Obi-Wan slowly closed the ancient, wooden door of his quarters, and turned to face Oriah on the bed. He could not keep his eyes on her, and hoped that she would ask nothing of the fight.

"Obi-Wan? Why was Qui-Gon angry?" she asked, her eyes on the floor. "Was it my fault?"

"No, Oriah. It was not your fault. I am sorry for any discomfort you have encountered. It was merely a misunderstanding between.....between Qui-Gon and me. It is over now."

He moved over to the bed, and forced himself to look at her. Her face was worried, and though the force was moving violently inside of him, telling him that Qui-Gon was watching, he moved closer and placed his lips gently on hers. Their eyes closed as they held each other closely. Passion was in full force, but something held Obi-Wan back, some undeniable force was vibrating through his mind that screamed for the kiss to end. They pulled away and he held her lovingly, knowing that holding her in his arms was worth the singeing sting in his brain. Little did he know, just how closely Qui-Gon was watching him, cloaked in the force..............

The next day, Obi-Wan went to visit Master Jun, the gardener of the grounds. He knew that Jun would always know the right things to do and would never tell a secret of a friend. As he sat down to tea with Jun, he realized how badly he needed to talk about his fears and problems.

"Master Jun, I have come to you because there are troubles between Qui-Gon and I. He..he...well we had an argument. I've never seen him more lost from the force. I've never even seen him angry.....well, at least not at me. In any case, there is a huge problem and I need your advice on how to handle the situation."

"Well, young Obi-Wan, what seemed to trigger the anger? Do you know?"

"I....I don't think I can tell even you that, Master Jun.... it is too dark...." Obi-Wan closed his eyes and gripped his cup of tea, "I just can't."

"There is no need to tell me the details, if they are too difficult to express. I already know what troubles your heart....."

Meanwhile, back in Obi-Wan's quarters, Oriah was laying fully-clothed on the bed. Yes, they had slept together, but there was no intercourse, only themselves. She thought it was a sweet guesture, but part of her wondered why Obi-Wan had been reluctant to make love

with her. Perhaps Qui-Gon had something to do with it? She still had no clue as to the true beginnings of their fight, but she was almost certain that some of it was from her being with Obi-Wan at night.She thought, "Why would Qui-Gon be angry about that?"

"I know that this has been going on for many years, young Obi-Wan. We have all known it, but we decided together to let you both work it out. Third parties in these matters are often in the wrong, and we had hoped you would figure it out together."

"You have known? You have all known and never moved to help me? I can't believe this, I...how long, exactly? No, don't tell me that. I do not need to know. Well, whatever is in the past must stay in the past, so please, just help me today. I need to know. What do I do, Master Jun?" His eyes were downcast in embarrassment and shame.

"I do believe you love Oriah?"

"I...I don't know. I suppose so, but every time I kiss her, there he is. His face haunts us, master Jun. Every time I think of her....every time I touch her hair..."

"I will go and speak to him."