The violin case clutched in Alyssa's balmy hand clattered to the floor the moment she stepped from the closet. This ... this had to be a dream or some sort of elaborate joke. Some cruel trick to scare her ... to drive her insane. A hand flew backward to grip the door handle behind her -- to return to the sanctuary of her closet -- only to discover that the handle wouldn't budge. Never mind the fact that it had miraculously changed shape in the split second it had taken for her brain to register the fact that she was no longer home.
There was no escape.
Creatures wandered past her, some wearing ornate dresses and robes, others clad in plain trousers and tunics, and still some wore nothing at all. Few looked human. Even less held an appearance of kindness. Brown oculars focused as best they could, but the scene before her kept blurring into a prism'd mess. She stumbled forward, interrupting the stream of beings, all going *somewhere,* all bustling around like New York City at rush hour when a famous band was playing the Garden.
The moment she stepped out, a frog-faced creature croaked and jabbered at her in a language she didn't understand. He appeared, for all intents and purposes, rather pissed off as padded fingertips flailed at her in accusing gestures. This was too much! Her staggering sent her backward, tripping over her violin case and landing on her backside, a yelp of shock registering upon her lips. 'Goddess help me...!' came a mental plea, desperate and frightened.
The Goddess did not come, but sent the God in her stead. At least, that was what Alyssa's mind mused when a man -- seeing her form drop from view only to release that sharp cry -- came hurriedly through the crowds. People moved aside for him, even if they had no idea he was coming and to Alyssa, he was quite an amazing creature, simply parting the masses like one would rake their hands through water. But was he coming to help ... or to harm?
She watched him in the few seconds it took for him to reach her, observing his poised, graceful way of moving. The way a single, banded braid dangled from between his temple and ear, barely swaying with his motions. His hair was a dusty blond-brown -- like honey and gold had fused into one color. It caught the light beautifully and the hue distracted her just enough to calm her frizzled wits.
It became obvious he wouldn't harm her when he bent down, azure eyes gentle, and offered his hand to her. More so when he spoke, his voice both concerned yet commanding. "Please, let me help you up."
English! He spoke English! As if she weren't able to refuse even if she wanted to, a hand was placed into his offered one, allowing the young man to aid her in standing. When she was finally upright, her free hand dropped down to pluck up her instrument, slinging it properly upon her back.
"Are you all right, miss?" he queried, his gaze more probing than it appeared. Diplomatic and benevolent, yet within the few seconds he'd been near enough to her, he'd already ascertained that she was simply not a threat. Unusual for Coruscant, yes. But a threat? Hardly. Her energy was confused and panicked, but gentle and normally very peaceful.
"Yes ... no..." She tried, then shook her head in frustration before collecting her thoughts and trying again. "Physically, yes. But ... where am I?" she whimpered. This place was much too strange for her to be comfortable just yet. Besides, she hardly knew this youth, who she noticed was wearing what appeared to be monks' robes ... or something very similar. By this point, however, her vision had long since drifted from his clothing.
Sugared brown irises focused upon his face, begging silently for the answers to her questions, pleading for the solving of the puzzling riddle. Benevolence radiated from his features as well as a deep concern. Had she gotten a concussion or worse from her fall? Was this amnesia?
"You're in the mid levels of Coruscant ... don't you remember how you got here?" He'd begun to direct them both toward the Temple, figuring it was best to get her to a healer and someone who might be able to help her situation more than he could. He was, after all, only a Padawan. A senior Padawan, but still in training, nevertheless.
"I was in my closet, picking out a hair tie to wear in a show my band is supposed to be playing tonight. When I walked out, instead of being in my room, I was here. That's all I know."
Now he knew he had to get her to the Temple. Master Qui-Gon would know what to do. And if he didn't, the Council certainly would. There was little in the Universe or the Force that could stump Master Yoda for long. But -- would she come with him of her own free will? He figured she must have been mind wiped by someone or something, but few reasons for such an action came to mind. She seemed to innocent a type to be deliberately hunting out things that would warrant a mind wipe.
"I know this sounds a bit out of line, but I'm a Padawan Jedi at the Temple here. The Council could try and determine what happened to you..." he began in earnest, only to drift off when he realized she had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. No one could fake an expression like the lost, pained look she was giving him just then. Time to reword himself to make better sense. "I'm a student at a Temple of learning... a peaceful place with some of the most intelligent people in the galaxy there. If they can't help you, I doubt anyone else could. Will you come with me?"
Alyssa hesitated, contemplating his offer as carefully as time allowed. She *didn't* know who this young man was.... nor did she know who these Council members were, where she was, or where they were going. But he spoke English. Or whatever they called it in this odd world. And he'd helped her. He seemed nice enough. And she had little choice else. The latter was the main reason she finally bobbed her head in the affirmative. "Lead the way."
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The entrance to the Temple was formidable, the multistoried orifice looming before them like an oncoming storm. Instinctively she squeezed the hand that had held her own the entire trip to the place of learning. While she focused upon the construction standing ahead of them, the young man peered down upon his companion, a faint smile forming upon normally stoic lips. He returned her squeeze as comfortingly as he could, remembering how intimidated he had been his first time seeing the Jedi Temple and how the Masters had comforted them all with kind words. Then again, he was only a toddler Jedi-in-training.
The girl was neither. To cap the situation, she wasn't from this galaxy. After talking with her on the way to the Temple, he had ruled out a mind wipe. She knew nothing of this world and too much of the planet she claimed to be from. She used words he'd never known and in turn asked questions about words he used everyday. She also showed no signs of forgetfulness that typically came for a short time after a mind wipe.
The Padawan's thoughts were interrupted shortly after walking up to the Temple by the young lady at his side. She gently pulled upon his arm, managing both to halt his forward motion and aquire his undivided attention.
"You're doing all of this for me ... and I'm grateful, but could you do me a favor and let me know the name of the person I feel this gratitude to?" she teasingly queried, managing to put another warm hearted look upon his features.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi," he answered, laughter lacing the words. "And who do I have the pleasure of escorting around?"
Her mood seemed to lift instantly, a faint chuckle drifting from mirthful petals. "Alyssa McCormick."
"Well, Alyssa McCormick, I'd be pleased if you would call me Obi. Most of my friends do, and I hope that for the time you're here, you will consider me a friend." He hid his amusement save for a mildly flirtatious smile which was returned tenderly.
"If you'll call me 'Lyssa," she compromised, gesturing amiably for them to continue on into the Temple. He clasped her fingers into his own once more, heading toward the guarded doors that would open into the building. He would take her to his room as quietly as he could, attracting as little attention as he possibly could. There they could wait for Master Qui-Gon, he could make certain she was fed, and at the same time they could learn more about each other's worlds. As impartial as he was supposed to be in situations such as this, she was like a new toy of sorts, and he found her. He was part of her life -- the first part in Coruscant. She was attractive in an unconventional way, like the royal robes of some distant world. By all Masters, the Force was -humming- around her! Yet she'd never used it once. Perhaps it was the will of the Force that had brought her here? It clung to her, though, whether it pulled her here or not.
Obi-Wan waved to the guards standing watch at the front of the Temple, then urged them both past trees planted in pots below the floor, people focused only on tests and katas, things needed to graduate this very prestigious Jedi Academy. His hand still securely owning hers, he took her through the Temple, up one of the lifts, and down a dormitory hall. Before each room was a nameplate stating those who resided within, though by the looks of it, she couldn't read the language. He'd have to ask her about that -- what written language she used.
Finally, after what seemed like many cycles, they arrived at the door labeled Jinn-Kenobi. He placed his hand upon the door-lock and after a moment, it slid open. Inside was like a small apartment. A kitchenette and a main room large enough for a couch, two potted plants and a chair, with three doors on the right that most likely led to bedrooms and bathroom.
"Please.. sit. I'll find something for us to eat, and we can talk till my Master arrives."
Alyssa did as he instructed, lips pursing slightly as she glanced around the room, body sinking into the couch as the Padawan busied himself in the kitchen. Tea was made ... something he figured would be safe no matter where she was from. They were both human, right? Bread was also toasted, a fruit-preserve dished into a bowl if she wanted to put something on it, and once it was all done -- only a few minutes later -- he carried it all out upon a small tray, setting it before them both upon a table that sat in front of the couch.
Gradually, they began to explore each other's lives, Alyssa asking questions about the Temple and what it was for and Obi inquiring about what she did on her own world and what else she may remember. As they chatted, Obi-Wan found himself relaxing his guard little bit by little bit till he was laughing and flirting with the young lady across from him, sipping away at a lightly flavored tea and nibbling at the slices of toast he'd made. He hadn't had this much fun with a female since ... since... Well, he wouldn't even think about that. No.. his attention was where his Masters had struggled so lengthily to get him focusing it in. He was finally living in the moment, and it did feel very right. 'Perhaps,' he mused, 'this is why my Masters kept trying to drill in me... This feeling of things just clicking.'
It was with them curled up upon the couch, talking like friends that had been together for years, that Qui-Gon Jinn found them as he walked in after his afternoon class. He was looking forward to an evening of relaxation, of not having to look at another ten year old eagerly hoping to be called upon. No more katas being performed, by him or having to watch one by Obi-Wan. And then....? Well, he certainly didn't expect to see a girl inside their room, nor one that was dressed so strangely.
"Padawan... Who is this?" Qui-Gon asked quietly, peering at the girl with a probing intensity. However strong Obi-Wan was with the Force, his Master was stronger and his gaze could be quite unsettling at times.
'Uh-oh..... busted.' Alyssa gulped silently, staring at the taller Jedi Master with a sinking feeling in her stomach. How was she going to deal with *this*?
There was no escape.
Creatures wandered past her, some wearing ornate dresses and robes, others clad in plain trousers and tunics, and still some wore nothing at all. Few looked human. Even less held an appearance of kindness. Brown oculars focused as best they could, but the scene before her kept blurring into a prism'd mess. She stumbled forward, interrupting the stream of beings, all going *somewhere,* all bustling around like New York City at rush hour when a famous band was playing the Garden.
The moment she stepped out, a frog-faced creature croaked and jabbered at her in a language she didn't understand. He appeared, for all intents and purposes, rather pissed off as padded fingertips flailed at her in accusing gestures. This was too much! Her staggering sent her backward, tripping over her violin case and landing on her backside, a yelp of shock registering upon her lips. 'Goddess help me...!' came a mental plea, desperate and frightened.
The Goddess did not come, but sent the God in her stead. At least, that was what Alyssa's mind mused when a man -- seeing her form drop from view only to release that sharp cry -- came hurriedly through the crowds. People moved aside for him, even if they had no idea he was coming and to Alyssa, he was quite an amazing creature, simply parting the masses like one would rake their hands through water. But was he coming to help ... or to harm?
She watched him in the few seconds it took for him to reach her, observing his poised, graceful way of moving. The way a single, banded braid dangled from between his temple and ear, barely swaying with his motions. His hair was a dusty blond-brown -- like honey and gold had fused into one color. It caught the light beautifully and the hue distracted her just enough to calm her frizzled wits.
It became obvious he wouldn't harm her when he bent down, azure eyes gentle, and offered his hand to her. More so when he spoke, his voice both concerned yet commanding. "Please, let me help you up."
English! He spoke English! As if she weren't able to refuse even if she wanted to, a hand was placed into his offered one, allowing the young man to aid her in standing. When she was finally upright, her free hand dropped down to pluck up her instrument, slinging it properly upon her back.
"Are you all right, miss?" he queried, his gaze more probing than it appeared. Diplomatic and benevolent, yet within the few seconds he'd been near enough to her, he'd already ascertained that she was simply not a threat. Unusual for Coruscant, yes. But a threat? Hardly. Her energy was confused and panicked, but gentle and normally very peaceful.
"Yes ... no..." She tried, then shook her head in frustration before collecting her thoughts and trying again. "Physically, yes. But ... where am I?" she whimpered. This place was much too strange for her to be comfortable just yet. Besides, she hardly knew this youth, who she noticed was wearing what appeared to be monks' robes ... or something very similar. By this point, however, her vision had long since drifted from his clothing.
Sugared brown irises focused upon his face, begging silently for the answers to her questions, pleading for the solving of the puzzling riddle. Benevolence radiated from his features as well as a deep concern. Had she gotten a concussion or worse from her fall? Was this amnesia?
"You're in the mid levels of Coruscant ... don't you remember how you got here?" He'd begun to direct them both toward the Temple, figuring it was best to get her to a healer and someone who might be able to help her situation more than he could. He was, after all, only a Padawan. A senior Padawan, but still in training, nevertheless.
"I was in my closet, picking out a hair tie to wear in a show my band is supposed to be playing tonight. When I walked out, instead of being in my room, I was here. That's all I know."
Now he knew he had to get her to the Temple. Master Qui-Gon would know what to do. And if he didn't, the Council certainly would. There was little in the Universe or the Force that could stump Master Yoda for long. But -- would she come with him of her own free will? He figured she must have been mind wiped by someone or something, but few reasons for such an action came to mind. She seemed to innocent a type to be deliberately hunting out things that would warrant a mind wipe.
"I know this sounds a bit out of line, but I'm a Padawan Jedi at the Temple here. The Council could try and determine what happened to you..." he began in earnest, only to drift off when he realized she had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. No one could fake an expression like the lost, pained look she was giving him just then. Time to reword himself to make better sense. "I'm a student at a Temple of learning... a peaceful place with some of the most intelligent people in the galaxy there. If they can't help you, I doubt anyone else could. Will you come with me?"
Alyssa hesitated, contemplating his offer as carefully as time allowed. She *didn't* know who this young man was.... nor did she know who these Council members were, where she was, or where they were going. But he spoke English. Or whatever they called it in this odd world. And he'd helped her. He seemed nice enough. And she had little choice else. The latter was the main reason she finally bobbed her head in the affirmative. "Lead the way."
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The entrance to the Temple was formidable, the multistoried orifice looming before them like an oncoming storm. Instinctively she squeezed the hand that had held her own the entire trip to the place of learning. While she focused upon the construction standing ahead of them, the young man peered down upon his companion, a faint smile forming upon normally stoic lips. He returned her squeeze as comfortingly as he could, remembering how intimidated he had been his first time seeing the Jedi Temple and how the Masters had comforted them all with kind words. Then again, he was only a toddler Jedi-in-training.
The girl was neither. To cap the situation, she wasn't from this galaxy. After talking with her on the way to the Temple, he had ruled out a mind wipe. She knew nothing of this world and too much of the planet she claimed to be from. She used words he'd never known and in turn asked questions about words he used everyday. She also showed no signs of forgetfulness that typically came for a short time after a mind wipe.
The Padawan's thoughts were interrupted shortly after walking up to the Temple by the young lady at his side. She gently pulled upon his arm, managing both to halt his forward motion and aquire his undivided attention.
"You're doing all of this for me ... and I'm grateful, but could you do me a favor and let me know the name of the person I feel this gratitude to?" she teasingly queried, managing to put another warm hearted look upon his features.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi," he answered, laughter lacing the words. "And who do I have the pleasure of escorting around?"
Her mood seemed to lift instantly, a faint chuckle drifting from mirthful petals. "Alyssa McCormick."
"Well, Alyssa McCormick, I'd be pleased if you would call me Obi. Most of my friends do, and I hope that for the time you're here, you will consider me a friend." He hid his amusement save for a mildly flirtatious smile which was returned tenderly.
"If you'll call me 'Lyssa," she compromised, gesturing amiably for them to continue on into the Temple. He clasped her fingers into his own once more, heading toward the guarded doors that would open into the building. He would take her to his room as quietly as he could, attracting as little attention as he possibly could. There they could wait for Master Qui-Gon, he could make certain she was fed, and at the same time they could learn more about each other's worlds. As impartial as he was supposed to be in situations such as this, she was like a new toy of sorts, and he found her. He was part of her life -- the first part in Coruscant. She was attractive in an unconventional way, like the royal robes of some distant world. By all Masters, the Force was -humming- around her! Yet she'd never used it once. Perhaps it was the will of the Force that had brought her here? It clung to her, though, whether it pulled her here or not.
Obi-Wan waved to the guards standing watch at the front of the Temple, then urged them both past trees planted in pots below the floor, people focused only on tests and katas, things needed to graduate this very prestigious Jedi Academy. His hand still securely owning hers, he took her through the Temple, up one of the lifts, and down a dormitory hall. Before each room was a nameplate stating those who resided within, though by the looks of it, she couldn't read the language. He'd have to ask her about that -- what written language she used.
Finally, after what seemed like many cycles, they arrived at the door labeled Jinn-Kenobi. He placed his hand upon the door-lock and after a moment, it slid open. Inside was like a small apartment. A kitchenette and a main room large enough for a couch, two potted plants and a chair, with three doors on the right that most likely led to bedrooms and bathroom.
"Please.. sit. I'll find something for us to eat, and we can talk till my Master arrives."
Alyssa did as he instructed, lips pursing slightly as she glanced around the room, body sinking into the couch as the Padawan busied himself in the kitchen. Tea was made ... something he figured would be safe no matter where she was from. They were both human, right? Bread was also toasted, a fruit-preserve dished into a bowl if she wanted to put something on it, and once it was all done -- only a few minutes later -- he carried it all out upon a small tray, setting it before them both upon a table that sat in front of the couch.
Gradually, they began to explore each other's lives, Alyssa asking questions about the Temple and what it was for and Obi inquiring about what she did on her own world and what else she may remember. As they chatted, Obi-Wan found himself relaxing his guard little bit by little bit till he was laughing and flirting with the young lady across from him, sipping away at a lightly flavored tea and nibbling at the slices of toast he'd made. He hadn't had this much fun with a female since ... since... Well, he wouldn't even think about that. No.. his attention was where his Masters had struggled so lengthily to get him focusing it in. He was finally living in the moment, and it did feel very right. 'Perhaps,' he mused, 'this is why my Masters kept trying to drill in me... This feeling of things just clicking.'
It was with them curled up upon the couch, talking like friends that had been together for years, that Qui-Gon Jinn found them as he walked in after his afternoon class. He was looking forward to an evening of relaxation, of not having to look at another ten year old eagerly hoping to be called upon. No more katas being performed, by him or having to watch one by Obi-Wan. And then....? Well, he certainly didn't expect to see a girl inside their room, nor one that was dressed so strangely.
"Padawan... Who is this?" Qui-Gon asked quietly, peering at the girl with a probing intensity. However strong Obi-Wan was with the Force, his Master was stronger and his gaze could be quite unsettling at times.
'Uh-oh..... busted.' Alyssa gulped silently, staring at the taller Jedi Master with a sinking feeling in her stomach. How was she going to deal with *this*?