Hey all! Once again, my deepest apologies for such a delayed chapter. I must be honest, I did not know what was in the gift anymore than Obi-Wan so it took me quite some time…quite a long time to figure out what was in there. I hope it's not too corny neither too unexpected. Please, read on!

Epilogue:

"Should I open it now, Master?" Obi-Wan began to swing his legs over the edge of the bed but Qui-Gon placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll get it for you," He said gently and swiftly grabbed the medium package that still lay in the middle of the table from the night before. He gazed curiously at the silvery parcel, pausing for a moment before handing it to an anxious Obi-Wan.

"Thank you," the boy said, grabbing it with his pale hands that, Qui-Gon noted gladly, were already beginning to have their strong grip again. Maybe in a few days, he would take his apprentice out to spar again. He smiled at the thought. Yes, that would be wonderful.

He sat next to Obi-Wan on the sleep couch and watched the boy begin to tear off the corner of the paper. Yet, suddenly, he paused all movement and turned his young face to Qui-Gon's.

"What do you think is under here?" He asked abruptly, throwing Qui-Gon off guard. Qui-Gon raised his eyebrows and shrugged slightly.

"I haven't the faintest idea."

"Hmmm." Obi-Wan started carefully at the package and placed it in his lap. "Yet it is meant to be open, right?"

"The boy did tell me it was for you. He did not tell me when you needed to open it." He searched Obi-Wan's face. "Is there something wrong, young one?"

"No," He said softly, thinking for the right words to say. "It's just….the surprise will be gone, in a moment and I'll never get it back until something else unexpected appears. I…" He looked back to Qui-Gon, his eyes softening. "I wish it would last forever."

Qui-Gon placed an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close, whispering;

"If it lasted forever then there would be no more chances to be surprised. You would never understand the feeling of being surprised anymore and it would be lost to you. There are times when you must give up the old in replacement of the new. It is not bad, only natural. If the old lasted forever, there would be no new." He pulled back gently to stare at Obi-Wan. "There would be no more surprises," He finished softly.

Obi-Wan felt his heart tremble and he held onto Qui-Gon tighter.

"Then I should open it?" He whispered, fingering the paper.

"You should."

Suddenly Obi-Wan began to chuckle, making Qui-Gon's chest shake until he echoed it. It sounded so good to hear him laugh again. He could not remember how long ago it was.

"What's so funny?" He tugged with his free hand on Obi-Wan's short braid, newly woven only a few months ago.

"What if it's anymore of that vile substance they call food around here?"

"Then you will eat every bit of it and tell the young boy that you loved it all." Qui-Gon chuckled at Obi-Wan's groan but he, nonetheless, began to peel back the paper.

The silver paper fell to the ground with a soft patter, breaking the sudden silence that had set in. Obi-Wan's eyes filled with unexpected tears at the sight.

In his hands lay a new scarf with the words "Guardian" inscribed on the fabric.

Raising the soft material to his cheek, knew he would never forget Irid for a very, very long time.

Everything would be right from now on.

The End? No it was just the beginning.

Thank you very much again! Too all my readers! I hope you enjoyed this tale as much as I did! Thank you so much for your encouragement and everlasting inspiration.

Many Regards,

K.Elessar