A/N: The path to love. This is an extra-long chapter, as I needed to establish Lyri's life and growing friendships at the Temple and on Coruscant to show how she has grown in Obi-Wan's absence and also needed to bring him back into the picture. He is back to stay for a while on medical leave and light duty. Despite misguidedly getting in his own way and almost losing Lyri in the process, they finally find their way back and turn that final corner in their love for each other. Get ready for the beginning of the steamy side to their romance. This time it's not a dream. :)
Disclaimer: All Star Wars characters, arcs and locations belong to George Lucas and Disney with the exception of my originals. No money is being made by me. Just travelling through the galaxy for awhile.
Feral Moon: Coruscant
Chapter 3
Lyri was saddened by Obi-Wan's departure but she understood he had important commitments with the ongoing war effort. She began gradually to understand exactly what it meant to be a Jedi. They had to put their duty to the greater good above all things. She thought this was a noble calling that often made life hard for those who were called. She did question privately though, why they shouldn't be allowed to have loved ones in their lives when they had matured to a point where they could still put their Jedi obligations first. Perhaps it was hard to find a partner that would agree to that. It certainly wouldn't be easy. But, in her mind, if the love was strong enough, it was possible. She thought it might be something she could ask Master Yoda about, if he could find a moment for her. It seemed to her that Obi-Wan had come to some favorable decision regarding his feelings for her after seeking his counsel. For now, she kept her thoughts to herself.
She looked at the chrono on the wall near the little kitchen. It was almost time for her lesson in advanced Basic. She had been working extremely hard at her lessons and with her tutor's help, had progressed rapidly in both enunciation and comprehension. He told her she was one of the quickest students he had ever had. She'd had to set some boundaries with him after the first couple of lessons, however, as he seemed to have a stronger interest than just improving her language skills. She had gone to Bant for help as she didn't want to lose a good tutor just because she couldn't return his feelings. Bant had apparently had a talk with him because he had apologized to her and she hadn't had any problems since. She wondered what Bant had said to him.
As she traversed the hallways to her tutor's office, several padawans and knights greeted her. She was so happy to have made a number of friends in Obi-Wan's absence that she greeted each one of them as if they were of singular importance to her. She had been without human companionship for so long that she really did treasure each of her new friendships.
She was able to find her way around the main part of the Temple fairly easily now. The same padawans Obi-Wan had chased away from their door had indeed given her a tour of the Temple and helped her, on occasion, find her way when lost. They more or less understood she was under Master Kenobi's protection and, instead of their first hormonal responses to her, they now felt they had some obligation to look out for her. But padawans and knights of all genders just felt naturally drawn to her, no matter what planet they originated from. She was smart and kind and funny, and had a certain charisma about her. Her beauty certainly wasn't lost on the males; they just knew better than to act on their attraction. More than one of them who had overstepped their places in the beginning had received a whack on the ankle and a stern lecture from Master Yoda, who seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Another had been admonished by Commander Skywalker to mind his place and word had it he had received some kind of mental slap from the Jedi that left him in a haze for the better part of a day. Word got around among the other padawans fairly quickly.
"Good morning, Knight Shula," Lyri greeted her young tutor. "What's in our lesson plan for today? Will I need to take any extra notes?" She pulled a datapad out of a small satchel hanging on her shoulder."
"Lyri, truthfully, you have advanced so quickly I really don't have much more to teach you except a couple of odd exceptions to normal grammar. Unless...Do you need any extra help with your reading or writing skills?" Feeling both elation for her accomplishment and an odd sort of loss at the ending of her lessons, she smiled and told him she was sure she could use some pointers, particularly with refining her writing ability. He seemed happy with that and they continued with her final lesson. As she put away her datapad, she smiled at him and thanked him for having been so patient with her, finally enveloping him in a warm hug. He seemed startled at first, not used to such displays of affection and trying to honor his promise to Bant, but soon found himself hugging her back in response to her warmth. "You should be commended," he said. "I wish all my students were so diligent." As he watched her walk out the door, he found himself thinking what an exceptional little person she was and feeling a little sad he wouldn't be seeing her as often.
The morning seemed to fly by as she went through her classes. Her final class was in basic Force skills. It had been found on examination of her blood that she was indeed a good bit above borderline, but that the midi-chlorians in her blood had undergone an odd mutation of some sort. Though two of the Temple's scientists had been doing some research in their spare time, nobody had yet discovered what might have caused the mutation or what this might mean as far as her abilities were concerned. Yoda had directed them to reveal their findings only to him or Master Kenobi at present. But he felt it was important that she have some control over her abilities and learn how to meditate to calmly center herself, even though she couldn't be trained as a Jedi. He himself had worked with her a little bit on shielding when Obi-Wan had been called away. She needed some control in order to function in the type of world she now lived in.
Lyri really enjoyed learning how to let the Force flow through her as she floated on its tides in meditation. Master Yoda had wisely begun these lessons before letting her begin seeing the mind healers. He wanted her to be able to find peace amongst the chaotic emotions brought up by the truth of what had befallen her as a child. She would be forever grateful to him for this. They'd had a particularly good meditation session today and she was calm and confident. She felt almost ready for anything today. This was a particularly good thing as she was finally going to get to meet Anakin's friend, Senator Amidala today and they were going into the upper levels favored by the merchants to go shopping.
Letting herself into the apartment, she stood and looked around at the soft blue and cream of the walls and trim. It was very restful here, but she thought a few comfortable accessories might be nice to make it homier. The old faded blue couch could certainly use some pillows in more vibrant colors. She had a small stipend for her work in the Infirmary. She wasn't sure what Obi-Wan would think, but she hadn't been able to talk to him on comm for a little while. If there was something he didn't like she could always give it away. Thinking of Obi-Wan, as always, brought warm butterfly feelings and made her smile. She closed her eyes and sent good thoughts into the Force for his safe return to her. Sometimes she went into his room and just breathed in his lingering scent and let herself feel the subtle traces of his unique Force signature. When she was missing him so much it hurt, she sometimes curled up on his bed hugging a pillow with his scent still on it close in her arms. The one thing she couldn't bring herself to do at this point was sleep in his bed without him.
Thinking ahead to her meeting with Senator Padme Amidala, she smiled widely. She was so excited to finally have the chance to meet her after the months she'd been hearing about her. Their meetings had fallen through the last two times they tried to get together amidst the senator's busy schedule, first because the senator had been called away to Naboo for a family matter and the second time due to emergency legislation that needed to be pushed through. But Anakin was in the Temple at present and was going to pick her up to go to the senator's residence in half an hour. The one good thing, she thought as she smiled to herself, was that now she could converse properly with her, because her language skills were up to par. She really hoped Anakin was correct and she and the senator could become good friends. She had been reading about some of her accomplishments and greatly admired her. She knew Anakin liked her very much and Obi-Wan had the utmost respect for her. The three of them had apparently even fought side by side when Anakin was still Obi-Wan's padawan. What an amazing history the three of them had! It seemed to go back years.
As she looked at her faded shift lying on the bed, she wondered if it would be better just to wear the breeches and boots and tunic the Temple had outfitted her with for the interim. They fit her better. Making up her mind, she put the shift in a box in the closet. Today would be another step toward the new Lyri she thought with a smile. She gave her mother's shift a final loving caress as she packed it away. "I wish you were here to shop with us, Mama," she whispered.
Hearing the entry-chime, she quickly ran the brush through her hair one more time and hurried to the door. The door opened to Anakin sporting a huge grin and saying, "Hi Bitsy; ready for Padme to walk your legs off this afternoon on your shopping trip?" she grinned back and threw herself into his arms, hugging him fiercely. He chuckled and hugged her back. "I'll take that as a yes," he grinned. She looked up at the dashing young man in the dark tunic and cloak and thought how lucky she was to have his friendship. She had once asked him why he wore black as opposed to the more earthy tones favored by the majority of the Jedi. He'd looked at her for a long moment and then grinned and said it suited his personality better. Whatever his reasons it did seem to suit him.
"Oh Anakin, I am so excited! I was worried about taking time off from the Infirmary this afternoon, but Bant never batted an eye! She told me I needed some time for myself and had her blessings. I can't wait to meet the senator. Oh she just sounds amazing!" Anakin got a faraway look in his eyes. "She is more than amazing, believe me." Lyri wondered at his reaction but was too excited to dwell on it.
"Do you truly think she'll like me, Anakin? She's accomplished so much in her life and I haven't done anything. I...well; I hope we become friends like you said, Anakin. I would really like that."
Anakin looked down at her, his eyes softening. "Lyri, honey, she will love you." He tucked a finger under her chin and tilted her head up to look at him. "Lyri, don't ever diminish what you've accomplished. You managed to survive and thrive against all odds and you're here helping our wounded and younglings in countless ways despite that ordeal. Not only that, you helped bring Obi-Wan back. I will always be grateful for that. Okay?" She nodded solemnly. He held her gaze a beat longer and then grinned. "Okay, let's get this show on the road. The afternoon's wasting and the senator won't be happy if I cut into shopping time."
As Anakin was speeding them to their destination, he noticed Lyri going into her satchel and carefully counting what she'd saved from her stipend. "Honey, don't worry about having enough for what you need to buy on this outing. Pad...Senator Amidala told me Obi-Wan had dropped by before he left and given her plenty of credits for whatever you needed. I don't know how he managed that one, but the man does have his secrets." Lyri thought about the secret of her moon and blushed slightly. It was something Obi-Wan, Yoda and she kept well-guarded. Mistaking her reaction, Anakin said, "Oh honey, that's nothing to be embarrassed about. What else was Obi-Wan going to do with the credits, wherever he got them? He seems very fond of you. It probably made him happy."
Lyri was rather stunned. Then she remembered Obi-Wan standing in the doorway to her room a couple of times as she'd held her mother's two faded dresses up to her trying to decide which to wear. She had caught a soft look in his eyes before he'd turned away both times. She knew the Jedi weren't allowed possessions, so he must have given her everything he had. It caused her to choke up for a moment and she turned to gaze out the window. "I must remember to thank him," she finally managed.
"Okay, here we go," Anakin said brightly as they landed on the private landing deck of a fancy penthouse apartment in the most elite area of the Senate District. "Oh my goodness! This is like a beautiful palace!" exclaimed Lyri. Her eyes were wide as she took in the opulence. "The senator lives here? I...well, this view is breathtaking. I can see the Temple!" Anakin took her hand and helped her out of the speeder. "Yes, the senator likes to keep an eye on...things," he chuckled.
Just then a beautiful dark-haired woman came out into the open common area. Lyri looked up at Anakin. "Oh, Anakin. She's so beautiful...her pictures don't even begin to do her justice!" He smiled softly saying, "Well, I can't disagree with you there." She saw something in his look when he turned to Senator Amidala that piqued her curiosity, but she let it go for the time being. "Senator Amidala, this is Lyri Starrider, the young woman who helped Obi-Wan when he was lost. Lyri, this is Senator Padme Amidala," he said with a flourish. His flair for the dramatic made both women smile. "Call me Padme," the senator said, taking Lyri's hands. "I've heard so many good things about you; I couldn't wait to meet you. I am so sorry other business had to take precedence the last two times we tried to do this." Lyri's eyes just shone. "Oh...please call me Lyri," she said shyly.
Padme looked at the beautiful young woman before her and thought, "She is exquisite. Obi-Wan must have a will of durasteel to have been able to resist her, trapped alone in the wilderness like that. I can't even imagine all she has endured to get to this point." She, of course, had been briefed on the young woman by Anakin.
"Well, Lyri, are you ready to go for an afternoon of shopping and girl talk?" Padme said, linking arms with the young woman and walking to the inside of the common room. "Oh, yes Padme! This will be my first time! I was still too little to go with my mother the last time she went, so I don't really know what to expect. I'm really looking forward to having you help me decide what to buy." Padme looked at Anakin with the shimmer of tears in her eyes. Blinking a couple of times, she turned and put her hands on Lyri's shoulders. "It will be my pleasure, Lyri!" she said softly.
"Oh, I...well; Anakin said Obi-Wan left some credits for my clothes. Did he tell you anything in particular that I should look for?" Lyri asked tentatively. Padme looked at the younger woman and smiled. "His only instructions to me were to make sure you had something pretty. But he left enough for a whole lot of pretty, so we are going to have a wonderful time. You have such a darling figure and are so pretty anyway, this is just going to be heaven!" she said enthusiastically. Lyri's excitement was palpable.
"Well then, I believe I am leaving you in good hands," Anakin chuckled. "Ladies, I'll leave you to your shopping," he said with another flourish. "Comm me later, Pad...Senator," he said and was gone before either of them had time to answer.
"Sometimes I like to do the piloting, but I'll have someone take us today so we can have girl time," said Padme with a wink. "Now then, what shall we look for first? Dresses? Tunic ensembles for more casual wear? Or should we start with lingerie?" They stepped into the back of the waiting luxury speeder.
"Lingerie?" asked Lyri.
"Of course! All girls need pretty underthings!" Padme said. Then she whispered, "Besides, you never know when that special guy will show up so you can show them off." Lyri looked at her wide-eyed and blushed. Then they both burst into giggles. Oh this was going to be a shopping trip to remember. Padme and Lyri were soon gabbing like long lost sisters.
First they hit the dress shops and Padme had the best time going through the racks and helping Lyri try things on. They purchased five and Padme assured Lyri there were more than enough credits for everything on their list. Lyri was particularly fond of one dress in a silky teal green. Padme thought if Obi-Wan ever saw her in it he might renounce the Order, and that was saying a lot for her somewhat stuffy, straight laced friend, she thought fondly. The dress was sleeveless and showed just enough cleavage to tease. It had a full skirt that hit about an inch and a half above the knee and the drape of the material accentuated every beautiful curve.
Next they went for casual wear and found several darling tunic outfits that were quite feminine in detail but would go with boots to more or less follow standard Jedi dress for work, but with her own personal flair. They also purchased her a coat that fit properly and also had a feminine cut. Lyri was just thrilled and excited over everything much to Padme's enjoyment. Along the way they stopped at a shoe store Padme preferred for some pretty sandals for the dresses and some boutiques and accessory shops for scarves, hair clips, a couple of small bags and two or three delicate bracelets Lyri liked. One reminded her of her grandmother's locket and would go nicely with it. She asked about Padme's earrings and opted to get her ears pierced while Padme held her hand. The stones on the delicate studs were iridescent and would go with anything.
"Now let's stop at my favorite tapcaf for a break and then we'll shop for lingerie and pretty sleepshirts," said Padme. We can leave all our purchases in the speeder. My pilot also works as a guard, so everything will be perfectly safe. After they unloaded their purchases, they walked to the tapcaf and each ordered a fruit muffin and a fancy caf and just sat a little while and visited. Lyri told Padme how much she admired the work she was doing trying to find peaceful alternatives to battle and rendering aid to displaced beings. She in turn told Lyri how brave and intelligent she thought her and how amazed she was at what Lyri had survived. Lyri asked Padme about her history with Anakin and Obi-Wan which she only had time to touch on lightly, but promised to tell her about in more detail later. Lyri was amazed at how many years they'd known each other. She hadn't realized that Obi-Wan had basically raised Anakin. No wonder there was such love there.
"Now, on to the lingerie stores," Padme said after they'd made a quick stop at the ladies room. Lyri couldn't believe all the beautiful undergarments to choose from in these stores. She let Padme help her decide what suited her best and bought a number of things in a multitude of colors along with some more practical panties and bras. Padme made sure these were still quite feminine. Then she helped Lyri find some pretty sleepshirts and gowns, two short and three longer. When they were almost ready to head back to Padme's apartment, Lyri remembered wanting to get a few things for Obi-Wan's apartment. Having been there several times, Padme was able to help her look. They got just a few tasteful pillows for the old couch and a pretty throw as well. "We don't want to send Obi-Wan into shock," Padme giggled. "That's exactly what I was thinking," grinned Lyri.
When the sun started to set, Padme was reluctant to let Lyri go, she'd had so much fun and enjoyed talking with her so much. Lyri was reluctant as well, so they decided to have last-meal together. Bail was also due to drop by to dine and discuss a couple of items of minor business and Lyri was excited to meet him as she'd heard Obi-Wan speak highly of him. Padme commed Anakin and told him Lyri would be joining Bail and her for dinner. She thought Anakin sounded strangely relieved at that. Surely he wasn't jealous of Bail Organa?
As it turned out, Senator Bail Organa was absolutely delighted to have the chance to meet Lyri. "I have heard such wonderful things about you from Master Kenobi and a few of the others, my dear. This is a wonderful treat. I hope it doesn't bother you that we need to go over a few items of business before dinner."
"Is it private or may I listen in?" she asked. "I am curious about how things work when there are so many beings to look after." She blushed a little shyly.
"Yes, of course dear. There isn't anything that would pose a security breach. But I warn you, it could get tedious," Bail said with a wink. They then sat in the common room and went on with their discussion, Lyri actually offering a different view on one topic that helped lead to a solution. "Well, it is most fortuitous we had you here this evening, my dear," Bail said warmly.
They enjoyed a lovely dinner, all contributing to a conversation that touched on a number of subjects and both Padme and Bail told her how exceptional they thought she was to come through so much and to have adjusted so well. Bail hesitated a moment as they were served dessert and then told Lyri she should make an appointment to see him and discuss a couple of things. Apparently, Obi-Wan had also been by to see him before he left and asked him to try to look into the Starriders' affairs to see if there was any unfinished business that may affect Lyri or perhaps anything that might contribute to her financial wellbeing.
Padme raised her eyebrows and looked from Bail to Lyri and back again. "Wow, Obi-Wan Kenobi was one busy man before he left. He must think the world of you, Lyri."
Seeing her blush, Bail, ever the diplomat said, "Now Padme, Lyri was instrumental in getting him back here safely. Surely he would do everything in his power to help her make a smooth transition."
"Whatever you say, Bail. I'm just a romantic and I've always wished some lady would come along and just knock him head over heels in love. He's too straight laced for his own good!" Neither she nor Bail caught the slight flush that colored Lyri's cheeks.
"Well now, we've all got early mornings and it's getting rather late, so perhaps we'd better say goodnight, my friends," said Bail. "Lyri, we can transfer everything over to my speeder and I can give you a lift back to the Temple, if that's amenable." Lyri agreed and they were on their way. Shortly after they left, Anakin's ship alighted on the landing deck and he strode in and embraced his wife in a fierce hug.
The next morning, Lyri slept in a little as she no longer had her Basic class and was tired from the previous day. When she had eaten first-meal and tidied the apartment, she smiled at how perfect the pillows and throw looked on the old couch, seeming to give it new life. They had gone for cream and a dark vibrant blue as accents.
With a huge smile, she went through her new clothes and selected a pretty blue bra and panties and a navy blue tunic and leggings set with variegated tonal embroidery accents on the top. Sweeping her hair back from the sides of her face, she clipped it the way Padme had shown her, so that part of it was caught up in the clip in back, with the rest of her loose curls cascading down her back. The iridescent earrings picked up the blue tones of the outfit. She stopped to look at herself and was so thrilled at the way the outfit hugged her curves yet made her look sophisticated. As she went out the door, she thought her day couldn't get any better. This day, however, had another surprise in store.
When she finished her classes and went to Bant's office to pick up a spare lab smock, Bant's eyes warmed. After the two hugged, she said, "Oh sweetie, let me look at you. Turn around. Oh you look just lovely!" Lyri couldn't help but smile. "Now I have some more good news! Obi-Wan is due home late this afternoon. He commed me to let you know because he said he couldn't get through to you. He had already informed the Council." "Oh!" Lyri said, her heart pounding. Pulling out her comlink, she noticed with some chagrin it was turned off. She had forgotten to turn it back on after the business discussion with Bail and Padme. Sure enough, the message indicator was on.
"Oh, I hope he's not upset," she said hesitantly.
"Don't worry sweetheart. I think he was just concerned."
"Should we go meet the ship? Are there wounded?"
"Yes, sweetheart. Sit down a minute," Bant said, the concern evident on her face. "Obi-Wan is one of them. He has a fairly deep wound in his left side, about mid-level. We will keep him here a couple of days, which I am sure he will fight. I think maybe you can help me with that. Then, if he follows directions, he can go home and be treated as an Outpatient." Seeing the shimmer of tears in the young woman's eyes, she squeezed her hand and said, "He'll be fine. He's had far worse." Lyri nodded, wiping a tear away.
The day went fairly quickly and soon it was time to meet the ship. Lyri put her smock away and slipped into the little refresher near the office to smooth her hair and tunic and put a little lip gloss on. It was all the makeup she wore.
Watching the boarding ramp lower, it was all Lyri could do not to run to the man she saw walking slowly down the ramp with the aid of a clone trooper. He was leaning heavily on the man but refused to lie on the gurney hovering nearby. Instead he pointed to someone behind him and that man was given the gurney even though he looked to be wounded no worse than Obi-Wan. He made his way gingerly to Masters Yoda and Windu and spoke to them briefly. She saw them both shake their heads and point in the direction of the Halls of Healing. His shoulders seemed to slump and she could just imagine the conversation.
Finally, seeing him scanning the crowd, searching, Bant said, "I think we'd better go to him." Lyri nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. Finally looking at Bant, he smiled tentatively then slid his eyes over Lyri to scan the crowd again. Lyri and Bant looked at each other for a moment, and then turned back to Obi-Wan who was slowly making his way toward them with the support of the trooper. He suddenly turned his gaze back to Lyri and his eyes grew wide. He stopped for a moment, just staring at her. She gave him that tentative little smile and he knew. He raked his eyes over her and smiled, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He blinked a few times and seemed suddenly to wilt. The trooper held onto him tighter and Bant and Lyri rushed forward.
"It's okay, Obi, we're right here," said Bant. Lyri just looked at him, her heart pounding, and nodded. He reached out tentatively to caress Lyri's face then dropped his hand to his side, scanning the crowd once more.
"I just want to go home," he said softly.
Bant looked at him and said, "I'm sorry, Obi-Wan. Those aren't my orders. You're going to be our guest at the Infirmary for a couple of days."
"I don't think…" Obi-Wan started to say and faltered, his knees almost buckling.
"Help us get General Kenobi to the Infirmary," Bant told the trooper. The trooper nodded and Bant lent her shoulder on Obi-Wan's other side. Lyri walked in front of them leading the way. "Lyri, sweetie, run on ahead and see about a room for General Kenobi, okay?" She looked back, quickly wiping a tear from her cheek, and ran on ahead. Bant knew it was hard seeing someone she cared about wounded so badly and wanted to give her time to compose herself.
Obi-Wan groaned and had to stop for a moment. Bant suddenly realized he had been trying to hold himself together for Lyri's sake. She looked at him analytically for a moment, and then helped the trooper get him to the Infirmary.
Once there, Bant did a quick assessment to decide on treatment for him and they got him into bed. She'd sent Lyri on another task while she did the examination and cleaned and put bacta dressings on the wound then waited to give Lyri a few moments with him before putting him into a healing trance for at least twenty-four hours. When Lyri came back, Bant told her, "I'm going to let you have some privacy to say your hello and goodnight to Obi, sweetie." Somehow she just knew they needed that.
Lyri approached the bed slowly, just letting the sight of him fill her. Brushing an escaping tear away, she took his hand and held it to her chest. He looked tired and pale, but this was her Obi, right here in front of her.
Obi-Wan filled his fevered soul with the sight of her. If possible, she'd grown even more beautiful than he remembered. It looked as though she had grown up in his absence. She looked so much more sophisticated. He finally reached out with his other hand and gently caressed her face. When she looked at him, the same soft light he remembered shone in her eyes. "Lyri," he said softly. "I'm right here, Obi," she said gently and brushed the damp auburn locks back from his forehead. Her touch was soft and warm and it soothed him. "My sweet Lyri...you are real," he said just above a whisper. "Yes, I'm your Lyri," she whispered, still stroking his brow. His eyes grew glassy and drifted closed. Just before he drifted into darkness he felt a soft kiss brush his lips and then his brow and the ghost of a smile played on his face.
Lyri watched attentively as Bant put Obi-Wan into a healing trance. She had only seen it done once before on a seriously wounded young padawan. She was reluctant to leave Obi-Wan, but Bant told her he'd be out for at least twenty-four hours. As they walked back to Bant's office, she told Bant how Obi-Wan had needed to put her in a light healing trance when trying to get her back to the transport. She explained that it was when she had contracted the respiratory illness and how he'd carried her in a sling. Bant wondered at her memories so she explained how she'd unknowingly been fighting the trance and so had some rather dreamlike memories. This seemed to really interest Bant, but she noted how exhausted the young woman looked and urged her to go home and rest. "Obi-Wan won't awaken for quite some time sweetie and we have a lot of wounded to care for tomorrow. I need you fresh and rested"
"May I just look at him one more time before I leave?" Lyri asked tentatively.
"I don't see why not," Bant answered studying the young woman for a moment. She had that odd feeling of inevitability again. She knew Lyri probably couldn't rest if she didn't look in on him.
When Lyri closed the door to the apartment, she had to lean against it for a few moments and try her breathing exercises. Finally calming, she noted that Obi-Wan's belongings had been delivered to the apartment. She carefully unpacked his things, putting the soiled clothing in the laundry bin that was picked up once each week. She then smoothed and folded his remaining clothing wondering how on earth he kept everything so neat when he was away at war. She remembered where he liked everything and lovingly put everything in its place for his return. Finally turning the light out in his room, she fixed herself a cup of tea and, not being hungry in the least, took it to her room to drink while she readied herself for bed. Finally in her sleep shirt and taking her last sip of tea, she brushed her teeth and washed her face. That night she was practically asleep before her head sank into the pillow.
The next two days went quickly and before she knew it, he was home with her again. She fussed a little over him in the mornings before she had to go to class, making sure he had breakfast and tea and anything else he might need. The first three mornings were fine, but on the fourth morning, he seemed a little cross and told her she should be out taking first-meal with her friends. She thought that a little odd, but did as he asked. For some reason she felt a little uneasy.
When she had gone, Obi-Wan stood in the common room looking at the little feminine touches added to the old couch. He had to admit it made the room look better. He then went quietly into her room and noted the pretty hair clips on the little dresser. Going to her closet, he opened it, though he felt a little guilty. He touched the silky fabric of one of the dresses, running it through his hand. Carefully closing the closet, he went out and sat in the old rose colored easy chair that had once belonged to Qui-Gon. Running a hand through his hair and stroking his beard thoughtfully, he thought about Lyri that morning in her soft grey-green leggings and tunic with its lace trim. It had fit her little figure so well and he had suddenly wanted her terribly. Yet, looking at her new sophistication and listening to her now actually beautiful speech patterns, he felt he would be robbing her of something. He couldn't give her beautiful new clothes all the time like this and they obviously made her happy. She should have the chance for a full life with a pretty house to decorate and children of her own to love. He would never be able to offer her those things and his calling as a Jedi was too strong and held too much responsibility at this point in his life to ever leave the Order.
He knew what Yoda had told him, but he wanted Lyri to have all the things in life she so deserved. He would talk to her about it tonight. Meanwhile, he would start lining up some suitable possibilities and encourage her to go out. His mind made up, he began his search.
That evening he surprised Lyri by ordering dinner in from a fairly local restaurant that was fast gaining a good reputation. As he set the table and was laying everything out she came in the door from her workday. She smiled and said, "What's all this? You didn't have to do this Obi."
"No, but I thought it would be a nice treat after your long day, sweetheart. Besides, I wanted to talk to you about something." She cocked her head in that endearing way she had and went to put her things away and wash her hands. When she got to the table, Obi-Wan had already served their plates. She was enjoying the food until Obi-Wan started making his speech about her need to date other men who could offer her more. She started pushing the food around on her plate as she listened to him and when he finally told her he had a couple of candidates he thought might be suitable she laid her fork down and said, "Do I get a say in this?"
"I just want you to give yourself a chance sweetheart. You have not had the chance to meet someone who can give you all the things you deserve. Please just give this a chance. Will you do that for me?"
"Sure, Obi-Wan. Whatever you want," she said quietly.
"Very good. I think you will find that…." he started, but she interrupted him, saying, "I'm very tired Obi-Wan. If you'll excuse me, I would like to retire. I have a long day tomorrow." Before he had a chance to answer she got up and went into her room, shutting the door completely.
He didn't see her again until late in the evening when she came out to get a drink of water. The silky little sky blue sleep shirt she had on that revealed just a hint of her nipples and a lot of her shapely legs just about made him give up the whole idea and take her to his bed. But she just walked past him without a word. "Goodnight, Lyri," he ventured. "Goodnight," she echoed without looking back.
Two things in particular let him know she was upset with him. She was calling him Obi-Wan instead of "Obi" and she had completely shut her door again instead of her usual habit of leaving it slightly ajar. Oh well, she would get over it.
Three nights later, he sent her out on what he thought would be a pleasant evening and perhaps the start of something more. He almost regretted letting her go, she looked so stunning in her soft jade spaghetti-strap dress and beige sandals. She had a matching cardigan for the cool of the evening. Her silky caramel hair fell in loose curls to her waist. It's better for her he kept telling himself. The young man with her was well to do and a highly regarded name amongst the other senators. Well, he would try not to hold politics against him. But other people had expounded the young man's virtues as well.
The young man said a quick hello at the door, stating they had reservations at one of the fanciest new upscale restaurants in the upper mid-levels near one of the nightlife hubs in the area. Obi-Wan would have liked to ask him a few questions but they swept away to his speeder and were gone within minutes. He patted Tika and hoped the young man liked canines.
In truth, Lyri did have a nice time at dinner until near the end when the young man started getting a little too familiar. The last time he tried to grope her she told him she wanted to go home. "After everything I spent on you?" he sneered. "Fine, go home. Here's half the fare for a taxi. You know how you can earn the rest." He was so loud everyone was staring and, blinking back tears of humiliation, Lyri fled from the restaurant. She finally calmed enough to rummage in her purse for her comlink, but it wasn't there. Suppressing a wave of panic, she tried to control her breathing.
Obi-Wan tried to wait up for her, but his still healing wound was taking a toll and he fell asleep in his easy chair. He was startled awake by Tika's soft growling and whining as she paced in front of the door. Rubbing his eyes and running a hand through his hair, he glanced at the chrono and sat up, somewhat alarmed. It was past 0400 hours and she hadn't returned! He calmed himself with the notion that they could have gotten lost in conversation at one of the all night tapcafs. "It's okay, Tika, she'll probably comm any minute." But Tika kept pacing and whining.
When 0600 hours came and went with no call, Obi-Wan finally went to the door with Tika. "Stay here with me girl," he commanded, but she shot past him and ran for the old stairwell right as a maintenance droid was coming through the entry. Slipping through the door, she was gone. Oh blast!" he muttered. Then he saw Lyri's comlink lying in the hallway a few feet away.
Lyri brushed at her tears and tried to get her bearings. She just wasn't familiar enough with the city or its levels to know exactly where she was. She thought she had gone down a level and there were several bars and dance clubs nearby. Maybe she could go in and ask for help. She noted the clientele looked pretty unsavory, but she didn't know what else to do.
Going to the bar, she asked if anyone could direct her to the Jedi Temple. They all started laughing and one burly being told her she was wasting her talents on that group of worthless monks. "There's a Zabrak back there that can get you work for a cut honey," said a garishly made up Twi'lek. At that instant, Lyri felt a warning in her mind and a moment later she heard a voice that made her blood run cold. "Well frick me to the hells," came Tirak's unmistakable snarl. I thought my old Trandoshan buddy was playin' a joke on me. But here you are. All grown up and prime merchandise. You ain't gettin' away this time, you little slut." He grabbed her arm and started dragging her. She called for help, but everyone just turned back to their drinks. Once he had her out back he started groping her roughly. Knocking her to the ground and pinning her, he put his hands on her thighs. She started fighting wildly, but she was just too small and she didn't have enough control over the Force to use it as a weapon.
"Tika!" She screamed, for she could feel the canine approaching some distance away. Then a familiar voice said, "I wouldn't try that if I was you. You ain't gonna look so good when they peel you off the pavement." As soon as Tirak was distracted, Lyri kicked him in the groin. "Always a good move, honey. I hope it was good 'n hard!"
"Dex! Oh, Dex, I...I," she said standing shakily and bursting into tears again as she moved into the Besalisk's large arms. "There now, it's alright, honey. I'm gonna comm Obi-Wan; I know he's back." Just then Tika burst snarling into the alley. Seeing Tirak rolling on the ground moaning, she stalked toward him menacingly. "Hold him, Tika," Lyri said shakily.
Obi-Wan picked up the comlink and went back into the apartment. Closing the door, he started pacing, and then stopped to take several calming breaths. If anything had happened to Lyri he could only blame himself. "No, that line of thinking will not help her right now," he admonished himself. Just then his comlink chirped.
"Obi-Wan, listen, I have your little gal here," came Dex's unmistakable voice. You need to get down here to the back alley for the "Rancor's Lair" bar. It's about two levels above the start of lower and she needs ya. Ya also probably want to arrest the Zabrak scum that attacked her if the mutt don't tear him up first."
"What?" Oh dear Force! Lyri had been attacked? What in Force's name had happened? He immediately calmed himself. "On my way, Dex!" It was a good thing he hadn't bothered to ready himself for bed. He only had to grab his belt, his lightsaber and his cloak and he was off to the hangar and landing decks. "A Zabrak...I wonder if...Force, I hope she's alright." He had to forcefully contain the fury he felt beginning to burn deep within him. He used some Jedi breathing techniques that always worked to calm himself, but if one looked closely at him, his eyes were a stormy grey glittering with ice. Checking in with ship control he acquired a speeder and left at a speed he normally would have avoided at all costs for the mid-levels. With his Force ability he easily wove in and out of traffic and arrived quickly at his destination. As he strode through the entrance to the Rancor's Lair, any being that was in his way took one look and hurried off.
He took in the entire scene at a glance. Lyri, her dress torn in three places and falling open at the shoulder was leaning against Dex's huge chest, one of his arms around her protectively. To one side was a scruffy looking Zabrak curled on his side lying in the alley and beside him was a growling Tika, her eyes glowing with a deep amber fire and just daring him to move. He looked at Lyri questioningly. "It's him; it's Tirak, Obi...he knew me," she managed in a broken-sounding voice that just tore at his heart.
Knowing what he had to do, Obi-Wan asked Dex to care for Lyri a few minutes longer. Nodding, his old friend looked on while Obi-Wan pulled the man to a sitting position. "You are under arrest for crimes against Lyri Starrider and against the Republic," he informed his prisoner. "Yer gonna be sorry you little…." Obi-Wan grabbed the creature and said, "You will address any further comments to me and you leave me no choice in what I am forced to do." The Zabrak flinched back from Obi-Wan's thunderous expression.
Gripping the creature's head Obi-Wan called the Force to him. Tirak struggled in vain to loosen his grip. His eyes grew glassy and he drooled slightly, finally going limp. Obi-Wan lowered the creature to the pavement. Turning to look at Lyri and Dex, Obi-Wan said, "I have erased all recollection of Lyri and her former home from his memory."
"Sounds like a good idea, Obi-Wan. First time I ever seen that done, though, in all the years of knowin' you and Qui-Gon."
"It is normally only used as a last resort. I believe this case warranted it. He should come to in about a day with a bad headache." When the security forces arrived, Obi-Wan spoke with them briefly and they collected Tirak and were gone. Obi-Wan approached Dex and laid a hand on the Besalisk's meaty shoulder. I don't know that I shall ever be able to repay you for watching over Lyri, Dex."
"Awww, I was just here at the right time." He glanced down at Lyri. "You just make sure you take better care of this little gal, Obi-Wan." He winked at Lyri to put her at ease.
"I promise you I shall, Dex. This was too close a call."
"See ya next time yer in CoCo Town, old buddy. You, too, honey," he said, placing Lyri in Obi-Wan's embrace. With that he ambled off down the alley. Obi-Wan saw Lyri's cardigan on the ground and retrieved it, helping her into it and buttoning it up so she was no longer exposed and headed them to the speeder.
"Did that Zabrak scum touch you, Lyri? What did he do to you?," Obi-Wan said in a gruff voice. The storm still raging deep inside him was buried beneath a deadly calm to his outward demeanor. He gripped Lyri's arm tightly as he hurried her along. "I did my best to fight him off Obi-Wan, so...no!" He suddenly stopped and whirled her around to face him. "Look at me Lyri," he said with a steely edged calm. Lyri's face colored with a mix of humiliation and rising frustration. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for that stupid date! What do you want me to say, Obi-Wan? Yes, he hurt me, but not the way I think you mean! I fought him! You know I did!"
Tears started streaming down her cheeks and she wiped at them angrily. Oh, why did she have to start crying when she was so angry and frustrated? She tried to pull out of Obi-Wan's grasp when she suddenly felt a sense of deep remorse from him. Instead of letting her go he pulled her struggling toward him and wrapped his arms tightly around her, pulling her against his chest. "I...I am so sorry, Lyri. The last thing I meant to do was upset you further."
When she finally stopped crying, he kissed her on the top of the head, smoothed her hair back and ran his hands up and down her arms. "I know someplace we can go and be alone for awhile to talk and sort things out. Bail has an extra apartment he sometimes uses for guests and he has given me an extra key to use it as a place of respite when needed. It is not occupied as he has no guests at present. We will not be bothered by anyone." But when they got to the speeder, they realized Tika was no longer with them. Lyri immediately started to tear up again. "Not to worry, sweetheart. I will take you to Bail's apartment and then I will go look for Tika. Alright?" She nodded mutely, trying to keep from sobbing.
Parking the speeder in a secured spot, he led Lyri into the tall building. The duracrete of this building was made to look like a warm, rosy stone. Going to the large rose hued front security desk with Lyri, he was greeted by the security officer on duty who got up from a bank of security vid-feeds. "I have a friend of Bail's and mine with me who has just been through a terrible ordeal. I will be looking after her for a few days here. Lyri focused on the white and grey marbled tiles of the floor beneath her feet. "Of course Master Kenobi." They assumed he had been appointed as her guardian. Obi-Wan said nothing to make them think otherwise. It was the truth from a certain point of view.
As they took the elevator to one of the uppermost floors, Lyri hugged herself and looked straight ahead. She seemed very subdued, and Obi-Wan began to be concerned about her well-being. "Lyri are...are you alright" She still didn't look at him; she just sighed and shrugged her shoulders. He was a little disappointed she didn't answer him. She usually trusted him enough to confide in him when something bothered her. Or she always had. There had been an underlying tension ever since he had insisted she needed to go out and give some different men a chance; men who could give her all the things that he, as a Jedi, could not. Unfortunately, the date she'd gone on with the up and coming and well to do young senator he'd heard such good things about previously had turned out to be a disaster. He couldn't really blame her for being upset about the way the man had treated her or what had befallen her when Tirak had discovered her lost and alone in the lower tier mid-levels of the planet.
Just then his comlink chirped. "Master Kenobi...uh...do you know anything about a large dark brown canine? There is one pacing in front of the entrance and we can't get her to leave. We thought we'd better comm you before we called the animal controllers. One of the doormen keeps swearing the animal talked to him and said to call you. I know this sounds crazy, but…."
"No, no...I do know the animal. She got separated from us this evening and was lost. Bring her inside, please and tell her you have called me. I will be down shortly to collect her. She...is a rare purebred specimen and valuable to the young lady."
"Oh well in that case, of course. We hadn't realized the animal had such a prestigious pedigree. We will take good care of her until you get here, sir." "Very good," said Obi-Wan and signed off.
"See that, sweetheart, we have Tika back safe and sound. That should make you feel a little better," he said. She looked at him finally and nodded, but she had a sad look about her. Her eyes were a little too bright. He touched her mind very lightly and found her emotions to be in turmoil. He didn't know what to do at the moment. They needed to talk.
After he had gone back down to retrieve Tika and gotten her settled in the front room once she'd greeted Lyri, he pulled the bedroom door part way closed and said, "Lyri, I know you are still terribly upset. I feel I must take some large responsibility for this. Next time, I assure you, I will have checked out the young man you are dating thoroughly, so nothing like this happens again." Lyri looked up at him. He didn't think she could have looked much more shocked or hurt if he had slapped her .His stomach clinched. What had he said to hurt her so?
All she could do was stare at him in shock for a moment. Did he really think she couldn't handle life if she loved him? Did he think that little of her? "I love you, Obi-Wan, but I guess you think it's just a silly girlish dream! I know the difference, believe me and I know the life I'd be signing on for, loving a Jedi! I've been living at the Temple for months now, for stars' sake! But I can't make you love me back! If you don't want me, don't give me all these silly excuses; just say so!" Obi-Wan was so stunned, he didn't know what to say right away. Taking that as her answer, she seemed to fold in on herself and began sobbing. He knew what he wanted to tell her, but he couldn't seem to form the words. As he took a step in her direction, thinking to try to comfort her, she ran into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. The sound of her muffled sobs broke his heart.
He stood there in the middle of the bedroom staring at the bathroom door for a few moments trying to replay in his mind what she had just told him. As everything she had said finally truly sank in he sighed and wondered how he could have handled things so badly. All he had really wanted was for her to be happy but he had made the mistake of presuming to know what was best for her without even talking to her about it. "Some Negotiator, Kenobi," he muttered. He reached up and ran his hand over his beard a couple of times. He knew what he wanted. Apparently that had been all she had wanted as well. Despite whatever outward changes had occurred; inside she was the same sweet, brave young woman he had fallen in love with on that moon near the edge of Wild Space.
He approached the door and tried the knob, but she had locked it. He could have easily unlocked it, but he wanted to try to coax her into doing it so she would have some sense of control over the situation. Standing with his forehead leaned against the door he said, "Lyri, please open the door and talk to me." He could still hear her sobbing though it had grown quieter. "Sweetheart, please. I think we have a grave misinterpretation of each other's feelings. He waited a little longer until he heard her weeping take on a slight edge of hysteria. He could no longer, in good conscience, wait for her to make a move. Reaching out through the Force he felt a sort of desperation and self-disgust along with the underlying hurt. Waving his hand over the lock and hearing the mechanism click, he opened the door.
Lyri had stripped down to a pale green satin teddi and was scrubbing at herself with a damp, soapy cloth. What concerned him was that she was scrubbing so furiously her skin was becoming raw. When she looked up at him her eyes looked a bit wild and full of hurt. "I can't get his smell and his touch off me. I'm trying but it won't go away," she sobbed. She started scrubbing again causing an abrasion on her arm.
His heart felt like someone was trying to rip it out of his chest and then all his protective instincts kicked in. Striding forward he wrapped his arms around her from the back and pulled her against him. "Lyri, stop, you are hurting yourself."
"I...I can't. I...I need it off…," she sobbed. Holding her against him with one arm he took the cloth from her and tossed it into the sink. He let her struggle just a short while but she was so upset she seemed unable to calm herself. Turning her gently to face him he pulled her against his chest and tightened his hold, sending waves of calm through her and murmuring softly to her. "Shhh, sweetheart, it's alright. You are safe now. Let me help you. We will get rid of every trace of him. Not to worry."
"B-but h-how?" she sobbed more quietly.
"We are going to replace him with something good, sweetheart. I am going to make certain you are so filled with that, there is no room for any trace of him." He rested his chin lightly on the top of her head, but didn't loosen his grip. She was so small. Force, when he thought what could have happened to her it made him hurt.
She couldn't seem to stop herself from crying. She breathed in Obi-Wan's scent deeply as he held her against him; that scent of subtle spice and fragrant merrwood and that intoxicating male scent that was his alone. She didn't want any other scent but his on her ever. Why couldn't he understand? She wished with all her heart for something she thought he couldn't return. Then she heard what her heart had longed for since soon after she'd met him.
"Sweetheart, I hope you can forgive me for being such a fool. I should have told you what was in my heart and let you decide. I...I love you. You have filled my heart with something I have never felt for anyone. I have loved you since the second time we swam at the lake when I held you in the water. But I have wanted you since I first realized you were not a little girl, but a very petite and beautiful young woman. When I saw you fishing at the river without your top. When your beautiful eyes lit up and I saw that winsome little smile. It has taken every ounce of self-control and discipline not to follow through with touching you and loving you the way I have wanted to. I love you from the deepest part of my heart and will give you everything I am able to give as a Jedi. Everything else that remains is yours."
He loved her? Not only loved her, but wanted every part of him that wasn't committed to the Jedi to belong to her? Her heart filled with love and hope. She knew what it would mean to love a Jedi, but she knew with two hearts and wills such as theirs, it could work. She'd had plenty of time to think about it and she knew. She looked up at him, the hope and love shining in her eyes. She now knew without a doubt she could trust this man with her heart.
Obi-Wan looked down into the unsurpassed beauty of Lyri's wide hazel eyes, so full of love and hope and trust. His heart was so full he felt it could easily burst from his chest. "Please let me help you sweetheart. Just let me take care of you tonight." She looked deeply into his eyes and saw the love burning there. She also saw the smoldering desire and grew weak in the knees. Feeling her almost buckle, he scooped her up and sat on the wide marbled edge of the oversized tub, sitting her across his lap. He cupped her face and touched her lips with the gentlest of kisses. "I am going to draw us a warm bath," he said softly. "I will get into the bath with you and help you bathe the memory of that creature away for good." He brushed his lips against her ear and whispered to her. "Then, if you feel ready, I will begin showing you how very much I love you."
A shiver of anticipation laced with a tiny bit of fear ran clear to the tips of her toes. "Oh Force, I have never seen quite that look from him before," she thought. But she loved him and had waited for this moment. She knew instinctively he would take special care with her.
"If I set you on your feet, can you stand for a few moments, sweetheart?" he asked softly. She nodded slowly, never breaking eye contact. He smiled warmly and carefully helped her stand. He then drew a warm bath which he laced with some soothing oils from one of the cream colored cupboards. The scent was that of a spring meadow. The next thing she knew, Obi-Wan had pulled his tunics over his head and pulled his boots off. He shimmied out of his pants and undershorts quickly after. He chuckled softly at her intake of breath with her first sight of his well-endowed manhood. "It will be alright, sweetheart, I promise." Beckoning to her, in a very gentle tone he said "can you come here and let me help you out of your teddi? It is quite lovely, by the way."
"Oh, he's so big! I hadn't realized." She swallowed. But the love in his now midnight blue eyes drew her forward. He caressed her face and then lowered the straps of her teddi, leaning down to kiss her neck where it met her shoulders. As he gently lowered the teddi, skimming his hands along her sides, she shivered again. When she was standing naked before him, she started blushing and made a vain attempt to cover herself.
"No sweetheart. When I once told you that you never need to hide from me, I meant in any way. You are exquisitely beautiful and I want to see you." Taking her hand he led her the few steps to the huge tub and stepped into the fragrant water. After he had helped her in as well, he lowered himself and sat, leaning back against the rear tub wall. His eyes trailed over her slowly savoring each detail from the swell of her breasts to the curly golden hair that hid her labia. She stood in the steamy water as he trailed his eyes over her feeling heat everywhere his gaze alighted. She blushed deeply giving a rosy hue to her pale honey skin. "Turn around Lyri," he said softly and trailed his eyes down her back and over the roundness of her little bottom. "Sit down sweetheart." When she had complied he gripped her under the arms and pulled her back into his lap. She gasped when she felt the firmness of his shaft against her skin. He chuckled softly. "It's alright, sweetheart." Picking up a soft washcloth from a nearby stack, he wet it and rubbed a little soap into to it before he began running it gently over Lyri's arms and back, stopping to heal the abrasion and other damage she'd done in her desperation.
His red gold hair was damp at the ends and curled a little at his neck. She looked over her shoulder at him and thought, "Oh he is so handsome...devastatingly handsome, more so than in my memory." She felt a warmth rush through her as he touched her.
"Now sweetheart, I want you to lean back against me so I can bathe the front of you," he said softly against her ear. Feeling her tremble ever so slightly, he put an arm around her and just held her a moment. "You know I would never hurt you, sweetheart. Look at me." She leaned her head back against his shoulder and looked up at him. There was such love and gentleness in his midnight eyes, even with the heat of desire, she knew. He would take exceptional care with her. "I do know, Obi," she whispered. He dipped his head and caught her in a gentle kiss as he ran the cloth lightly over her breasts. He continued to hold the kiss, swirling around her tongue as he swirled the cloth lower, over her abdomen and the insides of her thighs. Laying the cloth aside, he brought his hands up to her breasts and caressed them, paying particular attention to her nipples. Lifting one of them, he leaned over her shoulder and swirled his tongue over and around the nipple while he still caressed the other with his fingers until he heard her breathing begin to change.
Lyri felt her earlier rush of warmth start to focus at her lower abdomen and lower in her most private places; the warmth was like a tickle that ran through her. She found her breathing becoming erratic as the wet silkiness of his tongue repeatedly ran over her nipples. She started to squirm a little; she couldn't help herself. She started to make little needy sounds that caused Obi-Wan to lift his head and kiss her neck as his hands began to caress lower across her abdomen and gently move to the creases of her inner thighs. There seemed to be heat and tingling everywhere he touched.
When Obi-Wan heard the little kittling sounds of need he answered them immediately with a smile and wet kisses against her neck and caressing her ever closer to the center of her need. He felt her starting to quiver and ran a finger softly over her crease before gently parting her with his other hand. He ran his finger the length of her folds a couple of times before getting closer to her nub. She was squirming and whimpering along with the kittling sounds now, so he ran two fingers over her center, hearing her gasp and feeling her buck. "Obi...I...I," she breathed out. "I know sweetheart," he whispered, and began gently massaging her nub.
Oh, her senses were assaulted with the meadow scent of the bath oils, the soft slosh of the water with their movements, and the building intensity of the sensations caused by Obi-Wan's touch. He kissed her neck and held his cheek against hers and she felt a finger slip inside her, as he continued to massage. He stopped short of sliding his finger in any farther, but kept massaging her nub until the sensations became so intense they overwhelmed her and she couldn't help bucking and pushing against his hand. All at once she felt a burst of white-hot heat and pleasure and the muscles at her center began to shudder and contract. "Oooooh," she cried out softly.
When Obi-Wan slipped a finger inside Lyri as he massaged her, he went just deep enough to feel the slight resistance of her membrane and stopped. He didn't want to break it until he was inside her. If he was going to take her virginity, he wanted it to be when they were connected intimately. He thanked the Force again for delivering her from that evil scum in one piece. As he felt her orgasm hit her he smiled faintly and cradled her in his arms until her shuddering slowed and her breathing calmed. After a long while, she asked him tentatively, "Is that what Bant meant by a climax, Obi? I...I've never felt anything so...so wonderful!" He chuckled and kissed her on the cheek. "It is one type, sweetheart, yes," When she turned and looked at him wide-eyed, he smiled. "You'll see the difference soon enough."
Holding her around the waist, he turned her so she was sitting across his lap and caught her in a deep, sensuous kiss. He then kissed his way down her jawline and her neck and lifted her slightly so her breasts were just above the water. Glancing at her with a loving smile, he caught her near breast and began suckling, teasing her nipple with his tongue. He loved the way she couldn't help arching into him; she was so responsive. She started whimpering again, needing his touch at her core. He smiled as he took her other breast and lazily caressed her along her inner thighs. This time he intended to watch her face as she came apart at his touch.
Slipping a finger between her folds he quickly found her center and began massaging with the lightest touch in tiny circles. Two times she got close and he eased off until she was bucking and squirming, her hip rubbing against his erection in a delightful sensation. "Oh, what is he doing to me?" she thought in a haze, trying to reach for release. "Please, Obi, I need...I need...oooh," she whimpered. He let her whimper a few seconds longer and then chuckled softly, "All right, sweetheart, no more teasing for now." Increasing the pressure of his touch, he watched her as she writhed in his arms and suddenly started to shudder uncontrollably, and her growing need and release played over her face. She threw her head back into the crook of his arm as she came apart and he couldn't help smiling as he watched her. She was so beautiful as the release hit her and she cried out his name, softly. When she opened her eyes, there was the green cast he'd been looking for and he smiled down at her as the aftershocks shuddered through her.
"Feel better, sweetheart?" She looked up at him in a dreamy sort of wonder and nodded slowly. "Then I think perhaps we should dry off and make use of that rather large, comfortable bed in the other room. It is a much more suitable place to explore all the possibilities," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. A delightful shiver ran through her.
Stepping from the tub, he tucked a towel around his waist and then turned to help Lyri out. Grabbing another fluffy towel, he began drying her and caressing her gently. But just as he was about to pick her up to take her into the other room, his comlink chirped. He looked up at the ceiling and groaned. Turning and searching through his pile of clothes he retrieved the offending item and answered it. Lyri watched him quietly. "Yes, Master Yoda, she is safe. I will be there shortly." Sighing, he closed the link. Pulling her to him with the edges of the towel, he looked down into her eyes, the regret evident in the indigo depths of his own. "I am so sorry, sweetheart. The Council has called an emergency meeting and I am needed there as soon as possible." She just smiled up at him and said, "You're a Jedi and you're needed. It's alright Obi." Force, what good thing had he done to deserve this sweet woman? "I assure you, we will pick up where we have left off as soon as I return," he whispered and lightly nipped her earlobe. Fifteen minutes later he was gone.
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Just a thought...I would like to dedicate this chapter to Carrie Fisher who played the first strong female character we saw in the Star Wars Universe, Princess Leia. May a troubled spirit truly rest in peace. She was quite the lady.