A/N: A new beginning. Arriving at the Temple, Obi-Wan and Lyri greet and report to the Council and Obi-Wan begins to try to get Lyri settled into the beginning of a new life. Obi-Wan is surprised at the need he feels for Lyri, even as he settles back into his life at the Temple. He is beginning to seriously hope he can find a way to keep her in his life. A snapshot of Lyri's first day on Coruscant.
Disclaimer: All characters, arcs, and locations belong to George Lucas and Disney with the exception of my originals. No money is being made. Just spending time in the galaxy.
Feral Moon: Coruscant
Chapter 1
As they walked down the courier's ramp and into the enclosed hangar in the Jedi Temple, Lyri looked at all the expectant faces. She hadn't realized the Jedi consisted of so many different species. Feeling a little overwhelmed, she gripped Obi-Wan's hand and the ruff of fur at Tika's neck tighter. Giving her hand a little squeeze, Obi-Wan said, "It's alright, sweetheart. Take your time and just be yourself."
She noticed in front and slightly apart from the other Jedi, there were a tall human with dark skin and a very stern expression and a small green being with large eyes, leaning on a cane. For some reason she couldn't explain she was particularly drawn to the small creature. She scanned the rest of the crowded hangar and overheard several people uttering Obi-Wan's name to each other. She could feel an uplifting of all these creatures' spirits at the sight of him. She looked up at the man holding her hand in sudden awe. She hadn't known so many people cared about him. She also felt admiration from this large group of Jedi; they obviously held him in high esteem. This was a whole other side of him that she hadn't really known about. He didn't act like he was anything special, yet these beings all had the same high regard for him.
Glancing down at Lyri, who had suddenly stopped, Obi-Wan caught the look on her face. Her eyes were large and solemn. He leaned down and said softly, "Sweetheart, I am the same person you have known since the start. Not to worry." He caressed her mind gently and she at once felt at ease. He was still her special friend.
As they got to the bottom of the ramp, the dark human and the little green creature approached them. She realized from her empathic sense that all the other beings held these two in highest regard as well and would not come forward until they had been greeted. She watched Obi-Wan for a hint of how to act and noticed he bowed to both these Jedi as he greeted them. "Mace, Yoda, it is good to see your faces! I must admit, I had wondered for awhile if I would return home again." Obi-Wan didn't hug these two, but seemed more reserved. The human did squeeze his shoulder. She could feel that he felt humbled by them and admired them greatly. She felt a warmth from them when they regarded him and...it was masked somewhat, but she was almost positive she felt the small one had deeper feelings for him. Something akin to what she had felt from her parents. Interesting. Obi-Wan seemed to return that feeling in his heart, even though he didn't show it outwardly.
"Masters, this is Lyri Starrider, the daughter of Leonard and Sarika, the scientists lost some time ago out in the Chorlian sector. Following Obi-Wan's example, Lyri stepped forward and bowed to first one and then the other. "Happy to meet you, " she said hesitantly, trying to be careful of her words. "This is Lyri's close friend, Tika," Obi-Wan said, indicating the large canine. Lyri sent a thought to the creature and she stepped forward and crouched in a canine bow. Both Yoda's and Mace's eyes opened wide and the rest of the Jedi murmured softly in amazement. Yoda turned to look at the youngest of the Jedi present and said, "Heh hmmmm...take note you should of the proper respect this creature shows, hmmmm?" His large eyes were twinkling. The whole group of padawans suddenly looked sheepish and bowed saying, "Yes, Master Yoda."
"Lyri and Tika are instrumental in my survival and safe return from an unexplored wilderness. I owe them a great deal. I will, of course, give you the entire account in my report, Masters. Anakin and I had dealings with Separatist forces in the Chorlian sector as well, which I am sure he will expand upon." Lyri looked down shyly and let her hair drop forward to cover her face when she felt the eyes of the large gathering of Jedi turn to her. Feeling her distress, Obi-Wan gave her mind another gentle caress.
"Master Yoda, I...was wondering if I could prevail upon the healers to take a look at Lyri," he said softly. As I am sure you have sensed, she is at least borderline Force-sensitive and...she is recovering from a rather nasty lung infection amongst other things. I believe she still has a mild fever. We will, of course, wait until you have spoken to us in Council, if you desire."
Yoda moved forward to look up into Lyri's face. She still hadn't looked up from her discomfiture. "No fear you need have youngling. The Jedi a great service you have done in looking after Obi-Wan. A few questions we would like to ask you in the Council Chamber and then to the healers you may go."
Lyri looked into his large eyes gratefully. "Thank you, M-Master Yoda," she said softly. He reached out and patted her hand. She smiled at him and brushed away a stray tear. As she looked up, she saw Anakin at the back of the crowd. He smiled at her and winked and she felt like she might actually be okay here after all.
Obi-Wan, who had just gone to greet his friend Bant while Yoda spoke to Lyri, returned at that moment. "Well then, Masters, if you haven't further business here, shall we retire to the Council Chamber...at least to give you an update on the Confederation in that part of the Outer Rim. I will give you a more detailed report regarding my disappearance as well. If Lyri isn't needed further, we can dismiss her at that time, if it is alright with you. I really think she needs the healers."
"Yes, I want to hear more about this sabotage of your mission as well," said Mace. Yoda nodded and Obi-Wan motioned to Anakin to join them. Anakin strode to a point ahead of them and beckoned to Lyri. She smiled and hurried forward to greet him. After a warm hug, Lyri turned around to see that, though Mace had started forward, Obi-Wan and Yoda were still standing where they'd been. She looked up at Anakin, who said, "A little slow, aren't they?" Then, with all the innocence in the galaxy, Lyri slapped her thigh and called out, "Yoda, Obi-Wan...Come!"
Several things happened at once at that point. Obi-Wan started to turn pink. "Yoda looked at him and said, "Oh...a pet I have now become, hmmm Obi-Wan?" Obi-Wan went from pink to red and looked like he wanted to drop through the floor or impale himself on his lightsaber. The room went dead silent, and then muffled tittering could be heard in the ranks. Even Mace was fighting a grin. Beside Lyri, Tika smiled and Anakin was trying to keep from exploding with laughter. Lyri looked up at him wide-eyed and said, "I do something bad, An-kin?" His eyes twinkling merrily, he ran a hand over her hair and said, "No, honey, just an honest mistake. I think if anyone were to be blamed, it would be Obi-Wan. But don't worry, it'll be just fine. I'll try to explain later, okay?" "Okay, An….An-a-kin," she said uncertainly. He looked down, grinning, and tapped her on the nose saying, "You just made my day, Lyri."
Obi-Wan looked down at Yoda, helplessly "Master, I am so sorry. I meant to explain to her, well...you see I was trying to get her to follow...she didn't remember much Basic at that time, so I...oh dear." He felt a little more at ease when he noticed the little Master's eyes were twinkling.
"Make time to explain to her, you will, young Obi-Wan. Perhaps on your way accompanying her to the healers. Notify Bant we will to expect her. Always accompanies her, the canine does?"
"Most of the time, yes. She is extremely well-behaved."
"Ask Bant to take this into consideration we will. Solicit her help with the head healer we must, if to accompany young Lyri, Tika is. Highly unusual this situation is. Extremely intelligent the creature is but has not yet reached sentience, though close her species must be. Hear some of her thoughts, I do, through the Force. A deeper communion I sense she has with young Lyri; an interesting relationship this is."
Yes, Master Yoda. I have much to tell you about my absence. I...have had more than one vision warning me to only impart certain details to you. I know this is rather unusual, but…"
Yoda turned to look up at him for a moment. "Trouble yourself, do not Obi-Wan. Visions...I have had as well. Speak we will, later, aside from the Council."
"Thank you, Yoda. I really need your counsel," Obi-Wan sighed.
"Warms my heart it does to see you here again, Obi-Wan. Insulted by young Lyri's words I am not." He tapped Obi-Wan's leg very lightly with his gimer stick and continued on to join with the others. Obi-Wan stood and let a wave of relief wash over him before he continued on.
Once they'd entered the waiting area for the Council Chamber, Lyri could sense Obi-Wan changing to that stoic businesslike attitude she had seen on occasion. "Okay, I had better go on ahead for a few moments as we call the Council together. Erm...Anakin, would you mind looking after Lyri for me? I don't want to leave her alone just yet."
"Not a problem, Obi-Wan," the young man grinned. "Maybe we can try some more of those language skills you taught her on some other masters."
"Anakin, the idea is to keep her out of trouble, not use her to get into more mischief!"
"Just kidding, Master...er, Obi-Wan. I'll look out for her." Obi-Wan looked at the cocky grin and headed for the chamber muttering under his breath.
Anakin saw Lyri standing on tiptoe trying to see out one of the higher windows that offered a rather unique view of the skyline. He grinned and said, "Here, let me help, Lyri," as he lifted her onto the ledge and supported her so she wouldn't fall. This was kind of fun; he imagined it was like having a little sister. He smiled at her obvious excitement. A shadow passed over his face as he remembered what Obi-Wan had told him about how she'd been orphaned and potentially sold as a child sex toy. All slavery infuriated him, but that was the worst. If he ever found the two that had done that to her he'd make them die a slow, painful death. He knew vengeance was supposed to be a dark emotion, but sometimes he felt it was warranted. Looking up at her wide-eyed expression and the little half-smile as she looked out at the world, he felt, without a doubt, this was one of those times.
Shaking himself out of the dark thoughts, he had an idea he thought was a rather clever one that would make Lyri's transition a little easier. "Lyri? I have a great idea!" he said as he helped her down. "What?" exclaimed Lyri, catching his excitement. "Well, you need clothes and...girl stuff for your new life, right? I think I know the perfect person to help you with that!"
"You do?" she asked excitedly. "Who help me?"
"She is my...one of my best friends and a senator here on Coruscant. I know she would love to take you shopping and you really need a woman to go with for that sort of thing. She has really good taste, too. Not only that; I think you would really like her. I think you could become good friends."
"Oh Anakin, I like that! I...I never have friend like that! It would be so happy to me!"
Anakin looked down at her, his eyes softening and a lump forming in his throat. "Lyri, you deserve to have a good life. You always deserve that. I know what it's like not to feel welcome, and I never want you to feel that way." He stroked her hair gently. Then he smiled down at her and said, "Just think of me as your big brother. If anyone messes with you, well….they'd just better not."
She looked up at him trustingly and said softly, "Oh Anakin...I always like to have big brother. You best big brother I can have. I happy to meet your friend." "Consider it done. Oh...and big brothers always give their little sisters a nickname. Let's see...you're so little, so...itsy bitsy...got it! It's perfect! My nickname for you'll be Bitsy. How do you like that? Shall we try it on for size?" (He had a sad passing thought about his former padawan and how he'd called her Snips. She'd been like a little sister in a way, too. He wouldn't lose this one.)
"Oh, yes!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands. A bright smile lit up her face and Anakin thought again how lovely she was. Not as beautiful as Padme, he thought but...hmmm. He'd had the vague feeling there was something going on between her and Obi-Wan, but he couldn't get through the man's kriffing shields to get a handle on it. Nah, the man would probably let his kriffing Jedi Code get in the way. What a shame. That wouldn't stop him from teasing his old master about it. His lips pulled into a little smirk.
Obi-Wan stepped out of the Council Chamber and saw Anakin and Lyri over by one of the high windows. They certainly seemed to have gotten chummy while he was inside. Anakin was making her giggle and smile and seemed to be quite affectionate with her. A little part of him felt a twinge of unease at the site, and he had to take a breath and release it before he walked over to get them.
"The Council is ready for us now," he said in a masterly all-business tone of voice.
"Okay, business now, fun later, Bitsy. Let's go get this done!" said Anakin, with a nod to Obi-Wan.
"Bitsy? What in the galaxy?" he thought. He would have to ask about that later. It felt odd being left out of something to do with Lyri. He realized he had rather thought he would be the one to show her things and bring her new experiences first, but of course that didn't really make sense. He was sure he would be called away on mission soon and she would be experiencing all manner of things when he was gone. He suddenly felt an odd sense of loss.
Accompanying Obi-Wan and Anakin into the chamber, she looked around trying to take everything in. She had an overwhelming feeling of great power and wisdom in this place and it seemed almost to weigh down on her. The Force was extremely strong and concentrated here, not spread evenly over distance as on her moon, and, not having learned how to shield herself; it made her so dizzy that she fell to her knees, covering her eyes to stop the room from spinning. Obi-Wan was halfway to his Council seat near the window, when he felt Lyri's distress and saw the other members sit forward a little in their seats. Spinning on his heel, he saw Anakin crouched on the floor next to Lyri stroking her hair and talking softly to her. He walked over quickly and crouched down as well, looking at Anakin and then back at Lyri. "She must be more sensitive than you thought, Obi-Wan. Is she empathic? She isn't able to shield herself where the Force is this strong."
"Agreed," said Obi-Wan, feeling unsettled that he hadn't thought of this possibility ahead of time. If he'd known, he would have placed another temporary shield until he could work with her on shielding. In his heart he just wanted to take her in his arms, but he knew that was unacceptable here. A moment later Yoda was standing next to them. "Ah, a little more than borderline she may be, Obi-Wan. Things there are about her we do not yet know. Help her to cope with some things we can, even if a Jedi she cannot be." He reached out and placed one green claw on Lyri's brow gently and her distress eased. "Shielded her I have for now, Obi-Wan. Work with her on this we must." "Yes, Master. I should have thought of this possibility. I do apologize." Yoda looked at him for a long moment as though he were going to say something, but finally blinked and went back to his seat. It left Obi-Wan feeling a little uneasy. As he and Anakin helped her to her feet, he said, "I'm so sorry, Lyri, I didn't think to prepare you." Looking confused, she just nodded.
As he walked back to his seat, he heard Anakin explaining to her what had happened and reassuring her. He realized suddenly that the two had a history much more in common with their difficult pasts. He would be pleased if Anakin was able to help her adjust and feel welcome. But he hoped he might still be the one to share some things with her for the first time.
Lyri stood beside Anakin and tried to answer the Council's questions as carefully as she could. They were mostly asking about her impressions of the Separatists at present, though they did ask a few questions about how she had survived as a feral youngling. They seemed very intrigued by her relationship with Tika. She apologized for her poor language skills but they all praised her for her ability to speak as well as she did. They then asked her to wait outside in the antechamber while they discussed a few things. Tika had been waiting for her there and hurried over to her. As she tried to slow her breathing, she laid her head against Tika's neck. "I think they are trying to decide what to do with us, Tika. I know Obi-Wan said he'd fight for us, but he can't go against them," she sent. Receiving the thought, Tika was silent a few minutes. Finally, she sent Lyri an assurance. "Whatever happens, I will be with you. You are my sister." Lyri teared up and hugged her tightly.
Before Anakin left his spot in the center of the chamber, he said, "I know this is an unusual situation. But, for Lyri's sake as well as our own, I think it would be good for her to stay here for awhile, Masters." He glanced at Obi-Wan who said thank you with a very slight nod of his head and a feeling of gratitude sent through the remaining thread of their bond. With nothing further to say, he bowed and left the chamber.
Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan finally began his plea for Lyri's case to stay at the Temple for the immediate future so she could learn and adjust and so they could learn more about her as well. "Masters, if you please, I would like to address the Council on a somewhat delicate matter," he began. He then used all the persuasive skills he could muster to fight for her to stay. When he had finished he held his breath and waited for a vote. There was some slight hesitancy with a couple of the Council and he had to answer a few more questions, but the vote turned out to be in favor after Yoda added the reasons he thought they should shelter her and teach her to live in the world she was entering. He supported Obi-Wan's arguments completely. A pent up sigh slowly escaped Obi-Wan's lips. "Thank you Master Yoda, fellow Council members."
"We think, Obi-Wan, since you know the most about her, you should be responsible for her until we feel she is ready to take responsibility for herself. You can make arrangements for her education and work with her. Also, since we need you for the war effort, you must make arrangements for her to be looked after when you are gone." This was Mace's recommendation after conferring with Yoda. The Council agreed.
"Is there anything else we need to discuss, Masters?"
"Reconvene the Council we will in the morning, Obi-Wan. To young Lyri you must see. To the healers take her now. Hmmmm...for the present stay with you she can, if release her the healers do. Never had time to move from the apartment that shared with your padawan you did. Use the padawan room she can. A more suitable place we will later find for her." Knowing Obi-Wan's fairly strict adherence to the Code, the rest of the Council thought this a perfectly logical course of action.
As he came into the antechamber, he saw Anakin sitting with Lyri, trying to comfort her. She was leaned against him with his arm around her protectively, Tika's large head on their laps. He could see Lyri's cheeks were still dampened with tears. Force, she looked so small and fragile at that moment. Everything in him wanted to gather her up and hold her, but the Jedi in him tempered this.
"I have good news, Lyri. The Council has agreed that you should stay with us so we are able to protect you and so we may learn from each other. They have also agreed that you should go to the healers where I shall accompany you now. I believe Anakin and Yoda adding their support to my plea may have been a deciding factor." He reached out and squeezed Anakin's shoulder saying, "Thank you my friend, and thank you for looking after her so she wasn't alone." Tika's head suddenly popped up and she looked straight into Obi-Wan's eyes. "My apologies, Tika. So they weren't alone."
"It was my pleasure, Obi-Wan. See, Lyri? Everything's going to be okay. Now, if you two will excuse me, I have to be off. See you later." Giving Lyri a last hug and nodding to Obi-Wan he left, his dark robe fluttering behind him.
Obi-Wan stood mesmerized for a moment by the golden highlights lit up by the early afternoon sun in Lyri's hair. He had always liked this side of the antechamber where the sunlight poured through the windows in the afternoon. This just added another sweet memory to tuck away. Giving his head a slight shake, he said, "Come along, sweetheart, Bant is waiting for us in the Infirmary so we can have the state of your health assessed."
"I okay, Obi-Wan. Not need to go there." Her lips formed a little pout as she gazed up at him and then looked down again. His body started to react with warm tingles, but he tamped the feeling down as he had for years prior to knowing her. "Sweetheart, I beg to differ with you. You are still running a low grade fever and have some residual sensitivity in your lungs. You do need to go to the Infirmary. Besides, my friend Bant is waiting for us. She is most anxious to meet you." Sighing, she lay her head back down on Tika's neck for a moment. Obi-Wan crouched down beside her and ran a hand lightly up and down her back. "It is going to be alright, Lyri. I shall stay there with you as long as you need me."
"Okay, Obi-Wan. You my friend. I trust you."
"Very well, then," he said as he stood and held out his hand. Lyri stood and leaned her head against his arm for a moment as she took his hand. He could feel her trembling. He put an arm around her and pulled her close for a moment before leading her toward the Halls of Healing. Tika padded along quietly beside them.
As they entered the Halls, Lyri looked at everything she could see from Obi-Wan's side. She could smell the bacta and other antiseptics and crinkled her nose. Remembering a trauma as a very small child and being rushed to an emergency facility, she moved as close to Obi-Wan as she could when he stopped at the reception counter for the Infirmary. She held tighter to his hand and seemed to become hyperaware. Glancing down at her as they waited for the receptionist to get Bant, he saw that unmistakable look of a creature getting ready to flee. "Sweetheart, it is going to be alright, I promise you. I know you will like Bant; she has been one of my dearest friends since we were younglings."
Just then a young Twi'lek padawan came around the corner and looked at Tika. "I'm afraid you can't have that animal here," she said a little sharply and started toward the canine. At that Lyri, who was already on the verge of fleeing, pulled loose from Obi-Wan and started running for the entryway with Tika. "Lyri, stop," he said with a hint of firmness. But she just looked at him, eyes wide and shimmering with tears, shook her head, and backed away with her hand on Tika's ruff. Force, she was acting almost afraid of him. His heart clenched. Changing tack, he spoke gently to her. "Lyri, please sweetheart, no one's going to hurt either of you." He gave the padawan a stern look that stopped her in her tracks. About that time, Bant came into the room.
"Since when do we not allow therapy animals into the Halls of Healing, Dreela?" Turning to the frightened girl, she said, "Hi. You must be Lyri and this must be…. "Tika," supplied Lyri in a shaky voice. Obi-Wan edged slowly forward. "That's right," said Bant. I remember seeing you in the hangar when you arrived. By this time, with Lyri's attention on Bant, Obi-Wan was able to move to a position between her and the entryway. He sent a soothing thought to Tika, reassuring her of their intentions. Bant had such a gentle demeanor that Lyri finally started to relax a little.
Both Bant and Dreela looked at Tika suddenly, for she had sent a question to their minds. "Y-Yes, Tika; we just want to make certain she is in good health. Obi-Wan told us she'd been fighting an infection. This is amazing, Obi-Wan! I don't think I've ever encountered anything like this," said Bant. The Twi'lek looked completely shocked.
"They are very close, Bant. I will explain more later, but right now she cannot have the one thing she relies on in this unfamiliar place taken away from her. He cocked a stern eyebrow at Dreela who shrank back a little. "I'm sorry, Master Kenobi," she said in a rather small voice. Softening his demeanor just the tiniest bit, he said, "This is why you must think things through most of the time before you act, padawan. There is a proper time for using your feelings."
"Yes, Master Kenobi," the young Twi'lek said as she backed toward the reception desk to return to her work.
"Dreela needs to work on her bedside manner, Lyri. I am sure this will not happen again," came a pointed remark from Bant. The girl practically ran to one of the desks behind reception. Lyri actually felt a little sorry for the Twi'lek now as she received admonishments from both Obi-Wan and Bant.
Turning to Lyri, Bant said, "Why don't we go to an examining room and take a listen to your lungs, Lyri. Tika, you are very welcome to join us, as is Obi-Wan." She put a comforting arm around Lyri. "You have a very pretty color," said Lyri shyly, touching the salmon pink of Bant's arm. "Why thank you," said the Mon Calamari healer. She winked at Obi-Wan.
When they got to the exam room she handed Lyri a gown to put on and showed her a cubby hole for her clothes. Feeling Lyri's apprehension, Bant just told her, "Don't worry Lyri, it is just routine. Everyone that comes in for a thorough exam has to put one on. Just ask Obi. Though...sometimes we have to argue with him awhile before he's a good boy and puts the gown on. When Lyri looked at Obi-Wan, he was blushing slightly, so she knew it was true. "Erm...I can wait just outside until you are finished changing if you like," he said. "Or turn your back, Obi...I know you have questions for me," said Bant. "He always does," she said in a stage whisper to Lyri. At this, Lyri finally relaxed and decided she very much liked Obi-Wan's gentle teasing friend.
As Bant examined her, Obi-Wan described the nature of the illness to her including the healing effects of the tea from Sarika's notes. "I suspect we just needed to give her a little more time to recover completely, but we needed to leave so she has some lingering effects. Also, she had not experienced space travel since she was a very small child and we, of course, had a fight on our hands, so she was plunged into the deep end, so to speak."
"Breathe in and then out, just normally for me, Lyri," she said. Then, looking at Obi, "Yes, I can still hear a slight wheeze in her lungs. I would like to run a couple of tests, if this is alright. Also, Yoda has asked if we can get a more precise midi count for her.
"What is midi count?" asked Lyri curiously.
"It is a test of your blood, sweetheart, to see how high your Force sensitivity actually is. It is determined by the number of midi-chlorians in your blood. Remember when I explained the Force to you and told you about the midi-chlorians? We can talk more about that later, alright? I do have a few more questions for Bant at present."
"How you get my blood to see?" asked Lyri with a slight sense of trepidation.
"We poke you with a little needle attached to a vial. Don't worry," Bant said, patting Lyri's arm. "It is just a little prick, just for a moment or so and then you're done. Obi can hold your hand while we do it, if you like. That can make it a lot easier sometimes. I was wondering, Lyri...do you think we could ask Tika if she wouldn't mind being tested as well?"
"I ask, Bant." Jumping down from the examining table, she knelt by Tika for a moment. Looking up at Bant, she said, "Tika say if I brave, she be brave." Bant just shook her head and said, "Lyri, this is so remarkable. Your relationship with Tika is something I have not seen before. It is much more than what I've seen with Akk dogs. Very much more."
"Would you like me to hold your hand while Bant takes your blood, sweetheart?"
"Yes, Obi and I hold Tika's paw." Smiling down at her, he said, "Very good." He was quite curious about their midi-chlorian counts himself. Standing beside her, he took her right hand in his. Lyri jumped a little as the needle went into her left arm and held tighter to him. As she watched Bant start drawing the blood, her face began to pale and she shivered. Lifting his other hand to her cheek, he gently turned her face toward him. "Sometimes it is better not to watch that part, little one," he said softly. She leaned her face into his hand, letting out a shaky sigh. "All done, Lyri,"
said Bant, reaching out to pat Lyri's other arm. "You did really well, sweetie. Shall I wait for a minute so you can sit with Tika while I draw her?" Lyri nodded and Obi-Wan moved a little closer to the table so she could lean against him for a moment.
As she prepared another vial, Bant said, "Don't worry, Lyri. The other tests we need to run won't hurt at all." Lyri nodded her head against Obi-Wan's shoulder. After a few moments she had recovered enough to sit with Tika so Bant could take her blood. "Well, I must say you were quite a bit easier without all this fur, Lyri," she smiled. Lyri couldn't help a giggle. "There, that's what I like to see. I must say, when it comes to the healers, you are quite a bit braver than your friend there."
She cocked her head toward Obi-Wan.
"I beg to differ, Bant; I believe I handle coming to the Infirmary quite well...when it is needed. You and I just differ as to our opinions of when it is needed."
"See what I mean?" she muttered to Lyri, causing the young woman to grin. "I may have to solicit your help in the future." Obi-Wan huffed and rolled his eyes. Lyri enjoyed their easy banter as she sat stroking Tika's head. "Well, Tika, It seems you are a brave girl, too," said Bant as she finished up. The canine cocked her head and gave her a grin and a wag of her tail.
"Alright, Lyri...I would like Tika and you to wait here while I take this blood to the lab and have a few words with Obi-Wan. Will you be okay for a little while? Lyri nodded and smiled, so the two Jedi left the room.
"Obi-Wan, she is absolutely lovely. What happened to her that she was left alone so young?" asked Bant.
"Erm...may we retire to your office for a few minutes after you drop the blood off?"
Pausing to study him, she nodded. "I'll be right back." As she returned, she linked arms with her old friend and told him how glad she was that he'd been returned safely yet again. As they entered her office and closed the door, Obi-Wan motioned for her to sit and told her how Lyri had come to be left alone as a child and raised by the zakitas. He briefly told her about their time there and how Lyri had come to be so ill. He then asked, as his best childhood friend, if she would help look after her when he was called away again. "Oh Obi, how could I refuse," she said. "The poor little thing has been through so much."
"Bant, you do not know how it eases my mind to hear you say that. I will try to get her enrolled in classes to help her adjust and catch up as soon as she is settled." His heart feeling lighter, he went around the desk to pick up his old friend and twirl her around. When they had just opened the door a crack, he turned back and said, "Oh, there is just one more thing I need you to do for her, Bant. You see, erm...she is very innocent and has never had anyone to tell her about ...what goes on between a man and a woman when they are attracted to each other. I thought perhaps it would be more comfortable for her coming from a woman. Erm...she is a pretty little thing, as you can see and...well...I would not want any unfortunate incidents...why are you looking at me that way?" Bant couldn't hold in her laughter any more.
As she recovered enough to speak, Bant's voice could be heard almost to the far reaches of the Infirmary. "You gundark! Put you up against an army of Sep droids and you're big and brave, but put you up against one pretty little girl and you're scared to death! You big puff hen!"
Obi-Wan was blushing furiously and slammed the door shut. "Bant, for stars sake! They can probably hear you in the lower levels! Have a little dignity!"
"Oh, I don't think it's my dignity you're worried about. Unfortunate incidents? I never knew you were such a...a…," was all she got out before she dissolved into laughter again.
"Well, really Bant, if you do not want to do it, I shall do it myself! But remember, I know your weaknesses and I know where you live."
"Oh, calm down! Of course I'll explain things to her, Obi. Poor little thing. You're right about one thing...she is very pretty and you are going to have all the young males in the place following her around. You may want to think about how you're going to handle that. I probably got the easy part of the deal."
Hmmm. He hadn't really put a lot of thought into that aspect of things. Perhaps he could ask Yoda or Mace for some advice. He certainly could have used his old master right about now. He also had to admit that the thought of a bunch of hormonal males following Lyri around was not a pleasant one.
"Well, let's just get her well and settled in first, Obi. I'll talk to her as soon as I can," she said, patting his arm.
When they got back to the examining room, however, Lyri and Tika were nowhere to be found. "Oh dear," said Obi-Wan. Just about that time they heard a collective "Oooooh," from the younglings' ward and looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Hurrying in that direction, they were stopped at the doorway by one of the healers who specialized in the care of younglings.
"You didn't tell us she had healing abilities, Master Kenobi. Not only that, the therapy animal with her is so good with the children; she is so gentle and sweet for her large size and the children seem to think she talks to them. They were able to track down little Krylin when he disappeared again and the hairline fracture of his left forearm is almost completely healed thanks to your sweet friend, Master Kenobi. I don't know how she did it; he wouldn't let anyone else near him.
Obi-Wan felt a warm sense of pride and mild excitement at Lyri's and Tika's accomplishments, almost like he felt when Anakin triumphed over something. He thought that a little odd, but supposed it was because he cared about them and wished for them to fit into a life here. Then he had a fleeting memory of a friend of his telling him how proud he was of his wife's accomplishments, even though he had not taught her the skills she used. Could his feeling be akin to that type of pride? If he was honest, he certainly had feelings for her. When he looked down again, Bant was staring at him with her hands on her hips. "What?" he asked.
"Don't you think you might have told me about her ability to heal, Obi?"
"I was not sure to what extent she had the ability, Bant. I am still not certain. I only saw her heal a zakita pup that had been badly injured and she said she was not able to heal it to the extent she wished. An assessment of her abilities in the area of healing would better be done by you, would it not?" Her stance softened and she nodded saying, "Just make sure you didn't leave out any other important details about her, okay Obi?" As he nodded, she reached over and squeezed his arm.
Studying him a moment as he watched Lyri, she had the oddest feeling the two were meant to find each other. Shaking it off, she just smiled at her old friend and said quietly, "Nice find, you big gundark. You would have made Qui-Gon proud."
It was decided that Lyri should spend the rest of the afternoon there with Bant so she could run some tests to find the best treatment option for her and also so she could find out more about her healing abilities. She thought it better to postpone the other item Obi-Wan wanted her to discuss with Lyri until the next day, when the girl had had a chance to rest. Bant couldn't imagine all the poor girl was trying to deal with at once.
While Lyri was spending time with Bant, Obi-Wan went to see about enrolling her in some basic classes to get her reading skills up to par, some first level basics in working with the Force, and some basic knowledge of the present state of things in the galaxy. He also went to see one of his old language professors to ask about a tutor to work with her on her language skills. It seemed news of their arrival had travelled fast and the elder Jedi was very pleased that Obi-Wan had thought of him. As he was leaving, he ran into two science professors he knew in the hallway. They were most anxious to see Lyri's interactions with Tika. He told them they would have to wait until she settled in just a bit and he would be happy to introduce them to both Lyri and the canine. He smiled as they walked off in animated conversation. Well, it seemed Lyri would have more than enough to keep her busy when he was called out on mission.
After these basics were taken care of, he commed Yoda to see when he would be available to talk. Yoda was busy the rest of the day and asked Obi-Wan if he could come to his apartment later in the evening, after last-meal. He figured Lyri would be pretty worn out after her busy day, especially with the lingering effects of her illness. They could just have last-meal and he would make sure she was settled for the night before he left the apartment. Having an orderly plan, he glanced at his chrono and decided it was a good time to meditate.
As he came to the door of the meditation room, he breathed a sigh of relief to find it empty. Sitting cross-legged on one of the meditation cushions scattered on the floor, he let himself relax in the warm late afternoon light filtering through a high window. Beginning his meditative breathing he gradually drifted into a peaceful state and centered himself.
A little over an hour later he came slowly out of his meditation, basking in the warmth of the Force. Opening his eyes and glancing up at the window, he noticed the light was beginning to be touched with tinges of orange, hinting at the coming sunset. "Ah Qui-Gon, I've finally met someone who loves the setting sun as much as we do," he said softly.
A smile played softly on his lips at a memory of watching one of the beautiful sunsets on Lyri's moon with her tucked safely in his arms, her head leaned back against him and the quiet rise and fall of her chest with her breathing against his arms. Perhaps he should collect her from the Infirmary in time to enjoy the sunset with him here on Coruscant on a quiet little balcony that he and Qui-Gon had discovered. It was out of the way and little used anymore. He realized with some surprise that he was aching just to hold her for awhile. His mind made up, he headed for the Infirmary.
As he was walking toward the Infirmary it dawned on him how much emptier the halls in the living areas had become. The floors containing the apartments shared by padawans and their masters used to be bustling with life this time of day as the padawans came home from their classes and made plans to meet for last-meal in the large cafeteria or to eat a quiet supper with their masters as they readied themselves for a night of study. A shadow passed over his face and he felt a shiver run through him as a subtle sense of foreboding ran an icy finger down his spine. With it, his longing for Lyri's warmth grew stronger and he quickened his pace.
As he entered the Infirmary and went to the front reception area to inquire about Bant and Lyri, he noticed that, unlike the empty halls, this place was far busier than it once had been. Just in the few minutes he waited another moderately injured master with a gravely wounded padawan was rushed through the entry and whisked toward the trauma wing. As the master, a slight acquaintance from a former joint mission, rushed by, his eyes met Obi-Wan's with a haunted expression. Obi-Wan nodded slightly in sympathy and prayed the young padawan would recover.
Shortly afterwards Bant appeared with Lyri and Tika. His little waif looked tired, but when she saw him a brilliant smile lit her face. It filled him with sunlight and chased his dark shadows away. "Hello there," he said with an answering smile. "If it is alright with Bant, I have come to take you to watch your first sunset on Coruscant," he said, glancing at the Mon Calamari. "Well, that sounds like good medicine," Bant smiled. "There is no reason she can't go home with you tonight, Obi-Wan. Here are her antibiotics and some instructions in case her wheezing should get worse. I will need to see her back here tomorrow. I will have that other discussion with her then," she said, winking at her friend.
"Very good; thank you Bant. Would you like to meet us for dinner tonight at the cafeteria?"
Bant's face fell slightly. "Maybe some other night, Obi. I...I have to work another double shift tonight. We're constantly short-staffed these days." Obi-Wan noticed for the first time how tired his friend actually looked. He stepped forward and wrapped her in a hug. "I'm sorry, Bant. Perhaps another time?" She nodded whispering, "I'd like that, Obi."
"Shall we see the sunset, little one?" he said, taking Lyri's hand.
"Oh yes!" she said excitedly as he began leading her out. Then she suddenly pulled loose and ran back to hug Bant tightly. Obi-Wan saw the shimmer of tears in Bant's large dark eyes as she hugged her back.
As Lyri rejoined Obi-Wan, she was very quiet. "What is it, little one?" he said softly. Her beautiful hazel eyes moistened. "Bant have sadness in her heart, Obi. She not want us to see, but I see. You see, too." Coming up to the door of the old balcony, he started to reach for the door then turned instead and gazed down at Lyri. "Yes, sweetheart, we do see it," he said quietly. Before opening the door, he reached out and traced his fingers down her cheek in a gentle caress.
As soon as he secured the door, Obi-Wan's need to hold her overcame him. He pulled her into his arms and held her tight against him for several moments, just letting her warmth seep into him and warm his heart. Putting her hands on his chest, Lyri finally leaned back and looked up at him searching his eyes. "You okay, Obi?" she asked in a hushed tone. He gazed down into her eyes and smiled slightly. "I am now, sweetheart."
Gazing up at the first deep ribbons of orange and pink streaking across the sky, he said, "Ah, it looks like your first sunset here will be a rather nice one." He turned her in his arms so she could view it with him.
Lyri watched as the streaks of color changed to reds and deep mauves. The shapes of the buildings darkened in silhouette and lights began to blink on in one after another. "Red in sky look like fire snakes; like they curl around and choke tall buildings." She shivered slightly. Concerned, Obi-Wan looked behind him and backed up to one of the old weathered chairs remaining on the balcony. Lowering himself into the chair, he pulled Lyri down into his lap and pulled his cloak around the two of them. She snuggled into his warmth instinctively. "Where did you see fire snakes Lyri? They are not native to the Outer Rim as far as I know."
"I see them on big station before we get to moon, in little zoo. Tirak make me watch them choke little animal. They burn when they choke and animal cry. Then I start cry and Tirak hold me over snakes and say he drop me if I don't stop. I have bad dream sometime. I still hear little animal cry. She wiped at a stray tear and buried her face against Obi-Wan's chest. He kissed the top of her head and held her tighter, thinking that particular Zabrak scum couldn't get much lower. He would never be able to understand beings that treated younglings with such cruelty.
He had been planning to show her the first colorful lights blinking on with all their neon sparkle, but as he felt her gradually go limp in his arms he realized the day had caught up with her and she'd fallen asleep. Carefully shifting her into position to carry her he stood and left the balcony. Finally getting to his apartment, he entered and was pleasantly surprised to see that, not only had their baggage been brought up, but someone had left them a box of groceries.
Carefully laying Lyri down on the bed in the spare padawan room, he undid her moccasins and put them in the small closet. Putting the comforter over her, he pulled the door partway shut and went out into the common room. "May as well get organized and put the groceries away while I have the chance," he said to himself. Noticing a note beside the groceries, he picked it up and saw his former padawan's distinctive scrawl: "Obi-Wan - I know you sometimes forget to eat unless it's right in front of you, but you need to feed Lyri, too. Just lending a hand. There's some cocoa for Lyri and yeah, your favorite tea is in there, too. - Anakin"
Obi-Wan smiled to himself. Anakin could be such a thoughtful young man at times. It was a trait that endeared the young man to him because he gave freely, with no thought of gain and regardless of the recipient's station in life. Qui-Gon had been right in his assessment off that part of the young man's personality. Just as he was putting the last items in their proper places, his comm chirped.
"Obi-Wan, pleases me greatly to have you back it does. Young Lyri, settling in she is?" asked Yoda.
"Yes Master Yoda, but she is pretty well exhausted. I think she is rather overwhelmed at present. Plus she still has a lingering infection in her lungs. But Bant has given me some medicine for her and instructions for her care."
"Hmmm...postpone our meeting tonight I will. A situation has come up I must deal with."
"I can come right away if you require my assistance, Master. You have only to ask."
"Know this I do Obi-Wan. For tonight...care for young Lyri you must. Needs you she does. Her first night in a strange world it is with no way to prepare her. Reschedule our meeting tomorrow we will."
"I...thank you, Master Yoda."
"Heh...hmm...fret not, young Obi-Wan, your duty you are not putting aside. Plenty we will have for you to do in the coming days. The Council will convene at 0930 hours. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Master." His lips turned up in a little smile. His old friend and mentor knew him too well.
Taking the medicine and instructions Bant had given him out of a pocket in his robe, he set them on the counter. He smoothed out the instructions and glanced at them, then at his chrono. He would have to wake Lyri up in a few minutes to give her the evening dose of her antibiotics. Hmmm, perhaps he could get her to eat a little soup while he had her up.
"Daddy?" Lyri called out frantically. Where were they? Nothing looked familiar and she didn't know where her parents had gone. "Daddy?" she whimpered softly. Someone came into the room.
"Lyri, sweetheart, you are having a dream. You are safe." Only half awake and frightened, she tried to scoot backward on the bed. Obi-Wan turned the light on the desk on and went to her. Gathering her up he sat on the bed and held her until her struggling subsided, murmuring softly to her. "Shhh, little one, it is just a dream," he cooed. As awareness finally came to her, she clung to him whimpering, "Obi."
"I won't let anything happen to you, sweetheart," he said, leaning down to capture her in a gentle kiss. He was surprised when she immediately responded and, as her soft tongue slid over his, he felt a slow flame ignite deep within him. Groaning softly, he kissed her more deeply, suddenly feeling the need to touch her. Pulling her top up slightly he worked his hands underneath and, holding one hand flat against her back, he ran the fingertips of the other slowly up and down, letting them glide over the soft warmth. Force, he wanted to taste her, but he knew he needed to hold himself back until she was ready. He had always preferred a long foreplay, anyway. It was half the pleasure, watching a woman come to life under your touch, your kisses, the things you whispered to her. He had in his depths a passionate, sensuous side very few had ever witnessed. Now, if he was being perfectly honest with himself, there was only one delicate little honeyed flower he wanted to see open to him.
For now, he would indulge himself just a little, carefully keeping his fire at a manageable level. He could picture her pert little breasts in his mind's eye as he had seen them on her moon when he had helped her into her top. Rounded and delicately soft, the nipples standing up in the cool air.
Lowering her gently back down on the bed, he lay beside her as she looked at him questioningly. He smiled warmly at her, his eyes glinting midnight in the dim light of the little desk lamp. "Don't be afraid sweetheart," he said as he felt her heart beat suddenly quicken. "If it would be alright...may I see a little more of you? You..are so lovely." Then he leaned down and kissed her softly, pulling back and watching her, waiting. Her eyes were serious and reflected a soft light back to him. He saw them soften with trust as he gently stroked her hair. Lost in the warmth of his gaze, she finally nodded.
Gently lifting her top, he raised her up a little to pull it over her head, then lowered her back down. He swallowed and took his time trailing over her breasts slowly with his eyes. Looking up at her, he rested his hand on her stomach for a moment and leaned down to kiss her, a soft sensuous melding of lips and tongues. As he kissed her, he slowly moved his hand in soft caresses up to the lower swell of her breasts. Pulling back he studied her hair flowing softly over the pillow, her face with eyes wide, but soft and her lips, parted just slightly. "You are so beautiful, Lyri..." Watching her, he gently stroked first one breast and then the other, finally running his fingers lightly over her nipples to watch them rise to his touch. She gasped, a shiver running through her, and arched into his touch.
"Oh stars, I can hardly stand this but I just want more," she thought as his fingers left tracings of warmth on her skin. When he skimmed her nipples, she felt a jolt of heat run straight to her core and she couldn't get enough of his touch, arching involuntarily. She needed. What, she wasn't sure, but she knew who. Only him. A sound rose from inside her to her lips in desperation.
As he softly teased her nipples he smiled as her body reached for him. He could feel the fire burning hotter in him, sending blood to his groin. As he heard her whimper and felt her quiver, he knew he needed to pull back for both of them. Indulging himself just a little further, he placed a wet kiss on each little nub, feeling her start to squirm and hearing her whimper more insistently. It took all his Jedi discipline to pull himself back from the edge. Groaning softly, he pulled her against him and just held her until they had both calmed. Force, he loved the scent of her, the feel of her. But he knew it was best to take this slowly for him as well as for her. He still needed to figure things out and he needed Yoda's counsel. He desperately hoped there was some way to make this fit into his life as a Jedi. Sighing deeply, he sat up and helped Lyri back into her top with one last searing look at her lovely breasts, committing them to memory for the time he'd be called away.
Lyri could still feel warm tingles running the length of her body and when his hands grazed her skin as he pulled her top into place, she shivered deliciously.
"Ah, my dear, I think we had better get you up so you can take your evening dose of medicine and have a little something to eat. Her hair was a little tousled and she looked slightly dazed, causing him to chuckle. "By the looks of it, I am getting you up none too soon."
As he got her medicine into her and prepared some soup, he started whistling a merry little tune. With a big smile, she started humming along. He looked up at her surprised. "I like that song, too, Obi." He grinned at her. "Ah, a duet," he said and resumed whistling with her accompaniment.
To help slow things down, he told her maybe they should sleep in their respective rooms, even though that wasn't really what he wanted. He assured her he would leave his door open and would hear her if she needed him. "I think it will give us a little breathing space to figure things out," he told her. She looked a little puzzled, but agreed with him.
Late that night, when she came into his room and stood by his bed, twisting the hem of her sleep shirt because she couldn't sleep, he opened his eyes and smiled softly, patting the bed beside him. Breathing a sigh of relief, she climbed up on the bed, snuggled under the covers, and curled up next to him. A moment later he had pulled her against him and they both drifted into a peaceful sleep. The Force shimmered softly around them.