9.

"What do you mean you agreed to get married?" asked Master Qui-Gon.

The tall-Jedi master thought he heard wrong. There was no way what his former-apprentice was telling him made any sense. Jedi do not marry. Yet, Obi-Wan looked dead serious. He had been pacing for the last few minutes until he blurted it out.

Obi-Wan sighed and said, "Let me explain. As you know, I have recently been granted a seat on the Jedi High Council."

Qui-Gon was growing impatient. "Yes, I know. Master Windu has informed me. It is a great honor to be sure, Obi-Wan but it still does not explain what it is you're trying to tell me."

"Let me finish. The High Council has also recently been in contact with Force-users from beyond the Core. They wish to make an alliance with the Order and they wish to do so with a contract of marriage. These other Force-users would have it no other way and have chosen me out of the other High Council members to make this alliance. I don't know if I should be flattered or appalled, but I have consented."

Qui-Gon was floored. Obi-Wan was getting married. The High Council was aware-no they had given Obi-Wan their blessing. Never in his life did he think something like this would ever happen. Though, he could understand Obi-Wan's position. New allies were important, but the cost seemed to defy the Code. He crossed his arms over his chest in thought.

"Obi-Wan, does the High Council expect you to break the Code?"

"I'm not sure. I don't intend to. This marriage is merely a contract as far as I'm concerned. I've been told that the Clan is aware of the Code, but they wish to proceed with the ceremony anyway."

Qui-Gon was pensive and said, "Well, it sounds like you've already made up your mind."

Obi-Wan turned to his master and smiled. "Yes, I'd like you to attend."

Qui-Gon was toughed. Though, he disagreed with the ceremony entirely. Jedi did not marry as far as he was concerned. Though, he knew that Obi-Wan was a good man and had grown to be a great Jedi. He never expected his former-Padawan to flourish so well. He knew if anyone could go through this charade it was him.

"I would be honored, old friend."

"Thank you, Qui-Gon. That means a great deal to me, though there's more."

Obi-Wan nervously nodded his head. He rubbed his beard and the side of his face. He started to pace again. Qui-Gon knew his former-Padawan well. He knew something else was bothering him.

The tall-Jedi said in concern, "What's wrong?"

"The ceremony is happening today."

"What!"

"The High Council made their ruling when I was off world. They were only waiting for my consent. I was told that the Clan members are already here and waiting. They're waiting in the fountain room."

Master Qui-Gon could not believe what the High Council was doing to his former-apprentice. Qui-Gon reached out and patted his shoulder and said, "You don't have to go through it if you don't want to, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and said, "Yes, I know but as I said before, it's only a contract."

XXX

It was all happening so fast. Master Qui-Gon and Master Obi-Wan were the last to arrive at the fountain room inside the Jedi Temple. Master Qui-Gon saw Master Yoda and Master Windu were present. Standing beside them was a middle aged man with short black hair and strange red eyes. He was dressed like a king with a rich purple robe with white floral patterns and furs. He had sharp cunning eyes and a smile that looked self-satisfying.

To his right, he held a woman's hand. She dressed completely in white. Nothing of her was exposed. Her simple white gown draped across the floor. Her long sleeves covered her slender arms and white gloves covered her hands. Her head was covered in a large white headdress and veil.

Qui-Gon whispered into Obi-Wan's ear, "Do you know anything about the woman your marrying?"

"Only that she's about as old as Master Yoda."

Qui-Gon nearly stumbled. Master Yoda was about 800 years old. If Obi-Wan's bride-to-be was that old than that would make her an old maid. Obi-Wan would have no trouble resisting the charms of an old woman.

"Ah, the groom. Come, Master Kenobi. Your bride awaits," said the colorfully dressed man with red eyes.

He took Obi-Wan's hands and placed the delicate small gloved hands of the bride into his. He then covered both of their joined hands in his. Master Qui-Gon had no idea who this man was and took his place beside Master Yoda. Together, the three Jedi watched as the man began to speak.

"I, Lord Blackswan give you, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, Lady Blackswan, my daughter, to be your bride. Do you vow to take her as your wife in mind, body and soul? To honor her in this life and the next?"

Obi-Wan had no idea that his bride's father would also be the one to wed them as well. It was odd. He had heard in his briefing about Lord Blackswan. He was said to be a brilliant scientist and was the sole ruler of the Blackswan Clan. He was the leader of his people and was supposedly very old. He was not what Obi-wan expected at all. He was so blatantly bold both in personality and dress. He hardly seemed like a wise old leader.

Yet, his bride had such delicate hands. She was like a sacrificial lamb. He had no what sort person she was. He was blind as she was veiled.

"I do."

The red-eyed man turned to his daughter and said, "I, Lord Blackswan give you, Lady Blackswan, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, my ally, to be your groom. Do you vow to take him as your husband in mind, body and soul? To honor him in this life and the next?"

"I do."

Lord Blackswan released their hands from his own and declared, "Then, I proclaim you both husband and wife! You may kiss the bride."

Obi-Wan was relieved. The ceremony was quick and painless. It was a mere quick words and then it was over and done with. There was no romance involved at all. He saw no trouble keeping to the Jedi Code of non-attachment.

He reached out to lift his bride's veil. He caught the hem and lifted it over her head and like a happy accident he discovered that she wasn't an old maid at all. Instead, she was a beautiful young maiden. She looked to be about 20 and had long raven hair and bright red eyes that shone like stars.

"You may kiss me."

"Oh, right."

Obi-Wan mentally shook himself. He had been staring. His bride hadn't spoken a word before her consent to their wedding vows. Her voice was as young and fresh as her beauty. He released her hands and placed them onto her shoulders and slowly closed the distance between them. The kiss was simple and brief; a merely touch of the lips. No other part of them had touched during the ceremony.

"Forgive me, but I don't even know your name."

"My name is Thrice. Thrice Kenobi."

"Kenobi."

A surge of possessiveness flowed through him as she answered him back with his own name. For a moment, he tightened his hold on her shoulders before finally releasing her. He wasn't worthy of being her husband. It must be some sort of mistake. A young maiden such as herself shouldn't be wed to a Jedi. He had nothing real to offer her. She deserved so much more. It was probably all Blackswan's doing. She was no doubt only a means to an end. Obi-Wan hated politicians.

"You deserve more than a Jedi for a husband, my Lady."

Thrice was taken back at the strange words from her groom. She didn't expect him to say such a thing. He was turning out to be very different than what she imagined.

"You are very considerate, Sir Knight, but I will be the judge of what I deserve."

Obi-Wan was impressed. She was more than a pretty face. Though, he could not help thinking of her as a sacrificial lamb. Though, it did not take long before Master Yoda, Master Windu and Master Qui-Gon came to congratulate them. His Jedi friends shared Lord Blackswan's sentiments about their alliance and lasting peace. Lord Blackswan expressed his interests in learning more about the Jedi ways and culture. He also promised to help the Jedi in non-violent means.

"The Clan has excellent technology. Perhaps with new medicine at your disposal it will help you in your cause."

Master Windu replied, "Yes, but what the Order really needs is more experienced fighters. A war has began. We will need all the experienced fighters we can get."

"Alas, my friend. I have seen too much war. I have no wish to see anymore bloodshed. Let us get to know each other better through our alliance. I am sure new possibilities will emerge."

Master Windu was not pleased, but relented. "As you wish, Lord Blackswan. How long will you be staying on Coruscant?"

"I'm afraid my stay will be short. I am needed back at the Clan. Though, I trust I have my Lady in good hands. Farewell, my friends."

The red-eyed man clasped hands with Master Windu who returned the gesture. Then, with a swirl of his furred robe, he left the fountain room and out into the hall. Master Yoda and Master Windu also had to leave and that left Master Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and his new bride alone.

Politely, Master Qui-Gon grinned and said, "Well, I suppose I shall take my leave as well, Obi-Wan. I will leave you to get acquainted with your new wife."

The word wife felt strange in Qui-Gon's throat. Obi-Wan was always such a dedicated Jedi. His marriage was a strange twist of fate. However, Obi-Wan felt panicked being left alone with his new wife. What in the world was he supposed to say to her? He looked pleadingly at his old master, but Qui-Gon merely smiled and strode away. Though, at the last minute he decided to hang back a little just to see how they got along in curiosity.

Now that they were alone, Obi-Wan looked at everywhere but at his wife. Thrice however had no trouble looking at her husband. Though, she paused and took a moment to peel off one of her white gloves. She then placed her hand under the flow of one of the fountains and allowed the water to drip between her fingers.

Obi-Wan watched her and tried to sense what she was thinking, but oddly realized he sensed nothing. He could not read her at all. It was like she wasn't there.

"I can't sense your presences, Milady."

"Still waters run deep, Sir Knight."

"And what does that mean?"

She smiled easy at him and said, "I mean, of course not. I don't wish to broadcast my feelings to others. Such a thing is rather-intimate."

He was curious to learn more about her ability. He moved to stand beside her. She pulled her hand away from the water and turned to meet his gray-blue gaze. She offered him her hand. He closed the distance between them and took her hand. It was still cold from the water, but a second later he gasped as a wave of feeling washed over him. She was like a brilliant flame. An overwhelming flame that was both warm and comforting yet scorching and ash. It was wild and churned with a whirlwind of force, but around the edges it was peaceful and calm. This was her presences; her Living-Force. It was beautiful.

He reached out with the Force and touched it. She gasped and he realized he had gasped too. He knew her feelings like they were in his own. She was curious-enthralled-yearning. What she yearned for he did not know, but the feeling-the feeling of being one in the same was more intimate than anything he had ever known.

Then, in a flash, it was gone. She had let go of his hand. It was like she had cut him with a knife. He felt numb.

"I don't wish to overwhelm you, Sir Knight."

"No. Don't."

He grabbed her retreating hand and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her with a desperate need for more. The kiss was nothing like the one they had shared at their wedding vows. Instead, this kiss was full of fire and lust. Her Force-mask was completely down. He knew now what she yearned for. It was this. The allure of touching another's mind, body and soul.

Obi-Wan backed Thrice up against a pillar and kissed her with rough tongue and teeth. He felt her fist his robes and broke the kiss to take a much needed breath. He lowered his head to kiss and nip at her throat. She moaned and scrapped her nails across the nape of his neck. He answered her with a groan. The mix of pain and pleasure was ecstasy. He couldn't get enough. It was like a drug. He wanted more.

What she felt. What he felt. It was all mixed up and utterly wonderful.

Qui-Gon had seen enough. He emerged from his spot by the door and place his hand on his former-apprentice's shoulder.

"Obi-Wan, stop this."

Obi-Wan broke away from the kiss stunned.

"Oh, Master Qui-Gon! What are you doing here?"

The elder-man frowned and said, "Obi-Wan, may I speak to you alone?"

Qui-Gon looked down and noticed that Obi-Wan hadn't completely untangled himself from his new bride. He was holding her hand and had subconsciously stepped between them. It also didn't help that his mouth was covered in red lipstick from their passionate embrace.

The red brown-Jedi nodded his head in agreement. He felt out of sorts, but as he moved to follow his former-master he realized he was still holding her hand. Just the mere thought of parting from her side was painful. He didn't know what was happening. He shouldn't be feeling this way. It was ridiculous.

He met her eye and lifted her hand to give the back of her hand a kiss before leaving. He followed Qui-Gon to another part of the fountain room. The sound of trickling water drowned out all other sounds.

Qui-Gon wasn't sure where to begin. He crossed his arms over his chest and then unfolded them before pointing to his own mouth in a gesture.

"Wipe your mouth, Obi-Wan."

"Master?"

"You have lipstick."

Obi-Wan flushed and quickly wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. To his horror he saw that he had a crimson shade of lipstick spread across his hand. It was so embarrassing. It was bad enough that he had broken his own promise to keep to the Code, but to be caught by Master Qui-Gon was almost too much to bear.

"I-I don't know what came over me."

"Was it her powers?"

"Yes, no. I'm not entirely sure. I'm sorry, Master. I need time to clear my head."

Without another word, Obi-Wan left the fountain room.

XXX

TBC

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