Iuza." Lindoro finally smiled which caused the girl to blush once more. 'Never thought I'd be
one to cause an initiate to blush...but then again Menaria blushed as well.' Lindoro chuckled quietly at that. It
seemed to break the slight tensed atmosphere.
Seriu grinned widely as he nudged Nania who in turn smiled back at him. Kork's raspy laughter joined Menaria's
lighter tone.
Lindoro took the offered seat and gently placed his plate on the table. Sliding his long legs over the bench, he then
glanced over into the green sparkling eyes of his Apprentice. 'Padawan...*my* Padawan.' He grinned a lopsided
smile at her then took the offered roll from Kork. He nodded at the Squib. "Thank you Initiate Kork."
For the next few minutes they all ate quietly. Seriu finished first followed by Kork. Nania and Menaria took their
time as they savored each bite.
"Master, are we to sit with the other Masters and Padawans?" She looked up at him, as he was finishing off his dish
of pasta.
Taking a cloth napkin, he wiped his mouth before answering. "Not unless you want to." He then glanced over at the
table that sat numerous Masters and their Padawans. He frowned slightly as he recognized a few of the Masters.
One of the few that he knew was observing them after the outburst of the laughter. The Master was scowling heavily
and when he noticed Lindoro looking back, the man's eyes narrowed right before he turned away. 'Will it ever
end...?' Lindoro sighed.
"Though I prefer not to." He looked back down at Menaria. He could see that she was puzzled at his expression due
to the furrowing of her red tinged eyebrows.
"I would like to continue to sit here, if it's alright with you? I've never eaten away from my friends..." She trailed
off as she looked down at her now empty plate.
Lindoro patted her hand gently. "Then by all means, we'll eat here. That is if it is all right with your friends?"
Menaria's head shot up at that. Her eyes widen with shock. 'He's asking for their approval?!' She searched his face
to see if he was serious. She recognized the twinkling of his ever-deepening blue eyes. She smiled.
"I'm sure they don't mind, would you guys?" She chuckled as the 3 shook their heads. They had the same shocked
expressions upon their faces.
"Then it is settled." Lindoro smiled at the initiates then turned to Menaria. "Well, Padawan, ready for meditation
then katas?" He asked as he stood up and took his plate and drink.
She nodded as she swallowed the last of her muja juice and grabbed her plate as well. Looking at her friends she
smiled at them. "See you guys at evening meal then!" The three waved at her.
"Nice meeting you, Knight D'Lockens." Seriu said as the other two nodded in agreement. They all took their plates
to the table near the serving line. Saying their good-byes once more, Menaria and Lindoro headed off to the
meditation rooms while the 3 initiates headed off to their next class.
The meal had been observed by two Councilors. Master Windu and Master Yoda had watched from a distance. The vast room was filled with long tables and long benches.
The exchange between the Knight and the Master from the other table had not been lost on Mace. The narrowing of the eyes and Lindoro's near painful expression in response that had been barely held in check. He could imagine hearing the taller Knight's sigh before returning his attention back to new Padawan. The man's blue eyes had spoke in volumes.
Mace only knew a few who speak with their eyes. His friend, Master Qui-Gon Jinn was one and Knight D'Lockens the other.
"Were we right in allowing their union?" The dark-skinned Master asked as he watched the Master and Padawan leave.
"Ask again need you, Master Windu?" The little Master looked up at the taller man his long ears rising slightly in question.
Mace closed his eyes for a moment then reopened them. He locked gazes with the elder Master.
"I am concern for the Padawan." Mace intoned.
"Worry you should not. Will of the Force this was. Hmmm. Dwell on better things does Knight D'Lockens now. Bother him the past will not as much as before." He paused as he nodded to himself. "The light she will be in the darkness that taints him. Hmmm seen this I have." Yoda then closed his eyes and 'hmmm' several times quietly.
Mace watched Yoda for a few seconds before sighing quietly again. He then looked over at the doorway where Lindoro and Menaria had left through. 'I do hope so, Master. For the girl's sake I hope so.' He thought as he rubbed his chin slowly.