This is a short section due to the actual talk kind of ran long. So here is the meeting at the landing pad. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks again for reading!! (Thanks MistiWhitesun!! I asked a couple buds and I think... mind you I think I have figured how to keep it using the italics...I have tried a couple of times prior... me and computers don't get along all that well! ;) hehehe Thanks again!!)
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Lindoro was up way before his alarm. Taking extra time in the refresher and allowing the heat from the water to help alleviate his building anxieties, he sighed deeply. My Master is returning! He felt like a Padawan again as his thoughts continually drifted to the Bothan's returning.
Meditation and breakfast went by quickly as the Knight strove to keep from checking his chrono ever five minutes.
"Is your Master going to join us at lunch?" Menaria asked as she held back the giggle that threatened to escape.
He's so excited! Well I am too! I have a Master and a Grand Master! Her dark green eyes sparkled echoing her Master's glow.
"Yes Menaria, I'll be sure to see if he can. I'm not sure how long the Council will keep him for his debriefing. But I will make sure that if he is done by mid day meal, we will come and have lunch with you." His smile grew as he waved good bye to the bowing initiates.
"Thank you Master. I can't wait to meet him." She then joined her friends as they headed off to their classes.
Lindoro went and checked out a speeder in order to head for the landing pad.
On his arrival, he noticed the normal coming and goings of numerous ships and other speeders. Never a dull moment or a second of silence for it's always busy. He chuckled as he tried to find an open spot for the speeder.
Finally after fifteen minutes of searching, he found an open spot and parked. Leaping out of the seat, he headed for the designated landing strip that the Bothan's ship would be landing.
Nodding to those that greeted him as he passed through several doors and other open bays, he could not keep the smile off his face. He finally reached the designated strip, as several technicians chuckled at the smiling Jedi while they greeted him. They were preparing the lines for refueling the cruiser once it arrived.
His appearance was calm and serene, but deep inside his adrenaline raced. It has been so long…though we've talked recently it just isn't the same.
The left side of his mustache ended up in his mouth and he began to chew on it unconsciously. Hands inside the arms of his robe, he tapped his arm impatiently. He continually fought the urge to glance at his chrono one last time.
You think I would know patience by now! This caused the tall man to smile. Upon the twitching of his lips did he realize that he had been chewing on his mustache. He spat it out with disgust. When did I ever start doing that? Nasty habit…terrible one at that too. A scowl replaced the grin. It was short lived as he saw the red and off-white cruiser coming toward the landing pad. It was a standard Republic Cruiser that most dignitaries traveled on.
Finally! His heart began to race as a sheepish grin replaced the brooding look. Taking his hands out from the robe, he waited anxiously until the ship touched down and the landing ramp lowered. Several officials disembarked before he saw the Bothan Master. Bowing slightly at those that passed by he attempted to not run as he approached Talias.
The Master was wearing his lighter brown robe over his off-white tunic and pants with the hilt of his saber flashing in the sunlight at the slow measured gait of his walk. The Bothan also had to curve his own excitement as he saw his old Padawan. When they were within speaking range, Lindoro closed the distance quickly as his strides lengthen to a near trot. The taller Jedi couldn't help refrain from smiling wider as he noticed his old Master's ears twitching slightly; he knew that he was having trouble with holding his own impatience.
"Master!" The Knight embraced the furred Jedi as tears threaten to mist in his eyes. Talias returned the embrace heartedly.
"Lin…Lin I need to be able to breathe." Talias' voice was muffled by the clothing and the man's chest. Talias chuckled as the human stepped back a little so the Bothan could get some air.
Several of the remaining passengers observed the greeting and whispered amongst themselves as their own smiles reflected the joy of the moment while continuing on to their own destinations.
"I'm sorry, Master…It is just so good to see you in person again." Lindoro's face redden a little as he looked downward then back to the dark brown eyes of his Master. "I didn't hurt you did I?"
Talias shook his head as the wide smile on his muzzle wavered and his cocked ears rotated sideways slightly. He was taken back by the Knight's aura at how obscure it was. Now that he had the chance to study his old apprentice he noticed the haggard appearance.
Focusing on the bond that had been dormant for so long, he felt the tightly shielded anguish and suffering. Without thinking he reached up and touched Lindoro's face gently with his furred hand. "Padawan…what is it? What has happened?"
Lindoro's voice caught at the sincerity of the Bothan's words and a lump formed in his throat. He looked away from his Master in shame causing the warm hand to slip from his cheek.
Feeling the pain increase, Talias lowered his arm and cleared his throat. "Let me check in with the Council to inform them the success of my mission and then we'll talk. Is your Padawan in class? When is she to meet with you next?"
Lindoro looked back at the Bothan. "She is in class until mid day meal we usually have lunch together prior to meditation and kata lessons." His voice was slightly hoarse.
Talias nodded. "Then I will meet you in the Map Room if it is open. I know that is the more favorable place to you. I already have a speeder that will take me to the Temple, so in that you don't have to worry." He reached out once more and squeezed the Knight's arm affectionately then headed off to give his report.
Lindoro nodded and watched his Master walk away. Can I tell him? What will he think? I have played these thoughts of telling him what has all happened…and imagined his response. But now…now I will see it first hand. Will he be disgusted with me? Will he think me a failure? Will he…will he no longer care for me?'
With those thoughts he bowed his head as he slowly made his way to his speeder and proceeded back to the Temple. Once he had checked the speeder in, he took the turbolift to the Map Room.
