The Padawan and the Princess
Part One
It has been a long time since I last wrote, and even longer since I last published something on here, but I got bitten by the bug again now that my kids are old enough to watch Star Wars and it reminded me how much I used to enjoy reading and writing in this fandom – not that I ever published a lot, but there are a lot of unfinished stories floating around on my laptop.
This fic is a relatively light and fluffy one, as a bit of a segue away from a longer, much darker one I'm currently writing. I hope you enjoy it. Part two will be posted next week sometime.
-X-X-X-X-
"Kriff it!" Obi-Wan exclaimed and dropped his datapad roughly on the couch next to him before rubbing his hands over his face in frustration.
Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow at the teenager from across the common room where he was tending to one of his plants.
Obi-Wan caught Qui-Gon's gaze and allowed the flare of frustration to dissipate with a long exhale which was most definitely not a sigh.
"Problem my young Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked, placing the watering can on the table so he could attend fully to his apprentice.
"Hyperspace calculus is for droids." The teenager griped. He picked up the datapad and displayed it to the Jedi master. "This just doesn't make sense, and we have a test coming up soon and if I fail, I will have to repeat, which will put me behind!" This was a disturbing thought for the diligent padawan.
"Let me see." Qui-Gon said calmly, taking the proffered datapad. Secretly, he had to agree with his padawan, but he wasn't going to mention that. It would do good for Obi-Wan to struggle with his learning for once as he typically got top marks with minimal effort.
Qui-Gon explained the problem to the teenager, walking him through the problem step by step. "And the answer is 3.6 parsecs." He looked up at Obi-Wan who was looking at him dubiously. Qui-Gon placed the datapad down on the table. "Why don't you take the evening off to clear your mind. You've been working hard recently and I'm sure your friends would like to see you."
Obi-Wan's face lit up cautiously. "But I really do need to complete this work."
"I'm not going to offer it again." Qui-Gon shrugged. "You either go now or you spend the evening moping around with the mathematics."
"Thank you, Master." He said, rising quickly from the couch and heading straight out of the apartment, the door hissing closed behind him as he left.
Qui-Gon chuckled softly to himself and returned to tending his plants.
-X-X-X-X-
Obi-Wan returned to their quarters later that evening after having dinner with Garen and Bant in the refectory and then proceeding to hand Garen his behind on a platter in the junior padawan sparring dojo. He hadn't come out unscathed, however, and was nursing a mildly sprained wrist from a fall that had gone wrong, and a limp courtesy of a solid kick to the shin that was starting to bruise up nicely. But all in all, a solid victory, some much needed physical exercise and nothing that a little bit of Force healing wouldn't fix.
"Ah, there you are, Padawan. Spent the evening sparring, I see." Qui-Gon greeted.
Obi-Wan grinned. "You should have seen the other guy." He quipped.
"I don't doubt that Garen deserved it." Qui-Gon said, knowing well the reputation of Obi-Wan's close friend and the friendly rivalry the two boys had on the sparring floor. "The council has been in touch, they have a mission for us."
Obi-Wan grinned, at last they would get to do something interesting - he was not very good at sitting around waiting for action...and perhaps he would be able to get out of his hyperspace calculus test.
"A Jedi does not crave adventure." Qui-Gon commented, accurately guessing at his apprentice's thoughts.
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan said, quickly tamping down his excitement and carefully schooling his features into a calm expression.
"And you need not worry, the mission will be short and you will be back in time for your test."
Obi-Wan's face fell but he quickly recomposed himself. "Yes, Master."
Qui-Gon suppressed a smile far more effectively than his student had just did, the benefit of years of experience. "You'd better get some rest, we are expected to meet with the council first thing in the morning and will be leaving straight afterwards."
-X-X-X-X-
Obi-Wan was awoken the next morning by his blankets levitating themselves up off his body.
"Frivolous use of the force, Master. What would the council say?" He mumbled sleepily into his pillow.
"Time to get up, Padawan mine." Qui-Gon said gently, placing a cup of tea on the teenager's desk. He was well aware that his apprentice was definitely not a morning person, so despite taking a moderate measure of joy in forcing his reluctant padawan out of bed so early, he would also willingly forego the usual ritual of his padawan preparing the morning beverages.
Obi-Wan groaned but nevertheless did as he was instructed and in five minutes he had visited the 'fresher, dressed, and straightened his bedding. His small travel bag had been packed the night before and he placed this on top of his bed.
The two Jedi made their way to the Council chambers, the younger following obediently in the wake of the elder, and were summoned in immediately upon their arrival.
Visiting the Council chambers was never an easy task even for the most seasoned Jedi. The Force hummed almost audibly with the combined presence and insight of twelve Jedi masters. Obi-Wan had been into the chambers a number of times now, but the intimidation he felt had not lessened. He knew better than to fidget or shift uncomfortably, however he obviously did not have full control over his reactions yet as Qui-Gon presently settled a large comforting hand over his shoulder, sending a pulse of calm through their bond to him. He felt a flash of embarrassment but quickly released this to the Force as he attempted to appear the perfect example of a serene Jedi padawan.
"We have received a summons from the Namorean governing body, requesting Jedi assistance." Mace Windu began. "I believe that you are familiar with the world."
Qui-Gon nodded in affirmation. "I assisted with the renewal of the treaty between the two major kingdoms a few years ago."
"Coming up ten years ago." Mace corrected. Obi-Wan thought be glimpsed a glimmer of amusement in the strict Councilman's eye as he referenced the time period that had passed, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. "As per tradition, they have requested Jedi oversight for the renewal of their treaty."
"We would be honoured to assist."
"Your transport has been booked and your itinerary will be forwarded to you. You will leave as soon as you are ready. May the Force be with you."
-X-X-X-X-
After quickly stopping back at their quarters to pick up their travel bags, the two Jedi arrived at the allocated docking station and were shown to their transport by the droid manager. It was a small craft but had all the amenities they required for a short flight, including two small bunk beds which doubled as couches, a small 'fresher and a tiny kitchenette.
"You may pilot, Padawan." Qui-Gon said, motioning to the pilot's seat while he sat down in the co-pilot's seat, extending out his long legs and crossing them at the ankles.
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan said obediently, sitting down and making the appropriate preparations. They were presently airborne and after a short conversation with Coruscant Traffic Patrol to attain clearance, they were manoeuvring their way to the outward bound airlane where the blue skies gradually gave way to the inky black of space. Once an appropriate distance away from the planet, Obi-Wan entered the coordinates that he had been provided into the navigation system and waited while it performed the calculations. "Pffft, hyperspace calculus, my arse." he muttered under his breath, pretending not to notice the raised eyebrow on the Jedi master sitting alongside him.
"Entering hyperspace, Master." Obi-Wan said quickly, before the elder Jedi could comment on his previous statement and pressed the final button in the sequence to propel the spacecraft into light speed. The craft lurched as the hyperdrive engaged and the stars all around them merged into a blurred maelstrom of light. "Estimated arrival time in six and a half standard hours."
"Thank you, Padawan. Now, may I suggest some hyperspace calculus study - I do not believe your rear end is sufficiently qualified for the task." Qui-Gon replied nonchalantly.
"Should I not spend this time researching Namore?" Obi-Wan suggested, as this was typically what Qui-Gon suggested he do when travelling to a new world.
"It will not be a difficult mission." Qui-Gon replied. "And I believe your calculus is more important at this present moment."
Obi-Wan managed - barely - to suppress a groan, although his displeasure was clearly evident. "Yes, Master." He said, shoulders dropping as he headed towards the small bunk room at the rear of the ship, not hearing the suppressed chuckle, nor the amused smile that graced the Jedi master's face.
-X-X-X-X-
Shortly before their jump out of hyperspace, the reminder system beeped a fifteen minute warning, and Obi-Wan gratefully dropped the datapad onto the bunk next to where he had been sitting. He had made some progress with his studies, although not as much as he had liked. He had also broken up his study with some much needed centering meditation about halfway through.
"I hope your studies were fruitful." Qui-Gon commented as Obi-Wan re-entered the cockpit.
"As fruity as a Carmandi dancing hat." Obi-Wan quipped wryly, resuming his position in the pilot's seat.
They descended through the atmosphere and Qui-Gon directed Obi-Wan to touch down on a landing pad in a grassy field a good distance away from the city he could see in the distance.
Upon completing the landing sequence and running the engines through their cooling process, Obi-Wan opened the boarding ramp, which lowered down to the ground with a loud hiss. He and Qui-Gon passed through the bunk room, gathered their small travel bags and exited the craft.
Obi-Wan took the opportunity to have a look around his surroundings. The landing pad was made of some kind of cobbled duracrete situated in a field of long grass. Behind them in the distance was a forest and to their left what looked like cultivated fields. He could see small figures in the distance who appeared to be working the field. To their right was a river. The world was of temperate climate and one could easily feel the Living Force flowing easily here, drifting on the soft breeze and swirling around to encompass the two Jedi, revitalising them after their space flight as they waited on the landing pad to be met by their contact.
After about fifteen minutes of waiting, Obi-Wan began shifting, peering into the distance to see if anyone was coming.
"Patience, young one." Qui-Gon's deep voice reminded him softly.
Obi-Wan breathed out a deep calming breath and tucked his hands into opposite sleeves, appearing outwardly calm and patient, while his fingers fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve.
This did not fool Qui-Gon for a second, however he knew the boy was making an effort, so he allowed his active young apprentice this small concession.
"I think I can see something coming." Obi-Wan said after another few minutes of waiting, frowning as he tried to make out the shape, which was proving difficult even with his Force-enhanced vision. "But I do not recognise this type of transport."
"I'm sure you will become well acquainted with it presently." Qui-Gon commented.
The transport drew closer and finally Obi-Wan was able to make out the shape. He had not ever seen transport like this other than in pictures in his history books. "Master, are those...equi?" He asked in disbelief.
Qui-Gon chuckled quietly at his apprentice's reaction. "Yes, Obi-Wan, Namore is one of the only worlds where equi still exist and are utilised in their everyday life. They are a valued and integral part of the Namorean society."
Obi-Wan watched with interest as the transport drew closer. There were two equi pulling what appeared to be a wooden wheeled carriage and this was flanked by four more equi with an armoured rider atop each one. There was a man sitting on a small seat at the front who appeared to be directing the equi by the means of straps attached to a harnessing system. The transport pulled up at the edge of the landing pad and the coachman leapt down from his perch and placed a step on the ground before opening the wooden door.
The four riders watched vigilantly as a short human man emerged from the carriage, stepping delicately down to the landing pad, where he approached the two Jedi. The dark haired man was wearing a purple tunic over beige pants, and topped by a red cape with a fur-lined hood.
"Welcome back to Namore!" The man exclaimed enthusiastically. "It is a pleasure to have the esteemed Jedi present on our world once again."
Both Jedi bowed deeply. "Thank you, King Jondar, it is a pleasure to see you once again. This is my apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi. We are pleased that we may be of service." Qui-Gon responded.
King Jondar turned and re-entered the carriage, motioning for the Jedi to follow along. Qui-Gon entered first, ducking his head under the low doorframe and Obi-Wan followed, nestling himself on the narrow seat next to his master.
The trip back was mostly in silence, the noise of the wheels upon the uneven terrain, the creaking of the wood as the carriage lurched about, the nickering and neighing of the equi and the occasional shouts of the coachman rendering conversation difficult. Obi-Wan moved the red velvety window drape out of the way with his finger and looked out the surroundings. He couldn't see much, however as he was positioned facing backwards, he could only see back to where they were coming from as well as an occasional glimpse of an equus and its rider and an occasional dwelling in the distance. He did, however, quite quickly come to understand why it had taken so long for the transport to arrive in the first place, this was definitely not the fastest mode of transportation.
Patience. Qui-Gon spoke through their bond and accompanied this with a steadying hand on his Padawan's knee. Obi-Wan belatedly realised that he had been bouncing his leg and immediately ceased the movement, letting out a slow calming breath and finding his centre. He felt a warm trickle of approval from Qui-Gon through their bond and was determined to maintain the proper serene facade appropriate for a Jedi for the rest of the trip.
Finally they arrived at their destination and the carriage stopped with a lurch. A few moments later, the door opened and King Jondar rose and exited the carriage, followed by Qui-Gon and lastly Obi-Wan. They had stopped outside the gates of a large fortress made of stone. There was a woman and five children lined up outside.
"Welcome to Riverhaven Castelle." King Jondar said. "This is my wife, Queen Catrine, and my children, Princess Zaya, Prince Tomos, Princess Elbie, Princess Lilen and Prince Davan."
Qui-Gon greeted each member of the royal family and Obi-Wan followed, imitating his master perfectly.
"I will get my attendant to show you to your quarters." King Jondar said, gesturing towards a young woman dressed in a plain white tunic standing discretely out of the way. She stepped forward upon this announcement. "Feel free to wander about the grounds at your leisure. I will have someone fetch you for evening meal."
-X-X-X-X-
The Jedi dropped their small packs in their allocated rooms. Their extravagantly decorated rooms were next to each other and Obi-Wan quickly discovered that there was an adjoining passageway between the two, elegantly concealed on either end beneath a thick tapestry.
Obi-Wan could barely contain his awe at the opulence of the rooms, a luxury he was most definitely not accustomed to.
"Don't get used to it." Qui-Gon warned lightly, amused by Obi-Wan's reaction. "This is not a typical experience."
"Yes, master." Obi-Wan replied obediently, restraining his enthusiasm and withdrawing back down to his solemn facade.
"Might I suggest we take a walk through the gardens and along the river." Qui-Gon said, knowing that after the length of travel they had done that day, his young apprentice would need to burn off some of his abundant energy. "We may even come across a place in which we could practice some kata." He added, knowing that this would be very much welcomed by Obi-Wan.
"Yes, master." Obi-Wan replied. He maintained his outwardly calm appearance, but his pleasure and anticipation was evident through their bond.
"Let's not delay then." Qui-Gon said, leading the way down the hallway, Obi-Wan falling into step in a Padawan's customary position, behind and slightly to the side, lengthening out his stride to match his master's.
Qui-Gon found his way to the gardens easily and the two Jedi walked along the paths, weaving in and around the intricately manicured gardens and nodding polite greetings to others also wandering the paths, until they reached an archway constructed of two living trees trained to weave around each other. Beyond this, the path widened into a large field alongside the river.
Obi-Wan looked up at Qui-Gon, hope in his eyes. Qui-Gon, knowing exactly what Obi-Wan was hoping for, smiled an amused smile back at his apprentice and unclipped his lightsaber from his belt. Obi-Wan had his lightsaber in his hand in a flash, ready and waiting for his next instruction.
"Third kata. Together."
Both lightsabers ignited in unison with the characteristic hum. The two Jedi took a moment to centre themselves and lower their mental shields, letting the Force flow freely between them. Without a word, they both started moving, flowing through the movements of the kata in complete synchronisation with each other. The only apparent difference between the two Jedi was in the slightly more compact moves of Obi-Wan as he did not have quite the same height or reach as the taller Jedi, although he worked hard to compensate for this.
They finished the third kata flawlessly and moved onto the fourth. The kata was still relatively new to the younger Jedi and his movements were not quite as smooth and flowing, however he was determined to not just succeed, but to excel at the art form so he practiced the difficult portions over and over. Qui-Gon stepped back into his instructor role and with his guidance, Obi-Wan had mastered the first half of the kata and was on his way to perfecting the second half.
"You have done well, Padawan." Qui-Gon complimented the perspiring and heavily breathing boy.
Obi-Wan smiled, exhausted but pleased. "Thank you, Master."
"Do you think you have some energy in you for a short spar?"
"Of course, Master." Obi-Wan replied quickly, never turning down an opportunity to spar. He took a quick re-centering breath and sank into his beginning stance.
Qui-Gon mirrored Obi-Wan's stance then suddenly began the duel with a fierce volley of strikes, all of which Obi-Wan successfully blocked and parried. He ducked under a wider swing, rolling across the ground and leaping to his feet, striking back at his master, who effortlessly deflected the strike and pushed back, forcing Obi-Wan to again change his position.
The duel went on, green and blue sabers flashing and clashing, the distinctive smell of ozone thickly hanging in the air, exchanging strikes, parries, thrusts and feints. In amongst the battle, Obi-Wan soon became aware of another presence nearby. He tried to acknowledge it and block it out as he did not sense danger from it, however he was fatigued and this was not an easy task. And it seemed somewhat...important. Something significant. As he blocked Qui-Gon's next blow, his eyes flicked over to where he thought he felt the presence to see what was distracting him so, however this momentary lapse in concentration was his undoing and he somehow found himself flat on his back on the ground, disarmed, and with the tip of a green lightsaber at his throat.
"I yield." Obi-Wan wheezed out in between heaving breaths. The fall had knocked the wind out of him.
Qui-Gon's lightsaber retracted with a snap and the tall man knelt down beside Obi-Wan, helping him up into a sitting position. "Breathe." He instructed. "Slowly and deeply."
Obi-Wan quickly managed to regain control over his breathing and after a few moments, he was ready to stand. Qui-Gon extended a hand and helped pull his apprentice to his slightly unsteady with fatigue feet.
Obi-Wan again looked over at where he had felt the presence earlier, but there was no one there and the feeling had disappeared. He frowned, wondering what the significance was, other than to allow Qui-Gon to deal the finishing blow in their duel.
"Do not let yourself be distracted in battle, young one." Qui-Gon advised.
"Yes, master." Obi-Wan replied, looking downward, disappointment evident in his voice.
Qui-Gon gently cupped the boy's chin and raised his head to look into the boy's startlingly blue eyes. "You fought well, Padawan." He said firmly in an attempt to get the chronically self-doubting boy to believe his words. "In time you will learn how to block distractions out so they do not compromise you."
"Yes, master." Came the dutiful reply.
"Come, lets get cleaned up. The sun is setting and we will be summoned for evening meal soon."
-X-X-X-X-
Obi-Wan sat at his allocated seat at the large dining table and watched his master sit at his own seat. Right down the other end of the table. Qui-Gon was sitting next to the king, while Obi-Wan was placed sitting with the royal children. He did not let his disappointment show outwardly, however he felt it keenly inside.
He nodded politely in greeting to Princess Zaya, who he was seated beside, and her four other younger siblings, sitting in a line around the end of the table.
"Hello." Zaya said shyly. The dark haired girl seemed to be about the same age as Obi-Wan.
"Good evening, Princess." Obi-Wan responded, a picture of perfect Jedi manners.
"Are you enjoying yourself time here on Namore?" She replied, demonstrating her own perfect royal manners.
"It is a beautiful place."
Their conversation was cut off from then, as servers came through the door bearing a multitude of platters of delicious smelling food. Obi-Wan's eyes widened and his perpetually hungry adolescent stomach growled.
The king rose. "I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the Jedi ambassadors who are joining us here tonight. May your time on Namore be pleasant. I'd like to thank the gods for providing the food, and also those who have made and served it. May all your bellies be satisfied by the bounty we have before us. Let's eat!"
The end of Obi-Wan's table was a flurry of arms reaching across to the platters at the centre of the table as the four younger children helped themselves to the food. A woman who he assumed was their carer attempted to calm matters and introduce some semblance of order, which she managed to eventually. He felt surprise at how the children behaved, there would never have been such a fuss made by the children in the temple. But then perhaps this was normal and the younglings in the temple were not. He had limited reference for typical childhood behaviour.
"Please excuse my siblings, they are overindulged and feral." Zaya said, mild annoyance in her tone.
So it was not normal then.
"Not to worry." Obi-Wan replied. "It looks as if the coast is now clear, your chances of losing a limb are significantly decreased."
Zaya giggled. "And I have my own Jedi protection in case of an ambush."
Obi-Wan smothered a smile and bowed his head briefly. "I am at your service, Princess." He replied seriously, the cheeky glint in his eye the only giveaway of his amusement. Perhaps this was not such a bad place to sit after all. The company seemed pleasant enough.
The meal was absolutely delicious and Obi-Wan's stomach was pleasantly satisfied with its assortment of meats, vegetables and breads. The platters and dirtied plates and utensils were cleared away by the serving staff and were quickly replaced by a much smaller but no less impressive selection of sweet tarts.
Temple food did not usually include such extravagance, it was designed to meet the nutritional needs of the many different species which existed there, and none of the many species required superfluous amounts of sweet foods.
Obi-Wan looked hesitantly at his master sitting at the other end of the room, a tentative questioning expression on his face.
Qui-Gon inclined his head slightly, giving his padawan permission, but the returning expression made it clear that such sampling should be done in moderation.
"Which do you recommend?" Obi-Wan asked Zaya.
"Definitely the muja one." She said. She reached forward and picked up one with the serving tongs and deposited it on Obi-Wan's plate, then served herself one. "You have to be quick around here otherwise Tomos will eat them all." She indicated to one of her younger brothers.
Obi-Wan devoured the delicious sweet treat far too quickly, shamelessly licking the remnants of the sticky delicacy off his fingers. "That was the best thing I've ever tasted." He declared.
Zaya giggled and hid a smile behind her hand. "It's my favourite too."
The table was cleared again and Zaya's younger siblings were ushered out of the room, presumably to clean up and prepare themselves for sleep. Qui-Gon was deep in conversation with the king and other men at the other end of the table. Obi-Wan was not sure what he was expected to do.
Zaya seemed to be in a similar conundrum and fidgeted nervously with the edge of the tablecloth for a moment. "Would you like a tour of the castelle and gardens?" She asked shyly.
Obi-Wan hesitated. He was enjoying the company of the princess and was keen to spend more time with her. But this was probably something he should ask Qui-Gon for permission for, so he tentatively sent a questioning tendril down their bond.
Qui-Gon's eyes raised to look at his padawan.
Princess Zaya has offered to show me around the castelle and gardens. May I accompany her?
Qui-Gon lifted an eyebrow ever so slightly, observing the two young teenagers. You may, however I expect you to be mindful.
Yes, Master.
"Yes, I would like that." Obi-Wan replied, smiling at his companion.
The teenagers exited the room and Zaya gave Obi-Wan a thorough tour of the castelle, dropping in imaginative stories of old and tidbits of historical fact as they went. They completed the tour of inside and exited into the gardens, walking around the same winding paths as he had earlier that day until they reached the open clearing where he and Qui-Gon had practiced their kata and sparred.
"I saw you here earlier. You were amazing." Zaya commented.
Obi-Wan looked at her with surprise. "It was you that I sensed." He commented, remembering the presence he felt.
Zaya's brows furrowed, not understanding the Jedi's statement.
"I felt you watching me when I was sparring. It was a little...distracting." He felt a flush of embarrassment as he realised she would've seen him just at the moment he was defeated and his subsequent winding and struggle to regain his breath.
Zaya's cheeks blushed slightly and she looked down. "I'm sorry."
Obi-Wan felt a pang of guilt, he had not meant to offend the girl. "It's not your fault." He said. "Heightened senses are a part of being a Jedi. I must learn how to manage distractions otherwise I would be a liability in a real situation. So really it was just another learning experience for me."
"Oh." Came the soft answer.
They walked in companionable silence for another minute, bringing them clear across the field and at the beginning of the trail alongside the river. The moon was full and hung in the sky like a lamp, reflecting on the river and lighting their way as they walked slowly down the path, enjoying each other's company. The only noise they could hear was the burbling of the calm river, the chirping of nocturnal bird life and insects, their quiet footsteps and the sound of Zaya's full length dress swishing lightly along the grass with each step that she took.
"What's it like being a Jedi?" Zaya asked.
Obi-Wan found he did not know how to answer that question. He had never known any different. "I don't know." He answered lamely. "What's it like being a princess?" He asked back, slight amusement colouring his tone as he used his master's common tactic of answering a question with another question.
Zaya giggled. "I don't know." She replied, using his words. "All I know is there's far too much politics."
Obi-Wan smiled, amused. "I can definitely agree with that." He then decided to answer her original question the best he could. "Being a Jedi...it's the only way of life I've known. I know it's vastly different to how most others live, but I know no different. I enjoy it though. It's not burdensome. I just hope that through my training I am able to bring peace to the people I serve and honour to my Master, the Order and the Force."
"What is the Force?" Came the curious question. By now, they had stopped walking and Zaya had turned to face the young Jedi, interested in his answer.
"The Force is everywhere and in everything. Some people are born with the ability to feel its presence and harness its power. The Force naturally enhances all of a Force-sensitive person's senses and abilities and with training, they can learn how to control the Force." Obi-Wan explained briefly, demonstrating his ability by levitating a bunch of pebbles off the ground around them. An action technically deemed as frivolous, and possibly ostentatious, but there was no one else around to care.
Zaya giggled as the rocks floated disconcertingly around her. "That's amazing." She whispered. She suddenly found that she also felt like she was floating, despite her feet still being firmly on the ground.
Obi-Wan, acting without thought, used the Force to pluck a flower from a nearby bush and levitated it towards the young princess, who shyly reached out and took the yellow flower from midair. She inhaled the sweet scent of the flower, then looked up bashfully at her companion.
The draw suddenly became too much to bear. Neither was sure who made the first move, however Obi-Wan found his head dipped towards the beautiful princess and her soft lips were upon his own. Her hands were pressed against his chest for balance as she tip toed and his hand slipped around behind her back to steady her.
After a span of time which felt like an eternity, yet far too short at the same time, Obi-Wan felt himself snap back to his senses. He pulled away, ensuring that the princess was also steady herself before stepping back, putting some much needed space between them.
"I'm s-sorry." He stammered, still feeling the ghost of her soft lips against his.
Zaya frowned. "I'm not." She said firmly.
"You see, Jedi...well we aren't supposed to have...attachments." He explained.
"Well, I'm not proposing betrothal." Zaya shot back, crossing her arms across her chest.
Obi-Wan laughed at the petite princess's fiery defence of their actions. "I suppose not." He agreed. "But nevertheless, we should probably head back. I'm sure my master will be wondering where I am."
Zaya nodded and fell into step next to Obi-Wan. Her hand purposely brushed against the young Jedi's hand and he extended his fingers in invitation, letting the princess's fingers intertwine with her own. They slowly walked back towards the castelle, hand in hand, both privately wishing that this moment would last forever.