Week 7 Day 5: The Talk

Adjusting himself on the bed, Dominik slowly began to stir as the minutes passed by. He felt Cora’s warmth nearby, both due to being in close proximity to her, and in her aura through the Force. The older Jedi slowly sat up, one hand holding his body up as the other rubbed his eyes. Glancing around the small room, he noted Cora sleeping next to him, and Lo resting, seemingly comfortable, on some blankets not far from the bed. The older man stood from the bed and grabbed a spare folded set of robes from the small crude stone table nearby. Soon he had disappeared from the room, leaving the two to wake when they needed.

Cora jerked awake startled by the lack of the rhythm of the sea. Her eyes snapped open and she pushed up shaking the exhaustion from her. Within moments she relived the last two weeks and she pushed to her feet. Softly padding over to her bag she pulled out her normal attire, her saber and a charcoal cloak. Tucking her hair behind her ears she looked over the Bothan girl but did not touch her. She was afraid that if she did the girl would wake up and she looked peaceful. Besides the girl needed the rest from the circles she had noticed that, while not as prominent as last night, were still there.

Peeling off her shirt Cora pulled on her white dress and shimmered out of the rest of her clothes under the dress. Tossing the cloak on she carefully clipped on her lightsaber. She strode out of the hut and barely stopped herself from snarling for Dominik. That man could try the patience of a Grandmaster. He was one of the worst patients she'd ever had.

Coming back from preparing for the day, Dominik held his old pair of robes draped over one arm, his other hand running over the freshly shaven bread on his chin. He spotted Cora outside of the hut and very briefly considered turning away. Taking in a deep breath, he continued forward. Unable to hide the slight limp on his right side, he walked slowly in an attempt to mask it as much as possible.

“How is Lo, Cora?” he asked, his first thoughts always on the well-being of his tired Padawan.

Lips thinning Cora's silver eyes snapped to his right side then back to his eyes. "She needs more rest as do you." Cora's tone was firm but unfailingly polite. Her diction was crisp and her words kept short. She was upset and her exhaustion still lingered. "Whom do I see to request information on the status of the situation from Dominik? Also am I to tie you to the bed like any other recalcitrant patient?" She used his full first name. Which he knew her well enough to know she was vexed.

Dominik caught the gaze she shot at him, he couldn’t help the shiver down his spine. Peeved healers were never a pleasant sort. “I can fill you in on most of it. Lo knows our healing situation better than anyone else. There’s also Sar, he’s in charge of his people.” Dominik explained, walking over to the open doorway of the hut and peeking inside. Seeing Lo still sleeping soundly, he placed the old robes just inside the doorway, draped over a crude table, before pulling back out from the doorway and looking to Cora.

“There’s much to be done Cora.” Dominik began, speaking almost sternly as an attempt to fight her attitude at his restlessness. “Lo has been working far too hard for a Padawan, Cora. She needs to rest, and I have my own duties to tend to.”

Nodding she pointed at the hut. "Correct. You do. She does and now I do. Your duties now include resting as do hers. I will not have you waste my talents by pulling your hip out of joint and having to wait in pain while Lo or I finish with someone else. Nor will I have her or myself distracted by your pain down the bond that we make a fatal mistake. You would crush her. At her age young girls are sensitive to these things. I shall also point out that you, yes you are the reason she has not healed more here. If you would not push yourself she would be better."

Her tone was firm and no nonsense and her posture loose. She knew her scant observations were hitting their mark as she watched his reaction. She'd come into her own in the ten years she'd been separated from the Order and surprisingly a better Jedi for it. She knew she was a force to be reckoned with since she'd helped anyone who sought her out on Manaan. She'd healed normal people and Force Users alike. Jedi, Sith and in between. She knew how to cut to the heart of the matter and give the cold hard truth.

Dominik found himself silent as Cora spoke the truth. Everything he had been holding in his heart was basically handed to him and made vocal. Nothing she said was out of place, it was as if she had been here this entire time. Watching, listening, learning. It was sad, Dominik thought, that it was easily noticeable the issues he and Lo were having by someone who had just arrived. It was the hard truth, and Dominik hadn’t quite expected it all to be said so bare boned and open. Nothing was hidden.

The older Jedi took in a deep breath as his mind rolled her words around in his head. He could feel her worry; about him, about their whole situation. The Ryloth relief mission had turned into something far darker and far more serious than before. It had burned holes in he and Lo’s bond in ways Dominik wasn’t sure he could fix quickly. He sighed deeply and stood in silence. Lately he had felt less like a master and more like an apprentice. He felt as if he was failing in his duties to Lo.

He took in a sharp breath as he moved from the doorway, glancing up as a few Twi’lek emerged from one of the huts nearby. “Your words speak the truth, Cora. I will not ignore them, but I must meet with Sar this morning.” He said quietly, smiling weakly at the younger Jedi before he moved past her in the direction of the healing tents and ration tables.

Lo's head nuzzled deeper into the assortment of thick blankets as she twisted about. Her body stretched out, moving the blanket, as she curled back into her ball. A slight burn etched into her muscles. Her body wanted to continue sleeping, but her mind knew better. She had to get up.

Sighing a bit, she pushed herself upright. Her hand reached back to scratch a budding itch near her ear. She then rubbed the grit from her vision before giving a loud, lengthy yawn. Her body tilted then plopped on her ass. She took in her surroundings before she frowned. This wasn't the medical tents.

Walking into the hut Cora sighed. She looked over at the slightly confused Bothan girl, Lo. "Good morning Lo. I was hoping you would sleep longer but I suppose not. My name is Cora. Cora Alcyon. How are you feeling?" Cora sat down on the bed and patted it next to her as an invitation for Lo and to continue the conversation.

Lo leaned back. Confusion increased as she looked at the Jedi, unsure where they met before. Her fur fluffed a bit at the lack of memories. She didn't even recall making it to her Master's hut before she collapsed. Her hand pushed away her bangs from her eyes as she began to move upright. Lo's sluggish movements gaining some strength with the effort.

"I need to get dressed and check on the one hurt in the cave-in yesterday and prepare Master Rothul's pain killer." She started to look around for her spare robes she kept alongside Dominik's.

Cora smiled indulgently. “That is not an answer.” She was warm but had that no nonsense tone that was long practiced to getting what she wanted from a recalcitrant patient.

Lo internally groaned. She hated that tone and knew it well enough to cooperate. Her hand paused inches from her outer robe as she turned to Cora, facing the older Jedi. A small, soft sigh escaped her muzzle.

"I'm feeling well rested, but sore from the floor." Her tone held sincerity and minimal information.

Cora nodded, still smiling. “Well done Padawan. A very political answer. Vague but truthful. Now you shall not like this next part.” Cora paused for a moment. “I am very impressed with what you have done for the past few months. Most especially when Dominik was incapacitated. That being said you need a break. You need a few days to relax and regain your strength. As of right now you are not the only one here that can heal. However I do need something from you while you rest. I need you to make sure your Master does so as well.”

Lo braced herself then bit her lip hard, a habit developed through stress. "One healer is not enough, even with some twi'lek assisting you. Add on the responsibility to figure out how to substitute the lack of Kolto, sterilization, and more with natural options. Then include more critical injured patients..."

She took a breath then collected her rushing thoughts. "It isn't a one person job. As for making my master rest... what do you think I've been trying to do? Best I got was being able to give him painkillers for my own selfish reasons."

Mischief sparked from Cora’s eyes as she grinned. “One Jedi Healer is more than enough to take over for a span of two to three days while you both recuperate. You have stocked up on the local useful flora, located a water source, cleared a useful camp, isolated the injured versus the sick.” She ticked off her fingers with each statement.

Lo gritted her teeth as she felt her fur press against her skin. A sense of depression washed over her as she listened to the praise she didn’t deserve. As well as it looked on the outside, most of the time she had been flying on the seat of her trousers. No plan or skill involved at all.

“So now that we understand each other I expect that you will find it interesting to know that I know just how you feel. During my trials to become a Knight I was under just as much and sometimes more stress than you are at present. So I know how much you need to rest. Besides, Dominik should be easier to handle after our little talk. You need some guidance in the healing arts since you have shown such a talent for it. I aim to make that happen. I will need your help once you have recovered to care for the wounded or sick and I will need your knowledge of where the flora are located and where you have picked them from. Furthermore Dominik has failed to teach you manners and that is his fault not yours. He’s about to have more time on his hands to continue your training. I intend to lighten both of your burdens. I may have come running for you but I intend to stay for both of you.”

“Training…” A small, bitter laugh escaped Lo’s lips. “I think the time for that has passed a long time ago. I’m already behind for a padawan my age by two months and I keep falling farther and farther. First being captured by the slavers, assisting the Twi’lek, then mortar attack. Now new Jedi arrive. It’s like the force is telling me that I shouldn’t be a Jedi now.”

Cora stood and walked over to the clothes and handed the girl the extra set. “It will go much easier if I have your friendship and agreement Lo. Should not be a Jedi? Heavens no my dear. When you have a calling you have a calling. What makes you think you are two months behind?”

“Master Rothul sent for me, but it took him two months before he came for me. Two long months. This is my first actual time with him since I’ve been a padawan.” Lo bluntly stated.

Blinking Cora looked at the girl.[color:8c38=00CED1] “Pardon?” She was in shock. “Did he explain why? No wait, do not answer that. I know he did not. He would not. Surely he would have a specific reason that he would have been unable to tell you or even, perhaps he did not recognise how you felt? That is… did he ever ask you what the matter is Lo?”

"He did, but… This isn’t the first thing he didn’t go into depth over. I know he's keeping things from me, and they are painful, so I stopped asking about them. I don't want to cause him more pain."

Lo took the clothes still held out to her as she turned to get dressed.

Tucking her hair behind her ears Cora turned her back to give the girl some privacy. She pulled a face as she realized that she was going to get to the bottom of this so that she could fix it. Her face was full of concern, which she honestly felt, but none of the shock or slowly building frustration and anger at Dominik. Oh she realized that there were good reasons. Good ones too. “Did not go into depth over? Painful secrets? I noticed that you did not state your answer. We shall get back to that. Let me ask you Lo, do you trust your Master?”

Lo’s arms paused midway putting her tunic on. The question caught her off guard and caused her to look back over her shoulder. A long awkward silence stretched between them. Giving a heavy thought to the question and its reason, she knew the truth. Yet saying it proved harder than she wanted it to be.

“That question is too vague. I trust my master to be a Jedi, to trust the force, and do his best. I trust him not to purposely harm me.” Lo stated, picking the answers she gave based on her understanding of the question.

“Goodness that is a long list. So you do trust your Master then?”

“If you’re looking for a specific answer, you need to be more specific. You left the question for me to guess about what you mean and I can understand it in various ways. However, I’ll take it as you mean with my life and training. That’s a… yes.” Lo commented as she began to pull down her tunic over her head, careful to avoid catching her muzzle on it.

Cora tilted her head in acknowledgement. “You will think differently within a couple of months. I appreciate your honesty Lo. Please know that Dominik cares very deeply for you or I would not have flown from Manaan at his, what I thought might be dying, request so that you would not be alone. You hesitate my dear but in time you shall not. All I want you to do for the next three days is eat, rest and ask Dominik every question you can think of that comes out of your head. Can you do that?” Cora smiled conspiratorially.

“Questions are never the issue, it’s getting answers and understanding that is.” Lo said as she began to pull her hair back and tie it against her head. Her padawan braid hung down over the side of her eye. She turned about then tapped the older Jedi on the shoulder, indicating she was done.

Turning around Cora looked down at the girl. “If you do not receive answers I will want to know. Now if it is a personal matter you are not getting answers to, just know it is not you. If you keep with it eventually he opens up like an Alderaan rose.” She stroked Lo’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Now on to break our fast and then I want you both relaxing. You for three days and Dominik for five.”

“I don’t know if I have the strength for silence anymore.” Lo admitted, her ears perked up for the morning meal. She instinctively leaned into the touch to absorb the security and comfort it provided.

“A meal sounds good though.”  

Turning Cora walked over to the rations table with Lo. Looking for Dominik Cora glanced at the rations. She could not partake of these when she had not been accounted for. Cora had some rations in her bag as some more on the ship. Looking around she noticed that even though they were underground shafts of sunlight slanted in. The beams were only halfway down the wall. They were thin but still there. Ventilation was assured as well as fresh water if it rained.

Her gaze fell on Dominik, who was sitting by the rocks meditating. She had to make sure that he was not going to stress himself out. Or Lo for that matter. They both needed a break and Cora was going to be that for them. She turned toward Lo and thought better of asking her to introduce her to the leader.

Catching sight of a male Twi’lek that was salmon colored with darker bands along his lekku. His profile showed a strong straight nose and a rugged jawline. She smiled as she caught his eye. She could be charming if she wanted.

Walking up Cora tipped her head up at the Twi’lek and grinned charmingly. “Hello my name is Cora. Cora Alcyon. I am a friend of Dominik and Lo and a Jedi Healer. I hate to bother you but can you point me in the direction of Sar, please?”

Lo tilted her head. She noticed the smile and shift in behavior, the sweetness oozing out almost.

"You've found him." Sar said, bowing politely to Cora as she introduced herself. He finished the last remaining but of his rations before placing the crude bowl to the side. "What can I do for you Cora?" He asked gently, moving slightly to the side as a couple Twi'lek children ran past them.

Cora blinked at Sar for just a moment. She smiled at the kids that ran past. “I did not expect someone so young to be the leader here. How did that happen, if you do not mind me asking?” Cora was genuinely interested and was hoping for something that wasn’t tragic in the least.

Lo continued to frown then looked past Sar’s body and toward the medical hut. She debated on sticking around or heading to grab her notes.

"Before Master Rothul arrived, we were losing entire villages to gas attacks. Half of my village had disappeared after we had left on a hunting trip. When we returned and they were all gone, we found neighboring villages in the same predicament. I rounded up as many remaining as I could and we banded together." Sar explained, thinking over the last few months, even before Dominik and Lo had arrived, and how hard it had been on his people.

Cora was moved. “I am truly sorry for your loss. I can see why Dominik wanted to help the sheer audacity of someone to attack a village with poison gas… I cannot fathom it.”

“It wasn’t poison, it was knocked out gas. It left a nasty headache afterwards too.” Lo corrected Cora without thinking, her voice still gentle.

Cora bit her lip and looked between Lo and Sar. “Slavery.” Shaking her head Cora looked at Sar. “I have made Dominik and Lo more comfortable and they are healing but they need rest. I know this is unprecedented but until they are healed fully I would like to assist in their duties. I know you do not know me but I would be happy to answer any questions that you have. You can ask me anything.” There was a determined set to her chin and her silver eyes held Sar’s blue ones.

"You aren't a complete stranger to me, Cora. Dominik spoke of you a few times. We often sit at the center and talk late into the night. He's tried to tell me about his past, but it's hard for him. So I share what I can about mine. He knows he can trust me but it seems there's a lot of pain in bringing up old memories. Lately we've talked about other things. Friends, family. He has those very close to him that he cares for. You were often a topic when it was brought up." Sar explained, smiling softly at Cora as he spoke.

"I trust your judgement and your skills. Just as I do Dominik, Lo, and the other Jedi. We're grateful to have your assistance."

Cora did not know what to say. She blushed and smiled. “You have me at a disadvantage Sar. I hope that it was not my awkward teenage years. I assure you those are behind me. He is like a father to me. I-I did not realize how much I missed him until it was almost too late.”

Looking back over her shoulder at Dominik a tear rolled down her cheek. She had not realized she was crying. Quickly she swiped it away and turned back to Sar. “Dominik needs to stay off his feet and rest for a week. I have healed him but he needs to take it easy and let his body finish off the healing. Lo needs three days of sleep or she will push herself beyond tired and make a mistake that she will never forgive herself for. If they want to continue being useful they will stay in bed. I have drastic measures that I do not want to take but I will if need be.”

Sar laughed heartily as Cora mentioned her teenage years. "I promise you Master Jedi, it was not those. We talked about a lot. I respect his boundaries though. There are topics that I would bring up, about the war or other hard times we've been through. Sometimes I could get him to talk but more often than not he'd grow quiet."

Sar glanced over towards Dominik, able to see him past the tents and across the cavern, sitting next to the collapse as he normally did every morning. "I'm glad you're here Cora. I think he needs a little more firm encouragement. More than Lo and I combined could give him." He said, moving aside again as the same children from before ran back through, giggling and laughing. "I'll help keep an eye on him, and make sure he takes it easy. You have my word."

Cora blushed as Sar said her name. “Cora will do nicely. I am not a Master. The war was... Is… like every other. Nightmarish to be the least eloquent.” Cora smiled at the children. They always seemed to touch a place deep in her heart.

Reaching out she lightly touched Sar’s arm with just her fingertips. She looked up at him smiling. “Thank you Sar. For more than you know. Now to deal with the two most ornery patients in the whole of the Order. I shall see you about midday.” She let her fingers slide off his arm and strode over to Dominik.

Sar smiled and bowed his head at Cora as she left. He turned then, taking his empty bowl and moving to help those who still needed their morning meal.

Lo’s eyes had found the ground during their conversation. Admirable or not, she didn’t feel proud of her failure to reach her master. At the mention of two ornery patients, she felt the comment referred to her master and her. She didn’t look forward to the next three days of sitting around while others did her job.

Seeing Sar busy and Cora already moving toward Dom, she debated on the wisdom of retrieving her notes. Cora would need them since the wrong combination of plants would only waste supplies. Lo sighed again and followed her logic. She turned on her heel and shifted her path to the medical tents, the last place she left them.  

~~~

Sitting in front of the rock collapse, knees folded and his hands resting on his knees, the older Jedi often fell into a deep meditation while he sat there. Today seemed different though, for he couldn't lose himself in his thoughts as he normally did. He sensed as Cora came near, but chose to say nothing just yet.

Cora sat down facing Dominik. Waiting patiently was something she was used to doing. She watched him with a healer's eye, looking for signs of strain and backsliding in his progress. She saw none and turned her observations over to more emotional territory.

"Talked about me did you? To a single, attractive, assertive male? I quite remember a time that you were not so keen on my association with the opposite sex. And do not pretend to not hear me." Cora cast a raised eyebrow and a blank look at Dominik.

Eyes closed, but an eyebrow raised, Dominik waited for Cora to finish speaking before he let out an exasperated sigh. “I spoke to him of fond memories and good friends.” Dominik replied, opening his eyes to look at Cora before they closed again. “Sar is a good friend, Cora. He has made talking easier, if only by a little.”

Nodding her head Cora looked over at Sar across the cavern. "I am glad you have him. Although it does sting a bit that you have not spoken with your former Padawan with such freedom. But you were always too protective about certain things. You might find that the people walking beside you wish to assist you with the burden you shoulder. Indeed they would relish the chance to become even closer to you."

Rising smoothly Cora shook out her skirts. "You are on bed rest for five days, argue with me or do something taxing and see how fast I use restraints."

“Those walking beside me, especially my padawan, do not need to hear me sulk over the guilt that I carry.” Dominik replied, eyes still closed as he spoke. “And I don’t need bed rest, Cora. I’ve been resting long enough.” He challenged, eyes opening now and his posture relaxing. He rested an elbow on one of his knees, one hand moved up to rub his eyes.

“I don’t need bedrest, nor do I need to share with others the grief I hold. I just-” Dominik sighed again, continuing to rub his eyes as his thoughts raced.

Cora's eyes snapped silver fire. "You do. On both counts. You close off on her and so help me Dominik Rothul I will not care if you are on the Council or not I will make you regret it. She is not half as persistent as I was at her age. You push her away and she will resent you for it and you will break her. Let her do what you would not and will not let me do. Let her in. Everyone needs someone."

It took everything Cora had to close off her emotions and push them back down. Seeing Dominik was joy and sorrow for her. She constantly felt like she'd never lived up to him. She'd analytically dissected the feelings long ago and buried them only to have them rise again. Ironic that she should lecture him on repression or letting people in.

Lo reminded Cora of herself at that age. She hoped that Lo had an easier time with Dominik than Cora had. It was worse that she was supposed to stand by and watch it happen again. Well she had decided that she was stepping in.

The Master Jedi would not say it, he could not. But he was afraid. Afraid of letting Lo in and then losing her, just as he had lost Evin. Just as he had lost Sela, and Xid, and so many others who he would never see again, who he could never speak to again. The older man sat there, slouched with his head rested in his hand, almost as if all of his strength had left him. He thought that by not letting anyone in, he could prevent himself from losing anyone, and prevent others from the pain they may feel should they lose him. It seemed though that if he shut Lo out, he would lose her, and lose their bond in a way he didn’t think possible.

He said nothing. For many long, silent moments the old man sat there, breathing in and out as he kept his emotions down, but he hid his face from Cora. Slouched over, head resting in one hand, he wasn’t sure if he was ready to release his grief and let others in.

Turning in a swirl of skirts Cora retreated before she dashed herself on the sharp rocks that were Dominik’s stubbornness. If it would have done her any good she would have mentioned that he was special to so many people that, while they may not number as the stars, they were still countless. She had waited so long for his approval and to have it when he thought he was dying, that was upsetting.

No that was not correct. She wanted his love, approval was secondary. She looked at Dominik as a father. After all he had been the one to save her.



Ever since speaking to Cora earlier that day, Dominik hadn't the energy or the focus to move from his spot in front if the rock collapse. He mostly meditated, off and on, over the words Cora had said to him and how deep they had dug into his heart. He knew they were true. He knew he shut people out. But in Dominik's mind, it was for their own good. No one deserves to carry the grief he does. He was afraid that Lo would only ever see herself as a comparison if Dominik spoke too much about Evin. He was afraid she would look at him differently should he talk about his experience in Sith hands, or about the things he's seen during the war and the things he's had to do.

What good could sharing his burdens do for others?

He knew Lo cared, and that she wanted to help. But he was afraid that letting her in would shove nothing but negativity and grief into her young heart.

Lo watched Dominik from a distance. It had taken her the whole day to collect her courage and nerve to approach him. The perfect excuse came around meal time as she stepped into line and patiently waited for her turn. She told Sar she intended to take his meal to him which the older Twi'lek acknowledge. After putting a large serving of rice and various sauce and medley dishes on a leaf, she left.

With careful steps and balance, she managed to approach her master without an issue. Lo couldn't help the anxiety start to grow within her heart while she drew closer. She swallowed then recalled Cora's request, unsure of how to approach it. Her master's head rested in his hand causing her to gently tap his thigh with her boot toe.

---

Cora came out of a hut where a young man was laid up with a broken leg. Lo had set it well and there was no sign of complications, except that the young man was bored. Cora had given him her sternest look and let him know that she expected him to stay off of it for six weeks. She had promised him she'd see if she could fashion some crutches for him.

Looking up she saw Lo headed toward… Dominik? I told him bed rest! Stubborn man! As she watched Lo took him food. Has not eaten either. If he back slides I will Stasis him till I feel he is better. Please just talk to her. She needs you but you need her more...

---

"Master? I brought food, you should eat. You haven't eaten all day." She said quietly, looking worried.

He heard the footsteps as Lo grew closer, but chose not to say anything. After a few moments he felt a gentle tap on his thigh which caused him to focus on her words. He didn’t move at all yet as he thought about what she said. “Thank you Lo, but-” he stopped suddenly, recalling Cora’s words, recalling her request to let Lo in. He took a deep breath and pulled his head up, opening his eyes to look up at his Padawan with a faint, but true smile. “You’re right. A meal would do me good… what did they fix tonight?”

Lo’s chest tightened at the start of his rejection. Immediately her fur flattened and her eyes looked to the ground instinctively, trying to accept the pain. As he took a breath, her thoughts considered escape until she caught his question. A small, timid smile crossed her lips. The gesture was little, but the most meaningful thing to her right now.

Careful not to destroy the moment, she bent down and set the leaf between the two of them. Her finger pointed to each dish as she explained them.

“We have some roasted Rycrit in the center with cooked rice and some sauces to go with it. They are mainly a medley of vegetables and fruits, with some hot after-taste in some. This one is very bad with it.” She pointed to the reddish one nearest him.

“It’s called Kreen. Due to the root used in it. I would brace before trying that one and have a chunk of meat and rice to temper.” Lo’s voice took on a relaxed and childish excitement as she continued to explain each one to her master.    

The smile remained on Dominik’s face as he listened and watched Lo go over every part of the meal. He watched the enthusiasm and couldn’t help a soft chuckle after she explained the Kreen.

“Becoming quite the cook are we?” Dominik said, smiling faintly to Lo as he looked over the meal.

“I loved helping in the kitchens as a youngling. Even when I put a lot of what I liked into the meals, thinking it would taste better. It turns out milk and nerf steaks… don’t taste too good mashed together.” Lo tried not to blush at her early experiments with food.

Dominik snickered at her comment, “I can imagine they don’t.” He said, reaching down and taking a small piece of the sliced meat. He lightly pulled it through one of the sauces before bringing it up and placing it in his mouth.

“Thankfully, I’ve learned more since then. I also know how to deep-fry nerf steaks with a crispy coating.” She had before; also trying some rice and one of the sauces, a deep orange one with some chopped fruit in it. A quick tense faded into bliss as the strong tang faded into sweet. She managed to lick her fingers clean.

“Soo… Cora told me I’m on three days rest. Did she tell you that you’re on five?” Lo chose an easy question to test the waters.

“She did.” Dominik said, taking another piece of the meat before dragging it through the same sauce as before and plopping it in his mouth. He wouldn’t openly admit it, but now that Lo had brought food over his stomach started to feel like an empty pit.

“Did she tell you anything else?” Dominik asked, wondering if Cora had mentioned yet anything about teaching Lo more about healing and helping the young Bothan to hone her skills.

“Yes. She was taking over until I’m done resting then going to help me with training and improving my healing. She says she’s impressed, but I don’t see why. I was flying by the seat of my trousers the whole time and even my organization could be better.” Lo commented, indifferent to her accomplishments, as she took some more rice and tried another sauce. This one was sour and savory, causing her to let out a little moan of enjoyment.

“Even if you don’t see the talent Lo, I see it. You are very gifted.” Dominik said in between bites, his free hand brushing over the robes over the scar on his abdomen. He looked over at her as she was enjoying her bite. He licked his fingers clean and then brushed them on his trousers before he adjusted the way he was sitting to be a little more comfortable.

“There also was something else Cora wanted me to do… but I’m not sure it’s a good idea.” Lo stated, trying to muster up her courage and strength.

Dominik took a deep breath at Lo’s words. He had a feeling he knew what she spoke of, but he could also be wrong. “What did she tell you? I’m sure you can do it, Lo. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

She wasn’t sure about this, even with her master’s encouragement. Her eyes closed for a moment as she inhaled then exhaled, letting her calm wash over her.

“She told me for the next three days, all I was supposed to do was eat, rest, and ask you every question that came to mind.” Lo fell silent, taking another bite. This one became tasteless the moment the truth invaded the air.

Dominik’s head moved to the hand resting on one knee again. His palm rubbed over his face as he thought over what Lo said. He straightened himself up again, turning himself more towards Lo before he spoke again. “And have you thought of any questions?” he said, looking to her and attempting to be as open as he could.

"Master... the more accurate statement is when don't I?" Lo pointed out.

The man nodded almost immediately at Lo’s statement. He couldn’t help the playful chuckle at the truth of it. Though it was something that Dominik had never really thought about until now. “What are your questions, Lo?” he began, looking directly at his Padawan as if to help show he was listening to her and only her.

Her tension cautiously began to drop from her figure. She gave a soft smile and sorted through her endless list, finally settling on one.

“We’ll start with an easy one. Since we’re currently eating, what’s your favorite food?”

The old man couldn’t help but chuckle again at the simple question. “Believe it or not… Colo Clawfish.” he teased, knowing good and well many of the younger generations of just about any species despised odd looking food before trying it. It definitely wasn’t the most appealing meal Dominik ever had, but it was a delicacy on his homeworld and something he had grown up eating on special occasions.

Lo tilted her head then blinked. “What’s that?”

“It’s usually a mix of two to three different types of cracked eggs mixed with a type of caviar from species of fish.”

“Caviar is fish eggs, right? How do they get those?”

“I’m not sure Lo.” Dominik said, snickering at her simple questions, though he figured it was only the beginning. “I just enjoy the taste. Though most younger ones around your age tend to this it’s disgusting.”

“I’m curious to what it tastes like, but I doubt I’ll get a chance. Maybe when I do, I’ll be the right age to actually enjoy it.” Lo retorted in a cheeky, playful fashion.

“What were you like as a youngling and padawan?” She asked suddenly, her figure leaning in to listen.

“My master often called me reckless.” Dominik began, laughing softly at the memory. “Master Ki always hated how little interest I had shown in the way of combat and dueling. I always preferred to watch and to wait before I made my decision.” Dominik paused for a moment, hesitant before he spoke again. “We fought a lot because of our indifference. Even then, he always told me how proud he had been. After I passed my Trials with great success, we stayed in touch and I continued to learn from him even though I felt like I was on my own.”

“Was it ever hard to talk to him?” Lo asked, hoping the question might enlighten her own issue and bring a solution.

“It was, at times.” Dominik said, thinking back to the first years with his master.

“What did you do and did it ever get better?”

“I kept working towards what I loved most.” He began, eyes closed as the memories slowly started to come back. “Soon he saw that my tactics and my patience weren’t such a bad thing. Soon he became more understanding, and we began to get along.”

A lengthy pause started as Lo took some meat and tried the spiciest of the sauces, absorbing what he had said. A few moments ticked by before she broke the silence again.

“Master, do you miss Evin?” Her heart thumped loudly in her chest, her head up and studying him. She didn’t know what to expect from her master with this question.

---

As Cora moved toward the hut that she left her belongings in she kept a close eye on the Master Padawan pair. The easy emotions coming off them were a good sign. The chat was going well. She set the old bag she carried her medical supplies in just inside the door and looked over her shoulder at the pair as they spoke.

She was going to try and get closer incase she was needed. She wandered over to the central area with a raised portion. Still watching the exchange.

---

Dominik choked at Lo’s next question. He took in a deep breath, his head bowing and eyes closing as hearing his previous Padawan’s name struck something in his heart. He exhaled slowly before inhaling sharply again. Finally, gathering strength, he looked back up at Lo.

“I miss Evin just as you miss your parents, Lo. It is… something neither of us can change.”

“I can’t miss my father. I only knew my mother and it’s been a long time. I barely remember her voice or her image. I don’t even know if I should feel guilty I can’t recall many memories about her.” Lo honestly admitted, her voice rather quiet.

Dominik’s breathing changed as the topic stretched on. He wanted to talk about these memories, he didn’t want to shut Lo out. Yet he couldn’t help the grief that seemed to resurface everytime he recalled that terrible day. “Do not blame yourself for something such as that, Lo. You had no control over the situation. You were very young… sometimes we cannot help but wish we could change the past.”

“If you could, what would you change? From the past that is.” Lo continued to watch her master intently, through her excitement and energy had spiraled down obviously. Several times she had considered altering the topic. However, she promised Cora she would speak whatever came to her mind. Even if it hurt.

Dominik exhaled quickly, holding his head in one hand as he struggled to keep his bearing.

"I would change nothing, Lo." Came his answer after a few long, silent moments. "Nothing can ever be changed, Lo. Everything is as the Force wills it…" he paused again, taking in a deep breath and glancing to his Padawan with tired eyes. "Even if it hurts. Nothing can ever be changed. That is why we must look around us. And look to the future."

Lo felt sick. A twisted, raw feeling had bunched itself up in her stomach. Growing stronger as the conversation took a less pleasant turn. She had stopped eating as the talking went on, losing her appetite with the change in subjects. Regret filled her at actually doing what Cora told her, but she couldn’t stop now.

“Is that why Evin is with the Force? Because it willed it?”

The grief and pain was staggering almost making Cora collapse. She saw Evin, or what she assumed was Evin, for a split second then she knew Lo had asked about him. Cora dropped the wall she had put up earlier and let his emotions wash down the bond. It was like lancing a wound that was infected.

Lo was faster than Cora expected on the hard questions. Cora passed Dominik the good emotions from her years as his Padawan. Happiness, joy, acceptance, peace and love. She walked over to the pair and sat down to join them. She looked at Lo and smiled. "Gently. You have time Padawan. I think patients should be doing what their Healer advised them."

Cora was still drawing in the negative emotions and pushing the positive ones back at Dominik down the bond. The power behind them was stunning. She hoped they were all spilling this way. The negativity she was drawing in, she distantly realized, was something she would have to inquire as to if Lo had that ability. Lo was not ready for that yet though. Healing mental trauma was more suited to those with Empathic abilities. Fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be Cora has that skill set as well.

Dominik felt another Light push back the darkness not long after Lo asked her previous question. Dominik was not one to allow others in, he never had been. This conversation only further backed his reasoning as to why. He was also not one to let others see his emotions. He was supposed to be the leader, be the one that anyone could go to at any moment should they have trouble. How could he do that if he let his emotions reflect on the surface. He was not mad at Lo for asking such questions, but he was regretting opening up so quickly.

As Cora came near and sat down next to them, Dominik didn't move. His face buried in one hand while he sat cross-legged next to Lo. The other hand simply rested on the other knee. To others, it would look like a very uncomfortable position to  e slouched in. But the Master Jedi did not care on that moment.

"Cora, this was a bad idea."

Though Dominik kept the full force of his pain back, pieces slipped through. They impaled her in ways she didn't understand or knew how to deal with. The new input of emotions caused her stand up and promptly walk away. She couldn't stand the suffocation it brought or the fact she caused it.

Holding up a hand Cora stopped the girl's feet in her tracks. "So? You run from a test and you will never be a Knight Padawan. Yes I understand how painful this is but if you walk away you turn your back on an opportunity to make a difference. So tell me Padawan, why are you walking away? Did you even think of how your Master would feel being walked away from? Let me tell you how this plays out."

Breathing deeply Cora went on. "You walk away he blames himself. He closes off further. He never allows anyone in. Eventually he falls prey to the Darkside. You dear girl, walk away doubting every single breath you take. You look back on this as this colors your view of life. You spiral down and never achieve Knighthood. Stopping the conversation, while yes a good idea, you do not walk away."

Dominik allowed as many positive emotions over as he could as Cora continued to push them through their bond. His breathing was staggered as he attempted to reign in his emotions. He knew Lo would want to talk again, he knew that curiosity was still there and he did not want to hide it from her. But the older Jedi realized he needed time.

Lo hated Cora's wisdom and the fact, her own heart screamed at her to leave. She wanted to protest, they... no, she needed space. Instead, her shoulders slouched as she moved back and folded her legs up to sit down. Silence became Cora's answer to the question she asked. Lo’s head bowed down as she rested her arms onto her legs, locked within her inner thoughts. For the moment, the student reflected a mirror image of her master in the worst way.

Shaking her head Cora dropped her hand gracefully letting go of Stasis as she noticed Lo's attempts to move. She sighed, most of her concentration was on Dominik and she had a battle on her hands at present. So it didn't help that she and Lo did not have a bond as of yet, so Cora could not shield Lo from the few pieces of Dominik’s brittle emotions giving Lo a glancing blow at best. Cora was starting to struggle with them herself since there was so much self recrimination, guilt, regret, sorrow and pain. Perhaps she, who'd also lost a Padawan, should have been the one to bring up Evin.

Cora looked over at Lo pouting because she had not gotten her way. "Fine. Do not answer and sulk Padawan. When you wish to learn you may wish to reconsider your attitude. You may leave if that is your desire. That is too bad this would have been a great demonstration for you to watch. Plus you could have helped me. As I stated earlier, you may go if you so wish."


Lo's fingers curled into fists. Cora wasn't wrong. Lo wanted to leave, wanted to lash out, and stop feeling altogether. Everything lately seemed to be against her, and she didn't understand why. Deep down, she knew Evin had died and that had allowed her to become Dominik's padawan. Otherwise, she doubted she would be with him now.

Again, she inhaled trying to push her own issues aside. She wished it had been easier than this.

"He needs time. " She again tried to manage her own issues.

"I doubt I'm helping while being present and I need to try to regain control. I'm adding fuel to the fire until I can meditate. Sometimes space is needed and a lesson absorbed to learn from it."

Looking back at Dominik then to Lo, Cora nodded sharply. She would allow it. The Padawan was not ready to learn yet. It was not Lo's fault, no that blame could be left squarely on Dominik’s shoulders. He had not taken her in hand and let the girl get used to a routine that did not include training, that was in all aspects self study of a sort. "Meditation is always good to center oneself. If you are so inclined I would be happy to show you some lightsaber forms and see where you are with those."

“Let me think on it. Any decision right now is ill-advised. Right now, I just want Master Rothul to feel better and I need to take some time to think. Will you be upset if I still chose to leave?” Lo asked, not daring to rise back to her feet.

Smiling faintly Cora shook her head. Giving Lo permission to leave. The girl could not stay for this next part unless she was ready, which she wasn't.

Without hesitation, Lo pulled up on her feet then quickly walked away.

Cora waited till Lo was out of range then turned to Dominik. "Protect your Padawan, Rothul. You are not some green Knight with their first Padawan. I cannot fathom why you let that happen. Now we are just getting started here. Why is this such an issue Dom? Is this why you're struggling with your Padawan?"

"I did as you asked, Cora. I tried to let her in." He said, taking in a deep breath as he attempted to calm himself still. "This is why I could never let you in, it's why I wasn't ready to open up to her. I hold in far too much pain. More than a Jedi should and I fear for what it can do to others."

The older Jedi finally lifted his head, looking at Cora. His eyes reflected the exhaustion he felt, both mentally and physically. He had held back so much emotion in their conversation. Some of it had cracked, had leaked through into his bond with Cora and with Lo. There was so much more that had been ready to burst, but the older Jedi held it back. He closed it up just like it had been for years on end. This is why he had never wanted to open up. It was why most older Jedi didn't open up; there was too much emotion and pain that could harm those they cared for. It wasn't worth the risk.

Cora lifted her chin in a determined fashion. "You are so stubborn. You only think about your pain. What about our pain? If you bury something like this it does not heal. It festers. Grows larger than it should have. You romanticize the incident and the connection to it. You foster the feelings behind it to multiply and they do, at an alarming rate. So now you have a Rancor to deal with rather than a Lo-cat. Talk to me. There is at least one story I need to share as well."

Dominik remained quiet for a few long moments. He tried to push back the painful memories that were surfacing in his mind. They started to lead farther back into his past. To Alderaan, the siege, his capture and his torture. A spark of pain ran through the man's body at those memories of being in Sith hands. He visibly winced, eyes closed as he tried to push away those memories; those nightmares.

"I can't Cora. Not here." He spoke, the pain in his voice almost tangible and he pushed everything down inside.

Reaching out Cora covered his hand with her small one. "Dom it will always be, not here, not now, maybe later. There is no truly conventional time to speak of what bothers you. You can but you will not. There is a massive difference. If we wait too much longer I fear you shall have more reason to withdraw."

Dominik wanted to talk, but he didn't want the emotions from his past boil over into his bond with Lo. He couldn't let them. The older Jedi took a deep breath. His ears caught footsteps and he looked up and behind him. Two older Twi'lek approached Cora and himself. Dominik immediately recognized them through the dim light as two of the warrior leaders. "Master Jedi, the evening meeting will begin shortly. Sar wanted to know if you were attending." One of them asked, looking from Dominik to Cora, then back again.

Cora watched as Dominik struggled to stand. Rising quickly she placed a hand on his arm. "You should be doing what I asked of you. I can take over for a bit. You might even like it." Cora smiled weakly.

She turned toward the Twi'lek. "Master Rothul needs to rest I shall accompany you to this meeting." Looking back over at Dominik she squeezed his arm affectionately then nodded to his hut letting go and following the Twi'lek.

Dominik managed to return a weak smile back to Cora as she took off with the Twi'lek. He appreciated everything she had ever done for him, and he was grateful she was here now. Taking a few moments to balance himself, Dominik watched as Cora made it to the center of the cavern and joined the leaders in the daily meeting. He took a deep breath, looking towards his hut, and started walking.

The grief and pain was staggering almost making Cora collapse. She saw Evin, or what she assumed was Evin, for a split second then she knew Lo had asked about him. Cora dropped the wall she had put up earlier and let his emotions wash down the bond. It was like lancing a wound that was infected.

Lo was faster than Cora expected on the hard questions. Cora passed Dominik the good emotions from her years as his Padawan. Happiness, joy, acceptance, peace and love. She walked over to the pair and sat down to join them. She looked at Lo and smiled. "Gently. You have time Padawan. I think patients should be doing what their Healer advised them."

Cora was still drawing in the negative emotions and pushing the positive ones back at Dominik down the bond. The power behind them was stunning. She hoped they were all spilling this way. The negativity she was drawing in, she distantly realized, was something she would have to inquire as to if Lo had that ability. Lo was not ready for that yet though. Healing mental trauma was more suited to those with Empathic abilities. Fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be Cora has that skill set as well.

Dominik felt another Light push back the darkness not long after Lo asked her previous question. Dominik was not one to allow others in, he never had been. This conversation only further backed his reasoning as to why. He was also not one to let others see his emotions. He was supposed to be the leader, be the one that anyone could go to at any moment should they have trouble. How could he do that if he let his emotions reflect on the surface. He was not mad at Lo for asking such questions, but he was regretting opening up so quickly.

As Cora came near and sat down next to them, Dominik didn't move. His face buried in one hand while he sat cross-legged next to Lo. The other hand simply rested on the other knee. To others, it would look like a very uncomfortable position to  e slouched in. But the Master Jedi did not care on that moment.

"Cora, this was a bad idea."

Though Dominik kept the full force of his pain back, pieces slipped through. They impaled her in ways she didn't understand or knew how to deal with. The new input of emotions caused her stand up and promptly walk away. She couldn't stand the suffocation it brought or the fact she caused it.

Holding up a hand Cora stopped the girl's feet in her tracks. "So? You run from a test and you will never be a Knight Padawan. Yes I understand how painful this is but if you walk away you turn your back on an opportunity to make a difference. So tell me Padawan, why are you walking away? Did you even think of how your Master would feel being walked away from? Let me tell you how this plays out."

Breathing deeply Cora went on. "You walk away he blames himself. He closes off further. He never allows anyone in. Eventually he falls prey to the Darkside. You dear girl, walk away doubting every single breath you take. You look back on this as this colors your view of life. You spiral down and never achieve Knighthood. Stopping the conversation, while yes a good idea, you do not walk away."

Dominik allowed as many positive emotions over as he could as Cora continued to push them through their bond. His breathing was staggered as he attempted to reign in his emotions. He knew Lo would want to talk again, he knew that curiosity was still there and he did not want to hide it from her. But the older Jedi realized he needed time.

Lo hated Cora's wisdom and the fact, her own heart screamed at her to leave. She wanted to protest, they... no, she needed space. Instead, her shoulders slouched as she moved back and folded her legs up to sit down. Silence became Cora's answer to the question she asked. Lo’s head bowed down as she rested her arms onto her legs, locked within her inner thoughts. For the moment, the student reflected a mirror image of her master in the worst way.

Shaking her head Cora dropped her hand gracefully letting go of Stasis as she noticed Lo's attempts to move. She sighed, most of her concentration was on Dominik and she had a battle on her hands at present. So it didn't help that she and Lo did not have a bond as of yet, so Cora could not shield Lo from the few pieces of Dominik’s brittle emotions giving Lo a glancing blow at best. Cora was starting to struggle with them herself since there was so much self recrimination, guilt, regret, sorrow and pain. Perhaps she, who'd also lost a Padawan, should have been the one to bring up Evin.

Cora looked over at Lo pouting because she had not gotten her way. "Fine. Do not answer and sulk Padawan. When you wish to learn you may wish to reconsider your attitude. You may leave if that is your desire. That is too bad this would have been a great demonstration for you to watch. Plus you could have helped me. As I stated earlier, you may go if you so wish."


Lo's fingers curled into fists. Cora wasn't wrong. Lo wanted to leave, wanted to lash out, and stop feeling altogether. Everything lately seemed to be against her, and she didn't understand why. Deep down, she knew Evin had died and that had allowed her to become Dominik's padawan. Otherwise, she doubted she would be with him now.

Again, she inhaled trying to push her own issues aside. She wished it had been easier than this.

"He needs time. " She again tried to manage her own issues.

"I doubt I'm helping while being present and I need to try to regain control. I'm adding fuel to the fire until I can meditate. Sometimes space is needed and a lesson absorbed to learn from it."

Looking back at Dominik then to Lo, Cora nodded sharply. She would allow it. The Padawan was not ready to learn yet. It was not Lo's fault, no that blame could be left squarely on Dominik’s shoulders. He had not taken her in hand and let the girl get used to a routine that did not include training, that was in all aspects self study of a sort. "Meditation is always good to center oneself. If you are so inclined I would be happy to show you some lightsaber forms and see where you are with those."

“Let me think on it. Any decision right now is ill-advised. Right now, I just want Master Rothul to feel better and I need to take some time to think. Will you be upset if I still chose to leave?” Lo asked, not daring to rise back to her feet.

Smiling faintly Cora shook her head. Giving Lo permission to leave. The girl could not stay for this next part unless she was ready, which she wasn't.

Without hesitation, Lo pulled up on her feet then quickly walked away.

Cora waited till Lo was out of range then turned to Dominik. "Protect your Padawan, Rothul. You are not some green Knight with their first Padawan. I cannot fathom why you let that happen. Now we are just getting started here. Why is this such an issue Dom? Is this why you're struggling with your Padawan?"

"I did as you asked, Cora. I tried to let her in." He said, taking in a deep breath as he attempted to calm himself still. "This is why I could never let you in, it's why I wasn't ready to open up to her. I hold in far too much pain. More than a Jedi should and I fear for what it can do to others."

The older Jedi finally lifted his head, looking at Cora. His eyes reflected the exhaustion he felt, both mentally and physically. He had held back so much emotion in their conversation. Some of it had cracked, had leaked through into his bond with Cora and with Lo. There was so much more that had been ready to burst, but the older Jedi held it back. He closed it up just like it had been for years on end. This is why he had never wanted to open up. It was why most older Jedi didn't open up; there was too much emotion and pain that could harm those they cared for. It wasn't worth the risk.

Cora lifted her chin in a determined fashion. "You are so stubborn. You only think about your pain. What about our pain? If you bury something like this it does not heal. It festers. Grows larger than it should have. You romanticize the incident and the connection to it. You foster the feelings behind it to multiply and they do, at an alarming rate. So now you have a Rancor to deal with rather than a Lo-cat. Talk to me. There is at least one story I need to share as well."

Dominik remained quiet for a few long moments. He tried to push back the painful memories that were surfacing in his mind. They started to lead farther back into his past. To Alderaan, the siege, his capture and his torture. A spark of pain ran through the man's body at those memories of being in Sith hands. He visibly winced, eyes closed as he tried to push away those memories; those nightmares.

"I can't Cora. Not here." He spoke, the pain in his voice almost tangible and he pushed everything down inside.

Reaching out Cora covered his hand with her small one. "Dom it will always be, not here, not now, maybe later. There is no truly conventional time to speak of what bothers you. You can but you will not. There is a massive difference. If we wait too much longer I fear you shall have more reason to withdraw."

Dominik wanted to talk, but he didn't want the emotions from his past boil over into his bond with Lo. He couldn't let them. The older Jedi took a deep breath. His ears caught footsteps and he looked up and behind him. Two older Twi'lek approached Cora and himself. Dominik immediately recognized them through the dim light as two of the warrior leaders. "Master Jedi, the evening meeting will begin shortly. Sar wanted to know if you were attending." One of them asked, looking from Dominik to Cora, then back again.

Cora watched as Dominik struggled to stand. Rising quickly she placed a hand on his arm. "You should be doing what I asked of you. I can take over for a bit. You might even like it." Cora smiled weakly.

She turned toward the Twi'lek. "Master Rothul needs to rest I shall accompany you to this meeting." Looking back over at Dominik she squeezed his arm affectionately then nodded to his hut letting go and following the Twi'lek.

Dominik managed to return a weak smile back to Cora as she took off with the Twi'lek. He appreciated everything she had ever done for him, and he was grateful she was here now. Taking a few moments to balance himself, Dominik watched as Cora made it to the center of the cavern and joined the leaders in the daily meeting. He took a deep breath, looking towards his hut, and started walking.