Jedi Council Forums - The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): *New post by HaiGan*

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Author	Topic: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): New post by HaiGan
mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/24/03 1:39pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	It's so wonderful to see how much Romy and Quilibet have bonded since they first met up. Fabulous Jane! Hmmmm... I think Kelik is in for it. He's up against a cheeky Corellian and a cheeky padawan. Can't get too much worse then that! Brilliant Jem! -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Healer_Leona Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 2/25/03 4:13am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	Awww...Jane... that was so simply sweet! The two of them have certainly gone through one harrowing adventure that has now firmly cemented their bond! Bravo!!! Wow, Jemmy's never even hinted of this news at all to the Jedi!! And Obi-lWan is so right about her not having forgotten about it either like her uncle believes. Aww.. Obi's actually bonding a bit with Kelik now. Arrgghhh... that's right we still don't really know what the card said... and I have this... feeling, it's not at all what Jemmy purposes it was. Sassy Jemmy, sassy Obi-Wan!! Superb posts ladies!! -----signature----- Still crazy after all these years.
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Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 2/25/03 1:42pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb - Date Edited: 2/25/03 2:58pm (2 edits total) Edited By: Jemmiah
	WEEK FOUR, DAY THREE, HOUR FIVE: ********** Not a sign. Not one! There he was, lying injured on an infirmary bed, bedecked in a rather unattractive hospital gown with his back exposed to the cold air… all manner of people prodding and peering down on him - and where was his padawan? Nowhere to be seen! Qui-Gon was almost certain that when he'd been trundled so unceremoniously away on the repulsar stretcher, Obi-Wan had been in fairly close attendance with Kelik Mathers following on behind. The anxious glances…the ever present frown…the master had witnessed them both in rapid succession, twisting Obi-Wan's regular features. The young man had been worried for him; and whilst Qui-Gon had wished to dispel that considerate - if misplaced - fear, his own discomfort had been too great to focus on anything else at that time. He'd worked hard to keep the pain right at the edge where he could better cope with it, but always in the back of his mind, languishing with the dulled ache of his troubled spine, there remained the problem of Kelik Mathers - and how he was behaving himself. He hoped his presence wouldn't trouble Jemmiah unduly; she had been warned the previous night of his imminent arrival, but damn - he'd wanted to be on hand to make sure that Kelik didn't upset her at all. Not that he'd do so on purpose, Qui-Gon admitted grudgingly, but that didn't mean it wouldn't happen anyway… "Where are you, padawan?" Qui-Gon breathed out an irritable sigh. The force told him little…except that Zebedee was somewhere in the gardens digging up most of the late Master Quilan's Kwiffle plants, barely restrained by two despondent young padawans attempting to hold the brute back by his rope collar. Dex…he appeared to be sleeping deeply - perhaps artificially - at least that was something to be cheerful about. Maybe by the time they finally woke him up he'd have lost his taste for strange blue fruits. And maybe stopped glowing in the dark. Leona wasn't yet back on the wards…she'd popped in briefly to commiserate with his latest setback - then told him she had to see a girl about a spider and that she'd be back later that afternoon, thus leaving him completely at the tender mercies of An-Paj. The last thing he'd seen of Leona was her shapely behind wiggling in a provocatively un-healer-like manner away from him, accompanied by a rather strange smacking, kissing noise every time she took a step. He'd paused long enough to wonder if maybe Leona had something coming a bit…well, loose, somewhere. Shaking that curious line of thought from his mind, Qui-Gon found that his attempts to track down his errant padawan had brought results - but not the ones he'd expected. "And how are we feeling?" An-Paj's voice hailed him out of nowhere. If Qui-Gon had been able to he might very well have whipped around to face the owner of that voice, but instead had to content himself with staring straight ahead at the wall. "I hurt," admitted Qui-Gon without a trace of deceit, "every time I breathe. I cannot move without assistance. I'm tired and bored…and my padawan has disappeared without trace." He finished his sentence sounding extremely put out with Obi-Wan, so much so that An-Paj instantly took pity on the young man. "Your padawan is keeping an eye on Mr Mathers." An-Paj replied offhandedly, affecting unconcern whilst secretly awaiting Qui-Gon's reaction. "He asked if it would be okay if he stayed with Jemmiah whilst her uncle and aunt interrogated her for the next ten hours or so." "And you agreed?" Qui-Gon sounded extremely surprised. "I did, as it happens." Answered the healer, coolly smoothing the hair back from his forehead. "In the interests of making sure that there was no unpleasantness I thought that having a trained diplomatist might do the trick. Then again, diplomacy and Obi-Wan don't necessarily go hand in hand…" "That's my padawan you're insulting!" Qui-Gon snorted, yet secretly couldn't help but feel pleased. Obi-Wan keeping an eye on Kelik did at least put his mind to rest on certain scores: the man certainly wouldn't be able to sway the girl with his apprentice there to spy on him! And Obi-Wan could be a very stubborn presence when he wanted to be, as he'd found when he'd first tried to resist taking him as his padawan learner. If he'd made it his mission, nothing would lure him away…and that would annoy Kelik enormously. Of course, he shouldn't take such perverse pleasure in that fact, not when they'd made a real an effort to understand one another. It was just that sometimes old habits died very hard indeed. The annoyance may not be there any more, but the spirit of competition most certainly was! "Good for you, padawan!" An-Paj heard Qui-Gon mutter approvingly under his breath. "I thought you said you trusted Mr Mathers?" Queried An-Paj loftily. "And that you didn't think he would stir things up between you and Jemmiah again?" Qui-Gon answered with a crooked smile. "Well…I guess that I lied! I trust Kelik Mathers about as far as I trust Obi-Wan to guard a fully stocked larder." He paused. "That is to say, not at all." ********** Jemmiah thought she was on the verge of virtual insanity. Evla, being the one with the high standards and worthy principles had left some hours ago to give Kelik, his wife and Jemmiah the privacy she felt they needed to talk, casting ominous and disapproving looks in Obi-Wan's direction as she'd left. He had simply sat like a rock, unwilling to move or back down on his promise to Jemmiah, although he had in gentlemanly fashion relinquished his seat to Mrs. Mathers when the woman arrived. Much to Jemmiah's despair the two of them had started fussing and fretting the moment they'd walked into the room, and Obi-Wan could sense her acute discomfort much as if it were his own… Still, as long as he was there things wouldn't get too bad. "You should come back to Corellia with us, my dear." Mrs. Mathers was saying fervently whilst primping Jemmiah's pillow for what seemed like the hundredth time. "A break would do you the power of good…away from busy Coruscant and all the noise! You want to get out in the fresh air and sunshine…why, you're as pale as a ghostling!" Obi-Wan was almost certain he heard Jemmiah grit her teeth together whilst still attempting to smile sweetly: not an easy task, he had to admit! But this was exactly the kind of behaviour that Qui-Gon wouldn't appreciate in his absence…trying to win her over with promises of free vacations and expensive shopping sprees, and so he contented himself by moving his chair just a fraction towards Jemmy's bed as a show of solidarity - a move that Jemmy acknowledged gratefully with a slight nod. Kelik also caught the move, but said nothing. "I had plenty of fresh air when I was stuck on Urior." Jemmiah groused. "What I need now is some peace and quiet." "You'll get plenty of that on Corellia." Mrs Mathers continued, not wishing to give up until Jemmiah agreed. "Think of it…long walks in the meadows…out riding the Nargots…" Again Obi-Wan moved his chair closer to Jemmiah, and it was all she could do to stop herself from laughing outright. "It'll be a long time until I'm well enough to do any of that." Refuted Jemmiah stubbornly. "I need to get better first, and that will be a long and gradual process so I'm told." "But just imagine the fun we could have!" Kelik leaned in earnestly, perfectly aware that every time he did so the padawan copied his move exactly to the letter, even leaning his elbows on his knees. "And it's like your aunt Sorja said…not to mention how pretty Corellia is at this time of year. All the blossoms are out on the trees…" Jemmiah sighed. Her aunt at least had no ulterior motive other than wanting the benefit of her company. As the only girl of the family Jemmiah did tend to be spoiled a little, especially by her aunt. Sometimes she didn't know what to make of her uncle. Often he'd make statements regarding how similar she was to her mother. Was she the Thena Mathers substitute, then? In her heart she couldn't find it in herself to criticise him, for if true it was a desperately sad thing and she could only pity him. She didn't want to hurt their feelings, and it was true that Corellia was indeed at its most beautiful at that time of year. Everything about her uncle and aunt's large and somewhat stately home seemed appealing at that moment: the surrounding countryside…the nearby city of Coronet with its bright light and exciting late night swoop races. What would be better than relaxing under the shade of one of the estates many red feather trees? But it wouldn't be the perfect escape from her situation that her uncle made it out to be…for there would be no Ben or Evla or Quiggy to share it with her. "It's a wonderful offer…and I'm sorely tempted." Jemmy admitted, pausing long enough for Kelik to get his hopes up. To Obi-Wan's dismay she gave the impression of actually considering it! This wasn't what Qui-Gon would want at all, and it was down to him to stop it… Except at that moment the padawan realised that it should neither be about Qui-Gon or Kelik's wishes, but rather Jemmiah herself. Sighing, he prepared to concede victory to his opponent, chewing down on his lip as he awaited her decision. It wasn't as if she didn't deserve a vacation - a proper one. After all, he HAD promised to take her somewhere himself, if the council would permit it. Which he severely doubted… A definite vacation with Kelik Mathers or the faintest possibility of one with himself? He knew which he would choose. "But you see, I don't want to go without Ben." Jemmy smiled back at them, hoping not to appear too ungrateful. "He deserves a break as much as I do." She watched Kelik and Sorja exchange uncertain glances with one another. "You see, he did help save my life…of course Simeon did too, but I'm not going out with him." "I'm sure Rela's delighted with that." Was the padawan's gruff reply. Jemmy sighed. "Please don't take it as a rebuff. I don't want to hurt your feelings, really I don't! You've done so much for me already and would have done more, given the chance. I love you both…but you have to accept that I'm with Ben. And yes, I know he's a Jedi, and that there are intervals when he's away for long periods of time. I find that difficult…very difficult." She admitted, looking Obi-Wan in the eye and causing him to gulp. "But it's always been that way. And I'd rather be with him for some of the time than none of the time. I'd like," she turned back to Kelik in great trepidation, "to ask you to extend your invitation to Ben, too, and maybe put the invite back a few months until I'm fully on my feet again. When I go back to Corellia," Jemmy invited Kelik into a hug, "I want to be able to enjoy it, not feel like half a person. Do you understand?" Kelik nodded slowly. "It makes sense…if you're not trying to avoid us, that is. I mean because of that unfortunate business with Tavik. I assure you he was most severely reprimanded by both of us…and he doesn't even live with us anymore…so if that was the problem then please put it from your head." Releasing him, Jemmiah turned to embrace her aunt Sorja in his place. "Tavik doesn't bother me much any more." She answered, smelling the modest amount of tasteful perfume on the skin of her aunt's neck. "Believe me, he's on the back of a long list of things that have bothered me of late. I hope he finds someone more suitable to settle down with one day." Her aunt seemed pleased with that reply, especially as Jemmiah had more than a sneaking suspicion that Tavik was actually her favourite son; infact Jemmy would have gone as far as to say that Sorja was radiantly happy for the benevolence she was showing the 'chinless wonder' as Jemmy liked to call him. That was until Sorja looked over her shoulder and saw her own rather insignificant looking flowers standing forlornly in a vase next to the ones Obi-Wan had bought! Oh, how happy that made Jemmiah! Then again, Ben's gift would have eclipsed a florists store! The young man in question, who had on the whole kept noticeably silent during the exchanges between Jemmiah and her aunt and uncle, raised a bunched hand to his mouth and very politely coughed… "Dog." He spluttered. Jemmy stared at him. "Eh?" "Dog." Obi-Wan whispered out the side of his mouth, turning his head away and pretending to take an interest in the designs on the wall. "Sorry, Ben?" Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. He thought momentarily about treating her to his best cannoid impression, but then again, perhaps panting like a dog might give offence…not to mention give him a black eye from an already curious Kelik Mathers. If she'd been a force-sensitive person like virtually everyone in the temple then he might have tried to communicate with her that way, but Jemmiah possessed the force-sensitivity of a permacrete brick so it wasn't exactly an option in this case. Fortunately, just as he was about to give up, Jemmiah seemed to catch his line of thought. "What…oh, yes!" She wet her lips nervously with her tongue whilst formulating her plan of action in her mind. "I, er…I do need a favour. Quite a big one really, and I have no real right to ask it of you both, except that you are the only people who can help me." THAT did the trick, as Jemmiah had known it would. Something that only Kelik and Sorja could do? Something that the mighty Qui-Gon Jinn could not? That the ever-present padawan wonder could not? Credit where credit was due; even when sick Jemmiah knew how to handle people and home in uncannily upon their weak spots. It was the kind of ability that Obi-Wan might have said was force-assisted, except that in Jemmy's case it was just a matter of sheer devilment. "And what might that be?" Kelik wondered indulgently. "Well, see…you've got lots and lots of space back home. And you've got lots of belongings and stuff that need protecting, yes?" Jemmy glanced at Obi-Wan for support, becoming a little tongue-tied. "And, er…well…I just happen to know of this, er…cannoid who likes to guard things." She crossed her fingers firmly behind her back at that point. "Who is in need of a good home and lots of exercise and room to run about in…and I know that Aunt Sorja keeps prize dogs…" "Well, yes dear. We ARE having the kennels extended," she turned to Kelik for confirmation, "and I suppose that one more animal wouldn't make too much of a difference." "Hang on a moment!" Kelik held up his hand by way of a feeble protest. "This 'dog' that you are talking about wouldn't happen to be the self-same slavering, hideous, ten ton hairball that we met down on the landing pad, would it?" Obi-Wan's silence somehow contrived to become even quieter, if that were at all possible. "I'll take that as a yes!" Kelik looked as if someone had floored him with a Gabali stick. "Jemmiah, that thing is a monster! Why, if it nearly flattened a Jedi master then…" "He's very friendly!" Obi-Wan cut in suddenly, aware that Jemmy hadn't yet been informed of poor Qui-Gon's accident. "And he has lots of personality." "Looks kinda how I remember you when you tried to grow that beard." Jemmy snickered for a moment, before becoming serious once again. "I know it's an awful thing to ask, but he did save my life…" "Did everyone on Urior save your life? Should I arrange to have them put into kennels too?" Kelik grinned at her. "Kelik!" His wife reproved him gently, sitting back in her chair, her back formidably straight. "Let's hear what Jemmiah has to say. I'd like to learn more about this cannoid with the big personality." "I've met him!" "So, I married you! What does that say about my strange tastes?" Joked Sorja, teasing her husband. "Anyhow, you know I like cannoids. They're remarkably clever creatures, they're loyal, you can train them to do all manner of things…" Jemmiah didn't want to spoil her aunt's illusions where Zebedee was concerned, for she could tell that she was winning the battle and moved swiftly to capitalize on her aunt's weakness for pooches in general. Back home on Corellia the woman had her room covered with statues, holopics of favourite pets of yesteryears…it was like a shrine to all the animals that had gone before. Now, with a little bit of persuasion… "He needs a home." Jemmy sighed miserably. "He can't stay here at the temple…and you are the only people I know who would be friendly to him. He's had such a sad life, aunt…please?" She begged her with rounded, copper eyes. "He's a rare breed!" "I'm not surprised." Kelik mumbled, receiving an elbow in the ribs for his trouble. "Owch, what was that for?" "You know perfectly well, dear." Sorja exchanged a knowing look with her husband; a look that revealed equally as much to Obi-Wan. Although the words were unspoken, the dialogue hung there in the empty space between them…reminding each other that were they to take on the dog it would give Jemmiah a reason to visit them on Corellia. It would help wipe out the recent unpleasantness that had grown between both sides of the girl's 'family'. And, above all, it would make Jemmiah happy. "Oh, alright." Kelik threw up his hands in mock disgust. "I surrender! Anything for peace and quiet!" Obi-Wan regarded Jemmy silently for a moment. There was no question in his mind that she was an arch-manipulator of people if she so wanted: Qui-Gon, himself, her aunt and uncle…but when Jemmiah folded her thin arms and beamed triumphantly at the little gathering, Obi-Wan realised that it wasn't the fact that she COULD manipulate people that tickled her. It was the fact that other people always fell for it! -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/25/03 2:14pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	Jemmy you are one smooth operator! You've got everyone wrapped around your little finger and half of them don't even realize it! Poor Qui! And as soon as Leona find out that he thought that something was loose and it was Smoochie... It's will be Poor poor Qui! Faboo post Jem!! -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Healer_Leona Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 2/26/03 4:08am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	Ok... yes I nealy choked on my coffee this morning again with the description of Leona walking away accompanied by the smacking sounds!!! Also chuckled that Qui-Gon was so pleased that Obi-Wan was with Jemmiah as her aunt and uncle visited!! And Qui's last line...too funny!!! "So, I married you! What does that say about my strange tastes?" -- alright Sorja!! Outstanding post!! -----signature----- Still crazy after all these years.
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/27/03 7:22am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	Just your weekly Thursday kick up by me! <PUNT> -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 2/27/03 3:28pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	WEEK FOUR, DAY FOUR, HOUR FIVE: ************** By the time that Simeon had discovered the truth of Kryztan's departure it was too late… The move hadn't astonished him, but the suddenness of it had certainly taken him by surprise. It seemed that they'd no sooner scraped Master Berlingside off the floor of the library, with Jocasta-Nu's continual admonishing wringing in his ears, then Kryztan had been whisked away heading for force-knew where. It was rumoured that Knight Kizzen was to take on Harkley's training, which did seem like a reasonable notion as far as Simeon could see…a link of sorts to the master that Kryztan was leaving behind. And the man in question, to whom he had been charged with delivering the padawan's letter, had been left lying in a drug-induced stupor in an infirmary bed… Now that Kryztan was safely heading for a new existence there was little fear that delivering the letter would do any harm to Harkley, but it could still do some permanent damage to Simeon were it to be discovered. Yet the longer he held onto the dreaded flimsyplast the more risk he had of being detected! The best thing to do was to throw it in the nearest waste disposal bin and have done with it. But he'd promised Kryztan. He just couldn't bring himself to do it, no matter how many times during the day his hand had hovered over a garbage unit, ready to file away Kryztan's farewell note and all it contained. Cursing himself for being so darned honourable, Simeon made his way to Dex Berlingside's room, trying to decide what to do for the best. The man wasn't due to have his sleep-meds reduced for a further day or so, which rendered talking to him a pointless task. Besides, if he wanted to have a one-sided conversation with an unintelligible zombie, he'd speak to Obi-Wan after a night at the Hell's Chance Cantina. He'd leave it somewhere…somewhere that Dex would find it. Getting into his room would hardly prove a major problem. Maybe if he left it in the flimsy books that Master Windu had brought him that might do the trick! After all, who would ever suspect a Jedi Master of smuggling in a letter? Especially the likes of Mace Windu? Nobody but nobody would ever think of looking in there except perhaps a bored Master Berlingside! It was, Simeon realised contentedly, the nearest thing to a perfect solution he could find. Trouble was, would it be a perfect outcome? There was only one way to find out… ********* In a way it was as if she had never been away. Ambianca looked around her, taking in the same old landing pad, the same old view of the spaceport…and the same old ships coming and going in intersecting, formational patterns in the sky above. The buildings were just as grey and gloomy as before; people still scurried about like ants in a colony…the only thing that had changed from the time they'd departed had been Ambianca herself. Now that they were back on Coruscant Ambianca found herself to feel strangely indifferent to everything about her. She felt crumpled and grungy, even although she'd showered multiple time since being rescued by The Raider. The terrible sickening pangs from the blue fruit she'd ingested whilst on Urior was slowly beginning to wear off, although it would most likely be many more days before she would ever feel back to her normal self. Whatever that was. The moment she'd stepped shakily off the ramp of the ship the strange sensation of fruit-induced euphoria evaporated into thin air, and with it any gratitude she might well have been feeling at coming through with her life intact. All around her were tired, somber faces - with the possible exception of Quilibet and Master Romadon. A dull ache had filled Ambianca on seeing Romy leading her padawan away: such admiration and affection in her eyes! And the way Quilibet laughed back, happy now to accept her new master, letting the force have its way at last…it made Ambianca want to curl up somewhere and cry. She wanted desperately to be happy for the pair of them but her own heart felt strangely shriveled and wasted; there was no energy left within her to even raise so much as a smile. The urge to sing had long since left Sal-Fina's apprentice. Following Romadon Tenax in a respectful and subdued manner, Ambianca gave thought to her own situation, which seemed on the face of it pretty grim. She didn't even know if Sal-Fina was alive or dead. The not knowing was the worst part of it, and their bond had been under so much strain of late that Ambianca felt certain she'd not sense her master if she were to appear suddenly beside her. Poor Zac, Ambianca thought miserably. Poor, poor Zac. He would be distraught without his master; there was little else that could feel so bad. So many had been trapped on Urior and Ambianca found herself sparing each of them a thought, even the people she didn't care much for. At that moment, if the miserable Junine had been onboard the Kaligari then Ambianca might even have felt moved to pity on her behalf. There had been pods blasted out of the skies by the pirates…pods that might not have survived the descent to the moon…pods that might have malfunctioned, entombing their occupants forever. Maybe there were still people lost on the surface of the moon, doomed to suffer an eternity of radiation sickness until they died… What if her master was one of them? She'd thought about Sal-Fina often during their time apart, and to be frank it hadn't necessarily been all good. Seeing the way that Master Tenax behaved to Quilibet - the gentle yet encouraging way she helped her - only served to make the differences between Sal-Fina and most of the other jedi in the temple that bit more pronounced. In the past Ambianca had felt that others were jealous of her master's good looks, or her ability to draw others to her - a useful weapon when needed. The older that Ambianca had got, the more her eyes had opened to the possibility that the others weren't as jealous as she'd thought them…more scornful. What Ambianca had once seen as great strengths of character had turned out to be the deepest flaws known to jedi: overconfidence and self-love. Sal-Fina had them both in abundance. Of course there had to be a certain degree of self-importance, but her master had somehow, somewhere along the line, crossed that level and been allowed to run unchecked for so long that it seemed there was little anyone could do about it. If only someone could take her to one side and explain that the way she did things - how she looked on people - was all wrong! But who would do such a thing, when they all believed Sal-Fina Falmar to be a lost cause? The woman had few friends whilst believing she was the friend of everybody - if she so chose. Arrogant, self-important and intrinsically irritating, Sal-Fina's desire to make her padawan into another her was starting to drive Ambianca away… "I won't give up on her." Ambianca stated quietly, swaying on her feet with fatigue. "I have to make her see that she's wrong about everything and everyone…it's my duty as a padawan! She could have so many real friends if she'd only behave in a more fitting way! It's not like she's a total washout as a Jedi…" Unlike her, of course. It occurred to Ambianca that technically she had Sal-Fina to blame on quite a few levels for her own inability to excel at anything much. They were never sent on few missions unless they were of the decorative, social variety, a silent presence…on show for royalty and planetary courtiers alike to stop and look at. Much in the same way that a healer might keep their lightsabre for appearances sake, a token of the life they had left behind, Ambianca had become used to the fact that she was for display only. If they were ever to see any real fighting like they had on the Kaligari she'd be in a lot of trouble… //If she's gone,// Ambianca swallowed softly, //I'll try my best to carry on in her memory…although maybe not in the way she would have wanted me to be. But I want to learn new things…I want to be better than I am. I just hope my master is there to help me learn these new things too. I want us to learn together…// It became too much for Ambianca. Tears that had been threatening to tumble forth ever since seeing Romy and Quilibet walk past her looking oh, so happy finally found their escape, and the padawan hung back from the others rescuers and Kaligari survivors for shame of being seen. They would hardly miss her, would they? Sal-Fina's padawan? Surely they would either see her as a joke or as someone to be pitied. Even Jemmiah had only befriended her because it would have annoyed Sal-Fina. Wiping silently at her sleeve, Ambianca walked from the sub bay towards the door that would lead to the transport assigned to take them back to the temple. At that point Ambianca didn't care about anything. The healers would want to look her over but all she wanted was to go home. All she wanted was a comfortable bed. All she wanted was her master, no matter what she was like. Suddenly, everything went dark. A huge wall of brown cloth rose out of nowhere to engulf her like a giant muddy tidal wave, until she could hardly breathe. It filled her nostrils and eyes, yet smelled reassuringly familiar of a perfume she had once known. On her shoulder, fine fingers seemed to bore through her clothing as if seeking some kind of reassurance of her wellbeing, searching her soul… Familiar indeed, for when the padawan finally extricated herself it was only to confirm what she had known in her heart the moment the embrace had pulled her inwards. Everything seemed at once both right and different, reassuring and confusing. It WAS Sal-Fina…except this version wore an unmistakable, if emotional smile. The eyes were the same piercing grey blue…only now they were touched by warmth. And the face…it seemed younger and lighter, as if transformed by some personal revelation. "Oh, master!" Ambianca unashamedly wept into Sal-Fina's shoulder, soaking the elder Jedi's robe with a torrent of falling tears. "I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…for crying," she felt an unusually strong and supportive pair of arms circle her wiry frame, holding her closer, "it's just that I…I thought you must be dead…and then…then I thought there couldn't be a worse feeling in the galaxy as losing a master." The wind stirred Ambianca's hair…or was it Sal-Fina's breath? It had been such a long time since Ambianca had been hugged by anyone that she'd forgotten how comforting the feeling was. All she wanted to do was stay like that forever, to feel loved and cared for. Sal-Fina's fingers went to the singed stump that had once been Ambianca's braid and issued a sigh that seemed to come from her toes upwards. What dreadful occurrences had her apprentice suffered whilst she had not been there to protect her? "There is." Sal-Fina said solemnly, her mouth by Ambianca's ear. "There is a worse feeling." "What's that, master?" Ambianca snuffled tearfully. Sal-Fina swallowed. "Losing a padawan." Wordlessly the hug instinctively tightened between both master and apprentice, and Ambianca knew from that moment on - whatever else happened in the galaxy - she would have the strength to cope with it. -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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Healer_Leona Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 2/28/03 4:02am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	Simeon needs to stop cursing himself for being honorable... it's a very admirable trait!! Argghh... I'm not liking his choice of leaving the note from Kryztan... there's too many possible problems with that idea. That next part just wears terribly on the heart, Ambianca wistfully watching lRomy and Quil... her sympathy for Zac.... I liked how the Padawan determined to not give up on the Master!! heavy sigh That was fantastic... even though it starts my day at work in tears... tears of joy though!!! -----signature----- Still crazy after all these years.
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/28/03 6:21am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	Like Leona said Simmy, stop cursing yourself! Did you ever think that being honorable is why a certain spunky redhead it falling for you?? Why is everyone so intent on making me cry this morning! :P But they were happy tears of Ambiancia being determined to stick by her master and then of their eventual reunion. Brilliant post Jem!! -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 2/28/03 4:03pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Author announcement 22nd Feb
	This is my last post on TLST until the epilogue kicks in. Thanks to everyone who has contributed over the last 2 years. It's been a blast! WEEK FOUR, DAY FOUR, HOUR SEVENTEEN: *************** Finally they had gone! Kelik and Sorja Mathers had eventually, so it seemed, run out of things to say. Hours had come and gone, daylight had increased from eerie red dawn to glaring sunshine, then gradually began to fade once again with the sinking of the sun. The only thing that had remained constant was the fact that Obi-Wan had stayed with Jemmiah virtually every minute of the day. Calm and inwardly smiling, the padawan had remained as still and solid as an ice sculpture whilst the Corellian's relatives had been forced to talk around him like he were some cumbersome piece of furniture. That however had been the point: he was very much a part of the temple surroundings, and even if it had been a trifle unsporting to remind the Mathers that they were the interlopers, all Obi-Wan had to do was think of his poor master to forget any qualms he might have. The Mather's retreat left them alone to talk for the first time since they had disembarked from the Emblematic…well, properly at any rate. Something about Jemmiah seemed to have changed, almost as if the arrival and temporary departure of the Mathers had lifted a weight from her mind. Relaxed and composed, and quietly proud of the way that Obi-Wan had so visibly stayed by her side, Jemmy couldn't help but feel as if a lot of her troubles had been somehow vaporized into thin air. Nobody, she reflected with a satisfied smile, was perfect. Even if Obi-Wan had strayed with Lauria - which she now personally doubted - what did that one dreadful error mean in the face of the loyalty he showed her now? Obi-Wan grinned lazily back, perched on the side of her bed. "What are you thinking?" He asked. "That some things never change." Observed Jemmiah with a yawn, stifling her open mouth with splayed fingers. "Excuse me…I'm tired. It's been a momentous day all in all. Got the dreadful first interview with the relatives out the way…found my dog a new home…" She started to pick idly at the fabric of the Wookie blanket, liking the feeling of the different types of wool, coarse and soft alike woven into a shimmering sea of blue that stretched to the bottom of her bed and back at least three times! "Found out a little about myself as well that I didn't know." "And what might that be?" Obi-Wan shuffled slightly closer to her. "Go on; I'm interested. Really," he continued when she aimed a rather skeptical look his way. Jemmiah leaned back against the pillow, glad that her aunt wasn't there to tug it from underneath her head. "That maybe I don't dislike myself as much as I thought I did." She admitted, pausing to give the matter some more consideration. "I felt so unhappy with the way I look…I guess I still do…but somehow I feel more comfortable with it now that the worst is over and everyone knows what to expect when they visit. Maybe less of a freak…" "You are very far from being a freak." Obi-Wan regarded her through a half-closed, disapproving eye. "But I'm glad to see that you have more confidence in yourself again. Perhaps," he went as far as to venture, "this is a turning point for you." Jemmiah nodded slowly, casting her mind back over the past half year or so, aware that wishing to alter the past was a pointless exercise, but wanting to do it all the same. Life had on the face of things been rather cruel to her - and to Obi-Wan too. She should never forget that he was affected just as much as she by the tragedy that had surrounded Emma's miscarriage, or her subsequent behavior. Perhaps it had surprised her to find out precisely how badly it had hurt him. There would be a time to remember Emma, but now they had to move on. A turning point, he had said…force she hoped so. After all that had happened she reckoned they were due a little peace and quiet. Her eyes flickered up towards Obi-Wans and could see instantly that he was thinking along the same, uncomfortable lines. "You said," Obi-Wan's expression became instantly that of a much more serious, older man, "that you didn't like it when Qui-Gon and I were away…and that you find it difficult when we're not here with you." His eyes never wavered from her pale face, the almost translucent skin becoming fleetingly whiter than before. "You never said before." "What good would it have done?" Jemmy remarked, unhappy at the way he was looking at her, as if seeking to uncover her private thoughts piece by piece. "When you and Master J go on a mission, do you really want to see me break down and make a fuss? Is the last memory you want of me before you leave Coruscant each time one where I beg and plead for you not to go in case you get hurt, or worse? No - of course it isn't! It doesn't mean I don't get scared for you both. I get nervous sometimes even knowing you're attending a simple banquet in the Chancellor's honor! So imagine what it's like for me to stay behind and wait…" Jemmy steadied her voice with a short inhaled breath. "…Hoping you'll come back…and never knowing if you will." "You're afraid of the day that you never saw." Obi-Wan shook his head sadly at her. "Do you blame me?" Jemmy answered him curtly. "You know, Corellian philosophers used to say that we're all books in some vast library. The library represents the galaxy and our place within it. The book is ourselves, our physical presence and that the flimsy leaves represent our knowledge and experiences housed within…" "Am interesting analogy." Obi-Wan replied feeling slightly baffled, waiting for her to continue with her train of thought. "What I'm saying Ben, is that I've found myself looking at a lot of empty shelves over the years. I couldn't bare to see you or Qui-Gon filed away under M for missing…" Obi-Wan remained silent, trying to think of a way to reassure her…and finding that he couldn't. If the force elected that he should die, then so be it. He knew that Qui-Gon as a jedi master thought the same way but getting Jemmiah to see it in a similar fashion would be virtually impossible. She had seen the force at work with her own eyes and believed in it, yet had difficulty in understanding it might decree sometimes that a person might lose their life. "That's just the way it is." Jemmy said stoutly. "I don't feel safe when you are away and I don't have to like that you and Qui-Gon constantly put yourself in danger for people you've never even met before…but I do accept that it's what you do. And that if you didn't do it, neither of you would be the people I've come to love." "I'm sure that Qui-Gon would be heartened to hear that as much as I am." Admitted Obi-Wan with a melancholy smile, his eyes suddenly sparkling once again. "It's not that I want to leave you behind but you have to understand…" "That you are a jedi first and foremost and that I take second place in your life." Jemmiah finished for him, sparing him from having to say the difficult words himself. "I know this, Ben. I've always known it. I don't mind it that much, truth be told. I like things how they are. Sure, we're involved…and in love," she offered hesitantly, looking into his eyes, "but that has to be enough for now. You are a padawan and I…" Jemmiah shrugged uncertainly. "I am just beginning to learn who I am." Obi-Wan managed to hide the small amount of disappointment he felt on hearing her words. Did that mean she would refuse him if he were to ask for her hand? Or was she saying that perhaps when he was a knight things might be different? Or perhaps she was subtly telling him she could never marry someone who was committed to the order the way that he was? If what Kelik Mathers was true, Jemmiah's father had never been there for her mother either. Could he blame her for not wanting to experience the same feeling of rejection or loneliness? "Qui-Gon wouldn't have it any other way." She added, causing Obi-Wan's brow to crease into multiple furrows. "You know it's true. He loves us both but he still feels…I dunno. Uncomfortable about as being together." "He'll get over it." Obi-Wan remarked crisply, looking at the mighty vase of flowers he'd stolen from Master Berlingside. Now more than ever his conscience began to get the better of him when he considered the rare honesty that he and Jemmiah were enjoying. How honest was he being, keeping his feelings to himself? Not to mention the small matter of his theft of Dex's bouquet from outside his room. Oh, yes - that was very honest. Very mature. Damn himself for being such a fool! Damn Simeon for putting the ridiculous notion of marriage into his head! And double damn himself for even considering it! Was it so wrong to want to protect Jemmy and see she came to no harm? For wanting to be close to her? Or was it just selfishness, pure and simple, and a lack of respect for the Jedi code? Marriages were not illegal: yet. He could only pray Jemmy would have a change of heart before the rules were tightened further still, as Tanni seemed to think they would be. Or that Gurolias joined the Republic… "Jemmy," Obi-Wan gulped softly, aware that she was staring quizzically at him, "I have something to confess that you won't like. You see…" "You didn't buy those flowers." Jemmiah nodded, completely unsurprised. "Yeah, I guessed as much. Not at first. I did wonder, because I know how expensive these things can be and I know you are virtually creditless. I thought you'd perhaps tapped Quiggy for money. Then when I read the message I got even more surprised, considering the catalogue of frankly explicit and naughty things you wanted to do when I got better. Not that I don't think you're capable of being imaginative - just that you always believe in keeping things personal and private." Obi-Wan flushed a guilty red and looked down at the blanket, picking up the fluff bobbles with his fingers to help focus his attention away from himself. "Above all, I don't really think you'd ever sign yourself Krelo Rei'ch." Jemmy raised a querying eyebrow at him. "Unless you want to tell me something!" She nodded, happy with her own deductions. "You stole them from Master Berlingside, didn't you?" "You knew!" Obi-Wan felt as if he'd been crushed and humiliated all at once. "All the time and you knew whilst you pretended…and I thought that…you were just trying to wind me up!" He finished in an outraged splutter. "And it worked. Are you trying to tell me," she dared him to challenge her, "that you didn't deserve it? Stealing flowers from a sick man? And what about Krelo when she finds out her flowers grew legs and walked? She'll tan your hide with her lightsabre, Ben!" The strange thing was, Jemmiah didn't seem angry. Obi-Wan had expected tears, tantrums and accusations - he'd have hardly blamed her - yet she sat there quite placidly, not so much as turning a hair. What awful recriminations would he face now that he had confessed his guilt? Out of habit he looked around for anything sharp he might suddenly find being used against him, but to his surprise Jemmiah made no move save to fold her arms and watch him squirm, evidently much amused. "You're quite safe, Ben. I'm not mad. Even although I think you did a fairly awful thing in pinching these from poor Master D! I'm going to be a hypocrite and admit that I'm slightly touched that you went to all that trouble on my behalf." Jemmiah gave his knee a squeeze with her fingers. "But I think you're going to have to give them back…" "Jemmy…" Obi-Wan began. "They were nice whilst they lasted." Shrugged Jemmiah indifferently. "I'll think of them as being on loan to me, and going back to where they came from. Go on," she urged him gently, "you can leave them wherever you got them from. Who will know?" Her eyes fell on one, long stem; topped off with the singlemost beautiful Corellian orchid Jemmiah had ever seen. From every angle she moved her head the color of the flower head seemed to change like the light in a holo. "This one's for Qui-Gon." She pointed at the individual stem. "Seeing as how he's stuck in a bed just like me and Dex. Can't be fun: even with Leona running after him all day." "He'll get better soon enough." Obi-Wan replied optimistically. "But he'll be grateful for your concern and your love. As I am." He ventured to add, as Jemmiah bashfully lowered her eyelashes in reply. She took a while to respond to him, leaving the padawan to wonder yet again if he had said something that had offended her. That was the trouble with Corellian's in general and Jemmiah in particular, mused Obi-Wan; you never entirely knew what they were thinking for certain. "I said that some things never changed." Jemmy answered after a minute had passed with no discussion. "And it looks like I was right. We're right back where we started. The galaxy's still mad. People are being born and dying as we speak. Everything changes, except…" "Yes?" She took his hand in her own, and held it fast. "We're still here." And force willing, she hoped, would be for a very long time. -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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KSkywalker Registered: Aug '98	Date Posted: 2/28/03 5:38pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Announcement 28th Feb
	Oh No!! Only an epilogue left to go on this story??? What am I going to look forward to reading now??? This story has kept my attention for two years!! Ack!! Well I guess I'll just have to survive.... somehow. Thanks for a great story Jemmiah! I'll be watching for your other stories!! -----signature----- It will be a hard life....But you will find out....... Who You Are! ~ Qui-Gon Jinn~ Eight Years and still loving these fan-fic Stories!
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JediKnight-Obi-Wan Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 2/28/03 7:27pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Announcement 28th Feb
	Awww, what a sweet last post Jemm! I bet your so relieved to have it near finished though I've really enjoyed keeping up with this! -----signature----- "The course of true love never did run smooth"---A Midsummer Night's Dream
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Miana Kenobi Title: Pacific Region RSA NSWFF Manager Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 2/28/03 11:14pm Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Announcement 28th Feb
	repeats what KSkywalker said You mean I actually have to find something to do besides catch up for once?! Wonderful posts!!!! I gave an especially loud "Aww!" To the scene with Ambianca and Sal!! And LOL to the flowers!!! -----signature----- You can't take the sky from me. He tini nga whetu e ngaro I te kapua iti. Dyslexics of the world, UNTIE!
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Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/1/03 4:48am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): Announcement 28th Feb
	Thanks guys! It's nice to know that people stayed with it over the two years. The epilogue will cover a few things: the memorial to those that died, what happens to Dex on discovering Kryztan has gone, and of course - last but not least - Jemmy's rather unsubtle plan of revenge on a certain skinx called Lauria... Watch this space! The epilogue will hopefully happen soonish. Thanks btw to those who said they'd keep an eye out for any future stories: maybe you'd like to check out Tomorrow Can Wait . I'm picking up where I left off with that one now that the ideas are begining to flow again! -Jem -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 3/1/03 7:44am Subject: RE: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (JA): The last-ish post...sort of
	sigh Now what am I going to do?? I've spent so long reading this it's like losing an old friend... Or a houseguest that wouldn't ever leave. I must admit it's been fun reading and writing, and while I'm sad it's over it'll be good to get back to working on other things. Now I'm headed over to check out TCW! A wonderful last-ish post Jem! Oh! And welcome back to the land of the sane! -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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