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Mace watched Obi-Wan's retreating back, only turning to face Qui-Gon when the door to his bedroom closed. "Are you going to give Obi-Wan a hard time about Mar'ee?" he demanded.

Qui-Gon tore his gaze away from the closed door and looked up at one of his oldest friends. "No. The truth be told, Obi-Wan would have been the first person I would have chosen if I had to pick a Master for a child of mine. I am just not pleased with the fact I was not told of her existence or the fact she was to be trained."

"No one knew of her existence until Obi-Wan found Lady Nava and her, "Mace pointed out. "He's training her for you," his voice softened as he admitted to his friend, although he was sure Obi-Wan wouldn't have wanted him to tell Qui-Gon that bit. "One of the reasons he's been so protective of her is that he didn't want her taken away from him and trained by another Master. Only Yoda and I knew she was your child when the Council confirmed her apprenticeship."

"But he said..." Qui-Gon tried to refute what Mace said.

"Anger, Qui-Gon. Have you forgotten how Obi-Wan can lash out when he's hurt? And make no mistake - he was hurt by what happened with Anakin and Naboo," Mace informed him.

"I erred, didn't I?" Qui-Gon asked quietly.

"Yes, you did," Mace replied, not mincing his words. "But it still can be fixed. Give Obi-Wan some space and time. Let your apprentices be a buffer and a bridge toward rebuilding the relationship you once had. He still calls you Master, so the potential is still there. It just needs to be nurtured in the proper manner," Mace advised.

"Thank you," Qui-Gon said as he rose and made ready to leave, allowing the two men some privacy. Just as he was ready to walk out the door, he was stopped by Mace's hand on his shoulder.

"Have faith in the guidance of the Force, my friend. You will know what direction to go, and when the time is appropriate."

Qui-Gon nodded, understanding what his friend was telling him. With one last look at Mace, he headed out the door.

As he walked toward his quarters, Qui-Gon suddenly remembered a conversation he'd had with Queen Veda on Gala, shortly after Obi-Wan had become his Padawan. They had talked a lot about legacy, and at the time he had wondered what legacy his life as a nomadic Jedi would leave to the world. The Queen had pointed out her window and reminded him that his legacy would be one of the peace, honor and justice he left behind in his missions. It had made sense and eased his thoughts, then. Later, when he'd revisited that conversation in his meditations, he realized his legacy to the world would be Obi-Wan, and any other Padawans he might later take. They would be trained as he had been trained, and through him their legacy would be the same peace, honor and justice. Now, however, there would be another kind of legacy for him to leave behind. Mar'ee. His daughter.

Obi-Wan stood before the great doors of the Council chamber, with Mar'ee at his side.

"Will Master Jinn be in there?" she asked.

Looking down at his apprentice, he smiled and answered her nervous question, "Yes, he will be there."

"Will Master Windu and Master Yoda be there?" she asked again.

He knew what she was doing; he could feel her tension through their bond, and understood. She was making sure would be some friendly faces and, even though they'd only met once, she had determined Qui-Gon to be a friendly face. Obi-Wan only hoped that whatever trust Mar'ee had put in her father wouldn't be in vain. "Yes, Padawan, they will be there as well."

"Is Master Jinn angry that he was never told he was my father?"

Obi-Wan knew this was part of her concern about facing the Council. She had been through so many changes in the last few weeks that she was fearful of losing her place with him. He put a hand on her shoulder. "No Mar'ee, he isn't. Master Windu also assured me that Qui-Gon will not oppose your confirmation as my Padawan. Just relax, and don't be afraid," he advised, hoping he was right.

They stood together and looked out the windows of the tower, watching the line of traffic pass below. When the heavy doors opened, they turned and walked into the circular room.

Mar'ee beside and one step behind him, never wavering as she faced the full Council for the first time - an occurrence that could intimidate even a seasoned Jedi. However, he could sense what she wasn't showing, and felt the apprehension vibrating through her.

"Here you are to confirm Mar'ee LiJinn as your Padawan?" asked Master Yaddle, one of the Council members.

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan answered.

"Question your motive for taking this girl as your Padawan, the Council does. Do it to hurt Qui-Gon, the Council thinks," Yoda asked, glancing between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan now understood the day's delay in bringing them before the Council. Mar'ee's parentage had been revealed to the full Council. "Master Yoda, Council Members. I take Mar'ee LiJinn as my Padawan learner for many reasons, but it was never considered as a method to hurt my Master until others suspected it of me," Obi-Wan explain formally, letting them know, in his own way, they were the ones who came up with that idea.

"Why, then, do you take Qui-Gon's child as your Padawan? The two of you haven't been close in a number of years," Adi Galia asked.

"For many reasons," Obi-Wan answered then went on to elaborate. "Yes, I took her because she is Qui-Gon's daughter. If I fathered a child, Qui-Gon would be the first person I would want to train him or her, whether my former Master and I were close or not. After all, he trained me, and I would have no qualms about him training my daughter. The other reason is that her mother, Lady Nava Li of Epona, asked me to bring her to the temple and train her."

"We do not train every child we are asked to bring to the temple," Adi pointed out bluntly.

Obi-Wan glanced at Mace for a moment before responding to Master Galia's comment. "No, we don't. Nor should we. I would never have brought Mar'ee to be trained, no matter who requested it, if she had not been strong in the Force. In fact, she is as strong as I was at her age, and probably has a better command of the living Force than I did. She has already started her training in Force healing."

"And these reasons for taking the girl as your Padawan. What are they?" Ki Adi Mundi inquired, suspicious of any motive that wasn't Jedi-related.

"Masters." Obi-Wan bowed respectfully. "As I already stated, she is strong in the force and had already begun training in force healing. He mother and I were once close friends. Any other reasons are between Lady Nava and myself. I request you honor my privacy in the matter."

"Insist you reveal them, we do," Master Yaddle declared.

Simply bowing his head, Obi-Wan did not answer. His own part in breaking the rules of Epona be damned he would not reveal her part in breaking those rules. His punishment would not have been nearly as bad as it would have been for Nava if their relationship at the time had been discovered. Now it was any ones guess as to whether there would be any repercussions since she was technically the heir to the ruling party.

"Would the rest of the Council take my word that his motivations are nothing but pure?" Mace asked, speaking up for the first time, letting the rest of the Council know that he knew what Obi-Wan refused to say.

Before any of the other Council members could speak, Qui-Gon broke his silence as well. "The Council seems more concerned about Obi-Wan taking my daughter as his Padawan because of the distance between him and me. Had I know in advance that Mar’ee was my child and that in fact she had not died at birth as we were all led to believe, she would have been temple-raised. I would have requested Obi-Wan to take her as his Padawan when they were both of age. I believe that, regardless what his other reasons are, he knew he was acting on my wishes whether it was a known fact or not."

For the second time since he return to Courscant with Mar'ee Obi-Wan felt the tingling along what used to be their bond and looked deep into his Master's eyes. He knew Qui-Gon had felt it too. He could see the faint bit of surprise in Qui-Gon’s expression.

"Bring Lady Nava in. If Obi-Wan refuses to tell us, let her tell us."

The guard opened the heavy chamber doors once again and Lady Nava slowly entered, dressed in the traditional clothing of Epona, with a healer by her side, as she was still weak. The extra day they had had to wait before facing the Council had benefited Nava's healing to the point where she hardly looked like she had been as severely injured as she had. The flowing green cloth highlighted her brilliant, almost blood-red floor-length hair.

For the first time since they had entered the Council chamber, Mar'ee fidgeted. Laying a hand on her shoulder, Obi-Wan smiled and instructed her, "Go ahead." She had only seen her mother once the day before. They had been occupied the rest of the day with getting her settled in and registered into classes. When Mar’ee had tried to see her before bed time she’d found Nava was already asleep.

Mar'ee nodded, then turned. "Mother," she greeted, barely containing her excitement as she headed with dignity into her mother's arms. "I told you me and Obi-Wan would make you well again," she said into her mother's robes.

"Lady Nava, with all due respect, would you please explain to the Council how your daughter came to be Knight Kenobi's apprentice?"

Releasing her daughter to return to Obi-Wan's side, Nava came to the center of the room to stand next to them. She proceeded to tell the Council about her finally deciding to attend the talks as a representative of her mother's people. She hoped her sudden presence, and the revelation to the rest of the planet that she was still alive would create enough of a stir that the factions could come back to the peace talks with a new view. The attack on the capital city had happened before she could reveal herself, and her injury had led to her being reunited with Obi-Wan. It wasn't until the Council pressed her about the circumstances of Mar'ee's birth that she told them how her daughter was conceived on the night of her First Rite, and of her subsequent banishment at Mar'ee's birth and the announcement that she had died. When asked about her insistence that Mar’ee be brought to the temple and trained, Nava told them what they already knew and could feel in the child - her strength in the Force, adding more detailed information about how she and the mountain people she lived with had trained her in Force healing as well as traditional medicinal healing.

"Mar'ee tried her best to heal me, but I was certain I was going to die. When I saw Obi-Wan, I knew that, regardless of what happened to me, Mar'ee would now be safe from those who would see my daughter dead if the news of her continued existence was discovered. I knew Obi-Wan would see to it. We were friends and once cared for each other, and I was sure that because of those feelings and the friendship we maintained afterward, he would take care of her, not just as a remembrance of the feelings we had for one another and never were allowed to express but also because he would see her father in Mar'ee."

"Explain yourself, you will. No relationship between Kenobi and you was mentioned," Master Yaddle interrupted.

Nava glanced at Obi-Wan, surprised that he hadn't told of their relationship, or at least of their feelings for one another. Qui-Gon had known about their feelings, or so she thought, so she assumed it had been in the report of their mission. She saw Obi-Wan nod at her to continue, so she began, "We kept our feelings for one another a secret, because I was forbidden to be with him due to his position as an apprentice. I was sure Qui-Gon knew of our feelings and arranged for us to be able to spend time together. When it came time for my First Rite, I chose Qui-Gon not just because of the honor of having as Jedi Master as my first, but also because, if I had been with a Jedi, then I could go to the one I really wanted to be with afterward and, should a child be conceived, no one would be the wiser.

The Council erupted all at once at her revelation, bombarding both Lady Nava and Obi-Wan with questions - all but Mace, Qui-Gon and Yoda. Qui-Gon had been surprised, but at the same time not; he had known of the feelings between the two, and he knew of the hurt Obi-Wan had felt when Nava chose him. The same hurt that had been gone when he’d seen his apprentice the next day, and he had assumed that Obi-Wan had meditated and released those feelings into the Force, as he'd been taught to do since his earliest days in the temple. He never would have guessed either would be brazen enough to go against Epona's rules and traditions, although, knowing Obi-Wan, maybe he should have expected it. A sidelong glance at Mace and Yoda told him they had either guessed or had been told. Turning back to look at the trio in the center of the room, he watched as Mar'ee stepped in front of Obi-Wan and Nava as if to protect them - in a move that reminded him of a young Obi-Wan - and yelled, "STOP!"

The Council was stunned into silence by Mar'ee outburst. Only Yoda didn't seem surprised. "Much of your fathers I see in you," he commented, his eyes twinkling and ears twitching, knowing that much of the Council was now focused on him instead of on the trio.

"Fathers?" Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon asked in unison.

"Clear it is," Yoda said. "The Force works in mysterious ways. Qui-Gon's Padawan conceived by the midi-chloran. Obi-Wan's Padawan conceived by the blending of the essence of Master and Apprentice."

Quiet murmurs erupted around the chamber at Yoda's declaration as everyone tried to come to terms with what their eldest Jedi had told them. "Secret is out now. Tell us you will why you took the child as Padawan?" Yoda asked thumping his stick on the floor to demand quiet.

Looking at Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan saw that, once again, his Master's face was an unreadable mask. Knowing there would be no support from him, he moved behind Mar'ee and placed his hands on her shoulders, a position reminiscent of one Qui-Gon had used with both him and Ani. No matter how much he wished he could keep quiet, the Force willed him to speak the truth.

"I take Mar'ee LiJinn as my Padawan because I believe that with her abilities, she deserves to be trained. She has great potential to be a healer. I take Mar'ee as my Padawan for reasons closer to my heart. I loved Lady Nava as a young man could love and later as a friend and confidant. I would have taken Mar'ee as Padawan for that reason alone, regardless of who her father was. The final reason I choose to take Mar'ee as Padawan was because, if things had been different, she could have been my child instead of Qui-Gon’s." Obi-Wan squeezed her shoulders and looked down at her, smiling, as she looked up at him. "I choose to take her as Padawan not for one of those reasons, but for all of them," he finished.

"Decide now we must. Wait outside you will," Yoda instructed.

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to protest, but a sharp look from Mace told him he should do as he was told and not antagonize the Council any further. Having learned the futility of challenging the Council from the times when he had stood next to Qui-Gon as an apprentice, he held his tongue and bowed to the Council.

"Join them you will, Qui-Gon. Too close to this you are."

"Yes, Master," Qui-Gon agreed as he stood. "May I say one thing before I leave?"

"You may," Yoda granted. Knowing that Qui-Gon deserved to have his say heard since he was being asked to leave the discussion.

Remaining by his chair so that he would be heard as a Council member, Qui-Gon told them, "I would like to see the confirmation of Mar'ee as Obi-Wan's Padawan go forward. They already share a strong bond both in the Force and emotionally. I believe that bond was formed from the remnants of the one I once shared with Obi-Wan. When I tested the unsevered bond with Obi-Wan, I could not only feel him but her as well. Breaking the bond they share would cause pain not only to them, but to myself as well," Qui-Gon finished and joined Obi-Wan and Mar'ee at the center of the room, exiting with them after a brief nod to Nava.

"Obi-Wan," Mar'ee said, getting his attention from where he stood looking out the window. When he turned to look at her, she asked, "What will happen?"

"The Council will decide if you will be allowed to remain with me, or if you will be trained by another Jedi," he answered, reaching out to run his hand along her cheek.

"But Master Qui-Gon can't teach me because he's my father," she said, looking over to where Qui-Gon stood on the opposite side of the room, also looking out the window. "Who will teach me? Will Master Windu?"

"I would hope that would not be necessary, but I believe Master Windu would take you if the Council did not allow me to train you. Or Master Yoda." He half-watched Qui-Gon as he talked to Mar'ee. He wanted to say something to Qui-Gon, to seek his Master's opinion like Mar'ee was doing with him. He knew there were insights that Qui-Gon would be able to give him that he couldn't see. But what used to be comfortable silence between them once he had passed the stage of insatiable curiosity was now awkward and stiff. He was saved from having to find the words to try to talk to Qui-Gon by the opening of the doors to the Council chambers.

Standing in the open doorway, Mace announced, "You may come back now. The Council has made its decision."

"Mace?" Obi-Wan questioned as he passed, hoping to get some kind of warning about what to expect. The Jedi Master's expression gave nothing away, and Obi-Wan was suddenly worried he was about to lose Mar'ee in more ways than one.

Qui-Gon rested his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze as they passed the other Council member. Leaving his hand in place, he stayed with Obi-Wan and Mar'ee in the center of the room as a symbol of support and confidence instead of returning to his seat.

"A decision, we have made," Yoda began, looking at the three of them standing together. "Mar'ee LiJinn your Padawan will remain. Unconventional it is to train one’s child; care you must take."

"Yes, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan said, joy filling him and replacing the sense of dread he carried when he had walked in. "Thank you," he added, nodding to the ancient Jedi. Then he questioned, “Master Yoda? You said Mar'ee was my child. Does that mean she is not Qui-Gon's daughter? I see too much of him in her for him not to be her father."

"Qui-Gon, what see you, when look at the child you do?" Yoda asked, instead of answering Obi-Wan's question.

"I see Obi-Wan. His heart. His spirit. His enthusiasm. She is much the same as he was when I saw him as an initiate, only without the anger," Qui-Gon answered, looking from Mar’ee to Obi-Wan and smiling.

"See the other you both do in the girl. Her father you both are."

"Master?" Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon asked, again in unison.

"Explain to you later, Mace will. Go now, you may," Yoda said, dismissing them from any further conversation. As the trio bowed and headed for the large doors, Yoda called, stopping them before they exited. "Kenobi, ready your rooms are; next to your Master, they are. Move you should."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said, bowing, before moving to catch up with Qui-Gon and Mar'ee who were waiting in the hallway.

"Master, you have a lot of things," Mar'ee commented as they finished unpacking the last of their belongings.

Droids had moved the boxes they had packed from Obi-Wan's underused quarters, as well as the things he'd kept stored at Mace's. The only thing left for him to do was finish putting his and Mar'ee's belongings away.

"I don't have so much," Obi-Wan tried to defend himself. "I don't need much. Most of my belongings are personal mementos, things that are important to me for one reason or another. Just like the things you brought with you to remember Epona." Reaching for a metal box that sat on his desk, Obi-Wan opened it and dropped a blue crystal into his hand. "Like this," he said, holding it out to Mar'ee. "This is the crystal from the first light saber I ever put together."

"Wow," she said, almost reverently, as she took the crystal and turned it over in her hand, looking at the facets of the stone.

He left her looking at the crystal as he got up to answer the door chime. "Qui-Gon," he said, smiling, when he saw his old Master. "Come in."

"Are you getting settled?" Qui-Gon asked, following Obi-Wan into the common room.

"Master Jinn," Mar'ee said from her place on the floor.

"Hello, Mar'ee," he said, motioning for her to keep her seat. "I see Obi-Wan is showing you his treasures."

"Just the crystal from my first saber, Master."

Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan with a smile that could almost be called mischievous. "Oh, Mar'ee, you must have Obi-Wan show you his box of rocks. I'm sure he's added to it greatly since he was knighted."

"Master!" Obi-Wan tried to sound indignant about his secret being revealed.

"Is that the heavy box the droids were complaining about?" she asked, catching on to Qui-Gon's teasing.

Knowing it was a hopeless cause, and that he couldn't fight both of them - not that he would want to, anyway. Obi-Wan shrugged. "Come on then. I'll show you the rocks, but only if Master Qui-Gon stays to look at them with us." He wasn't about to let Qui-Gon off the hook, since it was his fault they were about to go through Obi-Wan’s rock collection.

"I'd be glad to stay," Qui-Gon answered, smiling at Mar'ee and tugging her Padawan braid.

Obi-Wan pulled the polished wood box from its place under the table in front of the lounger, and the three of them sat around it. Opening the lid, Obi-Wan watched Mar'ee's eyes go wide in surprise. Unlike the shiny, faceted crystal she'd held, the box contained basic rocks. The kind that made sleeping on the ground uncomfortable, or that you'd find in the middle of a path.

"Azurite?" Qui-Gon asked, pulling a blue-and-green rock from the box.

"From Bandomeer," Obi-Wan answered, knowing Qui-Gon would need no further explanation; but Mar'ee obviously did, because she asked what was so special about it.

"It was on Bandomeer that I asked Obi-Wan to be my Padawan," Qui-Gon answered for Obi-Wan. "I didn't realize you had kept a rock then." he said questioningly.

"I went back several years ago, and while I was there I found that piece in an odd place and thought it was appropriate to keep it," Obi-Wan explained.

"What about this one?" Mar'ee asked, pulling another rock from the box, obviously satisfied with the explanation both men had given her.

"That one is from Gala. We were there to oversee an election."

This time, Qui-Gon held up one. "Where is this from? It looks like part of building."

"It was. Cerasi gave it to me..." he left the rest unsaid. Qui-Gon would know, and he was sure his Master would sidetrack their daughter before she could ask anything further about it.

Mar'ee grabbed another rock as Qui-Gon put the one he held silently back in the box. "What about this one?" she asked.

"It's from the rock mines of New Apsolom," Obi-Wan answered, taking it and putting it back in the box as well. He’d seen Qui-Gon's face pale when he mentioned the planet, and knew it was another memory neither one of them wanted to bring up. He had lost a good friend on that planet, but Qui-Gon had lost a whole lot more. He'd kept the piece of rock to remind him that people aren't always what they seem.

Mar'ee looked at her two fathers and understood that some of the rocks didn't have good memories for one or both of them, and that they had been kept for some other significant reason. She pulled another rock out of the box and listened to the story her Master shared. Qui-Gon had anecdotes to add to some of them, and to others he listened as raptly as she did.

Spilling the rocks that had been in her lap, Mar'ee got up and retrieved the rock she'd seen her Master remove from his robes earlier. "Master, what about this one? It's the only one you keep out. Why?"

Obi-Wan took the smooth rock and held it tight for a moment. Opening his hand, he showed the shiny black rock to Qui-Gon and smiled before turning back to Mar'ee. "This one was a gift from Qui-Gon for my thirteenth naming day."

"He gave you a rock?" she asked Obi-Wan, before turning to Qui-Gon and repeating, "A rock?"

Both men laughed long and hard. Qui-Gon remembered Obi-Wan having had a very similar reaction to his gift.

"I remember feeling the same way, at the time," Obi-Wan admitted, “but I had a change of heart when it saved my life on Phindar. You see, it's Force-sensitive, and it taught me a lesson about the fact that some things are more than they seem. I've used it as a meditation stone ever since."

"It's a rock from the River of Light on my home planet. I found it when I was about Obi-Wan's age, then I gave it to him. I thought it a fitting gift," Qui-Gon explained, taking the rock from Obi-Wan's hand and rolling it around in his palm, remembering how it had felt to him when he'd found it and how much it had meant to him over the years.

"Will I get one too?" Mar'ee asked, looking from one man to the other.

"From my home world? No. But from Epona or someplace else, yes," he answered, knowing that if Obi-Wan didn't find her a rock, then he would.

"I wish I had something like that from Epona," she said wistfully.

Obi-Wan dug through the box until he found the rock he was looking for. Handing it to Mar'ee, he explained, "It's from Epona. Your mother gave it to me the morning after we spent our first night together. You may have it."

"Really?" she asked, her blue eyes twinkling as she rolled the ropey, rough, red rock in her hand, feeling the texture of the basalt.

"May I?" Qui-Gon asked, holding his hand out for the rock. When Mar'ee put it in his hand, he turned it over, feeling the texture as well. Then, closing his eyes, he concentrated and felt the Force flow through it as if it were following the ropey flow of the ancient lava. Opening his eyes, he handed the rock back to Mar'ee. "It's beautiful."

Taking the rock back, she stood and moved so she could kiss Obi-Wan on the cheek. "Thank you, Obi," she said, forgetting to call him Master. "May I go to the meditation garden Anakin showed me yesterday?" she asked, clutching the rock.

"You may," he allowed. "Take your comlink and call me if you need anything."

"Yes, Master," she replied, tucking the rock into the folds of her belt and, straightening her tunic and robes she dashed out the door, destroying the serene Jedi image she had tried to achieve before she left.

Both Jedi Masters watched for a moment, smiling, then Qui-Gon turned to his former apprentice. "You've done a good thing, giving her the rock."

"It felt right," Obi-Wan answered as he picked up a rock and turned it over in his hand. "Nava gave it to me. She told me she found it on the path when she was on her way to me after her ceremony with you." Tracing the three intertwined pieces of basalt, he continued. "I always took the wrapped strands to represent you, Nava, and myself."

Taking the rock Obi-Wan was holding, Qui-Gon placed it back into box. "Maybe it represents Mar'ee, me and you," he suggested, thinking about Yoda's theory of Mar'ee's parentage.

"How do you feel about that?" Obi-Wan, asked picking up another rock.

Once again taking the rock from Obi-Wan's hand and placing it in the box, Qui-Gon thought for a moment. "While I have a strong feel of the living Force, I don’t pretend to understand all of its intricacies. Sometimes things must simply be explained as the will of the Force, and not questioned. If Mar'ee was conceived by the blending of our essences, then it happened for a reason, one which we may or may not find out, given the constantly-changing flow of our lives."

Thinking about what Qui-Gon said, Obi-Wan reached for another rock. The simple action of feeling the texture of the rock before he put it away helped him center him as he thought. "I understand," he said, then paused, "but..."

Qui-Gon held up his hand. "But you can't help but question why," he chuckled. "You always did have to know how everything worked, rather than just accept that it just does."

This time Obi-Wan smiled, too, and put the rock in the box himself. He really didn't have a retort; his Master's words were true.

Together, they continued to pick up and put away the rocks the three of them had gone though earlier. Qui-Gon let them settle in his hand and felt their differing textures as he put them away. When the floor in front of him was clear, he looked up at the younger man and asked, "How do you feel about Mar'ee being your daughter?"

Copying Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan picked up and put away the remaining rocks, as if by doing so he could avoid answering. But it also gave him a chance to think. He stood up once he finished and, with a little Force assistance, he moved the box back to its original position. Picking up the only remaining stone, the one Qui-Gon had given him so many years ago, he joined his Master on the wide, comfortable lounger. Rolling the rock around in his hand, he tried to put his feeling into words. "I've thought about it a lot, ever since Master Yoda sprang the news on us yesterday, and even more after my conversation last night with Mace. I don't feel any different about her, knowing she is partly my child. The emotion I feel for her now is the same as what I felt for her a week ago, when I met her and realized she was your child."

Qui-Gon nodded. "It hasn't been all that long since you were on Epona," he commented quietly. "Sometimes life-altering changes can happen in the short span of a week," he said, once again more to himself than to Obi-Wan. Many years ago, he'd lost a Padawan and gained a new one with in the short span of a few weeks. His introspection didn't go unnoticed by Obi-Wan, and he saw his former Padawan focus on the rock in his hand instead of on him.

"Yes, sometimes," the younger Jedi admitted.

"We should really talk about what happened on Naboo." Qui-Gon used the opening he was given and broached the subject neither man was all too thrilled to discuss. Reaching along the bond they used to have, he felt Obi-Wan tighten his shields.

"I know," Obi-Wan admitted reluctantly, unwilling to drop his and bring to light the feelings he’d kept walled up for so long. He knew Qui-Gon right, but he wasn't ready yet.

"Whenever you are ready," Qui-Gon conceded sadly, knowing he wouldn't get anywhere if he forced Obi-Wan to talk. "I had better go; I'm due to meet Anakin for saber practice. You and Mar'ee can join us anytime. Anakin can always use the practice of the repetition of his first forms, or a new challenger."

Pushing away the darkness of the past, Obi-Wan smiled and answered, "Thank you. I'm sure Mar'ee would like that as well."

Getting up and bowing slightly to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon left, resigned to the fact it would be a while before he and Obi-Wan cleared away the past. He was glad, however, that it seemed as if they would at least be able to move forward.

They set a pattern over the next few weeks. Obi-Wan taught in the morning while Mar'ee was in her own classes. The afternoons were for saber training and then another class or two for Mar'ee, depending on the day of week, during which time Obi-Wan prepared for the next day's classes. Several times a week, Qui-Gon and Anakin joined them, Anakin helping Mar’ee with the finer points of the beginning forms, allowing Obi-Wan the opportunity to practice with a more advanced opponent. His sparing with Qui-Gon drew a crowd leaving him and them to wonder what would happen next between the former Master and Apprentice.

The evenings were used to help Mar'ee with her studies, and for socializing with their friends. Obi-Wan found that, while Saul had taken over as Crčche Master, the rest of his oldest friends were off planet. As a result, he found himself in the almost-constant company of Qui-Gon, or Mace, or both, with the exception of his weekly get togethers with Saul He had to wonder if his friend and sometime-lover was trying to play peacemaker, or maybe even matchmaker, because, more often than not, he found that Qui-Gon was joining them.

One evening, Obi-Wan found himself alone for the first time in the several months since his return to Coruscant. Mar'ee had been whisked off by some new friends for a combination of a little studying and a lot of relaxation. He'd spent some time looking over the most recent evaluations sent by her instructors earlier that day, and discovered they were far better than he'd expected. He knew Mar'ee was intelligent, but in the three months they had been at the temple, she had far surpassed the expectations set by the Council. He'd even received a report from the healers saying that she was progressing nicely in her medical training. That last bit surprised him; he hadn't known that, on her days off, she spent several hours in the medical bay with the healers. He'd always assumed she was off with her friends.

"Come," he called out when the door chime interrupted his thoughts. He didn't bother to stand, guessing it was Mace, since the Council member was expected for their customary after-meal conversation. Their intimate relationship had waned since his return, then eventually ended, but they were still good friends and got together several times a week.

"Too lazy are you to open the door?"

Obi-Wan jumped to his feet and bowed slightly. "Master Yoda. I wasn't expecting you," he said, fumbling for words.

"Sit. Come to talk about your Padawan, I have," Yoda said as he took a seat in the low chair Mar'ee liked.

"You received her evaluations?" Obi-Wan asked, already knowing the answer.

"Received them, I have. Impressed, I am. Achieving much, she is. Worried I am pushing too much you are. A child she is, a child she must also be allowed to be," Yoda said, then waited for Obi-Wan's response.

"But I am not, Master," Obi-Wan corrected gently. "I help her after evening meal, and then she has the rest of the evening off, as well as her relaxation days.

"Schedule healer training for her, you did not?" Yoda asked skeptically.

"No, Master. I did not know about it until I received her evaluation. She always said she was going off with her friends," Obi-Wan explained. "I am sorry, Master Yoda," he said dropping his head and breaking eye contact with the ancient Jedi. "I don't seem to be a doing a very good job as her Master, if I didn’t know what she was up too."

"Fine job you are doing. Talk to your apprentice you must."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan answered obediently.

"Talked to Qui-Gon yet, you have not," Yoda stated, rapidly changing the subject.

"I talk to Qui-Gon all the time, Master Yoda." He knew what Yoda was getting at, but he hoped to change the direction of the conversation.

"Know what I mean, you do. Brush it aside and hope it to go away, you cannot."

"Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan answered. He knew he’d have to talk to Qui-Gon sooner or later. The problem was, he just didn’t know how to start that conversation.

"Good for each other, you are. Difference I see in both, I do.

Obi-Wan didn't have an answer; he knew Yoda was right. Even with just the casual contact he had with Qui-Gon while they were instructing, or in the evenings, he’d felt the weight he'd carried around him like a comfortable cloak for so long lifting. He found himself enjoying Qui-Gon’s company once again.

"Satisfied, I am," Yoda said abruptly. "Go now I will."

Obi-Wan watched as Yoda left before he could even stand. He felt confused by Yoda's visit. The ancient Jedi Master always spoke cryptically, but his few words meant so much when you took the time to decipher them.

Settling back into his large chair, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Instinctively, he held out his hand and called his rock to him. As he closed his palm over its smooth surface, he allowed his musings to go where they may. And, without hesitation, they drifted to his Padawan. He couldn't be prouder of his her; she had a desire to learn and excel much like his own. Yoda's concern, however, made him wonder if maybe he shouldn't be more involved in his apprentice's pleasure as well as in education. Allow her to see his pleasure in relaxing as well as his pleasure in being busy.

He thought of the things he could do with Mar'ee. He realized that, in the months they had been on Coruscant, he'd never taken her outside the temple walls. It was time to change that; it was time that she saw some of the world he'd brought her to. Remembering his own visits, he thought of places he could take Mar’ee. One of the places that came to mind was the Skydome Botanical Gardens. Qui-Gon had taken him there many times for lessons, or when they had just wanted to escape the temple for a few hours.

Qui-Gon. Even his thoughts about Mar'ee ended up coming back to his Master. Maybe it was because the three of them were so uniquely bound together. Or maybe it was the Force directing him, telling him it was time to mend the rift. In the time since his return to Coruscant, he'd found himself once again tied to the man who had been the focus of his life for so long. More often than not, when they had found themselves in companionship with their apprentices, he’d felt the bond between himself and Qui-Gon growing, returning to what it had been once, before Naboo. He didn’t understand how the training bond could be returning and when he’d asked Mace about it one night the only thing the Jedi Master said was that the Force worked in mysterious ways. It wasn’t the answer he wanted.

Mace had teased him not too long ago about courtship rituals - apparently his friend thought that maybe the returning bond between him and his Master was something deeper than the training bond. It made him wonder if the reason it never diminished completely as most training bonds do because it had been more than a training bond. With that thought, he wondered if maybe Mace was right about his growing relationship with Qui-Gon being a courtship, even if Obi-Wan had disagreed with him when he had first made his observation. At the time, he'd passed it off as nothing more than a renewal of his previous friendship with Qui-Gon. They often sought each other out to spend time together, with or without their Padawans. The friendly touches that had always been used to guide or communicate now lingered more than before.

The more Obi-Wan reflected on the changing nature of his relationship with Qui-Gon, the more he realized that a dark spot still hung over the two of them - Naboo. Suddenly Master Yoda's visit was no longer cryptic. Obi-Wan’s drifting thoughts had led him to what the ancient Master had been trying to tell him: it was time to talk to Qui-Gon. It was finally time to deal with the cause of the emotional distance that had been between them for so long.

As he reached for his comlink to contact Qui-Gon, he remembered that his Master and Anakin were away on a mission and not due back for a few more weeks. Their talk would have to wait. A few more weeks after ten years shouldn't have bothered Obi-Wan but it did. Now that he'd made the decision to talk to Qui-Gon he was as impatient to do as much as he feared the conversation.

"In love they are," Yoda said as he waylaid Mace in the long hallway and guided his fellow Council member away from Obi-Wan's quarters.

Mace had no choice but to follow, and, knowing instantly to whom the ancient Jedi was referring, Mace replied, "I don't think they see it, now. Obi-Wan has always had feelings for Qui-Gon, it was why Qui-Gon's betrayal hurt him so badly."

"Qui-Gon does. Always has."

Mace stopped and looked down at Yoda. "What do you mean, Qui-Gon always has?"

"When knighted Obi-Wan was, ask him to bond Qui-Gon intended," Yoda answered as if he was giving the daily menu, then continued on his way, leaving Mace standing alone in the middle of the hall.

Mace shook his head, then caught up to Yoda, falling in step with the small Jedi. "Then why in sith didn’t he declare his feelings back then? They could have avoided the past ten years." As he said it, he knew that if Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had bonded it would have meant his friendship with Obi-Wan might never have happened, and that would be a great regret. Obi-Wan brought joy with him, and he wouldn't have wanted to miss the opportunity of his friendship. But he knew, better than most, the toll the distance between the two had taken on the young Knight.

"Know not the reason," Yoda answered. "Will of the Force, it was."

"Obi-Wan has always loved him. It is easy to see, if you know what to look for," Mace commented; he'd know what to look for in Obi-Wan's unspoken words.

Yoda felt the other man's sadness, even if his words didn't say it. "Bonded you were not meant to be. Guidance and friendship you were meant to give. Made the Knight we see now."

Mace nodded. He knew that; he'd always known Obi-Wan was destined to be with Qui-Gon. He’d known that from the start. He’d been one of the ones who assumed his friend would bond with his padawan. "I know. They were always better together than apart," he said as they continued down the hall.

"That's it, Mar'ee. Now try it one more time, a little faster. Remember to stay focused, and don't let the saber blind you to the actual form of the kata," Obi-Wan instructed as he watched her work through her lesson.

She repeated the basic kata with her saber for the first time. Her ponytail flew as she executed the simple turns before ending with a slight flourish.

"Very nice," he praised with a smile.

"Can I show you how far I've gotten on the second form?" she asked, still winded and flushed but almost begging.

Obi-Wan looked at her sharply, his smile fading a bit. “You started the second form alone? You should never..."

"But..." Mar'ee tried to explain.

"Obi-Wan!" A familiar voice called, sparing Mar'ee from her Master's anger and disappointment.

Giving Mar'ee a look that told her their conversation was not over yet, he turned and greeted the newcomer. "Bant!" he exclaimed, giving her a big hug when she reached him at the edge of the practice mat. “When did you get back?"

"Just now, but never mind that. When did you get back? I wasn't off the transport but a few minutes when I heard that the prodigal child had returned with an apprentice."

Motioning Mar'ee forward, he introduced the young Padawan to one of his oldest friends. "Mar'ee, this is Knight Bant. Bant, this is Mar'ee LiJinn, my Padawan."

Still flushed, Mar'ee bowed. "It's an honor to meet a friend of my Master's."

Another voice called in greeting before anything else could be said. "Mar'ee, that was great! We saw you from the upper observation room."

This time, both Bant and Obi-Wan turned to see who was approaching. Obi-Wan barely hid his pleasure at seeing Qui-Gon slowly following his energetic apprentice.

Anakin grabbed Mar'ee and swung her high before setting her back on her feet.

"Bant, it’s good to see you again. Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon acknowledged before turning to Mar'ee. "Very nicely done, Mar'ee," he praised, setting his hand on her shoulder and squeezing gently, showing his pleasure.

"Thank you, Master Qui-Gon." The pleasure of his approval radiated through her. "The extra lessons you gave me really helped..." She barely finished her sentence when she remembered she wasn't supposed to tell about Qui-Gon helping her, since they were planning to surprise Obi-Wan for his naming day the following month. "Oops..."

Obi-Wan looked at him suspiciously. "So I take it you are the one who started her on the second form?" He tried to sound and look angrily at both his Padawan and his Master, but failed in the face of their chagrined but playful expressions.

"Guilty," Qui-Gon said with a smile.

Obi-Wan shook his head. "Something tells me I should talk to Master Yoda about how to handle a Jinn as a Padawan," he said quietly but still loud enough for Qui-Gon to hear.

"Are you planning on being at temple for a while, Qui-Gon?" Bant asked after watching with interest the byplay between the former Master and Apprentice. She had a feeling she’d have to open the betting pool again if it hadn’t already been opened.

"For a while. Master Yoda seems to think I need to spend some time on the Council as a way to repent for all the trouble I've caused them over the years, so I've had a seat for almost a standard year now," Qui-Gon answered, still chuckling at Obi-Wan's comment.

Bant blinked. "I have been away from Coruscant too long. Maybe I should settle down and take an apprentice; that way I can keep up with all the temple gossip," she said, causing both men to laugh. Bant had always been the one to go to if you wanted to know what was going on around the temple. The irony of the fact that she hadn't known about Obi-Wan being at the temple, or about Qui-Gon being on the Council, wasn't lost on either man.

"Come, Anakin. Let's go and allow Obi-Wan and Knight Bant to get caught up," Qui-Gon called to his apprentice. He was planning a hasty retreat before Bant could begin to drill him on what had been happening during her absence. He'd allow Obi-Wan that privilege.

"Yes, Master," Anakin answered dutifully before giving Mar'ee another hug and following quickly after his already-retreating Master.

"Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan called, waiting to see his Master look back before continuing. "Join us after evening meal?" He watched Qui-Gon's smile and heard his, "It would be a pleasure."

"I want to know everything," Bant demanded after Qui-Gon and Anakin had left.

"There isn't much to tell," Obi-Wan said, trying to sidestep Bant's question. This was another conversation he wasn’t sure he wanted to have only because he knew his friend would ask questions he didn’t have the answers to yet. Although talking to her just might help him figure some things out.

"You're avoiding answering, which means there is a lot to tell." She knew him too well not to know when there was something much bigger than he was letting on. "I'll let it go for now, but will you answer one question for me?" When he nodded, she asked, "Are you and Qui-Gon together now, or are you and Master Windu still together?"

Obi-Wan looked shocked that she would even ask that question. Apparently, the knowledge of the private relationship he’d had with Mace was wider-spread than they thought. He decided to answer as simply as possible. "No, and no."

"Okay," she said, seemingly pleased with what little information she had received. “Make time for me tomorrow? she asked

Obi-Wan nodded. “After noon meal?” he suggested. He wasn't fooled by her easy acceptance. He knew she'd be back later, in a more private setting, demanding answers. And he'd tell her too, like he eventually told her everything. They were that kind of friends, and it would be good to be able to talk to her about what he was thinking and feeling. Not even the nights he'd spent talking in Mace’s arms had come close to the friendship he had with Bant. She always knew how to make him look at things differently; it probably came from having had Master Tahl as her first Master.

"Come, Padawan," he said, walking out the door with Bant. "We can go to the dining hall for dinner tonight." With Qui-Gon back, and his desire to talk to his Master and finally clear the air, he was too distracted to think about making dinner for the two of them.

"Mar'ee, join us!" Anakin called to her from where was sitting with a mixed group of senior and junior Padawans.

"Go ahead," Obi-Wan encouraged when she looked at him for permission. He was glad she had made friends and would have older Padawans to look up to and guide her in areas where in which he, as a Knight and her Master, couldn't. Once she had joined the other apprentices he continued on, looking for a place to sit by himself where he wouldn't feel obligated to make conversation. “Obi-Wan,” he suddenly heard Qui-Gon’s voice call. "Join us," his Master encouraged, pointing to an empty seat beside him.

Heading toward Qui-Gon, he noticed that the rest of the round table was filled with Council members. He had other things on his mind, and didn’t particularly want to sit among those who would construe his preoccupation as something other than that. But Qui-Gon had invited him, and he didn’t want to seem as if he were shunning his former Master, so he joined them.

"Masters," he greeted as he took the empty seat next to Qui-Gon.

“I’m surprised you aren’t off with Bant tonight?” Qui-Gon commented. “The two of you always took off together after one of you got back from an extended time away from the Temple.”

“She had to get settled back in. We’re meeting tomorrow after noon meal,” he answered, taking a bite of his food.

Qui-Gon nodded. "I've been hearing good things about Mar'ee’s training. You must be pleased," he commented, his fellow Council members having already given him the updates on Mar'ee's progress.

Nodding, Obi-Wan swallowed a bite of food he'd just taken. "I am. Though she seems to have taken it upon herself to do some independent study without my knowledge," he said, fixing his glance on Qui-Gon.

"She has initiative," Qui-Gon commented nonchalantly.

"Yes, she does," Obi-Wan agreed. "She also has an ally," he commented, again looking at Qui-Gon. "Just what are you up to with my Padawan?" Anyone who didn't recognise the teasing tone of Obi-Wan's voice might have thought he was angry with Qui-Gon.

"Absolutely nothing," Qui-Gon answered, almost innocently. "I'm just spending time with my daughter."

Obi-Wan saw Yoda's ears twitch at Qui-Gon's comment. Most Jedi who chose to have children left them to be temple-raised and had no contact with them, so as to not influence whether or not they were chosen as a Padawan. Of course, this was Qui-Gon, and the Jedi Master seldom did what was expected. But his Master’s words sparked a moment of insecurity, too. Was all the time the two men spent together just due to Mar’ee, or was Mace right? Qui-Gon's gentle nudge and his "Obi-Wan?" startled him out of his thoughts. Looking at the other Masters who were eyeing him curiously, he apologised. "Sorry, I was lost in thought."

"Anything you'd like to talk about?" Qui-Gon asked, concerned.

Pausing a moment, Obi-Wan knew this was his chance, if he had the courage to take it. Tightening his shields, lest any of them sense his apprehension, he answered, "Yes, I'd like that."

"We can go for a walk when you are finished," Qui-Gon suggested, having noticed Obi-Wan was no longer eating but simply pushing his food around his plate.

"I'm finished," he said, pushing his plate back a bit and shifting to allow the service droid to remove it.

"Eat much you did not," Yoda observed.

Obi-Wan just shrugged. "Not very hungry, I guess. I will fix something in my quarters later," he said, ignoring the surprised looks at his declaration. The kitchen units that were provided in their quarters were more for breakfasts, and most Jedi never used them at all. In fact, the only other person who used his kitchen on a regular basis was Qui-Gon.

"Shall we go then?" Qui-Gon suggested, pushing his chair back and standing.

Obi-Wan nodded and stood, joining Qui-Gon. The pair walked out side by side, pausing only to talk to their Padawans before exiting.

Mace watched them walk away, smiling at the sight of the Master and former Apprentice leaving together. A glance at Yoda told him the ancient Jedi had seen it too.

"Time it is," Yoda commented.

Adi looked at the two senior members of the council. "What are you two up to?" she asked suspiciously.

"Nothing," Mace answered, projecting an image of calm.

"Why don't I believe that?" she replied, looking from one to the other.

"The truth, it is," Yoda protested.

Adi chose not to pursue the subject. She knew she wouldn't get a straight answer out of them, even though she strongly suspected they were matchmaking. If they were, it was long past time for the two to get together.

They walked through the temple, not really talking but instinctively heading toward the lake level. Obi-Wan knew Qui-Gon had a spot in the garden where he liked to come to meditate. He and Bant also ended up here as well. It was the place where they told each other their secrets, and where he watched her swim.

As they walked through the grass area surrounding the lake, they dodged the older apprentices and young Knights gathered to relax and socialize. The lake level had long been a place for relaxation as well as instruction. Rejoining the path, they crossed a bridge in front of the waterfall. Obi-Wan paused for a moment before continuing on. Whenever he was overly tired or bone weary from seeing too many deaths, he still dreamed of Bruck's death.

Qui-Gon led them off the established walkway. Following a barely-used path into the dense area of trees at the edge of the garden, they came to a slightly cleared area. Obi-Wan had never been into this wooded area before, and he had a feeling few knew about this spot.

He watched as Qui-Gon sat down on the ground against a large tree, shifting until he found just the right position where he was comfortable. Sitting down against the same tree, it took Obi-Wan a little longer to get comfortable. Seeing this spot, though, he now understood why sometimes his Master had returned from his meditations with pine needles and wood bark on his robe.

They sat in silence for awhile, allowing the Force to surround and fill them. Finally, Qui-Gon broke the silence, asking, "Is everything all right?" He was concerned about Obi-Wan's silence.

"I am finally ready to talk about Naboo," Obi-Wan answered, "but I am finding it hard to begin or know where to begin."

"The beginning is usually a good place," Qui-Gon said. He had known that this conversation was coming sooner or later, and even though he'd been waiting for it, he was suddenly as apprehensive as Obi-Wan appeared to be.

"But where is the beginning, Master?" Obi-Wan asked. "Tatooine? Coruscant? Naboo?" So much of what happened between the two of them could be traced back to one of those places.

Realising none of their conversation would be easy, Qui-Gon decided to start at the most obvious place. "Why not start with Ani?"

"It all seems so unimportant now," Obi-Wan said quietly.

"But it was important then, and it was part of what ended up being a ten year estrangement between us," Qui-Gon pointed out. "Obi-Wan, don't feel as if you have to temper your words to spare my feelings I don't think you can be any harder on me than I have been on myself. Say what you feel."

Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan leaned back and started to speak. "I didn't think too much about it when you brought Anakin aboard the Queen's ship. I know how you are; you saw a Force-sensitive slave, and you did what you needed to do to save him and bring him to the temple." He paused and took a deep breath; finally admitting to Qui-Gon his feelings from all those years ago was going to be difficult. "It was what happened later, at the temple, in front of the Council, that hurt so much. After thirteen years with you and becoming secure in who I was, my knowledge and training, and my place with you. I felt as if It was all stripped away in one fell swoop," he admitted, his voice full of emotion. "All of my old insecurities came rushing back, and suddenly I was no longer good enough," his voice cracking with his last words.

Qui-Gon reached out and laid his hand on Obi-Wan's arm, squeezing gently. "Obi-Wan, you must believe I never meant to make you feel as if you were unworthy. I always had no doubt that you would make a strong and sure Knight." He paused, searching for the right words with which to continue. "In hindsight, I can see so many mistakes I made then. I should have talked to you about Anakin. I should have trusted in the Council's wisdom and dealt with Anakin once we completed our mission on Naboo. And I should have talked to you about your abilities, and the fact that you were ready for the trials. It all happened so fast..." Qui-Gon said, his voice trailing off.

Sitting quietly next to his Master, Obi-Wan listened to what Qui-Gon had said, letting the meaning sink in. He had been worthy, back then. Qui-Gon had had confidence in his abilities. His logical mind had always known that; it was the rest of him that refused to acknowledge the fact. He didn't respond to what Qui-Gon had said per se; instead, he continued to tell his Master what he'd been feeling. "I’ve thought about the battle with Maul many times, over the years. I've gone through it in my meditations, looking at where I made mistakes. I'm not blaming you, Qui-Gon, I want you to know that; but I have often wondered if, had I not been feeling unsure of myself, I would have fought better."

Qui-Gon interrupted before Obi-Wan could finish his thought. "Obi, as you have, so have I gone over the battle in my meditations many times while I was recovering, and over the years since. I don't believe there is anything either of us could have done differently, except to have both been prepared to fight such an opponent. I find no fault in your performance. I don't want you to believe that what happened was any fault of yours. You defeated Maul, and you kept me alive until the healers came. You preformed exactly as I trained you," he reassured the younger man, wanting him to know exactly how he felt. "I was proud of you then, and I am proud of the Knight you have become."

Obi-Wan heard his Master's words and while they would not be an instant balm to heal the scars deep in his soul, they would begin the process. But even tougher than voicing his feelings about Anakin, and the second doubts he’d had as a result of the boy's appearance, would be to finally admit his feelings regarding his final days as a Padawan and his first ones as a Knight.

“What is it, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked as he moved to sit in front of the Knight resisting the urge to reach out and touch him. To comfort him as he had so many times in the past. He could sense Obi-Wan's troubled feelings.

"Again, I find it hard to know how to start. I wanted to come to you so many times while we were on Naboo. First it was the Council; they had arrived and wanted the details about the sith. I gave my report over and over again until they were sure there were no missing details. And when I finally could come see you, I..." he paused, unsure of how to tell Qui-Gon that he’d eavesdropped on a conversation he’d had with Yoda.

"You..." Qui-Gon prompted, reaching out to rest his hand on Obi-Wan's knee.

"I overheard a conversation between you and Master Yoda," he admitted quietly, bowing his head so he wouldn't see the disappointment in Qui-Gon's eyes. No matter how old Obi-Wan was, or how long he'd been a Knight, Qui-Gon's opinion still mattered to him and probably always would

The Jedi Master reached out and cupped Obi-Wan's chin, lifting it so he could look into his eyes. "What did you hear? Or, what did you think you heard?" he asked softly, with no hint of censure in his voice. He knew deep in his soul that this, and not Anakin, was the cause of their distance.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, summoning his courage, and told Qui-Gon what he'd heard. "You told Master Yoda to go ahead and knight me so I wouldn't be tied to you any longer." All of the hurt and embarrassment he'd felt that day came back, threatening to smother him as he quoted the words that had been burned into his memory.

Qui-Gon sat back with a huff. If it were not for the agony he felt rolling off Obi-Wan, he could almost laugh. The one day his Padawan had shown his scruples and not continued to eavesdrop was the one day he should have. If he had stayed, Obi-Wan would have heard him tell Yoda, for what was the first and only time, how much he loved Obi-Wan.

"Obi..." he said quietly. When Obi-Wan looked up, he reached across the short expanse between them and took Obi-Wan's hands, grasping them lightly. "Would you like to know exactly what Yoda and I were talking about?"

Trying to pull away so he could protect himself from Qui-Gon's words, Obi-Wan found himself being held in a Force-assisted grasp. Knowing he would no longer be able to run from what he dreaded hearing, he finally nodded.

"Master Yoda and I were talking about you. We were discussing the fact that killing the Sith Lord could qualify as your trials. Yoda wanted my opinion and permission to go ahead and knight you himself," he paused a moment, but never let go of Obi-Wan, nor did his gaze waiver from the Knight's face. "You heard me tell Yoda to go ahead and knight you."

When Obi-Wan fought Qui-Gon's grip, the Jedi Master said sharply, "Obi-Wan, listen," trying to calm the flight response he felt in his former Padawan. "You should have stayed," he said calmly once Obi-Wan had settled a bit. "You would have heard the end of the conversation."

Finally meeting Qui-Gon's eyes, Obi-Wan asked, "Master?"

"I told Yoda to go ahead and knight you so that you would no longer be tied to me so when I'd fully recovered I could come to you not as your Master but as a fellow Jedi and ask you to bond with me." He paused when he heard Obi-Wan's gasp of understanding, but continued quickly before he was interrupted. "You see, Obi, I was in love with you. I am in love with you."

Obi-Wan slumped, not knowing how to respond to his Master's admission. That Qui-Gon was in love with him was the last thing he expected his Master to say. It didn't matter that Mace had been telling him that for months - years, actually. He’d never expected to hear Qui-Gon to actually say it.

It was only after he rubbed his face with his hand that he realized Qui-Gon had released him. Looking up into his Master's blue eyes, he smiled. Qui-Gon loved him. All his Master's fears and love were laid open in the expression Qui-Gon wore and projected through their bond. Their bond. In that moment her realized their bond had strengthened and was fully developed once again. He feel Qui-Gon. With the new feeling he now understood the look on Qui-Gon's face before the schooled expression took its place, and he did what he'd wanted to do so many years ago: he reached out and ran his hand through the silky strands of greying hair, moving his thumb along Qui-Gon’s cheek and neck.

Finally, he spoke. "Yes, Master. I should have stayed. I would have been as honored to bond with you then as I would be now."

This time, it was his turn to grasp Qui-Gon's hands. Hands that had directed him, soothed him and healed him during their years as Master and Apprentice. Hands that now, Force willing, would love him. He concentrated on those elegant hands and kissed the back of each finger as they clasped his own, before turning them over and kissing the calloused but still-sensitive palms. Looking up at Qui-Gon, he said the words he knew his Master was hoping to hear.

"I love you. I've loved you as an Apprentice loves his Master, I've loved you as a brother in arms, and I've loved you, and still do, as a man loves another man."

Qui-Gon sighed and released the last of his fears into the Force. He then treated Obi-Wan's hands to the same treatment his own had received and, when he looked back into Obi-Wan's eyes, neither man said another word. They just sat, holding hands and allowing the Force to swirl around and through them, feeling the joy and peacefulness radiate through them, passing their love back and forth between them. Molding it so that everything that came before no longer mattered, and everything that lay ahead could be tackled together. And when the Force storm that surrounded them had died down, they stood, brushing each other off, and headed back to the main part of the gardens.

"Wait," Obi-Wan said just before they left the cover of the forest.

Qui-Gon turned and looked at him, smiling; he knew why Obi-Wan had halted them. They came together not in a flood of long denied passion, but as two people who had been long-time lovers and who were sharing one more kiss before beginning their day. Except that it was their first kiss, and when it ended they both knew that the flood of passion laid just under the surface and would come later.

Anakin and Mar'ee, went running toward a group of Knights and Masters lounging after evening meal.

"Master Windu! Master Yoda!" Anakin called.

"Padawan, slow down. What has the two of you running through the temple like a herd of bantha?" Mace asked once the two of them had come to a halt in front of them, out of breath and with uncertainty rolling off of them in waves.

"I'm sorry, Masters,” Anakin apologized, composing himself as Mar’ee did the same. "We were on the lake level when, all of the sudden, there was a Force storm. It swirled around the entire level, coloring the sky, then it ended as suddenly as it began."

Mace and Yoda looked at one another and smiled. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.... They knew the source of the storm; Yoda had felt it though the remnants of his bond with Qui-Gon. It stood to reason that these two would have surely felt ‘something’ through the bond with their masters.

"Masters?" Mar'ee asked before they could tell the Padawans what had happened.

Mace looked at the young girl. "Yes, Mar'ee?"

"Are Master Qui-Gon and Master Obi-Wan okay?"

Again, Mace and Yoda shared a look. The daughter had felt the final bonding of her fathers, even if she didn't know what was happening.

"All right they are," Yoda confirmed for the girl. "Changes, you and Skywalker will have to make."

Anakin and Mar'ee looked at one another and smiled. His quiet "all right!" was echoed by several of the other Knights in the group.

Mace smiled at the whispered words of pleasure at the news of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's bonding. The newly-joined Jedi would be surprised to find how many supporters they had. "You will learn," Mace began to address the younger Padawans, who were still unsure of what was going on, "that sometimes the Force displays its pleasure at something in quite beautiful and spectacular ways."

The other Padawans nodded, not quite understanding what Mace was talking about. They would hear and understand more in the following days, as news of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan circulated through the temple. Their joining was not a secret that was going be kept. There were too many who had waited far too long for their bonding, including them.

"Padawan Skywalker," Yoda called to the retreating senior Apprentice. "Stay with Padawan LiJinn in her quarters. Report to me at the eighth hour in the morning, you will."

Anakin knew the request was to be followed with no questions. "Yes, Master," he answered before leading the younger Padawans away.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan walked through the halls of the temple, the air around them crackling with the stirring Force. Most who passed by the duo just smiled and nodded at them. Speculation about them had been flying around the temple ever since Obi-Wan's return, so it wasn't unheard of for them to be getting looks - especially for those who experienced the Force storm.

Just as they turned the last corner and started down the corridor to their quarters, Qui-Gon's comlink chirped. "Yes," the elder Jedi answered.

"Padawan."

"Yes, Master Yoda," Qui-Gon answered obediently, wondering why his Master was looking for him.

"Privacy you will find in your quarters, Qui-Gon. Come to me in the morning, your apprentices will."

Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan and saw the amused smile he wore. "Thank you, Master," he finally answered, his voice carrying that same amusement.

"About time it is, too, Qui-Gon," Yoda said, then immediately broke the connection.

Looking over at Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon shared a smile with his former apprentice. "It seems as if we weren't the only ones waiting for today's conversation to happen," he commented.

"I expect not, Qui-Gon, judging from what Mace and Bant have said to me," Obi-Wan agreed.

When they reached the doors to Qui-Gon's large corner suite, he tapped in his personal code, allowing the doors to slide open. Standing aside, Qui-Gon allowed Obi-Wan to enter first.

Obi-Wan had been a guest in his old quarters many times over the past several months but, this time, he felt a difference. For the first time since he had returned to Coruscant after being knighted, he didn't feel the pang of loss he'd always felt whenever he walked through these doors. He felt as if he was coming home once and for all.

"Welcome home," Qui-Gon whispered in his ear, as if he knew what Obi-Wan had been thinking.

"It's good to be home," Obi-Wan answered, enjoying the feel of Qui-Gon's arms around him and the shiver of anticipation their presence brought. He'd never felt like this before with any of his other lovers, both male and female. Turning in Qui-Gon's embrace, he reached up and pulled his Master's head down for another kiss. This time, their lips met in the fire and passion that had been absent from their first kiss.

Somehow they managed to make their way back to Qui-Gon's bedroom without breaking their embrace, leaving a trail of clothing to mark their erratic path. Only when they tumbled onto the wide bed did they pause long enough to remove the tall boots that hindered the removal of the last of their clothing.

They came together in an explosion, each taking turns to map the other's body. Bodies they had known as well as their own, in every way but in intimacy. They took turns finding the spots that heightened their arousal by touch and taste, as they savoured the other's most personal areas.

And when they joined - Qui-Gon into Obi-Wan - they relished the feeling of being one in body and in spirit until they collapsed together, crying out their completion.

Much later, Obi-Wan shifted from his position on Qui-Gon's chest, his muscles protesting loudly at being in one position for so long as he rolled to one side and curled against Qui-Gon's longer body. He couldn't help but smile as he felt his Master - his lover's - arm tighten around him when he moved.

"Obi," Qui-Gon whispered as, once again, he tightened his arm and reached blindly for the younger man's hand.

"I'm here, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan answered, stroking Qui-Gon's chest lightly.

"Love you," the senior Jedi whispered as he drifted back to sleep.

"Love you, too, Qui," Obi-Wan said to the sleeping man, his pleasure at finally being able to say the words radiating through him as he lay contented in Qui-Gon's arms.

Yoda and Mace Windu accompanied the two Padawans they had been instructing all morning back to Qui-Gon's quarters. It was nearly time for the midday meal, and Mace was sure the newly-bonded Jedi would be up. He knew both men well enough to know neither would be able to lounge in bed all morning.

Touching the chime on the door as a warning, they then let Anakin punch in his personal code and open the door.

Mace, however, was unprepared for the sight that greeted him when they entered. It wasn't that the rooms had been destroyed, or even redecorated; it was the two men that surprised him. He used the confusion of the greetings to catalogue the changes in both of them. The happiness that radiated off them was almost tangible. Gone were the Jedi tunics and robes; in their place were standard leggings and long tunics in natural colors, left open at the neck. Their feet were bare and, for the first time in too many years to count, Qui-Gon's hair was free from its restraint and hung loosely along his shoulders.

"You look good, my friend," Mace finally said to Qui-Gon, clasping his arm and smiling.

Qui-Gon simply smiled at his old friend, a slight blush tinting his cheeks. He knew that to reply to Mace's compliment would be to reveal more than he wanted anyone to know.

"Tired of waiting for you two to bond, I was," Yoda stated outright, once they were all seated in the large common room.

"Did you really bond with Qui-Gon?" Mar'ee asked, looking at her Master from where she sat on the floor at Qui-Gon's feet.

"Yes, Mar'ee," Obi-Wan said, reaching out to run a hand across her shoulder.

She thought for a moment, then asked, "What will happen to Ani and me?"

This time Qui-Gon answered her question, mimicking Obi-Wan's soothing touch as he looked at her then at Anakin. "Nothing," he assured them. "You will remain our apprentices, and we will continue to train you as we have been."

"Move again you must, Kenobi," Yoda said, his ears twitching in delight. "Clean out this suite's third room you must, Qui-Gon."

"It appears that way, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan answered, then curiosity made him ask, "tell me, Master Yoda, did you foresee this all those years ago, when you gave Qui-Gon and me such a large suite?"

"Only quarters open, they were; take them, you had to" Yoda insisted, never really answering Obi-Wan's question.

Their conversation continued for a while longer as Anakin took Mar'ee to see what would become her room. When the two senior Jedi Council members finally took their leave, Obi-Wan escorted them to the door, leaving Qui-Gon to check on their apprentices.

Mace hung back a moment longer after Yoda left. He and Obi-Wan embraced, and he told the younger Jedi, "I am happy for you."

"Mace," Obi-Wan said, his one word saying what he couldn't find the words to convey.

Caressing the younger man's cheek, Mace felt Obi-Wan lean into his touch, reminding him of their many years as casual lovers. "I know, Obi, and I am truly happy for you. You have finally put to rest the darkness of the past that clouded you for so long, and found your heart’s desire at the same time."

Having had his say, Mace left with no regrets, and joined Yoda in the hallway. Silently, they started down the hall, Yoda observing his unspoken desire to be allowed to think. He shared a bond with both the men he'd just left, and just as he knew that Obi-Wan was a reflection of Qui-Gon's soul, he knew that his own soul's reflection was out there, waiting for him. He could feel it, now more than he ever had before.

"Master Windu!" a voiced called out, interrupting his thoughts. He turned to see Mar'ee LiJinn running down the hall toward him.

"Mar'ee?" he questioned as she came to a skidding stop in front of him.

Out of breath and panting, she gasped, "Will you take care of my mother, since you are on the Council?"

Mace couldn’t help but smile. "Of course, Mar'ee," he answered, ignoring Yoda's knowing laugh. "You do realize that your father is also on the council?" he reminded her.

"I know..." she agreed. "But..."

"But what?" Mace asked, curious as to what she was thinking.

"Well, Master Qui-Gon and Master Obi-Wan have each other. I am a Padawan, and I have my studies and, well…. Well, mother doesn't have anyone..."

"Nava has friends here," Mace said, still not understanding what Mar'ee was getting at.

”Yes,” she protested, “but she doesn’t have anyone to take care of her. On Epona, she always had Andre, but he stayed there when Mother came to Coruscant." Lady Nava had refused to return to Epona, regardless of the many requests from those who had supported her mother and father and vowed to support her, too. She had chosen instead to remain on Coruscant, at the temple, where she would continue her medical training in both traditional medicine and Force healing. She might have been much too old to be a Jedi proper, but she could be trained to help them and, by staying on Coruscant, she wouldn't be putting the lives of those who protected her in danger.

She'd returned to Epona after regaining her health only long enough to appoint Andre to act on behalf of herself and of her siblings. He had been one of the few men from her father's senate who hadn't wanted to see Mar'ee killed, and he'd become a trusted friend after her banishment.

Mace relented to Mar'ee's request, having learned that she could be as persistent as her fathers. "Okay, I'll be her friend. But don't you think she should be able to pick her own friends?"

"I guess," Mar'ee agreed, with a slight pout that reminded Mace of Obi-Wan. He'd seen that pout often enough on Obi-Wan's face while they had been lovers, and he couldn’t help but chuckle. He knew without a doubt that she would give her fathers a run for their credits. "You had best be returning," he suggested, indicating that their conversation was over.

"Yes, Master," she replied obediently before turning back to her quarters.

"As bad as her fathers she is," Yoda observed, speaking up for the first time.

Mace's chuckle became a full-out laugh at Yoda's observation. "Yes, she is," he agreed. He had no intention, however, of letting Yoda know that he had already planned on doing what Mar'ee had requested. In fact, he had already formed a friendship with Nava, but that little bit of information was for him alone. He didn't want the matchmaking he'd indulged in to get Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan together to be turned on him. He preferred to let whatever might happen with Nava to happen on its own.

The End