Falling from Grace 4/16

by Christina, kenobijedione@yahoo.com

Rating: this chapter PG-13

Warnings, disclaimers, etc. in part 1

Chapter 4: New Friendships, Old Memories

The Queen's summer residence was breathtaking. A stone cottage surrounded by high fences lined with guards. The grounds were expansive, rolling hills and lush green fields surrounded by groves of flowers, lavenders, pinks, blues and yellows all melding together in a medley of colors. There were several places on the grounds where the landscaping was so lush and thick it created secret caverns, a place to go where no one would find you for days. Obi-Wan remembered Kalyia telling him about one in particular, down by the lake, where she liked to go when she didn't want to be found. He looked over at the rushing stream and wondered which way to the serenity of the lake.

Trying to imagine Kalyia as a child playing on these grounds was not hard. All he had to do was close his eyes and picture a beautiful little girl, angelic in nature, playing in the grass with dolls, butterflies, ponies, friends, whatever was her fancy that week.

She'd probably played "spaceship" with her father on these very lawns, a tale Kalyia had told Obi-Wan one night in bed, as she reminisced about her hero, a man she missed very much.

Her father had been killed in a battle that took place while Obi-Wan was still at the Jedi Academy. He remembered the battle well, Qui-Gon had served in it successfully. Her father, unfortunately, had not been as successful. Kalyia had been the tender age of six when he died.

The Queen greeted the two Jedi at the front door. "Obi-Wan! Anakin! It's so wonderful to see you!" she leaned over and kissed each man on the cheek, twice.

Obi-Wan sent a message to his Apprentice. Smile and be polite, Anakin.

He knew the younger boy hated the Queen's affections. She was always fawning all over them, telling them how handsome they were, how powerful they were, how safe she felt with them. It was almost sickening after a while. Anakin received his Master's message and nodded courteously. He stepped into the large foyer of the cottage and breathed in sharply. It was possibly more beautiful than the castle. And Anakin had sincerely doubted any building could be more beautiful than the castle.

"Queen Dahlia, this is the most exquisite home I have ever encountered," Anakin said truthfully, drawing an excited gasp from the Queen's lips.

She clapped her hands together and brought the boy into a crushing embrace.

"Oh my dear boy! You simply get more and more charming with each year that passes!" She released him and patted Obi-Wan on the shoulder. "Why soon, this one will be surpassing Master Qui-Gon in his charm, and you will be right on his tail!"

Obi-Wan resisted the urge to roll his eyes and smiled brightly at the Queen. "I don't know that anyone could possibly be more charming than Master Qui-Gon," he said honestly, careful to speak of his former Master in the present tense, as the Queen always did.

The Queen nodded at Obi-Wan and passed a hand across his cheek. "It's when you say things like that, sweet Obi-Wan, that you don't realize just how charming you are," she said sincerely.

Obi-Wan blushed in spite of himself and nearly choked when he looked up and saw Kalyia at the top of the stairs. She descended, a smile playing on her lips and said, "Mother, I hope you're not gushing over them too much, they've not been here longer than five minutes."

Her mother laughed as Kalyia reached the foot of the stairs, smiling politely at both Jedi. Her gaze lingered a bit longer on Obi-Wan, and Anakin felt a twinge of jealousy shoot through him. He tried to dissuade it, especially in light of the conversation he and his Master had in their quarters shortly before. But it was not to be helped. The girl was simply magnificent, even in a simple sundress, and Anakin felt a twinge of desire that he simply could not contain. Looking over at his Master, Anakin noticed the same desire shoot through Obi-Wan’s face before it was masked carefully with a polite, if not detached smile.

"I trust you're feeling better since I last saw you, Princess Kalyia?" the Knight asked, bowing slightly in the polite gesture of greeting that he had to remind himself always to engage in around the Queen.

Kalyia nodded and touched her still-bandaged bicep. "I feel fine, Jedi Kenobi," she replied with a knowing smile. "I'm infinitely grateful that you were present on the terrace last night or I fear my fate would have been quite different," she added.

Obi-Wan stared for a long time at the girl, unsure of what to say. The Queen interrupted the silence with her own appreciation.

"I am perpetually grateful as well," she said, placing an arm around her daughter and exuding a protective air. "I fear if you were not, you would be assisting me in a much different capacity."

The Jedi nodded solemnly, both very aware of their duties while saying in the summer cottage. "I can assure you that Jedi Skywalker and I will see to it that you do not have anything to fear while you are under our protection," Kenobi said confidently, eyeing both mother and daughter with respect.

Anakin straightened up a bit and grinned at his Master's reference to him as a Jedi rather than a Padawan. He sent a thought through the link that existed between them.

Thank you, Master.

It took Obi-Wan a moment to realize what his apprentice was thanking him for, then he smiled in understanding.

I have every confidence in you, Anakin. You are a formidable opponent for anyone who wishes someone you are protecting harm.

The Queen stepped forward, taking each Jedi by one arm. "Let me show you to your quarters," she offered. "I trust you will find your living arrangements quite satisfactory."

Anakin turned on the charm full force again and turned to the Queen, bowing deeply at the waist. "I'm sure we will, your Highness," he said softly. "It is an honor to serve as your protector."

Kalyia, aware that her mother was not concentrating on her at the moment smiled genuinely at Obi-Wan and gave him a small wink. Anakin raised his eyebrows quickly at the gesture but held his tongue. Obviously the girl didn't care if he knew of the relationship. Or whatever they want to call it.

****

The gardens were indeed as lush and green as they appeared at first glance, if not moreso upon further inspection. Anakin sniffed the sweet scented air, appreciating each flower and it's intoxicating aroma. He was combing the perimeter of the grounds for weaknesses, anything that would permit an intruder without the knowledge of the guards. So far, he'd found nothing. The Queen had been right. There was no place safer for them than this. And with himself and his Master on the premises, as well as fifty or so armed guards placed strategically around the perimeter, there was no way anyone was getting in or out of this place unnoticed.

"This is my favorite garden."

The melodic voice startled him and Anakin realized he'd been so lost in his thoughts he hadn't sensed the presence approach behind him. He didn't need to turn around to know it was the Princess.

"It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen," Anakin said without facing her. When she didn't respond right away, he turned, piercing blue eyes meeting familiar green ones, eyes so bright and alive they sent Anakin spiraling every time he looked into them.

"The other being you, of course," he added graciously.

Kalyia laughed softly and rolled her eyes. Gone was the gracious, royal host he'd seen before. She was just a girl now, unbothered by pretenses and certainly not royally inclined. "I've heard you are a charmer," she muttered, fingering one lavender flower absently. "Not many girls can resist you, Anakin Skywalker."

Anakin smiled and looked down at his feet, wondering who the Princess had been talking to. A smile played on his lips as he looked back up. "Rumors of my conquests are greatly exaggerated, Princess," he said.

Kalyia laughed again, this time loudly, tossing her head back and revealing the most succulent flesh Anakin had ever encountered. He wondered what it would be like to kiss her, to taste that flesh beneath his teeth, his tongue--

Stop. Get ahold of yourself and behave like a Jedi, Anakin reprimanded himself.

He wondered if his Master had told himself just that before he gave into his carnal urge and experienced just what Anakin was wishing now.

Respect your Master's private affairs, Anakin.

The voice in his head startled him. It was a voice he hadn't heard in a long time.

Master Qui-Gon?

Only there was no one there. Not anymore. But the old Jedi's presence filled him, and Anakin knew he hadn't imagined the reprimand. He felt a blush color his cheeks and he suddenly felt guilty. What Master Qui-Gon said was right. Master Obi-Wan cared a great deal for this girl, and there was a great amount of history between them. Probably a large amount of future as well. He remembered his Master's words earlier that day. It's difficult to explain but a bond of sorts exists between myself and Princess Kalyia. Not a bond that we forged, but a bond that simply is there. Anakin must respect that bond. It was the will of the Force. The girl's gentle brush of his arm startled him. He'd been completely lost in his thoughts for some time. She brought her hand back suddenly and spoke again.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern clouding her lovely features. "Shall I leave you with your thoughts?"

Anakin shook his head quickly. "No, I'm sorry, Your Highness." He did not try to explain.

The Princess smiled. "Call me Kalyia," she offered. Then added, "I'm sorry I didn't ask you to call me Kalyia when we first met, but it would not have been proper in front of so many other people I cannot extend the same courtesy to."

Anakin felt foolish for harboring disappointment about that simple fact. His Master had explained that she was following party etiquette but still he'd been jealous that his Master called her by her first name while he could not.

"Thank you, Princ--Kalyia," Anakin said sincerely, smiling broadly at her.

He is indeed handsome, Kalyia thought. A charmer for sure. Perhaps the stories she'd heard of him were not quite so exaggerated after all. She hoped in her heart, however, the ones she heard of his Master were. Kalyia shook her head. It was not fair to condemn Obi-Wan for careless interludes. She was guilty of impromptu relations herself. They were young, and both reluctant to release feelings for many reasons. Fear of rejection: from each other, from the Queen, from the Council. Kalyia shuddered at how many permissions she and Obi-Wan would be forced to get if they ever wanted to take their relationship to the next level. She shook her head and pushed her thoughts away. Looking at Anakin for a brief moment, she wondered if he'd read into her thoughts. If he had, he made no indication. Instead, he extended an arm, leading the Princess out of the garden.

"Wherever you were going," he said, "I would be happy to escort you."

Kalyia laughed again. "I was just walking," she revealed, following the woven path through the serene garden and out onto the open lawn. "I'd love to show you the lake," she offered. "Perhaps tomorrow if it is warm enough, we could go swimming."

Anakin smiled and nodded, trying to contain his excitement at the invitation. "That would be wonderful," he quipped, following the beautiful girl across the rolling meadow.

The lake came into view several miles later and Anakin marveled at the expanse of the property. He surmised there must be more than fifty guards if they surrounded the grounds. As they approached the grassy bank, Kalyia seemed to grow more and more excited by the watery hole and skipped the last few feet. She tossed off her sandals and waded ankle deep in, turning around and smiling brightly at the Jedi who stood at the edge, smiling back.

"It's warm," she called, dipping down to touch the water with her fingertips.

She twirled around in the shallow water, laughing at what, Anakin did not know. Nor did he care. His heart was doing flip-flops at the magic that was this carefree girl. She was a far cry from the stringent princess he'd met a day ago. He understood what his Master saw in the girl before, and he understood even more now. She was absolutely delightful. He found himself smiling even more broadly, then laughing along with Kalyia. She stopped, turning to face him again. She stared at him a few moments before wading out of the water and flopping herself on the grass at his feet. Tilting her head up, she looked at him then patted the grass next to her, indicating him to sit beside her. Anakin did, finding himself becoming dizzy at her proximity. He wondered if it was appropriate, or if he should move away. Kalyia made no indication of being uncomfortable, so he stayed, reveling in the sweet smell of her hair that was blowing across his shoulder. He wanted to reach out and touch it, feel it's softness, but he restrained. There was so much more he wished he could do, but held it all in, swallowing hard and fixing his eyes on the rippling water beyond.

"I love this lake," Kalyia muttered finally, bringing her legs up and crossing her arms across her knees. She rested her chin on her arm then winced, holding out her injured bicep and frowning at it.

Anakin noticed and frowned as well. "Does your arm hurt?" he asked.

Kalyia began to shake her head no, then conceded, and whispered, "yeah, but it's okay."

Anakin shifted himself to face her and reached out for her arm. "Here, let me see it."

She looked at him reluctantly, then held it out to the young Jedi. He took it gently, holding her hand in one of his, using his other hand to cover the bandaged wound. He closed his eyes and sent a healing tendril of the Force through him. It's warmth flowed beyond his arm and into the girl's, and after a moment he opened his eyes to find her staring at him in wonderment.

"It feels better," she said, astonished. "How did you do that?"

Anakin was startled. He figured the girl had spent enough time with Obi-Wan to learn the powers of the Force. Against his better judgment, he voiced this. Kalyia blushed and looked at the ground, picking at a blade of grass with her fingertips. Anakin instantly regretted letting on that he knew of any relationship she had with his Master. He was about to apologize when she looked up and smiled meekly at him.

"When I was younger," she explained, "your age or maybe a little younger, I met Obi-Wan for the first time. He came to the Palace with Qui-Gon to pay a visit to my mother. My mother loves the Jedi, you see, and so at the time it was in my rebellious nature to reject them."

Anakin nodded. He was familiar with this, but didn't let on. He waited patiently for her to continue.

"I'm afraid Master Qui-Gon won me over with his charm, so I was infinitely better to him than I was to his poor Padawan." Kalyia laughed, then sighed. "I was terrible to Obi-Wan at first. I was cold, distant, then mean and taunting. I'm surprised he will even speak to me now."

Anakin raised his eyebrows. He realized that the girl could be a real fire cracker, but couldn't imagine her being so mean as to draw his Master's anger forever. "You couldn't have been that bad, Kalyia," Anakin rebuked. "You're charming even when you're trying not to be."

Kalyia laughed and settled her gaze on the young Jedi. "So are you," she conceded. She didn't catch Anakin's pleased smiled before she continued. "Towards the end of their stay, I managed to be a little nicer to him--" she paused, thinking. Really, she'd wanted to get him in her bed, but he'd refused, like the good Padawan he was. He didn't have time for such distractions. Kalyia laughed out loud, then looked quickly at Anakin. "I was willing to admit there was some sort of bond there," she finally said. "I even missed him when he left. But don't ever tell him that," she amended and Anakin couldn't help but laugh as well. "He came to me after Master Qui-Gon was killed in the Battle of Naboo. I think that's when you met him...?"

Anakin nodded and frowned, remembering the fateful battle with the Dark Sith with a double bladed light saber.

Kalyia reached a hand out and rubbed Anakin's back lightly, unknowingly sending electric shocks through his body with her touch. "I'm sorry," she murmured.

Anakin shook his head and indicated her to continue. She did. "The whole point of the story was that I had been so terrible to him about being a Jedi when we'd first met, it was barely mentioned when he came to me after Qui-Gon--" she stopped. "Anyway, I think he tried very hard to be Obi-Wan Kenobi the man with me rather than Obi-Wan Kenobi the Jedi." Kalyia laughed bitterly. "I think he thought I really hated that about him--although obviously I don't. In reality, I believe I'd adore Obi-Wan no matter what, Jedi or not."

Anakin thought about this, and wondered if his Master knew. Obi-Wan's greatest wish was to have a family one day, with children he could train in the Force. He'd voiced on more than one occasion that he feared he'd never find a woman who was interested in him more as a man than a Jedi. They were so exalted, especially on Courscant, they bordered on being famous. Silence permeated the two for a moment, and Anakin looked over at Kalyia. She seemed perfectly content with what she'd said, and he was glad. He wanted her to trust him. Which was why he hadn't invaded her thoughts although the temptation had been too much to bear at times. Finally, he spoke.

"Do you love him? My Master?" he asked boldly.

If Kalyia was surprised by the question, she didn't show it. Instead, she nodded slowly, unwilling to look Anakin in the eye. "I suppose I do, and always will in one way or another. I fear that I may have played one too many games with his heart in years past for him to ever fully trust me again," she revealed. "And it doesn't matter I suppose, since I wish him to find love one day, with a woman much better to him than I have been."

Anakin didn't hold back his gasp of surprise. He spoke honestly and candidly. "Kalyia, I truly believe there is no better woman than you."

Kalyia raised her eyebrows then laughed. "Who has been feeding your head with delusions of grandeur about me, Skywalker?" she asked, only half kidding. "I may be the daughter of the Queen of Courscant, but that does not make me without fault. Trust me," she insisted. "I hurt Obi-Wan too many times to count, and find myself not worthy of his affections anymore."

"Are you kidding?!" Anakin exclaimed, jumping up and pacing around at the unexpected turn the conversation had taken. "I don't know much about what you went through or how my Master feels, but I believe he is crazy about you still. And anything you did when you first met, he realizes, was youth and rebellion, not your true feelings."

Kalyia shook her head and leaned back on her elbows, watching the agitated Jedi with amusement. "Calm down, my friend," she urged, a smile tugging at her lips. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Anakin stopped pacing and smiled sheepishly at the girl. He flopped back down, brushing his hair out of his eyes. "I'm sorry," he recounted. "I just wish you could have heard the conversation my Master and I had earlier today," he admitted. "He told me of your meeting, then of him coming to you after Master Qui-Gon was killed, and how much it means to him to see you again. I'm not sure you realize how important your bond with my Master is." Anakin paused, thinking. He looked at the girl and tilted his head. "Do you know what symbiance is?"

Kalyia shook her head.

"I think it's what you and my Master share. Hearing you talk about him after hearing him talk about you has made it clearer in my mind. It's a bond, that forges between two people who are destined to be together. Sometimes it forges as soon as they meet, and sometimes it takes longer. But basically what the bond does is it allows you to feel the other's emotions in some way."

"You mean like how you are connected to him in the Force? Can't you feel his emotions and vice versa?"

Anakin shook his head from side to side as if to say 'yes and no'. "My Master and I share a link, yes, but we are able to communicate through that link or close the link off if we feel we should. In that way, we can or won't share emotions. But with symbiance, it's a little different. You can't shut it off, it's just there. And you can't communicate through it, you just feel. The easiest way to explain symbiance is 'what affects one affects the other'. Does that make sense?"

Kalyia stared at the boy for a long while, impressed by his intelligence. She smiled finally and nodded. "Yes, it makes sense," she conceded. "And I don't know if that's what Obi-Wan and I share, or will share one day. We can't even tell the other how we feel." She laughed and shook her head. "Half the time I don't even know how I feel about him. He really can be infuriating sometimes."

Anakin laughed. "Yes, he can. But can't we all."

Kalyia raised her eyebrows and tilted her head. "I suppose you're right, can't we all indeed," she agreed, experiencing a new found respect for the boy.

He reminded her more and more of Qui-Gon the more she talked to him. She voiced this and it brought a smile of joy so pronounced to the boy's face that he couldn't help but hug the Princess.

"That's probably the best compliment anyone's ever given me," he announced, smiling brightly and running an hand though his light hair. "Obi-Wan better watch out because if you keep being this irresistible, he's gonna have some fierce competition."

Kalyia laughed and stood, brushing off her dress and slipping her sandals back on. When she'd righted herself, she held her hand out to Anakin. "Come on, Jedi," she said. "We better get back to the house."

Hand in hand, the two walked back to the house, chattering like old friends. One wouldn't have guessed that they'd just met the day before.