(A/N: Yes, I know time seems to pass like it's non-existent in my fics. But keep in mind that Layla was out for about a day or so on the first part of this chap.)
Less than a day later, Qui-Gon and I were both released from the Healers. Thank God. I'd always hated hospitals. Quite frankly, the places just flat-out gave me the creeps.
The Council had arrived earlier that day, and Casey and I were supposed to appear before them. I was scared out of my wits and Casey wasn't much better off, though she seemed to still be able to find the nerve to throw it up in my face that we were screwed, that this whole thing was all my fault, and that we would be extremely lucky if the Council didn't collectively kick both of our butts and banish us from the Order all together before we could even step one foot inside.
Finally I couldn't take anymore of it and snapped at her. "Okay, Cas! I get the friggin' idea! Just shut up, okay?! Gah, I'm sick of hearing you tell me how bad I screwed us both over! Yeah, fine, it's all my fault. Everything always is, whether I'm involved in it or not. ARGH!" I shouted, throwing my hands in the air in disgust.
"Well, it's true this time. It *was* your idea," she smirked.
The arguement continued like this until we reached the Council's temporary chambers. I finally managed to get Casey to stop yelling at me for a while as we entered the room. I shuddered as I felt the gazes of all twelve Council members seeming to bore into me like a laser, and I shifted my weight slightly from one foot to the other, becoming really uncomfortable under their scrutiny.
Casey and I offered the Coucil a slight bow, as if that simple gesture would make them be any easier on us. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard the door shut as whoever they had posted as a secretary outside left the room, but I couldn't seem to lift my gaze from the floor, having become suddenly intrigued by the intricate tiles.
I flinched as Mace Windu began to speak. Despite her earlier frustration with me, Casey gave me a sympathetic look and put her hand on my arm. That simple gesture gave me courage, and the next thing either of us knew, we were blurting out the whole story, and for some reason we left absolutely nothing out, not even my painful past.
Finally, after about two hours explanations and debate, the Council finally agreed to allow us to stay at the Temple for as long as we wished and train to be Jedi if we wanted. Needless to say, I don't think my jaw could have fallen any farther from shock. But I was so totally relieved that it actually startled me somewhat. I think Casey was surprised too.
After we left the Council, we headed back to the Palace and the rooms that we were going to be sharing with the guys. They were gone when we got there, so we decided to stay there and wait for them to get back. Casey dozed on the sofa and I stepped out onto the balcony, staring out at the beautiful landscape and letting the light cool breeze flow over me.
For the first time in my life, I truly felt at peace, knew that I was finally safe where I belonged. I was finally home.
I soon found myself getting lost in my thoughts. Everything seemed to just disappear around me then, leaving me there alone with that strange feeling of peace.
TBC...MWA HA HA!!! I know this is short, but my muse is being less than helpful right now. I'll have the next part up shortly though if I can. In the meantime, R&R please! Sorry this post took so long. *Ducks objects hurled her way* Okay, I'll shut up now. Stay tuned to find out what's in store for the two heroines.
~*Celestia Vitaria*~
Less than a day later, Qui-Gon and I were both released from the Healers. Thank God. I'd always hated hospitals. Quite frankly, the places just flat-out gave me the creeps.
The Council had arrived earlier that day, and Casey and I were supposed to appear before them. I was scared out of my wits and Casey wasn't much better off, though she seemed to still be able to find the nerve to throw it up in my face that we were screwed, that this whole thing was all my fault, and that we would be extremely lucky if the Council didn't collectively kick both of our butts and banish us from the Order all together before we could even step one foot inside.
Finally I couldn't take anymore of it and snapped at her. "Okay, Cas! I get the friggin' idea! Just shut up, okay?! Gah, I'm sick of hearing you tell me how bad I screwed us both over! Yeah, fine, it's all my fault. Everything always is, whether I'm involved in it or not. ARGH!" I shouted, throwing my hands in the air in disgust.
"Well, it's true this time. It *was* your idea," she smirked.
The arguement continued like this until we reached the Council's temporary chambers. I finally managed to get Casey to stop yelling at me for a while as we entered the room. I shuddered as I felt the gazes of all twelve Council members seeming to bore into me like a laser, and I shifted my weight slightly from one foot to the other, becoming really uncomfortable under their scrutiny.
Casey and I offered the Coucil a slight bow, as if that simple gesture would make them be any easier on us. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard the door shut as whoever they had posted as a secretary outside left the room, but I couldn't seem to lift my gaze from the floor, having become suddenly intrigued by the intricate tiles.
I flinched as Mace Windu began to speak. Despite her earlier frustration with me, Casey gave me a sympathetic look and put her hand on my arm. That simple gesture gave me courage, and the next thing either of us knew, we were blurting out the whole story, and for some reason we left absolutely nothing out, not even my painful past.
Finally, after about two hours explanations and debate, the Council finally agreed to allow us to stay at the Temple for as long as we wished and train to be Jedi if we wanted. Needless to say, I don't think my jaw could have fallen any farther from shock. But I was so totally relieved that it actually startled me somewhat. I think Casey was surprised too.
After we left the Council, we headed back to the Palace and the rooms that we were going to be sharing with the guys. They were gone when we got there, so we decided to stay there and wait for them to get back. Casey dozed on the sofa and I stepped out onto the balcony, staring out at the beautiful landscape and letting the light cool breeze flow over me.
For the first time in my life, I truly felt at peace, knew that I was finally safe where I belonged. I was finally home.
I soon found myself getting lost in my thoughts. Everything seemed to just disappear around me then, leaving me there alone with that strange feeling of peace.
TBC...MWA HA HA!!! I know this is short, but my muse is being less than helpful right now. I'll have the next part up shortly though if I can. In the meantime, R&R please! Sorry this post took so long. *Ducks objects hurled her way* Okay, I'll shut up now. Stay tuned to find out what's in store for the two heroines.
~*Celestia Vitaria*~