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I am standing in the small tower where Qui-Gon is to be cremated. On short notice Yoda and Mace Windu, the dark skinned Jedi came for the ceremony. By this time I had found out what had happened during my escapades. The Gungans had defeated the battle droids because the Trade Federation starship had been destroyed. With the starship destroyed, the droids were inoperable. The starship had been destroyed by none other than Anakin! So that was where he had gone after everyone had left! He hadn't exactly obeyed Qui-Gon, but it was just as well. I had spoken and cried with Anakin after telling him of Qui-Gon's death. He confessed to me that at the time he felt right and good about doing it, but now it just felt wrong. He had betrayed Qui-Gon in his disobediance and he wished he could apologize. I had smiled and touched his face gently. "I'm sure he knows Ani. It's alright." I whispered. "It's alright."


Just then a soldier set a torch to Qui-Gon's body. I looked at the line of people gathered to remember Qui-Gon. Anakin stood solemnly next to Obi-Wan. Amidala had changed out of her battle clothes and had dressed back into her royal robes. Beside her stood Senator Palpatine. Every one of them showed their sorrow by their solemn faces as they watched the pyre with solemn faces and sorrowful eyes. I closed my eyes, not wishing to see the disintigration of Qui-Gon's earthly body, but rather opened my eyes to look at the sky. As the sparks from the fire rose into the night sky, I followed them as they flew to the stars. I felt half empty, as though a part of my soul was going with them. I had felt this way when my brother died, when my father had left me, and when my mother had died from sorrow, but it was even worse this time.


I was startled as Obi-Wan spoke quietly to me. "Elaina, I will try to be as good a master as Qui-Gon was. And I promise that I will help you become a Jedi, though I can't train you myself." So he was going to take Anakin for his Padawan after all. Good. At least Anakin would have his dream fulfilled. I nodded to Obi-Wan. I wanted to tell him thank you, wanted to thank him for his comfort, but I couldn't. My throat was filled with the hideous lump that filled my throat. He seemed to understand and for the first time I felt him speak to me inwardly, with the Force.


I give you my solemn vow Elaina, to protect you.


I turned to him in surprise, my unshed tears sparkling in the firelight. His gaze was still fixed on me as he gently lifted his hand, placing it on my face. The gesture brought me back to the first time Qui-Gon had done the action, reassuring me of his promise to keep my secrets. Finally, the tears fell as his voice echoed once more,

I promise.


Place: Theed City Square



I stood on the balcony of the palace of Theed. It seemed that all the city of Theed was in the square today for the celebration honoring our victory and the peace between the Naboo and the Gungans. I sighed, shifting in the dress that Amidala had lent me. It was a pale, almost white pink, made of a beautiful silk substance that fell down to my ankles. There really were no sleeves, simply long lengths of the material attached at the shoulders and falling down the length of the dress. My hair was done differently as well. My brown-gold hair had been fashioned in a long braid curled around my head like a crown. I felt so different, inwardly and outwardly. Different yet the same. As I eyed the crowds below, I felt a presence approach me from behind. I didn't even have to turn around to know who it was. "How many do you suppose there are?" Obi-Wan asked, looking out the window from behind my shoulder. I turned to him and shrugged. "I would say at least twenty thousand." I commented. He nodded. "I suppose thats a pretty good estimate." He conceded.


I glanced at him and all of a sudden noticed how close he was standing. As I felt my breathing become constricted, I knew. Could I actually, feel for Obi-Wan? I didn't know. But I did know that though I hadn't told Qui-Gon, I had to tell Obi-Wan, despite my possible, feelings. "Obi-Wan, I must tell you, well ask you something as well." Instantly Obi-Wan's gaze was upon me. It was then that I noticed how blue his eyes really were. But I got my mind off that foolish thought and cleared my throat. "Well, I, I was wondering. Do Jedi have visions?" I asked. Obi-Wan frowned in thought and shook his head. "Yes. Many of them. Visions of the past, the future. Yes. Why?" He asked.


I drew my breath in shakily. "Well, because sometimes, I have visions." Obi-Wan stared in surprise. "You? What about? How many times have you had them?" He asked quickly. He placed his hand on my arm as I drew back in my surprise of the quickness that he fired off his questions. "I apologize. I haven't had very many visions. I'm just simply, well, curious." I smiled in relief and thought. "I don't know how many times. Often though. And they're all different. There's really no rhyme or reason to them. I've seen many different people. A boy with blonde hair, who has the ability to use the Force I can tell. His companion, an old man, and strange as it sounds I think that he could be an affiliate with the Force as well. But whenever I see him, I always feel pity for him. He's so hurt inside. It's not a new hurt, it's an old hurt, one I sense he's wanted to be rid of long ago but can't. There's a girl, of royal bearing, who is also their companion. And one more." I paused, letting the boy's face arise before me.


"Yes? Go on." Obi-Wan pressed. "Well, he, I can't help but think that I know him. Or that I will know him. He's a pilot. He didn't want to join their group, but he was almost pushed into it. One time when I was allowed to hear, I heard his name. Han. But I don't know Obi-Wan. It's all so strange. Otherwise I can't hear when I have my visions. It's as if I'm deaf and mute and cannot move or do anything! It's so strange." I murmured. Obi-Wan stared in amazement. "You can't hear? Do they speak? These, people?" He asked. "Oh yes. But it does no good as I cannot hear them." I explained. "What can I do?" I asked helplessly. Obi-Wan smiled and gently placed his hand on my arm. "I will take you to the Jedi Temple. I promise you that I will make sure you are trained in the Jedi ways. You cannot let this gift go unnoticed." He said gently.


I glanced at him. "They, the Jedi won't think me a freak, will they?" I asked. Obi-Wan laughed, then sobered, looking at me seriously. "No Elaina. If it comes as often as it does, it most likely means that you are to use these visions as information. It is a gift. Gifts are not shunned by the Jedi." He said gently. I nodded, taking in his information. "I sometimes wish I didn't have them. They frighten me sometimes." I admitted. Obi-Wan nodded reassuringly. "I'm sure they do. It's alright for you to fear, but don't let it control you Elaina." He said quietly. I shook my head. "I won't." Obi-Wan looked at me, then smiled. "I forgot to tell you. You look, quite beautiful." He murmured. I was surprised as a small blush spread to his cheeks. I smiled. "Thank you." I whispered, not sure what more to say. We looked at each other a moment more before being interrupted by Anakin.


"C'mon! Amidala wants us to get ready to go out now!" I fixed my gaze upon my friend. His droopy hairstyle was gone, replaced by a much shorter hair cut, a small ponytail, and a braid that was hanging down from the back of his head. I knew in time that the braid would grow out as Obi-Wan's had, falling over his shoulder as he ran, contrasting with the brown of his tunic. I smiled and walked out the door. "I'll be right there." Obi-Wan said, walking ahead of us. I fell into step with Anakin. He looked up at me admiringly. "You're really pretty. Did Obi-Wan tell you you were pretty?" He asked. I blushed and nodded. Anakin nodded in decision. "Well I'm glad I know that for sure." He said decisively. I frowned. "What do you mean Anakin?" I asked. He looked up at me and shrugged. "Oh nothin'. Just that I'm glad I know that I was right in thinking that he likes you." I stared at him as he walked quickly ahead of me, as if anticipating that I would run after him. I shook my head. As if I would run in this beautiful dress!


We finally all stood on the dais together Amidala, Obi-Wan, Anakin and I. The Gungan army paraded down the road headed by Boss Nass and Jar Jar and surrounded by triumphant music and bits of colored paper falling around them like a rainbow. When they got to the platform where our group was standing, Boss Nass jumped off his kadu, but poor Jar Jar got his foot caught in the stirrup as he came down. I couldn't help smiling at the poor creature's clumsiness. Boss Nass then approached the Queen and bowed slightly. Amidala smiled and handed him their symbol of peace, a huge glass ball, with energy that coursed beneath it's surface. Boss Nass took it, then held it above his head and yelled, "Peace!" All the people and Gungans alike in the square yelled their happiness.


Amidala stood in the center, wearing a beautiful white dress that set off her beautiful figure. I remembered Anakin's description of her that he had said when telling me of the first time he met her. He had called her an angel. She surely looked like one now. I glanced at Anakin. He looked over at me and smiled. Then he glanced up at Obi-Wan, turned back to me and began to lift his eyebrows. Inwardly I warned him.


Anakin.


Geez sorry! Didn't think a guy would get so much heat by just looking at you! Honestly though, you look great.


Thanks Anakin.


'Laina?


Hmm?


You happy?


Anakin, I've never been more happy in my entire life.


Oh. Good. I'm glad you are 'cause I am too.


Good.


As we stood on the dais above the crowds of people, I looked at Amidala, who smiled happily. Her happiness was now complete. I cast a sideways glance at Obi-Wan. Sensing my action, he met my gaze and he smiled. As he smiled, a vision slipped over me like a fog and instead of Obi-Wan's smiling face, I saw a boy's. The boy, the pilot with the ship. Han. He stood tall, a medal around his neck, a grin on his face. I couldn't help but smile back at him, even though he couldn't see me. I couldn't explain it but whenever I said the name, Han, it gave me a queer feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don't know what it means, but whenever I say that name, I'm filled with a sort of, peace. His face faded out, Obi-Wan's replacing it. He cocked his head slightly. I nodded, sensing his question.


What did you see?


That boy again. The pilot. Han.

Was it frightening?


Oh heavens no. It was, it was cheerful. He was smiling.


Well good. I wonder who he is, this Han. How you know him and so forth.


I don't know. But I'm sure I'll find out.


Again the boy's face, Han's face, arose in my mind, making me smile. He was so, I don't know. There was something about him that made me swell with pride.


I don't know. You'll help me find out won't you Obi-Wan?


Of course. You can't count on me for anything Elaina. After all I AM your master.


That's beside the point. You're going to get me free!


Yes of course. How could I forget?


You never will Obi-Wan Kenobi. Because if you forget then I'll run you down until you do it.



You would too.


Yes of course.


You are one interesting girl Elaina Solo.


I sighed happily. Yes I certainly am. That I was proud of. I stood there on the dais, my future laid out before me, and for the first time in a long, long time, I was truely happy. Truely happy. And though I wasn't free in body, I was most certainly free in spirit.
And that was enough to satisfy me, for now.