Menaria had no idea how much time had pass while the two embraced. The tingling in her left foot informed her that it had been a while. She tried to ease her leg somewhat to get the blood flowing once more.
The subtle movement from his Padawan caused Lindoro to come out of a blissful peace that had transpired over him. Clearing his throat he apologized. "I'm sorry Menaria. I didn't hurt you did I?" He gently released her and eyed her carefully.
"No Master, I'm OK. My foot just went to sleep was all." She smirked slightly as she chuckled.
His eyes shimmered with joy. He sat back on his rear and crossed his legs. Sighing, he became serious once more. "I should try to explain what I can to you."
Menaria shook her head vigorously. "No Master. I don't want you to if it brings you so much pain." She did not want to see him that way ever again. It was just to much...tear jerking and heartbreaking to witness.
Lindoro raised his hand, "No... I owe you, Padawan. I know you have questions and I suspect your friends do as well. If they did not already find out most of the answers." He gulped as he tried not to imagine what they might have told her.
"They didn't know much, Master. Only that you supposedly killed innocents and killed others without remorse or in defense." She whispered not really certain if she wanted to go down this road. 'Judging by what he just did...I'm guessing that the accusations were accurate. But how could he? And would he do so again?' She gulped as a slight tremor of fear passed through her for the first time.
Lindoro watched the girl closely. Seeing the slight tremor, he sensed the twinge of fear. "I am guilty of those things..." He started out.
Her head jerked slightly as her eyes widen in shock. She suspected it but to actually hear him admit it? She gasped as she tried to reclaim her calm.
"I have done terrible things and I can never undo them. But I must not dwell on the past even though it haunts me day in and day out. As you well know I was acting undercover for the Republic. Because of my contacts the Senate decided to use me. The Council was against it at first, but a few senators along with the Supreme Chancellor talked and showed the Council what good it could do to have a Jedi go undercover and exploit the slavery and other issues that were plaguing the Republic. And as I said before, due to my contacts - which were acquired within the few years of my undercover work I did right after becoming a Knight. Back then I was just an investigator/observer for the Senate. But my last six years I have been more. These past six years were what the Council objected too. They knew what possibilities might arise that would cause me to have to kill unjustly. The position they had me slip into was not just a worker but in actuality one of command. Second in command to be exact." Sighing heavily he paused for a moment as he eyed the moon of Nar Shaddaa. "For six years I worked with the slavers, killers, bounty hunters, and whatever other filth of the Outer Rim you can think of."
Rubbing his goatee he seemed to look even more haggard. "I can't go into details, Menaria due to the confidentiality of my missions. But there were several missions that I had to accomplish and they were not what one would call normal or even ethnically Jedi. Actually quite the opposite come to think of it. I had to kill...or be killed." He gulped once more as his throat seemed to dry out. Sweat began to glisten upon his brown.
"Within my first month of working for them I was *tested. I killed over twenty people to appease their curiosity. I had no choice...if I did not *pass* their tests I would have compromised the mission. I did not let them know that it bothered me. And believe me, Padawan it did...I took it to meditation after hours. And those were the worst moments of my life - ever!" He shuddered visibly as a cold chill pass through him. Making his skin clammy feeling. He put his arms inside the sleeves of his robe attempting to find some warmth but could not find any. His teeth nearly clattered as he continued.
"I had to force myself to sleep at night due to the reoccurring nightmares. I would relive each moment, each face, and each scream. I..." He trailed off as he was nearly overwhelmed by the memories.
Menaria had sat still through the whole discussion. Shock was evident upon her face, her mouth open slightly. She gulped and licked her lips when he paused. 'No wonder the Council objected. How could they finally agree to allow him or anyone to do such a thing? I'm sure they would have known what was going to happen? Or the possibilities?' Seeing the Knight dwindle down once more it broke her heart. When the silent sob that escaped the clinched jaw, Menaria stood up and returned to his side. Laying a comforting hand upon his muscled arm, her caring green eyes bore into his pain filled blue ones.
Another sob caught in his throat as he felt the girl's touch. The warmth from it melted his chilled heart. 'She truly cares. Even though I've wronged, she still cares!' He did not sense any of the fear that had come from her earlier; only concern and worry. He smiled warmly at her.
"You will get through this Master, I know you will. And I will be there to help you if you allow me too." She smiled back.
"Such confidence from a Padawan is most becoming, young one. But alas I do not know if I have confidence in myself." The later part fell to a whisper as he looked down at her hand lying upon his arm. 'So small...' He was caught off guard once more by the girl as she took the same hand that he had been staring at and lifted his chin. Pushing it up slightly so as to look into his face.
"Master *that* is unbecoming of a Jedi; to lack faith in thyself." She broke into a lopsided grin as she attempted to lighten the mood.
It was achieved as a slight sparkle returned to the Knight's dull eyes. "Is that so, Padawan?"
She chuckled as she hugged him once more. He sighed loudly as he returned the gesture.
"You are good for me, Menaria. We can see this through. With you by my side I can not help but believe that it is possible." He paused a moment as the two let go. "We still need to do our meditation before calling it a night. I don't want to keep you up to late. You do have classes tomorrow."
She nodded as she went and sat back down in the center of the room and immediately relaxed, entering the meditation state.
Lindoro basked in the Force as she pulled it around her and allowed it to envelop her. Her Force sense was pure and bright. He smiled as he took a seat across from her. He attempted the same procedure. Though his Force aura was darker, it quickly embraced him and lulled him to a calm state of mind. Though his thoughts tried to drift backwards in time, he stomped them out like one does a fire that has raged out of control. Furrowing his brows, it took him several minutes to achieve his full center of calm. But once there, he yielded to the overwhelming power of the Force. It comforted him as a mother would a hurt or sickly child. It knew that he was in pain deep down in his soul - a pain that could not be physically or medically healed.
The beeping of his comlink signaled to him that it was around 8 at night. They had only meditated for little over an hour. He had set up the alarm prior to his break down. 'That is what it was...a break down. An embarrassing moment that should not have happen and definitely not in front of a Padawan.'
Sighing he opened his eyes and looked into the green ones that were observing him. Her red tinged eyebrows were furrowed in deep thought.
"We should get back to our rooms. It's getting late and I'm sure you need to get your studies in order for tomorrow's classes." He got up from the floor and walked over to the console. Glancing over his shoulder he took a gander at Nar Shaddaa one last time before pressing the buttons to deactivate the Map Room. The Outer Rim vanished and was replaced with a dark grey room.
'If only these memories could be turned off as easily as this simple program.' He smiled reassuringly at Menaria as he waited for her at the doorway. He had switched the occupied signal off so anyone else could utilize the room. Once Menaria stepped out of the room, Lindoro followed her down the hallway to the turbolift. The two did not talk until after they had entered their quarters.
Menaria stopped in her doorway and looked back at the Knight. "Master, will you be all right?" She eyed him carefully.
Lindoro felt a flame of anger riled up and he bit his tongue to prevent a retort. He did not like the idea of her questioning his word...but it wasn't his word she was questioning. 'She's only concern. I'll have to get used to having someone who cares for me again.' He smiled warmly at her. "Yes, I'm fine, don't worry. Now go on, we don't need a grumpy Padawan in the morning." He chuckled at her offended look.
"I'm not that bad Master!" She then chuckled with him.
"Well then young one, guess we'll find out in the morning, eh?" He bid her good night and headed to the kitchenette. He opened a cabinet and took out one of the Corellian ales he had put in there earlier. He had 4 bottles left. Opening another cabinet he took out a glass but paused before closing the door. "To Hells with the glass." He mumbled as he put the drinking glass back into the cabinet and left to go to his room with only the bottle.
Menaria watched him return to his room and closed the door behind him. She kept her door open since she was not used to even having a room of her own. She felt nearly claustrophobic with it closed.
Getting out a fresh tunic for tomorrow she also set the data pads next to the pants and shirts. 'Luckily I had no assignments due tomorrow.' She thought as she went to the refresher to clean her teeth and relieve herself one last time. Once done she returned to her room, changed into her sleeping clothes, turned out the light, and climbed into her bed. Within moments she was asleep with a smile on her face. Happy thoughts of being a Padawan swam through her dreams.
Lindoro stripped down to just his underwear and coddled the bottle as he drank from it. His thoughts were not as cheerful as his Padawan's, quite the opposite. He sat heavily down upon the bed as the thought of Nar Shaddaa and what had happen there.
The night drug on for him. His last thoughts were on getting up and retrieving another bottle from the cabinet. But his body would not respond. Only then did he realize what he had forgotten to do. 'Force! I forgot to reduce the influence of the toxin!' He cursed himself as the words came out sluggish and incomprehensible. The full affects of the alcohol hit him like a rock and caused him to pass out. He fell back onto the bed sprawling across the sheets as the now empty bottle fell from his grasp landing on the thin carpet below.
The alarm was loud, much louder than usual. He groaned as he rolled over and off the bed onto the floor. "Umpf!" He grunted as he landed hard face first. "Dumb ass! Next time curve the toxins in the blood!" He said as the carpet muffled his words. He cringed at his own voice, which also seem louder than usual. 'Hells, I haven't had a hangover like this in months!'
He struggled up from the floor and out of his room still wearing only his underwear. Heading for the refresher, he shook his head gently. 'Shower...that'll wake me up and clear my head. Once that starts I'll use the Force to push the toxins out.' He activated the shower and stood under it while it beat down upon his back.
Menaria awoke with a smile. Her alarm was set around 30 mins later than her Master's was. Always the morning person, she got up and out of bed. Grabbing her fresh tunic she headed out her door to the refresher. Noticing that her Master had beaten her to the shower she decided to wait so she took a seat on the couch. She only had to wait for a few more minutes and the door opened.
Lindoro was still damp and only had a towel on that was wrapped around his hips. He was darkly tan all over and his chest was smooth with hardly any hair on it. Her mouth flew open at all the muscles. She knew he was muscular but seeing him in the near buff was overwhelming. Her Master was very attractive and she just now realized it. His wet hair was strewn across his shoulders and back. As he turned to close the refresher door, she saw the multiple scars that sprayed across his shoulders and back. 'He has been whipped?!' The slashes could be nothing else but the result of some sort of whip.
He must've heard her gasp for he turned abruptly and made eye contact with her. Menaria blushed like she had never blushed before.
"Menaria! I did not know you were up yet...I'm sorry..." He apologized as his cheeks redden slightly on their own accord. Menaria would have chuckled at her Master's unease if her own weren't so overwhelming.
"I'm the one who's sorry...I...I didn't realize. Ummm I'll take my shower now!" She squeaked the last bit out as she lost her nerve and looked downward as she passed him. She couldn't help but notice his powerful built legs. Squeaking once more she dashed the rest of the way in the refresher nearly slamming the door behind her.
Lindoro was left standing in shock. A second later he was laughing so hard that he had to grab his sides to help him breath. "Poor Menaria. I had forgotten all about her. Shame on me for that how could I?" His humor was short lived at his rebuke. Sighing he went to dress and wait for her to head for the meditation rooms then to the cafeteria for breakfast.
Menaria was breathing so hard that her blood was racing. The thudding of her heart prevented her from hearing the laughter. The door was sealed tight so hardly any sound could enter or exit the closed door. She was embarrassed at seeing her Master nearly in the nude and also embarrassed of actually thinking him handsome. 'Stop that! He's my Master! And Jedi do not think things like this!' She closed her eyes and tried to push the image away. 'Shower...cold shower.' Saying such she stripped down and stepped into the shower. Activating it she put the setting on cold. By the time she was nearly done with her hair and starting on her body, her teeth were clattering.
Quickly drying off she got dressed and went back to her room to put on her boots. She avoided her Master's glance as she raced to her room and donned her boots and robe. Grabbing her data pads she called out to Lindoro. "Ready!" And meet him at the door. She slipped by him careful not the make any contact.
Lindoro sensed the girl's unease and embarrassment still. It was hard for him to not chuckle at the situation. But he resisted and allowed only a small smile to play on his lips.
Menaria was, for the first time in a long while, thankful that meditation came before breakfast. She thought as she followed her Master to the cafeteria. She had been able to reclaim her focus during the hour of meditation. Though much to her dismay, her Master never lost the mischief that sparkled in his eyes. As she glanced up at him, while waiting for their turn at the serving line, she still saw the twinkle.
"Lindoro!" The Knight's aquatic friend came up to them. "Sorry I haven't been able to come and meet your new Padawan. Council has had me doing errands for them." Delak said as he grabbed a plate of his own.
He asked for some type of eggs, meat, and several slices of toast. The lady at the line put what he requested on his plate. Menaria and Lindoro got the same as well. They each picked up a glass of juice and headed for a table.
Delak followed unsure as to where his friend was going to sit. He was surprised when they headed for the Initiates' tables.
"Lindoro, not going to sit with the other Masters and Padawans?" He asked as Menaria took her seat near 3 other initiates.
Her 3 friends stood at the Knight and Master's arrival and bowed politely.
Lindoro nodded at their motions. "Padawan this is my good friend, Master Delak. Delak this is my Padawan, Menaria Darce and her 3 friends Initiates Laren, Kork, and Iuza."
The 3 initiates bowed respectively once more. "Good morning, Master Delak and Knight D'Lockens." The 3 echoed one another. They then took their seats.
Seriu and Nania sitting across from Menaria while Kork sat at her right. Lindoro sat at her left and Delak sat at the tall Knight's left.
Delak smiled at the 3 and also at Menaria. "It is good to meet you all." He then shot a look at Lindoro. It was obvious that he was annoyed that Lindoro deliberately ignored his earlier question.
"Keeping you busy, eh?" Lindoro chuckled as he buttered his toast. Menaria waited patiently until he was done. Once he was done, she eyed Master Delak who motioned for her to go ahead first. Smiling and nodding her thanks, she took the dish and knife from her Master. Spreading the cream on her toasts she then passed it down for Delak to use. Her friends had already been eating when they had arrived at the table. Each table had a dish of buttered cream and numerous jams to choose from.
Seriu eyed Menaria expectantly until she met his gaze. He then raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner. It was obvious that he was curious as to what she had found out last night after their discussion.
She mouthed the word 'later' and was answered by a curt nod. Nania smiled at her as she nodded as well.
"Sleep well in the room all by yourself?" Kork's voice rumbled.
Menaria turned to her blue furred friend smiling widely. "Yes! And it was great. I still can't believe I have a room all to myself!" She exclaimed.
Delak chuckled as he patted Lindoro on the shoulder. "I barely remember those days myself. Do you?" His silver eyes shinned with merriment.
"Yes, though it has been quite a while hasn't it? And the other good thing that I enjoyed as a Padawan was not having to fight over the shower!" He said as he glanced over at Menaria to see her response.
It was as he expected if not more. She had been sipping her juice when he had said 'shower'. She nearly spat out what she had in her mouth. Coughing slightly, she blushed.
This of course attracted the attention of her friends. Kork patted her back gently. "You OK, Menaria?" He asked worriedly.
Seriu's eyebrows rose as he watched his friend curiously. Nania was chuckling behind her hand as she tried to be discreet about it and was failing miserably.
"Padawan, are you OK?" Lindoro asked innocently, but as Menaria looked up into his face she saw those damn eyes of his sparkling as ever if not more.
Setting her jaw, she nodded. "Yes Master, I'm fine. It tried to go down my windpipe." She said as an excuse turning her full attention to what was left of her breakfast. She had finally recovered from her slight blushing.
Finishing up her breakfast, she excused herself. "I best go to class now, Master." She then looked over at the Mon Calamari and smiled. "It was nice meeting you Master Delak." She said as she then bowed to him then to her Master.
Her friends followed suite by bowing to the Knight and Master. Saying they were happy to have meet the Master as well. They took their plates to the tray table and began to whisper among themselves as they headed out the door.
Delak had watched the exchange between Master and Padawan. He knew something must have happen this morning and whatever it was it was associated with the refresher.
"A credit to know what happen this morning." He said as he stared at his tall companion.
Lindoro had a silly grin on his face as he watched Menaria and her friends exit the cafeteria. "Umm? What did you say, Delak?" He asked as he turned to face his friend.
"You know...she's helped you already. And it's only been one day." Delak observed as he smiled.
Lindoro's black eyebrows furrowed slightly with confusion. "What? Yes she has indeed. The Force did this and I am glad to have listened."
Delak nodded. "I am too. Your aura is more relaxed and you look better than you have in quite a while." He paused for a second. "I asked to know what happen this morning that is if you can."
Lindoro's sheepish grin returned. "I forgot about her this morning. I ought to be ashamed of myself."
Delak cocked his head sideways slightly not getting Lindoro's meaning.
"I came out of the refresher with just a towel on. She was waiting her turn for the shower." Lindoro smiled.
Delak chuckled as the realization kicked in. "Ahhh so that's why she nearly spewed her drink. I see." The two laughed together as they took their plates to the tray table.
Several other Jedi were dropping their plates off as well and nodded greetings to both Lindoro and Delak. To the taller Knight's dismay, he noticed that their nods to him were more forceful than what they offered to his friend.
He sighed as he pushed the feelings away. Before the two had exited the large room, Lindoro's comlink beeped. Taking it out of his pocket, he activated it.
"Knight D'Lockens." He said as he glanced at his companion.
A young boy's voice was heard. "Knight D'Lockens, this is Padawan Lionel, the Council would like to see you. They are waiting for you." The boy paused.
Lindoro raised his eyebrows at his friend whom in turned shrugged. He wasn't sure what was up either.
"I'll be right there then."
"Very well, sir. I will inform them." The connection then was ended.
"Well I better go see what is up. See you later perhaps?" Lindoro asked as he smiled apologetically at his friend.
The Mon Calamari nodded. "Sure, I'll get in touch with you later. Maybe we can have lunch or spar late." He then bid his tall friend good day and headed off the opposite direction that Lindoro went.
Heading for the turbolift to take him to the Council Room, his thoughts became a whirl. 'What could they possibly want?'
The subtle movement from his Padawan caused Lindoro to come out of a blissful peace that had transpired over him. Clearing his throat he apologized. "I'm sorry Menaria. I didn't hurt you did I?" He gently released her and eyed her carefully.
"No Master, I'm OK. My foot just went to sleep was all." She smirked slightly as she chuckled.
His eyes shimmered with joy. He sat back on his rear and crossed his legs. Sighing, he became serious once more. "I should try to explain what I can to you."
Menaria shook her head vigorously. "No Master. I don't want you to if it brings you so much pain." She did not want to see him that way ever again. It was just to much...tear jerking and heartbreaking to witness.
Lindoro raised his hand, "No... I owe you, Padawan. I know you have questions and I suspect your friends do as well. If they did not already find out most of the answers." He gulped as he tried not to imagine what they might have told her.
"They didn't know much, Master. Only that you supposedly killed innocents and killed others without remorse or in defense." She whispered not really certain if she wanted to go down this road. 'Judging by what he just did...I'm guessing that the accusations were accurate. But how could he? And would he do so again?' She gulped as a slight tremor of fear passed through her for the first time.
Lindoro watched the girl closely. Seeing the slight tremor, he sensed the twinge of fear. "I am guilty of those things..." He started out.
Her head jerked slightly as her eyes widen in shock. She suspected it but to actually hear him admit it? She gasped as she tried to reclaim her calm.
"I have done terrible things and I can never undo them. But I must not dwell on the past even though it haunts me day in and day out. As you well know I was acting undercover for the Republic. Because of my contacts the Senate decided to use me. The Council was against it at first, but a few senators along with the Supreme Chancellor talked and showed the Council what good it could do to have a Jedi go undercover and exploit the slavery and other issues that were plaguing the Republic. And as I said before, due to my contacts - which were acquired within the few years of my undercover work I did right after becoming a Knight. Back then I was just an investigator/observer for the Senate. But my last six years I have been more. These past six years were what the Council objected too. They knew what possibilities might arise that would cause me to have to kill unjustly. The position they had me slip into was not just a worker but in actuality one of command. Second in command to be exact." Sighing heavily he paused for a moment as he eyed the moon of Nar Shaddaa. "For six years I worked with the slavers, killers, bounty hunters, and whatever other filth of the Outer Rim you can think of."
Rubbing his goatee he seemed to look even more haggard. "I can't go into details, Menaria due to the confidentiality of my missions. But there were several missions that I had to accomplish and they were not what one would call normal or even ethnically Jedi. Actually quite the opposite come to think of it. I had to kill...or be killed." He gulped once more as his throat seemed to dry out. Sweat began to glisten upon his brown.
"Within my first month of working for them I was *tested. I killed over twenty people to appease their curiosity. I had no choice...if I did not *pass* their tests I would have compromised the mission. I did not let them know that it bothered me. And believe me, Padawan it did...I took it to meditation after hours. And those were the worst moments of my life - ever!" He shuddered visibly as a cold chill pass through him. Making his skin clammy feeling. He put his arms inside the sleeves of his robe attempting to find some warmth but could not find any. His teeth nearly clattered as he continued.
"I had to force myself to sleep at night due to the reoccurring nightmares. I would relive each moment, each face, and each scream. I..." He trailed off as he was nearly overwhelmed by the memories.
Menaria had sat still through the whole discussion. Shock was evident upon her face, her mouth open slightly. She gulped and licked her lips when he paused. 'No wonder the Council objected. How could they finally agree to allow him or anyone to do such a thing? I'm sure they would have known what was going to happen? Or the possibilities?' Seeing the Knight dwindle down once more it broke her heart. When the silent sob that escaped the clinched jaw, Menaria stood up and returned to his side. Laying a comforting hand upon his muscled arm, her caring green eyes bore into his pain filled blue ones.
Another sob caught in his throat as he felt the girl's touch. The warmth from it melted his chilled heart. 'She truly cares. Even though I've wronged, she still cares!' He did not sense any of the fear that had come from her earlier; only concern and worry. He smiled warmly at her.
"You will get through this Master, I know you will. And I will be there to help you if you allow me too." She smiled back.
"Such confidence from a Padawan is most becoming, young one. But alas I do not know if I have confidence in myself." The later part fell to a whisper as he looked down at her hand lying upon his arm. 'So small...' He was caught off guard once more by the girl as she took the same hand that he had been staring at and lifted his chin. Pushing it up slightly so as to look into his face.
"Master *that* is unbecoming of a Jedi; to lack faith in thyself." She broke into a lopsided grin as she attempted to lighten the mood.
It was achieved as a slight sparkle returned to the Knight's dull eyes. "Is that so, Padawan?"
She chuckled as she hugged him once more. He sighed loudly as he returned the gesture.
"You are good for me, Menaria. We can see this through. With you by my side I can not help but believe that it is possible." He paused a moment as the two let go. "We still need to do our meditation before calling it a night. I don't want to keep you up to late. You do have classes tomorrow."
She nodded as she went and sat back down in the center of the room and immediately relaxed, entering the meditation state.
Lindoro basked in the Force as she pulled it around her and allowed it to envelop her. Her Force sense was pure and bright. He smiled as he took a seat across from her. He attempted the same procedure. Though his Force aura was darker, it quickly embraced him and lulled him to a calm state of mind. Though his thoughts tried to drift backwards in time, he stomped them out like one does a fire that has raged out of control. Furrowing his brows, it took him several minutes to achieve his full center of calm. But once there, he yielded to the overwhelming power of the Force. It comforted him as a mother would a hurt or sickly child. It knew that he was in pain deep down in his soul - a pain that could not be physically or medically healed.
The beeping of his comlink signaled to him that it was around 8 at night. They had only meditated for little over an hour. He had set up the alarm prior to his break down. 'That is what it was...a break down. An embarrassing moment that should not have happen and definitely not in front of a Padawan.'
Sighing he opened his eyes and looked into the green ones that were observing him. Her red tinged eyebrows were furrowed in deep thought.
"We should get back to our rooms. It's getting late and I'm sure you need to get your studies in order for tomorrow's classes." He got up from the floor and walked over to the console. Glancing over his shoulder he took a gander at Nar Shaddaa one last time before pressing the buttons to deactivate the Map Room. The Outer Rim vanished and was replaced with a dark grey room.
'If only these memories could be turned off as easily as this simple program.' He smiled reassuringly at Menaria as he waited for her at the doorway. He had switched the occupied signal off so anyone else could utilize the room. Once Menaria stepped out of the room, Lindoro followed her down the hallway to the turbolift. The two did not talk until after they had entered their quarters.
Menaria stopped in her doorway and looked back at the Knight. "Master, will you be all right?" She eyed him carefully.
Lindoro felt a flame of anger riled up and he bit his tongue to prevent a retort. He did not like the idea of her questioning his word...but it wasn't his word she was questioning. 'She's only concern. I'll have to get used to having someone who cares for me again.' He smiled warmly at her. "Yes, I'm fine, don't worry. Now go on, we don't need a grumpy Padawan in the morning." He chuckled at her offended look.
"I'm not that bad Master!" She then chuckled with him.
"Well then young one, guess we'll find out in the morning, eh?" He bid her good night and headed to the kitchenette. He opened a cabinet and took out one of the Corellian ales he had put in there earlier. He had 4 bottles left. Opening another cabinet he took out a glass but paused before closing the door. "To Hells with the glass." He mumbled as he put the drinking glass back into the cabinet and left to go to his room with only the bottle.
Menaria watched him return to his room and closed the door behind him. She kept her door open since she was not used to even having a room of her own. She felt nearly claustrophobic with it closed.
Getting out a fresh tunic for tomorrow she also set the data pads next to the pants and shirts. 'Luckily I had no assignments due tomorrow.' She thought as she went to the refresher to clean her teeth and relieve herself one last time. Once done she returned to her room, changed into her sleeping clothes, turned out the light, and climbed into her bed. Within moments she was asleep with a smile on her face. Happy thoughts of being a Padawan swam through her dreams.
Lindoro stripped down to just his underwear and coddled the bottle as he drank from it. His thoughts were not as cheerful as his Padawan's, quite the opposite. He sat heavily down upon the bed as the thought of Nar Shaddaa and what had happen there.
The night drug on for him. His last thoughts were on getting up and retrieving another bottle from the cabinet. But his body would not respond. Only then did he realize what he had forgotten to do. 'Force! I forgot to reduce the influence of the toxin!' He cursed himself as the words came out sluggish and incomprehensible. The full affects of the alcohol hit him like a rock and caused him to pass out. He fell back onto the bed sprawling across the sheets as the now empty bottle fell from his grasp landing on the thin carpet below.
The alarm was loud, much louder than usual. He groaned as he rolled over and off the bed onto the floor. "Umpf!" He grunted as he landed hard face first. "Dumb ass! Next time curve the toxins in the blood!" He said as the carpet muffled his words. He cringed at his own voice, which also seem louder than usual. 'Hells, I haven't had a hangover like this in months!'
He struggled up from the floor and out of his room still wearing only his underwear. Heading for the refresher, he shook his head gently. 'Shower...that'll wake me up and clear my head. Once that starts I'll use the Force to push the toxins out.' He activated the shower and stood under it while it beat down upon his back.
Menaria awoke with a smile. Her alarm was set around 30 mins later than her Master's was. Always the morning person, she got up and out of bed. Grabbing her fresh tunic she headed out her door to the refresher. Noticing that her Master had beaten her to the shower she decided to wait so she took a seat on the couch. She only had to wait for a few more minutes and the door opened.
Lindoro was still damp and only had a towel on that was wrapped around his hips. He was darkly tan all over and his chest was smooth with hardly any hair on it. Her mouth flew open at all the muscles. She knew he was muscular but seeing him in the near buff was overwhelming. Her Master was very attractive and she just now realized it. His wet hair was strewn across his shoulders and back. As he turned to close the refresher door, she saw the multiple scars that sprayed across his shoulders and back. 'He has been whipped?!' The slashes could be nothing else but the result of some sort of whip.
He must've heard her gasp for he turned abruptly and made eye contact with her. Menaria blushed like she had never blushed before.
"Menaria! I did not know you were up yet...I'm sorry..." He apologized as his cheeks redden slightly on their own accord. Menaria would have chuckled at her Master's unease if her own weren't so overwhelming.
"I'm the one who's sorry...I...I didn't realize. Ummm I'll take my shower now!" She squeaked the last bit out as she lost her nerve and looked downward as she passed him. She couldn't help but notice his powerful built legs. Squeaking once more she dashed the rest of the way in the refresher nearly slamming the door behind her.
Lindoro was left standing in shock. A second later he was laughing so hard that he had to grab his sides to help him breath. "Poor Menaria. I had forgotten all about her. Shame on me for that how could I?" His humor was short lived at his rebuke. Sighing he went to dress and wait for her to head for the meditation rooms then to the cafeteria for breakfast.
Menaria was breathing so hard that her blood was racing. The thudding of her heart prevented her from hearing the laughter. The door was sealed tight so hardly any sound could enter or exit the closed door. She was embarrassed at seeing her Master nearly in the nude and also embarrassed of actually thinking him handsome. 'Stop that! He's my Master! And Jedi do not think things like this!' She closed her eyes and tried to push the image away. 'Shower...cold shower.' Saying such she stripped down and stepped into the shower. Activating it she put the setting on cold. By the time she was nearly done with her hair and starting on her body, her teeth were clattering.
Quickly drying off she got dressed and went back to her room to put on her boots. She avoided her Master's glance as she raced to her room and donned her boots and robe. Grabbing her data pads she called out to Lindoro. "Ready!" And meet him at the door. She slipped by him careful not the make any contact.
Lindoro sensed the girl's unease and embarrassment still. It was hard for him to not chuckle at the situation. But he resisted and allowed only a small smile to play on his lips.
Menaria was, for the first time in a long while, thankful that meditation came before breakfast. She thought as she followed her Master to the cafeteria. She had been able to reclaim her focus during the hour of meditation. Though much to her dismay, her Master never lost the mischief that sparkled in his eyes. As she glanced up at him, while waiting for their turn at the serving line, she still saw the twinkle.
"Lindoro!" The Knight's aquatic friend came up to them. "Sorry I haven't been able to come and meet your new Padawan. Council has had me doing errands for them." Delak said as he grabbed a plate of his own.
He asked for some type of eggs, meat, and several slices of toast. The lady at the line put what he requested on his plate. Menaria and Lindoro got the same as well. They each picked up a glass of juice and headed for a table.
Delak followed unsure as to where his friend was going to sit. He was surprised when they headed for the Initiates' tables.
"Lindoro, not going to sit with the other Masters and Padawans?" He asked as Menaria took her seat near 3 other initiates.
Her 3 friends stood at the Knight and Master's arrival and bowed politely.
Lindoro nodded at their motions. "Padawan this is my good friend, Master Delak. Delak this is my Padawan, Menaria Darce and her 3 friends Initiates Laren, Kork, and Iuza."
The 3 initiates bowed respectively once more. "Good morning, Master Delak and Knight D'Lockens." The 3 echoed one another. They then took their seats.
Seriu and Nania sitting across from Menaria while Kork sat at her right. Lindoro sat at her left and Delak sat at the tall Knight's left.
Delak smiled at the 3 and also at Menaria. "It is good to meet you all." He then shot a look at Lindoro. It was obvious that he was annoyed that Lindoro deliberately ignored his earlier question.
"Keeping you busy, eh?" Lindoro chuckled as he buttered his toast. Menaria waited patiently until he was done. Once he was done, she eyed Master Delak who motioned for her to go ahead first. Smiling and nodding her thanks, she took the dish and knife from her Master. Spreading the cream on her toasts she then passed it down for Delak to use. Her friends had already been eating when they had arrived at the table. Each table had a dish of buttered cream and numerous jams to choose from.
Seriu eyed Menaria expectantly until she met his gaze. He then raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner. It was obvious that he was curious as to what she had found out last night after their discussion.
She mouthed the word 'later' and was answered by a curt nod. Nania smiled at her as she nodded as well.
"Sleep well in the room all by yourself?" Kork's voice rumbled.
Menaria turned to her blue furred friend smiling widely. "Yes! And it was great. I still can't believe I have a room all to myself!" She exclaimed.
Delak chuckled as he patted Lindoro on the shoulder. "I barely remember those days myself. Do you?" His silver eyes shinned with merriment.
"Yes, though it has been quite a while hasn't it? And the other good thing that I enjoyed as a Padawan was not having to fight over the shower!" He said as he glanced over at Menaria to see her response.
It was as he expected if not more. She had been sipping her juice when he had said 'shower'. She nearly spat out what she had in her mouth. Coughing slightly, she blushed.
This of course attracted the attention of her friends. Kork patted her back gently. "You OK, Menaria?" He asked worriedly.
Seriu's eyebrows rose as he watched his friend curiously. Nania was chuckling behind her hand as she tried to be discreet about it and was failing miserably.
"Padawan, are you OK?" Lindoro asked innocently, but as Menaria looked up into his face she saw those damn eyes of his sparkling as ever if not more.
Setting her jaw, she nodded. "Yes Master, I'm fine. It tried to go down my windpipe." She said as an excuse turning her full attention to what was left of her breakfast. She had finally recovered from her slight blushing.
Finishing up her breakfast, she excused herself. "I best go to class now, Master." She then looked over at the Mon Calamari and smiled. "It was nice meeting you Master Delak." She said as she then bowed to him then to her Master.
Her friends followed suite by bowing to the Knight and Master. Saying they were happy to have meet the Master as well. They took their plates to the tray table and began to whisper among themselves as they headed out the door.
Delak had watched the exchange between Master and Padawan. He knew something must have happen this morning and whatever it was it was associated with the refresher.
"A credit to know what happen this morning." He said as he stared at his tall companion.
Lindoro had a silly grin on his face as he watched Menaria and her friends exit the cafeteria. "Umm? What did you say, Delak?" He asked as he turned to face his friend.
"You know...she's helped you already. And it's only been one day." Delak observed as he smiled.
Lindoro's black eyebrows furrowed slightly with confusion. "What? Yes she has indeed. The Force did this and I am glad to have listened."
Delak nodded. "I am too. Your aura is more relaxed and you look better than you have in quite a while." He paused for a second. "I asked to know what happen this morning that is if you can."
Lindoro's sheepish grin returned. "I forgot about her this morning. I ought to be ashamed of myself."
Delak cocked his head sideways slightly not getting Lindoro's meaning.
"I came out of the refresher with just a towel on. She was waiting her turn for the shower." Lindoro smiled.
Delak chuckled as the realization kicked in. "Ahhh so that's why she nearly spewed her drink. I see." The two laughed together as they took their plates to the tray table.
Several other Jedi were dropping their plates off as well and nodded greetings to both Lindoro and Delak. To the taller Knight's dismay, he noticed that their nods to him were more forceful than what they offered to his friend.
He sighed as he pushed the feelings away. Before the two had exited the large room, Lindoro's comlink beeped. Taking it out of his pocket, he activated it.
"Knight D'Lockens." He said as he glanced at his companion.
A young boy's voice was heard. "Knight D'Lockens, this is Padawan Lionel, the Council would like to see you. They are waiting for you." The boy paused.
Lindoro raised his eyebrows at his friend whom in turned shrugged. He wasn't sure what was up either.
"I'll be right there then."
"Very well, sir. I will inform them." The connection then was ended.
"Well I better go see what is up. See you later perhaps?" Lindoro asked as he smiled apologetically at his friend.
The Mon Calamari nodded. "Sure, I'll get in touch with you later. Maybe we can have lunch or spar late." He then bid his tall friend good day and headed off the opposite direction that Lindoro went.
Heading for the turbolift to take him to the Council Room, his thoughts became a whirl. 'What could they possibly want?'