Ewan's girl I just had to explain the beard. I don't like it that much either, but I know he would need to have one in this. I hope it doesn't stay sad for long. Thanks so much for reading.

Athena Leigh It is kinda funny to think about, isn't it? Thank you for reading/replying.

Part Two

As with most things, the Temple came alive in the mornings. Obi-Wan walked the corridors and massive areas of space that were left open for traffic, watching life reawaken around him. The tiny members of the creche traveled in a jumbled line behind their caretakers, some wiping sleep from their eyes, others already fully energized and prepared for mischief.

He smiled warmly. There were some exceptions to the rule of 'no attachments' within the Order. A few Masters took leave long enough to bear children, and create a family outside the tight circles of the Jedi. It was a difficult decision, but an enviable blessing. It wasn't often a Jedi could bond with true, flesh and blood kin.

A double edged sword. Obi-Wan looked at the toddling initiates, all of whom would never know their birth parents. Although they would forever be bereft of that irreplaceable bond, they would never miss it. After all, you could not long for what you have never had. His own apprentice recalled a considerable amount of life spent with his mother.

It was one reason why Obi-Wan had been so hesitant to believe the boy could be successfully trained.

The last of the children disappeared through the double doors of the cafeteria.

Obi-Wan stopped for the smallest of moments. He couldn't deny the paternal instincts that stirred within him when he saw a new infant welcomed into the Temple, swaddled in cloth with wisps of flyaway hair on its soft head. Every now and then, he wondered where life might have taken him, if destiny had not led him to this very establishment.

But considering the alternatives of fate was fruitless, he knew. This was where he was, where he was meant to be. Besides, Anakin was quite enough to satisfy those parental urges, a son for the father in him. Surely he tested Obi-Wan often enough for it to qualify as such a relationship.

What heavy thoughts for such a light day. He shook his head at the observation and entered the Meal Hall. I should be more concerned about toast!

The huge eatery boasted vaulted ceilings, polished steel walls and rows upon rows of tables with benches that could adjust to the height of the various diners.

Obi-Wan was not accustomed to the surroundings. While he had frequented the place in his early youth, as an initiate, his attendance tapered as the years wore on. Qui-Gon preferred meals taken in the quiet privacy of the apartment, or a local restaurant outside the Temple, usually busting with noisy consumers.

It was that sort of contradiction that made his Master stand out so starkly from the rest. Obi-Wan found himself smiling, despite the pinch in his heart.

Breakfast was being dealt out buffet-style, each Jedi carrying a tray through the bar, selecting dishes and voicing a friendly greeting to the numerous servers as they went.

Obi-Wan made his way quickly through the line and chose a secluded table. He had barely taken a sip from his juice when a distinctly feminine voice spoke behind him.

"Well, this is an unusual sight."

Obi-Wan turned to find the beautifully exotic face of Luminara Unduli. Dressed in simple tunics resembling his own, she was carrying a tray of fruit slices and steaming eggs. Luminara was older: when Qui-Gon introduced them five years before, Obi-Wan was still a Padawan while she already held the rank of Master. But her seniority was not reflected in her appearance, nor her vivacious character. He always thought of her as very young at heart.

"Good morning, Luminara." Obi-Wan stood and sketched a shallow bow.

Her eyes, solidly blue save the pair of small, black pupils, skimmed over his untouched plate. "Are you waiting for someone?"

Obi-Wan smiled. "Not at all."

"Then would you mind if I joined you?"

He shook his head. "On the contrary, I would be quite grateful for your company."

A slight smile graced her full mouth, the top lip pale, the bottom crescent stained a deep, rich brown. A crosshatch of similarly colored diamonds was tattooed over her chin. "Alright then."

They sat.

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, as her earlier comment resurfaced in his mind. "What was so unusual about my situation?"

Luminara speared a fluffy egg, popped it in her mouth, then shrugged. "I thought it rather odd that someone of your upstanding character would be all alone to enjoy his breakfast.

"Where's your Padawan? Anakin, isn't it?"

"Yes. He's away on a training exercise with other young Padawans." He explained. "The prospect of cooking was too much for me today."

She laughed lightly. "That's my opinion most every day. I've never been much of a gourmet."

"That makes two of us." Obi-Wan remarked with a grin.

Luminara could not help but widen her smile. Obi-Wan Kenobi was perhaps the most reserved person she had ever met, concealing most of his personality beneath layers of politeness and disarming serenity. To witness that façade removed was more a treat than she felt comfortable admitting to herself. "What plans do you have for today, with Anakin engaged elsewhere?"

Obi-Wan finished the piece of toast he had been slowly working at, then wiped the crumbs from his mouth with a squared napkin. "My plans end here, actually."

She looked a little surprised at his answer. "Really? I would think you would have all manner of opportunities open to you."

He shrugged his shoulders with a humble smile. "Not even a word of a report to type."

"Lucky you." The Master commented in a good-natured tone. "Free time to lounge about."

"I suppose. To gather and examine my thoughts."

Luminara waited a beat before responding, "If you don't mind my saying, that sounds a bit like a cover-up."

Obi-Wan's face was perfectly composed—then surrendered to the weary smile tugging at him. "To be frank, I'm bored to tears.

"I don't even like breakfast."

Luminara chuckled. "I can see that. A baby yul'ah eats more than you." She motioned to his paltry meal of bread and juice. "You make me feel like a ravenous bantha in comparison!"

Obi-Wan nearly choked on his drink, swallowing in one large gulp. "An interesting image!"

Luminara hid her smile behind her hands, delicately tattooed at the knuckles. "Speaking of which.."

Obi-Wan tilted his head slightly. "What?"

Mirth was dancing in her vibrant eyes. With a finger, she wiped off the diluted purple that colored his beard.

He understood immediately, a flush marking his cheeks. "You see? I simply despise it."

Two voices, immersed in great humor, rose in the crowded cafeteria.

More to come!