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Author	Topic: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (complete) (Obi-Wan/OC)
leandrastar2000 Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 5/14/04 11:58am Subject: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (complete) (Obi-Wan/OC) - Date Edited: 5/31/04 10:36am (3 edits total) Edited By: leandrastar2000
	THIS STORY IS ALTERNATE UNIVERSE AND HAS MY ORIGINAL CHARACTER MELIDA IN IT. THIS IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT STORY THAN “The Cold Reveals”. THE ONLY CONNECTION THESE TWO STORIES HAVE IS THAT THEY HAVE THE SAME CHARACTERS IN THEM. THE STORY LINE IS COMPLETELY SEPARATE. THIS STORY FEATURES QUI-GON JINN. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND ALL ASPECTS OF THE FORCE, SO SOME OF MY CHARACTERS MAY USE THE FORCE IN WAYS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN HEARD OF BEFORE. LET’S JUST CHALK THOSE THINGS UP TO CREATIVE PEROGITIVE AND NOT DWELL ON THEM. HOPE YOU LIKE IT, NOW ON TO THE STORY. Title: Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises Author: LeandraStar2000 Summary: The death of a Jedi Master brings many surprises to Qui-Gon. He finds that there is more to his apprentice than meets the eye. Disclaimer: All things Star Wars belong to George Lucas and LucasFilms Ltd.. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended. This story was created for purely entertainment purposes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Qui-Gon Jinn stood looking out the view port of the shuttle as it approached the blue-green planet below. The planet was called Serenity, but his mission here was anything but serene. His mission was to make funeral arrangements for a fallen Jedi Master and bring her injured apprentice back to the temple for eventual reassignment. He was not looking forward to the meeting. He did not know the young Padawan Melida Rodan, but he had known her Master, Cera Lon. Cera Lon and Melida had been sent to Serenity to investigate pirate raids on the small peaceful planet. Apparently, they had gotten too close for comfort for the pirates and so they had retaliated by attacking an outlying colony settlement in one of the planets sparsely populated areas. Cera and Melida had fought along side the villagers, Cera sacrificing herself to save a group of small children. Melida had run to her Master’s side, but could not reach her before the killing blow was struck. She had taken down the pirate who had struck her Master down, but not before he got in one last blow for himself opening a gash in Melida’s left side. Melida had continued to fight, helping to save the village and gaining the information Serenity’s government needed to head off the pirate attacks. Now, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were here to perform the funeral rights for Cera and deliver Melida safely back to the temple. As they approached the capital city of Serena, Qui-Gon glanced at his own Padawan seated in the copilot’s chair. Obi-Wan Kenobi had grown into a handsome and strong young man in the years that he had spent as Qui-Gon’s apprentice. At twenty, Obi-Wan had lost many of his boyish tendencies. His patience and control had improved much and, Qui-Gon mused, he would soon be ready to face the trials. Qui-Gon was worried about his Padawan. He had been unusually quiet on this trip. He knew that Obi-Wan knew Melida, that the two apprentices were friends, but he had not known that they were as close as they seemed to be. Obi-Wan was very concerned for Melida, that much Qui-Gon could sense. What bothered him the most was the fact that Obi-Wan had totally shut himself off from Qui-Gon, almost as if he were focused elsewhere. “The Governor assured me that Melida is being well cared for Obi-Wan. She is almost completely recovered from her injuries.” Qui-Gon said seeing the worry and strain on his Padawan’s face. “I’m sure Melida is recovering from her physical injuries very well Master. I am more concerned about her emotional injuries. I have been your Padawan for seven years now, and I know what your death would do to me. Melida was Master Lon’s Padawan for ten years and I can only imagine what she is going through right now. My mind will not be eased until I can look into her eyes and know that she is going to be all right.” Obi-Wan said turning to look at his Master, knowing that Qui-Gon was trying to ease his anxiety. Qui-Gon was a little surprised at his apprentice’s response. “You and Melida are the same age aren’t you? From what I hear, you were pretty good friends and have remained so.” He said trying to get Obi-Wan to open up and talk about his friend. He saw a look of amusement cross Obi-Wan’s face and wondered what the boy was remembering before he answered his Master’s question. “Yes, we are the same age. We attended classes together at the temple. Even though we are the same age, Melida was always much more advanced than I was. Despite that fact, however, we became very good friends.” “How do you think she will handle this then?” Qui-Gon asked. “Melida has always been sensitive but strong. She has a kind and loving heart. She gives without thought of reward. She will go on, but the loss of her Master will haunt her for a long time I think.” While Qui-Gon thought about Obi-Wan’s answer, he landed the shuttle on the landing pad near the capital building where Cera Lon’s body was being held in state. The Governor and two of his top advisors were waiting for them when they came down the landing ramp. The two Jedi bowed the three dignitaries. “Welcome Master Jinn and Jedi Kenobi. We offer our condolences on the loss of Master Lon. We wish your visit to our fare planet were a happier one. We have arranged quarters for you while you are here. They adjoin to those given to Jedi Rodan.” “Thank you Governor, we appreciate your hospitality. If you would show us were Master Lon is please, we would like to pay our respects to our colleague.” Qui-Gon said giving another small bow. “Yes, of course Master Jinn, please forgive us. Follow me.” The Governor lead them down through the hallways of the capital building and out into a spacious domed garden. In the center of the garden lay Master Lon. Her body was placed on a stasis platform. At her side knelt her Padawan, her head bowed, her hand stretched out to lay against her Master’s. As they entered the room, Melida rose to her feet, spun around and drew her lightsaber in the blink of an eye. Seeing who had entered the room, she shut down the silvery blade and placed it back on her belt. “We grieve with you Melida.” Qui-Gon said stepping up to her. “Thank you Master Jinn. We must all one day succumb to the will of the Force. Some of us sooner than others.” She turned back to look at her fallen Master. Qui-Gon could feel the pain and grief coming off the girl in waves. He and Obi-Wan stepped up to flank her on either side, then the two men raised their lightsabers in salute to Cera Lon. Looking at the young Padawan who was now without guidance from her trusted companion, Qui-Gon decided the quicker the arrangements were made and carried out and Melida were returned to the temple, the better. Perhaps then, Melida would have some closure on this part of her life. He turned to go back to the waiting Governor, and to his surprise Obi-Wan did not follow him. He turned to look at his apprentice only to find that Obi-Wan’s attention was focused entirely upon Melida. He had draped his arm around the girl’s shoulders and Melida leaned her head against his shoulder crying softly. Obi-Wan stroked her hair and whispered to her. Qui-Gon could not hear what his Padawan had said, but he saw a slight smile cross Melida’s grief stricken face. Without saying a word, he left Obi-Wan to comfort his friend and went to make the arrangements for Cera Lon’s funeral. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Two days later, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Melida, the Governor, several members of the Jedi Council, and many dignitaries of the planet stood around the funeral byre of Jedi Master Cera Lon. Melida stood at the foot of the byre, her deep blue eyes shining with unshed tears. Her sandy blonde hair fell loose down her back reaching to her waist, save for her Padawan’s braid hanging down past her right ear. Standing there, Qui-Gon was struck by her beauty and her vulnerability. Yet according to Obi-Wan, who had finally opened up and told Qui-Gon more about Melida, she could become a hell cat when provoked or in danger. His young Padawan had spent a lot of time with Melida since their arrival, but Qui-Gon had not commented on this fact, knowing Melida needed all the support she could get right now. As they watched, Melida reached out and gathered the Force around her, using it to draw energy from the stasis unit surrounding her Master. She used that borrowed energy to ignite the funeral byre. As the flames rose higher, Melida pulled a few strands of hair from her Padawan’s braid and tossed them into the flames, pledging her undying loyalty and respect to her Master’s memory. Qui-Gon sensed a kind of peace come over the girl as she performed the funeral rights for her Master. No words were spoken, none were needed. Finally, the flames began to die down and people began to drift away. Qui-Gon motioned for his apprentice and they left Melida to say one final goodbye. They would leave for Corascant the next morning so he and Obi-Wan settled down to try and get some sleep. Qui-Gon was soon asleep, but sleep evaded his apprentice. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Obi-Wan lay awake on his sleep couch across the room from his Master, his mind and heart on Melida. This was the first time he had seen her in several months and he desperately wished they had been reunited under different circumstances. When he was sure his Master was sound asleep, Obi-Wan slipped across the room and through the door that joined his quarters to Melida’s. “I knew you would come.” He heard her say as he entered the room. The room was dimly lit, but he could see her sitting on the bed in her sleeping gown with her arms wrapped around her knees. He crossed to the bed and sat down beside her as she continued. “How is it you always seem to show up when I need you the most?” she asked raising her blue eyes to lock gazes with him. He reached out and caressed her cheek. “Isn’t that what I promised when we bonded?” he replied. She rewarded him with one of her brilliant smiles, though the brilliance was dulled somewhat. Her grief had begun to ease, though it would never completely go away. “Will you stay with me tonight?” she asked her voice a little shaky. “You know I will.” He replied reaching out and taking her into his arms. They lay down and stretched out, their bodies and minds naturally melding together. They lay there for a long while taking comfort in each other. Obi-Wan was reveling in the feel of just having her back in his arms when he was surprised to hear her whisper. “Obi-Wan, I need you.” He had no need to ask what she meant, but he did ask. “Are you sure?” “Don’t you want me?” she asked uncertainty in her voice. “By the Force Melida, I want you with every fiber of my being. I just want you to be sure that this is what you want.” He whispered burying his face in her hair. In response, she rolled over onto her stomach and turned her head to look at him, her eyes, body, and mind an open invitation for him to have his way with her. He didn’t need to be asked or invited twice. He made love to her slowly and gently, letting all of his love and loyalty flow out to her with every touch. Just before they fell into a sound sleep, Obi-Wan wrapped his love around Melida through the Force and knew that the future would be great for them. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Qui-Gon awoke the next morning to find his Padawan nowhere in sight. Where could the boy have gone? he wondered to himself as he dressed. He walked to the door of Melida’s quarters, perhaps she would know where Obi-Wan was. He knocked on the door and immediately sensed a wave of panic come from the room. Fearing that Melida was in danger, he rushed through the door only to come up short at what he saw. Obi-Wan was struggling to get his sleep pants back on as he crossed the room to the door joining the two sets of quarters. Melida sat on the bed, the sheet pulled up around her obviously naked body, a look of pure amusement on her lovely face as she watched her lover stumble around. Qui-Gon realized then that the panic had come from Obi-Wan and not Melida. He couldn’t help but be a little amused at his Padawan’s predicament, but he was also a little angry and disappointed at Obi-Wan for taking advantage of Melida’s vulnerability. “You’ve been busy my young apprentice. I am disappointed Obi-Wan. It is not like you to take advantage of a situation.” He stopped his apprentice cold in his tracks by saying. “I didn’t take advantage, I took only what I was entitled to.” Obi-Wan replied his face darkening with anger. “Entitled to?” Qui-Gon said in shock. He could not imagine what had come over the boy to make him so arrogant and presumptuous. “Melida has suffered a great loss. How could you do this?” “No one knows better than I what Melida is going through.” “You have taken things too far Obi-Wan. I forbid you to go near Melida again until we return to the temple. Maybe once we are there you will remember how to control yourself.” “No!” they both shouted at the same time. Melida rose from the bed and went to Obi-Wan’s side. He wrapped his arms around her and then she spoke. “Master Qui-Gon, I have lost my Master and I had felt like I was going to loose my way until I saw Obi-Wan walk into the garden with you. I beg of you don’t take Obi-Wan away from me as well.” The two looked at each other then and Qui-Gon saw something pass between them. At that moment, Qui-Gon realized that Obi-Wan was no longer a boy and that the reason he had closed himself off from his Master was so Qui-Gon could not sense the close bond he shared with Melida. Even as he thought this, Obi-Wan spoke once more. “Qui-Gon, you are my Master and in most things I will obey you, but in this I can not and will not. I will not willingly stay away from my wife when she is so near. I know that there will be times when circumstances will force us to be apart, but this is not one of them and so I will not agree to it.” “Your wife? What are you talking about Obi-Wan?” “Melida and I were legally bonded two years ago at the temple by Master Yoda himself. We have been emotionally bonded since we were twelve. Master Yoda saw our bonding and our love for each other each time he saw us together. On our sabbatical two years ago, we went to Master Yoda and asked that our bonding become legal. He agreed but told us we should not tell anyone until the time felt absolutely right for us, because our apprenticeships would keep us apart quite often.” “Master Yoda is right. Your apprenticeships will keep you apart much of the time.” Qui-Gon said still trying to comprehend what he was being told and wondering why he hadn’t figured it out before. “We will not be apprentices forever Master Qui-Gon.” Melida replied. “In fact I feel my time as an apprentice may have come to an end. I am going to ask the council to let me stay and help at the temple, at least for the near future.” “Why would you wish to suspend your own training Melida? Cera would not want you to do that.” “Master Qui-Gon, I informed my Master of my marriage only a few days ago. She was confused at first just as you are, but offered me her best wishes. You see Master Qui-Gon, the moment I told her of my marriage she knew why I had told her. I don’t intend to suspend my training, just to take it in a new direction. I have been a Jedi all my life and I will be a Jedi until I take my last breath, but being a Jedi does not keep me from wanting to be a wife and mother.” Qui-Gon was startled at her mention of the term mother. Melida saw his startled look and continued. “No, Master Qui-Gon, I am not pregnant, but I hope to be soon. I want to give Obi-Wan many sons and daughters. I wish to remain at the temple so that Obi-Wan and I can start a family. I will miss my Master terribly, but I must go on. I have no intention of asking Obi-Wan to give up his commitment to you and his training, all I ask is that you not ask him to give up his commitment to me or me my commitment to him.” Qui-Gon Jinn had never felt more stunned in all his life. He had to get off by himself for a little while to sort things out. “I’m going to go make the preparations for our departure. We’ll leave in a couple of ours.” He told the young couple in front of him. “We’ll be ready.” The two said in unison as he turned and left the room. Qui-Gon made his way to the peaceful domed garden that was the final resting place of Cera Lon. It’s serene beauty reminded him of her. What had she thought of Melida’s marriage? Obi-Wan’s wife was as strong willed as he had claimed. Qui-Gon understood now how Obi-Wan knew so much about Melida. “Obi-Wan’s wife.” He said out loud, letting the words sink in, hoping that saying them out loud would make them make sense. How could Obi-Wan have a wife for two years and he not know about it. It seemed impossible. Of course it seemed impossible to him that Obi-Wan even knew what being a husband entailed, but it was obvious he did. Obi-Wan had not even flinched at Melida’s proposal of children. In fact, Qui-Gon had sensed the same desire for fatherhood in Obi-Wan that Melida radiated for motherhood. The two were in sync in every way, that much was obvious to anyone who opened their eyes and paid attention. They loved each other deeply. “Told you he did hmmm? A shock this was?” Yoda said coming to stand beside Qui-Gon and startling him out of his inner tumult. “Master Yoda, I didn’t hear you enter.” Qui-Gon replied. “Focused you were on feelings inside. Revealing his wife to you a risk is for Obi-Wan. Angry with him be not. Love her he does, but hurt you he fears.” “Why did you have them keep their marriage a secret even from their Masters?” he asked Yoda. “A vision I have seen of great danger to come. Always in motion the future is, sometimes wise to head it’s warnings is. If revealed too soon their bond is, in their way more obstacles would be. Time wrong was then, time right was now. Their bond stronger, deeper, more secure is. Obi-Wan and Melida shall death only separate. Fight the evil to come together they will, side by side and along side you.” Qui-Gon looked at his Master in puzzlement. “What do you mean?” he asked. “A Padawan you have Qui-Gon, but two you now have.” “But that’s against the code.” “Spoken with the Council I have and agree with me they do. Ready for full knighthood Obi-Wan and Melida are not, but separated again they must not be. The will of the Force their union is and raise their children together they will. Ahead for the Jedi many changes lie, conform we must or die.” Qui-Gon was confused by his Master’s reply and so he sat silent trying to puzzle it out. Understanding dawned on Qui-Gon like a wave crashing into the seashore. Yoda and the other Masters had foreseen a change in the Jedi way, starting with Obi-Wan and Melida. If that change had started too soon, the order would have been destroyed, but revealed at the right time, could only make it stronger. “When will you tell them?” he asked accepting and welcoming his role in this new change and new challenge. “At the Governors farewell ceremony our plans we will reveal.” He answered. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A half an hour later, Qui-Gon stood beside the shuttle saying goodbye to the Governor. Obi-Wan stood at his side with Melida a few steps beyond. The three Jedi bowed low as the three Jedi Council members approached. Yoda, Mace Windu, and Ki Adi Mundi strolled forward in quiet dignity. They offered farewell greetings to the Governor then turned to Qui-Gon and his two apprentices. “Obi-Wan and Melida please step forward.” Master Windu said. The two nervously moved forward and knelt in front of the Jedi Masters. “The two of you have proven your love, loyalty, and respect for each other through many years of hardship and separation. The Council acknowledges your commitment to each other as husband and wife and have decided to keep you apart no longer. Melida we have chosen a new Master for you. You will serve as his Padawan Learner and treat him with the same respect and loyalty you gave Master Lon.” Melida bowed her head in acceptance, though Qui-Gon could see the disappointment on her face. “Melida meet your new Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.” Master Windu concluded. “I don’t understand.” She said her head snapping up in surprise as did that of her husband. “The Council has decided under the circumstances to allow Qui-Gon to guide two Padawan Learners. We feel he is up to the task, especially with two young people such as you and Obi-Wan. We have no doubt that the three of you will be just as good a team as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were alone.” Master Mundi offered. “Better they will be. Strengthen and support each other they will.” Yoda replied. Melida bowed her head respectfully and tried to bury her disappointment, but there was no hiding it from Master Yoda. “Disappointment in you I sense young Melida. Happy to be with your husband we thought you would be.” “I am happy to be going with Obi-Wan Master Yoda, but I had hoped to ask the Council to be allowed to stay at the temple for a time so that Obi-Wan and I could start a family.” “Melida we knew of your desire and your wanting a family should not cause you to want to suspend your training. You are an active vibrant young woman with the talents and skills to help many. There is nothing stopping you and Obi-Wan from starting a family if you so desire. Pregnancy will not hinder your use of the force or your intelligence. You would be able to remain on missions right up to delivery. After a few months, your child could either remain at the temple, or accompany you on your missions. Except those that would be considered volatile and then we would request that you leave the child at the temple until your return. You and Obi-Wan are quite capable of teaching your little ones what they would learn in the temple nursery. However, there would come a time when the child would have to attend classes at the temple, but then it is not unusual for a child to go off to school. We will never ask you to give up complete contact with your child. That is one of the changes that Master Yoda has foreseen for the Jedi Order. Qui-Gon has your new assignment and will brief you on the shuttle. May the Force be with you!” Master Windu answered then the three Council members turned and went to their own transport. Melida and Obi-Wan rose and turned to face their Master. “Well my young Padawans our next mission awaits us. Shall we go?” Qui-Gon said motioning toward the ship. Husband and wife smiled at each other and in unison answered. “Yes Master.” Qui-Gon shook his head in amusement and wonder at how in tune the two were to each other and wondered if perhaps he might have bitten off more than he could chew when he agreed to having two apprentices. Only time would tell he supposed. He followed Obi-Wan and Melida up the ramp and turned his attention to the next mission. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ONE YEAR LATER Melida sat in the pilot’s seat of the small transport ship “Starry Night”. Beside her sat her Master, Qui-Gon Jinn and behind her sat her husband, Obi-Wan Kenobi. They were on their way back to Corascant after a successful mission to the planet Kiran. The two men had been unusually anxious on this trip and their anxiety was starting to wear on her nerves and her patience. The ship’s course was set in, so she sat back in her seat with a sigh. “You two could drive the calmest of Jedi to distraction.” She said as she tried to relax. The two men exchanged glances as if to say, “What did we do now?”. Obi-Wan gave a small shrug, by now used to his wife’s frequent mood swings and understanding of them, but even he was at a loss as to what she was referring to this time. She knew of course exactly what they were thinking, so she enlightened them. She got up and walked over to the food slot to get something to drink as she continued. “You two have been walking on egg shells through this entire mission, afraid to take your eyes off me for even a second. I am not the first, nor will I be the last pregnant woman to work right up to the end. I am still two weeks from delivery and we will reach Corascant in two days, so would you both please try and relax.” Obi-Wan got up and moved up behind her, encircling her in a warm embrace and burying his face in her soft hair. “I’m sorry love.” He said just holding her. She leaned back against him and he moved his hands to cover her swollen abdomen. She covered his hands with her own. Together they stood there marveling at the movements of the child they had created together. Their child was very strong in the Force and so they had been able to sense her thoughts and emotions for a long time now. Even though they knew that their child would be a girl, they had not yet picked out a name for their daughter. “We should choose a name for her soon you know.” Obi-Wan said to his wife. “She already has her own personality, she needs a name to go along with it.” “Your right,” Melida replied, “but none of the names we have discussed have seemed right for her.” ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Qui-Gon watched his apprentices as they discussed a name for the child they would soon welcome. He still marveled at the closeness the two shared. He shared a special bond with both, but would never fully understand or experience the kind of bond Obi-Wan and Melida shared. Qui-Gon had chosen to live a single life, but as he had watched Obi-Wan and Melida grow closer and then become expectant parents, he had begun to wonder if he had made the wrong choice for himself. The task of guiding two Padawans had seemed overwhelming at first, but Qui-Gon soon realized that he had nothing to worry about. Obi-Wan was like a son to him and Melida in the past year had become like a daughter to him. He knew she still missed her previous Master, but she had given Qui-Gon her respect and loyalty and had proven to be an outstanding student and a wonderful friend. As he sat pondering his two apprentices, he began to wonder what traits their daughter would inherit from each. Obi-Wan was strong, warm, kind, and compassionate with a heart of gold, but could be commanding, domineering, and down right vicious if the situation called for it. Melida shared the traits of her husband, adding patience, self discipline, and an unerring ability to know the actions of others even before they themselves knew to the mix. As he continued to watch them and think about their abilities and strengths, suddenly the face of a beautiful young woman appeared to him and he knew without a doubt that it was Obi-Wan and Melida’s daughter. Her name seemed to jump out at him as the vision continued. “Leandra.” He said coming out of his inner thoughts and leaning forward in his chair. His two companions turned to look at him. “What?” they asked together. Qui-Gon smiled. They had been doing that more and more lately as their minds and thought became even more intertwined. “How about naming her Leandra.” He asked them. They looked at each other surprised, never expecting to hear their Master suggest a name for their child, but happy that he had. “Leandra.” Melida repeated rubbing her belly protectively. “I like it and it seems to fit, it seems right. What do you think Obi-Wan?” “I think its perfect. How did you come up with it Master? We have debated over a name for weeks now. Why have you not suggested it before?” Qui-Gon seemed to consider carefully before he answered. “The name only just now came to me. I was sitting here thinking about each of your strengths and weaknesses, wondering which ones your daughter would inherit, when the vision of a strong, bright young woman, that I have no doubt was your daughter, came to me. Along with that vision came the name Leandra. As for why I haven’t offered suggestions before, I felt to do so would be an interference I had no right to make.” The two stood silent for a moment and then moved to kneel beside their Master. Obi-Wan spoke after exchanging a meaningful glance with his wife. “Master, we think Leandra is the perfect name for our daughter. Melida and I have a request to make of you.” Obi-Wan paused and Qui-Gon motioned for him to continue. “We would like for you to watch over Leandra if something were to happen to both of us. Make sure she is well cared for and remembers us.” Obi-Wan paused again and bowed his head to regain his composure. Melida took his hand to lend support and he continued. “Master Qui-Gon, you have been and are like a father to both of us, but especially to me, we would like for you to be a second father to Leandra.” Qui-Gon was completely at a loss for words for a moment before he replied. “I would be honored to take on the task you have requested of me. Leandra means ‘lioness’ and I have a feeling your daughter is going to live up to that name. You two are going to need all the help you can get and I would be honored to give you any help that I possibly can. However, I plan on you two being around for a long time to come.” He said smiling at them warmly and sending a wave of love and caring through the Force to them. Silence reigned for a long while, each of them lost in thought knowing that their silence could say more than mere words ever could. Qui-Gon broke the silence, starting to feel a little self conscious. “Now, we’ve found a name for the little mite, what do you say we go find some nourishment for her as well. I don’t know about you two, but I am starving.” Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan rose to their feet, their gazes locking for a moment in private communication. Their attention was brought back to the ship by Melida. “A little help here would be nice.” She said as she struggled to rise from her kneeling position. The two men took an arm each and helped her to her feet. “I think until Leandra decides to make her appearance, perhaps you should avoid those kinds of positions.” Qui-Gon said a playful smile on his face. Melida’s face reddened in embarrassment remembering the predicament he had caught her and Obi-Wan in over a year before when he had first found out about their marriage. “I’ll try Master.” She replied and hurried off to find them all something to eat. Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon scoldingly, but finally returned his smile as they followed Melida. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ They arrived back on Corascant without any problems. Three days later, Leandra decided to make her appearance. Qui-Gon paced outside the temple’s medical center waiting for news of his apprentices. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he saw Obi-Wan come through the door carrying a small bundle lovingly in his arms. Obi-Wan came over to him parting the folds of the blanket to reveal the infants face. “Qui-Gon Jinn, meet our little Leandra.” Obi-Wan said. Qui-Gon stared down in amazement at the little girl. Her blue eyes were open and alert, keenly returning his gaze. He reached down and brushed the tip of one finger over her soft cheek. She pulled a hand free of the blanket and captured his finger with her tiny fist holding on tightly. Forcing his gaze away from her and looking up at her father he asked. “How is Melida?” “Tired, but all right. There were no complications or unforeseen problems. She insisted I bring Leandra right out for you to see. We both want you to be a part of her life from the very beginning and from the way she’s holding on to your finger, I would say she feels the same way.” Qui-Gon looked back down at the little girl that already had a grip on his heart as surely and as tightly as she had a grip on his finger. He knew there would be tough times ahead for the four of them, but he also knew that together they would endure and survive them and come out stronger than ever. “I’m looking forward to it.” He said to his Padawan as he headed through the medical center doors to check on his other Padawan. “I am definitely looking forward to it.” THE END -----signature----- leandrastar2000
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VaderLVR64 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 5/14/04 1:50pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (Obi-Wan/original character)
	I LOVED this story! Qui-Gon with TWO apprentices? How cool is that? I loved the pairing of Obi-Wan and Melida, they were perfect together. You have a real talent and your stories are touching and well written! I can't wait to see more of your work on these boards! Obi-Wan’s wife.” He said out loud, letting the words sink in, hoping that saying them out loud would make them make sense. How could Obi-Wan have a wife for two years and he not know about it. It seemed impossible. Of course it seemed impossible to him that Obi-Wan even knew what being a husband entailed, but it was obvious he did. Obi-Wan had not even flinched at Melida’s proposal of children. In fact, Qui-Gon had sensed the same desire for fatherhood in Obi-Wan that Melida radiated for motherhood. The two were in sync in every way, that much was obvious to anyone who opened their eyes and paid attention. They loved each other deeply. I loved this insight Qui-Gon has into the bond shared between Obi-Wan and Melida. Again, great job! -----signature----- R.I.P John, Alex, Jason, and Christian Never forgotten Soldiers' Angels http://soldiersangels.org/ 2114 soldiers waiting for someone to care
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leandrastar2000 Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 5/15/04 12:28pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (Obi-Wan/original character)
	Thanks VadarLVR64, I am really glad you liked this story. Until just recently I have been weary of sharing any of my writings with anyone. So, knowing someone enjoyed my story is very satisfying. Thanks again. -----signature----- leandrastar2000
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MY-T-Chewbacca Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 5/15/04 9:08pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (Obi-Wan/original character)
	This was beautifully written and a nice twist to the the Canon storyline. I loved it. -----signature----- "The best things in life are furry." "Could someone get this walking carpet out of my way?!" "Life debts are a pain in my fur."
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diamond_pony2002 Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 5/16/04 2:28pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (Obi-Wan/original character)
	AWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS WAS SO CUTE! I love that Obi-Wan was married and he had a daughter! I always wonder how he would be different if he had his own family! -----signature----- Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve.- FFA Motto
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leandrastar2000 Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 5/27/04 2:51pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (Complete) (Obi-Wan/original character)
	Just a post to see if I can get some new readers. -----signature----- leandrastar2000
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Kynstar Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 5/27/04 4:36pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (Obi-Wan/original character)
	Awww it is sweet! I liked how the name popped in Qui's head (well so to speak! hehehe) Great work! loved the interactions between the 3! -----signature----- Paddy sis to t_s & SarkaVrae/Master to hyperspace_police Member of Rebel Legion and Jedi Assembly (Kynstar Lans) Only thru fear, hatred, and pain will the true power of the Force be revealed. See stories/viggies in bio
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leandrastar2000 Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 5/28/04 1:54pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (Obi-Wan/original character)
	Thanks Kynstar glad you liked it. Would like to see more new readers. I am working on a story now for the Beyond the Saga forum. This one features Luke and an original character. Don't know how good it will be, but I'm giving it a try. -----signature----- leandrastar2000
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sdhfs Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 5/29/04 6:07am Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (complete) (Obi-Wan/original character)
	Brillant,as your story's always are. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/16229314/?30 Up is obidala at it's best love chooses you you don 't choose it. Death is but death why are you afraid of it ?
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leandrastar2000 Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 5/31/04 10:32am Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (complete) (Obi-Wan/OC)
	Upping this story in hopes of gaining new readers. Thanks to everyone who has read and enjoyed it. I have a new story up on the Beyond The Saga Forum. Go check it out. -----signature----- leandrastar2000
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green_eyes Registered: Apr '04	Date Posted: 10/5/04 8:46pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (complete) (Obi-Wan/OC)
	I think I liked this one even more> Great Job. Loved the name, but poor Qua-Gon, two apprentices and now a baby. WOW green_eyes
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JediMaster_Jen Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 10/6/04 1:04am Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (complete) (Obi-Wan/OC)
	Great story. Qui is gonna have his hands full with the Kenobi family. -----signature----- "Qui tacet consentit"~~ (silence implies consent) NY Yankees!! 2009 World Champs!!!
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leandrastar2000 Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 1/5/05 2:20pm Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (complete) (Obi-Wan/OC)
	Sorry it took so long to post responses here. I have neglected my older stories for too long and I am going to try and rectify that. green_eyes: Glad you liked this one so much. I thought it would be interesting to see Qui-Gon's reaction to his apprentice not acting like he expected him to. JediMaster_Jen: Yes indeed Qui-Gon will have hands full with the Kenobis, but I am sure he will enjoy every minute of it. -----signature----- leandrastar2000
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leandrastar2000 Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 5/3/05 11:04am Subject: RE: "Serenity, Heartache, and Surprises" (complete) (Obi-Wan/OC)
	Giving this a bump up in hopes of attracting some new readers. -----signature----- leandrastar2000
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