Master Apprentice
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Qui-Gon, once he'd gone upstairs to his room, flung himself into the chair. He closing his eyes as he battled his raging desire, his hands clenching in frustrated need. So close and yet so damned far. He throbbed in passionate yearning even as he kicked himself for once again moving faster than what Obi-Wan could handle. Tears were in his eyes as he berated himself for his stupidity and he struggled to re-collect himself. Had he just ruined his own carefully constructed work with his foolish admission of love, with his damned foolish outburst? He had pushed too hard, had asked for too much, had hoped for too much from Obi-Wan. Sweet, beautiful, endearing Obi- Wan, whom he loved with all he had; unbearable, heart rending love. The intense uncertainty ripped him; the never knowing if Obi-Wan felt anything, if something would bring a fit of rage, of anguish. He was always afraid of moving too quickly, never knowing if he'd ever get what he wanted, desired so much. Qui-Gon bowed his head as tears overwhelmed him a moment.
//Oh, Obi-Wan, what am I to do with you? I love you; want you so much, too much. Don't tell me I've driven you away. I want you so close. Oh please. Someone please tell me that this is going to work out.// Qui-Gon cried, caught up in his own despair for a long moment before he forced himself to pull together.
Obi-Wan had come so far, improved so much. He had been so brave, so strong, struggling against his past and coming so close to beating it. Qui-Gon could only love him and wait; wait for Obi-Wan to come to him on his own terms, in his own way, wait for him to find a way to return his feelings or find that it would never be possible. Qui- Gon had done everything he could; it was all up to Obi-Wan from this point on. He could only help. Obi-Wan was so close to finally beating his problems.
Qui-Gon paused and lifted his head. He hadn't heard a sound, which was disturbing enough, and it was the lack of anything being broken that finally brought him out of his thoughts. He got up, went to the window and looked out, seeing Obi-Wan sitting on the fence post talking to his half-sister. Qui-Gon frowned, unsure if this was a sign of further improvement or if Obi-Wan was bottling up the dangerous emotions again rather than allowing them the release they needed. Concerned, Qui-Gon turned and headed back down stairs and outside, making his way to the post. He stopped in surprise to see both holding each other tightly; Eilwen holding up a sobbing Obi-Wan and looking quite teary eyed herself. Qui-Gon quickly went over to see if he could help, as Obi-Wan continued to gasp out heart shattering, grief-stricken sobs.
`Eilwen?' he asked as he came up to her.
Obi-Wan's teary face lifted with a jerk and glistening green eyes stole his breath away. Suddenly, Obi-Wan pulled free of his half- sister to throw himself against Qui-Gon. Startled, the Lord wrapped his arms about the crying man. `Why did they have to die? Why did they have to kill them?' Obi-Wan beseeched him.
Qui-Gon looked at Eilwen for an explanation.
Eilwen rubbed away her own tears. `I'll explain later,' she told him.
Qui-Gon nodded and carefully lifted Obi-Wan up and cradled the heavy man close to his chest. He whispered soothing words as he carried Obi-Wan to his servant quarters.
`They never did anything wrong. They saved us.' Obi-Wan sobbed brokenly against his chest. `They looked after us. That deserves some consideration, please. How can any love be evil?' Wild green eyes looked at him pleadingly. `Don't hurt them.'
`Of course not, Obi-Wan,' Qui-Gon soothed, though he didn't have a clue as to what Obi-Wan was going on about.
`You don't have to do this. Leave them alone. Don't watch, Eilwen. Close your eyes and don't listen.' Obi-Wan trembled against him as Qui-Gon carried the young man to his room.
He noticed that Obi-Wan kept everything spotlessly tidy with his things put away. Holding Obi-Wan, he tried to tug covers back, then suddenly Eilwen, forgotten until then, pulled them down for him. `Thank you.' Qui-Gon lowered Obi-Wan down onto his bed. Though now only quietly crying, Obi-Wan clung onto him tightly. Qui- Gon gently tried to detach himself from Obi-Wan.
`No! Don't, please,' Obi-Wan almost screamed and clung even tighter. Eyes looked at him and a brief spark of recognition flashed in those wild green eyes. `Don't desert us; don't leave us here.'
Obi-Wan's mind was in another time and place, but Qui-Gon couldn't resist the plea in his voice. Those eyes could command anything from him. With a slight sigh, Qui-Gon lifted Obi-Wan to his chest and then climbed into bed with the distraught man, arranging himself comfortably as Obi-Wan curled up against him.
`I can smell the burning flesh, yet I feel so cold. Why is it so cold?' Obi-Wan shivered against him, cuddling up for warmth.
`Shh, Obi-Wan,' Qui-Gon murmered, one hand rubbing warmth into Obi- Wan's arm as another hand drew blankets over the shivering man. `I'll take care of you, love.' Qui-Gon shifted slightly, holding Obi-Wan close.
`You really do love him, don't you?'
Qui-Gon startled and turned. Again he'd forgotten about Eilwen. `Yes I do. I love Obi-Wan with all my heart.'
`I've been told most of my life by the orphanage, that love that didn't occur between a man and a woman as was meant to be, was the work of the devil, a sinful, evil thing. I never really understood why Obi-Wan insisted that it shouldn't matter who a person decided to love, only that they did and loved that person regardless of what others thought. I think I'm beginning to understand that love isn't restricted by the meaningless rules we try to place on it. It is beyond our capabilities to control and that we shouldn't try to. Love of all kinds should be allowed to exist, free from our pointless and ridiculous perceptions on how love should be, rather than what it actually is.' Qui-Gon smiled at her. Eilwen really was a rare and treasured soul. Jerry was a lucky man. `So what changed for you?'
`Obi-Wan resurrected a memory I'd blocked for years. I remembered very little of our street life and now I know it was because I didn't want to remember what happened. We were rescued by two kind but very poor women. They were lovers and very much in love. They sheltered and feed us, gave us a bit of space near the little fire to sleep. We helped them as best we could in return. Sophia and Nelly were their names and nicer women you couldn't meet; a more loving a pair you wouldn't find. They saved our lives. They lived near the orphanage since it was the cheapest area to live. A lady from the orphanage discovered us, and saw who we were living with. She saw us living with what she considered evil sinners. Wanting to salvage our souls, she told the head of the orphanage. For saving us from the streets, giving us a warm place to sleep, enough food to survive, Sophia and Nelly were rewarded by being tied to a stake and burned while the orphanage ladies took us, dragging us away from their screaming, burning bodies.' Eilwen trembled, tears spilling her cheeks. `Over time I blocked the memory, living in blissful ignorance. The orphanage was better than any life I remembered previously. They were not bad people, and thought they were doing the right thing. They were so nice to me. Obi-Wan was strongly encouraged not to remind me. He wanted the best life he could get for me and the orphanage was good. They sent him out to work as soon as they were able. Determined to raise me as a proper lady, they felt they had a better chance without the influence of my half- brother. I would have never remembered how I was cared for by the very kind of people I've condemned these many years if Obi-Wan hadn't chosen to tell me about it tonight.'
Qui-Gon looked at her wide eyed, his heart going out in sympathy; his love for Obi-Wan doubling within a breath. Living with such a memory for so many years, unable to speak of it, encouraged not to say anything, driven by the deep need to see that his much loved half- sister was cared for, probably never allowed to properly grieve for the two kind women. Obi-Wan had buried his grief, his hurt and helpless rage deeply indeed. Qui-Gon took it as a good sign that Obi- Wan was working past his abuse and was now starting to work upon other issues of his past that had been covered up; hidden by necessity and now allowed to bubble out to the surface and finally heal. Once these other past issues were dealt with, hopefully Obi- Wan would loose his fear and would heal enough to love again. Qui- Gon realised that the fear was based on more than just the abuse, but also the death of his Mother, the brutal death of Sophia and Nelly, and a harsh, tough life where Obi-Wan had little in the way of examples of love to learn from. Having a childhood with so few examples of love had effected Obi-Wan in ways not easy to see or explain. Eilwen had always had Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan had no such luck. While it helped to have a younger half-sister to care for, Obi-Wan had lacked a figure to look up to, someone to admire and aspire to. A heart hardened by the realities of life, walled up inside himself, keeping everyone but Eilwen from seeing into his wounded heart, until now, as the chinks and cracks were starting to finally show.
`Thank you,' he said to her softly, thanking her for a great many things.
`I know how much my brother would like know the kind of love Sophia and Nelly shared. I remember only snatches, but the love was total and shared equally. I hope that Obi-Wan can find the love he seeks in your arms as Sophia and Nelly found in each other's.'
Qui-Gon swallowed thickly, undeniably moved by her heartfelt words. His eyes went teary as he gripped her hand. `I hope for us to have that too.'
Eilwen bent to kiss the head of her sleeping half-brother curled in the older man's arms. `Take care of him, because I love him too,' Eilwen said softly before she turned and left.
`I will, Eilwen,' Qui-Gon promised, but only he heard it as Eilwen had already left. He gently kissed Obi-Wans reddish blond hair.
Obi-Wan shifted in his sleep, looking for a more comfortable position. Still holding the young man, Qui-Gon slid down into the bed, making himself comfortable as, even in sleep, Obi-Wan had an unbreakable grip on him.
`Sleep, my Obi-Wan,' he whispered as the man stirred slightly, snuggling his head against his shoulder. `Love you.' Qui-Gon closed his eyes. The last thing he remembered was hoping Obi-Wan could learn to love him as much as he loved Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon woke slowly. Drowsy and sleepy, he stretched slightly in bed. Mind so fuzzy with pleasant sleep and good dreams, he accepted the fact someone was sprawled over the top of him with a dreamy smile. He was still too tired to grapple with reality. He let himself enjoy the pleasant weight of someone curled up on top of him. It mingled with the subtle musk that stirred his sex to semi attention. The sweet dreams of love and desire mixed fact with fiction and his morning arousal stirred to fuller attention as he reached for whoever was on him and cracked his eyes open.
`Ahhh!' The body scrambled out of his bed.
Qui-Gon paused and frowned. This wasn't his bed; it wasn't even his room. His sleep confused eyes fell upon Obi-Wan. Like a dash of freezing cold ice, reality flew back into his mind and he hurriedly sat up, arousal forgotten. `Obi-Wan?' He looked steadily at the trembling young man standing shakily to the side of the bed, hoping he hadn't screwed up once again.
`I'm sorry,' Obi-Wan blurted. `I didn't mean to wake you.'
Qui-Gon frowned, not understanding. `You woke me?' he asked, confused.
Obi-Wan grappled with himself, mouth bubbling nonsense as he tried to sort his thoughts. `I, ah, that is, what I...' Qui-Gon watched riveted as Obi-Wan's cheeks went red, then he seemed to make an effort to collect himself. `I've been awake awhile,' Obi-Wan got out. Qui-Gon looked at him curiously, still not fully understanding. `I-- you looked so comfortable and, well, relaxed. I- - you were fast asleep.'
`You didn't want to move incase I woke up? Is that it? You made yourself stay still until you were sure I was awake?' Qui-Gon hazard.
`I, ah, that is...' Obi-Wan's colour heightened further. `Your skin is soft.' The words burst out in a rush, surprising Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon blinked. //Where had that come from?//
`I only touched a little.' Obi-Wan looked worried and stressed.
Qui-Gon's eyes widened as his confusion disappeared and understanding finally came. `You touched me? My body? While I slept?' he asked softly.
Obi-Wan swallowed heavily, cheeks burned as the man gave a shamed and embarrassed nod. Qui-Gon couldn't fight the warm, gentle and loving smile that crept on his face. He saw Obi-Wan notice it and lift his gaze slightly, face puzzled, concerned, wary and uncertain; so seriously intent, Qui-Gon's heart throbbed at the shadowed green eyes.
`A most pleasant way to wake up, I must say.' Shock flashed over Obi- Wan's face and reddened cheeks went dead white. Suddenly concerned, Qui-Gon rose from the bed and stood before a shaking Obi-Wan. `Was is it?' he asked, deeply concerned.
`She, she...' Tears ran down Obi-Wans face as he tried to collect himself. `She would come in, while I slept,' Obi-Wan's voice said shakily, `and touch me, caress me. I would, I would...' Obi-Wan swallowed heavily and the next words came out in such a low whisper, Qui-Gon had to strain his ears to catch them. `I would, you know, shoot out, before I knew what was happening.' Obi-Wan shook visibly, tears running down his cheeks and the deep shame he felt visible on his face.
A crest of deep love rose in Qui-Gon as intense sympathy and pain hit; his heart bleeding out for this emotionally scared man. `Oh, Obi-Wan.' He felt like crying for this beautiful man and he swallowed painfully. `My sweet, dear Obi-Wan. What am I suppose to do with you?' Qui-Gon reached out for the man, but Obi-Wan stumbled back, head bowed in shame, tears flooding down that angelic face. `Obi-Wan, please, for once in your life just let yourself be hugged and comforted.' Qui-Gon pleaded and tried again. Obi-Wan turned his face away as Qui-Gon brought his arms around the young man, wrapping them tightly. `It's all right, Obi-Wan. This isn't the same situation. You've been so brave trying to overcome your past. Letting yourself touch me, managing to talk a little about what was done to you, all of these are big steps. You have to let go of your fear, your grief, your pain and I think you are getting there. I think, too, your trying to express some of what you feel, with the limited experience you've had. You're not really sure how to go about it, which is not surprising considering your past. You've never been shown properly, or taught correctly, that's all. You are so special to me and it's means so much to me that you like me and trust me enough to touch me in any way, even when I'm asleep.'
`Really?' Obi-Wan mumbled against his chest.
Qui-Gon gently stroked Obi-Wans muscled back. `We've had different experiences, you and I,' Qui-Gon said softly. `I learned to know touch wasn't a bad thing. In fact, it was rather nice. One of the best mornings I had was to wake to Edward touching me, arousing me in my sleep.'
Obi-Wan looked up at him uncertain, eyes teary and beautiful. `Am I a disappointment to you, not being what you hoped? Have I failed?'
`No! How can you think that?' Qui-Gon brushed away a tear. `You are a wonderful man. You have tested my patience sometimes; taken my control over myself further than I thought was possible. Restraining my feelings toward you is becoming increasingly difficult as I grow more confident you feel something for me. You test my ability to remain a perfect gentleman around you and keep my hands to myself constantly. Disappoint? How can I be disappointed when you surprise me at every turn? What I hoped? You are much more than I ever could have expected; so much more than I dreamed possible. Failed? How could you feel a failure my brave, strong Obi-Wan. You held your past from everyone and kept silent about all that happened to you, no matter how it hurt you, angered you inside. It touches me that you are willing to tell me. I feel blessed that you trust me enough to mention any of it, no matter how small.'
Qui-Gon slowly leaned forward and gently kissed surprised, lush lips. The mouth opened up under his and with a low passionate groan at the back of his throat, he reached up to caress Obi-Wan's firm chest. The tiny brush of fingers was enough to make Obi-Wan spring back, eyes glazed and breath short, mouth tantalizingly moist. With a sigh Qui-Gon let his hands fall to his sides. Obi-Wan looked down; jaw tightening as emotions flickered over his face, tears sparkling in green eyes.
`I'm sorry,' Obi-Wan whispered.
Qui-Gon took a deep breath. He could do this. It was getting harder and harder to keep control of himself, of his emotions, but he had to try. The story of Sophia and Nelly had given him great hope. He knew somehow that Obi-Wan wanted to love him as he knew Sophia and Nelly loved each other, but could not find a way to let himself. Qui- Gon was at a loss to know how to coax out the love Obi-Wan kept carefully locked away, untouchable and out of his reach. Qui-Gon released the breath with a sad sigh. He rested a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, which he accepted with barely a flinch. `What else can I do, Obi-Wan? Tell me how to break through those walls you hold between us. I've tried and after last night...' Qui-Gon swallowed. `I'd hoped you might be beyond this finally,' he whispered softly, a tear in his eye.
Silent tears tracked down Obi-Wan's face. `I -- I don't know how you can help. I can't get past the fear, not completely. I do care. You believe that. don't you?'
`Of course I do. I would never have gotten this far if I didn't think, hoped, wanted you to care for me in some way.'
Obi-Wan's hand rose up to caress Qui-Gon's shoulder. `Last night something changed, I think. I'm not sure what exactly. I don't fear the idea of someone loving me quite as much, I don't think.'
`What about loving back? I can understand that your adversity to touch is so inbuilt and ingrained you still react instinctively to touch. But can you let yourself love? Can you do that even if, heaven forbid, you would one day loose me too? I am quite a bit older than you.' Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wans tearful face searchingly.
`I don't know.' Obi-Wan breathed a hiccuping sob and fled.
Qui-Gon closed his eyes and let tears flow. The pressure, the strain and stress of trying to keep up hope and contain the full extent of his love finally became too much to bare.
Eilwen found him there not long after. She came up to him concerned. `I was going to ask what you did to upset Obi-Wan. Now I'm not sure which one of you is more upset,' she said carefully.
`Does it matter? I can love him as much as I possibly can, but I can not make him love me,' Qui-Gon told her.
`But he does. I know he does. He may not be able to admit it, maybe even to himself, but I know him better than anyone, and though he struggles with inner demons even I can't see, he does love you.'
Qui-Gon swallowed, closing his eyes tightly; a tear rolling slowly down his cheek to disappear into his beard. But he got a grip on himself again. `Oh, Eilwen, what can I do? How can I help Obi-Wan fight his demons? I'm being as patient and giving as I can. Maybe I hoped for too much after last night.'
`There is reason to hope. You must hold onto it. Don't forget, Lord Jinn, that last night Obi-Wan sought comfort against his grief and tears in your arms over my own. I am his half-sister, the only family he has. He trusts and loves me above everyone, except you. For some reason he trusted and loved you enough to choose your comfort over what I could give.'
Qui-Gon nodded. Obi-Wan also had felt safe enough with him to touch him in his sleep. Obi-Wan was progressing and taking steps in the right direction. It seemed to be taking so long and the path was hard. He couldn't stop yet; he had to keep guiding Obi-Wan into the right path, out of the swamp of the past Obi-Wan had bogged himself down in. How much longer, how much further did he have to go, though? He'd already gone so far.
`You've been so good to Obi-Wan, Lord Jinn; so kind, generous, truthful, and honest. So unlike anything either Obi-Wan or I had ever experienced in our life before. Don't give up on him. He means a lot to me and I can see the changes you've wrought in him. He rarely ever gets in a rage anymore and he's happier, more content and comfortable with himself and his life than I've ever seen him. He smiles and jokes and laughs more often, and is freer in the way he expresses himself. They may seem like little things to you, but it means at lot to me to see him like this, and something I find great comfort in to know.'
Qui-Gon smiled gently. No, he mustn't forget the small victories he'd already won, the many things he'd accomplished. He'd just raised his hopes a little too high once again. The second time he'd done so in as many days. It was more than he'd had before, so maybe there was reason to hope after all. `Thank you, Eilwen. You've being a great help to me, and to Obi-Wan as well, I suspect. Even when you weren't entirely comfortable with it, you aided, helped and understood us both.'
`I want what my brother wants, and I want the best for him that I can give. I want more than anything for my half-brother to be happy, loved and in love, as I am now.' Eilwen smiled softly.
Reminded of Eilwen's engagement Qui-Gon changed the topic. `Have you decided on a wedding date?' he asked with a smile.
`No, but we would like, if we could, to have the wedding here?' Eilwen said shyly.
`Nothing could give me greater pleasure,' Qui-Gon assured.
`Obi-Wan is my closest relative, the person I am closest to except you and Jerry, so I thought I would break tradition and ask him to be my brides man.'
Qui-Gon laughed. `Good for you.'
`Of course Jerry already has groomsmen among his friends here, but I thought, if you wouldn't mind, since I don't really have a father that I remember...' Eilwen pause, uncertain how to continue.
`You can ask whatever you like, Eilwen,' Qui-Gon encouraged.
`Would you give me away?' Her brown eyes pleaded.
Qui-Gon was taken back by surprise a moment, and wonderment filled him, incredibly touched that Eilwen would ask him. `I would like nothing better than to be given the honour of giving you away,' he assured genuinely.
`Now all I need is a dress and flowers.' Eilwen smiled.
Qui-Gon paused and looked her over. `Come with me.' He took her hand and led her though his manor; a manor that had once belong to his grandfather.
Eilwen followed reluctantly. `Where are you taking me?' She frowned.
`To my Grandparent's room,' Qui-Gon answered her. 'It hasn't been touched in years. My Grandfather locked it up when my Grandmother died while Father was just small. When my family came here during summer holidays I use to picklock my way in here. I remember something in that room you could use.'
Eilwen gave him a puzzled look but let him take her to the long locked and forgotten room. He drew out a piece of twisted metal from his pocket. He'd kept it all this time because no one knew where the key was and in case he would need to get in this room again. With an old remembered deftness, he jiggled the metal in the lock until it clicked and he carefully opened the creaky door.
`I tidied it up as a child, but be careful of spiders and such,' he told her as he stepped into the dusty, cobwebbed room. The furniture was covered by sheets and they, the floor and ornaments were all caked in a thick layer of fine dust. Sunlight streamed in though a moth eaten curtain over a dirt streaked window. As Qui-Gon moved to an antique wardrobe, he noticed Eilwen moving to the window, wanting to open the curtains. `I took a look through those windows myself once. The view is quite spectacular.' Eilwen turned to him, hand fingering the worn cloth questioningly. `Go ahead and open it,' he bid her with a smile. Qui-Gon returned his attention back to the wardrobe, opening the engraved doors gently and then opening a small, but long, box sealed and locked sitting down the bottom. Using the piece of metal once more, he sprang the lock and carefully opened the box; smiling at the wedding dress that sat perfectly preserved within the well constructed box. He carefully lifted the dress and held it up, looking it over critically. It was a touch old fashioned, but still beautiful and about the right size. He stepped back from the old wardrobe to turn to Eilwen, who was still admiring the view.
Qui-Gon paused to take in the forgotten view out of the window. It truly was spectacular, green fields, a sparkling river, and hills with dark forests and in the distance, the sea. `Only one more thing is needed to make the view I see truly spectacular,' he said.
Eilwen turned to him, her eyes lighting up as, with a wide mouth of surprise, she admired the dress he offered to her. `It's prefect!' she gasped, her fingers trailing across the white cloth. `I couldn't wear this.' She looked at him.
Qui-Gon smiled. `Of course you can. My Grandfather stashed all kinds of things in here, including a veil and shoes. I'm not sure if the shoes will fit, though. Go get changed into this.' He handed the dress into her trembling hands.
`How can you give me such a priceless gift?' she murmered.
`I'm giving you away. In my opinion that make me your benefactor Father, and you are the half-sister of the man I love and treasure upon anything else,' Qui-Gon told her.
Eilwen rushed forward with a brief hug and a kiss on his cheek, then scurried into a side room to change into the dress. Qui-Gon had to smile. With a happier frame of mind, he uncovered the veil and the shoes from the box. He turned again when a rustling told him Eilwen had changed and he saw her looking absolutely stunning in the gorgeous dress.
`It'll need a bit of fixing; it doesn't quite fit,' he noted and lifted the veil onto her head, lowering the short veil over her brown eyes and offered the shoes. `See if they fit.'
Eilwen took the shoes and put them on. `They're a little big,' she said reluctantly, not wanting to offend him.
`I was afraid of that. My Grandmother was reputed to have quite large feet.'
Eilwen giggled slightly before stopping herself with a blush. `I'm sorry,' she offered.
`Please, no need. I'd been told often enough by my Grandfather before he died, that if Grandma's feet had been used to create the measurement of feet, a foot would be a least two inches longer.'
Eilwen laughed at that. `Oh dear, isn't it bad to speak of the dead like that?' She looked slightly horrified at herself.
`Don't mistake me, Eilwen. My grandfather was exceptionally proud of the fact and loved to tell us Jinn children tales about her large feet. All of us children inherited them.' Qui-Gon looked down at his own large feet.
`You need big feet to compliment your great height.' She looked up at him.
Qui-Gon shifted slightly. He'd always been a bit self-conscious of his height, despite being the shortest of the three Jinn sons. `Why don't I get the seamstress to make sure this dress fits you to perfection.' He turned to the door and went and opened it cautiously. He peered out and saw Obi-Wan walking past. He sucked in a breath as he watched the beautiful man. His groin stirred slightly, but he ruthlessly squashed his arousal. `Obi-Wan?' he called softly. The bright green eyes turned to him, widening in surprise as the face paled slightly. Obi-Wan probably wasn't ready to face him again right now. `Could you find the seamstress for me and bring her here, please?'
`Yes, sir.' Obi-Wan nodded.
Qui-Gon winced slightly. Obi-Wan hadn't called him `sir' in quite a while. `Thank you.' Qui-Gon nodded with a sigh as he closed the door again.
`I want Obi-Wan to see me in the dress.' Eilwen frowned from behind him.
`When he comes back.' Qui-Gon returned to her. `In the meantime ...' He went over to a cloth covered item and uncovered it. It was a huge, full length mirror, still in one piece and, while dulled with age, was still magnificent. `... see what you think,' he offered with a bow.
Eilwen gapped at the huge mirror a moment before hoisting up the dress to step over and take a look, admiring her reflection a moment. `It's gorgeous.' She fingered the dress.
`The mirror, the dress, or you?' Qui-Gon teased slightly. For him it was like having a sister again and he missed his five sisters dearly; long married with families of their own, no time to spare and visit him. He'd seen them briefly at Father's manor during his father's last days and funeral. The memory brought a tear to his eyes.
`Qui-Gon? What is it?' Eilwen asked him, concerned.
`Just missing my family. I use to tease my sisters like that; especially Beth.'
`Well I guess I kind of am your half-sister in-law anyway,' Eilwen offered hesitantly, in a manner so like Obi-Wan's, Qui-Gon's heart gave a pang.
`I've gone from benefactor Father to half-brother in-law.' Qui-Gon chuckled.
Eilwen grinned. `Well, at least as an in-law, you wouldn't have to worry about the complications of being benefactor father to Obi-Wan as well as me. Not when you love him as much as you do. In my opinion you already are my half-brother in-law.'
Touched, Qui-Gon kissed one of her small hands. `Thank you, Eilwen. Your words mean a lot to me,' he said sincerely.
`I've got many more things to thank you for which I haven't even started to repay.' She blushed.
`I'm sure your half-brother will be able to help repay some debts personally, once he is my partner.' Qui-Gon dropped a sly wink.
Eilwen blushed harder, but beamed happily. `You just keep thinking positively and it is sure to happen. If all my dreams can come true, why can't your's?' She surprised him with a quick peck on the cheek. `I'm glad Obi-Wan has someone like you to love him as much as I do, as our mother did.'
There was a knock at the door. `Go, hide from Obi-Wan,' Qui-Gon bid her as he moved to the door, hearing Eilwen move, the dress swishing softly. Qui-Gon checked behind him, smothering a grin when he couldn't see her. He opened the door to see Obi-Wan, the seamstress Jenny behind him looking sceptical until she saw him.
`You wanted me, Master Jinn?' she asked.
`Yes I did. Come in. You too, Obi-Wan. Eilwen has something to show you.' Obi-Wan looked at him a moment to make sure he spoke the truth. Qui-Gon merely indicated that he was to come in. He heard a resigned sigh as Obi-Wan stepped past. The Lord closed the door behind them. `It's all right now, Eilwen,' he called.
With a swish and a smile, Eilwen strode in and spun on the spot, showing off the wedding dress.
Obi-Wan gapped at his half-sister, then stepped forward to grasp Eilwen's arms. `You look magnificent,' he told her earnestly; green eyes wide as a huge grin appeared on his face. `Where did you get this?'
Eilwen smiled at him `Master Jinn is letting me borrow it for the wedding. Jerry and I decided to have it here and I'd like you to be my brides man, if you want.'
Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon, obviously grappling with everything Eilwen just told him.
`Apparently, I get the honour of giving her away as compensation.' Qui-Gon smiled. `Besides, it's not as if I would ever need to wear my grandmother's wedding dress.'
Eilwen gave a giggle and even Obi-Wan managed a fleeting smile. `Are you sure about this? You don't need to.' Obi-Wan looked at him.
Qui-Gon stepped up close to him and looked down slightly into Obi- Wan's green eyes with an affectionate smile. `Yes, I do. She is your half-sister and means a lot to you. That is plenty enough reason for me.'
Obi-Wan's eyes filled with tears. `Don't do this for me. I'm not worth it.'
`Yes you are, my sweet Obi-Wan.' Qui-Gon kissed the frown in Obi- Wan's forehead. `So is your half-sister. Eilwen and I have already agreed that she could have it.'
Obi-Wan sighed and glared at his half-sister a moment. `I guess if it's already decided,' he said reluctantly.
`Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you.' Eilwen bounced excitedly. `I wouldn't have been happy unless you agreed. Now all I need is flowers, shoes, since these don't fit, some one to marry me, a wedding date, food, decorations...'
`Don't get carried away, Eilwen,' Obi-Wan broke in gently. `It's going to take time and a lot of money.'
Eilwen frowned, looking crestfallen. `I suppose.'
`I'm sure everyone here at the manor would be happy to help out. Ian will cook, Nancy will decorate, and Simone loves flower arranging. If they all pitched in, it shouldn't be too difficult.'
`You're taking a fair bit onto yourself aren't you? Paying extra to servants for their hard work? I can't let you do that.' Obi-Wan shook his head.
`You don't think they'd do it just because Eilwen is their friend? Because they like you and want to help out? I can tell you now, the minute it trickles out we are holding a wedding here, it's going to be impossible to stop them from helping out. They will love to help out. Best get married soon, Eilwen, or my ears are going to be filled with wedding this and wedding that, and then exclamations of how beautiful a wedding it was and before long the servant women will be knitting up little booties and bonnets and full of baby talk.'
Eilwen blushed. `I'd love to have my own children,' she said softly, and then paled slightly. `I'm sorry, that was inconsiderate.' Qui- Gon looked at her blankly, not understanding. `Since you won't have any of your own,' she quickly explained.
`I long ago reconciled myself about not having children. I'm the seventh of eight children; I'm pretty sure one of my sisters' children, or brothers, when they get around to marriage, will be able to pass on the Jinn genetics, large feet and all.'
Eilwen laughed. `Perhaps it is for the best that one will not pass on such genetics,' she teased with a grin.
`You could well be right.' Qui-Gon smiled. `Shall we leave you with Jenny and she can see to making sure that dress looks absolutely stunning on you?'
Eilwen smiled. `Just don't tell Jerry. I want to surprise him.'
'Certainly.' Qui-Gon bowed his head and went to the door, opening it to allow Obi-Wan out before following and closing the door behind him.
`Qui-Gon, I...'
Qui-Gon silenced Obi-Wan by placing a finger on his lips. `If you're going to thank me, don't.' He fingered those lush lips a moment. `I choose to give her the dress. She has helped me, us, a lot.' Qui- Gon smiled slightly. `I love her because I know you do and that makes her important to me.' Qui-Gon ran a thumb over Obi-Wans lips and then kissed them gently.