Jedi Keladry - Hehehehehe! Hey I'll join you in chasing Palpy down the halls!! Glad you are enjoying the story! :D Lin and Menaria are just great! I've really enjoyed bringing those two to life! Thanks so much for reviewing!!
Lindoro paused when the doors closed behind him, sighing loudly, the past actions weighing heavily upon his shoulders. 'I was a fool... a damn fool. How childish!' He berated himself as he stood there. 'But I had my reasons! They don't trust me!' Growling, he pushed those thoughts away. Hearing a rustling of paper, he spotted the Senior Padawan in the small office off adjacent to the entrance to the waiting room. Sighing again he made his way over to the boy.
"Padawan Lionel." He called out quietly from the open doorway.
The boy jumped at the Knight's voice. "I'm sorry, sir, didn't hear you approach." The boy immediately got up from his chair and bowed.
"I wanted to apologize to you about earlier. My behavior was unbecoming of a Jedi. And I hope there are no hard feelings over this." He then bowed to the boy, which was highly uncommon for a Jedi to bestow upon one of lesser rank.
Lionel's expression reflected shock for just a split second before regaining control. "Thank you, Knight D'Lockens, I accept your apology. And no there are no hard feelings...I sensed you were upset. Thank you for apologizing." The boy replied hesitantly.
Lindoro nodded and bid the boy good day who in turn did the same. The trip to the turbolift was seconds, but to him felt like a lifetime as the thoughts rambled on. 'How could they? They do believe I've fallen! But if they do then why...of course. Master Yoda said she is right for me. I must not loose faith...but how can I not? For look at what they've done! And how the others treat me! They have lost faith in me...' As he entered the turbolift and told the destination; tears started to pool in his eyes. He reached out and slammed the emergency stop button as the lift started to proceed downward. He lost the strength in his legs and began sliding to his knees to fall heavily against the back of the lift. The Knight grasped his head with his hands and sobbed. At the last second he remembered to put his shields up hoping his Padawan would not pick up on his stress.
Menaria and Kork entered the cafeteria talking about next week's festivities once more.
"Master Delak might be surprised. Since they're going to dedicate them to Mon Calamari in honor of all their past support to the Republic."
Kork nodded at Menaria's enthusiasm. "I bet he will be. There he is, let's go tell him. I'm sure Nania and Seriu will be here shortly." The Squib raced over to the aquatic Master who was already waiting his turn at the serving line.
The two bowed once Delak looked their way. "Master Delak, have you heard about the theme for next week's celebration?" Menaria asked as her green eyes shimmered.
Delak nodded at the young ones' greetings. "Good day to you two. As a matter of fact I just heard about that a little bit ago. Interesting that they decided upon the Mon Calamari, eh?" He smiled widely as he chuckled.
The two got a plate of their own and joined Delak in choosing different foods from the line of selections.
Nania and Seriu joined them within a few minutes and bowed a greeting at Delak who in turned nodded back. "Good afternoon Master Delak." Seriu said as Nania smiled at the aquatic Master.
Menaria looked for her Master, but did not see the tall Knight anywhere. 'Guess he got caught up with things.'
Master Delak noticed her searching and the frown that appeared upon her face as he took a seat at their regular table along with the other three initiates.
"I'm sure he'll be along shortly. He probably got caught up in traffic. He was going to spend some time at the Senatorial Park. If you haven't picked up on his habit of letting time slip away with him when he's surrounded by the Living Force, you now know. His Master had to drag him away on numerous occasions from places like that. I'll try to get him on his comlink." And saying such, he reached into his robe and pulled out his comlink. A few seconds later and after several attempts, Lindoro finally answered.
"D'Lockens here." The voice was hoarse and sounded strained. Alarm shot through the Mon Calamari as he glanced at the Knight's Padawan.
Menaria's attention was drawn as well when she heard his voice. She concentrated on their bond and felt nothing. 'He's shielding me...'
"Lindoro, are you all right?" Delak asked worriedly.
"Yes...I'll be there momentarily." The connection was severed signaling the end of the conversation. Delak's silver eyes widen. "Now that was strange..."
"I can't feel anything through our bond." Menaria whispered. Kork laid a furred hand upon her arm reassuringly. She glanced at him nodding her thanks. Seriu and Nania exchanged worried looks.
"I'm sure he's ok." Delak said as he patted the girl's shoulder.
Menaria's appetite vanished as her concern for Lindoro mounted.
In the lift, Lindoro checked his chrono and realized that he had been in the lift for well over an hour. He hated ending the talk with Delak, but he wasn't in the mood to talk about what had happen. 'Not yet...and maybe not ever.' Sighing heavily he got up from the floor and told the lift to resume his destination and changed it to the cafeteria.
The tall Knight walked in the cafeteria hesitantly his shoulders slightly slumped. Not really wanting to talk to anyone or even be around people. 'I must do this for her...' Pulling himself up to his full height, he joined the serving line and only got a glass of ale. He then joined the others at the table, taking his seat in between Delak and Menaria.
Delak knew something had happen the moment he looked upon Lindoro. Concentrating momentarily with the Force, he noticed the man's aura was obscure and off once more. 'What happen? I need to talk with him alone.' "Lindoro?" He trailed off as he watched his friend take the seat next to him.
"I said I'm fine. Please finish your lunch." He said a bit more curtly than he meant too and flinched slightly at the harshness of his own voice.
"You aren't going to eat, Master?" Menaria hesitated to ask, but did any ways.
Lindoro's blue eyes flared momentarily as he looked toward her, but as soon as he made contact with her green caring eyes, the glare soften. He sighed wearily. "No Menaria, I'm not hungry. Please finish up." He eyed the initiates and nodded to them for they had gotten up and bowed respectively at his appearance. None of the initiates actually spoke for sensing the Knight's distress and they retook their seats and finished up their meals. Once done they excused themselves quietly while bowing their farewells to the Master and Knight. Waving goodbye to Menaria they headed off to their afternoon classes.
Menaria pushed her remaining food around on her plate with her fork. Making shapes out of the soft vegetables.
A far away expression was on Lindoro's face as he looked down into his near empty glass. Delak watched worriedly as he glanced at the Knight and then the Padawan. 'Don't they look the matching pair.' He thought sardonically. Before Delak could question Lindoro, his comlink beeped.
Reaching into his robe he pulled it out. "Delak here." A young boy's voice came over it. "This is Padawan Lionel, the Council would like to see you Master Delak."
Delak looked over at his friend tilting his head slightly. Lindoro had looked up at the boy's voice an expression flickered through the Knight's deep blue eyes that Delak could not discern. 'Something happen with the Council? Or with this boy?' Delak's curiosity was rising. "I guess our sparring is off for today?" Delak whispered to his friend.
"I forgot...we'll do it tomorrow then." Lindoro's reply was absently voiced. Delak nodded still looking worried.
"I'll be there in a moment then Padawan Lionel." Delak replied as he grabbed his glass and finished the rest of his drink.
"Yes sir, I will let them know that you are on your way." The Senior Padawan ended the connection.
Delak replaced the comlink inside his robe's inner pocket. He placed a webbed hand upon Lindoro's shoulder as he got up from the table. "Are you going to be all right?" He asked looking down into the Knight's dull eyes.
"Yes, I'm fine. You better get going and see what they want." Lindoro mumbled as he avoided his friend's silver eyes.
Delak didn't miss the sarcastic stressing of the word they. 'Hmmm something did happen with the Council... but what?' "Lindoro, talk with me later, OK?" The tall Knight just nodded as he swallowed the last of his ale.
"Come Padawan, let's go meditate before we begin our katas." Lindoro said absently.
Delak sighed as he took his plate and glass and dropped it off on the tray table. He glanced back once more at his friend as he left the cafeteria. The Knight's walk was slow and his shoulders were slightly hunched over. 'What happened?' He thought as he headed toward a lift to take him to the Council's Room.
Lindoro walked into the meditation chambers and froze in place. The one that he and Menaria usually occupy was a small room that could hold up to four individuals. Several mats were on the floor so people could kneel or sit on them. Soothing music was being played, as the scent of flowers and water were mixed in the air. The walls had several pictures depicting a variety of planetary climates; from snowy mountains to a flowing waterfall.
Menaria walked in after him and went to the center of the room and knelt. She looked over her shoulder at her Master, eyebrows furrowed with worry.
Lindoro shook the uneasiness from him as he programmed the room to reflect being in use. He then approached Menaria and knelt to the left besides her on the mat next to her own.
"Master..." Menaria started but stopped at the rising of the tall Knight's hand.
"Not now...perhaps later. Let us focus on the here and now." Lindoro's voice was strained as his throat tightened and his mouth became dry. He replaced his hand back onto his thigh and closed his eyes.
Menaria dropped the conversation and watched him for a few more seconds. It was obvious the man was being bombarded by emotions. His black thick eyebrows were scrunched together and the crease lines between his two eyes deepened as the man bowed his head slightly. She couldn't see any more of his face as his hair slipped around his cheeks.
Sighing quietly, Menaria closed her own eyes and drew upon the Force. She achieved her center of calm within minutes.
Lindoro tried to calm his turmoil of thoughts as they raced through his mind, but they would not be silenced that easily. He was plagued by the ideas of the Council not having faith in him and their thoughts of him being dangerous. All this weighed heavily upon him. Slumping his shoulders and bowing his head further until his chin rested upon his chest, he continued to try and find his center. As the hour slowly passed, Lindoro never fully achieved his calm.
Right before the hour was up, his comlink signaled a call. Opening his eyes he took it out from inside his robe. "D'Lockens here."
Palpatine's voice came through it. "Knight D'Lockens, this is Senator Palpatine."
"Good afternoon Senator." Lindoro replied as he glanced over at Menaria. She was watching him, still in her kneeling position.
"I will be able to do our lunch tomorrow around 1300. Will that be alright?" The man's voice seemed to be full of energy.
"Yes, Senator, that should be alright." Lindoro raised his eyebrows slightly in questioning manner as he eyed his Padawan. She smiled and nodded while whispering. "I don't mind Master, we can still do katas?" At Lindoro's nod, her smile widened.
"Then I will see you tomorrow then, Knight D'Lockens. Please come to my office, we'll have it there. I'm on the 100th floor in room 178."
"I will be there then, good day Senator." The Senator ended the connection and Lindoro put the comlink back as he got up from the mat. "Are you sure, Menaria?" She nodded as she got up as well.
"Let us go do our katas." He then programmed the room as open once more as he headed out through the door followed by Menaria.
The two headed toward the gym.
Lindoro paused when the doors closed behind him, sighing loudly, the past actions weighing heavily upon his shoulders. 'I was a fool... a damn fool. How childish!' He berated himself as he stood there. 'But I had my reasons! They don't trust me!' Growling, he pushed those thoughts away. Hearing a rustling of paper, he spotted the Senior Padawan in the small office off adjacent to the entrance to the waiting room. Sighing again he made his way over to the boy.
"Padawan Lionel." He called out quietly from the open doorway.
The boy jumped at the Knight's voice. "I'm sorry, sir, didn't hear you approach." The boy immediately got up from his chair and bowed.
"I wanted to apologize to you about earlier. My behavior was unbecoming of a Jedi. And I hope there are no hard feelings over this." He then bowed to the boy, which was highly uncommon for a Jedi to bestow upon one of lesser rank.
Lionel's expression reflected shock for just a split second before regaining control. "Thank you, Knight D'Lockens, I accept your apology. And no there are no hard feelings...I sensed you were upset. Thank you for apologizing." The boy replied hesitantly.
Lindoro nodded and bid the boy good day who in turn did the same. The trip to the turbolift was seconds, but to him felt like a lifetime as the thoughts rambled on. 'How could they? They do believe I've fallen! But if they do then why...of course. Master Yoda said she is right for me. I must not loose faith...but how can I not? For look at what they've done! And how the others treat me! They have lost faith in me...' As he entered the turbolift and told the destination; tears started to pool in his eyes. He reached out and slammed the emergency stop button as the lift started to proceed downward. He lost the strength in his legs and began sliding to his knees to fall heavily against the back of the lift. The Knight grasped his head with his hands and sobbed. At the last second he remembered to put his shields up hoping his Padawan would not pick up on his stress.
Menaria and Kork entered the cafeteria talking about next week's festivities once more.
"Master Delak might be surprised. Since they're going to dedicate them to Mon Calamari in honor of all their past support to the Republic."
Kork nodded at Menaria's enthusiasm. "I bet he will be. There he is, let's go tell him. I'm sure Nania and Seriu will be here shortly." The Squib raced over to the aquatic Master who was already waiting his turn at the serving line.
The two bowed once Delak looked their way. "Master Delak, have you heard about the theme for next week's celebration?" Menaria asked as her green eyes shimmered.
Delak nodded at the young ones' greetings. "Good day to you two. As a matter of fact I just heard about that a little bit ago. Interesting that they decided upon the Mon Calamari, eh?" He smiled widely as he chuckled.
The two got a plate of their own and joined Delak in choosing different foods from the line of selections.
Nania and Seriu joined them within a few minutes and bowed a greeting at Delak who in turned nodded back. "Good afternoon Master Delak." Seriu said as Nania smiled at the aquatic Master.
Menaria looked for her Master, but did not see the tall Knight anywhere. 'Guess he got caught up with things.'
Master Delak noticed her searching and the frown that appeared upon her face as he took a seat at their regular table along with the other three initiates.
"I'm sure he'll be along shortly. He probably got caught up in traffic. He was going to spend some time at the Senatorial Park. If you haven't picked up on his habit of letting time slip away with him when he's surrounded by the Living Force, you now know. His Master had to drag him away on numerous occasions from places like that. I'll try to get him on his comlink." And saying such, he reached into his robe and pulled out his comlink. A few seconds later and after several attempts, Lindoro finally answered.
"D'Lockens here." The voice was hoarse and sounded strained. Alarm shot through the Mon Calamari as he glanced at the Knight's Padawan.
Menaria's attention was drawn as well when she heard his voice. She concentrated on their bond and felt nothing. 'He's shielding me...'
"Lindoro, are you all right?" Delak asked worriedly.
"Yes...I'll be there momentarily." The connection was severed signaling the end of the conversation. Delak's silver eyes widen. "Now that was strange..."
"I can't feel anything through our bond." Menaria whispered. Kork laid a furred hand upon her arm reassuringly. She glanced at him nodding her thanks. Seriu and Nania exchanged worried looks.
"I'm sure he's ok." Delak said as he patted the girl's shoulder.
Menaria's appetite vanished as her concern for Lindoro mounted.
In the lift, Lindoro checked his chrono and realized that he had been in the lift for well over an hour. He hated ending the talk with Delak, but he wasn't in the mood to talk about what had happen. 'Not yet...and maybe not ever.' Sighing heavily he got up from the floor and told the lift to resume his destination and changed it to the cafeteria.
The tall Knight walked in the cafeteria hesitantly his shoulders slightly slumped. Not really wanting to talk to anyone or even be around people. 'I must do this for her...' Pulling himself up to his full height, he joined the serving line and only got a glass of ale. He then joined the others at the table, taking his seat in between Delak and Menaria.
Delak knew something had happen the moment he looked upon Lindoro. Concentrating momentarily with the Force, he noticed the man's aura was obscure and off once more. 'What happen? I need to talk with him alone.' "Lindoro?" He trailed off as he watched his friend take the seat next to him.
"I said I'm fine. Please finish your lunch." He said a bit more curtly than he meant too and flinched slightly at the harshness of his own voice.
"You aren't going to eat, Master?" Menaria hesitated to ask, but did any ways.
Lindoro's blue eyes flared momentarily as he looked toward her, but as soon as he made contact with her green caring eyes, the glare soften. He sighed wearily. "No Menaria, I'm not hungry. Please finish up." He eyed the initiates and nodded to them for they had gotten up and bowed respectively at his appearance. None of the initiates actually spoke for sensing the Knight's distress and they retook their seats and finished up their meals. Once done they excused themselves quietly while bowing their farewells to the Master and Knight. Waving goodbye to Menaria they headed off to their afternoon classes.
Menaria pushed her remaining food around on her plate with her fork. Making shapes out of the soft vegetables.
A far away expression was on Lindoro's face as he looked down into his near empty glass. Delak watched worriedly as he glanced at the Knight and then the Padawan. 'Don't they look the matching pair.' He thought sardonically. Before Delak could question Lindoro, his comlink beeped.
Reaching into his robe he pulled it out. "Delak here." A young boy's voice came over it. "This is Padawan Lionel, the Council would like to see you Master Delak."
Delak looked over at his friend tilting his head slightly. Lindoro had looked up at the boy's voice an expression flickered through the Knight's deep blue eyes that Delak could not discern. 'Something happen with the Council? Or with this boy?' Delak's curiosity was rising. "I guess our sparring is off for today?" Delak whispered to his friend.
"I forgot...we'll do it tomorrow then." Lindoro's reply was absently voiced. Delak nodded still looking worried.
"I'll be there in a moment then Padawan Lionel." Delak replied as he grabbed his glass and finished the rest of his drink.
"Yes sir, I will let them know that you are on your way." The Senior Padawan ended the connection.
Delak replaced the comlink inside his robe's inner pocket. He placed a webbed hand upon Lindoro's shoulder as he got up from the table. "Are you going to be all right?" He asked looking down into the Knight's dull eyes.
"Yes, I'm fine. You better get going and see what they want." Lindoro mumbled as he avoided his friend's silver eyes.
Delak didn't miss the sarcastic stressing of the word they. 'Hmmm something did happen with the Council... but what?' "Lindoro, talk with me later, OK?" The tall Knight just nodded as he swallowed the last of his ale.
"Come Padawan, let's go meditate before we begin our katas." Lindoro said absently.
Delak sighed as he took his plate and glass and dropped it off on the tray table. He glanced back once more at his friend as he left the cafeteria. The Knight's walk was slow and his shoulders were slightly hunched over. 'What happened?' He thought as he headed toward a lift to take him to the Council's Room.
Lindoro walked into the meditation chambers and froze in place. The one that he and Menaria usually occupy was a small room that could hold up to four individuals. Several mats were on the floor so people could kneel or sit on them. Soothing music was being played, as the scent of flowers and water were mixed in the air. The walls had several pictures depicting a variety of planetary climates; from snowy mountains to a flowing waterfall.
Menaria walked in after him and went to the center of the room and knelt. She looked over her shoulder at her Master, eyebrows furrowed with worry.
Lindoro shook the uneasiness from him as he programmed the room to reflect being in use. He then approached Menaria and knelt to the left besides her on the mat next to her own.
"Master..." Menaria started but stopped at the rising of the tall Knight's hand.
"Not now...perhaps later. Let us focus on the here and now." Lindoro's voice was strained as his throat tightened and his mouth became dry. He replaced his hand back onto his thigh and closed his eyes.
Menaria dropped the conversation and watched him for a few more seconds. It was obvious the man was being bombarded by emotions. His black thick eyebrows were scrunched together and the crease lines between his two eyes deepened as the man bowed his head slightly. She couldn't see any more of his face as his hair slipped around his cheeks.
Sighing quietly, Menaria closed her own eyes and drew upon the Force. She achieved her center of calm within minutes.
Lindoro tried to calm his turmoil of thoughts as they raced through his mind, but they would not be silenced that easily. He was plagued by the ideas of the Council not having faith in him and their thoughts of him being dangerous. All this weighed heavily upon him. Slumping his shoulders and bowing his head further until his chin rested upon his chest, he continued to try and find his center. As the hour slowly passed, Lindoro never fully achieved his calm.
Right before the hour was up, his comlink signaled a call. Opening his eyes he took it out from inside his robe. "D'Lockens here."
Palpatine's voice came through it. "Knight D'Lockens, this is Senator Palpatine."
"Good afternoon Senator." Lindoro replied as he glanced over at Menaria. She was watching him, still in her kneeling position.
"I will be able to do our lunch tomorrow around 1300. Will that be alright?" The man's voice seemed to be full of energy.
"Yes, Senator, that should be alright." Lindoro raised his eyebrows slightly in questioning manner as he eyed his Padawan. She smiled and nodded while whispering. "I don't mind Master, we can still do katas?" At Lindoro's nod, her smile widened.
"Then I will see you tomorrow then, Knight D'Lockens. Please come to my office, we'll have it there. I'm on the 100th floor in room 178."
"I will be there then, good day Senator." The Senator ended the connection and Lindoro put the comlink back as he got up from the mat. "Are you sure, Menaria?" She nodded as she got up as well.
"Let us go do our katas." He then programmed the room as open once more as he headed out through the door followed by Menaria.
The two headed toward the gym.