Atton felt oddly light as he stepped down the ramp of their shuttle, a glance to the right showed that Mira was at least keeping pace, but she was pale enough to mistaken for Visas, and the way she constantly bit her lower lip was an obvious sign of the brewing worry. It took quite an effort to restrain his own worry so she couldn't sense it, but it was obviously needed.
Dantooine hadn't changed as far as he could tell. The sun still shone too bright for his liking, the wind still kept blowing through grass as animals slept and hunted one another as they always did. The harmony of life was almost a tangible thing.
It was boring as ever.
Yet there was a hint of change in the air, a worrisome smell Atton found himself frowning at... A hint of anger and frustration blowing at him...Atton didn't need to guess where the source of those emotions was. Mira, her senses more attuned then his, grimaced, her features somehow managing to become even more pale.
Atton forced himself to smile and reached out, gently clasping Mira's hand and making her grin at him. Oh force he was such a dork...though the warm feeling of knowing that such a simple gesture could reassure her wasn't all that bad. He rolled his eyes, man, if she ruined his scoundrel ways he might even become a honourable man...what a horrible thought.
The landing pad was deserted, not even a droid coming to meet them...how rude.
"You're ready for this?" Mira asked, her voice wavering a little. Looking back at her he saw her gazing over at the door he knew lead deeper into the enclave, as if she was expecting them to open at any moment. Maybe she was? She was of course a better jedi than him...which meant she was risking more than him. Not for the first time Atton felt a sting of guilt at the thought.
Forcing a chuckle Atton shrugged. "Oh I'm used to tussles with Mical." Mira shot him a frown. "Erm...by which I mean no, I've never been forced to stand before a jedi trial before." He licked his gums, trying to find something positive to say. "On the other hand, so has none of the others either. Besides, I'm sure we can dodge this, after all...we're valuable to the jedi."
"I'm not sure Mical would agree with that statement." Mira snorted, though she did squeeze Atton's hand.
Then the door opened. Atton concealed his surprise at the sight of Visas, still dressed in her dark dress, come towards them. Mira stood still, obviously having expected the other woman. Mira managed a weak smile, seemingly reassured at the sight of Visas. Odd...Atton had always assumed the two didn't like one another.
"Atton, Mira, it is good that you're here." The woman...smiled? Atton always had difficult telling with this lady, part for the reason he found her a little creepy. The former sith turned to 'look' at the hands of the two, so shamelessly held together. Did she 'see' them? Ugh, Atton quickly remembered why he liked staying away from his fellow jedi. Well...almost all of them. "So it is true then?"
"Afraid so." Mira answered, her smile becoming a little more sincere. "I guess Mical is waiting for us?"
"Yes, in the audience chamber together with Bao-Dur who's coming through via hologram." Visas cocked her head to the side. "He's...quite agitated as I understand it."
"Well, it's not over till the Gamorrean sings." Atton growled with more confidence than he felt, the Miraluka turned to him, unnerving him even further. Damn creepy with eyeless women...Atton self-consciously realized it was because they saw his soul and not his beautiful exterior...creepy. "Erm..you know..."
"I suppose that's supposed to be humour..." Visas muttered dryly, then turned back to Mira. "Are you sure about that one?"
Mira laughed. Wait...were they joking about him!? At a time like this!? Hadn't Mira moments ago been nervous to no end!? Women... "Well, one takes what one can find. Besides, I think of him of a project, a work in progress if you will."
"I'm not really comfortable..."
"You'll need to spend quite a few years on such a project." Visas interrupted him, despite her dry tone Atton could sense the weak amusement emanating from her, basically the equivalent of a laugh for the Miraluka. "The fool is not the greatest of men."
Atton spluttered while Mira giggled, lowering her gaze as she grinned. "Thank you Visas, I needed that." Then she took a deep breath, her mind focusing back to the task at hand before him. "Will we have your support?"
This time the Miraluka obviously hesitated, making Atton raise an eyebrow in surprise. Visas hesitating? Maybe he should have paid more attention to the changes the year had wrought on the others in the group? "I'm...unsure as to how to stand in this issue. I am not known for my way of thinking outside the box...as Bao-Dur would call it. However, you have my sympathy..." She frowned under her veil. "I'm perplexed really, this situation is too unique for me to wrap my head around."
"Your sympathy is appreciated." Mira smiled, apparently satisfied with the weak support. Huh...was it that shocking? Was their action that unique and stunning? It was hard to imagine...Atton sighed, wondering how he was supposed to tackle such a conservative ideal, especially with Mical arguing against them. No doubt directing his arguments at Visas and Bao-Dur would be more effective...especially if he caught Mical in some sort of verbal trap.
He didn't like the odds though...meh...what's the worst that could happen?
Visas turned to look at him, as if sensing his thoughts. "This could get...as I believe you'd say...ugly. We'd better not not keep the others however, it would not be...prudent."
Atton exchanged a look with Mira, squeezing her hand a little tighter and forcing a nervous smile. "Well...here goes nothing eh?"