Hi Moonscribe here! Just wanted to say thanks again to all who have taken the time to review my fanfic. Really do appreciate it. Well, believe it or not I'm actually going to start winding this story down, so hope you hang in for the rest. And thanks so much for reading!!!
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Chapter Seventy-Eight
Cian woke, her heart beating wildly within her. She glanced at the wall chrono. It was early in the morning. She looked around. Something had woken her. Then she heard it. It was the comlink on her desk. She rose from her bed and ran to it.
An image formed over the desk. It was Qui-Gon.
"I'm sorry, Cian. Did I wake you?"
"Qui-Gon. Where are you, dear?"
"At the temple. Obi-Wan and I have just returned from Naboo."
"Naboo?"
"Yes. I don't have much time. I'm scheduled to meet with the Jedi Council shortly. I just wanted to let you know I had returned."
Even through the holoimage, Cian could sense Qui-Gon was excited about something.
"Qui-Gon, what's happened?"
He took a deep breath. "I can't explain it all right now. But I have much to tell you. I'll contact you again, after the meeting."
"All right. I have something to tell you also."
"I look forward to hearing it." He smiled warmly at her. "I'll see you later, my love." He cut the connection.
Cian sat slowly in the chair. Suddenly she shivered. When such a thing had happened to her as a child, Cian's nursemaid used to frighten her by saying someone had just walked over her grave. Cian was a grown woman, no longer a child. But she couldn't shake the sense of dread which stole over her.
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Aalea walked through the halls of the Temple. The whole place was in a stir. Ever since Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had returned from Naboo with its young Queen, rumors had been flying thick and fast through the Temple. Aalea had only been able to pick up snatches of it. Reports about a mysterious dark warrior who had engaged Qui-Gon on the planet of Tatooine, whispers about a prophecy come to life, talk that Qui-Gon had found the Chosen One.
Aalea shook her head. And now there was disturbing news from the Senate. The young Naboo Queen had boldly called for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership. As a result, three candidates had been selected to replace him. Word had not yet reached the Temple as to whom had been chosen. As Aalea passed through the corridors, she could see knots of initiates, knights and masters talking excitedly among themselves.
She turned towards the area of the Temple where the quarters were located. After walking for a bit, she finally came to Obi-Wan's door. She rang his chime.
The door opened and she stepped inside.
Obi-Wan was standing in the common room, his back to her as he looked out the window. The room was dark except for one small glowlamp. Aalea walked slowly over to him.
"Obi-Wan?" she said. "Are you all right?"
He didn't answer her at first. Aalea reached to him through their bond. He was shielding against her, but she could sense his unease.
"I can't stay long, Aalea," he said, his back still to her. "I only came to change my uniform. Qui-Gon and I are scheduled to meet again with the Council."
Aalea reached over and touched his arm.
"What's wrong, dearheart?"
He sighed as he continued to stare out the window.
"It's the boy. Anakin. The one Qui-Gon found on Tatooine."
"What about him?"
"Qui-Gon believes he's the Chosen One. That he will bring balance to the Force."
"But you do not believe this?"
Obi-Wan turned and looked down at her, his eyes unreadable in the darkness of the room.
"I don't know what to believe, Aalea. In all the years I've been with Qui-Gon, I've never doubted him. Not once. But this." He shook his head. "Something's not right about it but I can't put my finger on it. All I know is the boy is dangerous."
"Dangerous? In what way?"
"I'm not sure," he whispered.
Aalea slipped her arm around his waist. For a moment he didn't move, then he put his arm about her shoulder.
"Obi-Wan, you must trust Master Qui-Gon in this."
"I want to, Aalea. The Force knows I want to."
"Then do so." She reached up and touched his face. "Trust him."
Obi-Wan nodded, then looked down at her.
"I have to go, Aalea."
She pulled away from him. "I know."
He cupped her face, then leaned down and gently kissed her. Aalea closed her eyes and sighed. Her heart beat quickly as he slowly and softly moved his lips over hers.
"Sweet Aalea," he whispered against her mouth.
Then she felt him pull away and he was gone. Aalea opened her eyes and looked at her reflection in the darkened glass of the window, the lights of Coruscant a glittering backdrop. She was not surprised to see tears in her eyes.
To be continued...