I wiped my face with my sleeve, trying to scrub away the awful tears. I was ashamed at letting my emotions get so out of hand; after all, a Jedi Knight can't afford to break down every time things get a little rough. I squirmed, feeling no better than a youngling, crying from a Master's lecture. Master Luminara took my hands in hers, and I stiffened, not daring to breathe.

"Barriss." she said softly. I glanced up cautiously, expecting disapproval, but finding none in her serene expression.

"Do not be embarrassed, my padawan. There is nothing to be ashamed of."

I sat up suddenly, staring at her in surprise and disbelief. Did she just say that there was nothing to be ashamed of? That breaking down, a total un-Jedi like not control of my emotions is fine? This is Master Luminara (live-by-the-Code) Unduli for Force's sake!

She giggled, and I was suddenly aware of my lack of shielding, and how I had been broadcasting my every thought across the bond. I flushed a vivid scarlet, or as vivid as my olive skin would allow. I briefly considered throwing up shields, but I was too exhausted.

"Padawan, Jedi are not immune from emotion. We have been trained to release it, to detach and let our emotions go."

"Yes Master," I replied. "It's one of our first lessons as younglings." She nodded. "But you are not following these lessons, my Padawan."

For the second time in as many minutes, I looked at my mentor, utterly confused. Ever patient, she explained:

"It is true that you are releasing your emotions. But you do not allow yourself to feel them, my young apprentice. You shut yourself off from everyone." She hesitated a moment. "You shut yourself off from me. Barriss, let me help you. I know I may not be the most affectionate Master, but I do care about you. Barriss, I care more for you than anyone in this galaxy. I have watched you grow into an exceptional young woman. You are going to be a wonderful Jedi someday. Just know...that I love you...and I am proud to be your Master."

I couldn't help it. My jaw dropped. All my life I had been working, had yearned to hear those words from the only mother I would ever have. And she had said them. I love you.

I didn't bother fighting the tears this time. Except this time they were tears of joy, and relief, and pure happiness. My Master loves me. I reached out and flung my arms around her, hugging her as tightly as I could. After a moment or two, I felt tears landing on the top of my cowl. Master Luminara was crying with me.

/Don't cry Master. I love you too./ The instant I sent the thought, she pulled away, looking straight into my eyes, and we both knew how true it was. We had been together for years, an inseparable team, and finally we knew the truth.

I embraced her again, sinking into her arms, the Force overflowing with emotion. Our bond grew stronger than it ever had, and I relished the feeling of peace, amazed at how one simple word could change everything.