Chapter 23

"It's so good to see you!" said Anaria, hugging her friends after they all returned to the temporary quarters."I missed you all so much, you have no idea!"

Darsha beckoned her to a vacant chair in the main room of the Jedi's quarters. "Let me take a look at your arm."

Arryn looked down at her shoulder. A blaster shot had grazed her shoulder in the confusion of her escape.

"We were all so worried about you. But you are okay?" said Anaria.

Arryn nodded. "Yeah, a little shaken up, but that's all."

"Stop trying to be so brave," said Darsha."'A little shaken up' is hardly how I'd describe your physical state. Hold still, this antiseptic will sting a little bit."

Arryn grimaced. "Stinging is putting it mildly."

Anaria looked over Darsha's shoulder. "Ooh, that looks painful."

"It looks a lot worse than it actually is," said Arryn, pulling down her sleeve once Darsha was finished.

Elantra and Anaria were waiting rather impatiently for Arryn. "So, are you going to tell us what happened, or what?" said Elantra.

"Elantra, Anaria, give Arryn some space," said Obi-Wan.

Arryn tiredly smiled at Obi-Wan and mouthed Thanks.

"Why don't you get some rest," he suggested to his Padawan. Arryn nodded without complaint.

"Of course. Is there anything we can get for you?" Elantra asked, looking a little concerned.

"Some blankets or music?" Anaria chimed.

"No thanks. I'm just going to head to bed." Arryn wearily climbed the stairs to quarters, not anxious to do anything but sleep. The memory of the kidnapping and the blank faces of those who were killed was all too fresh. She fell onto her sleep couch and within moments was asleep.

The sun was shining brightly through the small slit in Arryn's closed curtains when she awoke later in the day. Feeling more like her old self, she showered, dressed, and plaited her hair into its customary braid.

When she came downstairs, she expected to be barreled with questions from her friends, but to Arryn's surprise, it was quiet. Obi-Wan was the only one around, and he was sitting at the large table looking at a report on his datapad. He looked up when he saw her. "Where is everyone?" she asked from the stairway.

"I sent Anaria and Elantra to bed. They were exhausted, too, but made me swear to let them know when you were up. Siri and Darsha left several hours ago to attend a meeting on how to decide how to appoint a new, non-corrupt senator and governor."

Arryn laughed. "Word certainly travels fast here. I wish them both luck."

"My thoughts exactly." Obi-Wan replied dryly.

Arryn pulled out a chair and sat down.

Obi-Wan put aside his datapad. "If you are ready to talk about what happened, I will listen."

Arryn took a deep breath and began at the very beginning, telling her Master everything from when Anaria climbed the tree to the Imperial guard's fire hitting the Ysalamiri. Obi-Wan did not interrupt, but made mental note of several things. Arryn finished her story and waited to hear her Master's reaction.

"I'd say you had quite an adventure for your first mission," he began dryly, "And I owe you an apology. You trusted your feelings and knew that Emory Tiana was not trustworthy and I did not take it as seriously as I should have. I was cautious, but I now know that I need to take your judgement seriously from now on."

"Aren't missions supposed to build trust between Padawan and Master?"

"Yes, trust is the cornerstone between us, and I was caught up in the moment and failed to see it."

Arryn nodded. "I am just as much at fault. I made many mistakes here, too."

Obi-Wan was surprised. He had not expected her to take responsibility for her actions; rather he expected the defensive retort that was so common from his old Padawan, Anakin. "Such as?" he prodded.

Arryn's eyes turned downcast. "Such as...acting rashly, I guess. And the fact that I did some stupid things during my interrogation."

"Those things can be taught with time and experience, Padawan, but I wouldn't call what happened an act of rashness."

"You wouldn't?" Arryn was surprised.

"You didn't think. You didn't have the discipline of mind that I know you are capable of. And, although it was a momentary lapse, it was significant. I already lost one Padawan, and I don't want to lose another."

Arryn nodded solemnly. "I understand, Master, and I will try to work on discipline of mind in the future." said Arryn.

"There is something else that I think we will need to work on, as well,"began Obi-Wan. Instantly Arryn knew what it was. She couldn't keep her fear a secret forever.

"Your fear of heights can be overcome. It just takes practice and perseverance. I know of several things we can do to overcome it, but you need to be mentally willing."

"I am prepared, Master."

"Good. Once we get back to the Temple, we will work on it."

Arryn looked at her hands. "There is one more thing, Master. Do you ever get used to death?"

"I asked Qui-Gon that very same question. No, I never do, and that is how it should be."

Arryn heard whispering at the stairs and turned to see her two best friends, looking sleepy faced.

"Did we interrupt?" Anaria asked.

"No," Obi-Wan replied, looking at Arryn who also shook her head.

"May we have permission to go out of doors if we stay within a five meter radius?" Elantra asked.

"Very well, as long as it is only five meters."

Elantra and Anaria nodded solemnly. "We swear as Padawans of the Jedi Order, dedicated to upholding-"

"I trust you," said Obi-Wan grinning at the Padawans' antics. "Go have fun. You all deserve it."

"Where are we going?" asked Arryn, as she followed Elantra and Anaria.

"It's a surprise!" Elantra replied.

"Not another surprise," moaned Arryn.

Anaria giggled. "But it's a good surprise. Close your eyes." Elantra put his hand over Arryn's eyes.

"Okay, we're here. Sit down." Said Elantra.

Arryn sat and put her hand out to feel what she was sitting on. It was grass.

"You can open your eyes now," said Anaria.

Arryn's eyes were blasted with color from the sky.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Anaria asked.

Arryn nodded, too speechless to say anything. Bondor's sunset was brilliant. Color stretched across the sparkling sky in dazzling wide arcs.

"I had thought that I would never see a sunset again," said Arryn, lying on her elbows, intently picking a blade of grass.

"Well, I guess you aren't so lucky.After all,you have the two of us around," said Elantra satirically. Arryn leaned over and lightly punched him in the arm.

"Well, I'm glad you're back Arryn," said Anaria, "Even if ferrocrete head, here, isn't."

Arryn smiled and laughed a real laugh she hadn't felt in days. It was good to be among friends.

A/N: Finally finished! I hope you all enjoyed it! Some well-deserved thank-yous...Tyler, Amy, Seth, Lauren VK, Lauren C, Jen, Marissa, Becky, Kevin, Jason, and Michael; A.S, M. M.-C., A.O., and Lala O. for reviewing this prior to posting.Destiny, Arryn'snext adventure, isabout 3/5 written...stay tuned for its posting!Thanks to George Lucas for creating this fun universe!

Review or I shall set Sith Lords upon you (just kidding,but they'd be much appreciated :))