Return To Coruscant
To return to Coruscant was a massive relief to Savannah. She wasn't sure what about it was comforting, like there was an invisible companion that floated through the oxygen she breathed in on this city-planet. It was as if when she would re-enter it's atmosphere the weight on her shoulders relieve, and she could finally sink back within the crowd. Going off-planet always would result with Savannah becoming the center of attention, after all, when a Jedi enters ones planet, that one would wish to meet this heroic figure.
Returning home reminded Savannah of what her dear mother would chant to her in the most humbling voice, every evening. She could still faintly hear the soft hum of her voice, and feel the kind, warm breeze that swept across them peacefully "come home, little petal. Come home to the hearth and warm milk by the gentle flames. Come home and talk while we sip and laugh over our own silliness. Why did we ever sweat the small stuff so much? Why didn't we let go and enjoy the ride? The hard part is over, the joy is ahead, so be with me now. Stay. Pull up your chair and belong. I need you in my life; I hope you need me in yours. Come and we'll paint the walls anew, set the furniture just the way you like it. So long as you are here I am happy; I am well".
Her mother had always reminded Savannah that these words would, one day, form into more then comfort, and instead meaningful words, of which Savannah could learn and relate to. And though it had been 21 years since Savannah had heard those peaceful words – she was yet to truly discover what it meant.
Her speeder, the one of which she cherished with all her life, and prioritized regularly, frantically dodged the others that surrounded, in the ridiculed rush of Coruscant traffic. Some would say, particularly the tourists, that it was peak hour. Though Savannah had inhabited this planet long enough to be very intelligent on the fact that on Coruscant, it was always peak hour. And Savannah was not exaggerating, or blowing this out of proportions, it truly was in this hectic manner 24/7.
The speeder gleamed in the flood of traffic, it's purple finish blending seamlessly with the shadowed corners and looming Dura steel walls. The machine was Savannah's pride and joy, and was a gift from her Grandmother, who seemed to still wish to visit Savannah even though Savannah was aligned with the Jedi Order, who forbade attachments. Though Savannah supposed she'd rebelled against that rule more then a few times. The Airstreamer K-series was a top of the range model from a reputable Coruscanti company, which often supplied for the annual races that took place on the opposite side of the planet. The speeder was famed for it's maneuverability and lightening speeds, and Savannah enjoyed showing off her trophy.
When her grandmother, Beryl, had offered Savannah the costly transport, Savannah immediately refused. Jedi, first and foremost, were forbidden to have possessions, though Savannah didn't have much more then the slightest care about that, as she firmly disagreed with the Order's guidelines. The main reason was because she felt it was far to generous of her grandmother, and rather un necessary. But after Beryl accomplished her goal of persuading Savannah, using numerous tactics she'd used on Savannah's grandfather, Savannah surrendered and accepted the dazzling purple machine.
In the distance, Savannah could see the Great Jedi Temple.
It sat upon a massive half-pyramid base, with five soaring spires towering above the surrounding landscape, their height dominating the horizon and casting long shadows across the district below. It was quite a sight, with an enduring stone symbol of the sanctity of the hallowed order within its walls.
The entire complex was built upon one of Coruscant's highest natural mountains and the ruins of an ancient Sith shrine. Which Savannah found ironic, and symbolic. The sprawling ziggurat base provided a maze of expansive empty halls, gardens and labyrinthine passages. Each level of the structure containing a new array of forgotten secrets and whispered knowledge, and, at it's heart, the mountain's peak and the base of the Tranquility Spire. It housed some of the most sacred objects of the Order: Texts, and artifacts documenting the history of the Jedi, countless works of art and thousands of priceless tomes.
It was an honor to inhabit such a beautiful construction, and just as much an honor to be part of the Order that lied within. True, Savannah disobeyed some of the rules the Jedi set out, though she was a dedicated Jedi, firmly cemented within the light. She knew the difference between the light and the dark, the battle between good and evil, and it took her right judgment to enthuse the good. She knew the story of the dark side, how it made one suffer, hate, and she did not aspire to a lifetime of such… anger.
Evil began in a time before recorded history, when magicians made themselves into kings…and gods…using the powers of the dark side of the Force. The weak-minded have ever been ready to obey one who wields great power. Those who learned the powers of the dark side were quick to exploit this weakness—to make war. Again and again the dark side has surged forth, like a storm…devouring whole worlds and entire star systems. Those who mastered dark power became dark power. They unleashed destruction, for no other reason than for selfish gain. They despoiled nations…destroyed whole civilizations. Some of them, Savannah was ashamed to admit, were Jedi. And some, simply selfish people who were seduced by its power.
Eventually, Savannah's speeder approached the looming Jedi Temple, the towering columns wrapped in vines that spurted with colourful flares casted long shadows across the structure and hallowed gardens, of which brang light to Savannah's chocolate brown orbs.
Within the hanger, Savannah recognized, were numerous other ships and transports, as well as various scattered Jedi, the whole lot. Younglings, Initiates, Padawans, Knights, Masters. Savannah was at the stage of Knight, and though she was a Master, to her very young Zeltron padawan Elizia, she was classified a 'Jedi Master'.
As the speeder was guided safely through the hanger, and sat upon a designated section, Savannah caught a glimpse, a flash, of pink hued flesh, and vibrant sky blue locks. Giving an unmistakable indication that Elizia was here, awaiting Savannah's arrival. And without doubt, an undeniable grin plastered Savannah's lips.
The moment the speeder levered and made contact with the polished concrete floor, Savannah had already deactivated the engines and whipped outside of the speeder in utter excitement. And to her distinct pleasure, Elizia stood with the widest grin Savannah had ever witnessed on her padawan. The two drew together like magnets and attacked one another in a much-needed embrace.
Hugs were never long enough for Elizia, nor Savannah. In her Masters arms, Elizia was safe and her worries vanished like rain on summer earth. In that embrace she was cocooned better than any butterfly-to-be. She felt her soft skin and the gentle squeeze on her own. She bathed in Savannah's warmth and the scent of the Cato Neimoidia flora.
The hug was a gesture of affection, proving that Savannah was attached, a rule of the Jedi broken. Though Elizia was not the only one Savannah was attached to. The arms that held each other were soft, yet strong.
True, they were Master and Padawan, but if one would look on them in a differed eye, they would be immediately mistaken as mother and daughter. Because that was simply what they seemed to be – teacher and student, mother and daughter, older sister and younger, best friend and best friend. And it was needless to say that they, by heart, fit each description.
After many lengthy moments, Savannah reluctantly pulled away, Elizia's head retracting from Savannah's mid-waist, as she was very youthful and had not grown to Savannah's height yet, but would be her height in years to come.
Once they were able to visualize one another, Savannah took acknowledgment of the jubilant tears within Elizia's hued blue eyes, which matched her familiar shaded hair. And it struck Savannah just how long she'd been away.
She had left Coruscant a few months ago to embark a mission on Cato Neimoidia, settling a dispute within the colonists. Though upon arrival Savannah came to the conclusion there was a larger mystery behind the scheme, and so she'd ventured longer, and by the time she'd come to a solution, 3 months had passed. No wonder she had missed her home here on Coruscant so dearly and immensely.
With weeping tears trailing down Elizia's youthful, adorable face, and a beaming smile that reached ear to ear, she giggled jubilantly, causing Savannah to quirk an individual defined eye-brow.
"And what might you find so humorous, my very young padawan?" Savannah inquired with a mischievous gleam within her eyes, which matched the devilish twinkle within Elizia's.
Pressing her pink hued lips together, in attempt to suppress her chorusing laughter, Elizia explained the situation "I think I scared the bantha poo out of Obi-wan"
Oh… Obi-wan. How Savannah had missed him…
"And why do you say that?-"
"ELIZIA!"
Speak of the Sith.
Savannah had been interrupted by the agitated shouts that belonged to none other then Obi-wan kenobi. The one of which the Master and Padawan had been conversationing about. The one Savannah, though she hated to admit it, was hopelessly in love with. But he didn't know that. In fact, very few knew of her crush on the Stewjonan. And she knew with immense certainty that he didn't feel in such a way towards her. Which was an accurate estimation.
It appeared that Obi-wan was yet to recognize Savannah's presence, as he dashed across the hanger with an infuriated expression upon his face.
"Why in kriffing hell would you scream like that!-"
It took a few moments for Obi-wan to eventually notice Savannah, but when he did, Savannah would be cheerful to admit that the look on his face was, some would say, priceless.
She saw the shock register on his face before he could hide it. A small smile played on her lips. There was a delicious moment where Obi-wan's face washed blank with confusion, like his brain cogs couldn't turn fast enough to take in the information from his wide eyes. Every muscle of his body just froze before a grin crept onto his face, it soon stretched from one side to the other showing every single tooth
His piercing blue eyes glittered in the artificial light the hanger gave off, and it caused Savannah's heart to thump erratically within her chest, as if it were energized rabbit. Was it possible for him to grow more handsome over the time she'd been away? She thought to herself in awe, observing how his well-proportioned body had broadened, and how his face had grown into one of a man. It was odd, how she could look upon this 24-year-old man who'd grown so much, physically and mentally, but Savannah could look at him and immediately still see him when he was only a 7-year-old Initiate.
It was as if it was Yesterday that Savannah had met Obi-wan….
Savannah sat in one of the numerous Meditation Gardens apart of the Great Jedi Temple. A lush place for a meditative retreat. The garden was situated on various levels of the Temple Ziggurat and within the four Council Spires, the meditation garden was a generally cool, sun-drenched chamber in which Savannah was meditating amongst the foliage and trickling streams.
This one was filled with dense foliage and moist grottoes, benches lined dirt and stone paths that cut through the jungle-like chambers. It also had a sandpit near a towering tree, filled with pink stones that were gently balanced upon each other, inducing a very calming atmosphere.
Savannah generally preferred another one of the gardens, as it had a fish-filled pond connected to a sandy beach, with butterflies fluttering over the gently lapping waters. But, she supposed, this one did quite nicely.
On the rooftop of the Ziggurat were at least eight large gardens located in the architecture that jutted out from the pyramid of the Temple. Clerestories formed the ceilings of these gardens and access to the Ziggurat's broad rooftop plaza was gained through three broad doorways.
There in the garden she calmly sat in a meditative position, beneath the pure essence of a towering tree that casted a looming shadow, of which Savannah found shade. She felt at peace.
The kind of peace of which was like a subtle sea flowing calmly past without a ripple or a wave in sight. The kind of peace of which is the sun insistently shining down like a beacon of hope and serenity. The peace of which is the relief from revealing a lie or burden carried of your soldiers. It was the type of peace of which is truth, pureness, and serenity.
For her age, Savannah was extremely mature, and unlike her fellow Initiates, she did not seek mind blowing adventure, no, she would patiently wait for a Jedi Master to apprentice her, and there she would enthuse herself within the Force, and become one with it.
Suddenly, in the midst of her intent meditation, she felt a ripple within the Force. Signaling her that she was no longer alone, and that, in predicament, another member of the Jedi Order had entered the garden in search for serenity. And she could assure them, they'd find it.
Silently, she creaked open her eyelids slightly, and after a few seconds, fully uncovered her chocolate brown orbs to identify her new company. And who she found, she had to admit, was not of someone she knew or expected.
He seemed to be just her age, 7-years, meaning undoubtedly he was an Initiate. He had blue eyes, and auburn hair. Clad in the usual garb of those of the Jedi. His azure orbs seemed to wander in perplexed speculation, admiring the serene beauty of the meditative garden.
It must've taken him a little longer to detect her, as she had detected him, though when he did, he began approaching her.
His eyes, which Savannah seemed to take such a fine interest in, positively glowed with the sparkle each child possesses. As he grew closer his lips twitched into a childish grin.
"Hi" he chirped. She smiled.
"Hi"
"I haven't been in this garden before" he admitted, continuing to marvel the miraculous landscape he'd entered inadvertently.
"Well" she began in her high pitched sweet voice, "you'll be glad you have, it's my second favourite of all eight".
He quirked an individual auburn eyebrow, a gesture of which Savannah would trademark him for in years to come, "why second? This one is amazing" he remarked. Obviously, he hadn't been in Savannah's favourite.
"True, it is amazing, but my favorites even better".
"Impossible".
"Oh yeah" now it was her turn to arch her defined brows, "I'm gonna have to prove you wrong".
With that Savannah proudly arose to her feet, of which were clad in fawn boots, and began to stride with integrity towards the exit. Flabbergasted, he boy gaped at her in confusion.
"And where are you going?" he blurted, obviously a bit clueless.
"To show you the real best garden in this Temple" she announced, as if he'd already agreed to follow her, and although she hadn't already been confirmed on that, she knew he would follow, and ironically, he did.
"I don't even know your name" he jogged to reach her side, and after that, still had to speed up in order to stay in her pace.
"Savannah Claire Benten" she addressed her full name to him, and as they entered the Temple hallway, she turned her glance to his, "you?".
"Obi-wan kenobi" he replied.
"Nice to meet you, Obi-wan"
"Nice to meet you too, Savannah"
He positively grinned at her, obviously he'd missed her, just as she'd missed him. After all, she'd hope he'd miss her, seeing as they are best friends.
"Ah, so this is where the trouble maker ran off to" he commented with a grin, a grin of which Savannah reciprocated.
"Hey Obi-wan" she greeted him with pure warmth as the two embraced.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled her close, gently rubbing her back. Despite the heaviness in her stomach, it fluttered at the feeling of her body pressed against his. She sunk into the warmth of him, appreciative of the simple gesture. His touch made the entire hanger warmer somehow.
After a few moments, the two best friends retracted away from each other, and Obi-wan completely missed the pink shade that dusted her cheeks from the affectionate gesture.
"So how was Cato Neimoidia?" he questioned her, the un wipable grin still plastered on his face, though he put hard work into masking it slightly.
She shrugged "alright, you wouldn't believe how stubborn Neimodians can be though!"
Herself, Obi-wan, and Elizia all chuckled at that.
"My apologies, I'll talk to you about it later, but I have to brief it to the Council first"
He nodded knowingly "that's perfectly alright"
His words were followed with a grimace from Savannah "oh yeah, and if you wouldn't mind, could you please watch over Elizia while I'm with the Council?"
It, admittedly, was more of a demand than a question, no matter what Obi-wan responded with, he was regardless going to end up watching over her Zeltron Padawan.
He, much like how he did in their youth (though they are still young), quirked an eyebrow, causing Savannah to notice his glittering azure eyes, "it's not like I have a choice"
She beamed a radiant smile at that, "you know me to well Kenobi"
With that they parted ways, Savannah to the High Council Chamber, and Obi-wan and Elizia to the training grounds.
XXX
And there you have it folks! That was basically a prologue to this story, introducing Elizia, Savannah, and Savannah and Obi-wans relationship.
I hope you guys really enjoyed it, I put my heart and soul into all of my writing, and hopefully the effort pays off.
In future chapters you'll learn more about Savannah's mission on Cato Neimoidia, but for now, I hope you liked this chapter!
REVIEW FAVOURITE and FOLLOW guys, it only takes a few seconds, and will make a person smile
Also, I have two other stories on this site, so please check them out, they do not disappoint xD
~ BB