OBI-WAN

Perhaps the lightsaber had been too much. And she could take the waiting outside her house either of two ways; she could think it was a compassionate gesture, or an extremely creepy one. Obi-Wan mulled these thoughts over in his head as he sat on the steps of Thalia's house. Today marked two weeks since she'd confined herself to her room and Obi-Wan was trying to think of another way to prove his loyalty to her and earn her forgiveness. He knew that it was pointless apologizing over and over again. It wasn't going to change anything. So, he focused all his energy on the 'new' Obi-Wan. The first step was coming up with a better title.

In all honesty, Obi-Wan wasn't quite sure what had come over him. Maybe it was guilt or disappointment in himself, but there was nothing he wanted more than to regain Thalia's trust and friendship.

Beth, the kind-hearted housemaid had told him not to worry. She'd known Thalia all her life and assured him that she would come to him when she was ready. She just needed time and Obi-Wan was fully committed to wait as long as she needed.

As he contemplated picking some flowers from the garden for her, the heavy front door opened. He looked over his shoulder and upon seeing Thalia leaning against the door, leapt to his feet.

"You lied." She said and he faltered, not quite sure what she was talking about. "You said you wouldn't move from the steps. I saw you out in the garden last week."

"Ah." Now he understood and couldn't help but chuckle slightly. "Your lovely housemaid enlisted me into gardening duties. You may notice that the Honey Suckle is looking particularly lively." Obi-Wan was relieved to see a part of the playful twinkle return to her eyes.

"I have work to do." She said before looking out into the garden and squinting her eyes slightly at the sun. "You can stay out here or you can come in and help me."

Obi-Wan nodded earnestly. Even though it was only an invitation indoors, it was a big step in healing the relationship that existed between them. Tentatively, he walked up the steps towards Thalia and stepped inside, pausing when he was face-to-face with her to smile, before continuing into the beautifully painted hallway.

While Naboo had it's natural beauty, Troska was simpler, but the people made up for it by planting colourful plants and decorating their buildings with stunning paintings and architecture. Thalia's home was no exception. Dark floorboards ran the length of the hall with an intricately sewn rug running down the centre. On either side, the walls held paintings and holo-photo's of Thalia's family, smiling and playing around as the pictures moved. However, the main feature was the incredible ceiling. Painted in rich blues and reds, and inlaid with gold was a painted scene depicting the Crystal Caves. The rocks were painted in brown tones while the crystals shone red and blue with gold beams of light flying from every single one.

"Oh good, just in time for tea." Beth beamed as she saw Obi-Wan standing beside Thalia. She hurried forward and pulled him into the warmest hug he had ever received. When she released him, Beth looked between him and Thalia before following his previous gaze up to the ceiling.

"She almost gave me a heart attack when she said she wanted to paint the ceiling. But seeing how it turned out, I never doubted her again." Beth said wisely before moving off towards the kitchens.

"You did this?" Obi-Wan looked over in amazement at Thalia who just raised her eyebrows and continued down the hallway.

"So, what work do you have to do?" He asked, following her down the hall.

"In two weeks Troska has it's annual Crystal Festival where we celebrate our planet's history. I usually have to organise it amongst other duties, but since I'm in recovery mode I can now make it my focus. Besides, a distraction would do me some good." She replied, careful to keep her voice steady.

"Where do we start?" Obi-Wan replied.

"You really don't have anything better to do?" Thalia asked, as if she expected him to suddenly turn around and tell her he was going back to Coruscant. "It won't be the exciting, life on the edge scene you're used to."

"I know, and I stand by my word." He answered honestly. This was the start of his duties as the 'new' Obi-Wan.

"I hope I like the new Obi-Wan. What if I prefer the old one?" She asked so seriously that Obi-Wan wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic or not.

"Then you will dislike me for the rest of your life." He replied just as seriously.