Ja'lisa was dressed and ready to go. The problem was she didn't know where she was going. Yes, Master Windu told her this still was her home, but where does a displaced Padawan go? And would anyone want her again? Ja'lisa's hand went to the hilt of the training saber that hung from her belt. Would she be a Jedi? Or once everyone stopped feeling sorry for her, would the life she knew now be over? A voice behind her brought her out of revelry.
"Ja'lisa, are you ready to leave?"
Taking a deep breath the padawan answered, "Yes, Master Windu. But where am I going to go?" There was no hiding the anxiety in her voice.
Placing his arm around the girl, Mace assured her, "I told you that this is your home. You are welcomed and loved here."
Even though Mace's words warmed her, she still had her doubts.
The pair stepped into the hall and Ja'lisa saw Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon was conversing with a man that Ja'lisa had never saw before. Seeing the pair step out of the room, Qui-Gon greeted them and introduced Ardeth.
"Ja'lisa, this is Jedi Knight, Ardeth Kralin." Ardeth and Ja'lisa shook hands, "Ardeth was once Master Dern's padawan."
Ja'lisa's eyes grew wide, "He had a padawan before? He never told me...then again, he never told me much. We really didn't talk about anything."
Eyeing the downcast girl, Ardeth tried to lighten the mood, "Don't feel so bad, Kid. It wasn't you."
"Are you here to see the healers, Ardeth?" Mace asked.
"Yes, Sir. I thought it be better to get it over with. I don't really care for healers."
"Who does?" Obi-Wan mumbled. That response brought some ease to the awkward situation.
The small group laughed at Obi-Wan's statement and Mace turned to Ardeth, "Master Nik-Ka, the mind healer would like to see you this afternoon."
"Yes, Master Windu. Thank you," the young Knight then turned to Ja'lisa. His heart went out to her. "I wish you luck, Padawan Ja'lisa Bray. I know you will find a master."
They shook hands again, and Qui-Gon felt a slight surge in the force. Mace noticed it too, because he raised his eyebrows and glanced at Qui-Gon. Ardeth then said his good-byes and went on to his appointment with the healers.
Qui-Gon and Mace were still considering the surge that occurred that they did not hear the two padawans speaking to them.
"Master, Master...Coruscant to Master Qui-Gon...come in," Obi-Wan said hoping to get his master's attention.
Qui-Gon shook his head and looked down at his student, "I'm sorry, Obi-Wan, what did you say?"
Exasperated, the boy responded, "I said that we are positively STARVING."
Qui-Gon laughed, "Oh yes, we must get you food before you wither away to nothing. Mace, would you and Ja'lisa care to join us for dinner?"
Looking down at his temporary ward, Mace nodded, "I think that would be a good idea. Let me get her settled in my quarters and we will come by your place to meet you."
Ja'lisa was now stunned. She not only had a place to stay, but she was staying with Jedi Master Mace Windu himself.