Category: Angst..major

Rating: I'm gonna give it an R or a NC-17...take your pick

Disclaimer: I do not own Obi-Wan Kenobi! All I own are the imaginary
characters seen here and the narrator.

Summary: Obi-Wan gives a woman down on her luck the one thing she needs
most: a friend.
------------------------
All I wanted was a place to sleep. I'd been on the streets of Coruscant for
a few months now, having run away from my farm home on Ord Mantell. I
stumbled upon Perel D'raiel on accident, and thought that he cared about me.
Turns out, he didn't.

~~A Year Earlier~~

I was stripping in a seedy bar that night, the owner promising to give me
room and board in exchange for baring my body for drunk men. I happily
complied, not knowing the last time I'd slept in a bed or eaten food that
hadn't been through the recyclers. I danced on stage, but in my mind's eye
I was crying. I hated this life, even more than I hated my life back on my
father's farm. Papa was overbearing and cruel, but at least he didn't try
to rape me with his eyes. At least he fed me and made sure I was warm.

It was then I saw him...Perel D'raiel. He was classically handsome, and
clearly came from money. He spoke in a smooth voice tailored for lying and
cheating, and wore his jet black hair slicked back from his forehead.
Apparently, he saw something in me, and asked my boss if I could dance for
him privately. I was glad, it was some extra money.

He met me in my dressing room, and put a cloak over my shoulders. He knew
all the right words, the way to con me into doing anything for him. He
promised me a big home and lots of love, something I'd never had and ached
desparately for, so of course I went with him.

"Where are you from, sweetheart?" Perel drawled in his low voice. That
voice could charm even the most incorrigible pirate, and he was already
preaching to the converted as far as I was concerned. Besides, someone so
handsome and rich couldn't be bad, could they?

"Ord Mantell. I ran away." He pressed a kiss on my temple and took me to a
waiting air taxi. He gave the non-human driver directions to one of the
more posh areas of Coruscant and pulled me into a casual embrace. Although
I was a stripper, I wasn't stupid. I knew not to sleep with just any man,
that would make me a whore. No, I picked and choosed who I slept with, and
this man seemed to want to offer me more than my pathetic existence.

The first night was magic. I awoke feeling loved and special, especially
when Perel took me out to dinner and bought me pretty things. Of course, if
it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. And it was.

The beatings began after the first week. The first time was after I burned
his dinner. He hauled me into his bedroom, our bedroom, by my hair and
slapped me across the face. He threw me into the brick-lined fireplace and
blood poured from my mouth. I couldn't believe it, he actually hit me.

"Perel! Pere-eell!" I screamed, but he didn't listen. He threw me up on
the bed and ripped my dress straight down. He fondled my breasts roughly
and spat in my face.

"Stop squirming you little whore...you know you want it." He thrust into me
painfully, not letting me adjust to his body at all. He just kept on
pushing, even though I screamed for him to stop. His hands tangled in my
hair and yanked dispassionately.

It continued, day after day. Soon, he was beating me for no reason, just
enjoying the power he had over me. I wouldn't be expecting him, and all of
a sudden he'd throw me down on the floor. I wanted out, but what was I
going to do? Who would believe me? I was nothing more than a cheap whore
and he was one of the most influential men in Coruscant. I had no place to
turn.

I found my solace in short walks through the city, trying to see how far I
could get before Perel found me. I once packed and tried to leave, but he
made me even more miserable when he found me. So, I resigned to just taking
small walks outside when he was sleeping or at work.

It was on one of these walks that I met him, my savior. I was walking along
Lawndale Place when some thugs came up behind me. Of course, after the
beatings I received at the hands of my so-called lover, death by the
vibroknife didn't seem like such a bad thing after all. I took their blows
with a silent aquiescence, knowing that death was release from the torture I
lived through day in and day out.

He surprised them, cutting left and right with his lightsabre. He saved me
from seeming abuse, but he didn't know the half of it. He bent down and
gently scooped me into his arms, checking me for bruises. Then, he realized
that many of my wounds were half healed.

"Who has done this to you? Who is he? Your lover?" He asked his questions
in a low, comforting voice. He tucked me closer to his body and brushed a
kiss along my cheek. I fell asleep easily, feeling safe for the first time
in a long time.
=========================================
I awoke days later, in the healing ward of the Jedi temple. Apparently, my
rescuer had specified that under no circumstances was Perel to see me.
Thank the Force for small favors.

I felt like I'd been refreshed, renewed somehow. I couldn't explain it, but
I felt tingly all over like I'd been given a chance to start all over. It
was a wonderful feeling, and I realized just how dirty I had felt when I was
Perel's slave. I opened my eyes and found myself staring into his face.

He was sleeping by my bedside, his chin cradled in his strong hands. I
watched him, using my eyes to memorize his youthful face and strong
features. His eyes opened, and I was treated to a glimpse of blue-green
before he awoke fully.

"How do you feel?" he intoned in that comforting voice of his. He took one
of my hands in both of his and stroked it gently, trying to convey safety
and caring into my scarred heart. He didn't have to. I felt safer in that
temple that I'd ever felt before.

"Much better. Thank you, for everything. Who are you, by the way? I'd
like to know what to call my new friend." I smiled weakly and was rewarded
when he smiled back. He was handsome, but had a charm about him that didn't
make it overwhelming. He was the type of guy who's your best friend, and
that was fine with me. I was swearing off men forever.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi. And you?" He stroked my hair, apparently interested in
giving me comfort of the physical kind. Must be a Jedi thing, because the
healers had done the same.

---------------------------------
Obi-Wan stayed with me for as long as he could until my healer ran him out.
I sighed and sank back into my pillow. The man had an aura about him that
just made me feel safe and cared for. I wouldn't take anything in exchange
for that simple peace he invoked in me.

"Rise and shine, sleeping beauty." I awoke from my nap to Obi-Wan's face.
He cupped my cheek and took his usual place in the chair at my bedside.

"Guess what? You're well." I was happy for a moment, but my hopes sank
when I realized that meant I was out of the temple and back on the streets.
Unless I got off this planet fast, Perel would hunt me down and make my life
a living nightmare.

"Quiet your mind, dear one. My Master and I have found a place for you
right here in the Temple. You'll be able to stay here with anyone you'd
like." Obi-Wan caressed my cheek and looked down at me with concerned eyes.
He was afraid I'd bolt. I wouldn't dream of it.

"What about work? Or entertainment? What am I going to do?" I sat up
straight in my bed, trying to convey to the well-meaning padawan that I
didn't want to be his charity case. The last thing I wanted was to be
entirely dependent on the Jedi, no matter how good their intentions toward
me were.

Obi-Wan merely took a deep breath and gazed at me with seemingly-infinite
patience. Apparently, he was used to hostile women who were acting like
caged animals. Most likely I wasn't the first pathetic life-form that he
and his Master had taken in, and I wouldn't be the last.

"My master has arranged for you to be a special liason between the Jedi and
the Galactic Senate. Your duties include taking notes of Senate meetings
and relaying messages from the Council to the Senate. Whenever Master Jinn
and I go off-world, you are required to come with us and report our findings
objectively, in order to present to the Senate. Other knights may request
your services, but primarily you will be under our care. You will live
within our quarters for an indefinite time, until the Council can find a
suitable place within the Temple complex for you to live." Obi-Wan finished
his spiel with a wide grin, revealing even white teeth and dimples. I
normally melted at the sight of dimples, but I was determined to hold on to
my resolution of no men, ever.

I was surprised at the job the Council had found for me. My position wasn't
just something they made up, but a job they actually needed to be filled. I
had heard of the many senate liasons to the Jedi, often men and women with
years of schooling and formal training. Allowing me to fill this important
position was entrusting me with the well-being of the galaxy in a way. It
sounded like something I'd like. But, as for living with Obi-Wan and the
elusive Master Jinn, I wasn't sure. It sounded suspiciously like they
wanted either A) a housekeeper, or B) a concubine. I wasn't interested in
being either.

"You won't be, Lyssa. I promise." Once again, Obi-Wan had answered my
private thought. While he wasn't being pretentious, I did find that the
invasion of my privacy was grating, and I let him know.

"Could you please stop reading my thoughts?" Obi-Wan blushed, and I found
myself regretting the statement. The poor guy was bending over backwards to
protect me and I was getting on his case for reading my mind. Highly most
likely I was so loud he couldn't ignore me if he wanted to.

As I studied his face, I realized he was failing to mention something. I
could tell it wasn't exactly a good thing, so I tried my best to pry it out
of him. After a few moments of prodding, he relented, but he wasn't happy
about it.

"I didn't want to tell you this, but you...you're pregnant." I was aghast.
I'd only been with Perel for four months, but while our lovemaking had been
protected, his rapes of me had not been. I felt a terrible feeling of dread
settle in my stomach as I realized that the Jedi don't allow the termination
of life in the womb. There was no way I was getting out of this baby.

"Gods, why did this have to happen? I've always wanted children, but never
with a man I didn't love. I want my children to grow up happy and healthy!
LOVED! I wanted my children to be loved." I tried to fight the sobs that
began to rack my body, but it was to no avail. Obi-Wan cradled me against
his chest, murmurring words of comfort in my ear. I vaguely registered that
he said, "I'll love your child...I'll be there...I promise." His words
shook me to my core. Never had I met a man so full of compassion and life,
and he couldn't be a day over twenty. He had the wisdom that one could only
find in wizened mentors and aged philosophers.

Finally, my weeping subsided and I drew myself up from Obi-Wan's chest. He
smiled at me and wiped my tears away, before telling me the rest of his
news.

"We also had you checked for a midichlorian level, as we don't know your
home planet. Your count was high enough that if we'd found you, you would
have been trained as a Jedi." I stifled back a sob, I'd always wanted to be
a Jedi.

"As it is, when your child is born, there's a possibility that he or she may
have a very high midichlorian count. So, perhaps you won't have to worry
about raising your child unless you want to, of course." I smiled then,
thinking maybe that this baby would be a good thing. Obi-Wan dragged me to
my feet and took me back to the cozy flat he shared with his Master, Qui-Gon
Jinn.

Master Jinn was a tall man with a rangy build. He had light brown hair that
fell past his shoulders and blue eyes that positively twinkled in his
well-worn face. He was a handsome man, but his rougish good looks belied a
sharp mind and powerful body.

He spoke with a soft lilt that indicated he'd been on Coruscant his entire
life. His voice was soothing, just as Obi-Wan's was, and he gave me a warm
welcome into their life.

"You must be Lyssa. I'm Obi-Wan's master, Qui-Gon Jinn. You may call me
Qui-Gon if you wish." I smiled at him and said that I could never be so
forward. He merely laughed and mentioned to his padawan that he'd finally
found a woman worth bonding with. I blushed then, angry with myself for
even entertaining the thought of being with Obi-Wan romantically. I wasn't
some simpering idiot who would just fall at the feet of her rescuer.

"Why thank you, Qui-Gon. Tell me, where in this humble abode will I be
sleeping?" Qui-Gon laughed then, and led me into a small room that
contained a double bed, a computer, and a small couch. By looking on the
walls, I could tell that this was Obi-Wan's room. I couldn't possibly take
his bed! What were they thinking? I could sleep on the couch in the main
room.

"Qui-Gon, I can't sleep in here. I'll take the couch in the living room and
Obi can keep his bed." I heard master and padawan share a chuckle over a
joke I wasn't privy to, and then Qui-Gon spoke.

"Little one, Obi-Wan will be fine on the couch. Actually, he spends more
nights on that couch than in this bed. The only time you two will be vying
for space is when he comes home from classes in the afternoons. He likes to
take naps before heading off to lightsabre practice." I blushed again at
the thought of that beautiful man sleeping in the bed that was now mine. I
shook my head clear of my risqué thoughts and addressed Qui-Gon once more.

"All right, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. As soon as the Council
finds a place for me, I'm leaving, okay?" Obi-Wan looked a little
downhearted after that statement and I realized I did sound sort of harsh.
I tried to mitigate my previous statement.

"Don't look so glum, chum. I'll definitely need my own space when the baby
comes." Obi perked up then, and left with his Master, presumably to give me
time to bathe and change before dinner. All in all, I was pleased with my
new life. I just couldn't wait until I started my job.
-----------------------------

=====================================
Jedi rise early. Way early. It wasn't even light out when I heard Obi-Wan
come into his room to get a fresh robe. I could tell he was trying to be
quiet, but I'm a light sleeper and was awakened when he tiptoed into the
room. I burrowed my head under my pillow, but it was no use. I popped out
of bed and found a very wet, very naked, and very surprised padawan.

"Oh! I'm so sorry! Force, I didn't know you were awake, Lyssa." I stared
at him, my mouth open and drooling. A single drop of water weaved its way
along his chisled chest and trailed into the thin line of reddish gold hair
that adorned his stomach. I forced my eyes upward to his face, noticing
that he was blushing nearly as bad as I was. He was so mature in some ways,
and so innocent in others. It was amazing to see this man full of
contradictions.

I covered my eyes with my hand, and allowed him to throw on his leggings
before opening them again. He shot me a smile that could melt Hoth and
finished dressing. As he gathered his school supplies, we discussed what I
was expected to do today.

"Well, Lyssa, you're free to do whatever you'd like in the Temple. The
Council will call you personally when your services are needed, and you'll
go to their briefings. Other than that, you have nothing to do until the
Senate session begins next month. I'd recommend trying to enroll in some
sort of class, like art or something." Obi-Wan was beating on a piece of
electronic equipment, apparently trying to repair the liquid crystal
display.

"Here, give it to me. You can't abuse it and expect it to work...you gotta
love it." I gently rubbed the screen, trying to coax it into bringing up
the proper display. I worked at it for several minutes before throwing it
against the wall. Obi-Wan chuckled then, and we both began to laugh
hysterically when the machine emitted a beep and popped up with a message
from a dimunitive Jedi master called Yoda.

"Padawan Kenobi, not present in class you are. Sleeping, hrrm?" Obi-Wan
stifled a giggle and motioned for me to be quiet. Assuming his proper Jedi
air, he replied to Master Yoda's holomessage.

"Master Yoda, I'm on my way. I'm just making sure that our new senate
liason is clear on all her responsibilities and duties. Also, Master, after
class I would like to discuss our new liason's leisure options here within
the Temple. Do you think perhaps she could join the art society or the high
choir? Just a suggestion. By the time this message reaches you, I should
be in my desk." Obi-Wan flipped the datapad/communicator off and threw his
school bag over his shoulder.

"Lyssa, I'll be home around one for my break, and then I'm off to 'sabre
practice until four. Food's in the cupboard and you can go to any part of
the Temple you'd like except the Council room of course. Master's still
here, so don't let him startle you. Most likely he'll be up around ten, so
if you want something to eat don't wait on him. I don't know what he's
doing today, so you may have a little company. See you this afternoon." I
blew him a kiss, and laughed when he returned the gesture.

I padded around the flat, knowing Qui-Gon was still asleep. I took a
'fresher, and inspected my corner of Obi-Wan's closet. I had several plain
brown tunics and legging sets typical of padawan garb at the Temple along
with several causal civilian outfits. I also had about eight different sets
of formal robes for senate appearances; silk robes in deep crimson, emerald
green, sapphire blue, yellow, violet, orange, amber, and jade. I donned one
of the padawan sets and sat down at Obi's desk, absently straightening the
various knickknacks he had scattered across the desktop. As I was moving a
data reader with some sort of action text on it, I came across a small
sketch pad.

Curious, I flipped it open, finding a half-finished charcoal sketch of
Master Yoda, his pointy ears quirked in curiosity. I laughed, and flipped
through several sketches of fellow padawans, most involving a young Mon
Calamarian girl. Studying Obi-Wan's hastily scribbled captions, I realized
her name was Bant and she was nothing more than his best friend. Flipping
over a few sketches of Qui-Gon, I came to a beautiful sketch of an open
meadow in the shadow of a high mountain. In the center of the meadow stood
a large estate, breathtakingly beautiful and perfectly blended with its
natural surroundings. Obi's caption listed the subject as " Royal House of
Organa, Alderaan." As I flipped through the book, I found myself engrossed
in a visual journal of all the places he'd been.

Finally coming to the last page, my heart leapt into my throat. Obi-Wan had
sketched me sleeping in the Healer's ward, my left arm flung behind my head
and my right slung across my stomach. My dark hair fell and covered my face
slightly, revealing only one fringed set of lashes and my mouth. The
drawing was beautiful, and terribly intimate, since I was captured while
sleeping. The amazing thing was that he'd somehow used the light and
shadows to bring the sketch to life, something that many professional
artists take years to learn.

I closed the book quietly and placed it back on his desk, hoping I put it
back where I found it. I glanced at the chrono and saw that it was nine
a.m. Oh well, it was time that the lazy Jedi master got out of bed. I
knocked lightly at his door, and received no response. I palmed the door
open and laughed when I saw Qui-Gon tangled in the bedcovers and snoring
lightly. Moving quietly, I gently shook his shoulder and he awoke with a
start.

"What in the Sith?!" Qui-Gon bolted from bed and then relaxed when he saw
that it was me. I stifled a giggle as he rubbed his eyes sleepily.
Apparently the Jedi master wasn't a morning person. Neither was I, except
on occasions when I was awakened by a delightfully naked padawan.

"Morning, Qui-Gon." Qui-Gon grumbled a bit and waved me away with his hand.
He stumbled out of bed and threw on a houserobe that was flung across a
nearby chair.

"You'd better be glad I fell asleep in my leggings last night or you would
have been treated to quite a show." Qui-Gon seemed to be waking up, as his
dry humor was returning with a vengeance. I giggled, having already been
privy to one "show" this morning.

"Whas' so funny?" Qui-Gon mumbled through a yawn. He ran a comb through
his long brown hair and strugged to put the tie in. I had pity on him, and
took the comb from his hands. We stood in silence for a few moments, my
hands working deftly through his tangled strands. Finally, with all the
tangles removed, I tied the tie in his hair and pronounced him done.

"Ta da! And who says that I'm not good for anything around here?" Qui-Gon
laughed and we left the room. After he got breakfast on the table, he
addressed my giggling issue once more. With a few cups of tea in him, he
was quite the capable interrogator.

"Oh, you said that I would have gotten quite a show had you not forgotten to
remove your sleep pants. I was laughing because I was already treated to
just such a show this very morning. Your padawan inadvertantly flashed me
while changing earlier. He thought I was asleep." I laughed some more,
relieved when I saw Qui-Gon's face break into a smile. I was afraid he'd
kick me out for trying to corrupt his padawan. Well, not really, but the
thought had crossed my mind.

"Obi-Wan is very shy. You've been a positive influence on him, making him
come of his shell a bit. I'm afraid that he'll be weak in negotiations
because he is so used to having me speak for him. Oh well, that is neither
here nor now. He is only twenty, and he won't even be considered for the
Trials until he's twenty five." Qui-Gon then stared at me with an alarming
intensity, his sharp blue eyes reading every fleeting thought in my mind. I
shifted under his scrutiny and finally he spoke again.

"How old are you, little one?" I was shocked, my age didn't matter, did it?
I mean, I'd been on the streets since I was fourteen, so being only twenty
I had an awful lot of experience for one so young.

"Twenty. Same as Obi." Qui-Gon contemplated this and murmurred under his
breath, "Curious. I wonder if she'd be interested in.."

-----------------------------------------
I rolled my eyes at Qui-Gon, not wanting him to play matchmaker with me and
Obi. I was perfectly happy with being alone, thank you kindly. He merely
chuckled and pinched my cheek before getting up from the table. He threw on
his overtunic and gathered some supplies.

"Hey, want to go to the Jedi Archives? I could use some help. I'm tyring
to find all records of Sith activity for the past three millennia." I
scooped up my dishes, put them in the sink, and followed him out the door.

As we passed through the hallways of the Temple, we caught sight of
Obi-Wan's horticulture class at work in the Garden. Apparently, Qui-Gon
sent him a little message via telepathy because he looked up and greeted us
with a smile. He looked to his instuctor, a tall humanoid woman with deep
brown skin, who nodded and he came over to us.

"Good morning, Master, Lyssa. Where are you headed off to?" Obi-Wan
glanced at his Master's heavy bag and my happy expression, clearly
conflicted.

"You can't be taking her to the Archives. She's smiling." Qui-Gon's face
broke into a rakish grin and Obi-Wan ducked a blow. Apparently, Obi-Wan
wasn't a fan of doing research. Me, I just wanted to get out of the flat
and see some more of the Temple. Besides, reading about the elusive Sith
sounded like some mighty interesting reading.

We bid him goodbye and headed to the Archives. Three hours later, my back
and neck were cramping, and we were no closer to understanding the Sith
mythology than we were earlier. Qui-Gon sensed my boredom and sent me back
to the flat.

"Obi-Wan will be home by know, I think. Perhaps he can show you some of his
artwork. He's quite talented." I laughed, and raced back to the flat to
catch him before he left for lightsabre practice. When he opened the door,
my face was flushed and I was panting.

"Sit down, sit down. Here, drink this." Obi-Wan thrust his glass of juice
into my hands and I drank it all in two gulps. He grinned and I tried to
catch my breath. Running halfway across the Temple didn't do wonders for my
mediocre respiratory system.

"Thanks." I muttered breathlessly. He smiled again, that damn innocent
smile, and pushed a lock of stray hair behind my ear. I found his action
endearing, and leaned closer to him. His eyes began to droop, but even
half-lidded I could see the desire swimming in them. Something came over
me, and I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against his lips. His arms came
around me then and furthered the kiss, probing my mouth with his tongue. It
was then that I realized what I'd done and broke away abruptly.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." Obi-Wan muttered his apologies
sincerely, and moved out of my personal space. I regretted the loss, as his
warm presence soothed me and made me feel calm. Damn, I couldn't wait until
the Council found me something to do besides sit around and think of ways to
break my own vow.
-----------------------------

------------------------------------------
I was going crazy. I was bored. I was miserable. And on top of all that,
I had morning sickness. It wouldn't have been so bad if it had happened
only in the morning. It didn't. It happened all the time. Of course, I
couldn't be left alone in my misery. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon thought it their
lifelong duty to keep watch by my side as I paid homage to the porcelain
god. It was sweet, I suppose, but it got old very quickly.

I'd been with the two Jedi for about a month now, and while I appreciated
their concern and generosity, I was itching to see more than the Temple
complex. My first meeting with the Council would be in two weeks, as the
Senate session got delayed by a typhoon on Kashyyk. At that moment, my
stomach wasn't revolting against me, so I decided to chance it and go out.
It wasn't like I was going to see Perel or anything by just taking a short
walk.

I slid on one of my civilian outfits, and left a hastily-scribbled note for
Obi-Wan on the kitchen table, knowing that's where he'd be headed after his
classes.

--Obi---
Went for a walk. Be back soon. Don't worry.
--Lyssa

I exited the flat and turned right, to leave the Temple grounds. I kept an
eye out for Obi and Qui-Gon, knowing they'd stop me if they saw me leaving.
In my rush to get out of there, I didn't even notice when I ran into a tiny
figure with a walking stick. I looked down to find a very angry two foot
Jedi master. The infamous Master Yoda.

"Watch where you are going, you should. Be mindful of the Force, and tumble
over masters you will not." I stifled a laugh as Yoda tried to get his
bearings. I helped him, only to be rewarded with a sharp pop on my shin
from his gimer stick. He muttered a bit and headed back to the Council
room, leaving me in a fit of giggles.

I came out of the Temple on the 32nd level of Coruscant. Still being in the
upper levels, I was relatively safe in my wanderings. I caught a local
transport and headed over to the art museum, remembering the many nights
that the curator had let me sleep inside. Being a member of the Temple
staff, I had my own credit chip to pay for anything I might need when
outside the Temple. Today, it would come in handy.

As I was on the transport, I noticed that a hooded man across the aisle was
staring at me. I didn't think much of it, but when the vehicle lurched to a
stop in front of the art museum, his hood tilted a bit and I saw that it was
Perel. I tried to hide, but it was no use. He'd seen me. Damn me for
being so stupid.

I got off, knowing my best bet was to stay in a crowd. He couldn't beat me
in front of hundreds of people or he'd be arrested. Of course, knowing
Perel, he most likely had the local police in his pocket. We were out of
the immediate area of the Temple, so the Jedi wouldn't have any say in a
local matter. I was screwed if he got me alone.

I did fine until he caught up with me at the sculpture exhibit. He pushed
me into an alcove and spat in my face.

"You dirty whore. You're carrying my child, aren't you? Aren't you?!" He
leaned into my face, his foul breath blowing straight up my nostrils. Until
I met Obi-Wan, I hadn't fully realized just how repulsive this man truly
was. How people could be of such extremes, I didn't know.

"Yes. And I'm not a whore." I tried to escape his grasp, but he held on
tightly. It was no use unless someone happened to come across us. Even
then, they might steer clear thinking that we were lovers in search of a
semi-private place to have a tryst.

"Is that what your little Jedi told you? I've seen you together..he's
nothing more than a little kitten, lapping up every word you say to him.
Tell me, have you gotten him into bed yet?" Through my rage, I managed to
get an arm free and punch him. I knocked out a few teeth, and had my chance
to escape. I got about halfway down the corridor before I ran into a man.

"Please, sir, help me. He's after me." It was then that I got a good look
at him. It was Mace Windu, high council member and the instructor of
Obi-Wan's art class. Oh no. Obi. I was too late however. He'd already
figured out what happened and went barreling after Perel.

-------------------

----------------------------------------
Mace settled me down and ran to find Obi. Of course, Obi wasn't about to
stop pounding Perel's face in any time soon. Perel deserved it, of course,
but Jedi aren't immune from the law...they ARE the law. This made Obi's
situation all the more perilous. Finally, Mace and another padawan were
able to pull Obi-Wan from Perel's weakened body. He might be quiet, but he
was like a tiger in a fight. He'd come out no worse for the wear, save a
long scratch down his cheek from Perel's vibroblade.

I felt a cold pang of revenge creep into me. How dare that man touch
something so good, scar something so perfect? Somehow, that scar irritated
me to the core of my being. I hated it. He came to me, ran his hands over
me and murmurred words of comfort in my ear. He insisted that the Healers
check me out, even though Perel hadn't hurt me. Obi, meanwhile, had blood
running from his mouth where Perel had knocked a tooth loose. I touched the
tip of my finger to his lip and he winced, the swelling already starting.

"Sorry. Take me back to the Temple?" Obi-Wan looked to Mace, who nodded
his assent. With that, Obi wrapped an arm around my waist and hailed an air
taxi. We rode back to the Temple in silence, comfortable with just being
together. Never had I met someone who'd been so interested in my well-being
without wanting something in return. While Obi seemed attracted to me, he
didn't expect sex. He was my friend, and that was worth everything in the
world to me. I'd never really had a true friend before and it was a
wonderful feeling.

We got out of the taxi and I paid with my credit chip before Obi could say
otherwise. I helped him back to our flat, and laid him on his bed..the bed
he hadn't slept in since I'd come to live with him. I unwrapped his tunics
and gasped when I saw the heavy bruising on his ribs. Even without the
Force, Perel was a good fighter. I knew that from experience.

"Obi, you have to go to a Healer." He shook his head and I sighed. He was
going to be difficult about this. Oh well, I was still going to make him
sleep in his own bed for a change. A girl's gotta have some power
over...over what? I mentally kicked myself for falling into the trap of
calling Obi, "My man." He wasn't mine. I wasn't his. I didn't want any
more relationships.

I rubbed his ribs down with mentholocus balm gently, trying to massage some
of his soreness out. I wrapped them with an elastic bandage I found in his
nightstand and went to work on his cut. He was silent, in fact, he hadn't
spoken a word since the fight. I dabbed bacta along the jagged cut and more
on his split lip. I coaxed him to open his mouth with my fingertip and I
felt around his loose tooth. It seemed to be okay, so I left it alone. On
a whim, I dropped a kiss onto his nose and he smiled.

"You're a good patient, Padawan Kenobi. Now, go to sleep." I turned to
leave the room when his voice stopped me. Ah, so the angel speaks once
more.

"I can't take the bed...you're a lady." I laughed, and he stopped me with
an intense look.

"I mean it. You know why I beat him? Because he called you a dirty whore.
You're not dirty...not at all. You're perfect..to me, at least." His voice
got small, as if he thought I'd laugh again. I smiled and crawled into the
bed next to him. I brushed a kiss along his temple and he pulled me into
his body. That night, I slept better than I ever had before.
-----------------------

------------------------------
I didn't want to leave him, but I had to. I had a meeting with the Council
in an hour. I dropped a kiss onto his cheek and smiled when he snuggled
into the pillow. Asleep like that, he looked so innocent. Force, if I
didn't know any better, I'd think that I was falling in love with him. Of
course, I wasn't. Love wasn't real. It was merely an illusion created by
men to get women into bed.

I dressed in my formal green robes and braided my hair. I threw a glance
back to Obi-Wan, his bare shoulders just peeking over the comforter. If you
didn't know better, you'd think he'd got laid last night. He had a dreamy
smile on his face and he was snoring lightly. I once read in a magazine
that men were like portable snoring heaters. It was true.

I was glad the robes were loose because pregnancy was beginning to take its
toll upon my body. I'd never been a slender woman, but I could already tell
that the baby was going to be a big one. I ran my hands over my belly
subconciously, sort of amazed that there was a life growing inside my body.
For a fleeting moment, I found myself wishing that the tiny baby growing
inside me would belong to a certain sleeping padawan. I shook the offending
thought from my head and finished with my hair. As an afterthought, I left
Obi-Wan a note on the nightstand.

--Obi--
Sorry about yesterday. When I get home I'll make it up to you, I promise.
Don't worry about the Council or Qui-Gon. I'll make sure they won't blame
you for what happened.

Love,
Lyssa

When I came into the main room, I saw that Qui-Gon was already awake, his
piercing blue eyes fixed on my face. He wasn't pleased. At all. Resigned
to my fate, I plopped down into a nearby chair and waited for the lecture.

"What in the Force did you think you were doing? Don't you know that man
has the local authorities in his pocket? The second you stepped out of the
Temple on anything other than official Jedi business, you were a sitting
duck. Gods, Lyssa. And to bring Obi-Wan into this. I'm ashamed." Qui-Gon
smiled lightly, a smile of relief that both I and his padawan were all
right. He'd sort of "adopted" me as his daughter, and was pretty concerned
with my well-being.

"He won't get into trouble, will he? I mean, he was just protecting me. I
didn't even know he'd be there. Honest." I searched his face, looking for
some sign of resignation. No such luck. Obi was going to get punished, and
badly from the looks of it. I had a feeling that Master Jinn was wickedly
creative when it came to punishments.

"Oh yes, he is to be punished. Master Yoda and I have decided that Obi-Wan
will clean the entire Council room from top to bottom with nothing but his
two hands, a scrub brush, and water. Lots of water. Then, he will clean
Master Yoda's bathtub. This bathtub is the size of Obi-Wan's bedroom." I
gulped. Poor Obi. Glad I wasn't going to be involved, however. My Council
meeting today had to do with the FINALLY started Senate session, and had
been scheduled for weeks now.

"I don't think so..you're not getting out of this. You, my dear Lyssa, have
three weeks babysitting duty in the creche. I regret that you cannot join
Obi-Wan in his cleaning of the Temple, but the Senate session has begun.
Perhaps you two will be more careful from now on. The Council has been on
its wits' end trying to defuse the situation you two caused. The tabloid
holonews is going crazy with this, and you know it isn't often they can talk
about the Jedi." I groaned. I hated kids. Oh well, I needed the practice
for when the little one came. Speaking of which, when was I going to get a
place of my own?

----Council Chambers----
"Lyssa A'morgaine, you are an official liason from the Jedi council to the
Senate. As such, you must represent the Jedi in an objective, yet
respectful light. Your job is to report the Senate activities to us here at
the Council, and report on any diplomatic missions you make with Master Jinn
and Padawan Kenobi. Do you understand these duties and promise to fulfill
them faithfully?" Mace Windu leaned forward in his chair and stroked his
chin. I was nervous, not having been exposed to this exquisite form of
torture yet. And to think that my job required regular Council briefings.

"Yes. I'm prepared to fulfill my duties faithfully and honestly." I tried
to be brave, but on the inside I was shaking. There was no way I was
qualified for this job. Master Yoda picked up his gimer stick and hobbled
towards me, pointing a gnarled claw at my stomach.

"See through you, we can. Afraid, you are. Believe you not qualified to be
a liason?" I nodded my head and he grinned a little. "Most qualified in a
long time, I think." Master Yoda's words were reverberated throughout the
chamber and I was relieved. Now, on to the job!

"Liason A'morgaine, your primary responsibility is to monitor the Trade
Federation. As of late, they have been very aggressive in their
negotiations for trade routes, and we suspect that they have been blockading
planets that refuse to sign their treaties. We want you to keep an eye out
on their dealings within the Senate, and let us know if the dispatch of Jedi
for diplomatic negotiations is required. Dismissed." With that, I was able
to leave the chamber, and glad of it. Individually, the Council members
were all polite and cordial, but in a group they were quite intimidating. I
hopped on a shuttle to the Senate building and fumbled with my datapads,
making sure everything was in order.

Once inside, I was in awe. Thousands upon thousands of floating platforms
were arranged in a circular formation around the building. In the center
was Supreme Chancellor Valorum's platform, where he was assisted by his
aide, Mas Amedda. The Jedi platform was next to that of the Supreme
Chancellor's, and I saw that there were about seven or eight other liasons
such as myself present. Most were humanoids, but I saw a mon calamarian and
a cerean amongst the humans. The Mon Calamarian seemed to be in charge and
I walked up to her. As soon as I got close enough to see her face, I knew.
It was Bant, Obi's childhood friend. No wonder she was in charge...she was
an actual Jedi. The cerean had a false braid hanging down behind his right
ear and I understood. Bant had taken a padawan and was training him in the
high-paced world of Senate negotiations.

"Hi. You must be Lyssa. Obi has spoke volumes about you..he's quite taken
with you." I blushed. I couldn't imagine Obi-Wan Kenobi speaking more than
about two words to anyone. I thanked Bant and she started the round of
introductions.

"All right. I'm Bant, and I'm in charge, since I'm a Jedi. My padawan is
Ba-Don-La, but we usually just call him Don for short." She pointed to a
slender woman with dark hair and eyes and a young man of the same coloring.
They were introduced as Corinne and Cereth D'athleigh, brother and sister.
A red-haired man was introduced as Horus, a blonde woman as Avril. One
woman was a striking beauty, with jet black hair and wide silver eyes. She
was introduced as Kaleena, called Kalie for short. All seemed happy to have
met me and were ready to see what I could do.

"All right people..and Cereans." Bant shot a smile at her padawan and
continued, "We all have our assignments, so let's get to it. If you have
any questions about how to report a particular bit of information, bring it
to either me or Don." As I understood, the other liasons didn't live within
the Temple complex and had gained their knowledge of the Jedi solely through
schooling. As far as experience went, I knew more of the Jedi opinion on
things than these seasoned employees. Most of their contact with the Jedi
was restricted to Bant and the Council.

After hours of taking copious notes and chatting with the other liasons, I
was more than ready to get back to the flat. Being pregnant made my
appetite weak, but by the time I got home I was starving. Qui-Gon smiled at
my rampage through the kitchen in search of food and merely moved out of my
way. I noticed that Obi was lying on the couch, propped up by several
pillows. I picked up his sock-clad feet and sat on the end of his couch.
Once settled, I put them back into my lap, not minding the closeness at all.
For some odd reason, Obi-Wan couldn't smother me if he wanted to.

"I'm sorry I got you into trouble, Obi." I flashed him a grin and he smiled
back. Qui-Gon playfully rolled his eyes at us and I tossed a small pooja
fruit at him. He caught it easily, sliced it in half, and sent it flying
towards my face. Obi intercepted it, and bit it right out of the air. We
all shared a much-needed laugh.

"It's quite all right. You're worth it, y'know. 'Sides, this isn't the
first time I've had to carry out a manual punishment for fighting. I once
had a month's worth of babysitting duty for beating up Bruck, another
padawan in my year." Obi and I settled into our couch, Qui-Gon watching
nearby. For a moment, we almost seemed like a family.
-----------------

----------------------------------------------
Well, I guess kids aren't so bad after all. It had been a week since Obi
and I had gotten into trouble, and I was beginning to enjoy my
semi-permanent job in the creche. Several of the children were fascinated
by my pregnancy, especially now since they could feel the baby kick from
time to time. I was fascinated myself, knowing that this tiny creature was
growing inside of me, that he or she would love me unconditionally, wouldn't
care how or why they were brought into the world.

Qui-Gon found himself nearly giddy at the prospect of being a surrogate
father, having no children himself. His first padawan, he explained, had
been his lover for a while and didn't seem like a child to him. The second
had left the Jedi order in a disgrace and Obi-Wan was more of a student.
Sure, he felt closer to him than he had the other two, but he still didn't
invoke feelings of fatherhood. But a baby, a baby would be wonderful.

We'd arranged it so that Qui-Gon would be listed as the official father of
the child. The Jedi promised me that Perel would have absolutely no way to
claim the child for his own, that in all legal matters, the child of Lyssa
A'morgaine was fathered by Qui-Gon Jinn. If, later on, I got married or
started a deep relationship with someone else, legal guardianship of the
child would be turned over to that man.

I assured Qui-Gon that no other man would ever enter the picture. The only
two men in my life now, and that ever would be in my life, would be Qui-Gon
Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Qui-Gon smiled, amused at my firm resolve to never
love anyone. Obi-Wan laughed as well, apparently thinking he could woo me.
*Well, if anyone has a chance, it's him.* I thought to myself.

A sharp tug on my hair from Aidao reminded me of my duties. I pulled the
small girl into my lap and played with her red hair, braiding it into an
intricate pattern that my mother had taught me before she died. My own hair
was a mess, the utilitarian braid having fallen out over the course of the
day. A chime at the door announced the next babysitter coming in, a padawan
of about fifteen. She'd gotten into trouble for sneaking out past curfew
and mind whammying a bartender into selling her drinks. I handed her Aidao
and went to watch my new favorite sport: Obi Drenching.

Apparently, Obi-Wan was the butt of most of the jokes of his yearmates.
With the exception of the precocious Bant, all his yearmates were still
padawans, and felt it their life's mission to make Obi-Wan miserable. His
washing down of the Council room was taking longer than normal because Bruck
and several of his buddies would use the Force to pick up the water buckets
and dump them on poor Obi. Obi would take it well, merely re-filling his
pails and starting over. Today, however, he was still perfectly dry. I
sighed. I rather enjoyed seeing him wet. But, he had taken his upper tunic
off, and I watched the play of his muscles as he scrubbed the floor. I
suppose I was there for about ten minutes when he suddenly gathered up his
cleaning supplies and headed for the door. He saw me then, and I knew I was
busted. Oh well, I might as well come clean with it.

"You've been watching me all week, Lyssa." He didn't say it in an accusing
tone..rather, he sounded quite amused. He ran a hand through his spiky
hair, and I was frozen in place, watching his smooth skin ripple over his
muscles. I glanced downcast, peering at him through lowered lashes. I
traced an imaginary path down his shoulders and chest, and over his
well-defined abdominal muscles. Pregnancy must be affecting my hormones,
because all I wanted was to throw him down and have sex with him right there
in the Council room.

He came closer, his soft breath brushing against my cheek. "Why don't you
then?" he asked seductively. I nearly melted, but I held onto righteous
anger. He'd read my mind. Again.

"I can't help it, Lyssa. Feelings like that have a way of leaking across
shields." He sighed loudly. "Force knows, I'd love to block that. I hate
this torture you put me through. Your dreams, Lyssa. Gods, your dreams and
fantasies come to me in my meditations. All the things you want to do to
me, and I can't touch you. You won't let me. I promise I'd never hurt you.
I'd cherish you, Lyssa. You must know that." He brushed his hand across
my cheek and met my lips in a tender kiss. For the first time, he'd made
the initiative to do something about our increasingly-tense relationship. I
sighed against his mouth and, out of its own volition, my tongue snaked out
to trace his lips. He groaned then, and opened his mouth to give me access.
His hands came up to cradle my face and he tilted my head to explore me
fully. He pulled me tight against him and we kissed for a moment longer
when he suddenly jumped back.

"The baby, Lyssa. I felt the baby jump." I smiled. It truly was a magical
feeling, feeling the stirrings of life in the womb. He looked at me, his
blue-green eyes searching mine and I knew what he wanted. I nodded and
closed my eyes when I felt his warm palms against my abdomen. The baby
kicked again, and I opened my eyes to see his wide smile.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, you have to be the most precious man I've ever met. Never
have I seen someone so excited about a baby, and it isn't even yours." He
continued to grin at me cheekily and threw on his tunic. It was time to go
back home.
---------------------

When we got back into the apartment, Obi wasted no time in locking the doors
and shutting the curtains. I giggled, something I'd never really done
before, at his urgency. Finally assured that we were alone, he took my hand
and we went back into his bedroom.

He undressed me almost reverently, and I tried to cover myself. I was
self-concious about being pregnant, knowing that my body was no prize. He
laughed and knelt before me, pressing kisses over my swollen belly and
murmurring endearments. His lips moved from my belly down to my thighs and
over my hips. I felt myself already getting wet, and he'd barely done
anything at all.

"I want you, Lyssa. I've tried to hide it, but I need you more than I need
to breathe. Can I have you?" I melted. Of course he could have me. Gods,
how could I say no? He was kneeling before me and practically asking my
permission to seduce me. I nodded yes and he scooped me up and placed me on
the bed.

His lips traced along my body, bathing every inch of skin with sweet
caresses. He stroked me everywhere, his softly calloused fingers stirring
erotic feelings in me. Finally, his mouth found its way between my thighs
and I jumped at the feeling of receiving this most intimate of kisses. None
of my lovers had done it quite like this, and I was enraptured.

Dip and swirl, dip and swirl. Over and over he made love to me with his
mouth, and I felt the orgasm banking. I shuddered and shook, and finally
came. It was magical seeing the look in his eyes as he watched me writhe in
ecstasy.

"I don't know..how to please you, Obi. I can..I don't think I can have
intercourse." He shook his head and bundled me into his sheets. He didn't
expect me to do anything for him, and I loved him for that.

"Shh, sleep. I did that for you, Lyssa. I did that for me. It's enough."
I curled up to his body and we slept. I think Qui-Gon came in later,
because when I awoke the lights were off.
---------------------

------------------------------
I stretched, and felt a huge grin creep across my face when I saw Obi- Wan fast asleep, cradling my pillow to his nose like he was trying to
breathe me in. It was precious. I realized, despite my resolution
to never fall in love, that I was falling for him. I took a
quick 'fresher and threw on my blue robes, ready for another grueling
day at the Senate complex.

Corinne greeted me with a cup of caffiene free-Kaffe and thrust a
sheaf of files into my hands. Apparently the Trade Federation
conflict had gotten much more complicated. Apparently, they were
beginning to blockade the Outer Rim planets with commodities worth
exploiting: Kessel, Ord Mantell, Malastare, and the lake-studded
Naboo.

"The Nubian Queen is recently elected. Amidala is only fourteen, and
I'm almost positive that those Neimoidians think she's a pushover" I
mentioned to Corinne. She stared at me wide-eyed and mentioned my
opinion to Bant. Bant, in turn, got me an appointment with the
Supreme Chancellor, Valorum.

Valorum was a stately man with silvered hair and piercing blue eyes. Those eyes bored into me as I explained my position on what was
referred to as the "Naboo Situation." Valorum took it all in with an
open mind, and finally spoke to me in a clear voice.

"Do you recommend the dispatch of Jedi Knights to the Trade
Federation blockade, Liason A'morgaine?" I nodded and he pressed a
buzzer. Mace Windu's voice wafted into the spacious office.

"Chancellor Valorum? May I be of service?" The Chancellor glanced
at me and then spoke into the speakerphone.

"Yes. I would like you to send two Jedi to resolve the trade dispute
on Naboo." I crossed my fingers, praying it wouldn't be Qui-Gon and
Obi-Wan. With my pregnancy, I wouldn't be allowed to go off-world
and I wouldn't know what was going on.

Mace's voice came back over the speaker and spoke my worst fear. Qui- Gon and Obi-Wan would be leaving the next morning.
--------------

It was my worst fear: my two jedi being sent out on a mission without me. I
was afraid for both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, but told myself that I could live
with the loss of one or the other. I prayed to any god that would listen
though, because I wanted them to come back to me. Safe.

I plopped myself down on Obi's bed and absently stroked my stomach. The
baby kicked and I tried once again to decide on a name for him or her. I
liked the names Kava Selene and Phylicia Yvette for girls, but couldn't
think of a single thing to name a boy. Perhaps it would be a girl.

I could have asked, of course, but I prefered to be surprised. Only Master
Jinn and my healer knew the sex of the baby and I was determined to keep it
that way. Speaking of Master Jinn, I wondered what Qui-Gon would do if I
told him I wanted to name Obi-Wan as the father. That I was in love with
him. That I wanted to go through the necessary channels and life bond with
him.

"He would think it was a wonderful idea." Qui-Gon started to sit down next
to me, and I scooted over to make him some room. Qui-Gon continued in his
rumbly voice and I laid back, just content to listen to him.

"You would make Obi-Wan a fine bondmate. After this new mission, I will
state my approval on the bonding. You do know that the Master must give
away his padawan similar to the way a father gives away his daughter in
regular marriage, right?" I nodded. I'd learned much about Jedi tradition
in the few months I'd lived in the Temple.
----------

They've been gone for three weeks now. Apparently, Qui-Gon and Obi had run
into some engine trouble and had to make an emergency stop on Tatooine, a
desert planet in the outer rim. They were due to arrive in Coruscant late
this afternoon.

I cleaned a little bit, the flat having disintegrated into chaos while the
Jedi were gone. I really had to MAKE the time to clean it, because I was
due at the Council in less than half an hour and then at the Senate
building. The Trade Federation situation had become much more complicated
in the past few weeks, meaning that the Liasons were having to work their
asses off to keep everyone satisfied.

Cleaning done, I plopped into Qui-Gon's overstuffed chair and flipped on the
Holonet. Ahh, more killing, death and destruction. According to Aldon
Bralan, the death toll on Naboo was catastrophic. Women and children were
suffering and dying along with military officials. Apparently, the
Federation had actually landed on the planet and rounded every citizen up
and placed them into concentration camps. I dearly hoped that Qui-Gon and
Obi could resolve the situation.

I heard the doorknob twist and popped up from the chair, realizing that Obi
and Qui-Gon were home. I ran, well, waddled, to the door and pulled it
open, surprised to see Obi-Wan and a small boy.

He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a soft kiss. The boy looked at
us, puzzled.

"Obi-Wan? You didn't tell me you were married. Is Master Qui-Gon married
too?" I had to laugh then. Apparently Obi-Wan hadn't explained my presence
in their lives.

"Anakin, this is Lyssa A'morgaine. She's Master and I's special friend." I
was miffed. Friend, eh?

"More than that, Obi-wobi." Heh..he was in for it. So I'm just a friend,
huh? Guess that means he won't be pissed if I tease him a bit. Of course,
to his credit, he turned forty shades of red. Poor thing.

"I didn't think that explaining the intimate nature of our relationship was
appropiate for a nine year old boy to hear, darling Lyssa." I was
surprised. Obi didn't say that with a bit of sarcasm. Clearly, he was the
bigger man. Of course, I felt bad now. I figured that my pregnancy was
getting to me..making me short and cross with those I loved.

"Of course not. I'm sorry, Obi. Anyway, I'm Lyssa. Who are you?" I would
have knelt down to meet the boy in the eye, but my burgeoning stomach
prevented that. Damn, I would be so glad when I could function again.

"Anakin Skywalker. Pleased to meet you. Hmm..you're not a Jedi, are you?"
I shook my head no. I wondered how he could tell that I wasn't. Obi seemed
to wonder as well, and finally asked.

"How did you reach that conclusion, Anakin?" The boy shrugged and looked at
me.

"She feels different..in the Force, I mean. Like, when I sense a Jedi I
always get this little tendril back..like they know I'm reaching out to them
and responding in kind. With Lyssa, I get an overall feeling of warmth, but
no tendril. It's sort of like what I feel from my mother." At that, the
boy began to cry. Obi rubbed his shoulders a bit, but he clearly didn't
know how to handle the situation. I kissed Obi and took Anakin from him,
figuring it was time to put those new-found maternal instincts to use.

==============================

Pregnancy was becoming a death sentence. I hated waddling around, but I
found that being relegated to bed rest by the Healers was even worse. I
wanted to work..wanted to keep tabs on Obi and Qui-Gon. Of course, Healer
Aini said that I shouldn't move a muscle until the baby was born, which was
about two weeks from now.

I hadn't heard a thing about Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan, and was beginning to worry.
I couldn't even get out of bed to the Holonet player, so I had no idea
what was going on. I knew it wasn't intentional, but I hadn't heard from
any of my co-workers either. They were all busy with the Trade Federation
situation on Naboo.

I was surprised when I heard the door to the flat open. Before I moved into
the Temple, I would have come out, blasters blaring. I didn't even care to
roll over, figuring it was Adi Gallia coming to check on me again.

I was surprised to see Obi-Wan. I smiled at him, and he glanced up
half-heartedly. I asked him what was wrong, knowing he was sort of down.
He crashed onto the bed, burying his head into my lap. He began to cry
softly and I ran my hands through his short hair, not knowing why he was
crying but wanting him to feel better soon. Him crying like that was
ripping my heart out..I would give anything to make him feel better.
Finally, he lifted his head and spoke, giving me the shock of my life.

"Master Qui-Gon is dead. He was killed by a Sith lord...one that I killed
shortly thereafter. I'm being knighted tonight by Master Yoda." I wrapped
my arms around him and cried, knowing that Qui-Gon would never see his
adopted son or daughter..never get to hold him or her.

We stayed like that for a while, before Obi popped up, announcing that he
had to go see Yoda. I nodded, understanding, and then he asked me another
shocking question.

"Marry me, Lyssa A'morgaine. I want you more than anything. And, I want
you to cut my braid..you're the only one worthy of that." I cried again,
and whispered "yes" through tears.
-------------------

The Knighting ceremony was simple. Obi had to declare his allegiance to the
Jedi order and swear to protect the ideals it upheld. After Obi said his
vows to the order, I was allowed to slice his long padawan braid.

"Here," I said, handing it to Obi to keep but he curled it into my palm and
kissed my knuckles, telling me to keep it always. Adi Gallia stepped into
the chamber and handed me an antique necklace..a Master's medallion. The
medallion was used to keep the braid of a special padawan, whether it be
that master's first or last. She gave it to me so that my child would
always have something of the man who would be his/her father.

She then performed the bonding ceremony, which was a little bit embarassing.
She had to delve into our minds completely, to see our full intentions.
When she deemed that we loved one another, she helped me twine my mind with
Obi's so intricately that only death would break the bond. I cried a
little, and then felt a sharp pain in my abdomen.

My back had been hurting all day, but this pain was different and was
accompanied by what seemed like..water. Oh sithspit. The baby was coming.
-------------

Labor is evil. Men are evil. I pushed, I screamed. I grabbed Obi's arm
and clawed him during contractions, then let loose and apologized profusely
when they passed. He seemed to understand and merely kept a hand twined in
my hair.

I pushed and screamed some more, biting down on Yoda's gimer stick during
particularly intense contractions, noticing how there was less and less of a
break. Finally, the healers told me to push, and hard. ONNNNNEEE...and two
and three and...TWOOOOOOOOO...

This went on for about twenty minutes, but it seemed like an eternity.
Finally, I heard a mewling cry and the healers rushed to clean off the tiny
child. Healer Aini brought her to me in a blanket and said, "Here you go, a
beautiful baby girl."

I stared into my girl's brown eyes, so similar to mine..yet, different.
Hers were untouched by the evils I'd seen..and I was going to do my damndest
to make sure that she was always protected.

"Are you going to name her now?" I looked to Obi, who kissed my cheek and
whispered one suggestion.

"Would you give her the middle name Jinn?" I smiled and nodded, and little
Kava Jinn Kenobi was officially welcomed into the world. Birth
announcements were sent out by Adi Gallia, but I was unaware. The only
thing that mattered was that I was wrapped up in the arms of the man I
loved, and those arms were cradling my child..OUR child.

=============
Kava was a darling child, and I was beginning to miss her dearly. I had
decided, with Obi-Wan's urging, to have her tested for a midichlorian level.
It was off the charts. I reluctantly handed her over to the creché
madame, knowing that in the long run that was the best thing for her. Obi
comforted me, telling me that I could see her whenever I wanted to. But, it
wasn't the same. It wasn't the same as being able to raise her and see her
grow into a lovely young woman. However, she wouldn't have to stay there
permanently until she was one year old. Tonight was just a temporary visit,
but I still felt awful...being separated.

"It's the best thing, Lyssa." He trailed his fingers along my neck, sending
shivers down my spine. It had been three weeks since I'd had Kava, and this
was the first time that Obi-Wan would get what I know he'd wanted all these
months. I'd planned on seducing him into my bed tonight, but he didn't seem
to need much seduction.

"I don't just want it, Love, I need it more than I need to breathe. I crave
your touch." He breathed all of this into my ear, causing another shiver to
trickle down my spine. He led me back to the flat, but this time, into
Qui-Gon's old room. He pressed a finger to my lips and went across the
living room to the other room to check on Anakin. Assured that he was
sleeping soundly, he came back into the bedroom..and was shocked soundly.

While he'd been gone, I'd stripped and laid across the bed like a wanton
lover. He smiled, and removed his tunics, laying them carefully in a chair.
He bent over to remove his boots..those lovely, wonderful fuck-me boots,
and finally his leggings. His erection sprang up and I was amazed at how
large he actually was. I'd never had the opportunity to study him when he
was aroused, and enjoyed my time.

Obi crossed the bedroom in two steps and swept me into his arms, raining
kisses all over my body. Between each kiss, there were words..soft, stolen
moments that I wouldn't give up for all the money in the world.

Then, he was inside me. All of him, thrusting in and out, striking me deep
down inside. I knew it was right then..nothing could compare to this
feeling. Perel was a fool in the bedroom..everyone was a fool in the
bedroom compared to my lover. My lover was a god. Obi-Wan opened his eyes
in those final moments, meeting mine with lust and love all mixed together.
He came, and planted a soft kiss on my nose.

"I love you, Lyssa. Love, I can't begin to describe the feeling when you
kissed me for the first time. You, for lack of a better term, made my
midichlorians sing." I sighed, and snuggled against his chest.

All I'd wanted was a place to sleep, but I ended up with so much more. As I
lay wrapped up in my lover's arms, I realized that I wouldn't have it any
other way.
==================
The End! Whoo Hoo!

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