Title: Reflection of Silence

Author: Sheleigh

Disclaimer: All the characters in this story are property of George Lucas. I make no claim to them.

Summary: Post TPM.

The bond had been silent for a millennia, or so it seemed. In truth, it had been mere days, yet the silence was deafening. The simple comfort of reaching out and touching his Master's mind, feeling the reassuring presence that was Qui-Gon Jinn simply ceased to exist. And though he tried, coping was incredibly difficult.

Obi-Wan sighed, walking restlessly through the rooms that now housed himself and his new apprentice, Anakin Skywalker. At the thought of the boy, Obi-Wan reached out, gently touching the bond that was beginning to form between the two. Anakin responded immediately, sending back a warm greeting, and accompanying it childish pleasures the boy now delighted in.

Obi-Wan paused, allowing the slightest hint of a smile to grace his features. A resolute expression soon took place, and Obi-Wan settled to his knees, for the first time in days willing to submerge himself completely in the Force.

Immediately memories which he had blocked washed over him, most predominately his Master's death at the hands of the Sith Apprentice. Obi- Wan cried out, as he once again was forced to watch his Master's death, forced to see him die in his arms again. Forced to hear his last wish.

Forced to feel the bond which was so precious to him go silent.

The Force lead him to another memory- this of his Master's funeral, the body alight with flames. A sob escaped the young Master as he recalled the silence after the funeral, interrupted only by the quiet murmur of condolences to Obi-Wan.

A quiet voice interrupted his painful reverie, one incredibly dear to him. //Padawan.//

Obi-Wan stifled a gasp. //Master?//

//Yes, My Padawan.//

//I've missed you, Master.//

Qui-Gon's shimmering form appeared before Obi-Wan kneeling before his former apprentice.

//You've never been alone, my Padawan. I am here- in the Force, in your heart. In your memories. You are doing well, Padawan. Take time- mourn. The time will come when you need to be strong, but for now, meditate, trust in the Force.//

//Yes, Master.// Qui-Gon layed a shimmering hand on his apprentice's head, before disappearing.

He withdrew from his meditation, completely at peace, serenity blanketing him. Suddenly, the silence didn't seem to deafening. An odd sense of renewal washed over him, and he climbed to his feet, leaving the confines of his quarters. A quiet smile graced his features once again, this time in remembrance of his Master.

//Good luck, my Padawan.// The slightest touch to his mind and for the briefest instant the bond flared to life, intense as it had before the silence took over.