Master Apprentice Archive Quick search:

Ascension (continued)

by Artemis ( jedilover99@hotmail.com )

Continued from part 2

At the landing pad, Obi-Wan carefully kept a distance from Qui-Gon and averted his eyes as much as possible. Silva patted his shoulder, seeming pleased that he had heeded her words of caution. Indeed, Obi- Wan was following her counsel, but it hurt, and he knew he was doing it more for her sake than his own. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Qui-Gon occasionally look his way. There would have been nothing finer than to have looked into his lover's eyes and smile, but it was impossible while Silva stood at his side.

When the Queen's private shuttle was twenty minutes late in arriving, Knight Laren began to pace.

Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow, surprised by her impatience. "The shuttle will be here soon enough."

"We can't afford these delays. We've been here two days and the Archives is still closed," she said to him a bit sharply.

"And I have been here three weeks. What does that say about me, Knight Laren?"

The female Jedi looked up at the master with wide eyes. "I meant no disrespect, Qui-Gon. You have kept the factions from resorting to terrorism... I merely hoped that Obi-Wan and I would have had more of an effect on the parties concerned."

"Perhaps tonight you will have more luck."

Silva tilted her head. "What do you mean by that?"

"Only that it is one more opportunity for you to use your charms," Qui-Gon said, smiling smugly.

The knight narrowed her eyes on the master, wondering if he suspected that she and Obi-Wan were Eratti. Then she realized that if he did know his reaction would most likely not be that mild.

"I think I'll go find someone who knows where that shuttle is," she said, and walked off in search of an arrivals schedule.

As soon as Silva was out of sight, Qui-Gon stepped over to Obi-Wan. He smiled sweetly, letting his affection for the younger Jedi show in his eyes.

"Master," Obi-Wan said with a slight bow.

"Please, Obi-Wan... your master isn't here," he said, and reached his hand over to brush his fingers against Obi-Wan's cheek. "I missed you today."

Obi-Wan's breath caught at the touch. It had taken all his will to act neutral around his beloved while his master was present. "I missed you, too," he said, smiling back and leaning into the touch.

"Your master mentioned that your tour of the Archives went well today," Qui-Gon said, and reluctantly withdrew his hand.

"Yes, it appeared to be in order. Everything was just as it was when the staff and researchers were forced out because of the dispute."

"You were fortunate to have seen it," Qui-Gon said, reminiscing of his visit so many years ago. "I hope before this mission is done I will be able to show you one of my favorite texts in the collection... a book of poems by the M'Haeli poet H'tla."

"Poetry?" Obi-Wan asked, surprised.

"Yes, it is a hobby of mine..."

Before Qui-Gon could explain further they heard Silva's footfalls coming across the bay. The lovers separated, Qui-Gon turning to face the returning knight.

"The shuttle should be arriving any minute," Silva said, as she rejoined them. Her eyes flitted between the two men. Qui-Gon looked as composed as always, but Obi-Wan's cheeks were flushed.

"As I said, it will be here soon," Qui-Gon said, and then walked off a few paces to get a better view of the flight line.

Silva stepped closer to Obi-Wan. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said, surprised by the question.

"Your cheeks are red," she said, and held her hand up to his face to check the temperature of his skin.

"I'm fine, Master, really," Obi-Wan said, trying to calm himself after his brief interlude with Qui-Gon.

Silva narrowed her gaze on him. "I'm sensing something... something's different about you, Padawan."

"Master?"

"The shuttle's landing," Qui-Gon called to them.

Silva looked over her shoulder at the gleaming silver shuttle. From its pristine condition she could tell that Tracep II had indeed benefited from Rence's term as Supreme Archivist. She turned back to Obi-Wan. "We'll talk again later, Padawan."

"Yes, Master."

At the palace of Queen Ranna on Tracep II, the Jedi were escorted into a private dining hall. The room was only a third of the size of the one they had been feted in on Tracep III, but it clearly boasted of more finery. Everything seemed adorned in gold, from the tapestries, to the vases for the elaborate flower arrangements, to the plates and goblets. Even the servants wore gold ornamentation. The size of the hall seemed to indicate that the Queen desired a more intimate setting for her meeting with the Republic representatives.

"We are most pleased to have you join us," Queen Ranna said, speaking from her throne-like chair at the end of the table. She nodded for her servants to seat the Jedi.

Silva and Qui-Gon were seated closest to the Queen, on her left. To her immediate right was her minister of finance and the rest of the chairs were filled by members of the royal family and diplomats. Obi- Wan was seated at the far end of the table next to the young princess Reva. He was not pleased with this arrangement and hoped that it did not mean he was expected to bed the princess tonight.

Almost at once the meal was served. It was simple, almost common fare, but extraordinarily flavorful. No one seemed interested in conversation once the food appeared. In fact, very few words were exchanged until everyone had eaten their fill, then the Queen rang a tiny bell and the dishes were cleared.

With the help of her ladies-in-waiting, Queen Ranna stood. She was not weak or sickly, but she needed her ladies to keep her long and heavy garment from tripping her. As soon as she stood, everyone else in the room stood, but she waved and smiled, indicating that all should be seated again.

"These are troubling times," she began, her voice ringing clear and proud as any monarch's should. "The Treaty of the Tracepian Cluster has kept the peace for hundreds of years, but what was once a great system of governance has now become a matter of perspective. How did this happen? And how can it be righted again? The Great Archives must reopen to serve the galaxy once again."

There was a great murmuring from those in attendance, but the Queen held up her heavily jeweled hand to silence them. "I will hear from the Jedi on this matter," she said and took her seat again.

Qui-Gon stood and bowed to the monarch. "You are wise to see that this matter is merely one of perspective, your majesty, and it is heartening to hear of your desire for the Archives to reopen."

"Yes, yes, Master Jedi. But what are we to do? King Roja will not even meet with us without arguing."

"Perhaps if the Royal Houses were to meet at the Great Archives, then the urgency of this matter would become more clear."

The Queen smiled. "Ah, I know how anxious you've been to get inside the Great Archives, but it is well-guarded and until this conflict is behind us I'm afraid no one shall enter."

Qui-Gon glanced at Silva, wondering if she was going to mention the fact that Rakta had taken Obi-Wan to the Archives today. When the knight discreetly shook her head he proceeded with his argument. "Perhaps a meeting at the Archives would be best. Then you would be able to survey its condition."

The Queen's eyes closed briefly, then she indicated to her ladies that she wanted to stand yet again. Ranna whipped the long yellow train of her outer robes behind her as she stepped away from the banquet table. "Yes, we shall demand a meeting be held inside the Great Archives tomorrow morning."

With that a secretary came forward, handing the Queen a white piece of parchment on a golden platter. She quickly wrote down her demands, signed it, and the secretary sealed it and had it dispatched to King Roja on Tracep III. Despite all the technology available in the Tracepian Cluster many citizens, including its royalty, still indulged in the use of antiquated forms of communication. Obi-Wan mused that it was only appropriate since so much of the Great Archives consisted of books.

Once the dispatch was sent everyone turned to more pleasant conversation. Silva made her way over to Obi-Wan and Reva. The two women took an instant liking to each other and were soon engrossed in talking about the annual sporting events on Tracep II. Obi-Wan took the opportunity to slink away, hoping to share a brief interlude with Qui-Gon, but the Jedi master was also occupied in conversation.

Several minutes later, Silva rejoined her padawan and excitedly informed him that Reva sought his company.

"But Master..." he said, objecting to the arrangement. "... I've already bedded Rakta and now you want me to bed Reva!"

Silva raised an eyebrow at him, unused to him disagreeing with her. "She has shown an interest in you."

"And what am I to accomplish by bedding her? The Queen has already agreed to meeting in the Archives tomorrow... if King Roja agrees as well."

"I have a feeling that Reva is key in this conflict, Obi-Wan. Her accusation of murder was not made lightly," Silva said, beginning to feel impatient with her apprentice. "I would lie with her, but she does not seem interested in women in that way."

"Please don't ask me to do this, Master," Obi-Wan pleaded.

Silva took her padawan's hand and caressed it. "Do you find her unattractive?"

Obi-Wan swallowed and looked over his shoulder at the princess who was speaking with some of her siblings. The girl had a shapely figure, long rich brown hair and deep, fiery eyes. On any other mission he would have enjoyed a tumble with her, but not now... and especially not with Qui-Gon under the same roof.

"She is pretty enough, but I have already bedded Rakta," he said, repeating his only argument.

The knight raised her hand to quiet his protests and looked deep into his eyes. "Obi-Wan, I agree this is asking much of you, but I am surprised at your hesitation. I shouldn't have to remind you of your duty." She then gently tugged on his braid. "There are thousands of scientists and researchers waiting to get into the Archives. Now is not the time to decide you've had enough sex for one day."

The younger Jedi blinked. He was not accustomed to his master reprimanding him, and he was most certainly not accustomed to disappointing her. "I'm sorry, Master. Of course this arrangement is acceptable," he said, and lowered his eyes briefly in respect.

I am still Eratti, Obi-Wan thought. He could no longer see Qui-Gon in the dining hall, but it did not make his duty any easier.

"Thank you, dear, Padawan," Silva said, and caressed his cheek. She looked over to the young princess and smiled at the girl. "You are to meet with her in the palace library," Silva said, and nodded toward one of the corridors that led away from the hall, and then took her leave of her padawan.

A terrible dread came over Obi-Wan, making him feel like he was in the anti-gravity chamber at the Temple. He had already decided that afternoon that he needed to be realistic, that he could not escape his duty as an Eratti, nor could he escape the swell of love that burned in his chest. He marveled at how simple his life had been yesterday and how complicated it was today. But he did not wish for the return of that simplicity.

In 24 hours, I have made myself more miserable and more happy than I have ever been, he thought.

At last he put his legs in motion and made his way into the corridor. A little ways down the hall he noticed large, double doors slightly open. It had to be the library, but a dim light coming from inside must mean that someone was already there.

The princess is still in the banquet hall, Obi-Wan thought.

As he pushed the doors open his heart leapt as he saw Qui-Gon perusing the Queen's private collection of ancient texts.

"Master," he said, stepping into the room.

Qui-Gon turned to him, his silver-streaked hair making him look all the more distinguished in this setting. "Obi-Wan," he said, and replaced a book on the shelf before opening his arms to the young man.

Obi-Wan practically flew into his embrace. "Master, it seems like ages since we were together."

They wrapped their arms around each other and held tight, the younger man's head resting on his lover's chest.

"Come to me tonight," Qui-Gon said, stroking Obi-Wan's hair. "I won't make it through the night without you."

The apprentice looked up into the master's eyes, his body stirring with their closeness. "I don't think I can wait that long."

Qui-Gon smiled and bent to kiss his young beloved. Obi-Wan was so willing in his arms. His lips parted eagerly to accept the older man's tongue as the kiss deepened. Qui-Gon ached to be with this young man again, to delight in his laughter, luxuriate in his nakedness, and lose himself in those variegated eyes. And yet there was so little he knew about Obi-Wan and so much more he wanted to learn.

It could take a lifetime, Qui-Gon thought as he gently pulled out of the kiss. He held Obi-Wan's face up by the chin, and rubbed his thumb over the distinct cleft. "Hold that hunger for just a little longer and we will make love through the night."

The promise reverberated through Obi-Wan. The prospect of making love to Qui-Gon in a large, comfortable bed fuelled his desires. "I want you now," he said, and reached up to kiss the Jedi master once again, wrapping his hands around the man's strong neck.

He loved the soft scrape of Qui-Gon's beard on his face as they kissed each other deeply. They both hardened quickly and pressed against each other, neither having the will to pull away. But sounds of laughter in the corridor made them separate quickly and straighten their tunics.

Just then Princess Reva came into the room. Her eyes shifted between the two men and she seemed aware of their aborted embrace. Obi-Wan ducked his head in a bow to hide his blushing cheeks.

"Your Royal Highness," Qui-Gon said, and stepped forward, extending his hand in greeting and to guide her into the room.

"Master Jedi," she said, delighted at his courtesy. "I see you have found the library."

"Yes, and a very impressive collection it has," Qui-Gon said.

"Of course these are merely duplicates. It is unethical to collect pieces that are not already in the collections of the Great Archives."

Qui-Gon nodded. "You sound as if you have studied the Archivist's Code of Ethics."

"Yes, I have," the young woman said proudly. "Though Prince Rakta is in line to succeed my sister as the Supreme Archivist, it was my responsibility to study as well... just in case."

"In case of what?" Obi-Wan asked, his composure quickly returning.

"In case for some reason Rakta cannot fulfill his duties."

"And what reasons might those be, princess?" Obi-Wan asked.

Reva leveled her eyes on the young Jedi and gave a pleased smile. "There could be any number of reasons. The term is one hundred years long."

She was a pretty girl, Obi-Wan noted, but she was less inclined to elaborate finery than her royal relations. Reva wore a plain, pale yellow outer robe over a long, pale orange tunic tied loosely at the waist by a thin gold cord. Her long brown hair was tied back and curled into a single spiral, and she wore none of the characteristic gold rings, bangles and earrings that her mother, siblings and even the servants wore. It seemed Reva had no interest in such displays of wealth. However, Obi-Wan suspected that she did have an interest in governing the Archives.

"An accusation of murder might be cause enough for Rakta not to fulfill his duties," Obi-Wan said, perceptively.

Qui-Gon gave him a curious look, but did not reprimand him for the remark. The Jedi master thought perhaps this was a technique that had made Silva and Obi-Wan successful on other missions.

Reva laughed. "An accusation no one has bothered trying to prove."

"Are you the only one who feels this way?" Qui-Gon asked, curious that she should bring this up again, though so far she had presented no evidence.

"What? That Rakta is capable of murder? No, there are others, but I'm the only one bold enough to say it," she said and then stepped closer to the Jedi. "Will you investigate the allegation?"

"You have given us no reason to," Qui-Gon said, mildly.

"Surely an accusation coming from a daughter of the House of Ranna is enough!" the girl said, her voice rising excitedly.

"What would you have us do?" Obi-Wan asked, trying to calm her.

"How should I know? You're the Jedi!"

"We can only do so much," Qui-Gon said. "And even less with our hands tied behind our backs."

The young woman's eyes studied him a moment. "You are right, Master Jedi. I will see what I can do," she said. With that the princess nodded a good evening and left the room.

Obi-Wan stared after her, unsure of what he was supposed to do next. Hadn't his master arranged for him to bed Reva? Should he follow her?

"You look puzzled, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, as he squeezed the younger man's shoulder with his hand.

Obi-Wan shook off the worry. "No, it's nothing."

"Do you think she can help us?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Yes, but...," Obi-Wan said, as he thought about the girl's surety tonight and her outburst the day before. "I'm not sure we can trust her," he said finally.

The Jedi master nodded at the younger man's caution. "Are you thinking that Reva could've killed Rence?"

Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon in surprise. Reva definitely held a fire within her, but was it a fire that could lead her people to change or to tragedy? "She did have as much motive as Rakta... that is if Rence was murdered."

"It is curious that Reva never mentioned her suspicion until yesterday," Qui-Gon said, as he stared out the open door as if trying to conjure the girl back to them. "We have more questions than answers."

"Perhaps she only accused Rakta in anger. After all, it was her sister who died," Obi-Wan pointed out.

"Again more questions than answers, Padawan," Qui-Gon said, and squeezed Obi-Wan's shoulder once more. "But there is one thing I know for sure."

"What's that, Master?"

"We make a good team, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, smiling, and then nodded for them to return to the banquet hall.

When Silva spotted them coming into the room together, she quickly abandoned her conversation with the minister of finance and joined them.

Qui-Gon could see the dissatisfaction on her face as she approached. Now he could better understand why Obi-Wan wanted to keep their liaison a secret. His master was unusually protective of him... a trait not uncommon among first-time masters, but one that could lead to dark tendencies.

He decided it would be best to speak first. "We had an interesting conversation with Princess Reva."

"You did?" Silva asked, coming up to stand very close to her apprentice. "What became of it?"

"She may help us, Master," Obi-Wan said, smiling at her. He felt remarkably energized and knew the reason why. Qui-Gon had said they worked well together. They had acted as a team!

Silva observed her apprentice's good cheer, but kept to the subject at hand. "How can she help us?"

"Hopefully, she will speak with Queen Ranna and ask her to give us more freedom," Qui-Gon said, just then noticing the young princess re- entering the hall and taking a direct path to her mother.

Knight Laren noticed the girl as well. "But how will this help? Queen Ranna is only half of the problem."

"Reva still believes that Rakta murdered Rence," Obi-Wan said, quietly. "If Reva can convince the Queen to take action on that suspicion..."

"Then it may force King Roja into agreeing to an exhumation," Qui-Gon said, finishing the thought.

The two male Jedi shared a glance at each other, and Silva tensed. She did not like the idea of her Padawan working with Qui-Gon.

"So, you believe Reva's accusation of murder?" Silva asked, putting her hand on Obi-Wan's forearm.

"Not quite," Qui-Gon said, and carefully stepped away from Obi-Wan. The tightness in Silva's body language was all too clear. She did not want him near her apprentice. He didn't understand why, but he couldn't worry about that just now. "I believe the threat of an exhumation might be enough to get the parties talking again... or possibly to tip someone's hand."

"But there are no religious reasons why the Tracepians would object to an autopsy," Silva said.

"Yes, but they do have a very strong respect for the office of Supreme Archivist... they seem to hold the Archivist in even higher regard than their own monarchs," Qui-Gon said.

"Rakta showed great respect for his predecessors at the Archives today," Obi-Wan said, to bolster Qui-Gon's argument. "He even remarked that because of the conflict, Rence had not yet been given the respect due her."

Silva took a breath and then patted Obi-Wan on the arm. "Padawan, would you excuse us for a moment?"

"Master?"

"I have something I need to discuss with Master Jinn... and I believe Reva had wanted to speak with you... privately," Knight Laren said, nodding toward the princess who was now standing with one of her mother's ladies-in-waiting.

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said, and bowed slightly before leaving them.

Silva stood in front of Qui-Gon, and placed her hands inside the sleeves of her robe. "What are you doing?"

"Excuse me?" Qui-Gon asked, raising an eyebrow at the knight.

"You're working with my apprentice now?"

"What is it you're accusing me of, Knight Laren?"

"Obi-Wan is *my* responsibility. I'd rather he worked with me... took direction from me."

"And may I ask why? Jedi often receive instruction from more than one master."

The knight let her gaze slip away for a moment to pinpoint her apprentice's location in the hall. "May I speak plainly?" she asked, looking back at Qui-Gon.

The Jedi master nodded.

"Your ways are... unconventional, Master Jinn. I do not approve of your influence on my Padawan."

"And may I speak plainly?" Qui-Gon asked.

Silva nodded. "Yes, of course."

"You are being over protective of him. Obi-Wan is a bright young man. He can take care of himself."

"It's not him I'm worried about," she said, and then quickly bowed and left his side.

Qui-Gon's brow tightened as he watched the knight's departure. What exactly had just happened? Of what was she accusing him? She obviously was not aware of the affair or she would have mentioned it... so, what then? Was it the possibility of an affair that concerned her? It wouldn't be the first time two Jedi had met on a mission and had fallen into bed together.

From across the room, Obi-Wan had watched the brief discussion between his master and Qui-Gon. It did not look good.

"Fighting for supremacy," Reva said, to get his attention back.

"What?" Obi-Wan asked, smiling at her.

"I hope you don't mind me saying, but your master doesn't show much respect for Master Jinn. If I didn't know better I'd say she doesn't want him here."

Obi-Wan swallowed at her intuitiveness. "That may very well be, but Master Jinn is the senior Jedi on this mission."

"It's not that," Reva said, pulling Obi-Wan to the side of the room for a bit more privacy. "If it's obvious to me...."

Obi-Wan shook his head. "I'm not following you."

"Look, I saw you in the library. You were in each other's arms. You're in love with each other... and your master is picking up on it."

The young Jedi's face paled. This was the worst news possible.

"Though I don't think she's quite figured it out yet," Reva added when she saw Obi-Wan's reaction.

"Then if you know..." Obi-Wan began.

"Sure, I was hoping for something to happen between me and you, but after I saw that... well, there's no way I'm coming between two Jedi." Reva smiled brightly at Obi-Wan and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night, Obi-Wan."

The Jedi remained on Tracep II until word came from King Roja that he would meet with Queen Ranna the next morning. Though the Jedi now felt a renewed hope that this dispute would soon end, none of them spoke as they returned to the compound on Tracep I. The silence was uncomfortable and ironic in light of an impending resolution.

At the compound, Qui-Gon bid his comrades a goodnight and caught Obi- Wan glancing at him shyly. Yes, the young man would come to him later... of that Qui-Gon was certain.

At the door to Obi-Wan's rooms, Silva rested her hand gently on her apprentice's shoulder. "So, Reva was not interested after all?"

Obi-Wan had already informed his master of the change in plans, but they hadn't had the opportunity to discuss it until now.

"She changed her mind," the young Jedi said, shrugging and conveniently leaving out the reason for the change.

"Well, I don't think it will affect our plans. She seems amenable to helping us now," Silva said, and then dropped her hand. "You have a free evening... Would you care to join me in meditation?"

"Thank you, Master, but Rakta mentioned that he would like to see me again tonight," Obi-Wan said quickly. The excuse was convenient.

"Oh," Silva said and then smiled sweetly. "The prince certainly does enjoy your company, Padawan. I wonder about this continued accusation of murder though... Do you think you should be concerned for your safety?"

Obi-Wan shivered at the thought. For the most part, Prince Rakta had seemed very dedicated to the Great Archives, but did that make him above suspicion?

"I don't know, Master. All I can say is that he has been kind in his attentions to me and has only acted in the most professional manner in regards to the Archives."

"That's good to know," Silva said, and then considered the accusation further. "But it is still puzzling that Reva would accuse him without any evidence."

"Master Jinn said that if Rence was murdered then Reva may be a suspect as well."

"Oh, he did?" she asked, raising her brow.

Obi-Wan blinked at his master's reply. It made him uneasy that she should be against the man he loved. "I know you don't want me speaking to Master Jinn..."

"That's right, Obi-Wan, but I also know that he's part of our team now. It's impossible for you to avoid him."

"Then tell me, Master, what is it you don't like about him?"

Silva took a deep breath. "He is a rebel, Obi-Wan. And as I said before, his last apprentice turned to the Dark side. I think he's a bad influence."

Obi-Wan did not reply. What could he say? If he started defending Qui- Gon then his master would become suspicious. And besides, it wasn't his place to argue with his master.

"You'd better prepare for the evening... and don't forget your meditations," Silva said as she patted his arm.

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said, and bowed before he slipped inside his room.

Closing the door behind him, Obi-Wan pressed his back against it and took in a deep breath. It was getting harder to deny his connection to Qui-Gon. Soon enough Silva would see it... and the consequences would be great. He was already living with the feeling of deception that hung about him. He had not lied to his master, but mentioning Rakta had not been truthful either... the prince was an alibi. The betrayal, though small, cut him inside.

"I made a vow," he said in a bare whisper. What good was a vow if he only followed it when it was convenient or felt good?

Obi-Wan let his head fall back on the door and swallowed hard to hold in a sob. What should he do? All the great poets wrote of love and following one's heart, but was that real? Did people really live that way? Or didn't they have a choice? Now that Obi-Wan's heart had opened he felt his lover's pulse in every breath. He felt the urge to lose himself in another, follow a different path.

"I'll follow my heart for one more day," Obi-Wan said softly.

His eyes closed as he tried to contain his fears. He couldn't let himself look any further into the future than one day... perhaps not even more than one night. Now was all the time he and Qui-Gon had. Tomorrow might never come.

Love gave him the strength to go out into the night, to shroud himself in his robe and follow his beating heart to his beloved. He would betray his calling once again before the consequences were too many and too great to stop him.

Upon a darkened night
The flame of love was burning in my breast
And by a lantern bright
I fled my house while all in quiet rest

On the other side of the compound, far from his duties and his ties to the Eratti, Obi-Wan shivered in the cool night air. He stood before his lover's door and hesitated only a moment before announcing his presence with a rap of bare knuckles.

When the door swung wide, Obi-Wan's breath caught at the vision before him. Qui-Gon stood silhouetted by the soft glow of dimmed lights, wearing only loose leggings. His hair was unbound and he looked on Obi-Wan with hot blue eyes.

The Jedi master held out his hand. "Obi-Wan," he said, smiling with great satisfaction at seeing the young man.

"Master," Obi-Wan said, at last breathing again.

He stepped into the room and at once was aware of the specialness of this evening. Not only were the lights on the lowest setting, but Qui- Gon had wine and fruit set out on the sofa table.

"May I take your robe?" Qui-Gon asked, even as he pulled the heavy dark brown cloak from his lover's shoulders.

Obi-Wan turned and smiled at him. "This is... for me?"

Qui-Gon tilted his head and smiled. "Do you think this is how I normally spend my evenings?" he asked, laughing a little.

Obi-Wan laughed, too. "No, of course not."

Qui-Gon raised his hand and tenderly brushed his fingers across Obi- Wan's brow, tracing the young man's pale skin and reddish-blond eyebrows. "You are so fair," he said, looking deeply into Obi-Wan's eyes and absorbing the young man into his very being.

"And you are more beautiful to me than anyone or anything," Obi-Wan said, caught up in his emotions.

Qui-Gon bent down until lips brushed against lips. "This happened rather quickly. But I'm not complaining." The Jedi master then pressed his lips to his beloved's and Obi-Wan melted into the kiss and into his arms. The world fell away once again as they expressed their love in that ever-deepening kiss.

When at last they pulled apart, Obi-Wan blinked bright eyes at his lover. "I'm not complaining either," he said.

His hands had once again wound there way around Qui-Gon's strong neck, as if to keep the man pressed to him. He had never known a hunger like this. Though as a young man and an Eratti, Obi-Wan had a healthy appetite for sex, what he was feeling now was more than just hormones or a basic need. It was something that started deep in his heart and spread to his gut and his every extremity, something that made him ache for his lover constantly.

Qui-Gon smiled and pulled him close again for another kiss and then guided him to the sofa. "We have all night for love, Obi-Wan, and I want it to be special." He couldn't bring himself to say that they might only have tonight. Even though the mission had dragged on for weeks, it could conclude in a day or two, depending on the temperaments of the disagreeing parties. "I resented you coming, but now I wish the Council had sent you sooner," he admitted jokingly.

"You were right to resent us, Master," Obi-Wan said, frankly as he sat down close to the other man. "You were able to stop them from destroying their own economy..."

Qui-Gon put his fingers over Obi-Wan's lips to silence him. "There's no need. Your presence has made up for any ill feelings a hundred fold."

"But my master has warned me against you."

"Has she now? Well, Knight Laren has her reasons, I'm sure," Qui-Gon said, good-naturedly not letting anything bother him this night.

He traced Obi-Wan's face with his eyes and then followed with his hand. The Jedi master was fascinated by this beautiful young man, every part of Obi-Wan was exquisite and almost too pretty for the hard life of a knight. From the beauty mark on his cheek to those lovely blue-green eyes and that lithe, dancer's body, Qui-Gon was smitten. He had never seen such perfection in another being before.

For his part, Obi-Wan was equally fascinated, and encouraged by Qui- Gon's exploring fingers he reached his hand out to touch his lover's face. Though Qui-Gon was much older, Obi-Wan found the age difference appealing and would have never denied one single strand of silver hair in that beautiful mane of rich brown. He especially enjoyed the softness of the man's beard and combed through it with his fingers, always looking into those gentle blue eyes... so comforting, so welcoming.

How will I ever leave him? he wondered yet again. "I still feel as if I belong to you," Obi-Wan said, letting his hand drift down to Qui- Gon's collarbone.

"We all belong to each other in some way," the Jedi master said, quoting ancient wisdom.

"No, not like that... Not as if we are connected in the Force."

The Jedi master took Obi-Wan's hand from his chest and brought its palm to his lips. He kissed it tenderly and then looked into the young man's eyes. He was almost afraid of what he saw there, almost afraid of what this all could mean. "I want to believe that you could belong to me..."

"You can believe it," Obi-Wan said, assuredly.

Qui-Gon shook his head. "For a time... perhaps. This morning in the forest... and tonight. But beyond that..."

"No, let's not speak of that," Obi-Wan said, turning his gaze away.

Qui-Gon turned Obi-Wan's face back to him and smiled gently. "Live in the moment, Obi-Wan. We have found each other. We are together... now."

The words were as much for himself as for Obi-Wan. The Jedi master felt keenly the grief that would come from their separation. Even today, being separated by a mere mile was painful and nearly unbearable. How could he ever say good-bye to Obi-Wan?

"Master?" Obi-Wan asked, noticing his lover was preoccupied with his own thoughts.

Qui-Gon returned his focus to the young man's face. "I was just thinking of how I need to follow my own teachings," he said, smiling.

Obi-Wan felt a sense of relief at knowing he was not the only one anxious about the future. "Maybe we need to make each other forget about tomorrow," he said, smiling seductively.

The request was understood and desired. Qui-Gon ran his hands over Obi-Wan's tunics, feeling the young man's muscle beneath the layers and then carefully dipping his fingers into the V to touch the light covering of hair on his chest. "This morning only whetted my appetite," Qui-Gon said, softly and a bit hoarsely with arousal.

"Then you must quench it, Master."

"Please... call me Qui-Gon when we are like this," Qui-Gon said, and leaned in to kiss those sensuous lips.

"Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan said, breathing out as the kiss ended. He opened his eyes to see the other man looking at him with a remarkable affection. "What is it?" he asked, grinning.

"I want us to be equals, Obi-Wan. Equal in love."

"We are," Obi-Wan assured him and placed his hands on the man's broad chest.

"We will be, but we aren't yet," Qui-Gon said and stood.

He held his hands out to Obi-Wan and the younger man took them and stood. They walked to the bed and Obi-Wan fairly tingled. He had had thoughts earlier this evening of them tumbled in bed. For a moment he thought how easy it would be for him to throw away all his training for this... to have Qui-Gon each and every night. But it was not a fantasy he could luxuriate in for long. Just tonight, Obi-Wan thought as he stared into his lover's blue eyes. They had each other at least for tonight.

With a hand brushing through Obi-Wan's hair, Qui-Gon spoke of his desire. "I want you to take me... as I have taken you."

Obi-Wan blinked, not sure he had heard correctly.

"Is that something you desire as well, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked, when his lover did not respond.

The younger Jedi bowed his head almost bashfully. "Yes," he said, simply and reverently.

Though he was trained in the art of male penetration, the request had never been made of him. Obi-Wan's male partners had always preferred to take control. This request was most extraordinary and Obi-Wan couldn't begin to fathom what it meant. Qui-Gon truly wanted to give himself to him.

"Yes? You look as though you're not sure," Qui-Gon said, noticing the sudden paleness of Obi-Wan's cheeks.

The young man smiled. "It's only that I've never had a lover want... that." Suddenly, he realized that he had never had a lover at all. What he had had were only sex partners, beings who required some physical pleasuring in order to make them more agreeable to compromise and concessions.

Qui-Gon was not so foolish as to think that Obi-Wan had been a virgin until this morning. No, the young man was far too knowledgeable for that assumption, but it did please him that he'd never done "this" before. "If it is something you'd rather not do..."

"No, Qui-Gon. I do want you in that way. I'm sorry if it seems I'm hesitating. It's only that what you're asking is quite remarkable to me."

"And to me as well. Despite my years I cannot boast of many lovers. But you, Obi-Wan," he said, cupping Obi-Wan's cheek, "I want to know you in every way."

"And you shall, Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan said, and leaned forward to kiss the man's lips lightly.

He brushed his lips over Qui-Gon's beard and down over his neck to his chest. He laid his hands gently on the man's hips and kissed his chest in a line from left to right and back again. The broad, muscular chest was slightly tanned despite the Jedi custom of wearing many layers. Obi-Wan mused that Qui-Gon must exercise without his tunics in order to maintain such a fine golden tone to his skin.

"Now," Obi-Wan said, straightening again to look into Qui-Gon's eyes. "Will you lie back for me? On the bed?"

Qui-Gon's eyes shone with lust at those words and he quickly and gracefully complied with the request. As he lay back on the bed, propped up on his elbows, he watched Obi-Wan deftly disrobe. Article by article he stripped off every physical vestige of his Jedi-ness. Belt, sash, stolas, tunics, boots... pants... until he stood at the foot of the bed, naked and aroused, and looking back with eyes hooded by desire.

A performance worthy of an audience, Qui-Gon thought with some amusement. He'd never been treated to such a display before and wondered where a young man would learn to tease like that.

Obi-Wan crawled up onto the bed, his legs straddling one of Qui-Gon's thighs. He bent to suck one of his lover's nipples and Qui-Gon gasped at the sensation. He held his breath as Obi-Wan worked the nipple into a hard peak and then ever so carefully tugged on it with his teeth. Qui-Gon thought he would scream or jump off the bed, but before it came to that, he placed his hands on Obi-Wan's head in a silent plea for release.

The young man was laughing as he pulled off the nipple and looked up at his lover with bright, twinkling eyes. "Too much?"

"Nearly," Qui-Gon admitted, now breathing much easier.

It may have nearly been too painful for Qui-Gon, but the sensation did not douse his interest. Obi-Wan looked down to find Qui-Gon's erection tenting his loose pants. The younger man smiled and then licked his lips. The reality would be so much better than the imagining he had done this afternoon in the shower.

Qui-Gon saw where Obi-Wan's interest now lay and hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his pants and began to tug them down. Obi-Wan smiled more brightly and put his hands over Qui-Gon's so that they both removed the leggings. The younger man scooted down the older man's body, traveling with the leggings until they were at last off and tossed aside. He looked back up the length of his lover, letting his eyes rake slowly from foot to calf... to gloriously muscled thigh... to the proud erection that was his prize.

In one swift move, Obi-Wan slid up Qui-Gon's body and took a very long lick of the man's hardened sex. "Mmm," Obi-Wan moaned, as he licked from root to crown and back down again.

Qui-Gon thrust and arched under the attention and now saw even more the desire and skill that his new lover brought to his bed, a desire that fuelled his own and skills that pleased him more with each passing moment.

His cock was sucked into his lover's mouth and Obi-Wan made quick work of this pleasure, but wouldn't allow him to come, tenderly squeezing his scrotum to prevent his release. It was just enough to pull Qui-Gon back as he felt the first twinge of orgasm. As Obi-Wan came off the hard length, he took in a satisfying lung full of air and then rushed to meet his lover's lips. They kissed hard and long, moaning into each other's mouths and letting their hands drift over each other's bodies. The freedom of their shared nakedness intensified their hunger and when they at last separated from the kiss, they both knew it was time. Neither could wait any longer for this joining.

Qui-Gon reached for the tube of lubricant on the side table. When Obi- Wan was about to take it from his hand, he shook his head. "No, let me," he said, nearly growling with desire.

First he coated Obi-Wan's fingers and then pressed them gently to his opening. The young man shivered at the intimacy of this act, thinking of how his own master didn't even want him to speak to Qui-Gon. If she knew they were sharing this... loving each other... no place would be safe for them. Obi-Wan quickly turned his thoughts away from the consequences and focused on the tightness surrounding his fingers as they slowly slid inside his lover.

In less time than expected, Qui-Gon was ready. He slicked Obi-Wan's cock with the lubricant, loving the feel of the young man's hardened sex in his big hand, and then Obi-Wan positioned himself between his thighs. Something told Qui-Gon that Obi-Wan needed this taking in order to be his equal. In his heart, Qui-Gon knew that this would bring them inexplicably closer.

With one hand on his cock, and the other placed firmly on Qui-Gon's hip, Obi-Wan pressed himself inside. His slender, hard sex was immediately gripped by the tightness of his lover's opening and both men gasped as the crown pushed through the ring of muscle. They looked into each other's eyes, speaking silently of their love for one another, as Obi-Wan slipped further inside.

In moments, the young Jedi's sex was completely sheathed by his beautiful, older lover. "This gift..." Obi-Wan said, wanting to put the moment into words.

"Is for you," Qui-Gon answered, and then thrust his hips to encourage his lover to move.

Obi-Wan made love to Qui-Gon the best way he could, the way he had been taught to please, but this time with love, making it all the sweeter. He rocked gently at first, pushing in and pulling out with artful grace, allowing both of them to feel what it was to be joined this way.

Qui-Gon was impossibly tight around him, clenching him like a fist, making it hard for the young man to keep his thrusts under control, making him tremble with restraint. Qui-Gon felt the tremors quaking through his lover as he held Obi-Wan by the hips. He was learning the young man's rhythm and meeting each thrust as he was filled again and again by his beloved. The slide of the hard, slender length was delicious inside him, reminding Qui-Gon of why he hadn't made love in this way for so many years.

It's only to be shared with someone very special, he thought as he took a deeper thrust.

Years ago, when sex was new, Qui-Gon had experimented with being penetrated. The sex play had taught him that he preferred being the penetrator and it would take a very special person to make him want to share himself in that way again. Now he had found that special person. He wanted to belong to Obi-Wan just as the young man said he wanted to belong to him. In this taking, Qui-Gon hoped to share himself completely with Obi-Wan... his body, his heart, his soul... and whatever else there was to give. In this taking, Obi-Wan Kenobi became the lifeblood of Qui-Gon Jinn.

The thrusts were coming faster now... harder when Qui-Gon demanded... and Obi-Wan was working hard to satiate himself and his lover. His arms were locked on either side of Qui-Gon as his hips pistoned, bringing them closer to orgasm. Their bodies were slick, glistening with sweat as they moved on each other. Qui-Gon's legs were entwined around Obi-Wan's thighs and his large hands palmed his lover's sweet, round ass.

The room was filled with the sound of deep grunts and the rhythmic creaking of the bed as they loved each other. Their fucking took on a frantic pace when Obi-Wan shifted his angle of entry and brushed against Qui-Gon's prostate. The Jedi master cried out and immediately fell into the white heat of orgasm, his buttocks clenching as the pleasure pulsed from him. Obi-Wan cried out next, as the contracting muscles tightened around his cock making him come instantly. They continued to thrust, milking the glorious sensation, and then Obi-Wan collapsed on top of Qui-Gon, both breathing hard and shaking.

Long minutes later, with their breathing calmed, Obi-Wan lifted his head to look into Qui-Gon's eyes. "That was... amazing," he said, and smiled. "I have never been loved like that before."

"Mmm, nor I," Qui-Gon said, truthfully.

Obi-Wan wished he could express the true depths of his emotion. He wanted to explain how his perception of sex had changed and that now he saw his body as more than just an instrument of the Force... it was an instrument of love.

"I love you," he said, spontaneously as his heart swelled with emotion.

Qui-Gon lifted his hand to the young man's face and caressed his cheek, smiling as he basked in this new feeling. "And I love you, Obi- Wan."

And it was enough... for now.

With some effort they wiped themselves off and then curled around each other, lying on top of the covers with the night moon shining down on their naked bodies. It was a moment to luxuriate in, and the lovers drank of its beauty for a long time, simply holding each other and caressing each other with gentle fingertips.

Each pondered his own life and the path that had brought him here, reflecting on the previous years as if they were only meant to prepare him for this moment. Each wondered where his life would take him next, if their paths had crossed for only a fleeting pleasure or if those paths were now joined. There were no simple answers for either Jedi. Qui-Gon knew Obi-Wan needed to finish his training with Knight Laren, and Obi-Wan knew that Qui-Gon would move on to his next mission very soon.

When each had found no solace in his own thoughts they turned to one another again. They made love through the night, showing each other in a hundred ways how each was loved. And when they could go on no more, they fell into each other's arms and slept in quiet peace.

I lost myself to him
And laid my face upon my lover's breast
And care and grief grew dim
As in the morning's mist became the light

The breaking dawn woke Obi-Wan with a start. Its golden light streamed in through the same window that had brought soft, silver light only hours before. Its brightness told Obi-Wan that he had slept too long. He should've left while it was still dark... while he had the cover of the night.

Qui-Gon was awake only a moment later, himself surprised that they had slept until dawn. "It's late," he said, his voice a bit hoarse in its first use of the day.

"My Master likes me to begin my exercises just after dawn," Obi-Wan said, as he sat up.

"Don't worry. She doesn't know you're here."

"I can't be late," Obi-Wan said, persisting in the notion that he had to leave at once. He wriggled away from Qui-Gon and out of the bed before the older man could stop him.

"Why are you so nervous? So what if she finds out about us? What's the worst that could happen?" Qui-Gon asked, surprised at his lover's eagerness to go.

Obi-Wan turned back to him, his eyes showing his concern. "We have a set routine. I don't want to disrupt it, that's all."

So, now I'm lying to my own lover, Obi-Wan thought, sadly.

"There's something else... something you're not telling me," Qui-Gon said perceptively.

He got out of bed also and watched with great frustration as Obi-Wan gathered his clothes and began to dress. Qui-Gon was reminded of the boy's clever movements when he undressed for him the night before, but now he saw only an economy of movement.

The seduction is over, Qui-Gon thought, bitterly.

At last, Obi-Wan was dressed and had only to put on his robe to leave. Neither had spoken another word and now stood staring at one another.

"This is not how lovers should part," Qui-Gon said, as a remonstration for his lover's bad exit.

"You're right... and I'm sorry for that, but I must go," Obi-Wan said, and stepped forward to kiss the man, but Qui-Gon held up his hand.

Obi-Wan stopped in mid-step. "I'm sorry," he said again with a worried grin. "Please, Qui-Gon..."

The raised hand turned into open arms and Obi-Wan smiled more easily. He came forward into the welcoming embrace and wrapped his arms around the naked man. "I love you," Obi-Wan said, and pressed his lips to his lover's.

Qui-Gon held Obi-Wan close as they kissed, feeling his frustration slip away as the younger man's love bathed him again. He had never been one for sulking, but that had very nearly been one. He laughed at himself and then indulged in squeezing his lover's ass before he released him.

"You'd best be off," Qui-Gon said, pleasantly. "I'll see you again soon enough... We meet with the Tracepians in two hours."

"Thank you," Obi-Wan said with a smile as he was released. He reached up to touch his lover's cheek one last time before he left. "It won't be the same..." he said, well aware that he and Qui-Gon would have to don their Jedi masks once again.

"It'll be fine. Don't worry, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, and walked the young man to the door, handing him his robe.

He leaned in and kissed Obi-Wan's cheek once more before the door opened and Obi-Wan was gone. As the door closed, Qui-Gon turned back to the room. The heavy musk-scented air and the disheveled bed told him as plainly as his heart that this had been a night to remember. He loved Obi-Wan Kenobi and he would find a way to keep him in his life.

Continued in part 4