Using the force, Mace soothed the young girl into sleep. He would watch over and protect her. Tomorrow he and the council would decide Dern's fate. Anger passed through Mace Windu's body, he quickly released it into the force. He thought any punishment short of death was lenient.
During his vigil, Mace fell asleep. But he was awakened by a distressed cry. Opening his eyes, he saw Ja'lisa thrashing around in her bed, mumbling.
"No! Please don't...I'll be good! Don't hurt me..."
A lump formed in the Master's throat as he moved to the bed to comfort the frightened youth. Placing his hand on the girl's shoulder, Mace shook her gently, "Ja'lisa, wake up."
Ja'lisa recoiled at the touch and awoke with a start, her breathing was labored and she was shaking all over. Clutching the blankets, she looked around the room fearfully. Slowly, she came to grips with where she was and who was with her. Blushing slightly from embarrassment, she spoke softly. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Master Windu."
Taking a seat on the bed, Mace replied, "You did not disturb me young Padawan. But that sounded like one nasty dream. Would you like to talk about it?" Close to tears, Ja'lisa shuddered and managed to shake her head no. But she could not stop shaking.
Mace placed his arm around the trembling shoulders awkwardly. It had been some time since he had a padawan. But he still knew how to offer comfort and love. In a moment, Ja'lisa had melted into his arms and was crying her heart out onto his tunic. Mace offered soothing words and held her tightly. It felt right, the two of them together. Mace pondered over that as he took care of his charge.
In another part of the temple another Master was trying to soothe a child suffering from a nightmare. A few hours earlier, Qui-Gon had led a very sleepy Obi-Wan back to their apartment. He tucked the young Jedi into bed and brushed a kiss over his forehead. Qui-Gon left the room wishing time to meditate on the events that had taken place. He knew he would be called to the council in the morning to deal with the punishment of Dern Galen, and he wanted to be as calm as possible.
The Jedi Master was just coming out of meditation when he heard a muffled cry coming from the bedroom that belonged to his apprentice. Quickly, Qui-Gon made his way to the room.
"Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan, it's all right. It's only a dream. Nothing can hurt you here," Qui-Gon waited as his student became coherent. Placing a gentle hand to the boy's flushed face, the large Jedi did his best to settle Obi-Wan, "It's all right young one. Everything is all right now."
Taking gulping breathes, Obi-Wan flung himself into his Master's arms. As he breathed in the familiar scent of his master, he silently thanked the force for Qui-Gon Jinn. The scent had come to symbolize safety, love, and belonging. It would be a cold galaxy, without my master, the youngster thought.
Qui-Gon allowed his padawan the time to compose himself, he then asked, "Feeling better now?"
"I...I think so, Master," Came the reply from the vicinity of the large man's chest. "At least I think so."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
The reply was soft, "No. But..." Obi-Wan trailed off.
"What is it, Padawan?"
"I want to go and see Ja'lisa. Now." There were determination in the words. But Qui-Gon was not going to deny this boy the one thing that could start his, as well as Ja'lisa's healing.
Qui-Gon nodded, "I think that is a fine idea. Go get dressed and we will go and visit Ja'lisa."
Qui-Gon then found himself in a quick but fierce hug, "Thank you, Master!" The boy sprinted to his closest to change out of his sleep clothes.
Looking down the hall, Qui-Gon whispered, "No, Obi-Wan. Thank you for showing me every day how lucky I am to have you."