Kynstar I just wish I had the chance to touch that gorgeous face of his!
LMoonshade I'm a fan of Ewan period…but I just like to see more of his lovely mug. Hee hee. Thank you for your comments.
Nayru I'm glad you found it too.
Ewan's girl I've been dabbling a lot in dialogue lately. I'm so happy it's being received well. Thank you!
AthenaLeigh Luminara's character in The Approaching Storm was so intriguing, and her relationship with Obi-Wan on the fringes of romance, that I just had to include her. I'm glad you like!
The pair of Jedi disposed of their trash, set the trays in the receptacle to be cleaned, then headed for the door.
"Where are you off to now, Master Kenobi?"
Obi-Wan smiled, his eyes grazing her olive-toned face. "You wouldn't mind if I posed you the same question?"
Luminara wet her lips, leaving a gloss over them. "Well, my answer depends entirely on yours."
He schooled his expression, so that she would be only slightly aware of his satisfaction. "On this slow day, I'm in no mood for long journeys. There's plenty within the Temple to explore."
"We're in agreement then." Luminara looped her arm through his, having just convinced herself that the gesture was platonic in nature. "The training salles?" She suggested.
Obi-Wan appeared surprised at the choice. "You're up for a duel?"
"Now, I didn't say that."
The arena was dome-shaped, encircled by spectator stands with flooring that could be altered to resemble the numerous types of terrain Jedi encountered.
Today, the ground was soft foam. Simple, but yielding, and perfect for the initiates that covered it.
A few Masters and Knights littered the stands, watching the progress of the youngsters with keen interest.
Obi-Wan recalled such sessions from his days as a child, nearing the cut-off for acceptance as a Padawan. The desperation thrummed only centimeters below his surface then. Every moment was a chance to leave a lasting impression. Each Master could be a saving grace.
It was an intense period of his life. One that Anakin was never forced to endure. Another motive of envy for his peers.
Obi-Wan sighed, steering his focus from the gloom that could so quickly penetrate the frivolity of his thoughts.
Luminara's face was aglow. With gracefully light steps, she led him to a low bench near the sparring.
Her intent gaze swept the collection of duelists. Then she straightened, smiled, and nudged Obi-Wan. "There." She pointed.
"What?" He followed her finger.
Her attention had been captured by a female child, approximately Anakin's age, with a hood concealing most of her features and a slim build.
"Her name is Barriss. Barriss Offee." Luminara supplied. "I've been monitoring her for awhile now."
Obi-Wan studied the radiant landscape of her face with interest. "Are you considering her for an apprenticeship?"
Luminara inhaled. It was the first occasion anyone had said it aloud. But she wasn't new at this—under her charge, another Padawan had already reached Knighthood.
Still, she couldn't deny the fluttery excitement within her chest. "Yes. From our few meetings, she's proven to be an exceptional student and a genuinely good person. I'm quite confident in her abilities." The Master laced her slim fingers. "I believe that, shortly, I'll bring her officially before the Council."
Obi-Wan was pleased at the news. "That's wonderful, Luminara. She's very fortunate to be granted such a gifted teacher."
Luminara looked away for a moment, feigning a small cough that disguised her smile. Then, she met the ocean-hued eyes of Obi-Wan, and could not quell her joy. "I haven't told anyone yet."
The corner of Obi-Wan's mouth turned up. "I'm honored to share in the secret."
Luminara touched his knee briefly in acknowledgement, then turned her eyes to the clash of training sabers, shallow flips and somersaults. "It's always astonishing." She remarked after a moment.
Obi-Wan turned to her, curious. "Hm?" He rested his chin on his hand.
She shook her head. "The veritable maelstrom of emotion, when one is about to accept a Padawan. There's a thrill to it, of course. But so much apprehension..."
"Doubt?"
Luminara gave a modest, knowing smile. "No. Never that. Being drawn to your student is never a mistake. After all, it's the Force's work."
Her answer came so easily, was immediate and certain. Obi-Wan swallowed, blinked once, and decided to forget that possibly disconcerting detail.
"I felt it with my other apprentice. It's distinct. All-encompassing." She glanced at Obi-Wan. "But you must know, having a Padawan of your own."
"Yes, but that particular sentiment was transferred. Handed down to me, from my Master." He reminded her in his gentle, unaffected way. "Qui-Gon was the original champion of Anakin."
"And you fight for him now." Luminara observed softly, and squeezed his hand. "I can tell."
Obi-Wan wrapped his fingers around hers, and for a lasting moment, didn't let go.