A Rose's Thorn

A/N : Hi! Thanks for the reviews! Those comments made me very happy. *smiles* Sorry for over-using "star-crossed"; I just haven't found another phrase that describes them so perfectly. Also, I'm sorry for the delay on posting this chapter. My phone lines were down so I wasn't able to upload. *weeps* Also, just to save us all from confusion, anything in ~:: ::~ is when they're talking through a bond.



Chapter 4 : Forbidden Frost

"We stumble in a tangled web

Decaying friendships almost dead

And hide behind a mask of lies

We twist and turn and avoid

All hope of salvage now devoid

I see the truth inside your eyes."

~Savage Garden : "A Thousand Words"



Haunting, presently the palest shade of blue accented by hints of gray, orbs peered through one of the small windows in the upper room of the 'Eternal Darkness'. As the stars drifted by, the young padawan's thoughts seemed to follow each of them. Pain twisted deeply in his torn soul, but there was nothing he could do to mend such a wound. Anger, however, seemed more than willing to fill the emptiness in Obi-Wan Kenobi's heart. He knew it was wrong, horribly wrong, yet anger's warm embrace wasn't one he truly wanted to resist.

He often wondered why he shouldn't hold feelings of resentment toward his Master. Although Qui-Gon had so 'graciously' allowed the young padawan to be placed in his care, he hadn't been able to love Obi-Wan as he should. Of course, Obi-Wan understood that his master was in pain due to previous occurrences that were not to -ever- be brought up as a topic of conversation, but after five years had passed, the young padawan often wondered why Qui-Gon couldn't make room for him in his cold, broken heart. Obi-Wan was more than willing to try to undo the pain and agony that constantly tormented his master, yet Qui-Gon wasn't able to see that. Too many things taunted Qui-Gon : rebellion, anger, pain, torment, deception, defiance. Of course, defiance, the unforgivable sin in the weary master's eyes; a sin Obi-Wan hadn't intentionally committed, yet regardless, could not be forgiven for. Although defiance, and everything else that haunted Qui-Gon, was not at all a part of Obi-Wan Kenobi's nature, the young padawan wasn't allowed the proper place he deserved within his master's heart.

"Perhaps he's forgotten how to love," Wespero murmured gently after sensing the strange array of emotions the young jedi padawan emitted.

"It's been five years. In five years' time, I haven't managed to prove myself worthy of my master's love. I.. I've tried to be the perfect padawan, yet it's never good enough. It's ironic really," Obi-Wan said, glancing at Wespero for a moment then back to the shooting stars, "to think that Master Jinn is probably the grandest of the jedi; perhaps even a better swordsman than any of the council members. He has this amazing connection to the living Force; he cares so deeply for other life forms - well, the life forms that aren't directly linked to him and risk touching his heart. According to the council, I'm one of best padawans to ever reside at the temple. They claim I have a connection with the Force that no one else possesses. With those facts in mind, Master Jinn and I are regarded as the best jedi-padawan team at the temple. Despite those facts and my over-all admiration for him, we have the worst relationship of any jedi-padawan team in the history of the temple."

"You exaggerate, Obi-Wan, but it's understandable. You're so deeply hurt by him, yet you continue to love him. Why is that?" Wespero inquired.

"Because, five years ago I was destined for farming since there wasn't a master available to train me. Master Jinn, after a long while of debating and pondering and council harassment, took me as his padawan. He gave me a chance to become a jedi knight, and that is worth everything to me," Obi-Wan said.

"There's something deeper than that," Wespero commented.

"No, no.. that's all," Obi-Wan stammered as he tried to bury the sudden emotions that longed to take hold of his weary, wounded heart.

"Obi-Wan, you have a very special gift. Everyone around you can see it, except one person..." Wespero said as he stepped closer to the young padawan and placed a reassuring hand upon his shoulder, "No, it's not your master. He can see your gift, but he chooses to ignore it; he's afraid of it. No, Obi-Wan, -you- are the one who fails to recognize the gift you possess."

Obi-Wan cast a quizzical glance at Wespero to which the Hothian ambassador continued, "You are completely selfless. That's a quality very few possess, jedi included. In being so selfless, you long to ease the pain of everyone around you. The funny thing is, you do ease the pain. I'm sure just looking at you can ease any girl's - and some boy's - troubles instantly. But, you have this way about you..."

"But what does that have to do with my master?" Obi-Wan inquired.

"Everything," Wespero stated. "Your master has unresolved issues that he dwells upon constantly. He aches in a way that mere words can not express. In being so selfless, you want to ease his pain more than anything else in this universe. But, he pushes you away; he won't allow you to use your gift to help him. In some ways, he wants to save himself, yet he knows he can not; well, he doesn't know that yet, but he will. He hurts you, young one, he hurts you because he doesn't know how else to deal with your constant waves of love."

"I suppose that's true from a certain point-of-view," Obi-Wan murmured, his tone suddenly slightly colder, "but I don't see things that way."

"Because you're lost in a realm of guilt and insecurity. Since your master suffers, you blame yourself. Every slight hint of a mistake, you see as the ultimate doom. You're hard on yourself, Obi-Wan, but you mustn't be. Qui-Gon's pain isn't your fault-" Wespero said gently.

"If I'm so gifted, his pain would be gone," Obi-Wan whispered.

"No, it isn't that easy, and you know that. He is one of the few people in this universe that resists your charms, and you aren't quite sure how to handle that. Be patient, young one; patience is one of those virtues the jedi should possess," Wespero said. After a few moments of awkward silence passed, a certain dismal expression often etched upon the young padawan's face took hold of Wespero's. "It's a pity you can't use your gift to help yourself. It amazes me you care so deeply for him when he hurts you so."

"We should be landing soon," Obi-Wan murmured.

"You are a wonderful person, Obi-Wan; don't let him tell you differently," Wespero said, "and most importantly, young one, you are not a thorn in his side. Never."



~*~

Hoth was a sight far from lovely to behold. It lacked color, for the terrain consisted mostly of white blankets of snow with the occasional slate-gray mountain peak escaping the frozen whirlwinds. It lacked life, for the surface was unable to house the living creatures. As the 'Eternal Darkness' soared along the Hothian skyline, the planet was slowly being engulfed in darkness. The 'Dark Side' of Hoth was abandoned by the faint hints of sunlight, with the exception of two weeks during their so-called summer and the few hours of moonlight they received.

::~"Master,"~:: Obi-Wan called softly through their shared bond, ::~"I have a dreadful feeling about this."~::

::~"I sense a certain distress among the people, but nothing dreadful,"::~ Qui-Gon replied.

::~"I sense something... menacing. There's something lurking within this planet's darkness, but I can't explain exactly what it is. It's something dreadful, Master,"::~ Obi-Wan said.

It was a forced conversation; they both accepted that fact. If they were to truly speak, they would tread upon the weary bridge that kept them connected. Upon setting a foot upon that bridge, they were faced with two risks : to successfully heal the deeply buried wounds or to destroy the bridge and fall into an endless abyss of sorrow. Although Obi-Wan was more than willing to run across that bridge, Qui-Gon would, perhaps, never be able to set a foot upon it.

The 'Eternal Darkness' landed gently upon the shadowy surface of Hoth. The jedi and padawan followed the Hothian ambassador and his sister through one energy door and to the lower level of the ship. Wespero and Vera quickly began to remove a layer of slate-gray paneling from the floor. Before the jedi or padawan could begin their inquisition, another blue energy door was revealed.

"This is how we leave the ship and enter one of the areas of the kingdom. It is too cold to walk directly to any one point, and sometimes the moonlight is a little to fierce," Vera explained softly.

"Just step upon the energy door, and you'll slide through this one and another and land upon a platform," Wespero stated.

Sensing a skeptical feeling from the jedi, Vera stepped upon the door first and quickly slipped through. Obi-Wan followed and landed next to Vera upon the platform. Qui-Gon, still not particularly happy with such a strange concept, followed his padawan. After a few moments of rearranging panels, Wespero stepped upon the door with the larger panel held above his head. As he stepped through the door, he tossed the panel in the air which landed back in its proper position just as he landed on the platform.

"When we arrive in the palace," Wespero stated as he pushed a few buttons on the keypad located in the center of the slate-gray wall, "Vera will show you where to go. I will deal with the queen and announce you properly."

The platform slowly lowered itself down the tunnel that lead to the Hothian palace. After a few minutes, the seeming wall in front of the group opened and revealed a vision of beauty to the weary eyes of the jedi and padawan. Dimly lit, lantern-like structures hung from the ceiling and also adorned areas of the walls casting a tan glow against the basic gray. Scents of certain oils and perfumes lingered down the intricate, winding hallways. Wispy draperies of silk and satin hung exotically from the ceiling and brushed against the young padawan's flawless face.

"Just wait until you see the throne room," a soft voice stated after reading the amazement from the young padawan.

"Quynah, what are you-" Wespero began to inquire.

"Hush now, 'Ambassador'. We know all about your treachery, yet despite that, the queen still wishes to see the jedi you have brought to us," Quynah stated without any sort of emotion present in her tone.

"But how did you-" Wespero began again.

"That is not important, 'Ambassador'. The issue the queen wishes to address is that of the jedi, not you. But, do not worry, Wespero, the queen shall deal with you later. Step aside, Wespero, I must speak to our esteemed guests," Quynah said.

Wespero moved protectively toward his sister as the jedi and padawan stepped toward the strange girl. She appeared to be the same age as Obi-Wan, perhaps a year older. Her sapphire-hued hair hung daintily at her chin with one shorter layer falling across her face and hiding her left eye slightly. Her eyes were dark - darker than surrounding shadows - and held a certain element of mystery. Swirls of powdery blue accented her flawless ivory skin. Layers of intricately-designed satin, each in a different shade, wrapped around her thin figure. Pale blue, topaz jewels accented her attire and sparkled in her choppy tresses. Obi-Wan was enthralled.

"Greetings esteemed jedi," the girl stated in a thick accent - every vowel was pronounced with near exaggeration for the purpose of emphasis and speech, in general, was slow, "I am Quynah, the queen's personal attendant. She is very pleased to have such guests; it is not often we have such guests."

"I'm Master Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi," he stated.

"How intriguing. We were sent four masters before," Quynah murmured.

"I assure you, we are the best the temple has to offer. We can settle every problem-" Obi-Wan stated, suddenly wanting to impress.

"I would not be so over-confidant, Obi-Wan Kenobi," Quynah replied with a hint of laughter. "Please, follow me."

The strange girl turned and escorted the jedi and padawan through the maze of winding hallways. Wespero and Vera trailed behind with a look of fear dancing in their sapphire orbs.

::~"Brother,"~:: Vera whispered through their bond, ::~"how did they find out?"~::

::~"I'm not sure,"~:: he replied, ::~"but they won't harm you, I swear it."~::

::~"Wes..."~:: Vera murmured.

::~"Umbria will probably send me to the tower, but you must watch over our jedi friends. If anything should happen to them..."~:: Wespero stated.

::~"Wes,"~:: Vera whispered with fear hanging upon the mention of his name.

::~"Promise me, Sister, promise me you'll try your best to watch over them,"~:: he pleaded.

::~"Of course, Brother,"~:: she replied.

Obi-Wan remained enthralled by the exotic visual display of the underground castle. Never before had he seen something so intricately artistic yet ultimately dark and mysterious at the same time. The sight distracted his Force senses which was exactly what the queen's attendant wanted.

With soft footsteps, Quynah entered the queen's throne room and motioned for the small group to enter.

"Your majesty," Quynah stated with a slow, graceful bow, "I present before you Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. Also, Wespero and Vera wished to attend this meeting."

"Our grand ambassador and his sister may be allowed to stay for now. My interest remains with the jedi," a voice stated from the shadows. The sound of her voice was an intoxicating melody which the jedi and padawan struggled to ignore. With a quick snap of her fingers, the queen's attendant moved to ignite the flames of the lanterns surrounding the queen. Once the soft glow cascaded upon the queen, her beauty seemed to fill the room with more radiance. Straight layers of black hair framed her face in varying lengths - the shortest strands kissed her cheeks and the longest hung to her knees; on the very end of each layer, a sapphire hue accented her lovely tresses. Her skin was a flawless milky shade with swirls of powder-blue so intricate that they looked as though a grand artistic visionary painted them each day with such care in each stroke of his brush. Bright, topaz orbs were punctuated by long, black, painted lines, making them appear much larger. Her black-painted lips were full and glossy. Her delicately slender frame was covered in a gown of black satin. The sleeves, long and wispy faded from black to silver and revealed her dainty hands and silver-painted nails. The end of her gown matched the sleeves, fading to silver. Various silver chains with topaz jewels were wrapped around her neck, wrists, ankles, and waist. Atop her head rested a silver head-dress decorated with topaz and sapphire jewels.

"Your majesty," the jedi and padawan stated together, bowing slightly and seemingly unaware of her beauty, for both saw the darkness that lurked within her.

"Master Qui-Gon Jinn," she stated with a slight nod of her head. "I am glad the jedi sent such a master. I sense much strength in you."

She turned her attention to the young padawan at his side and suddenly smiled wickedly. "Obi-Wan Kenobi," she stated slowly; her accent made his name suddenly sound exotic and seductive, "how delightful."

"Your majesty, we come on behalf of the jedi council to discuss-" Qui-Gon began.

"No, no," Queen Umbria stated with a dismissing wave of her hand, "we mustn't have a discussion yet. I sense much tension within you and your padawan. We have a certain custom before having such discussions. A treatment of massage and healing oils tends to relieve the stressful feelings. I hate to have discussions in a stressful environment; it often leads to unsatisfying results."

"As you wish, your majesty, but I must remind you, we haven't got all the time in the universe," Qui-Gon stated.

"I find it rather amusing that the jedi are known for their undying patience, yet you can not spare the time to indulge in our custom. Tsk tsk, Master Qui-Gon Jinn. I assure you, it will not take long," the queen stated with hints of laughter in her tone.

"Your grace," Quynah murmured, "which levels shall I use?"

"Levels?" Obi-Wan inquired.

"Oh, the levels, I hope you do not mind. As a precautionary element, during the treatment, we administer a small injection of antibiotics. We can never be sure what you bring in from the vastness of space into our small environment. Anything serious, and we would all die without a prayer," Quynah stated.

The jedi and padawan nodded.

"For Master Jinn, level one. As for Obi-Wan Kenobi," Umbria stated, a little too delighted to state his name so exotically again, "he has such young blood. Level four, just to be safe."

"Level four?" Quynah inquired.

"Yes, dear, level four. You may tend to him, and.. Vera, tend to Master Jinn," Umbria stated.

"Yes, your majesty," the girls replied in unison.

"You are dismissed. We shall meet again after your treatments," Umbria announced. "Ah, Wespero, would you be a dear and stay around? I have a little matter to discuss with you."

As the jedi and padawan were lead into the maze of hallways, Wespero remained within the throne room and suddenly wished he could run away. He forced a confident facade and prayed his life would be spared for the sake of his sister.

"My dear 'ambassador'," Umbria stated mockingly, "why did you call upon the jedi without asking me?"

"The people were in need of them," Wespero replied.

"Yet you did not even ask me," Umbria pressed.

"You would've refused," Wespero said.

"No, no, you see I enjoy the jedi. The other four were fun, for awhile..." Umbria stated with a wicked grin playing upon her black-painted lips.

"What happened to them?" he inquired.

"You will being seeing them soon enough. Ask them yourself. Now, my dear Wespero, let us list your crimes. You posed as an ambassador, stole my ship, deceived the jedi council, lured the jedi here, and defied me. Tsk tsk, off to the tower you go!" Umbria said.

"But, how did you find out?" Wespero asked.

"I have my sources, dear," Umbria purred as she tilted her head toward the door. Wespero suddenly turned and glanced in the same direction. To his dismay, Kieran stood leaning against the door-frame and offered a wicked smile and a wave.

"Guards," she called, causing two black-armor clad men to come forth from the shadows, "take our little ambassador to the tower."

"You'll pay for this, you evil witch!" Wespero yelled as the guards bound his hands together and escorted him away.

Kieran strolled into the throne room with a wicked smile still playing upon his lips. The queen arose from her throne and with soft footsteps, she descended the few steps to the ground.

"Mission accomplished, my queen," Kieran stated.

Umbria stepped closer to him and wrapped her slender arms around him. Her fingertips played with the small ponytail that rested against his broad shoulders. "It would appear so," she purred.

"Is there anything else you'd wish for me to do for you, my queen?" Kieran inquired.

"Yes, actually," she purred.

"Anything for you, my queen," he stated.

"Tell me," she purred into his ear, "why you would be so deceptive to your friend, Wespero?"

"Because he defied you. That horrible boy was nothing but a thorn in your side, my beautiful rose queen," Kieran stated.

"Do not flatter me, for I know your affections lie in the heart of another," Umbria stated, inching away from him.

"That isn't true," he purred, stepping closer to her and kissing along her neck and collarbone.

"You were deeply in love with Wespero's sister. Do not lie to me, Kieran, I can see everything. You have no true affection for me, because I created the feeling. My dear, deceived Kieran, you honestly thought you were the only one so deceptive," Umbria purred.

"I.. I don't understand," Kieran stammered.

"Of course you don't, my little puppet," Umbria stated with laughter echoing around the room. "But, now that you know the truth, you will try to deceive and defy me. Guards, take him to the tower to join his dear friend."

"No! I won't go!" Kieran yelled as he moved to strangle the queen.

But Umbria was much too prepared. Her dainty hand moved to the thigh-high slit in her gown and grabbed the concealed weapon. She pushed her blaster against Kieran's chest and shot it several times. His body quickly fell to the floor to which she laughed again.

"Such a silly little puppet. I need to find better puppets such as..." she murmured then suddenly purred, "Obi-Wan Kenobi."