Chapter 15: The Bride of Obi-wan

Obi-wan's POV

"A ring" Obi-wan tells his oldest friend Quinlan Vos, who once again beamed.

"So Ben Kenobi has finally become a man!" Quinlan shouts as he punches the coordinates for Mirial and prepares his ship for hyperspace.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Obi-wan laughs.

"It means my girl Lumi is finally getting what she deserves after spending practically her whole life waiting for you. She was always waiting in the wings for you man, she'd never love another" says Quinlan as he reminisces about the little Luminara he grew up with.

"Yes, unfortunately it has taken me far too long to realize what an incredible woman she is. I've always admired her for her skill and her uncanny ability to keep her emotions in check and I've always found her to be very pretty, but then Satine came along and I became blind…" Obi-wan admits, guilt creeping into his soul at the thought of a young Luminara crying because of his past selfishness.

"I always hoped Qui-gon would knock some sense into your ass for that one… but hey the point is that you're going all the way. You've chosen to let the past die and marry the woman who is just as committed I'm sure. Obviously, we don't have to talk about it, but I can imagine you were her noble Jedi knight in armor fighting for her in the war. I salute you old buddy, your Master would be proud" Quinlan says giving Obi-wan another pat on the back.

"He is actually… Qui-gon spoke to me and I believe to Anakin when we stood against Palpatine" Obi-wan confesses, hearing Quinlan say "That son of a bitch" at the mention of the late Sith Lord, "He told me that he was proud and he thanked me for teaching Anakin and he told me to spend everyday of my life fighting for Luminara, for she was always my destiny even though the old Order would have forbade that and tore us apart.."

"He said all that to you in the heat of the moment?" Quinlan asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, he did and I'll forever be grateful for it. He's not wrong and you know how Quin-gon was. He hated politics and took the Code lightly. He always harped me on the fact that the very Force itself was his true Master not the Council. Back then I thought he was insane, but now I understand" Obi-wan added.

"Qui-gon was an amazing man, you were lucky to have him," Quinlan responded.

"Speaking of Masters, I wanted to ask you about Luminara's-" Obi-wan began before being interrupted by his colleague.

"Wait.. she's never told you?!" Quinlan shouts holding up a hand.

"No… She's told me that she doesn't want to discuss him.." Obi-wan says shamefully, his stomach beginning to knot itself at what he fears may be true.

After taking a deep breath Quinlan tells Obi-wan, "Look it's not my story to tell, but long story short, the man was abusive. There's a reason why her tattoos are placed where they are and I'll just leave it at that. I've spent many nights holding her as she cries herself to sleep Ben. Even though I regret nothing and that I would do it all over again even today, she always wanted you there too…" Quinlan says with so much remorse.

"Quinlan… I'm so sorry" Obi-wan said as he puts his face in his hands, so ashamed of himself for not protecting her, for not being there for her instead of pining away at a stupid crush. He owes Quinlan his life for doing what he has done when he himself failed. Obi-wan Kenobi failed Luminara and he was going to ask her to marry him. The man never felt more foolish.

"Look Ben, there's no use in beating yourself up for things that can't be changed. What's done is done and as long as you never allow any of that to happen again as her husband, that's all she and I could ever ask for. I don't doubt for a second that you love her and that you would die for her, but so help me Kenobi if the woman comes crying to me because of something you did or said, I'll kick your ass and I'm a man of my word" Quinlan says quietly despite a threat being present.

To some, Quilan may have just come off too harsh, but to Obi-wan, he needed to hear that. He had to know the truth and he was grateful his beloved had such a good friend that would protect her and be there for her if something were to happen to himself.

"I highly suggest you two talk about that before you ask her to marry you. I'm sure you can call her right now and ask and she'll say yes, but she needs you to know whether she believes it or not. Luminara deserves to know the man she hopes to marry can love her completely and unconditionally despite all the suffering she went through as a younger woman" Quinlan presses as the planet of Mirial comes into focus.

"I wasn't planning on asking her right away, but I agree with you. Thank you for telling me and thank you for being there when I was absent. I swear on my life that I will cherish her and protect her for as long as I live" Obi-wan proclaims.

"That's all I need to know… now let's find us a jewelry shop!" Quinlan said as he looked for a place to park their ship.

Neither men have had much knowledge of the planet of Mirial but what they did know was that the planet was cold and dry similar to the tundra planet of Hoth but with less ice and snow. Obi-wan knew the Mirilian people were one of the more religious cultures that greatly respected the Force and their people that could wield it, thus there were plenty of cathedrals and places of worship all over the city, they were in. Quinlan takes it upon himself to ask some locals where their nearest jeweler was and then moments later the two Jedi entered a pristine parlor.

Inside the shop were several rows of glass display tables showcasing the most beautiful of jewelry that Obi-wan has ever seen. Much like Luminara's evening gown, the sunlight peeking into the windows of the establishment allowed for all the multicolored gems and stones to glitter and sparkle for as far as the eye could see. A kind Mirilian woman who worked at the shop asked what she could do to them, to which Obi-wan asked to see the engagement rings. The wannabe groom was insistent on making sure a majority of their wedding to incorporate as much of the Mirilian culture as possible as he knows the culture was near and dear to Luminara's heart as well as Miss Offee.

The store employee then leads the two Jedi to a smaller display case near the back of the store where the various engagement rings were kept. Obi-wan was a man of many talents but when it came to women and rings, that's where his knowledge is limited. That's why Obi-wan partially wanted Quinlan to accompany him rather than Anakin, because his eldest friend always had a way with women. The employee then allows the men to browse privately before moving elsewhere.

"Any idea of what you're looking for?" Quinlan asks.

"Not in the slightest, but I feel that when I see it, I will know.." Obi-wan answers as his eyes were drawn to one specific ring. The ring in question reminded the Jedi of the veil Luminara wore the night of the infamous dinner before Padme was attacked. It was a white gold ring with an infinity shaped, diamond encrusted band with a few pear shaped stones on top almost looking like a crown. The largest pear-shaped gem matched Luminara's eye color to a T while the others were pure white in color with many colors dancing within them in the light. Obi-wan also notices there were small amounts of light blue diamonds within the other diamonds on the band that matched his own eye color. It was in that moment that Obi-wan found the ring that would one day belong to a Mrs. Kenobi.

"That's the one.." Obi-wan says breathily, pointing at it to Quinlan for him to see.

"It does look like a ring made for Lumi. It's beauty is like her own, she deserves it.." Quinlan admits. "I've got to hand it to you buddy, you do know how to spot the perfect ring!"

Money was of no issue to Obi-wan for Padme has informed the five of them that the Senate passed a bill to pay a large sum of money to the Jedi who saved the whole galaxy every month for the rest of their lives to express the people's gratitude. Thus, Obi-wan was quick to flag the employee down and requested to purchase the ring of his choice. The employee smiled at the Jedi, saying the ring he is purchasing is not only the most expensive in the store, but it was a kind of ring that Mirlian royalty would wear. Only the most beautiful and noble of Mirlian women would wear such an elegant ring.

"If she is a force welder like you, the ring will glow to match her Force energy if she wanted it too" Said the employee before asking for a size. Luckily Quinlan had an answer for the woman. Before Obi-wan could ask how his friend knew that information, Quinlan put a finger to Obi-wan's lips and said, "Just trust me."

After waiting a few minutes for the jeweler to fashion the ring for Luminara, the two Jedi were able to leave the store. Obi-wan feeling nothing but pride at the fact that he was able to select and purchase a ring Luminara did deserve. His plans for proposal were not quite complete (that's Padme's area of expertise), but he knew two things. One, Obi-wan wanted Barriss's blessing and two he needed to prove to Luminara that he was husband material. Loving Luminara has made Obi-wan into a better man. Gone was the shallow Jedi Council member and from its ashes came a man deeply in love. Obi-wan couldn't stop looking at the small blue velvet box in his hands as the men departed for Coruscant once more.

Quinlan and Obi-wan parted ways upon landing on Coruscant. Vos congratulated Obi-wan and wished him luck as he made a run in the direction of Luminara's apartment. As promised, the man made it home by dinnertime as he entered the apartment (Luminara has fashioned him a key post war). Yet what he was not expecting was the two Mirlian women holding onto each other sleeping on the living room couch. Obi-wan took the opportunity to hide the ring in a discreet location and admire his sleeping beauty.

Luminara looked like a mother holding onto her child with her arms wrapped around Barriss and Obi-wan asks himself, "How did I get so lucky?"

Not wanting to wake either of the women up, Obi-wan steps into the kitchen and cooks dinner for the three of them as quietly as possible. Now that their lives have slowed down a bit, the Jedi have taken on cooking and going to markets for ingredients since the Jedi mess hall was destroyed in the clone fire. Right as Obi-wan was finished with the soup he made, a beaming Luminara entered the kitchen.

"Hello there.." Obi-wan smiled back before putting his arms around her petite frame and gave Luminara a kiss.

"You've made dinner," Luminara points out, still smiling.

"Well darling I said I'd home for dinner and after seeing the love of my life sleeping, I couldn't resist making her dinner" Obi-wan winks before saying, "Shall we?"

Luminara leans in and whispers, "Make sure you save room for dessert".

It took everything in Obi-wan to not just make love to her in the kitchen, but he was a gentleman as he knows Barriss is around and she doesn't need to see that no different than him witnessing sexual intercourse with Barriss and Ahsoka once the girls work things out.

"Thank you for making us soup, Obi-wan! It smells wonderful" Barriss compliments with a smile.

"I'm glad you think so! It's nice being able to make our food instead of just accepting meals like droids" Obi-wan says before sitting in one of the dining table chairs.

The trio then spent their dinner discussing their thoughts on the possible new Jedi Order and whether or not they'd be ready for it.

"The more I think about it…" Barriss says, getting up from her seat to collect the dishes, "I feel that a break from it all is necessary. Personally, I want to finish my healer studies while still learning the ways of the Force without the pressure of war. I'm just not interested in politics, I never will be."

"That sounds like a good plan love, I would be worried if you did not take a break from Jedi work. I, myself, am not sure I'll be ready anytime soon. It's just too soon after so much pain.." Luminara replies sadly.

Barriss kisses the top of her Master's head before leaving the room to wash the dishes. Obi-wan continues to marvel at their interaction and begins to daydream about the possibility of his future bride bearing him a daughter like Barriss. The idea warmed the man's heart, but his entire body was aflame when he noticed Luminara pull him in the direction of their bedroom.

Luminara's POV

Luminara gave Obi-wan a wicked grin as she pulled her Jedi lover into the bedroom and closed/locked the door. She loves Barriss with every fiber of her being, but after so many sad days, she needed to make love to Ben Kenobi. Luminara forces her partner's robes off and thrusts his boots off before he has the chance to take them off himself. With the final item of clothing being the man's drawers, Luminara decided to go bold and use her teeth to pull the pants down, her violet eyes never leaving his aquamarine ones. Luminara would have laughed her ass off if anyone asked her if she'd be such a minx in the bedroom as that wouldn't be so lady-like, but now there was nothing standing in-between her and her sexual needs.

Obi-wan then thrusts her off the floor and onto the bed they've shared for over a week. From Luminara's point of view, it's like Ben wanted to tease her and make her beg for more. He slowly started to take her clothes off. He begins to trial kisses from her neck down to her breasts, taking his sweet time in between kisses. It wasn't as if he was trying to leave any marks, to Luminara, whose core was starting to burn with excitement, it was liked he was savoring the taste of her skin.

"Ben.." Luminara moans as she begins to feel her hips grinding against his body.

"Yes, my darling?" Obi-wan breathes into her ear.

"Take me!" Luminara squeals as she is starting to break a sweat from all the excitement.

Without wasting another second, Obi-wan quickly undoes all of Luminara's clothes down to just her black lace bra and matching panties. Similar to what she did to him moments ago, he uses his teeth to take her panties off as he shakes his arm off to unhook her bra, feeling her breasts. Luminara blushes at the sight of Obi-wan smiling at the sight of her naked form.

"Ready?" Obi-wan asks sincerely.

"Yes" Luminara whispers.

Together the couple proceeds to explore each other and moan in delight as if all their wildest dreams have just come true. Luminara used to dream of these situations when she was a teenager thinking it would forever be just a fantasy, but now she was losing her virginity to her literal dream man and the happiness she felt inside was more than she's ever felt her entire life.

After the couple reached a climax, Luminara couldn't help but scream her lover's name despite trying to be quiet for Barriss's sake. This seems to intensify Obi-wan's finish as he lays beside her panting "I love you" over and over. Luminara then begins to cry tears of happiness.

"Luminara what's wrong? Are you okay?" Obi-wan asks gently.

"Yes, Ben, I've never been happier! You have no idea how long I've dreamed of this happening and for so long I had to make peace with the idea that it will never happen because it wasn't meant to be…" Luminara says as the tears continued to flow, Obi-wan doing his best to thumb the tears away from her angelic face. "You are my first and only Ben Kenobi.."

"And your last.." Obi-wan tells her kissing her once more, "You're my first too you know? Satine and I never did anything I promise."

"Really?" Luminara weeply asks, feeling so special, "You're not lying?"

"Luminara I have not nor would I ever lie to you, you have my whole heart my love, always believe that" Obi-wan sincerely replies, as Luminara turns to lay on his chest. "Yet, there's something I have to ask you.."

Luminara peers up and asks, "What is it?"

"What did that bastard do to you? Your Master?" Obi-wan questions, feeling the woman tense up. "I know this is painful and I have no doubt the answer will break my heart and make me regret not killing him myself, but you can tell me this, Lumi. I intend to be with you for a very long time and i want you to be free from everything now that the war is over with."

Luminara knew the man was right, yet she feels more vulnerable talking about the scars from her past than being naked.

"Okay.." Luminara begins, shifting her position to make direct eye contact. "As you probably know, my Master was a stickler to the rules and was very strict with me. It would have been so much easier to deal with the emotional burden of being lectured every so often than what he did to my face and hands. There's a reason why I've chosen to have my badges of honor placed the way they were. Anytime I was caught daydreaming or anytime my Master suspected my feelings for you, he would wait until he retired for the night and he used his lightsaber to burn my skin ever so precisely. Enough to burn and to feel pain, but not enough to cut as of course it would be too suspicious if I were to wind up dead in our living quarters…" Luminara pauses to take some deep breaths as her repressed anger and sadness begins to resurface. "So, I would cry myself to sleep a lot or whenever my Master wasn't looking, Quinlan would sneak off with me somewhere private to cry because I just couldn't continue to live like everything was okay. Because even then I knew what he did was despicable and wrong. I hated him. I never knew my parents and the Jedi were all I knew. I always hoped my Master could learn to love me like a father would, but he couldn't. Because monsters don't love Ben and that is exactly what he was. That's why I studied extra hard and accumulated so many hours of training, so that I can be independent and free of his control. Besides my desire to be with you, he would find ways to creatively control my eating habits "so that I wouldn't be a fat girl" or the way I spoke, "too much emotion he would say". You want to know why I was always able to stay calm in scary circumstances? It's because he would make me meditate with everything I feared… insects, snakes, etc, until I learned to hide my heart and control my tears. I remember wanting the snakes to bite me.. To put me out of my misery…" Luminara's voice cracked and her body began to shake from the instenity of her sobs. Despite how painful it was to re-visit her awful childhood and early adulthood, Obi-wan's firm hold on her gave her the comfort she needed to finish her story.

"It was until the night Master Yoda introduced me to baby Barriss in the temple nursery that I felt like my life was worth anything. The idea of giving a child a life a childhood I never had, gave me so much hope Ben… so much because by then I already gave up on the idea of possibly marrying you like a normal woman. Holding Barriss filled me with a love I'll never forget. That's why it hurt me so much to know I was hurting her for a little bit because that's the last thing I would wish for her. Clearly my Master has done a good job of damaging my psyche enough to where he could interfere with my life beyond the grave. I'm grateful she has forgiven me and has continued to love me because if she ever fell to the Dark Side… I'd give up completely. I would stop wanting to live and welcome death because failing the baby that gave me a second chance of life would break me… no different than the idea of losing you now that you say you love me just like I have all these years."

Obi-wan was starting to shed tears now, he pulled Luminara closer to him and sobbed. Luminara could only imagine how guilty and sad he must feel now that he knows the full story. The couple continued to cry for a long period of time before Obi-wan asked for Luminara's attention.

"Luminara… look at me…" Obi-wan pleads quietly. Luminara complies with a smile as she pushes the last of the tears away with her thumb.

"Ben, you don't have to feel sorry for me… please don't feel bad for things that weren't your fault" said Luminara.

"It's going to take some time for me to process all the abuse you went through darling. I wish I could have stopped it, I wish any other adult would have sense there was something wrong and would fucking do something instead of allowing a child to suffer. It's probably a good thing the old Jedi are gone… Now we have the chance to do some actual good. To raise children of the Force with dignity and respect and love because you deserved that Luminara more than anyone. I curse the very day your Master was born and I curse the Jedi who gave him the privilege to teach… damn them all!" Obi-wan shouts a little bit, startling Luminara.

"Ben… please.." Luminara whispers.

"I love you Luminara Unduli… I want to spend whatever time I have left with you. I will love you, cherish you, respect you, and protect you for as long as I live. All I could ever want or need is for you to be happy darling. Luminara, you deserve to be happy. That will never be taken from you ever again and I'm so sorry about the burns… but knowing you decided to put something so beautiful on top shows what a courageous and brave woman you are and I'm so lucky I get to sleep beside such a lovely creature. I love you so much Luminara, I am yours forever.." Obi-wan finishes as he caresses Luminara's face.

For the first time in Luminara's life, she felt free. It's as if Obi-wan has broken a fairytale spell with an act of true love setting her free. Free from the pain and all the shame. The war within her finally shared the same fate as the war that took place on the outside.

"Ben?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for setting me free… I'm finally at peace."