CHAPTER NINE

Anja met Obi-Wan a few hours later when and where he had specified earlier. He told her to meet him at a balcony near the upper, private levels of the Jedi temple. He had chosen a great time for them to meet there. It was sunset and the view from the balcony was breathtaking as the sun slowly changed the dull, gray buildings into gold. She sighed pleasantly and leaned on the balcony and cupped her face in one hand.
Obi-Wan silently had appeared just moments after Anja arrived. He stood there, watching her in peaceful silence. He sighed and leaned against the doorframe for support, as his knees grew weak at the sight of Anja's silhouette in the surroundings. After a few minutes, Obi-Wan cleared his throat, screwing up his courage to go over and talk to her. She turned abruptly at the sound, her eyes catching sight of a blushing Obi-Wan in the doorway. She gave him a long, adoring look as she studied him closely. He was clad in a pristine white tunic and black pants, his normal and ordinary brown cloak exchanged for a long flowing one of black. Her sharp Jedi abilities also detected a delicious sent in his aura. She looked upon his nicely- dressed form in slight wonder to what this whole get-together could mean. Anja smiled warmly, loving his handsome presence so near to her. He watched her gaze upon him as he stood there in the balcony doorway. Obi- Wan stared back, breathless. Her beauty was so radiant, that he had nothing to which to compare it. His eyes lightly walked themselves over her form that left much to his imagination. "Uh. Good evening Anja." He smiled, desperately trying to hide his nervously crackling voice.
She smiled a bit amused. "Evening, Obi-Wan." He looked upon her again. This time his sparkling blue eyes didn't look directly at her, but through her. Gazing at her soul, he realized at that moment how truly beautiful she was. Rushing over to her, he wrapped her in his strong arms and took to her lips in a deep, drowning kiss.
They pulled back a long moment later, breathless and still laced in each other's arms.
"Oh Anja." he breathed, pushing her hair behind her ear and looking into her eyes and kept his gaze steady on hers. "I love you with the deepest passion from my heart. Being without you would cause me enormous sorrow and heartbreak. Each day I long for the beautiful aura of your presence and your soft, loving embrace." The words escaped his lips like a song in a gentle, relaxing rhythm.
Any more words were cut off as she began to kiss him, and they understood then how useless words were when you could see into someone's heart.
"Um.Anja? I.I have something that I want to give you." A curious look covered her face. He backed away from her a bit, bowing his head down sheepishly. He slowly turned his gaze back to hers, finally finding his courage. Obi-Wan backed away slightly and reached for something under his robes. His hands produced a small sliver box and opened it. His eyes looked into hers.
"Jedi Padawan Anja Theteve.I pledge myself to you with this ring of promise." He asked with hope and took her hand in his. She looked down at him, smiling with tears in her eyes.
"Oh Obi-Wan. I pledge myself to you in return." He jumped up and delicately took her face in his hands and gave her a passionate kiss, overwhelmed by his happiness. They parted a moment later and he slipped the small, sliver ring on her finger. Obi-Wan pulled her close once again smiling as he spoke.
"Anja, I love you." He nuzzled her face with his softly.
"I love you too, Obi-Wan." The two kissed, light and delicate. His hands reached up for her soft hair, weaving his fingers through it. Their longing at this moment was so powerful, that it seduced them instantly.
It grew darker and the light dimmed on their time together. They watched as the last of the sun disappeared behind the planet. They stood, bending over the balcony railing, overseeing the gentle sweep of Courscant's inhabitants. Anja turned her head to say something to him but stopped as she saw Obi-Wan standing next to her with his arms wrapped around her tightly. In silence she let her eyes caress his lovely profile.
She sighed after her moment of longing. "We better leave before our Masters get worried and come looking for us." His head turned slightly for a sideways glance and then moved back to watch the horizon. "Come on Obi- Wan." She said in a stern but playful tone. Moving towards the doors she gave a gentle tug on his robe, ushering him to depart. He turned suddenly, grasping her arm in order to stop her. When she took her last step, he pulled her close.
"I don't want you to leave." He whispered in desperation, stroking her face.
"But we must!" she said, talking slightly above a whisper trying to get her point across. He kissed her to try to make her change her mind. But as he pulled away her expression still hadn't changed.
"Oh.well I suppose we had better go then." he started reluctantly. "But Anja? May I take you to your room? Please?" She gave him an amused smile and gestured for him to follow her.