Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi entered the Jedi temple. His former apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, lightsaber swaying from his belt, trailed behind him.

The Temple's walls gleamed and its marble floors shone from wax polished onto the surface by a servant droid. The halls were empty now, save for padawan learner or two scattered here and there. Most Jedi and masters were away fighting the clone wars. Obi-Wan sighed, longing for the old days, before the Republic had become corrupt by the machinations of a Sith Lord and forced into war.

Nevertheless, the air was still sweet and familiar with the smell pumpkinberry scones and tea, invoking a mood that filled him with bittersweet memories. And while the swell of Master Kenobi's chest had deflated, his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker was in a different mood... he was as sunny and calm as a clear blue sky, their usual dispositions inverted for a change.

But there was a reason for the smile on Anakin Skywalker's face. Senator Amidala wafted toward them. Beautiful, with her hair swept into a chignon with two braids that hung from the front and a ruby that laid flat against her forehead. Still dressed in maroon senator robes, she smiled at Anakin first, then at Master Kenobi.

"Master," Anakin said, eyes on Padme's face. "Would it be much of an inconvenience if I were to join you in Master Yoda's library a bit later? Senator Amidala and I have...personal matters to discuss."

Padme's nervous eyes darted to Anakin's face.

"Not at all Anakin, Remember, Master Yoda and I are to meet privately today."

"Yes, privately..." Anakin muttered, as he stared at Padme.

"It's good to see you Obi-Wan," Padme said, changing the subject. "It must be equally as good to be away from the outer rim planets for a change."

"I'll be glad when the war is over. I'm certain Master Obi-Wan would be as well," Anakin protested.

Padme turned and smiled politely at Anakin.

"Yes, it is good to be home," Obi-Wan smiled. "I must be off now. Anakin, Senator Amidala, I will see you later."

Obi-Wan turned and left the youngsters to their discussion... but not without sensing the urgency between them. That feeling he once had for Christa, when he was dying to get back to her after a lengthy mission.

Obi-Wan entered the library and found Master Yoda levitating, eyes closed in meditation, one leg crossed over the other.

"Bring news you have?"

Obi-Wan lowered his eyes, pressed both hands behind his back.

"No master. I've been unsuccessful in locating the boy."

"Mmmgh," Yoda grunted. "Speak to his mother have you?"

"No, master. She would have no memory of him or his location."

"Know, someone does. Good Jedi the boy will make. He will be a hero to the Republic in dark times. I have foreseen it."

"Master Yoda, there's nothing I can do. It is my suggestion that the child is to remain where he is."

"I sense much conflict in you. Deep attachment to his mother. To the boy."

"But surely not so much that I have forsaken my duty and loyalty to the Order, master," Obi-Wan protested. "His mother abhors the Jedi. I've been left with the instruction to keep him away from the Jedi Temple."

"Decision to make, hers it is not." Yoda left his meditation stance, snatched up his cane and stood on his own two feet. He smashed end of the cane into the marble floor. "The boy belongs to the Jedi. Bring him here, where he is to be trained. Return to Runei, you must. Obi-Wan, I sense much fear, darkness, and reluctance in you. Confront your fears. But bury your feelings deep. In time, attachment will wither and fade."

Sensing the old Master's determination, Obi-Wan sighed.

"Yes, Master Yoda."