Thank you so much for the response to the previous chapter. It was by far
my most challenging one thus far. It was nice and long wasn't it? You may
recall way back when that I said that I would be stopping when it was a
good place to stop. That may mean some chapters are longer than others.
Yup, there had to be a catch. This chapter is shorter than the last, but
it was a good place to break. I'm sure you will enjoy it though, alteast I
hope you do :) Be sure to let me know.
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Qui-Gon sat wearily in one of the many comfortable chairs that occupied the waiting area outside the palace infirmary. The last few hours had been chaotic to say the least.
He looked around him at the many worried and weary faces that, like him, awaited word of Obi-Wan's condition. The room was filled with off duty security personnel, kitchen staff, grounds keepers, and pilots from Naboo's air defense. He allowed himself a small smile. People had always been drawn to his Obi-Wan. The boy probably had at least one friend on every planet they had ever been to. And of course, there was the queen.
Amidala sat to his left, her face solemn and pale. She was dressed casually and comfortably for a change. Gone was the elaborate headdress, gown, and make-up. Her hair looked as if it had been pulled back quickly, in an effort to just get it out of her face. She looked extremely young and vulnerable.
Her feet were curled under her and her hands were clasped tightly in her lap. He noticed that they trembled slightly and every few moments she would close her eyes and take a deep breath, slowly letting it out through parted lips.
He knew exactly how she felt. He'd been employing every calming technique known to the jedi since Obi-Wan had been taken from his arms. He looked to Anakin, who sat silent vigil next to the queen. The palace healers had checked him over and assured Qui-Gon that the boy was in no danger of psychic shock from the severed bond. He would have to thank Obi-Wan for that.
Healer Okara had told him that if Obi-Wan had not intervened, his padawan would most likely be comatose. Anakin's young system could not have handled such a shock on it's own. The boy seemed none the worse for the wear though. His only concern was for the young woman next to him.
Qui-Gon let his head fall back and rest against the wall. This was the first moment he'd had to himself since the hordes of security and healers had descended upon him and Obi-Wan.
He had spent hours debriefing palace security, the council, and finally the queen on the specifics surrounding Obi-Wan's disappearance and subsequent recovery. It had kept him busy. He had time to think now, and to worry. There was nothing he could do but wait. Qui-Gon had always prided himself on his patience. Now, he wondered where the sith it had gone off to.
The room was quiet, everyone seemingly lost in their own thoughts. Qui-Gon was no different. He let himself go back to that terrible moment. The moment his heart had almost stopped at the sight of his beloved Obi-Wan.
(Flashback/memory sequence)
The air was charged with that same static energy that had permeated the antechamber only moments before. There was no sign of the sith.
Qui-Gon had felt a disturbance within the force before he had been thrown backwards into the tunnel. He wasn't sure what had happened, but it looked as if Obi-Wan had been on the losing end.
He could hear his heart pounding loudly in his ears, rivaling the roar of the waterfall. His padawan lay sprawled before him, face down. His right arm extended as if reaching for something...or someone.
Qui-Gon approached slowly, gathering the force and extending it outward toward Obi-Wan. He could sense that Obi-Wan was still alive, but hurt. Badly. His breathing was shallow and labored and Qui-Gon could sense various internal injuries and bleeding.
Gingerly, he knelt, just looking at the beautiful broken creature before him. A fine mist of spray from the waterfall had settled upon the young body. The skin was cold and wet to the touch as Qui-Gon laid a gentle hand upon the knight's back. Frowning, he immediately removed his cloak and draped it over the prone figure.
With exaggerated care the master carefully brushed the damp ginger hair away from the young face. His heart twisted painfully at the peaceful expression he saw there. Tears were threatening, and for once he did not try to hold them back. They ran freely down his face as he placed one large hand atop Obi-Wan's head and the other on his back; infusing all the warmth and healing he could offer. It wasn't much considering the extent of Obi-Wan's injuries.
He tried reaching for the bond, but it would not open to him. It was still closed at Obi-Wan's end. Qui-Gon considered forcing his way through, but in the knights current condition he feared doing more harm than good.
He felt completely helpless. There was nothing he could do. Or was there? Qui-Gon had never been an overly demonstrative person when it came to offering affection. It had always felt awkward to him. He had been forced to confront that and get past it since Anakin had come into his life.
Looking back, he was startled to recall very few moments of shared physical intimacy with Obi-Wan. Sure there had been the occasional awkward embrace when the boy was younger. Eventually those had turned into a pat or a gentle squeeze to the shoulder. There were exceptions of course, most of which would revolve around an extremely stressful or trying mission. During those times, Qui-Gon would allow himself a guilt free embrace or a discreet caress to that lovely face.
His epiphany, as they often do, caught him completely by surprise. HE had always been the one to pull away, to break the contact-to retreat. He searched his memories with new eyes. Time and again he saw Obi-Wan melting into his touch, savoring the brief contact. How could it be that he had never noticed the hurt in those changeable eyes as he pulled away? Qui-Gon barely noticed the sob that broke free of his throat and was devoured by the thunder of the waterfall. He had wronged this precious soul so many times.
With a gentleness that belied a man of his stature and some impressive force manipulations, Qui-Gon managed to turn Obi-Wan over without further aggravating his injuries. He pulled the young man back against his chest, head resting against his shoulder. He wrapped the cloak tightly around the cold body, pressing a kiss to the ginger head.
He wished he could do more, but if touch was all he could offer-he would do so gladly. He was weeping freely now. Tears disappearing into his beard unnoticed. He began rocking Obi-Wan back and forth gently; humming the only lullabye from his childhood that he could remember. It was a simple verse taught to all the little initiates upon entering the creche. It was meant to soothe the fears of the unknown and to offer comfort. He wasn't sure who he was trying to comfort now, himself or Obi-Wan. It didn't really matter.
He cradled the unresponsive body to his own. Praying to the force and any Gods that chose to listen, to save this very special child. The child of his heart. The child of his soul.
(end memory sequence)
Qui-Gon opened his eyes, and was back in the waiting room. It had taken security far longer to find him and Obi-Wan than he thought necessary. It wasn't until Obi-Wan had been safely delivered into the hands of the healers, that he was informed that palace security had been otherwise occupied.
When Chancellor Palpatine failed to return to reconvene the summit, an all out search of the palace and grounds had spread security teams thin. Thankfully, the Chancellor had been found in one piece-albeit extremely ill. Who would've known an allergy to Tavirian blowfish could be so debilitating?
The hours passed slowly and the crowd in the waiting room began to wane. There was still no word. Qui-Gon noticed that Anakin had dozed off on the queen's shoulder. He debated on whether or not to carry the boy back to their rooms, but decided against it. He did not want to take the chance of being gone if word on Obi-Wan's condition came. He really didn't know how much more of this waiting he could take.
A movement to his right caught his attention. He turned to look at the person who had just entered the waiting area, and froze in shock. She had recognized him immediately and moved her hand to her mouth in a distinct gesture for him to remain silent. Smiling, she moved past him and approached his padawan and the queen. Amidala's expression moved from startled to pleased as she smiled at the woman before her.
She knelt before the pair and stared at the sleeping boy for a long moment before speaking.
"Ani?" When there was no response she spoke again, louder. "Anakin? Wake up, Ani."
A deep breath, and eyelashes began to flutter. Anakin blinked several times before realizing the vision before him was not a dream. His eyes went comically wide as he stared into the smiling face of Shmi Skywalker.
"Mom!" He flew from his chair and into the waiting arms of his mother. "Is it really you? Are you really here?"
"Yes, my Ani. I'm really here. Oh, it's so good to see you again." Her voice was quiet and Qui-Gon could hear the emotion behind her words.
Mother and son held the embrace for long moments before Anakin finally pulled back to look at her. "How..when..I don't understand. What are you doing here?"
Still holding her son, Shmi's eyes met those of the queen. The two shared a look and Shmi reached out her hand to grasp the queen's hand. Amidala met her half way and squeezed her hand in return. She then turned her attention back to her son. "I'm free, Ani." She said happily, pausing to let that sink in. "I have been for months."
"Free? You're free?" Anakin looked shocked, as if he found her words hard to believe. When she nodded to indicate that she was in fact telling him the truth, he quickly embraced her again, nearly knocking her off her feet. She waited for him to regain his composure before settling him back into his chair so they could talk.
"How?" Anakin said, his voice still conveying his shock. "How did this happen, mom? And why didn't you tell me?" That last question came out sounding a bit hurt.
"Oh, Ani. I wanted to tell you. You've been through so much, I didn't want to interrupt your new life. I wanted to give you a chance to adjust, that's all." She ran her fingers through his spiked hair as she spoke. Qui-Gon noticed that she couldn't seem to stop touching him. "I've had some adjusting to do as well. Much has changed for me, Ani. I can't wait to tell you all about it."
"I can't wait to hear it," Anakin said excitedly. "But first, tell me. Who convinced Watto to let you go? I never thought in a million years he'd let you go."
Shmi looked to Amidala, seemingly asking for consent, before continuing. Anakin noticed none of this, but Qui-Gon had picked up on the silent communication between the two women.
"He didn't let me go, Anakin. You know better than that. Watto doesn't do anything unless it's for profit."
"Then how." Anakin asked confused.
"He sold me, Ani" Shmi said calmly as if a human beings were bought and sold everyday. Point of fact, on some worlds, they were.
"Sold you? To who?" Anakin was starting to sound a bit distressed now.
"I had two buyers actually. It seemed they had to pool their money to afford Watto's price." Shmi sounded very nonplussed about the whole discussion, like it didn't bother her at all.
"WHO MOM?" Anakin was getting frustrated by his mothers cavalier attitude and the fact that it didn't sound at all like is mother was actually free if Watto had sold her.
"I'm getting to that, Anakin." She told him sweetly, but firmly. Indicating that he should remember whom he was talking to. "These two young people who bought me had no real use for a slave. So once the sale was complete I was handed the ownership papers and told I could do with them whatever I pleased."
"Who would do that?" Anakin sounded really confused now.
"Would you like to see the papers?" Shmi asked innocently.
"Sure," Anakin was a bit suspicious himself by this point.
Shmi removed a rather worn looking piece of actual parchment paper and handed it over to Anakin. It was like a bill of sale. Anakin skipped most of the details such as the physical description of his mother, her skills, any illnesses she may have had etc. and went straight to the bottom. Sold to: OBI-WAN KENOBI and AMIDALA NABERRIE.
Anakin was completely unaware of his mouth hanging open and the wide eyed stare that seemed to have taken up residence on his face.
Qui-Gon by this time had moved to stand behind his padawan and was just as shocked as Anakin was.
Shmi, seeing her sons shock, quickly moved to reassure him. "It's okay, Ani. I'm free. I'm really free. Thanks to Obi-Wan and Padme." Anakin looked between the two women, finally noticing that there was a connection.
Finally deciding to break into the conversation, Amidala spoke. "I wanted to tell you, Ani. But it wasn't my decision. When I heard that you were coming I sent a ship for your mother. I wanted to surprise you."
Anakin looked to Amidala. There were definitely stars in his eyes as he quickly embraced her. "You did this? For me?" His voice was wondrous.
"WE did this for you, Anakin. Obi-Wan had a lot to do with it. He set everything up and made the trip to Tatooine. We had to use our personal funds." She gripped Shmi's hand tighter to show that she thought nothing of doing so. "We cashed out our life savings and didn't look back. It was worth every credit." She said with a sincere smile.
Qui-Gon could say nothing, such was the extent of his shock. He wondered away from the little gathering and numbly took his seat again. Obi-Wan never ceased to amaze him. He got no further in his musings as the door to the infirmary finally slid open to reveal Healer Okara.
Everyone was on their feet in an instant. It was a race between Qui-Gon and Amidala to see who would reach the healer first. Qui-Gon of course was the first there to ask, "How is he?"
"He is just going into the tank now. We could not put him in until he was stabilized. He's still in critical condition however, and he will need at least 4 days in the tank."
"His injuries?" Amidala asked uncertainly, as if she was afraid to really know.
"His condition is very serious, your highness. We almost lost him twice." Healer Okara was compassionate yet succinct in her diagnosis. "And he is not out of the woods yet. It's going to be a very long four days."
To Be Continued.........
A/N Shmi is just one of a few surprise visitors. Anakin is going to be very unpleasantly surprised at one of them :) There is still atleast one more action scene to come and some other questions will be answered as well. Also, there is one other person that knows of Obi's 'destiny'. Just a little sneak peek to keep you interested :)
Sidenote: I don't usually do this, but for anyone who hasn't caught Cascadia's fic 'Remnants of the Mind' you are really missing out. It is a sequel to 'Silent Shattering' but you don't necessarily have to read that first. It is extremely well written and contains lots of Obi angst. Quick warning; 'SS' deals with attempted rape, and the sequel is Obi dealing with it and trying to go on with his life. There are no graphic details, it focuses mainly on Obi's emotions around the event and Qui trying his best to help his padawan deal with it.
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Qui-Gon sat wearily in one of the many comfortable chairs that occupied the waiting area outside the palace infirmary. The last few hours had been chaotic to say the least.
He looked around him at the many worried and weary faces that, like him, awaited word of Obi-Wan's condition. The room was filled with off duty security personnel, kitchen staff, grounds keepers, and pilots from Naboo's air defense. He allowed himself a small smile. People had always been drawn to his Obi-Wan. The boy probably had at least one friend on every planet they had ever been to. And of course, there was the queen.
Amidala sat to his left, her face solemn and pale. She was dressed casually and comfortably for a change. Gone was the elaborate headdress, gown, and make-up. Her hair looked as if it had been pulled back quickly, in an effort to just get it out of her face. She looked extremely young and vulnerable.
Her feet were curled under her and her hands were clasped tightly in her lap. He noticed that they trembled slightly and every few moments she would close her eyes and take a deep breath, slowly letting it out through parted lips.
He knew exactly how she felt. He'd been employing every calming technique known to the jedi since Obi-Wan had been taken from his arms. He looked to Anakin, who sat silent vigil next to the queen. The palace healers had checked him over and assured Qui-Gon that the boy was in no danger of psychic shock from the severed bond. He would have to thank Obi-Wan for that.
Healer Okara had told him that if Obi-Wan had not intervened, his padawan would most likely be comatose. Anakin's young system could not have handled such a shock on it's own. The boy seemed none the worse for the wear though. His only concern was for the young woman next to him.
Qui-Gon let his head fall back and rest against the wall. This was the first moment he'd had to himself since the hordes of security and healers had descended upon him and Obi-Wan.
He had spent hours debriefing palace security, the council, and finally the queen on the specifics surrounding Obi-Wan's disappearance and subsequent recovery. It had kept him busy. He had time to think now, and to worry. There was nothing he could do but wait. Qui-Gon had always prided himself on his patience. Now, he wondered where the sith it had gone off to.
The room was quiet, everyone seemingly lost in their own thoughts. Qui-Gon was no different. He let himself go back to that terrible moment. The moment his heart had almost stopped at the sight of his beloved Obi-Wan.
(Flashback/memory sequence)
The air was charged with that same static energy that had permeated the antechamber only moments before. There was no sign of the sith.
Qui-Gon had felt a disturbance within the force before he had been thrown backwards into the tunnel. He wasn't sure what had happened, but it looked as if Obi-Wan had been on the losing end.
He could hear his heart pounding loudly in his ears, rivaling the roar of the waterfall. His padawan lay sprawled before him, face down. His right arm extended as if reaching for something...or someone.
Qui-Gon approached slowly, gathering the force and extending it outward toward Obi-Wan. He could sense that Obi-Wan was still alive, but hurt. Badly. His breathing was shallow and labored and Qui-Gon could sense various internal injuries and bleeding.
Gingerly, he knelt, just looking at the beautiful broken creature before him. A fine mist of spray from the waterfall had settled upon the young body. The skin was cold and wet to the touch as Qui-Gon laid a gentle hand upon the knight's back. Frowning, he immediately removed his cloak and draped it over the prone figure.
With exaggerated care the master carefully brushed the damp ginger hair away from the young face. His heart twisted painfully at the peaceful expression he saw there. Tears were threatening, and for once he did not try to hold them back. They ran freely down his face as he placed one large hand atop Obi-Wan's head and the other on his back; infusing all the warmth and healing he could offer. It wasn't much considering the extent of Obi-Wan's injuries.
He tried reaching for the bond, but it would not open to him. It was still closed at Obi-Wan's end. Qui-Gon considered forcing his way through, but in the knights current condition he feared doing more harm than good.
He felt completely helpless. There was nothing he could do. Or was there? Qui-Gon had never been an overly demonstrative person when it came to offering affection. It had always felt awkward to him. He had been forced to confront that and get past it since Anakin had come into his life.
Looking back, he was startled to recall very few moments of shared physical intimacy with Obi-Wan. Sure there had been the occasional awkward embrace when the boy was younger. Eventually those had turned into a pat or a gentle squeeze to the shoulder. There were exceptions of course, most of which would revolve around an extremely stressful or trying mission. During those times, Qui-Gon would allow himself a guilt free embrace or a discreet caress to that lovely face.
His epiphany, as they often do, caught him completely by surprise. HE had always been the one to pull away, to break the contact-to retreat. He searched his memories with new eyes. Time and again he saw Obi-Wan melting into his touch, savoring the brief contact. How could it be that he had never noticed the hurt in those changeable eyes as he pulled away? Qui-Gon barely noticed the sob that broke free of his throat and was devoured by the thunder of the waterfall. He had wronged this precious soul so many times.
With a gentleness that belied a man of his stature and some impressive force manipulations, Qui-Gon managed to turn Obi-Wan over without further aggravating his injuries. He pulled the young man back against his chest, head resting against his shoulder. He wrapped the cloak tightly around the cold body, pressing a kiss to the ginger head.
He wished he could do more, but if touch was all he could offer-he would do so gladly. He was weeping freely now. Tears disappearing into his beard unnoticed. He began rocking Obi-Wan back and forth gently; humming the only lullabye from his childhood that he could remember. It was a simple verse taught to all the little initiates upon entering the creche. It was meant to soothe the fears of the unknown and to offer comfort. He wasn't sure who he was trying to comfort now, himself or Obi-Wan. It didn't really matter.
He cradled the unresponsive body to his own. Praying to the force and any Gods that chose to listen, to save this very special child. The child of his heart. The child of his soul.
(end memory sequence)
Qui-Gon opened his eyes, and was back in the waiting room. It had taken security far longer to find him and Obi-Wan than he thought necessary. It wasn't until Obi-Wan had been safely delivered into the hands of the healers, that he was informed that palace security had been otherwise occupied.
When Chancellor Palpatine failed to return to reconvene the summit, an all out search of the palace and grounds had spread security teams thin. Thankfully, the Chancellor had been found in one piece-albeit extremely ill. Who would've known an allergy to Tavirian blowfish could be so debilitating?
The hours passed slowly and the crowd in the waiting room began to wane. There was still no word. Qui-Gon noticed that Anakin had dozed off on the queen's shoulder. He debated on whether or not to carry the boy back to their rooms, but decided against it. He did not want to take the chance of being gone if word on Obi-Wan's condition came. He really didn't know how much more of this waiting he could take.
A movement to his right caught his attention. He turned to look at the person who had just entered the waiting area, and froze in shock. She had recognized him immediately and moved her hand to her mouth in a distinct gesture for him to remain silent. Smiling, she moved past him and approached his padawan and the queen. Amidala's expression moved from startled to pleased as she smiled at the woman before her.
She knelt before the pair and stared at the sleeping boy for a long moment before speaking.
"Ani?" When there was no response she spoke again, louder. "Anakin? Wake up, Ani."
A deep breath, and eyelashes began to flutter. Anakin blinked several times before realizing the vision before him was not a dream. His eyes went comically wide as he stared into the smiling face of Shmi Skywalker.
"Mom!" He flew from his chair and into the waiting arms of his mother. "Is it really you? Are you really here?"
"Yes, my Ani. I'm really here. Oh, it's so good to see you again." Her voice was quiet and Qui-Gon could hear the emotion behind her words.
Mother and son held the embrace for long moments before Anakin finally pulled back to look at her. "How..when..I don't understand. What are you doing here?"
Still holding her son, Shmi's eyes met those of the queen. The two shared a look and Shmi reached out her hand to grasp the queen's hand. Amidala met her half way and squeezed her hand in return. She then turned her attention back to her son. "I'm free, Ani." She said happily, pausing to let that sink in. "I have been for months."
"Free? You're free?" Anakin looked shocked, as if he found her words hard to believe. When she nodded to indicate that she was in fact telling him the truth, he quickly embraced her again, nearly knocking her off her feet. She waited for him to regain his composure before settling him back into his chair so they could talk.
"How?" Anakin said, his voice still conveying his shock. "How did this happen, mom? And why didn't you tell me?" That last question came out sounding a bit hurt.
"Oh, Ani. I wanted to tell you. You've been through so much, I didn't want to interrupt your new life. I wanted to give you a chance to adjust, that's all." She ran her fingers through his spiked hair as she spoke. Qui-Gon noticed that she couldn't seem to stop touching him. "I've had some adjusting to do as well. Much has changed for me, Ani. I can't wait to tell you all about it."
"I can't wait to hear it," Anakin said excitedly. "But first, tell me. Who convinced Watto to let you go? I never thought in a million years he'd let you go."
Shmi looked to Amidala, seemingly asking for consent, before continuing. Anakin noticed none of this, but Qui-Gon had picked up on the silent communication between the two women.
"He didn't let me go, Anakin. You know better than that. Watto doesn't do anything unless it's for profit."
"Then how." Anakin asked confused.
"He sold me, Ani" Shmi said calmly as if a human beings were bought and sold everyday. Point of fact, on some worlds, they were.
"Sold you? To who?" Anakin was starting to sound a bit distressed now.
"I had two buyers actually. It seemed they had to pool their money to afford Watto's price." Shmi sounded very nonplussed about the whole discussion, like it didn't bother her at all.
"WHO MOM?" Anakin was getting frustrated by his mothers cavalier attitude and the fact that it didn't sound at all like is mother was actually free if Watto had sold her.
"I'm getting to that, Anakin." She told him sweetly, but firmly. Indicating that he should remember whom he was talking to. "These two young people who bought me had no real use for a slave. So once the sale was complete I was handed the ownership papers and told I could do with them whatever I pleased."
"Who would do that?" Anakin sounded really confused now.
"Would you like to see the papers?" Shmi asked innocently.
"Sure," Anakin was a bit suspicious himself by this point.
Shmi removed a rather worn looking piece of actual parchment paper and handed it over to Anakin. It was like a bill of sale. Anakin skipped most of the details such as the physical description of his mother, her skills, any illnesses she may have had etc. and went straight to the bottom. Sold to: OBI-WAN KENOBI and AMIDALA NABERRIE.
Anakin was completely unaware of his mouth hanging open and the wide eyed stare that seemed to have taken up residence on his face.
Qui-Gon by this time had moved to stand behind his padawan and was just as shocked as Anakin was.
Shmi, seeing her sons shock, quickly moved to reassure him. "It's okay, Ani. I'm free. I'm really free. Thanks to Obi-Wan and Padme." Anakin looked between the two women, finally noticing that there was a connection.
Finally deciding to break into the conversation, Amidala spoke. "I wanted to tell you, Ani. But it wasn't my decision. When I heard that you were coming I sent a ship for your mother. I wanted to surprise you."
Anakin looked to Amidala. There were definitely stars in his eyes as he quickly embraced her. "You did this? For me?" His voice was wondrous.
"WE did this for you, Anakin. Obi-Wan had a lot to do with it. He set everything up and made the trip to Tatooine. We had to use our personal funds." She gripped Shmi's hand tighter to show that she thought nothing of doing so. "We cashed out our life savings and didn't look back. It was worth every credit." She said with a sincere smile.
Qui-Gon could say nothing, such was the extent of his shock. He wondered away from the little gathering and numbly took his seat again. Obi-Wan never ceased to amaze him. He got no further in his musings as the door to the infirmary finally slid open to reveal Healer Okara.
Everyone was on their feet in an instant. It was a race between Qui-Gon and Amidala to see who would reach the healer first. Qui-Gon of course was the first there to ask, "How is he?"
"He is just going into the tank now. We could not put him in until he was stabilized. He's still in critical condition however, and he will need at least 4 days in the tank."
"His injuries?" Amidala asked uncertainly, as if she was afraid to really know.
"His condition is very serious, your highness. We almost lost him twice." Healer Okara was compassionate yet succinct in her diagnosis. "And he is not out of the woods yet. It's going to be a very long four days."
To Be Continued.........
A/N Shmi is just one of a few surprise visitors. Anakin is going to be very unpleasantly surprised at one of them :) There is still atleast one more action scene to come and some other questions will be answered as well. Also, there is one other person that knows of Obi's 'destiny'. Just a little sneak peek to keep you interested :)
Sidenote: I don't usually do this, but for anyone who hasn't caught Cascadia's fic 'Remnants of the Mind' you are really missing out. It is a sequel to 'Silent Shattering' but you don't necessarily have to read that first. It is extremely well written and contains lots of Obi angst. Quick warning; 'SS' deals with attempted rape, and the sequel is Obi dealing with it and trying to go on with his life. There are no graphic details, it focuses mainly on Obi's emotions around the event and Qui trying his best to help his padawan deal with it.