"So that was your 'silly Twi'lek', eh?" Qui-Gon said with a chuckle. He and Obi-Wan had just entered the Temple and were making their way towards their quarters.
Obi-Wan grunted in response.
"Very spirited for one so young."
Obi-Wan snorted.
Qui-Gon tried not to laugh. "Padawan, you need to control that temper of yours."
Obi-Wan sighed, defeated. "I know, Master. I'm sorry. I was just exasperated - the way she spoke to me about all that I hold dear and then, after I saved her life, she still had the nerve -"
"She is very independent, Obi-Wan. She truly thought that she had the situation under control, despite her fear. You undermined her sense of control and made her feel like she was a helpless little creature."
Obi-Wan gave his Master an incredulous look. "You got all that from one conversation with her?"
Qui-Gon nodded. "You need to become more sensitive to a woman's actions, Obi-Wan. They can tell you much. Rest well, Padawan. I'll see you tomorrow."
With that, Qui-Gon turned down the hall towards the masters' quarters, leaving Obi-Wan by himself. The youth shook his head and went off in the other direction towards the student dormitories.
A detour to the Meditation Gardens ended up on Obi-Wan's list as he realized he was still a little wound up. The fullness of night descended upon him, the mock light of the 'moon' casting a gentle glow upon the gardens, giving it a very magical feel. A few of the nocturnal Jedi roamed seemingly aimless, but Obi-Wan steered away from them. His favourite corner of the gardens was always devoid of people, which was one of the reasons he liked it. Qui-Gon had shown it to him when Obi-Wan had been younger, only eight years old.
The Padawan smiled at the memory; he had been distressed about his friend Bant, who had caught an illness common amongst the Mon Calamari, similar to the common cold. Qui-Gon had thought the solitude of the corner would help the young boy with his meditations and ease his fears. It had quickly become Obi-Wan's hiding place and he looked forward to the special Force eddies that he had come to know and love.
The youth was torn from his memories, however, as he pushed through the hanging plants and caught sight of a silhouette of someone else kneeling in his garden. He expected irritation at this intrusion, but the Force wrapped itself around him and he noted with some astonishment that the person's aura was meshing almost perfectly with the surroundings.
His gasp was audible and it jarred the other from their trance. A feminine sounding 'oh!' caused the breath to catch in Obi-Wan's throat. The mystery person turned towards him and Obi-Wan could scarcely believe it.
"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan," Shaylynn said, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "I didn't think anyone would come here."
Obi-Wan smiled shyly. "Don't worry about it. I'm usually the only one who uses this place for meditation."
His smile was reflected on Shaylynn's face as she chuckled. "Well, I only found this place tonight. I had no idea it had been claimed by someone else, although..." she closed her eyes and Obi-Wan could feel the Force brush gently against him. "This place does feel like you. You must have spent many hours here."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yeah. Ever since I was an eight-year-old kid with a need to hide myself sometimes. Master Qui-Gon showed it to me."
"It must be very special to you, then. I don't want to intrude. I can go, if you wish."
"It is special to me, and you don't have to leave." Obi-Wan was astonished at the intensity of Shaylnn's smile at his words. I guess Qui-Gon had a point. She never wanted to leave, but would have unhappily done so if I insisted. This girl-stuff was pretty deep. Obi-Wan's astonishment deepened as he found himself kneeling next to Shaylynn. "In fact, I would like it very much if you continued to use this place for your meditations."
Shaylynn practically beamed at him as he settled down to meditate, his restlessness having doubled in the last few minutes. The girl followed suit and by the time they had both found their calm centre, they were holding hands.
