"Hello?" She waved her hand in front of his face slowly. Just as slowly, he re-emerged from his thoughts for the tenth time that night. Tahl regarded him with mild concern. Sitting back she continued, "You're a million miles away."
"I am sorry." He answered quietly, looking down to pick at his food again.
"You know, when you asked to join us for evening meal, I was expecting a little more conversation than this. The only thing I've been able to find out is that Obi-Wan is in the Healer's right now." Tahl glanced over at her Padawan and both smiled briefly. The news had concerned the apprentice but it also made her very happy to know her friend would recover. Looking back at the Knight across from her, the worry returned to Tahl's gold-green striped eyes. "What happened on Melida/Daan?"
He continued picking for another moment, contemplating what he should say. In the end, he placed his utensil down and pushed his plate away. "To be honest, I am not exactly sure. I went to retrieve Obi-Wan as directed. He found me before I could even search for him, which was remarkable in its own right. He informed me of his Master's death but demanded that he finish the mission. I have not seen anything like it before. He was remarkable. He negotiated a truce and managed to uncover someone who had been undermining their original efforts for peace." He paused, frowning.
The two women glanced at each other curiously. "Is that when Obi-Wan was injured?" Tahl prompted.
He shook his head. "No, he was injured prior to that." Silence filtered between them for long moments. Finally, Qui-Gon voiced his real concern aloud. "The accused man pulled a blaster out and fired at Obi-Wan. The amazing part was that Obi-Wan was able to deflect the fire with the Force." A pair of eyes watched him intently. There was something in their depths that he couldn't identify completely, but it was the deciding factor that made him ask, "Have either of you experienced any blackouts while in Obi-Wan's presence?"
The wide-eyed look of shock on both faces surprised him. A moment later, the Master recovered and turned to regard her Padawan pointedly. Bant's salmon skin darkened and she looked down at her hands. He knew by their actions that they knew something about what he was talking about. He waited patiently hoping that they would reveal something to him. At last he was rewarded by a small tentative voice.
"It was along time ago. Bruck had been picking on him again. He ignored him for the most part until Bruck started harassing the rest of us. Obi told him to leave us alone that it was only between them and to leave us out of it. Bruck must have realized that attacking us would incite Obi more, so he kept going. The next thing we know is that we're all passed out. Later we found out that Garen, Reeft and I were knocked out and Bruck was knocked unconscious by a Force blast. Both Garen and Bruck were unconscious for days. Bruck almost died." Her voice had gotten softer as she spoke. She glanced up for a moment to gauge the Knight's reaction.
He seemed to be weighing her words considerably. When he remained silent, she added, "From that day on, Obi submitted to whatever cruelties Bruck designed for him. He changed a lot after that. Soon after, Master Garg came and worked with him. He got better but he was never the same again. Sadder. More cautious."
"How old were you at the time?"
"I was seven so Obi would have been about eight and a half."
Qui's elbows rested on the table and his hands intertwined. An intense look in his eyes as he mulled over this new information. Bant simply watched him waiting for him to speak again. Tahl sat by wondering what was really going through her friend's mind. His soft baritone finally broke the silence.
"Is that when he first started meeting with Master Uvontra?" Large silver eyes widened even further in surprise.
"How did you know that?"
A half smile formed on his lips. He gathered that at that age and having nearly lost his friends and his rival, Obi-Wan must have been sent to Uvontra. But the cause still disturbed him greatly. His thoughts were interrupted by his crèche mate, "Qui? You seem awfully interested in Obi-Wan. And I've seen that look in your eyes before. It's the same look you get when you are uncovering a mystery."
"While I was on Melida/Daan, I blacked out. I felt exhausted and had very little strength for a period of time. During my lapse, Obi-Wan called upon and wielded an incredible amount of Force power. I want to know how he did that. But I want to know what happened to me as well."
"So I guess that means, you're not finished yet, huh?"
"Not by a long shot." He smiled at her reassuringly. Carefully, he stood and looked at them. "Thank you for allowing me to join you, but I must speak with someone."
"That someone wouldn't happen to be a Soul Healer, would it?"
"I feel that a little Soul searching is in order here. Now if you will excuse me, I would like to catch her before the sleep cycle begins." He bowed slightly and wandered off.
Bant looked up at her Master. "Master, why is Master Qui-Gon so interested in Obi?"
"I don't know, Bant. Perhaps he needs to reconcile what happened to him. Perhaps Obi-Wan has intrigued him enough to warrant further research. There's just no way to tell right now."
"Well, what ever his reasons may be, I hope he isn't doing this just to pester Obi. He's had a hard time and he doesn't need someone breathing down his neck just to satisfy their curiosity. He never meant to hurt anyone. And if he did cause Master Jinn's blackout then he had a very good reason for it." Her eyes narrowed as she watched the tall man leave the galley.
The door slid quietly open. Crisp, pale blue eyes sparkled with interest. "Master… Jinn, isn't it? To what do I owe this pleasure?" Her voice purred.
"I was wondering if I could speak with you a moment?" Qui-Gon was able to look her in the eye as the feline being stood just a little taller than himself. She gave a brief nod and moved aside to allow him to enter. Instead of leading him into a common room, she directed him into her office and bade him to sit.
"I would like to talk with you about Obi-Wan Kenobi." His gaze followed the grey-highlighted being as she made her way to her seat. He was fascinated to see no surprise in her face.
Uulia leaned back in her chair and regarded the Knight with a gentle grin. "I was wondering how long before you showed up. I spoke with Obi-Wan earlier after he was removed from the Bacta. You left quite an impression on him, you know."
"I did not realize."
"I doubt you did. Anyway, I gather what really led you here, but I will allow you the satisfaction of asking the question." Her hand waved in his direction, prompting him to oblige.
Clearing his throat he submitted, "I want to know what happened to me on Melida/Daan. I want to know what is it Obi-Wan can do."
"Exactly as I suspected. I doubt the Council told you anything. They can be too cryptic for my taste sometimes. It's not a guarded secret but they seem to enjoy keeping the general populace ignorant. And in many ways I can't blame them on this issue. He's a Channeler. A Conduit of sorts."
Confusion clearly expressed in furrowed features. "I am not sure I understand your meaning. A conduit?"
"Yes, Master Jinn. He accesses the Force and redirects it out. It can be highly focused or random."
"Do we not all have this ability to a degree? I can manipulate the Force as I am sure you can."
"The key word here is that we manipulate the Force. It resides in us and we can draw strength from it but he is different. Let me put it to you in this perspective so that we can begin to understand the rarity Obi-Wan is. Of the 2,500 Jedi actively in the Order there are approximately 37 that have the ability to conduct the Force. Of those about half have minimal control of this ability but it rarely manifests itself enough to be a danger. And of that group only 8 have control and it is their primary ability with the Force. Now, can you tell me who the top two with this ability are?"
"Two?" Perplexed by her question, Qui-Gon tried to answer. "My only guess is that Obi-Wan is one of the two. Who is the other?"
"You knew him, but he has recently passed away while on a mission."
Startled clear blue eyes gazed at the Soul Healer. "You cannot mean Garg Klp."
"And why not?" she asked. "Until this moment you didn't even know what Obi-Wan was. Yet you're certain that Garg could not be a Channeler as well. In fact he was the peak of this ability. It was only fitting that Obi-Wan and Garg paired up."
Qui-Gon sat motionless while his mind raced. He was trying to absorb the influx of new data. After a minute passed, Uulia broached the subject with a new question, "While you were on Medlia/Daan, you blacked out didn't you?"
"Yes."
"And you felt as if you had no energy left in your body, correct?"
"As a matter of fact, I did."
"Do you know why yet?"
"If I knew the answer to that, I would not be here."
She smiled knowing that he was getting frustrated. And that he was still coming to grips with what she had already revealed. Now she was going to let the proverbial hammer fall. "Do you know that there was a possibility you would not have woken up after you collapsed?"
Shocked eyes glared at her. "What are you saying?"
"Force users have the ability to use the Force to achieve many things. Manipulating space and minds. What these few people are capable of can be considered dangerous. If left untrained or in desperation, they can deplete the Force completely from a being. Thus, it is very easy for them to kill, intentionally or not. This alone is reason enough to keep this a guarded reality by the Council. Not because they do not want the Jedi to fear those who have the power, but because the less people know, the less likely they will fall into the wrong hands. Can you imagine what would happen to the Jedi if one of the 8 fell to the darkside?"
"Genocide."
"Or they could be used to force others to follow their commands."
"Is that why Obi-Wan was capable of seeing past my shields and catch glimpses of my thoughts? His shields were impervious to me. Is it related?"
"Think about it Qui-Gon." She paused trying to figure out how best to explain it. "You've seen those globes with the electric orbs in the middle, haven't you? They are mostly used for decoration. Try to imagine that Obi-Wan is that central orb. The currents of the Force are always flowing around him. Weak tendrils stretch out to capture the energy. As he is connected to all those in its path, you have to understand that he is now a part of them in some sense, or vice versa. He feels their pain, their joy, their hope, their sadness. All of these things. Now wouldn't you find this overwhelming to always be a part of someone else?"
"Some times it is difficult just sensing an abundance of one emotion in a crowd."
"Obi-Wan was fortunate. He was identified early due to the one incident and personality characteristics that we were able to identify that coincided with this trait. He was placed with Garg to train, but they soon formed a strong bond. Becoming Master and Apprentice was the perfect ascension for them. Remember my earlier analogy. As a single Channeler, the various weak Force tendrils could make it very difficult to remain focused. But with a Master, he was able to pinpoint one person and block out many of the weaker links in favour of a stronger bond with another. And since his Master was capable of the same thing, their link was incredible." She leaned back once more, a little awed by her observances of the pair.
"They could go days without actually speaking a word vocally but hold conversations through the Force. Their link allowed them to wield power far beyond anyone's imagination. They have been able to cure many ailments and do many incredible things." A look of pure regret washed over her features. "But like all mortals, we are not perfect. Garg's absence will be strongly felt. In fact his death causes me great concern for Obi-Wan's well being."
Curious, he inquired. "And why would you be concerned?"
"For one, he seems as if he has closed himself off emotionally. I can't break the shell he has erected around himself. But what I really fear is that he may die."
"Why? If he is so strong in the Force why would he die now? He's back, safe, the Bacta should have healed his wounds."
"When he was first identified as an initiate, he went through a rather traumatic experience."
"You mean with his friends and Bruck?"
"So you've heard of that?"
"Bant explained a little to me." She nodded her understanding.
"He was not aware of his ability when he lashed out. He drained his friends unwittingly, sending them closer to the Force in a different way. His Force push crushed the boy's ribs and practically collapsed Bruck's lungs. A number of other bones were broken or fractured. After that incident occurred, Obi-Wan closed himself off completely. He wouldn't access the Force, he wouldn't eat, he wouldn't do anything. In essence he was starving himself to death on multiple levels. His body can be healed. He can be nourished by any means necessary, but if he cuts himself off from the Force, he will eventually died. And I'm not talking about years, months or even weeks. If he is not provided a new Master in a matter of days, he will be lost." She sighed her melancholy frustrations.
The pair sat distanced by thoughts in a respectful reticence. Eventually, Qui-Gon tried to find a solution to her dilemma. "You said there were 8 elite Channelers. Garg is now dead and Obi-Wan is in need of a new Master. Why not ask one of the remaining 6 to help you?"
"I would but they have already been reviewed. Three are Knights who have chosen to remain isolated and take mission after mission. They refuse to even return to the Temple. One is a senior Padawan and is ineligible. The last two are already Master and Padawan. There is no one left. He needs an experienced Master, but I don't know who could replace Garg that Obi-Wan would accept quickly. The Council is reviewing the situation but they have come up empty as well. We can only hope the Force will provide an answer soon." Qui-Gon nodded in agreement, lost in his own musings. Uulia sighed again and glanced at her chrono. "Forgive me Master Jinn, but the hour is late and I have an early appointment tomorrow morning."
"Yes, of course. I did not mean to keep you so long."
"Don't worry about it. My Padawan is used to my working late. Now if you'll excuse me, I must get ready for bed. I hope I was able to help clear a few things up for you."
"You have given me more than I could have asked for. Thank you for your time, Master."
"May the Force be with you."
"And you." Qui-Gon stepped outside the Soul Healer's office and began walking toward his room. It was hard to believe that just that morning the world was exactly as he expected. But in the course of one day, he uncovered a hidden anomaly within the Order and learned more about two people he would never have thought possible. For the rest of that evening, his thoughts would not stray far past Garg Klp and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
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With the break of dawn came a fresh start. At least that is what one man hoped. Yesterday, his universe was altered forever. He could not longer accept that everything was as simple as it was before. Life had suddenly become complicated. Only hours ago he discovered the existence of those who were part of the Force in a way he could never understand. And that those people were capable of great power, so much so that their abilities were guarded by the Council. Knowledge of such beings was kept from the rest of the Order unless deemed necessary to disclose it. Qui-Gon Jinn had been sent to retrieve a Padawan and in the process stumbled upon this secret sect. Now his thoughts were preoccupied with a single name. Obi-Wan Kenobi.
A boy who had been the Padawan of one he had trouble dealing with. Perhaps now he was beginning to see why their beliefs were so different. He had much to meditate on this morning. He went to the little kitchenette to prepare his morning tea. In the small common room of his single apartment, he began a series of stretches (part of his daily ritual.) The familiar steady movements always calmed his mind and body enough for him to start meditating, however when he finished his exercises he still felt anxious. Sighing, Qui-Gon knew that peace would not come easy this morning. The warmer alerted him that the tea was ready and he hurried to get it.
He was just about to pour himself a cup full when he stopped. For a minute he stood unmoving trying to figure out what exactly it was the he wanted to do. An instant later his body apparently decided for him, for he was pulling out a thermal container to put the tea in. He was walking out of the kitchen when he spotted a plate full of nipa fruit on the table. He smiled thoughtfully. There was only one person who could have put the plate there and he smiled gratefully even thought she wasn't there to see it. He grabbed one and was about to leave when he hesitated. Not fully understanding why, he took a second nipa.
Ready now, he exited his room and walked the halls still a bit uncertain as to where he was going. Before long, he stopped at a very familiar door. He knew instantly that this would be the best place for meditation and quickly stepped inside. He began searching for a secluded spot in the beautiful gardens.
The soothing sound of the waterfall did little to ease his troubled mind. He was leaning against a danube tree near the water's edge with his eyes closed. He had been trying desperately to meditate but he just couldn't slip into the peaceful trance. Too much had happened in the past few days and he just couldn't center. So he finally resigned himself to just sitting.
His thoughts began to drift back to earlier that morning when he was in the Healer's Ward. Bant had come to him letting him know he was being released from their care. Healer Vv Zon had informed her that Obi-Wan needed to go back to his apartment and collect some of his belongings. He would be meeting with Master Uvontra later, who would place him with another Knight temporarily until a new Master could be found for him. He was still a bit uncertain as to what would happen to him still. He didn't know if a new Master was a good idea, but what else could they do? He wasn't even close to being a Knight but he just wasn't sure if he could bond with someone he didn't know or rather who didn't know who he was.
And as much as he pondered these thoughts, that was not what was most pressing on his mind. It was something Bant had said that troubled him greatly; Master Jinn had been asking questions about him. And not just simple questions but questions that could be disastrous. He wanted to know what Obi-Wan was, what exactly was the Council trying to protect. What she said next hurt him deeply. She told the Knight of his awakening. He didn't know what to say. He just sat there stunned. Bant quickly apologized over and over for upsetting him and soon the mask slid back into place and he told her not to worry about it.
She left shortly after as she had to get back to her duties. Obi-Wan was released and he started walking toward his room. Only a short distance down the hall, he stopped. He didn't want to go back. He was afraid of the emotions that could come from returning to the place he shared with his Master. There were too many memories. And now that his mission was over and he was back in the Temple, he just couldn't face those yet. So he detoured to find his peaceful spot, hoping that he could somehow find a place in his mind that wasn't in turmoil. Alas, even amidst the beautiful setting he could not achieve tranquility.
Suddenly his whole body bristled when a familiar and unwelcome presence drew near. He hoped that somehow the man would pass by him, but he doubted it. He was right.
Qui-Gon had been walking along the path when he felt something odd up ahead. His connection to the Living Force was stronger than most, so he was always attuned to the hum of nature. And in a place like this it sang sweetly to him. But then, from a place up ahead, he heard nothing, just silence. Curious, he made his way over to the void and found a huddled form leaning against a tree with black bark and bright blue leaves cascading down. If he recalled the name correctly, it was a danube tree. As he got closer, he realized who the petite figure was. He stopped.
Once again he was unsure of what to do. He had wanted the chance to speak with the boy again but he just wasn't positive this was the proper time or setting. He was about to turn around when he felt a nudge inside him. Not one to deny the Force's will, he heeded its wish. Cautiously, Qui-Gon walked over and settled himself on the ground. He was about to clear his throat and alert the boy to his presence when he heard a soft voice question, "What do you want, Master Jinn?"
Qui-Gon glanced over at the youth. The boy's back was mostly to him and he could barely see that the boy's eyes were closed. Yet again, the Padawan sensed him when he could feel nothing. Sighing, he decided to say what he had been meaning to say, "I wanted to apologize, Obi-Wan."
This is not at all what he expected. Shifting slightly, he looked at the Knight, "For what?"
"My behaviour before. It was unfitting of a Master. I should know better than to hold a Padawan fully responsible for a Master's behaviour. Garg Klp and I had a difficult time seeing eye to eye, but I should not have criticized his abilities to train when I had no cause to. What you did on Melida/Daan was amazing. You should be very proud of what you accomplished and I am sure that your Master would have been as well."
Obi-Wan didn't know what to say. He was not prepared for this. In fact, he half expected the man to start questioning him about his Master's inability to train him. Stunned, he sat there for a long moment before finally finding his voice and manners again, "Thank you Master Jinn. And I must also apologize to you, I didn't mean to overstep my place on the transport. It's just…..well…..I……"
"It is alright, I should have realized that you were not yourself. You were wounded and disorientated and already dealing with much more than one your age ever should." They sat for a while in an easy silence.
"Master Jinn," he said tentatively, "About Melida/Daan……"
"I spoke with Master Uvontra last night, she explained most of it to me. Although, my knowledge is rather vague."
"I needed the extra strength, my reserves were far beyond depleted. I could have tried pulling from the people, but combined they would not have been enough, nor did I have the time and strength to focus enough to touch them all. You were there and a well of power. In my haste I took too much too fast for your system. That is why you passed out. I didn't mean it, I simply had no other choice." Obi-Wan had leaned back into the tree, his back more toward the Knight again. He spoke in a very gentle tone scarcely above a whisper. But he felt that the man deserved to know what happened.
Qui-Gon realized that the boy was reconciling the incident with him now that things were calmer between them. "If I had known, I would have offered it to you."
"Thank you, but I should have known better. It's just that my Master wasn't there. I was weakening, but I shouldn't have risked you that way. It was stupid of me. I've been trained enough to know when I should and shouldn't do it, but I did it any way. I'll never be able to undo it and I'll never be able to tell you how sorry I am for it. I promised myself I would never do it again, but I did." His voice was becoming increasingly choked with emotion.
Qui-Gon glanced over at the boy, the cool demeanor he was used to was starting to slip. Automatically, he tried to comfort. "It is alright, I am fine."
"No!" Obi-Wan turned to looked at the man. Captivating sea-change eyes peered desperately up at the Knight. "You don't understand. I could have killed you. I could have killed us both. I drained you and overloaded my own systems. That behaviour is unacceptable."
Qui-Gon reached out to place a hand on the boy's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. But the second they touched, Qui-Gon could feel a surge pass through him. Obi-Wan's rolling emotions were disturbing the Force around them. Quickly, in a tone that was both gentle and stern, "Obi-Wan you need to calm down."
Blue-green eyes went wide as he realized what was happening. He closed his eyes and turned away again taking deep breaths. Slowly, he managed to get a grip on his emotions. "I…..I'm sorry Master," he stammered quietly.
Qui-Gon could still feel a slight tremble under his hand. "Try to remain calm," he urged. "You have been through a lot recently. It is to be expected that you are having some trouble." The boy didn't move or say anything, just sat there. An idea dawned on him then and he hoped it would help distract the apprentice enough to feel in control again. "Have you eaten anything?" Without waiting for a response, he pulled out the two nipa fruits he had brought and offered one to Obi-Wan. "I have an extra nipa here, if you would like it."
It was a very gradual process, but eventually Obi-Wan opened his eyes and looked at the proffered fruit speculatively. There was another hint of emotion peeking through as he gazed down at it. Qui-Gon gestured with the fruit again. A searching gaze glanced at the Knight for an instant before an uncertain hand came up to claim it.
Qui-Gon smiled, showed his own piece and then took a bite. A pleased sound escaped him as he savoured the taste. "This is a very good batch. Just the right amount of sweetness." He looked over at the youth and frowned when he noticed Obi-Wan just staring at the fruit. "Do you not like nipa?"
A hint of a smirk played at young lips. "Actually, I love them," he said shyly.
"Then you should enjoy it. It is very good."
Obi-Wan continued to stare at it. Finally, he confessed, "I'm not hungry."
Not fully believing the comment, Qui-Gon suddenly remembered something that Master Uvontra had mentioned to him about the last time a similar incident occurred. Obi-Wan closed himself off completely. He wouldn't access the Force, he wouldn't eat, he wouldn't do anything. In essence he was starving himself to death on multiple levels. Before he could stop himself, he asked, "Are you truly not hungry or are you simply being stubborn again? Starving yourself, no matter the reason, will not solve the problem."
Obi-Wan's head shot up at the question. He glared sharply at the man. "And what is that supposed to mean, Master? How would you know what is best for me? You have no idea what it's like to have to be in complete control all the time. My presence in this world is danger enough to those around me. I cannot allow myself any reprieve. I don't have anyone right now to help me. So instead of see those around me suffer in anyway, I do the only option I have left."
"Closing yourself off is not the answer. You need to find a way to release your emotions into the Force. You need someone to guide you not just in your powers but in your mind as well. Your Master should have shown you how to do that. Obviously, Garg was not able to do so."
"So you have come to insult my Master after all. Well, he's no longer here, so let him rest in peace. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things I must do." Obi-Wan stood and abruptly walked away.
Qui-Gon called after the retreating form, "Obi-Wan! Obi-Wan, I did not mean…." But it was too late. The boy was out of earshot now. Sitting there, he began to admonish himself. Their meeting had been going so well, why did it have to end so badly. Sighing he sat there for a few minutes contemplating his next move. At last, he decided he may as well head back to his apartment, he would find no peace here now.
Obi-Wan hurried from the Room of a Thousand Fountains as quickly as he could. Qui-Gon was an enigma to him. One moment he was calm and sincere and soothing in a sense. The next moment, the man infuriated him. He recalled telling Master Uvontra that he was surprised and grateful that Qui-Gon had allowed him to finish his mission to an extent. He was not expecting such tolerance but it was not unwelcomed. But somehow, Qui-Gon always managed to say something that got under his skin. Like an itch that wouldn't go away. He seemed to opposite everything that his Master was and yet he was also so awed by the way Jinn could convey his feelings without displaying them so obviously.
Mostly, he could read the emotions in the crystal clear gaze or feel them underlying his words or in his tone. That ability was something that not only eluded Obi-Wan but Garg as well. He remembered one night when his Master had come from the commissary annoyed, mumbling the name Jinn. He didn't understand then but he was starting to now. As much as the man annoyed him, Obi-Wan realized that it was partly due to the fact that in a way he envied him. Sighing, he stopped in a hallway not far from the gardens and looked at the nipa in his hand.
What was happening to him, he wondered. He thought he had been progressing over the past 7 years. And now he almost felt like he was back to square one. He sighed again. Soon he would be meeting with Master Uvontra again and he thought that maybe he should ask her about it. He didn't exactly know where he was going right now. He still didn't want to go back to his room yet, but where else could he go? Someone decided to answer for him.
Obi-Wan was suddenly shoved into a wall roughly. Confused, he tried turning around but was slammed back into the wall. A low and menacing voice hissed in his ear, "I heard you were back."
Instantly, the apprentice's eyes went wide with panic. Breathlessly, he said, "Bruck."
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Sorry for the delay folks. I kinda forgot about this for a bit. :8) Thanks lembas7 for the reminder. ;) Hopefully, this was be a nice long section for you. Thanks again for your patience!
Kynstar – I'm glad you are sticking with me and enjoy the re-read. I'm just hoping my SW muses come back soon so that I can finally finish it off. ;) Thanks again for all the support!! :D
K-Rock – Hey, that's the best part about the internet. Without the preoccupation of the physical appearance we are free to enjoy the inner beauty of people. And to me, you're very cute!! :p And no, I can't handle any more epics. I'm already fighting to keep what I have going now down. I'm sacrificing some of the detail I prefer, but it's also kinda refreshing to do that too. Allows the imagination to wander a bit more, ne? I hope school hasn't been to rough on ya. Work's been a real pain but then again it only adds to the stress of life. Oh well. Hope to see more RH soon, but there's no rush. Later!! :D
ObiLover – I'm so happy you are liking it. Thanks!! :D
Amber – Thank you very much. I hope this is just as good. ;)
Leahjade – LOL, I know exactly how you feel. A number of the fics I follow are about as slow as a turtle in molasses in coming. And it never fails, I always fall in love with the ones that don't get updates for like 6 months at a time! Hahaha. Because of that I'm actually learning patience. :p But it sure is nice to her that I have loyal fans. Sometimes I wonder, ya know? Anyway, thanks again for reading and reviewing!! I look forward to hearing from you again! :D
Semmi – ROFLMAO, you're sweet. But I've already had at least one babe, would love a second just haven't convinced the hubby yet. ;) Anyway, I'm extremely flattered that you like this so much. To me it has been written on the fly and therefore would not be categorized as my 'good stuff.' But hey, who am I to argue with my fans, ne? lol. And I am just as much of a masochist as the rest of you readers. As I mentioned to leahjade I always find the ones with updates few and far between. ;) But I do hope your wait wasn't too horrible. Now for more torture!! Mwahahaha!! :D
Lembas7 – Thank you very much for reminding me that I have been neglecting this fic. Just keep on reminding and maybe I'll be able to finish this sooner rather than later, ne? Oh, and as for the grammar thing, it was a conscious choice. Dialects are so prevalent in our world, I always try to show that even aliens are infallible. But thanks for letting me know!! :D
Well, anyway, if you've made it this far, don't forget to review!! At this point, it's the only thing that reminds me to post. Such a bad memory and stress-filled life has made me even more forgetful than before. :( Thanks for reading, as always! Ttfn.