Hello! this is the first time I've published a Star Wars fic, as I don't think there's enough Obi Wan/OC around ;) Anyway, as usual, I do not own anything except my OC. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback, loads of love x Aj.

'Since when do Jedi attend balls, Master?' Obi Wan asked sourly, he had so wanted to have an evening of meditation, not waste it on politics and giggling women.

'Since they have been invited by the council, Obi Wan. Be mindful of your resentment' Qui Gon admonished him gently 'Go clean up, before we are late'

Obi Wan showered and dressed in clean pressed clothes, mentally preparing himself for an evening of boredom. He should not be so sullen, he thought, it was an excellent opportunity to continue to develop his strengths. To practice mind reading and light commands in crowds would be of great benefit. Having convinced himself the night would not be a complete waste, he rejoined his master and they made their way together to the council halls.

Men and women alike were dressed in their finest and most colourful robes and gowns, their excited chatter swelling throughout the ballroom. A small orchestra played something light and joyful to start the evening off, the very last golden rays of sunlight beginning to fade.

'Obi Wan, enjoy yourself' His master said, already making his way to get a drink. He clung to the edges of the crowd, watching the people dancing, so smooth and elegant. He wanted to join in, but also felt out of place in his simple robes. Instead he stood, clutching a glass of Mandalorian wine, and gently invading peoples thoughts, testing the boundaries.

'Kenobi? Is that you?' a woman's voice broke his concentration and he looked to his left to greet her. 'It is you! My you've grown into a handsome young man'

He coloured slightly and bowed to her 'Forgive me, I don't recall your name?'

'Namocco, Arec Namocco' she extended her hand to him, forcing him to shake 'We were initiates together'

Memories fell into place and he nodded in recognition, shaking her hand. She too had grown into a beautiful woman, a far cry from the rough and tumble little girl she had been. 'Of course' he attempted to probe her mind but found it well protected 'It has been so long... I thought you left Coruscant?'

She shook her head, her silvery mane swinging down her back 'I said I would... and so I did. But Here I find myself again' her hand was still in Obi Wan's and she looked towards the dance floor as a new waltz began 'Would you dance with me?'

'Arec I don't think I...' he started to protest

'Nonsense. Dance with me' she said with some force, and he agreed hesitantly. She led him through the crowd 'Do you know how to waltz?'

He shrugged 'You know dance is not something taught to Jedi'

'I thought the curriculum may have changed in my absence' she smirked 'Follow my lead' she placed his hand on her waist, and held the other, leading him slowly in the steps which soon flowed naturally to him. 'There you go'

'This takes quite bit of brain work' he commented, having memorized the steps and working to not embarrass himself.

'You're doing wonderfully' she tilted his chin so he looked at her instead of his boots 'Don't look at your feet, it's the fastest way to lose them'

He searched her face, her green eyes for a hint of something, anything, for her to have singled him out. Frustratingly she obviously blocked her mind well. 'What happened... I mean, what did you do after leaving the order?' her forefinger rested on the back of his neck, stroking absently just often enough for his guard to tremble.

'I had nowhere to go, at first. Then my research led me to a planet of another galaxy. I travelled, expanding my knowledge and growing myself. And now here I am' she explained succinctly, giving him an extremely broad overview of the past decade.

'Another galaxy?' he echoed, his beautiful blue eyes expressing his obvious surprise 'What was it that you were researching?'

The music stopped and she pulled away from him, curtsying politely. She sapphire blue gown moved with her body in ways he hadn't seen before. He bowed to her, not taking his eyes from hers for a second 'Perhaps that is a story for another time' Arec touched his hand 'Thank you for the dance Obi Wan, it is truly a pleasure to see you again'

Qui Gon spotted them and smiled, pleased to see his apprentice immersing himself in the world, instead of simply observing. Arec left the dance floor quickly, Obi Wan staring after her in confusion for a moment before deciding to follow her.

'Arec!' he called, watching the blue and silver disappear into the crowd. He could not explain his feelings and so he distanced himself from them, observing them logically. He searched the force for her signature, but she had so well concealed herself that he felt no one but Qui Gon. Through the crowds he pushed slowly, searching for her. A thought came to him. Just because her mind was guarded did not mean he couldn't let her hear his.

'Well aren't you just a naughty boy' she whispered in his ear as he was at the bar. Was this flirting?

'What do you mean?' he asked, taking the glass from the bartender. She ordered a large sonic screwdriver, and eyed him over the rim of the glass, drawing out his discomfort. His guard flew back up in an instant.

'Your dirty little thoughts' she teased 'so impure for a Jedi'

'I.. I' he stammered, completely unsure of what she was talking about. 'What?' he managed lamely

'Oh wait... it was his thoughts' she pointed to a bald and rotund senator 'My mistake' she chuckled

'Are you tormenting me purposely?' he demanded, regaining his composure and solidifying his walls.

'I'm sorry Kenobi, I don't want you to think I'm torturing you' she smiled gently, resting her hand on his forearm. 'I'm sorry I rushed off on you. I needed to speak to someone urgently'

She had piqued his curiosity in a way a woman never had before. He assessed her. She certainly looked Human, but her silver hair betrayed her differences. Her skin was pale, but not sickly so. She was delicate, but toned and clearly capable of fighting. He hadn't remembered her voice being so musical. Her eyes were where he focused. Green, ringed with yellow, and bright. They did not betray her emotions, but rather gave the impression the depths of her emotions were unfathomable. She was, he supposed, uniquely beautiful.

'Credit for your thoughts?' she joked, knocking him from his thoughts 'Shouldn't Qui Gon have been teaching you to be mindful of the present?'

'Who is your friend, Obi Wan?' Qui Gon had sensed the change in atmosphere, and found his way to his apprentice, in case of any danger.

'Hello Master Jinn' Arec bowed respectfully. The Master had hardly changed, but for the slowly creeping through grey his hair. She felt him search for her, the recognition burning in his mind. She had, she supposed, changed very much in 11 years.

Obi Wan cleared his throat 'Master, this is Arec Namocco' he paused to let the name sink in 'She was an initiate at the same time as I, but left the order'

'Of course' the pieces fell into place joltingly. He held out his hand to her 'It has been many years since our last meeting, young Arec'

'Indeed it has, Qui Gon' she shook, clasping his hand between both of hers

'I look forward to hearing you speak before the council tomorrow' if she was surprised he knew, she didn't show it

'I am most pleased you will be attending' she took up her drink again, and regarded him cautiously. He was well known among the Jedi as being close to Grey. She had more respect for him than for the strict Jedi she would be before tomorrow. She leaned in close, her voice lowered to a whisper 'Do you sense darkness in the force where we are, Qui Gon?'

He his expression remained neutral, but she felt his aura reach out. 'I do not sense a disturbance' he said after a few moments 'a difference in presences, but no darkness'

'I understand' she said sadly. Of all of the Jedi she had hoped that he would sense as she did, as all of her kindred spirits did.

'I have a busy visit ahead of me, please excuse me. I look forward to seeing you in the morning, Qui Gon' she bowed to the older man 'Obi Wan, I hope I have the pleasure of seeing you again before I leave. Perhaps we could work on your dance skills' she wrapped her thin fingers around his arm, stood on tip toe, leaned in and kissed him softly on the cheek 'You have grown into a wonderful Jedi. I am proud of you'

Obi Wan's hand flew to his cheek as she relinquished it and left them in quiet contemplation- he only bubble of silence in the whole ball room.