Category: PWP, just a nice story.
Rating: R
Summary: Qui Gon escorts a lady friend to a special event.
Archive: Anyone who wants to use it, just ask.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, or the venue, LucasFilm does. I am very respectfully borrowing them with no intent to profit.
Thanks: To Carol, as always, for her wonderful beta.
"Where is he?" Sal'ne paced the confines of her quarters impatiently. As she paced, her long blonde hair crackled as if reflecting the inner turmoil she was feeling. Her floor length dark blue dress flowed around her with each step she took.
"He'll be here. Something must have come up. You know how he is about his training." Balet, Sal'ne's best friend smiled faintly as she watched her friend nervously stride about the room.
"Oh, you're no help." Sal'ne's brow furrowed with irritation and her light blue eyes flashed icy fire as she endeavored to dampen the anger she felt. This was an important night for her and he knew it.
"He had better have a reasonable excuse." She shot a look at her friend who returned it with a smile and a wink.
Qui-Gon Jinn walked as quickly as he could down the hall of the Healer's tower. She would be furious. He was 15 minutes late already. He had a good reason,but would she understand? Standing at her door he could feel the tension within. Taking a deep breath, pushing the tension away, Qui-Gon pressed the buzzer.
Sal'ne felt his presence before the buzzer rang. Irritation still clouded her senses, but she breathed a sigh of relief that he had not stood her up, or worse would never see her again.
"Told you." Balet was at the door before she was. "Can I stick around to hear his explanation?"
"I don't think so." Sal'ne hit the button and the door slid open.
He stood framed in the doorway, all 6 foot plus of him, soaking wet and covered with mud. His tunic, usually spotless and crisp, hung like a wet rag from his tall frame. Long gashes ran along the length of his sleeves, visible scratches showing beneath. His short, nut brown Padawan hair was matted with mud. Sal'ne sighed as she noticed that his nose was broken...again and his left eye was turning a distinct shade of purple.
"This should be really interesting." Balet chuckled as she elbowed Sal'ne. The look Sal'ne directed at her caused her to smile even wider.
Balet placed a hand on Qui-Gon's arm. "May the Force be with you," she mouthed as she left, chuckling and chortling at the sight.
"Well, you're late!" Sal'ne was in no mood for jokes. Her impatient blue eyes locked on his midnight blue ones.
"I am sorry, my lady." Qui-Gon pushed his way into her quarters. "Mace, Ki Ani and I were asked to retrieve a Herp that escaped from the desert habitat." Qui-Gon gingerly made his way to the sofa.
"I hope you don't expect me to believe that." She noticed he winced as he sat down on her sofa. "Don't get too comfortable."
"Did you know a Talmarian Fire Lizard has a 3 foot knife edged tongue, spits stinging saliva and has 2 inch claws? It was a learning experience for me." Qui-Gon did his best to hide the stiffness that was settling into his over stretched muscles. Though only 20 years he felt as old as Master Yoda at this moment.
Sal'ne knew he didn't lie, but this story was too outrageous to be true.
"I'd better go get ready." Qui-Gon rose stiffly. He smiled at the expression on Sal'ne's face. She looked like a mother disciplining a child...hands on her slim hips, a stern look on her face. He really did love her.
As Qui-Gon walked toward her, Sal'ne's heart melted. She could never stay angry with him for long. She loved him too much.
"Be back in 15." Qui-Gon kissed her on the cheek as he exited her quarters.
"10" Sal'ne replied, her voice taking on a softer note..
It was exactly ten minutes later that the door buzzer rang again.
"That's more like it. Punctual to the second."
Standing before her was the man she expected to see 25 minutes ago. His short spiky hair neatly combed. The braid, which once hung to his waist, now hung lightly on one shoulder. His tunic, crisply pressed, looked as though it could stand on its own. Her eyes traveled down his lean length and stopped at the boots. No longer muddy, they shone as if they had just been purchased.
She lifted her gaze to his face. Now the left eye was a lovely blossom of purple and the right one was turning a beautiful shade of blue. All this and his nose - so straight and beautiful, now broken and crooked...again. Sal'ne could not help but send a few healing Force waves toward him.
Taking Qui-Gon's offered arm, Sal'ne closed the door to her quarters. She was still disturbed at this fine young Jedi, but it would have to wait.
"Humph" Sal'ne could not help but sigh as she gazed at Qui-Gon's profile. His beautiful straight nose; which she and the medical droid had taken such painstaking efforts to straighten the last time was now definitely listing to the right on the bridge. She reached up to touch his cheek and patted him lightly.
"I am thinking of leaving it like this," Qui-Gon stated, cocking his head slightly and smiling his delightful crooked half smile. I think it makes me look...distinguished".
"More like a badge or courage. Anyway, if you did want it straightened, you would have to find another healer to do it," Sal'ne teased. "I didn't put all that effort into it last time to have you break it again. I'll keep my opinion to myself until the swelling goes down." She kissed her finger and touched his nose lightly, sending healing energies through her arm and fingers. She couldn't help herself; she was, after all, a healer.
Sal'ne glanced out the window of the taxi as they passed one of Coruscant's few natural areas. This one was her favorite; lush greenery grew verdantly. Tall deciduous trees reached for the light that filtered between the towering buildings. Dirt walkways crisscrossed throughout the habitat. It was one of the few places on the City Planet that birds could be heard singing. Then there was the waterfall. Setting her reflections aside, Sal'ne realized they had reached the Senate Building. As the door to the taxi opened she shot a quick glance at her escort.
Qui-Gon knew all eyes would be on them when they entered the hall. Sal'ne's appearance caused a stir in any room she entered. Her Jedi training as a Healer had not dampened her temper or her ability to command the attention of a room. Sal'ne didn't enjoy being the center of attention, but as the Chancellor's daughter, she had grown up in the spotlight and accepted it as her due.
"Ready?" Qui-Gon whispered in her ear as they entered the hall.
"Always." Sal'ne murmured in return, tossing him a controlled smile.
The reception hall was crowded with dignitaries and Senators from all over the Republic. Many Jedi Masters and their Apprentices were reluctantly in attendance. The Jedi did not go in for trappings such as this; it was part of the code. No Reward. But tonight was a night they were being honored by the people of Calderia. The Jedi made exceptions to keeping a low profile lifestyle only on rare occasions.
As they entered, Qui-Gon and Sal'ne meandered through the crowd, finally reaching the front where Sal'ne's father stood. Qui-Gon noticed the pain worsen in his ribs as he and Sal'ne bowed to the senators, dignitaries and Jedi. He also felt the smiles hidden behind the looks as they noticed his battered countenance.
I'll see to the healing of your wounds later," Sal'ne whispered as she returned the bows.
Several attendees inquired of Qui-Gon as to what had caused his bruises, but he would smiled and replied, "Training with Master Yoda." Qui-Gon felt some discomfort at not having had time to tend to the healing of his wounds, but he was a Jedi Padawan and put on a front to indicate this was nothing out of the ordinary. He smiled to himself as he remembered Master Yoda warning him to "blend in" to any crowd. He had failed that lesson on numerous occasions. He knew his height as well as the beautiful woman he escorted on his arm would draw attention.
Sal'ne's father, Chancellor Sorian, greeted them as they approached the podium. Chancellor Sorian smiled and encircled his only daughter in a hug. Glancing at Qui-Gon, a wry smile crossed the Chancellor's face.
"My dear Jedi, I told you not to allow her to get her dander up." The smile on the Chancellor's face was from ear to ear as he winked at Sal'ne and lightly tapped Qui-Gon on the back.
"Master Yoda is a small Jedi, but a powerful one, yes?" Sal'ne did her best to turn her father's jab at her temper into a joke between her and Qui-Gon.
"I only wish that were so." Qui-Gon rubbed his sore jaw.
"We will begin in a few minutes. Master Yoda informed me of your recent assignment. I understand the three of you had quite the battle with one...what was it...Ah, yes. Fire Lizard? I hear they can be quite ferocious."
"Yes, sir." Qui-Gon glanced at Sal'ne whose expression read like an open book. "I apologize for our lateness, Chancellor, I hope we have not delayed you too much."
"Not at all, sometimes it's the Bureaucrats turn to wait. Shall we step to the podium, my dear?"
Sal'ne's father extended his arm to his daughter and they ascended the stage. Qui-Gon could not help but notice how she seemed to float up the stairs. What had possessed her to become a Jedi Healer and not a Diplomat? He could not fathom her reasons. Then again, he had personal reasons to be delighted that she was not a Diplomat. At least as a Jedi she was humble, or was disciplined to be humble. He chuckled to himself.
Next to the podium stood the delegation from Calderia. Sal'ne smiled at a bright eyed little girl who stood at the front of the delegation. Sal'ne had been one of many Jedi Healers who had recently returned from Calderia. The Calderian people had been struck by a plague that had caused devastating suffering and had killed a large number of people. Their human ancestry did not allow them to stave off the effects of a plague wrought by an alien virus.
Sal'ne had been assigned to the Royal House of Calderia which had also become a make shift healing center during the plague. Though the Jedi Healers had performed their calling without Reward, the Calderian people had wanted to thank the Jedi and the Republic for saving their planet. The Jedi Council frowned on these offers of gratitude, but the Republic Senators and dignitaries had insisted. The Calderian's had singled Sal'ne out because of her unstinting efforts to wipe out the disease. Even though the Jedi Council disapproved of her, or any Jedi, receiving a medal, the Senate had requested her presence once they heard her statement of what she would do with the award. The Code of the Jedi determined that it was to be a life without reward, even for a Jedi Healer Intern.
Qui-Gon felt a hand on his shoulder. He knew who it was before he turned around. Mace looked no better than he did. His black Padawan hair was shorn close to his head on one side and his braid had gone from below his waist to just below his ear. Qui-Gon chuckled at Mace's broken nose which mirrored his own. The only difference in their injuries was that Mace had also sustained a broken arm. Mace's smile was more like a wince as he greeted his friends.
"I see you made it. And in one piece." Mace kept his voice a low whisper. "I'll bet she was just thrilled to see you."
"Oh, you don't know how thrilled." Qui-Gon rolled his eyes at his own response.
"You two look no worse for wear." Ki Ani had joined his two friends. His braid was intact; he had no visible bruises, and did not seem to be in any pain. Then Qui-Gon remembered who had taken up the rear in the battle. He smiled at his two friends as they turned to watch the proceedings.
Sal'ne felt all the eyes in the room on her. It was not a comfortable feeling. She had chosen to become a Jedi Healer because she knew it was her destiny. She needed not thank you or recognition. The Code of the Jedi was her way. She grimaced as she heard her father starting one of his well-known speeches. It would take a while, and then it would be her turn. She had been before large crowds before, as the daughter of a dignitary, but never in the spotlight. Suddenly, the voice she was hearing changed. King Tomeranci of the Calderian Royal House was speaking.
"I know it is not customary for a Jedi Knight to receive an honor, but it is a Calderian ritual to bestow honor on all who have done great deeds. The Calderian people would like to thank The Republic Senate, the Jedi Council, and the many Jedi Healers who were instrumental in saving the Calderian people from the recent plague. The devotion of the Jedi Healers to their art, their compassion, and their relentless refusal to give up brought my people back from the brink. We cannot express our feelings of gratitude but to thank you for your efforts."
With that King Tomeranci produced a large gold medal on silken string from an ornate box. Handing it to Chancellor Sorian he bowed deeply and returned to his place within the group of Calderian's. Chancellor Sorian then handed the metal to Sal'ne. It weighed heavy in her hands. She felt uncomfortable, but, knowing what she must do she stepped forward. Without speaking a word, she walked over to the young girl who she had seen as she ascended the stairs. Smiling down at the girl she placed the metal around her neck. The young girl appeared dumbstruck. Sal'ne had recognized her as one of the Kings daughters, Lylith. She had been one of the few who did not fall ill. Lylith was instrumental in helping the healers turn the Royal House into a Healing Center. Lylith was young, only 8 or 9 years, but she had displayed compassion well beyond those years. To her it mattered not who was treated in her home. She had demanded of her Father that the Royal house be opened to all who needed help. Knowing her compassion and drive, the King agreed.
Without Lylith's assistance, the Jedi Healers and Calderian Shaman might still be battling the plague. Lylith was selfless and compassionate about the Calderian's, Sal'ne felt that someday she would make a great leader. The people of Calderia deserved the metal, not the healers, for they were the true hero's of the day.
Sal'ne then turned, bowed to the King and returned to her place at her father's side. Murmurs began to rise from the assembly. She didn't care, Sal'ne had come to give the honor the ones who were the true hero's. That over, she wished to retreat to the habitat that had called to her on the trip here with Qui-Gon. Soon, she told herself, soon.
The evening was long, filled with speeches, an ornate dinner and many congratulations. Finally Qui-Gon and Sal'ne found a moment to sneak away from the crowd. Qui-Gon's injuries were beginning to look better. He had been concentrating the Force to heal them. His eyes were still black and blue but his nose was only slightly swollen. Sal'ne thought the battered look of his nose did make him a bit more rugged and handsome.
Qui-Gon breathed a sigh of relief as they escaped the crowded reception room. They found a quiet spot on the balcony overlooking the Waterfall. The soft sound of the flowing water reached their ears. It was peaceful and quiet in the blackness of the night. Watching Sal'ne move across the balcony, he could not help but wonder what their future held. As a Jedi he had a choice of having a family or not, and so did she. He was still a young Padawan, she an Intern. They had the remainder of their lives to decide the future. Would his decision include her? At the moment he felt as if she must be a part of his destiny. He observed her graceful movements as she strolled effortlessly in her long blue dress toward the balcony edge. The look in her eyes suggested a hunger, a desire to be somewhere else. When he approached, she turned to him, gently touching his face.
"You need healing, and I need to get out of here. Let's go for a walk." Her long hair silkily swished over the softness of the blue dress as she began to descend the stairs that would lead to the Waterfall habitat. Turning, she held out her arms to Qui-Gon.
"Escort a lady, would you?" she dimpled.
"It would be a pleasure and an honor, my lady." Qui-Gon wrapped Sal'ne's arm in his and they descended the stairs together.
Qui-Gon and Sal'ne descended the stairs into the Waterfall habitat. A wonderful array of sights and sounds assailed them. Sal'ne drew each into her senses, savoring them with joy. She turned to Qui-Gon and snickered softly as she thought of his poor nose trying to deal with all the rich odors through all that swelling.
"What are you laughing at?" Qui-Gon inquired, curious about her laughter.
"Nothing, I am just wondering how are you feeling." Sal'ne quickly changed the subject before she dug herself deeper into a hole.
"The problems are lessening," Qui-Gon replied, shifted his ribs and stretching his back as best he could. "A bit stiff, in need of healing, I think." Qui-Gon tossed her the crooked smile that melted her each time and even threw in a wink.
"Mmmmmmm, I guess we had better start your healing session as soon as possible," she murmured throatily. Sal'ne knew just the right place for such a session. She his hand and led him down a path that meandered past the waterfall.
Animals from all corners of the Republic were housed in the Waterfall habitat. They lived in the warm, lush, green, watery environment. Once all of Coruscant had looked like this.
None of the animals had ever tried to escape, the conditions in the small corner of the City Planet were pristine, perfect, the most comfortable home for the exotics animals that inhabited the lush, environment.
As they strolled through the verdant forest of trees and vines, Qui-Gon and Sal'ne disturbed some of the inhabitants. An occasional deer crossed their path; a bird flitted from a tree; a large brown creature, partly obscured by the bushes meandered past. This was Sal'ne's retreat, her peaceful space. Even as a small child, during visits with her family, Sal'ne had sought out this place. Now she was had come here with her Jedi.
The waterfall streamed from a small hill about 20 feet high. It was fed by a natural underground spring. As it plummeted down the rock outcropping, a mist nurtured moss and lichen which grew abundantly on the rocky surface. The rushing water completed the symphony of sound in this paradise, hidden away among the mountains of steel. Sal'ne knew exactly where to begin Qui-Gon's healing. Weaving her way around the small pond created by the waterfall, she sunk down on a patch of lush grass. It grew in a perfect circle. Qui-Gon knelt beside her.
"Isn't this the most beautiful place you have ever seen?" Sal'ne's voice trailed off as she gazed at Qui-Gon, framed by the trees and flowering plants beyond.
"Yes, I don't think I have ever seen such a wonderful place." He reached to pluck a flower for her.
"No, leave it to live." Sal'ne lightly stroked his hand.
"Yes, my lady."
"It is time to begin the healing." Sal'ne began to gather the Force around her. She laid her hands on Qui-Gon's sore ribs. She could feel the muscles, bruised and torn. One rib had a small break. "Relax, it's much easier to heal someone when they are at peace." Sal'ne began to transfer energy from her hands into Qui-Gon.
Taking a deep breath Qui-Gon felt the Force energy coursing through his body. He let out an audible moan as the combination of his own healing and the effect of her energy began to strengthen the broken rib. Sal'ne moved her hands to his shoulders. She pushed him down onto his back in the damp, cool grass. Slowly, she massaged his stiff, sore muscles. Beginning at his shoulders, down his hard flat chest, over his hips to the rock hardness of his thighs. Pausing a moment, she lost herself in the healing trance. She could feel Qui-Gon's slow even breathing. It told her all she needed to know. He was relaxed, asleep. She continued to massage his leg muscles, using her healing gift to ease the soreness and anger that resided there. Not wanting to awaken him just yet, she decided to hasten the healing of his nose and jaw. Moving so that her cross-legged position cradled his head; she began to gently stroke his eyes and the bridge of his nose with her hands. She smiled, picturing him fully recovered with his now "distinguished" nose.
Suddenly his hands were on hers, pulling her down toward him. Their lips met in with an impact of emotion...love. Qui-Gon sat up and stretched, his muscles feeling loose and relaxed.
"It's just like you to stop me before I am finished." Sal'ne reached for his cheek but found her hand covering his mouth, his lips mouthing something into it. She couldn't help herself, her breath caught in her lungs and she let out a sigh.
Raising his lips from her hand, Qui-Gon pulled her toward him and kissed her harder, deep than ever before. "Thank you for your understanding, for tonight." His breath was but a whisper.
His hands traveled to her shoulders, sliding the straps of her blue dress until they fell loosely on her arms. Without resistance, her dress fell in a pool at her feet. His eyes drank her in. Sal'ne watched as he removed his belt and tunics. His strong, broad chest heaved with each breath.
Spreading his robe on the grass, Qui-Gon slowly lowered Sal'ne to lie atop it.
Sal'ne felt him atop her, his throbbing, hard member pressing into her leg. Gods she needed him. Slowly, he kissed her, requesting entrance, then penetrating her mouth with his tongue, tasting her.
Sal'ne felt herself falling. The waterfall sounds echoed in her ears. Her body felt as though she was inside the waterfall, the water carrying her down, down, down. Qui-Gon was atop her, kissing, stroking, sucking, seeking permission for entry. Sal'ne responded to his need by opening her legs wide. She groaned as she felt his finger penetrating her womanhood. Her hips began to move in unison with his hand. Pleasure rose in her, a hunger for him building.
Qui-Gon felt her need, her desire for him. There was nothing in the Code that forbade this. She was all he wanted, no needed, at this moment. Arching his back, he traced her erect nipple with his tongue. He cupped her head, entwining his fingers in the soft silk of her blonde hair. Arching his back, the tip of his lip quivering with need, he slowly entered her.
Sal'ne had never known such pleasure. She met each thrust of his hips with a push of her own. He was the waterfall plunging his life force into Sal' ne. She was thepool, still and serene, waiting for his life force to enter her. Through the Force, Sal'ne could feel the rushing of his blood, the need within him. A tight band in her loins snapped and unable to hold back, she let go of a scream as the orgasm engulfed her.
Qui-Gon felt her tighten around him. He could no longer hold onto his control. As the spasm of pleasure overtook him, he saw into her mind and felt himself tumbling, tumbling down the waterfall.
They lay on the grass, twined together. Time passed unheeded. Sal'ne leaned against Qui-Gon's chest, his arm enfolded her shoulder, his hand clasped her hand. Sal'ne finally broke the silence with a slight chuckle.
"Have you ever noticed how Coruscant's skyways look like a pattern of plaid fabric in the orange evening sky?" Sal'ne knew it was small talk, but she would do anything to keep from returning to the reception. She did not want to leave the magic of this moment, the wonder of this time.
"I had not. It does appear like a great tapestry." Qui-Gon shifted to one hip, wincing as the bruised flesh touched the ground. Sal'ne rose and dressed. Watching the jedi pull on his tunics, reaching around him, she secured his belt. Before she could pull away he held her in a tight embrace. Nether wanted to let go.
A distinct hissing noise emanated from a bush to their left. Sal'ne felt Qui-Gon stiffen.
"Shh." Qui-Gon slowly let her go.
The hissing noise was now accompanied by a crashing of underbrush.
Sal'ne maneuvered herself behind Qui-Gon. She too felt the presence, but not as a threat. Her Healer senses told her it was a cry for help.
A large red colored lizard suddenly appeared out of the underbrush. The Fire Lizard stopped as soon as it noticed the two forms looming in its path.
Qui-Gon recognized the lizard immediately. Every nerve in his body became alert. He had met this foe once before and did not care for a return match. Sal'ne was with him and she was too precious to risk. Without a second thought, he activated his saber.
"Wait!" Sal'ne laid her hand on Qui-Gon's arm, requesting he lower his saber. Reluctantly he obliged. She could feel that the Herp meant them no harm. The creature was calling, frightened, perhaps needing aid.
Without thought, Sal'ne approached the ten-foot, red orange lizard, breaking Qui-Gon's grip on her arm.
"What are you doing? Get behind me!" Qui-Gon's voice was stern.
"No, I know what I am doing." Sal'ne slowly approached the lizard, using her healing skills to ascertain what was wrong. Each step she took closer to the lizard seemed to calm it. As she reached the Herp, she slowly reached out and touched its back. The lizard turned its enormous head and flicked a forked tongue out, as if tasting the air. Not wanting to show any fear, Sal'ne turned her back to the lizard as its tongue came within inches of her leg.
"Sal'ne!" She heard Qui-Gon calling her. "Don't do this."
"She is in pain, hurt." Sal'ne closed her eyes. "No, she is looking for a place to lay her eggs!" Sal'ne ran her hands along the length of the beast. "That's all she wants a place to hatch her young."
Returning to Qui-Gon's side, Sal'ne looked him straight in the eye. "We must leave here, leave her alone. She desires to give birth to her young in this beautiful place."
"All right," he conceded. "Don't ever do that again! I couldn't bear the thought of losing you." Qui-Gon held her close as they walked down the path. Behind them they could hear the sounds of the beautiful patch of grass being dug.
Years later as Qui-Gon walked past the Waterfall habitat on his way to the Jedi Temple, he remembered that fateful day with the woman he had once loved. Sal'ne and Qui-Gon had not been destined to become life mates. She had made her decision to pursue her life as a Healer and an advocate for the wildlife on Coruscant. He had chosen his path as a solitary Jedi, who was about to become a Master.
The End