Parental Involvement
Author: Lanna C email: dewlannaa@hotmail.com
Archive: ok
Disclaimer: All characters except Tsalia Kai, Tsobor Kai,
and Malya Elmir are borrowed and will be
returned unharmed.
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Q/f, O/f
Summary: Picks up where Wounded Soul ends.
Feedback: "You may fire when ready."
*******************************
Tsalia Kai watched in disbelief as her parents moved
to join Obi-Wan and Master Yoda at the end of the
ramp. Why had her parents come to Myrkr with
Obi-Wan and Yoda? They probably had run into the
two Jedi during the Peace Conferences on Alderaan.
Her name probably would have come up in conversation
at some point. Perhaps they had come for a friendly
visit. After all it had been three years since she had left
Alderaan. An uneasiness in the pit of her stomach told
her there was more to this impromptu visit than that
however.
As she and Qui-Gon neared the ship's ramp, her
father broke from the group and hurried toward her,
beaming.
"Lia!" The man said taking Lia into his arms.
Qui-Gon stood aside, watching as father and daughter
embraced. Lia's father was a tall man, only a couple
inches shorter than Qui-Gon. His hair dark and wavy
like Lia's, hung loose, almost to his shoulders. Only
the lines around his eyes hinted at his age.
"What are you doing here Dad?"
"Well I missed my little girl, didn't I," he said picking
a piece of grass from her hair, "Besides, I wanted
to meet the man who could tame you." He added
with a laugh. Extending a hand to Qui-Gon he
said, "Tsobor Kai."
"I'm Qui-Gon Jinn." Lia watched with a smile as the
two most important men in her life shook hands.
Lia's happy moment was interupted by the approach
of her mother. "Hello Mother," she said pleasantly,
giving the woman a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.
Qui-Gon did not need the Force to sense the tension
between the two women. He could see where Lia got
her beauty, her mother was an elegant, handsome
woman. She had a seriousness to her features that
Lia did not share however. She had a small build with
long blond hair kept in a single braid that ran down her
back. "Lia dear," said the woman taking in her daughter's
disheveled hair and attire, "you look.... comfortable."
Lia squirmed under her mother's gaze. She had forgotten
for a moment the state that her clothes were in. The tied
shoulder strap and grass stains on her shirt, the bits of
grass that refused to be shook from her hair, left no
doubt to anyone present what she and Qui-Gon had
been doing just moments before they arrived. She was
not sure whether to laugh or be embarrassed.
"Malia," Tsobor Kai broke in, "this is Qui-Gon Jinn. Master
Jinn, my wife and Lia's mother, Malya Elmir."
"I am pleased to meet you," Qui-Gon said trying to
remember the last time he had felt so uncomfortable and
wishing he were wearing a shirt.
"Yoda speaks very highly of you, Master Jinn." Malya
Elmir said in a tone that suggested she might not think
that a good thing.
To Lia's great relief Master Yoda joined them, followed
closely by an ill looking Obi-Wan. The effects of the Force
free planet seemed to plague him just as strongly this
time as last. Though he hadn't been here long enough
before to get used to them.
"Soaking in the spring, will I be while preparing to leave
you are," the old Jedi said, amusement showing in his
green features.
As Yoda toddled off to the hot spring, Lia's mother said,
"We will wait on board while you gather your things."
**********************************
When they reached the cabin, Lia let out a heavy sigh.
"What a way to end a perfect afternoon." She pulled
her shirt off over her head, flinging it through the bedroom
door.
"Here," he soothed drawing her into his arms, "I thought
it went pretty well." Her skin felt hot on his cool chest as he
held her close.
"She's come to make trouble, Qui-Gon. I'm sure of it."
"Maybe she just missed you," he said, although he too
had his doubts.
"You don't know my mother," she stated matter of factly.
"Well no matter," he said, kissing the top of her head, "I'm
sure that together we can handle any obstacle."
Lia only wished she were as certain as Qui-Gon seemed
to be.
************************
By the time Yoda returned from his visit to the hot spring
Qui-Gon and Lia had changed clothes, packed their
belongings and closed up the cabin.
Qui-Gon was surprised to see the elder Jedi ascend
the boarding ramp alone. He was expecting Obi-Wan to
be with him since he wasn't on board the ship.
"A problem you have, Qui-Gon?"
"Obi-Wan has not returned to the ship, I thought he was
with you," answered the tall man.
"With me he was not but find him we will," Master Yoda
said.
"Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon shouted, hoping the young man
was within hearing range. A sick feeling began to grow
in the pit of his stomach. "Obi-Wan!"
"What's going on?" Lia asked emerging from the ship.
"Obi-Wan did not return with Master Yoda," Qui-Gon
stated, "and he does not answer my call."
**************************
A search of the surrounding area turned up no sign
of the missing padawan. Worry was etched in Qui-Gon's
handsome features as they regrouped in front of the
cabin.
"Master Jinn, my wife and I will walk down to the village
and ask about your apprentice," Lia's father offered.
"Thank you," he called as Lia's parents left the group,
then turning to the ship's pilot and copilot he said, "Captain
Lokar if you and Chol-Nu will search the foothills over the
hot spring, I will take the valley below."
"With you I will go, Qui-Gon," said Yoda.
"I'm coming too," Lia added pulling a lightsaber from
a pocket of her emerald traveling suit.
"No Lia, it's too dangerous. The vorskyrs will ..."
"Qui-Gon," she interupted, "I'm coming too."
There was no time to argue and Qui-Gon knew her
mind would not be swayed so the three of them set off
over the mountain and down into the forested valley
where the vornskrs made their home.
Lia had to jog to keep pace with Qui-Gon's long stride
as he hurried along searching for Obi-Wan. Yoda rode
in a pouch on the tall Jedi's back. Lia could not imagine
Obi-Wan coming here, knowing that these vicious creatures
would attack anyone with a high midichlorian count.
They had not gotten far inside the forest when the sounds
of growling beasts could be heard up ahead. Qui-Gon
helped Yoda to the ground and said quietly to Lia, "Stay
close to me and be careful."
She nodded, noting the icy determination in his eyes. They
proceded swiftly yet silently ahead, Qui-Gon in the lead with
Lia just behind on his left and Master Yoda on his right.
The growls became deafening as they reached the savage
hoard of animals fighting to get at their prey. Lia could barely
make out Obi-Wan's form as he struggled to keep the monsters
at bay. His blue blade swung wildly as he was attacked from
all sides.
In one swift move, Qui-Gon had activated his lightsaber and
begun slicing his way through the beasts that stood between
him and his padawan. "Hang on Obi-Wan!" He shouted over
the roar of the animals as his saber cut down the beasts in his
path. Yoda and Lia worked at either side of him making sure
the ones he struck down, stayed down and could not rejoin
the attack.
Lia's senses were assaulted by sights and smells that would,
under normal circumstances, sicken her. Concentrating solely
on the task at hand she was able to block out the carnage that
surrounded her.
Without the force to warn him and with all his focus centered
on reaching Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon did not notice the vornskr
ready to spring from the branch above him until it was too
late. The creature pounced on his back, sinking it's teeth
into Qui-Gon's shoulder. The jedi stumbled at the impact
but continued his forward movement to his now downed
padawan, he could not spare the time needed to get the
beast off his back.
Seeing that he was in trouble, Lia hurried to help. The
vornskr's whip-like tail struck out at her as she tried to dislodge
the creature from Qui-Gon's back. In one quick movement
she severed the tail at the base, making it easier for her to
move in and decapitate the animal who was savagly tearing
into the shoulder of the man she loved. It's lifeless body fell
to the ground in a smoldering heap.
They fought on through the frenzied beasts, working as a team.
Lia stole a quick glance at Obi-Wan. He seemed to be unconscious
now for he was no longer trying to fight off his attackers, who had
grown quiet as they closed in for the kill. Qui-Gon leaped over
the last of the animals that stood between him and his apprentice,
landing at the young man's side. The growls were loud again as
the monsters were angered by the obstacle that kept them from
their meal.
"Lia, duck!" Qui-Gon roared as she and Yoda worked their way
toward him.
She dropped instantly but was still hit by a large paw across her
forehead. The force of the blow knocked her back into a mass
of dead bodies. The tiny green Jedi master cleanly slicing the
attacking beast in two as Lia staggered to her feet, fighting back
the dizziness that tried to sweep over her. Blood oozed from her
wound, running into her left eye and down her face along the side
of her nose. Using the sleeve of her now tattered green suit, Lia
wiped the blood from her eye as she and Master Yoda continued
with their fight to reach Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.
They covered the remaining ground quickly, joining Qui-Gon as he
fought to keep the vornskrs from his injured padawan. They formed
a back to back circle around Obi-Wan, covering all angles of attack.
Their sabers worked feverishly as the animals kept coming. Lia had
long ago begun to tire, her arms and legs felt heavy, her head
throbbed and she had to continually wipe her eye to keep the blood
from it, but she refused to let any of these things distract her.
When finally the beasts quit coming, Qui-Gon extinguished his
lightsaber, lifted the still form of his apprentice into his arms and
started to work his way back out of the forest. Lia and Yoda followed,
sabers glowing in case of attack. It was slow going until they had
worked their way through the mass of bodies that littered the area.
**********************************
They made it back to the ship with out further incident. Qui-Gon
glanced at Lia often as they strode back up the mountainside. He
could see she was exhausted and her head was still bleeding,
but she still managed to keep up with him. He was so proud of the
way she had fought, calmly and bravely taking on those ferocious
creatures. Her parents had made a mistake in not allowing her to
be trained as a Jedi. She would have made a great Jedi Knight.
The ships engines were running as they ascended the ramp.
Lia's parents met them at the top.
"Follow me, I've turned one of the cabins into a makeshift healing
center," Tsobor Kai instructed. "Malya, see to Lia's head."
****************************
"That Jedi should have never taken you with him," Lia's mother
stated as she squeezed bacta into the gash on her daughter's
forehead, "you might have been killed!"
"I did not ask his permission," Lia said wincing at her mother's
touch. She felt concern radiating from Qui-Gon somewhere on
the ship. Their link had been restored as soon as the ship had
left the planet's atmosphere. It had warmed her heart and soul
when her connection to him had returned. The concern she
felt could only mean there was something wrong with Obi-Wan.
"Just the same..."
"Stop!" Was all she said, she was too tired to argue and she
had to get to Qui-Gon.
************************
"How's he doing?" Lia asked Qui-Gon outside the cabin
where Obi-Wan was being treated.
"Your father is still working on him," he sighed.
"Don't worry Qui-Gon, my dad's a great healer." She took
his large hand and placed it against her cheek. "How is
your shoulder?" His tunic was torn and caked with drying
blood where a vornskr had gotten hold of him.
"It's fine. What about this?" Asked Qui-Gon gently touching
the lump on Lia's brow.
The cabin door slid open beside them. Lia's father stood
in the doorway. "You can see him now, if you like." He said.
Qui-Gon and Lia hurried inside. Obi-Wan lay bruised and
battered on a bunk. His wounds had been cleaned and
bacta applied. "He's going to be fine," Tsobor Kai stated,
"He looked in worse shape than he really was. I've put him
in a light healing trance, he should sleep most of the way
back to Coruscant."
"Thank you, I appreciate everything you have done for
him." Qui-Gon said gratefully.
"I was glad to do it." The elder man stated. "If you will take
a seat Master Jinn, I'll tend to that shoulder as soon as I
have a look at Lia."
"Please call me Qui-Gon and don't trouble yourself about
my shoulder it will be fine."
"It is no trouble Qui-Gon," Lia's father said, shining a small
light in his daughter's eyes. "I don't often get to do field work
any more, I find I've missed it, and you must call me Tsobor."
He hugged his daughter tightly, kissing the top of her head.
"Your mother always said you were hard headed, now we
have proof."
Lia laughed tiredly and went to stand by the sleeping Obi-Wan
while her father began work on Qui-Gon.
As Tsobor Kai began cutting away his blood hardened tunic,
Qui-Gon watched Lia talking to Obi-Wan. She was speaking
softly, her hand resting on his forehead. Even in his
healing trance Obi-Wan reacted visibly to her. His whole
body seemed to relax as she spoke to him. Poor Obi-Wan
was still in love with Lia. It must have been hard for him to
be on Myrkr. Without the Force to call on, his feelings for
Lia must have been very difficult to deal with. What a sight
we were when they came down that ramp! It's no wonder
he took off the way he did. I had tied the shoulder strap of
her shirt to keep it on her. She had grass stains on the back
of it and the passion marks still showed along her neck and
shoulder. I should have been more mindful of his feelings,
he thought.
***************************
When Obi-Wan began to stir the ship had just dropped
out of hyperspace on their approach to Coruscant. Qui-Gon
supported Lia's head as he rose from the couch they
were occupying. He slipped a small pillow beneath her
head, trying not to wake her. She had fallen asleep with
her head on his lap shortly after they had returned from the
fresher. He walked silently to Obi-Wan's bunk, sitting on
the edge. The young man opened his eyes, staring
blankly up at his master. Qui-Gon could feel the padawan's
conciousness return fully along their link. He sensed an
emotional struggle raging inside, as his apprentice dealt
with feelings of remorse, guilt, shame and embarrassment.
"I'm sorry, Master," said Obi-Wan hoarsely.
"There's no need to be, Padawan," Qui-Gon said as he
helped him take a drink of water. "The fault lies with me,
not you, now rest." Obi-Wan started to protest but Qui-Gon
stopped him, saying, "We'll talk more later."
The rest of the trip Lia and Obi-Wan spent in sleep, Qui-Gon
in meditation.
*****************************
While Qui-Gon was having Obi-Wan checked out, Lia helped
her parents get settled in guest quarters at the Temple, then
took them on a tour of the library, explaining the changes
and improvements she had made. She also showed them
the museum section that she and Master Yoda were working
on and introduced them to Brum and Kraana, her assistants.
Back in the guest quarters, Lia sat at a small triangular table
with her parents having tea when her mother said in an
overly friendly tone, "You knowTsalia, Alderaan is full of
beautiful libraries and museums. I'm sure you could get a
good position at one of them."
"I'm happy here, Mother." Lia replied, knowing this would not
end the matter.
"I've heard that Ando Glest has returned to Alderaan. You
used to be quite fond of him, I believe."
I was fond of having sex with him in the back of his speeder,
she thought. "That was a long time ago," she said.
"It would make your father and I so happy if you came home
with us, we've missed you so much. Haven't we Tsobor?"
Her mother continued. her husband nodded, doing his best
to stay neutral.
"Coruscant is my home, I was born here, I grew up here, my
life is here," Lia stated calmly.
"That Jedi is here you mean!" Malya Kai spat out.
Lia was determined not to argue with her mother. She took
a deep breath before speaking, "I love Qui-Gon very much.
He is an important part of my life here, as are my friends
and my work." She rose from the table, "It's getting late, I'll
see you tomorrow." Lia kissed her father and headed for
the door.
Her mother was not done though, "Did he give you that
lightsaber you were using on Myrkr?"
Lia stopped in the open doorway, "Master Yoda sent it
for me to use."
"I should have guessed after the way he brought you here
against my wishes. He had no right to..." As Lia slipped
out into the corridor the door slid shut behind her, leaving
her father to listen to the tirade alone.
***********************************
Obi-Wan sat on the sofa in the common room of the
quarters he shared with his master. The Temple healers, after
examining him, had sent Obi-Wan home with Qui-Gon
to rest. As none of his wounds had been life threatening,
and as he had recieved excellent on the spot care, and was
recovering quickly, they saw no reason to keep him.
Obi-Wan felt very guilty the way his master waited on him,
bringing him food and drinks, and making sure he was
comfortable. None of this would have happened if I was
not such a lovesick idiot, he thought. Without the Force
to help him acknowledge and release his feelings, he had
felt overcome by them. He was deeply ashamed by his
actions and vowed to appologize to everyone involved.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said,
sitting next to him on the sofa, "You are not to blame here.
I should have been there to help you through your feelings.
For that I must ask you to forgive me."
"Master please don't," Obi-Wan pleaded, "I could have
gotten us all killed!"
"Listen to me, young Padawan," Qui-Gon took the young
man's drooping chin in his hand, lifting it so their eyes met,
"It was my duty as your master to help you accustom
yourself to that Forcefree environment. Your feelings for
Lia were not unknown to me, I should have been more
mindful."
"Pardon me for saying so Master, but the way I was feeling
on Myrkr, you were about the last person I would have
wanted to discuss my feelings with." Obi-Wan stated, to
which they both had to laugh. "I know I"ve said this before,
but I really am happy for you. For both of you."
"I know you are Obi-Wan. That means a great deal to me."
"I'm not a child any more why am I having such a hard time
letting go of her?" The younger man asked.
"I have found the more you try to fight something, the
stronger it becomes. Do not fight it. Accept it and move on."
***********************************
Qui-Gon and Lia lay naked in his large bed. They had
decided to spend the night here instead of at Lia's quarters
in case Obi-Wan needed anything.
Qui-Gon kissed the top of Lia's head which rested on his
chest. "You've been quiet all evening. Why don't you tell
me what's bothering you." He said.
Lia, who had been absent-mindedly playing with the little hairs
below his naval, picked her head up to look at him. He is
so handsome, she thought. "I"ll tell you later. It's not important
enough to bring in here." She answered, then kissed him
longingly.
He returned her kiss, slipping his tongue between her parted
lips. She whimpered quietly as he pulled her body on top of
his, squeezing and caressing her buttocks with his large hands.
Releasing his lips, Lia raised herself up on her arms and
ground her hips into his abdomen. Qui-Gon slid his hands
up to her waist, then to her firm breasts. She purred softly
as his thumbs flicked over her hardened nipples. Reaching a
hand behind her, Lia grasped the throbbing erection that
ached for release. Qui-Gon's body shuddered with pleasure
as she ran the swollen head around her clitoris and along
her slick opening. Lia's hair hung loose around her face,
framing it in soft brown curls that brushed the Jedi master's
muscled chest. Giving in to her mounting desires, she lowered
herself onto his engorged penis. Down up, down up, she went
each time taking in more of him.
When she had buried him fully, Qui-Gon took her in his
arms and rolled with her so that he was now on top. Her quiet
laughter at his lascivious look turned to soft moans as he
began to move in and out of her. Her legs held him tight
around the waist, her hands gripped his shoulders as he
brought her to the brink of ecstasy. He slid a hand between
their bodies to her bundle of nerves. He rubbed his thumb
over her clitoris and watched her body as it was claimed
by her powerful orgasm. She squealed, her back arching
and her vaginal muscles spasmed around his thrusting
cock. He pumped furiously as his own climax approached.
The bed creaked and groaned under his assault. Qui-Gon
roared, his hot seed bursting inside her.
************************
Obi-Wan woke suddenly, alerted to the presence of someone
nearby. He could just make out a figure standing at the foot of
his bed. He knew at once it was Lia by the scent that filled the
air. It was an intoxicating scent that had haunted him for years.
"What's wrong?" He asked, propping up on his elbows.
Something must have happened if she was
here.
"Shhhh, nothing's wrong," she whispered.
"Then why are you here?"
She moved to sit on the edge of his bed. Her hand splayed
over his bare chest as she answered, "I couldn't stay away
any longer."
Obi-Wan's heart pounded at her touch. He wanted this so
much he ached, but he knew it was wrong. He pushed her
hand away, "I won't do this to Qui-Gon."
"I am leaving Qui-Gon, I can't stay with him when I love
another," she returned her hand to his chest, gliding it
over his smooth skin.
Her hand was hot on his chest, fueling his arousal. He
couldn't seem to form complete thoughts anymore. She
moved closer, brushing her thumb across his lips. Her
blue eyes were dark with passion. The lacey garment she
wore was tied with a ribbon across her chest. It was made
of a light translucent fabric that did not hide the dark peaks
of her breasts. A triangle of brown curls showed through
the matching panties. She leaned over, taking his mouth
in the most seductive kiss of his life. Her tongue brushed
his lips, requesting entry, then slid inside as he parted them
for her. She was driving him mad! He wanted to take her
now, to tear off her clothes and ravage her, but he was
spellbound by her kiss.
He felt lost when she broke away and reached to pull
her back. She pushed him down on the bed and flung
off the sheet that covered his sleep pants. She smiled at
the erection that struggled for freedom. Her hands returned
to his chest, she flicked his nipples causing him to moan.
She ran her hand along his stomach just over the waist
band of his pants, then she slipped a finger inside, sliding
it lower and lower over his hips. His heart pounded his breath
came in short pants. He was afraid he would come before
she even touched his penis. She stopped as she reached
the line of pubic hair, bent down and ran her tongue from
his reddish brown curls to his naval. His hips thrust up at
her and he cried out, "You're killing me!"
She laughed and moved her mouth to his nipples, "I want
you to beg me," she said as she began teasing first one
then the other with the tip of her tongue.
He was ready to burst, "I'm begging you, please let me fuck
you!" He pleaded.
She sat up again and pulled slowly on the ribbon that held
her top on, "I didn't think you'd ever ask."
He sat up and pushed the flimsy material off her soft shoulders.
She was so beautiful it took his breath away. It had been six
long years since he had been with her and now that he had
her back he would never let her go. Her eyes closed as his
hands travelled her body, caressing and fondling her breasts.
He pulled her into his arms, her skin felt so good against his.
He kissed her shoulder and she shuddered in his arms, purring
quietly. He trailed kisses to her neck while his hand travelled
up the inside of her thigh. He slid a finger inside her panties,
she was so wet!
"Take me now," she whispered hoarsely as his fingers probed
her slick opening.
Obi-Wan removed his sleep pants quickly as Lia lay back
across the bed waiting for him. Pre ejaculate dripped from
his painfully hard erection as he tore the panties from her
body and plunged deep inside her. He pounded hard in
and out of her body. Lia moaned with each thrust, scratching
at his shoulders. She cried out as she came and he roared
as he burst inside her.
He woke lying on his stomach, a sticky puddle beneath him.
What a dream that had been!
***********************************
Qui-Gon strode purposefully down the corridor that led to
the guest quarters Lia's parents were occupying during
their stay on Coruscant. He had been concerned about
Lia since the arrival of her parents on Myrkr. He had not
needed the Force to sense the friction between her and
her mother. It had been growing steadily stronger ever since.
He had intended to talk to Lia this morning about what had
been bothering her the night before, but she had left for the
library while he still slept. He was fairly certain that he himself
was one of the reasons for tension between the two women.
He had not sensed any negative feelings from either of her
parents, but they had both been Jedi Knights and most
likely kept their thoughts shielded. During his morning
meditation he had sought the Force's guidance in this
matter and felt directed to confront the issue head on. He
would speak with Malya Elmir.
"Qui-Gon Jinn," Malya Elmir said to the Jedi master when
she saw him at her door, "please come in. I was just on
my way to see you."
He entered, following her to the common area. She took
a seat in a repulser chair and motioned for him to do the
same. The chair had barely adjusted to his size when she
spoke, "I want you to end this relationship with my daughter."
Her voice was calm and pleasant.
He knew this was what she wanted but was taken aback
by her bluntness. "I see," he said, "may I ask why?"
She looked at him as if deciding whether or not to answer.
"I believe you are a good and sensible man, Qui-Gon Jinn,"
she began, "I can see that you care deeply for Tsalia, as
she does for you. She is still very young and you..."
"We are not unaware of the difference in our ages," Qui-Gon
interupted, "we have spoken at length about this."
She sighed, then began again, "Do you think it fair for her
to waste her life, always waiting for your return from a mission?"
"Lia does not dwell on my absenses, she has her own life,
her own work that she loves very much. She is proud of
what she has accomplished here and so am I." In that moment,
he sensed a flicker of panic and fear coming from the woman.
"You and your husband were both Jedi Knights, she knows
what that life is like."
He could see her struggle for control, "Tsobor and I gave
up field work when we commited to each other. Would
you leave the Jedi for Tsalia?"
"I cannot say for certain since she has not asked me to
do so." He replied.
"You must end this relationship!" Malya Elmir had her finger
tips dug into the arms of the repulser chair as she spoke.
"She will not, so you must!"
"Why, what scares you so?" His voice loud as he rose
from his chair to stand before her. She trembled in her
chair, no longer the picture of fierce determination she
had always seemed before.
"Malya what are you doing?" Tsobor Kai had entered
the common room accompanied by Master Yoda.
The small woman left her chair to confront her husband.
"I'm trying to protect our daughter!" She cried her voice
cold with anger. "We gave up everything to get her away
from here and from Kenobi. Then he," she was pointing
at Yoda, "brings her back, against our wishes, knowing
what will happen!"
Qui-Gon stood puzzled as Lia's father held his wife in
his arms, trying to calm her. Certainly she didn't think she
had to protect Lia from me, he thought, and why was it so
important to get her away from Obi-Wan? "What will
happen?" He asked.
Lia's parents spoke quietly with each other, then Malya
gave a nod and Tsobor spoke, "Please take a seat,
Qui-Gon." The Jedi master returned to the chair he had
occupied earlier and Lia's father continued, "My wife is
sometimes permitted by the Force a glimpse into the future.
She has seen a piece of Lia's."
"A possible one it may only be." Master Yoda broke in.
"Always in motion, the future is."
"What have you seen?" Qui-Gon asked Malya Elmir.
Her calm had returned as she spoke, "I have seen my
daughter in great pain and unbearable sorrow. I have
not seen the actual cause, but I believe it may have
something to do with you."
"I would never harm Lia." Stated Qui-Gon firmly, "I love
her."
"I believe it may be your death that causes her grief,
Master Jinn. Years ago I thought it might be the death
of Kenobi that caused it. That is why we left Coruscant
when I found out they had grown so close. Since then
I have seen him trying to comfort her." Malya Elmir looked
up at her husband then added, "My husband believes
Tsalia should have no knowledge of what her future may
hold. That decision now rests with you Qui-Gon Jinn, you
must do what you feel is right."
"Loss we all feel eventually." Yoda said.
"I wanted my daughter to have a normal life. Not be afraid
to love for fear of losing that love." Tsobor Kai said, his eyes
watery with emotion. "She has found that love in you, Qui-Gon.
Live for the present, not the future."
********************************
Qui-Gon spent the afternoon in meditation, calling on
the Force to show him the correct path. He understood
Malya Elmir's desire to protect her daughter, and the desire
of Tsobor Kai's that Lia enjoy life, not worry about something
that may or may not happen in the future. Always in motion,
the future is, Master Yoda was fond of saying. It was even
possible that Lia's mother had seen part of what Lia went
through on Kashyyyk. Rho-Nar had beaten and raped her
and led her to believe I was dead, maybe her vision of the
future had already come to be, he thought. Either way he
had to tell her, it was not something he felt right about keeping
from her. She had a right to know.
*********************************
When he reached Lia's quarters he could hear her in the
bedroom. She was humming happily. She came into the
common area dressed in a short robe, tied at the waist,
her hair dripping wet. She went to him smiling brightly.
Qui-Gon wrapped his arms around her small body as
she leaned up to kiss him.
"What's wrong?" Lia asked him.
"I talked with you parents this morning." He began, holding
her closer. "Your mother has seen a glimpse of your future."
"She told you?" Lia was stunned.
"You knew?!" Qui-Gon was equally surprised.
"For almost seven years." She stated.
"How?"
"Master Yoda told me before we left Coruscant. He found
me in the gardens crying one night. I told him I wanted to
stay here and he explained why my mother was in such a
hurry to get me away." Said Lia.
"She now believes my death will be the cause of your pain."
Qui-Gon said quietly.
"I figured she did. She's been trying to get me away from
you."
"You should have told me about this."
"So you could be noble and try to save me from a future that
may or may not come to pass? No thanks!" Lia caught his
gaze and continued, "I love you Qui-Gon and nothing could
ever erase the time we have together. You will always be
with me."
Her eyes began to tear as she finished speaking. Qui-Gon
swallowed the growing lump in his throat and held her close
again. "I love you too."
END