Navarro City, Navarro
The soft, mechanical hum of Bril’s landspeeder persisted in the background as he awaited the arrival of his former master. They’d agreed to meet at the bazaar near the city’s entrance. The aroma of fatty food and fresh spices lingered in the air and elicited a rumble from his stomach, but he ignored it for now. Although he wasn’t hosting her at his own home, he still had invited Nora out to catch up, so it’d be rude if he started eating before she’d even arrived. After unclipping his handheld datapad from his belt, he thumbed through his secure messages and found the most recent one from a contact dubbed “Master Olen”, which indicated she was only a few minutes away.
<@585955949743964170>
Noras landspeeder cut through the city streets of Navarro. She was to meet with her old apprentice, Bril. She stared ahead, lost in her thoughts as she near her destination. Fallen from Grace she repeats the words silently in her head, the memory of her past a constant weight. She once held power, moving from Quaestor to Proconsul- now she had to rebuild her standings all over again. Although the journey felt long, she was determined to prove herself again regardless of how difficult the path back may be. Nora was shocked when the Dread Lord brought her back into leadership so soon . Tyranus was her new beginning. A chance to shape, to lead, to prove herself worthy again. Her focus was on her task ahead only. Training, the strateries, the constant attention to the Dread Throne in all matters. She would not fail again.
Nora took a deep breath as she near the bazaar on her speeder. She hopped off, adjusting her black cloak as it blew against the night air, before going inside. She needed to look presentable. The noise inside of the bazaar was loud, although irritating, it almost served as a welcoming distraction to her thoughts. A gentle reminder that the world still went on, regardless of her personal issues. “Bril,” Nora greeted kindly, as she walked towards her old apprentice.
Bril sensed his old master’s presence in the Force long before he ever heard her voice. Ancestral spirits whispered to him, informing him that she was near. By the time she was within earshot, Bril had already turned to face her with a beaming smile on his face. “Master,” he said warmly.
The young zabrak’s attire had changed completely since last they met; although they were still fashioned in the style of Jedi of the High Republic era (albeit with a modern flare), he’d traded robes for a pair of baggy yet functional black pants, an asymmetrical black tunic with gold trim worn beneath a longer maroon tunic with gold trim, and a chestnut waist belt holding everything together. Finally, he wore a long cloak similar to what Jedi masters in the latter days of the Republic wore. As he strode forward with his arms outstretched, it was clear he now carried himself with more confidence.
“It’s been too long. We have to keep in touch better,” he said to her while attempting to pull her into a hug.
Nora was slightly taken back by her old Apprentice’s smile. She had been too focused on her own life, her own thoughts, that she forgot Bril had taken a completely new path. A path away from Plagueis.
He looked different. Completely different since she last saw him. She could see it in the way he dressed, the way he walked. His attitude and aura had completely changed. She narrowed her eyes. Another reminder that life still went on without her.
Before she could process anything further, she was being pulled into a hug.
Bril initiated with a smile, a friendly sentiment. Nora was convinced slightly to return the hug. However she was uncertain of his intentions. What was his goal? Did he truly want to catch up? Is he still an ally, or just a threat to her new goal?
Nevertheless she returned the hug, her arms moving with a tiny bit of stiffness, her body language immediately giving away her inner conflict. “Bril,” She said, her voice measured. “It’s been a long time.” She continued staring at him, watching him, waiting for any sign of change.
“It has,” he said while taking a slight step back, though he kept his hands on her shoulders while assessing her with bright eyes, “How are you? Admittedly, my responsibilities back home have kept me from reaching out like I should.”
As sensitive as he was, it wasn’t difficult to detect the feelings of apprehension that smoldered in Nora’s mind like a nascent fire. He tilted his head while making a puzzled, if not sympathetic face. “You can relax, you know. I’m not going to stick a knife in your back.”
Nora managed a small somewhat strained smile. Brils touch was… distracting, but she allowed herself to relish the connection, the subtle pull she felt through the Force. He’s grown Stronger and his perception were as sharp as ever. Of course he managed to pick up on her feelings. She had been too distracted in her thoughts and had let her guard down. Or perhaps her Apprentice had just evolved?
“It’s good to see you, Bril.” Nora replied back. “I’m fine.. just trying to keep busy. And I understand, responsibilities come first.” She knew that more than anyone. Especially with her most recent days, running House Tyranus.
Her eyes flickered away for a moment, before returning to his. “A lot has happened lately.” That was an understatement.
In the idle mind, trouble brews. He’d heard the saying many times growing up. If he and Nora were anything alike, then perhaps her efforts to “keep busy” were a subtle acceptance of that adage?
He turned and lifted one hand to gesture toward the vendors arranged in rows further in the bazaar, giving her shoulder a gentle pat before tucking both hands into his sleeves. “Let’s get something to eat. We can talk about it on the way.”
Bril started to walk, looking over to the zeltron with an encouraging smile.