Place: Outskirts of Mos Espa
I am leaving Tatooine. Possibly forever. It seems strange because I had always dreamed of getting away from this place. But now I am, and I am frightened. I'm, I'm not sure I want to go. But I will! I will! I won't stay here forever! No, I'm going to get away from here and become my dream. I'll be a Jedi. Somehow, someway. Perhaps I could receive help from Qui-Gon. I don't know. I hope so.
Qui-Gon is waiting for me outside. He is waiting for me to say goodbye to Anakin. Anakin, my childhood friend and confidant. I will miss him greatly. As we hugged each other, he whispered. "Do you think I'll ever see you again Elaina?" I held him tighter. "I believe we will meet again Ani. I do. We are such good friends that our paths must cross once more." He let go of me with a smile, then pulled my face closer to his. "Remember your dream to be a Jedi?" I nodded. "Don't give up. I think you will be a Jedi someday. And free too!" He said hopefully. "I hope so too Ani. I'll miss you." Anakin smiled and stepped back as I shouldered my bag and walked out of the house.
I saddled the eopi and sat on it's bumpy back behind Qui-Gon. Padme and Jar Jar took another and rode behind us. Both of the eopies pulled the much strived after parts for Qui-Gon's ship. I looked back at Anakin, his face bright only for my sake. But inwardly, he was yearning to join me. I sensed this. Inwardly I whispered, We will meet again. I'll be back for you Anakin Skywalker. A feathery touch brushed against my cheek. Anakin's thanks. I sighed and looked behind me at Padme. I then noticed something that I have suspected all along. She is sad, yet joyous at the same time. She is burdened by something great I can tell. She looked up and smiled a small smile. I returned it and turned back around in the saddle. I wonder what this journey will bring me. Will I meet this supposed Queen? Will I meet Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon's apprentice?
My thoughts were interrupted as the eopies stopped with a rush of sand and grit. I squinted in the sun and gazed upon the most beautiful ship I had ever seen. Silver streaked and gleaming, it looked like a huge fish on the desert sands. I stared at it, almost believing it to be a mirage. But I knew in my heart that it was real. Then I looked behind Qui-Gon's back and saw someone who caught my eye. It was a young man, in Jedi robes, walking quickly towards Qui-Gon. He was rather short with brown hair, and I couldn't see the color of his eyes. Then suddenly, I knew who he was. Obi-Wan.
"Why do I sense that we've picked up another pathetic lifeform?" He asked Qui-Gon cynically. Inwardly I puffed out in indignation. Who did this, this, BOY think he was? Qui-Gon looked at me, which made me shrink back. Then he turned and eyed Obi-Wan reprimandingly. "It's the boy who is responsible for getting us these parts." Obi-Wan merely smiled and shook his head. "I have a helper for you Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon turned to me and motioned for me to jump down. I did so and found myself face to face with the Padawan. I could see surprise glinting in his eyes as I looked at him expectantly. I could see the look in his eyes that said, 'Not again.' That made my temper rise once more. Qui-Gon sighed. "She is an able mechanic and will help you get the parts installed. I'll be back." Qui-Gon turned the eopie and rode off towards Mos Espa, most likely to return the eopies. I turned back towards Obi-Wan. The apprentice looked as though he didn't know where to start, so I spoke first. "I'm Elaina Solo, your master's slave." Surprise registered in Obi-Wan's face. "I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi." He stuttered. "I know." I replied quickly, then wished I hadn't. The Padawan was now even more confused and I stopped him as he started to protest. "I just know."
There was silence for a moment more before Obi-Wan spoke again. "How did Qui-Gon end up with you?" He asked curiously. I must admit that I didn't care for his choice of words. Namely, 'end up with you', but I was patient, seeing that he was merely curious. "He saved my life Master Obi-Wan." I replied politely. The Jedi smiled and appeared embarrassed. Now it was my turn to be confused. Had I said something wrong? "Qui-Gon is your master, not me. I'm just Obi-Wan." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence as I registered the young man's words. I wasn't used to calling people by their first names. It was foreign to me. Slaves NEVER call people by their first names, unless they were your friends. So, I assumed that this boy would be my friend. I assumed that would be Qui-Gon's wish anyway. So I decided that the best thing to do was to respect his wishes.
"Alright Obi-Wan." I said speaking the name like a foreign word. Obi-Wan smiled and began to walk towards the ship. "Let's get the hyperdrive installed then. I'll show you where it is." We didn't talk much as we made our way into the ship. And we hardly talked at all when we were installing the hyperdrive, save for the call for tools. But other than that, there was no sound save the clanking of our tools. I decided to take advantage of the silence and observe my companion closer.
He had brown hair, shorter than Qui-Gon's. Part of it was drawn into a small pony tail and the other part was worn in a long braid that fell down his broad shoulder. As I had seen before, he wasn't as tall as Qui-Gon either, but every bit as muscular. Whenever he lifted his face to ask for a tool, I noticed the color of his eyes. They were blue. A blue that twists colors with the change of moods. Right now the blue is as bright and clear as the ocean seas of Aquilaris. I have never seen the ocean, but have only seen pictures. If I were to see it now, I would still say that is the same crystilline color. As he moves I can hear his lightsaber, softly clinking up against the metal of his belt, which lies hidden beneath his dark brown Jedi cloak. He reminds me of my brother.
When Obi-Wan and I were finished installing the hyperdrive, I decided to explore the marvelous ship. Obi-Wan made no objection and instead waved me off. I gladly took advantage of it and walked around the carpeted halls, running my fingers across the cool glass of the ship's windows. As a passed one of the windows, I stopped and squinted in the sun. There were two figures running across the desert terrain. I squinted against the desert sun to get a better glimpse of them. It was Qui-Gon and Anakin! But why, I didn't have time to think, for just as I did, a third figure made its way into my vision. It was coming very fast toward Anakin on a speeder. He barely missed him as he approached and jumped off to fight furiously with Qui-Gon, who had already drawn his lightsaber.
As I watched the figure fighting with my master, my breath caught in my throat. I knew that figure. I knew that face. But the face I had known had not been colored with the battle colors of red and black. It had been tanned, smooth, with the rough beginnings of a brown beard. Those eyes, whose color I could tell even from this distance, had not been orange, but a brilliant, kind, blue. My eyes. That person, that man, I knew him. I had to help Anakin and Qui-Gon. I had to because I knew what would happen if Qui-Gon wasn't strong enough.
I ran back to the room where Obi-Wan was and burst through the door before it had a chance to open fully. Obi-Wan looked up suddenly, his eyebrows furrowed at my climatic entrance. But I didn't give him the time to speak. "Qui-Gon and Anakin are being chased by a very dangerous man! You must come now!!" I gasped. That face, that man, had brought back memories, another. A painful vision. A vision of a very young man receiving those tattoos of black and red, his reception of the double bladed, blood-red lightsaber, tossing away the old lightsaber with it's familiar bright blue hue. Taking the lightsaber and destroying his first victim. I shuddered as the vision ended and I looked up at Obi-Wan.
His blue eyes were blazing and they flashed as he grabbed my arm and pulled me up to the cockpit. When we reached it, I noticed Padme standing there in the shadows, her brown eyes dark with worry. I managed a quick smile then directed my attention towards the others. "Over there, fly low." Obi-Wan directed the pilot, who nodded and carried out the orders. Just then, Anakin ran in, all out of breath. I ran to him, my heart rejoicing that he wasn't out there with HIM, with that man. "I knew I'd see you again. But I didn't think it would be this soon." He said, grinning. I returned his smile, then fixed my attention on the men.
As the ship floated by the duelers, the captain lowered the drawbridge. I saw Qui-Gon look up, then jump upon it, leaving the man below in the swirling dust. As Obi-Wan and Anakin made their way to the loading bay, I watched the man below. He watched us go away, clicking his lightsaber off in disbelief. I focused my attention on him, trying to understand his thoughts. Anger, frustration, fury, and exasperation. I felt them. And I felt him and somehow, I think he felt me. He cocked his head with a curious expression and I turned away, following my friends to the loading bay. I glanced back only once. He still stood there, watching, searching and probing for my presence. I shrunk away from his gaze, running to the docking bay.
When I reached the bay, I saw Qui-Gon lying on the floor panting hard, Anakin and Obi-Wan close by. "Are you all right?" Anakin was asking Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon nodded, trying to catch his breath. I knelt down beside them, and Qui-Gon's blue eyes smiled. "What was it?" Obi-Was asked, just as concerned as Anakin. "I don't know. But my guess is that he was after the queen." He said, having finally caught his breath. Anakin's forehead furrowed. "What are we gonna do?" Qui-Gon took a fairly large breath and looked at him with a humorous glance. "We shall be patient. Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi." Obi-Wan held out his roughened hand to the little boy and he grasped it energetically. "You're a Jedi too?" Obi-Wan nodded. "Pleased to meet you." He said, shaking the Jedi's hand fiercely. The two elder Jedi smiled.
As the two began to talk, I stood uneasily and walked towards the door. I had to think. I had to try to sort out the feelings flying through my head. What was it that Taran always said? Relax, feel the Force flowing through your body like the air around you. In, Out. In, Out. I sat down on one of the bright red couches and began to think back over the episode. Of the man and of his cocked head as he watched the ship leave. He did feel me. I know it. He did. I wished I had never seen him, never tried to touch his feelings. He brought back my past. He WAS my past. He was the past I wished I could forget. Something inside me told me to confide in Qui-Gon. But I didn't know if I should. It was something that I had never told. Ever.
Suddenly I looked up and saw the two Jedi standing in the doorway. Qui-Gon quickly crossed the room, a concerned look on his face. "Is there something wrong Elaina?" He asked, placing a large hand on my clasped ones. I took a deep breath, looked into my master's eyes, then at Obi-Wan's. "Master, I am now willing to tell you about what happened in the market place. Or rather how I did what I did in the market place. My past." I said uneasily. The Jedi stood and sat down in on of the chairs next to me. Obi-Wan looked at me uncomfortably. "Do you wish me to leave?" I looked up at him. "No, you may stay. I'd, I'd, rather you stay." He nodded and sat down beside Qui-Gon. I took a deep breath and began.
"When I was quite young, I had a normal family. Loving parents, and a caring older brother. Normal save for the fact of our Jedi heritage. My father was a Jedi knight and left often, but he came home as often as he could, training my brother as he came and went, often taking him with him on some occasions. He went many places, to Corusant and on other missions. But he gradually began to change somehow. He would ignore us, and go away more often than he usually did, leaving my brother at home alone. But then, when I was three years old, my father left and didn't return. My brother was very close to becoming a Jedi and somehow he sensed something strange and evil about my father's disappearence. When we asked our mother, she refused to speak. Just looked at us with her sorrowful blue eyes and wouldn't say anything." I sighed at the remembrance. My mother Carana, her shining blonde hair and bright blue eyes, her life ended so soon. I shook my head and continued.
"She was very much opposed to my brother teaching me Jedi arts. But he didn't listen, he just kept it going, so our line of Jedi could continue. He taught me to feel the Force, harness it, and use a lightsaber. He had never lived in the Jedi Temple, but had been there many times for training, therefore he tried as best he could to teach me as they had taught him. But not long after my fourth birthday, Jabba's slavers came on our property and delivered the command that we were to be enslaved. They refused to tell us who gave the orders, but I knew that it was not Jabba, otherwise they would have said so. They had myself and my mother enslaved, but not my brother, for he insisted that he was already in an apprenticeship. But he didn't say what KIND of apprenticeship." I smiled, remembering Taran's shrewdness.
"So, we lived the lives of slaves, my mother helping me in Master Banoba's shop when she could, my brother teaching me Jedi arts when he could. He kept this up till I was five years old, when everything changed. I ran outside one morning to call my brother and ask him to teach me more before I had to work. I couldn't find him anywhere in the house, so I went outside to look in the yard. I wished I hadn't. I saw the glow of two lightsabers clashing in the soft morning light. One purple and one red. Suddenly, the purple one went out. I screamed and ran in that direction." I sighed and suddenly felt Qui-Gon's hand on mine as the picture was relieved in my mind.
"I ran to Taran, but I was too late. He was dead, his attacker gone. I knelt down and picked up his lightsaber, vowing that someday I would not only become a Jedi, but would avenge my brother's death. It was then that I looked up and saw him. My brother's killer. He was dressed in a black robe and it was covering his red and black face. But his eyes. His eyes were blue, but they were slowly being taken over by a bright orange color. Those queer eyes bored holes into me where I stood. Then he smiled. Not a happy smile, but an evil smile, a smile that told me that he would be back for me. Then he left. I knew who he was, not only your attacker, but," I couldn't finish. The lump in my throat had become huge as I accepted, knew the fact that my attacker, Qui-Gon's attacker, my brother's murderer, was my own father.
"So I have been a slave ever since my brother's death, and I won't stop until I have become a Jedi like my father and brother." I finished boldly, receiving strength from finally telling my past. I looked up at Qui-Gon. He was looking at me, no, looking through me. Looking into my heart, feeling the pain I had suffered for over twelve years. Feeling the pain I had suffered to at last release my secret. Obi-Wan sat in silence, hands clasped, blue eyes locked on the floor. Qui-Gon's eyes glistened as he spoke. "Well Elaina. I see that you do have the ability to use the Force in a very powerful way. I sensed that from the beginning. And, I promise you, that I will try as hard as I can to free you and help you become a Jedi." I could have hugged him, but I didn't. It isn't proper for a slave to do.
"Perhaps at our destination, you may see more Jedi." Qui-Gon said as he rose, his eyes twinkling. "What is our destination Master, if I may ask?" I asked curiously, my hope rising. Qui-Gon grinned broadly. "Corusant." Memories flashed through my brain as the word rang out. Memories of my father telling me all about the huge city, with it's skyscrapers and air cars that extended for miles on end. The Jedi Temple, one of the tallest buildings of the whole city world, it's tower overlooking the entire city. "Corusant!" I practically yelled. I couldn't believe that I, Elaina Solo, a slave, was going to go to one of the biggest and most active worlds in the galaxy! And it was the home of the Jedi Temple! It seemed too good to be true. "Corusant." I whispered again, almost devoutly. "Yes Corusant." Qui-Gon said, still smiling. "And you best get some sleep before we reach it." He said, his voice echoing a tinge of laughter. Then he placed his rough hand on my face, gazing into my eyes with something that echoed sympathy. He shook his head and walked out.
I sat in silence for a moment before I looked at around the room. Obi-Wan was still seated at the couch, but his somber disposition had changed to a look of mirth. "What?" I asked, eyeing the imminent smile on his smooth face. "Well," He started, then stopped. Then he surprised me by breaking out into laughter. "What?" I repeated, confused. "You should've seen your face! Your eyes!" He laughed. "They were as wide as saucers! You went plain..........BUGEYED!" He laughed loudly. I looked at him indignantly. "Well you would be surprised too if you had been a slave on a stupid dustball of a planet that you had never left your whole life!" I said angrily. That stopped him, but only for a moment, when his mirth surfaced again at one look of my serious face. I sighed, took a couch pillow and hit him across the head as I walked away from him, his merry laughter echoing in the halls behind me.
I am leaving Tatooine. Possibly forever. It seems strange because I had always dreamed of getting away from this place. But now I am, and I am frightened. I'm, I'm not sure I want to go. But I will! I will! I won't stay here forever! No, I'm going to get away from here and become my dream. I'll be a Jedi. Somehow, someway. Perhaps I could receive help from Qui-Gon. I don't know. I hope so.
Qui-Gon is waiting for me outside. He is waiting for me to say goodbye to Anakin. Anakin, my childhood friend and confidant. I will miss him greatly. As we hugged each other, he whispered. "Do you think I'll ever see you again Elaina?" I held him tighter. "I believe we will meet again Ani. I do. We are such good friends that our paths must cross once more." He let go of me with a smile, then pulled my face closer to his. "Remember your dream to be a Jedi?" I nodded. "Don't give up. I think you will be a Jedi someday. And free too!" He said hopefully. "I hope so too Ani. I'll miss you." Anakin smiled and stepped back as I shouldered my bag and walked out of the house.
I saddled the eopi and sat on it's bumpy back behind Qui-Gon. Padme and Jar Jar took another and rode behind us. Both of the eopies pulled the much strived after parts for Qui-Gon's ship. I looked back at Anakin, his face bright only for my sake. But inwardly, he was yearning to join me. I sensed this. Inwardly I whispered, We will meet again. I'll be back for you Anakin Skywalker. A feathery touch brushed against my cheek. Anakin's thanks. I sighed and looked behind me at Padme. I then noticed something that I have suspected all along. She is sad, yet joyous at the same time. She is burdened by something great I can tell. She looked up and smiled a small smile. I returned it and turned back around in the saddle. I wonder what this journey will bring me. Will I meet this supposed Queen? Will I meet Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon's apprentice?
My thoughts were interrupted as the eopies stopped with a rush of sand and grit. I squinted in the sun and gazed upon the most beautiful ship I had ever seen. Silver streaked and gleaming, it looked like a huge fish on the desert sands. I stared at it, almost believing it to be a mirage. But I knew in my heart that it was real. Then I looked behind Qui-Gon's back and saw someone who caught my eye. It was a young man, in Jedi robes, walking quickly towards Qui-Gon. He was rather short with brown hair, and I couldn't see the color of his eyes. Then suddenly, I knew who he was. Obi-Wan.
"Why do I sense that we've picked up another pathetic lifeform?" He asked Qui-Gon cynically. Inwardly I puffed out in indignation. Who did this, this, BOY think he was? Qui-Gon looked at me, which made me shrink back. Then he turned and eyed Obi-Wan reprimandingly. "It's the boy who is responsible for getting us these parts." Obi-Wan merely smiled and shook his head. "I have a helper for you Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon turned to me and motioned for me to jump down. I did so and found myself face to face with the Padawan. I could see surprise glinting in his eyes as I looked at him expectantly. I could see the look in his eyes that said, 'Not again.' That made my temper rise once more. Qui-Gon sighed. "She is an able mechanic and will help you get the parts installed. I'll be back." Qui-Gon turned the eopie and rode off towards Mos Espa, most likely to return the eopies. I turned back towards Obi-Wan. The apprentice looked as though he didn't know where to start, so I spoke first. "I'm Elaina Solo, your master's slave." Surprise registered in Obi-Wan's face. "I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi." He stuttered. "I know." I replied quickly, then wished I hadn't. The Padawan was now even more confused and I stopped him as he started to protest. "I just know."
There was silence for a moment more before Obi-Wan spoke again. "How did Qui-Gon end up with you?" He asked curiously. I must admit that I didn't care for his choice of words. Namely, 'end up with you', but I was patient, seeing that he was merely curious. "He saved my life Master Obi-Wan." I replied politely. The Jedi smiled and appeared embarrassed. Now it was my turn to be confused. Had I said something wrong? "Qui-Gon is your master, not me. I'm just Obi-Wan." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence as I registered the young man's words. I wasn't used to calling people by their first names. It was foreign to me. Slaves NEVER call people by their first names, unless they were your friends. So, I assumed that this boy would be my friend. I assumed that would be Qui-Gon's wish anyway. So I decided that the best thing to do was to respect his wishes.
"Alright Obi-Wan." I said speaking the name like a foreign word. Obi-Wan smiled and began to walk towards the ship. "Let's get the hyperdrive installed then. I'll show you where it is." We didn't talk much as we made our way into the ship. And we hardly talked at all when we were installing the hyperdrive, save for the call for tools. But other than that, there was no sound save the clanking of our tools. I decided to take advantage of the silence and observe my companion closer.
He had brown hair, shorter than Qui-Gon's. Part of it was drawn into a small pony tail and the other part was worn in a long braid that fell down his broad shoulder. As I had seen before, he wasn't as tall as Qui-Gon either, but every bit as muscular. Whenever he lifted his face to ask for a tool, I noticed the color of his eyes. They were blue. A blue that twists colors with the change of moods. Right now the blue is as bright and clear as the ocean seas of Aquilaris. I have never seen the ocean, but have only seen pictures. If I were to see it now, I would still say that is the same crystilline color. As he moves I can hear his lightsaber, softly clinking up against the metal of his belt, which lies hidden beneath his dark brown Jedi cloak. He reminds me of my brother.
When Obi-Wan and I were finished installing the hyperdrive, I decided to explore the marvelous ship. Obi-Wan made no objection and instead waved me off. I gladly took advantage of it and walked around the carpeted halls, running my fingers across the cool glass of the ship's windows. As a passed one of the windows, I stopped and squinted in the sun. There were two figures running across the desert terrain. I squinted against the desert sun to get a better glimpse of them. It was Qui-Gon and Anakin! But why, I didn't have time to think, for just as I did, a third figure made its way into my vision. It was coming very fast toward Anakin on a speeder. He barely missed him as he approached and jumped off to fight furiously with Qui-Gon, who had already drawn his lightsaber.
As I watched the figure fighting with my master, my breath caught in my throat. I knew that figure. I knew that face. But the face I had known had not been colored with the battle colors of red and black. It had been tanned, smooth, with the rough beginnings of a brown beard. Those eyes, whose color I could tell even from this distance, had not been orange, but a brilliant, kind, blue. My eyes. That person, that man, I knew him. I had to help Anakin and Qui-Gon. I had to because I knew what would happen if Qui-Gon wasn't strong enough.
I ran back to the room where Obi-Wan was and burst through the door before it had a chance to open fully. Obi-Wan looked up suddenly, his eyebrows furrowed at my climatic entrance. But I didn't give him the time to speak. "Qui-Gon and Anakin are being chased by a very dangerous man! You must come now!!" I gasped. That face, that man, had brought back memories, another. A painful vision. A vision of a very young man receiving those tattoos of black and red, his reception of the double bladed, blood-red lightsaber, tossing away the old lightsaber with it's familiar bright blue hue. Taking the lightsaber and destroying his first victim. I shuddered as the vision ended and I looked up at Obi-Wan.
His blue eyes were blazing and they flashed as he grabbed my arm and pulled me up to the cockpit. When we reached it, I noticed Padme standing there in the shadows, her brown eyes dark with worry. I managed a quick smile then directed my attention towards the others. "Over there, fly low." Obi-Wan directed the pilot, who nodded and carried out the orders. Just then, Anakin ran in, all out of breath. I ran to him, my heart rejoicing that he wasn't out there with HIM, with that man. "I knew I'd see you again. But I didn't think it would be this soon." He said, grinning. I returned his smile, then fixed my attention on the men.
As the ship floated by the duelers, the captain lowered the drawbridge. I saw Qui-Gon look up, then jump upon it, leaving the man below in the swirling dust. As Obi-Wan and Anakin made their way to the loading bay, I watched the man below. He watched us go away, clicking his lightsaber off in disbelief. I focused my attention on him, trying to understand his thoughts. Anger, frustration, fury, and exasperation. I felt them. And I felt him and somehow, I think he felt me. He cocked his head with a curious expression and I turned away, following my friends to the loading bay. I glanced back only once. He still stood there, watching, searching and probing for my presence. I shrunk away from his gaze, running to the docking bay.
When I reached the bay, I saw Qui-Gon lying on the floor panting hard, Anakin and Obi-Wan close by. "Are you all right?" Anakin was asking Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon nodded, trying to catch his breath. I knelt down beside them, and Qui-Gon's blue eyes smiled. "What was it?" Obi-Was asked, just as concerned as Anakin. "I don't know. But my guess is that he was after the queen." He said, having finally caught his breath. Anakin's forehead furrowed. "What are we gonna do?" Qui-Gon took a fairly large breath and looked at him with a humorous glance. "We shall be patient. Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi." Obi-Wan held out his roughened hand to the little boy and he grasped it energetically. "You're a Jedi too?" Obi-Wan nodded. "Pleased to meet you." He said, shaking the Jedi's hand fiercely. The two elder Jedi smiled.
As the two began to talk, I stood uneasily and walked towards the door. I had to think. I had to try to sort out the feelings flying through my head. What was it that Taran always said? Relax, feel the Force flowing through your body like the air around you. In, Out. In, Out. I sat down on one of the bright red couches and began to think back over the episode. Of the man and of his cocked head as he watched the ship leave. He did feel me. I know it. He did. I wished I had never seen him, never tried to touch his feelings. He brought back my past. He WAS my past. He was the past I wished I could forget. Something inside me told me to confide in Qui-Gon. But I didn't know if I should. It was something that I had never told. Ever.
Suddenly I looked up and saw the two Jedi standing in the doorway. Qui-Gon quickly crossed the room, a concerned look on his face. "Is there something wrong Elaina?" He asked, placing a large hand on my clasped ones. I took a deep breath, looked into my master's eyes, then at Obi-Wan's. "Master, I am now willing to tell you about what happened in the market place. Or rather how I did what I did in the market place. My past." I said uneasily. The Jedi stood and sat down in on of the chairs next to me. Obi-Wan looked at me uncomfortably. "Do you wish me to leave?" I looked up at him. "No, you may stay. I'd, I'd, rather you stay." He nodded and sat down beside Qui-Gon. I took a deep breath and began.
"When I was quite young, I had a normal family. Loving parents, and a caring older brother. Normal save for the fact of our Jedi heritage. My father was a Jedi knight and left often, but he came home as often as he could, training my brother as he came and went, often taking him with him on some occasions. He went many places, to Corusant and on other missions. But he gradually began to change somehow. He would ignore us, and go away more often than he usually did, leaving my brother at home alone. But then, when I was three years old, my father left and didn't return. My brother was very close to becoming a Jedi and somehow he sensed something strange and evil about my father's disappearence. When we asked our mother, she refused to speak. Just looked at us with her sorrowful blue eyes and wouldn't say anything." I sighed at the remembrance. My mother Carana, her shining blonde hair and bright blue eyes, her life ended so soon. I shook my head and continued.
"She was very much opposed to my brother teaching me Jedi arts. But he didn't listen, he just kept it going, so our line of Jedi could continue. He taught me to feel the Force, harness it, and use a lightsaber. He had never lived in the Jedi Temple, but had been there many times for training, therefore he tried as best he could to teach me as they had taught him. But not long after my fourth birthday, Jabba's slavers came on our property and delivered the command that we were to be enslaved. They refused to tell us who gave the orders, but I knew that it was not Jabba, otherwise they would have said so. They had myself and my mother enslaved, but not my brother, for he insisted that he was already in an apprenticeship. But he didn't say what KIND of apprenticeship." I smiled, remembering Taran's shrewdness.
"So, we lived the lives of slaves, my mother helping me in Master Banoba's shop when she could, my brother teaching me Jedi arts when he could. He kept this up till I was five years old, when everything changed. I ran outside one morning to call my brother and ask him to teach me more before I had to work. I couldn't find him anywhere in the house, so I went outside to look in the yard. I wished I hadn't. I saw the glow of two lightsabers clashing in the soft morning light. One purple and one red. Suddenly, the purple one went out. I screamed and ran in that direction." I sighed and suddenly felt Qui-Gon's hand on mine as the picture was relieved in my mind.
"I ran to Taran, but I was too late. He was dead, his attacker gone. I knelt down and picked up his lightsaber, vowing that someday I would not only become a Jedi, but would avenge my brother's death. It was then that I looked up and saw him. My brother's killer. He was dressed in a black robe and it was covering his red and black face. But his eyes. His eyes were blue, but they were slowly being taken over by a bright orange color. Those queer eyes bored holes into me where I stood. Then he smiled. Not a happy smile, but an evil smile, a smile that told me that he would be back for me. Then he left. I knew who he was, not only your attacker, but," I couldn't finish. The lump in my throat had become huge as I accepted, knew the fact that my attacker, Qui-Gon's attacker, my brother's murderer, was my own father.
"So I have been a slave ever since my brother's death, and I won't stop until I have become a Jedi like my father and brother." I finished boldly, receiving strength from finally telling my past. I looked up at Qui-Gon. He was looking at me, no, looking through me. Looking into my heart, feeling the pain I had suffered for over twelve years. Feeling the pain I had suffered to at last release my secret. Obi-Wan sat in silence, hands clasped, blue eyes locked on the floor. Qui-Gon's eyes glistened as he spoke. "Well Elaina. I see that you do have the ability to use the Force in a very powerful way. I sensed that from the beginning. And, I promise you, that I will try as hard as I can to free you and help you become a Jedi." I could have hugged him, but I didn't. It isn't proper for a slave to do.
"Perhaps at our destination, you may see more Jedi." Qui-Gon said as he rose, his eyes twinkling. "What is our destination Master, if I may ask?" I asked curiously, my hope rising. Qui-Gon grinned broadly. "Corusant." Memories flashed through my brain as the word rang out. Memories of my father telling me all about the huge city, with it's skyscrapers and air cars that extended for miles on end. The Jedi Temple, one of the tallest buildings of the whole city world, it's tower overlooking the entire city. "Corusant!" I practically yelled. I couldn't believe that I, Elaina Solo, a slave, was going to go to one of the biggest and most active worlds in the galaxy! And it was the home of the Jedi Temple! It seemed too good to be true. "Corusant." I whispered again, almost devoutly. "Yes Corusant." Qui-Gon said, still smiling. "And you best get some sleep before we reach it." He said, his voice echoing a tinge of laughter. Then he placed his rough hand on my face, gazing into my eyes with something that echoed sympathy. He shook his head and walked out.
I sat in silence for a moment before I looked at around the room. Obi-Wan was still seated at the couch, but his somber disposition had changed to a look of mirth. "What?" I asked, eyeing the imminent smile on his smooth face. "Well," He started, then stopped. Then he surprised me by breaking out into laughter. "What?" I repeated, confused. "You should've seen your face! Your eyes!" He laughed. "They were as wide as saucers! You went plain..........BUGEYED!" He laughed loudly. I looked at him indignantly. "Well you would be surprised too if you had been a slave on a stupid dustball of a planet that you had never left your whole life!" I said angrily. That stopped him, but only for a moment, when his mirth surfaced again at one look of my serious face. I sighed, took a couch pillow and hit him across the head as I walked away from him, his merry laughter echoing in the halls behind me.
