A/N: This is set not long after the second chapter and years before the first.
Dawn lightened the sky, a gossamer veil of gold and rose cast over the coastline, just on the edge of a one of the great fey forests of Naboo, and the small villa built there. Qui-Gon waited, his boat rocking gently, oar pressed into soft wet sand, while the sun continued to climb. Immune to sunlight Vader might be, if the rumors were true, but he kept the traditional hours of his night-stalking sire and kin. Finally satisfied, Qui-Gon pulled himself further ashore with the oar, then stepped onto the beach and dragged the boat another few feet, boots sinking into the sand. Approaching the villa, he strummed the delicate bond he'd never intended to make but had happened all the same. An inquisitive response plucked at his senses.
"This way, little one," he murmured, stopping on the carved steps.
A few short moments later, the door open and a bright face peeked out. The boy was a shade or two paler than Qui-Gon remembered. He'd probably adapted to Vader's schedule.
"Master Jinn," the youngling smiled and came further onto the veranda and into the morning light.
His feet were bare and his sleep tunic fine silk, Nubian made no doubt, if a little large. He looked all the more petite for it and Qui-Gon almost smiled. Until he saw the marks. The freshest red and a bit inflamed in the joint of his elbow, but there were others against his throat and his wrist, all in various stages of healing.
"You've missed quite a few lessons, Obi-Wan."
"Oh," he blinked. "I forgot."
"That's alright," Qui-Gon took several steps towards him, hand out. "You can make them up. However we must leave right away."
Obi-Wan looked back over his shoulder at the door, "But Ani…"
Qui-Gon glanced to the door then back to Obi-Wan.
"Is Lord Vader here, Obi-Wan?"
He looked to Qui-Gon again.
"He'll be back soon," Obi-Wan smiled. "I'm going to meet his wife."
What depraved or misguided woman would be married to a monster such as Vader? Still, his absence was good news.
"It's time to go home, young one."
Obi-Wan furrowed his brow, "I am home."
"This is not home."
Qui-Gon resisted a sigh as Obi-Wan's face scrunched up with displeasure. They did not have this time to waste. As soon as Vader discovered him gone, he would be in pursuit. Qui-Gon needed to have them both safely ensconced within the temple amongst the coven before the vampire gained any traction.
"Obi-Wan," he gestured with his outstretched hand.
Obi-Wan shook his head and took a half-stepped back. Letting out an exasperated breath, Qui-Gon closed the distance between them and scooped him up. Obi-Wan yelped and struggled, small limbs flailing. Qui-Gon tucked him under his arm where he could do the least amount of damage and immediately headed back to his boat.
"Put me down! Put me down!"
He twisted and squirmed in Qui-Gon's grip, like an unhappy kitten.
"Cody!" he cried. "Rex!"
Qui-Gon did not pause to see if anyone or anything responded to the wail, getting them both into the boat and pushing it off the shore, murmuring a concealment charm to hide them from most beings' awareness. Rowing hard, he glanced back over his shoulder. Sand flying behind them, two massive wolves, one dark brown and the other near white, rushed into the waves, yipping and heads swinging around frantically but never settling on the boat. Qui-Gon faced forward again, heart aching while Obi-Wan, seated between Qui-Gon's legs on the bottom of the boat, sobbed quietly into his drawn-up knees.
"This memory will fade, Obi-Wan," he murmured gently. "You're safe now."
Obi-Wan whimpered but leaned into his leg.
"I will keep you safe."
Behind them, two howls broke the soft morning quiet.