"Where is he?" Sal'ne paced the confines of her quarters impatiently. As she paced, her long blonde hair crackled as if reflecting the inner turmoil she was feeling. Her floor length dark blue dress flowed around her with each step she took.
"He'll be here. Something must have come up. You know how he is about his training." Balet, Sal’ne’s best friend smiled faintly as she watched her friend nervously stride about the room.
"Oh, you’re no help." Sal’ne’s brow furrowed with irritation and her light blue eyes flashed icy fire as she endeavored to dampen the anger she felt. This was an important night for her and he knew it.
"He had better have a reasonable excuse." She shot a look at her friend who returned it with a smile and a wink.
Qui-Gon Jinn walked as quickly as he could down the hall of the Healer's tower. She would be furious. He was 15 minutes late already. He had a good reason,but would she understand? Standing at her door he could feel the tension within. Taking a deep breath, pushing the ension away, Qui-Gon pressed the buzzer.
Sal'ne felt his presence before the buzzer rang. Irritation still clouded her senses, but she breathed a sigh of relief that he had not stood her up, or worse would never see her again.
"Told you." Balet was at the door before she was. "Can I stick around to hear his explanation?"
"I don’t think so." Sal'ne hit the button and the door slid open.
He stood framed in the doorway, all 6 foot plus of him, soaking wet and covered with mud. His tunic, usually spotless and crisp, hung like a wet rag from his tall frame. Long gashes ran along the length of his sleeves, visible scratches showing beneath. His short, nut brown Padawan hair was matted with mud. Sal'ne sighed as she noticed that his nose was broken...again and his left eye was turning a distinct shade of purple.
"This should be really interesting." Balet chuckled as she elbowed Sal'ne. The look Sal'ne directed at her caused her to smile even wider.
Balet placed a hand on Qui-Gon's arm. "May the Force be with you," she mouthed as she left, chuckling and chortling at the sight.
"Well, you're late!" Sal'ne was in no mood for jokes. Her impatient blue eyes locked on his midnight blue ones.
"I am sorry, my lady." Qui-Gon pushed his way into her quarters.
"Mace, Ki Ani and I were asked to retrieve a Herp that escaped from the desert habitat." Qui-Gon gingerly made his way to the sofa.
"I hope you don’t expect me to believe that." She noticed he winced as he sat down on her sofa. "Don't get too comfortable."
"Did you know a Talmarian Fire Lizard has a 3 foot knife edged tongue, spits stinging saliva and has 2 inch claws? It was a learning experience for me." Qui-Gon did his best to hide the stiffness that was settling into his over stretched muscles. Though only 20 years he felt as old as Master Yoda at this moment.
Sal'ne knew he didn't lie, but this story was too outrageous to be true.
"I'd better go get ready." Qui-Gon rose stiffly. He smiled at the expression on Sal'ne's face. She looked like a mother disciplining a child...hands on her slim hips, a stern look on her face. He really did love her.
As Qui-Gon walked toward her, Sal'ne’s heart melted. She could never stay angry with him for long. She loved him too much.
"Be back in 15." Qui-Gon kissed her on the cheek as he exited her quarters.
"10" Sal’ne replied, her voice taking on a softer note.
It was exactly ten minutes later that the door buzzer rang again.
"That's more like it. Punctual to the second."
Standing before her was the man she expected to see 25 minutes ago. His short spiky hair neatly combed. The braid, which once hung to his waist, now hung lightly on one shoulder. His tunic, crisply pressed, looked as though it could stand on its own. Her eyes traveled down his lean length and stopped at the boots. No longer muddy, they shone as if they had just been purchased.
She lifted her gaze to his face. Now the left eye was a lovely blossom of purple and the right one was turning a beautiful shade of blue. All this and his nose - so straight and beautiful, now broken and crooked...again. Sal’ne could not help but send a few healing Force waves toward him.
Taking Qui-Gon's offered arm, Sal'ne closed the door to her quarters. She was still disturbed at this fine young Jedi, but it would have to wait.
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