AN: Sorry for the long time for the update, and that this is a short chapter, but I've been quite busy. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter Three
"…So of course you understand the sensitivity of this matter, Heru Saria," Valdir's pre-recorded holo-image explained. Saria shifted uncomfortably on her cushion as she listened, suddenly glad the message had been sealed for her eyes only. "We will be awaiting your report with great anticipation," he went on. "Of courxe, if you wish to decline the mission, another will be sent in your place."
"Not likely," she muttered, starting when she saw an almost smirk on the holo-elf's lips, as if he'd expected such a remark. As soon as it fluttered by however, it was gone, replaced with his former seriousness.
"There is also the matter of your young Padewan, Tatl," he continued. "As always, she should be made aware of the danger you both face with this new mission – doubly so because of its uniqueness." Saria bit her bottom lip as she though of the girl. She truly loved her as if she were her own daughter, and of course worried for her in the same manner.
She thought fondly of her own master, very much like a mother to her – she had fussed over her as she now did for Tatl. Clearly, she remembered her frustration and even outright annoyance at the treatment. Would Tatl feel no less if she were to treat her the same way? No – she remembered the sage words of Master Yavien when Tatl was first given into her care: 'Treat them as adults and they will act as adults. Trust in her abilities and you will learn as much from her as she from you.'
"…if we do not hear from you, we will assume your acceptance of the mission. May the Force Be With You." The image of Valdir winked out after he finished his message. She sat for a long time, contemplating – her assignment, her duty, and most of all what she would tell her Padewan. She couldn't ask this of her, being so young, and yet –
Before she could think any more of it, she stood and exited out into the main room where Tatl sat meditating. She immediately looked up, sensing her Master's presence and sitting back in her chair respectfully. Saria sat beside her.
"I've received a message from home," she began. Unconsciously her hands began toying nervously with the cuff of her robe. "We – I – have been given a new mission." Tatl nodded for her to continue. "A dangerous mission," Saria added, "One that, if accepted, we may never return from." Tatl watched her master carefully, wondering in her heart what could be so terrible that it caused the fear she saw in her master's eyes. At the same time she knew that she would follow her anywhere- even if that meant to death.
"Master, if I may speak," she said softly. "From the moment of my birth, you had bound yourself to me, and I to you. Whatever trial is before us, we will face it together, for my place is at your side, Heru nin." She paused, placing her hand upon her Master's. "Mellon nin."
Saria allowed her heart to warm for that brief moment of love shared between them – Master and Apprentice, sisters in arms. But then she began to speak of their mission, and watched the warmth bleed away from her adopted daughter's face.
"Valar protect us," Tatl breathed when she finished. Saria placed her other hand over her Padewan's and squeezed gently.
"I will understand if you do not now wish to- "
"I will follow," Tatl interrupted suddenly. She caught her Master's eyes and held them firmly. In that moment, she seemed the most grown-up to Saria than she ever had. She swallowed thickly as her apprentice repeated: "I will follow."
There is one hallway in the Jedi Temple that is different from all the others. Visually, it seems very much the same as any other Padewans and teachers walk down every day going about their usual activities – bright and airy, a perfect blending of art and functionality that leaves the viewer with an inexplicable sense of inner tranquility. Its high curving ceilings dome over the smooth marble floors, leading up to an intricate yet simply designed door, embraced on either side by two trees whose branches reached up to the ceiling and roots dug into the floor.
No Jedi ever goes down that hallway. Occasionally, Padewans would pass by on their way to lessons, each time looking earnestly down the enigmatic passage, seeking some clue as to what was behind the large wooden doors. The Younglings who did not know the corridor was forbidden sometimes wandered down towards the pretty trees, victims of their own curiosity. Soon after heading towards them however, they would meet the force-barrier that would plant fear into their little hearts, and they would turn and scurry back to safer ground. None who have tried ever reached the doors.
It is down this hallway Saria walked – not tentatively as the many Padewans and Younglings before her, but with the firm, sure footsteps of one who knew where they were going. Pausing in front of the doors, she lightly ran her hand over the carvings on the door, Elvish runes, the name of the One Who is Many.
The doors whispered open, giving her permission to enter. Inside the dim candlelit room were two soft cushions on the floor, and on the one facing her he sat.
"Thranduilion," she bowed slightly in respect before sitting across from him. He nodded his head to her in acknowledgement. "You have heard." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.
"I have," his soft voice floated out to her. Even though she knew better, she always found it hard to accept that such a gentle being could be so dangerous. He was the First of them; One of the Nine, the founder of the Rangers. The rumor was that the Order was established in memory of his beloved friend, a Human, and all that they had done together in the Great War. Looking at him now, she could not even imagine a bow in his hand, much less a lightsaber.
"You will go to Giinkar," he said softly. "Answers await you there." She bowed her head in respect.
"Yes, my Master."