Summary: Qui-Gon finds himself in a new place, while Obi-Wan encounters a surprise in the wilderness
Rated: PG13
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DISCLAIMER: Star Wars and all publicly recognizable characters, names and references, etc are the sole property of George Lucas, Lucasfilm Ltd, Lucasarts Inc and 20th Century Fox. This fan fiction was created solely for personal use and private entertainment. No money was made from it. No copyright or trademark infringement was intended. This work and its author are NOT in any way connected with or to Lucasfilms Ltd.
Chapter Three:
Slowly he became aware of coolness touching his cheeks, then his throat, then his jaw… and of the sharp pain that seemed to assault him from all sides when he only so much as sighed softly. He struggled to open his eyes, but his eyelids seemed to be made of duracrete, and weigh just as much.
Finally he succeeded, but it was only a swirl of light and shadow and color that assaulted him, and he was not even aware that he moaned feebly as a horrendous dizziness seemed to envelop him. Instantly one blur of shadow came closer, separated from the rest somehow, and by intense effort he was slowly able to make it turn into a face that hovered above him with a clearly concerned look.
“Don’t try to move… just rest –“ the soft voice of a woman soothed as he felt his hair being stroked and he blinked heavily.
“Who…. R you?” he managed to whisper, and her face blossomed into a soft smile.
“My name is Kendra. I’m a healer… and you’ve been in an accident. Are you still dizzy?” she asked and he swallowed dryly, not even trying to nod as his pulse seemed to throb in his head.
“Very… much so - dizzy… spinning –“ he whispered vaguely, her face losing focus as for a moment as his vision grew grey and dim and seemed to fade. Then he could feel that she put a hand to each of his cheeks, gently stroking his face with a deeply sympathetic look - and she slowly wavered back into focus.
“It will help if you can try to concentrate on me so I can give you a little extra energy. You’ve had quite a head injury. A much more severe one than they suspected at first… but I think you’ll be all right.” She soothed, and he felt waves of comfort and calm wash over his mind.
“Where… where am I?” he asked weakly and she smiled.
“You are someplace very safe, and I am here to take care of you. Do you remember waking up before?” she asked, still stroking his cheek, and he risked shaking his head just a tiny bit – and was instantly nearly overcome by the dimming of his vision again and she frowned mildly.
“Can you tell me what your name is?” she asked gently and he swallowed dryly, then thought… and finally frowned deeply.
“I…. I…. I don’t know what my name is –“ he breathed in alarm, stirring and trying to rise up on one elbow – only to be instantly overwhelmed by total blackness. Kendra frowned even more as she watched him collapse into unconsciousness once again. Quickly she felt at the pulse in his wrist, then with a sigh, slowly she rose from his side. If he did not even know his own name… getting him to cooperate might be harder than what the Negotiation council suspected! This was obviously NOT going to be just a simple matter after all!
Obi-Wan tried to calm his ragged breathing even as he tore the bottom of his robe off in a long strip. His hands shaking, he rolled the material up into a long thick piece, then tied it over the large deep gashes just below his knee that were bleeding profusely. He groaned deeply at the brilliant flash of pain, forcing down the bile that rushed to his mouth as he tied it firmly and securely. Then, teeth chattering, he leaned back against the rough stone wall of the cave. To his left was the mouth of it – beyond which an absolute downpour of rain continued with no signs at all of letting up. On his right, lay the still twitching body of the large cat-like creature, with his fishing spear impaled through it’s chest.
He had sensed that the storm was coming for days now, but there seemed little he could do about it. He had reached a very stony and rocky part of the next range of hills, leaving the creek eventually when it had come to a waterfall over a sheer face of the cliff some 100 yards straight down. Trying to find his way around and down it had cost him 3 more days even as route after route led only to the same impassable drop-off.
Finally he had spotted some kind of herbovor type creature similar to a deer, and had followed it on the small game trail he had not noticed earlier. Finally, he had reached the bottom of the waterfall, where again the creek took up, only now larger. Not long after, the terrain had become full of enormous boulders and narrow passes between them through which the creek had become a roaring, churning rush of water and rapids and rocks. Each of those he had had to find a way up and around yet again…. And each time had taken him hours upon end. Then the storm had hit.
Wild and viscous the pelting rain had hammered down upon everything caught without shelter beneath its’ howl. A burst of Force-inspiration had shown the youth the hidden cave amongst the cliffside boulders on one side of the roaring, rain swollen creek, and he had not hesitated to hurry into it…. Which had led to him surprising the cat thing as much as it’s presence had surprised him! Instantly the animal had sprang at him with a horrendous snarling growl of outrage, one pawful of claws gouging the gash across the boy’s lower leg even as he had tried to leap up and over the beast much as he often had his master during their saber practice.
But still the cat had gotten him – and turned instantly as he had landed. The youth had barely had time to get the spear up before him before the cat was leaping for his chest…. And thus became impaled on same said spear. Instantly the boy had thrown the spear and its victim sideways and away from him, and collapsed, shaking, to the floor of the cave. It had taken him a few minutes to realize the pain in his leg and crawl over to the wall of rock where he ripped his robe to make a bandage.
Now the boy tried to center himself and reach out for the Force, both to help stop the pain and blood loss, but also to calm his still jittery nerves and sooth his rain soaked and thus rapidly cooling body. Slowly, his breathing slowed and he was able to lose himself in the peace and serenity of the Force.
Hours later it was when he came out of the trance. His leg felt hot where the cat had scratched him. The pain was intense and it took repeated efforts of concentration to force it away from his mind. Still the storm howled outside. Carefully the boy looked around himself. Part of the cave was littered with old, dry, branches, as if the creek had at one time risen so high as to wash them inside it, where they were caught and left to lay when again the water receded.
Considering the storm outside, it was not a comforting thought… but it did lead him to crawl over and begin piling the branches together in one place near the entrance. If nothing else, perhaps a fire would dry him out and stop his shivering. And, if he were extremely lucky, the creek would not rise so high as to force him out of the cave before the storm had passed.
Soon indeed he had a warming blaze made from the branches, and had draped his robe and tunics over rocks near the wall there so the heat of the fire could dry them. Suddenly, his stomach growled loud and hungrily at him. He sighed. He had not even thought to gather some of the berries and plants to carry with him! He rose carefully, only to find his leg too painful to stand on. Half hopping now, he made his way back to the body of the cat to retrieve his spear.
Yanking it out of the animal, he stared long at the still body. He was so hungry now all of a sudden, yet he still felt weak and shaky. With a sigh he hopped back to his utility belt and removed the sharp knife-like device all Jedi carried. Perhaps the Force itself had led him here – and provided him with a meal at the same time! Half-hopping again, he returned to the animal’s body and set about the awkward, messy task of trying to find what might be cookable. He had no experience doing this – had never seen it done…. And yet, he knew it could be done… and that the meat might be more than just convenient if he were to be stuck here for any length of time. Obviously he would not be walking out as soon as the storm let up – not with a leg he could not even walk on!
Kendra smiled as she gently fastened the soft green sash around the large, tall man's waist. Slowly he turned around to regard the old, scarred mirror and raised one eyebrow as if surprised with what he saw there.
"You look fine." She told him, as he stared down at the knee length tunic of light blue that he now wore over black pants and high black boots of soft suede. Down the outside length of each calf were symbols in silver, embedded into the leather itself. Lightly he fingered the wide sash of green smooth leather and considered the central oval of silver filigree and inlaid stone. He frowned somewhat as with a fingertip he lightly traced the whorls and swirls that edged the top and bottom edges of the soft but fitted leather sash and he seemed puzzled.
Gently she approached him with a 3 quarters length cape make of soft darkish-grey wool that she spread over his shoulders and fastened at the front for him. 3 different layers of it spread behind him - one ending at mid calf level, one at mid thigh level and one at elbow level. She smiled at him as she stepped back and chuckled mildly.
"See?" she asked simply and he nodded with a thoughtful look, but was silent. Kendra considered the man whom she now called "Jinn" as he stood before her. He had been awake and alert now for 4 days - finally - yet still seemed to have absolutely no memories of any kind that were his own from before waking up here. It had been the recently visiting negotiation council member who had finally given a name for him to be called by. That in itself had been a severe surprise – to everyone! Members of the governing council of negotiators did not usually visit the village at all!
She truly was relieved to see him up - but she was not about to let him out of her sight just yet. Even sitting in the chair by the fire these last few days he was still subject to sudden episodes of severe headache and dizziness. In addition, while many of his bruises had faded and healed - his side was stable, but still easily aggravated and often sore. The negotiation council had issued a formal announcement, as it did for all new arrivals…saying that he was one of the 'Chosen Citizens' – but chosen for what? Unlike all the others, no mention had been made either then or since as to what his area of special ability was. Even living with him for this week had given her absolutely no idea what field his talents lay in.
And the man himself was an enigma – his almost total lack of knowledge of how life was lived just amazed her. It almost seemed as if he were discovering things he did not exactly know how he should react to. In fact, just normal everyday common things seemed to puzzle him. But neither the constable nor the overseer had exactly shared with her the details of his life before they had brought him to this small cabin on the outskirts of the village.
She had been out several times now, leaving him once he was settled and asleep for his prescribed and still much needed afternoon nap…. And indeed she had found the others of the village all knew of him and were extremely curious! As seemed to be the constable – and the overseer! The first time she’d gone to market, no less than 36 people had stopped her to ask about him – and that was nearly a third of the whole village!
She pat the man on the shoulder fondly. Once awake she had been pleasantly surprised to find he seemed to have a very peaceful, calm nature. His voice was low pitched, quiet, and his eyes were always bright and alert - with a truly charming lopsided smile and a rather uncertain air about him. Even his sudden shyness at moments was endearing she thought, as she smiled to herself.
She shook her head as she remembered how he had seemed utterly mystified – and reluctant to ask for help – the first time he’d seen the small stall in the corner of the cabin that was used for hygienic cleaning and elimination purposes! Yet, he always did a fantastic job at building a fire in the fireplace. He’d have it roaring hot in mere minutes nearly! Then, he’d done fine at helping her chop vegetables for dinner – dicing them quickly and precisely as if from much experience no less.
Even common names for things he would stop and look deeply puzzled over and need to be shown. He didn’t even remember the main cultural holidays that every family observed and that every child knew of! And of all the things that fascinated him the most – she would have to say it was the stars. From the very first night he’d been truly lucid enough to realize it was dark outside, he had asked her about the moons and stars…. Yes, this one was indeed a mystery, she thought to herself as she watched him put a hand gingerly over his left side while frowning just a bit.
"Here Jinn - let me see. How does that sash feel?" she asked, and at her first touch he flinched strongly, turning away with a soft 'unnh' of discomfort, his hand now pressed to his ribs protectively as he gave her an injured look.
"I'm sorry - I didn't mean to hurt…. Hold still now, let me loosen this up for you - " she soothed, and he did so, closing his eyes and looking very relieved as she finished, and now she frowned at him with one eyebrow arched.
"You should have told me it was too tight silly! Hold on now - let me be sure you're all right -" she said, as she caught him by a wrist. Gently she drew him near so she could lay a hand over the soreness of his left side… and he smiled very shyly but seemed to trust her and let it be done. Carefully she pictured sending a strong, white shaft of healing energy straight into his side, and heard him catch his breath, as he always seemed to do when she did this.
She opened her eyes to find him standing there before her, his own eyes closed tightly, breathing a little too fast as slowly he reached out with one hand for the wall as if to steady himself. For a long moment she studied what she had indeed come to believe were the kind features, then, with a smirk, she reached up, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, which he startled at, as he always did.
"Come along - 'Jinny' - time for a short trip to the market place. We'll go slowly -" She teased him mildly, guiding him towards the door - but at the nickname he stopped suddenly, eyes widening, then blinking rapidly as if deeply confused.
"What is it Jinn?" she asked quickly as she took his arm, and he swallowed dryly, seeming frozen for a long minute or two, then he shook his head some and turned to her with a deeply puzzled and uncertain look.
"That - that name…. Jinny… I - I think that IS my name! I - I - I think I remembered something." He said as if uncertain, and she smiled as she pat his arm.
"Can you tell me?" she coaxed as she took him outside and he seemed puzzled as he half shrugged and sat down on the steps of the small porch that graced the front of the cabin. Quickly she sat down beside him, giving him a moment to gather his thoughts as he gazed out over the simple dirt path before them, along which other cabins stretched, but in only one direction.
"A Voice… I heard a voice… only a really, REALLY strange voice - raspy almost… saying - stand here you WILL Jinny - Mind the teacher you MUST! And, I'm facing a corner… and I look around - and - and - and there's this REALLY unusual looking - being - right next to me. He's not any taller than I am - but he's old… Lots of wrinkles, green skin and large pointy ears… not human at ALL! And yet - and yet, I giggle. This - is a friend of mine - and I know I've been causing trouble just so they will HAVE to call him to come. He - he looks at me and he wiggles one ear back and forth and raises one eyebrow and he tells me - so - a little hellion you have been I see! Like he just up and read my mind and knew exactly what I'd been up to - and I expected him too! I wanted him too - and I'm relieved he's there. He takes me outside to a - a - a…. a garden of some sort… we walk - and - play with the flowers. I touch a flower bud on the bush and ask it to open up…. And it will. It does for me… and he comes along behind me and smells them and says how wonderful they are and…. When we get to the end and the whole row of bush is blooming - he looks at me and says - now you must close them little one - or the frost might hurt them over night. It is too early for them to be open really. And he helps me close them. HE called me Jinny…." He said as if extremely amazed, and absolutely delighted, and she smiled, resisted the urge to laugh at the story.
Obviously it was a memory of childhood - and perhaps an unusual one at that! Or part memory and part dream! Opening flowers just by asking them to indeed! She smiled as she gently rubbed his back for a moment, automatically sending him a small boost of energy, as she had been often for all these days now. This first memory was a start at least. She knew part of it had to be true - he sort of felt to her like one who had probably had his share of being up to no good when he was small! After a moment he gave her an uncertain look and small shrug, and again that lopsided, shy, half smile.
“Well good – it might not be a memory that seems logical to you now – but it seems to be one, and that’s a good sign Jinn. It will probably come back to you in bits and pieces like that – but in time it will make more sense. Now, are you sure you feel up to a walk like this? It is 4 blocks to the market –“ she said as she gently ran a hand over his side, seeing his mild flinch still, but still the man nodded.
“I… I need to get outside I feel.” he said, as he looked up at the tall trees that towered over the row of cabins, casting dappled shadows everywhere and she smiled as she rose and offered a hand to help him up, which he accepted quickly.
“All right – but if you get tired or sore –“ she warned, and he smiled fully with a soft chuckle as he came down the steps and now stood looking around curiously. She smiled as she hooked her arm through his on his injured side, and slowly they set off.
Chapter Four:
Kendra smiled as she slowed her step to the slower ones of the man at her side. Normally someone that much taller would out stride her easily, but not today. Today was the first time Jinn had been beyond the porch, and he certainly reacted as would one who was new to the world. Every bush, tree and flower they passed earned his attention, as did each of the cabins in turn. His attentive eyes seemed to take in everything, although he said little. Eventually they reached the corner and turned onto the main and only actual street, both sides being lined with vendor's booths and open doorways to shops beyond, and as always, the gaggle of people talking and laughing and trading and arguing. She felt his grip tighten and could sense a hesitancy in him.
“It’s alright – the place where I buy the bread is just there,” she offered, pointing down the street a short ways to where the sign advertised such. It did not exactly help the way several at the stalls they passed stopped to turn, suddenly silent as they stared at him openly as she led him past. Finally they reached the doorway of the shop that had a few tables in front of it at which sat a customer or two already.
“Would you like to sit down? I’ll just be a few moments –“ she offered, and he nodded, seeming grateful as he chose the seat closest to the door and farthest from the street, absently putting a hand inside the cloak to rest it over the sore area once again, and she frowned mildly.
“You stay put – I’ll get you a drink.” She told him and he just nodded, already studying the scene before him with an intent look.
Quickly she ducked inside, to have several of the women already there turn to her eagerly.
“You brought him? Oh good! He must be getting better quickly then!” one exclaimed, wide eyed, and her two companions nodded. Kendra nodded, but with a mild frown.
“I’m not sure he’s really up to this now. I think it’s been a little far. Baker Andre, may I have glass of Idleberry juice for Mr. Jinn please?” she asked, taking out a coin purse from her pocket, and the short, thin man in his late 50’s behind the counter quickly served up a tall glass of reddish liquid, and waved away her coins.
“I know what it’s like to suddenly be here. He’s not young – like you dear healer. He probably needs something a good deal stronger than juice to help him adjust to this-“ he said very softly, with a sympathetic smile, and she frowned mildly.
“He’s not been upset at all. He does not seem to have any objections… but thank you none the less.” She said, and left to take it out to him. In a moment she was back, to find the 3 younger women all suddenly very interested in the goods on the shelf in front of the window. At her arched brow, all 3 suddenly giggled softly and moved elsewhere. Kendra sighed to herself as she wandered to the back of the store where the loaves of golden crusted bread were displayed. She wanted to get something special, and suddenly realized she had no idea which kind her temporary companion preferred. Then, just as quickly, she realized that he would probably not know which he preferred either!
As a result it was longer than she expected before she had finished her purchases. Hurriedly she exited the store, turned to the table – and caught her breath. He was gone! Frantically she looked either way down the street, and heaved a deep sigh of relief as she saw him 3 stalls further down, considering something that seemed to have attracted quite a number of other customers as well. Quickly she went to catch up with him and see what all the fuss was about.
She slowed as she reached the edge of the crowd, then inched her way forward. There didn’t seem to be anything unusual at all here – just Jinn – and a young boy who stood beside the woman on the vendor’s side of the table. Then she realized it was Jinn himself who was the object of all the attention. Finally she reached his side, only to have him quickly realize her presence and smile cheerfully.
“There you are Jinn!” she exclaimed with relief, and he nodded.
“I see you found me. I am afraid I let my curiosity get the better of me. Have you seen these? Aren’t they unusual?” he asked in a soft tone, as he waved a hand over the display before them. Kendra looked at the stall full of woven blankets and linen goods, and smiled at the woman.
“Yes, they are VERY nice – Weaver Tash’a does beautiful work.” She agreed, and the man nodded as he cocked his head and considered a design woven into on display on the back wall. For a long moment he seemed deeply thoughtful, then he smiled and nodded.
“You’ve woven your design using a geometric formula of trines, I see. Very clever – and very difficult to do! It is indeed fine workmanship.” He said casually, and the woman gave him a deeply surprised look, as did the boy, then the two looked at each other, then back at him.
“You are entirely correct – Mr. Jinn. But very few have ever noticed!” the shopkeeper replied, and he smiled as he returned his attention to the linens before him.
“Master…. Master Jinn.” He murmured softly as if unawares, and those behind and around him murmured softly.
“Master? Sir – are you a teacher of some sort then?” asked the boy eagerly, and the man looked up at him as if confused, then blinked rapidly with a rather stunned look as he straightened… then slowly he nodded with a rather surprised look as he stared at the child.
“You're - a teacher?” Kendra breathed, the crowd around them suddenly silent, and he frowned as if puzzled.
“Yes – and no…. A boy…I’ve been in a classroom of many children – but there is one – one boy in particular. I can see him in my mind. Dark blond hair… short… but one side has a long braided piece…. Green eyes…. But I can’t think of his name…. I’m his teacher.” He said – and suddenly the crowd all broke into loud murmurs and he looked around as if startled to find them there.
Quickly Kendra took his arm and forcibly drew him away from them all, edging them out and away, her eyes dark now as she took him back to the table in front of the baker’s shop.
“Is something wrong? You’re very upset –“ he observed apologetically, and she sighed.
“No – not wrong – not exactly. Jinn – the government here has just recently changed to a new system of doing things. This is not a normal village. It’s a ‘Communal settlement’… everyone here was chosen to come here for a special talent or skill they have. Look around – do you SEE any children here? You don’t. The only children here are those who may have been apprenticed to someone who was chosen to come here. And it has been a topic of deep concern for all that have come here. Many have had to leave their families behind… and have been told that ‘someday’ the government will make provisions for their children and spouses to join them. If you truly are a teacher – you may be a sign that the government actually intends to do that soon. That’s why they all started to get excited. While you’ve been ill, there was the usual announcement that you had joined the village – as there always is… But they never said WHY or what special skill it is that has brought you here. I just hope it’s not supposed to be some big, deep secret they didn’t want anyone to know about yet!” she told him, and he started to frown.
“What? Leave their families and children? The government FORCES them to come here?” he breathed, his voice deepening in objection, and quickly she grabbed his arm, digging her nails into his flesh.
“SHHH! An attitude like that will only get you severely punished here! That collar around your neck is NOT there for decoration! It’s a way the overseer can punish you for things! Jinn – look – maybe you’re better off not remembering what you left behind. Maybe it’s actually kinder that you don’t! Maybe you left no one at all! I didn’t! We cannot fight the laws… it will only get you hurt!” she said, suddenly catching her breath and gulping as there came the sound of horse hooves, and in just seconds one appeared, from the direction of the linen’s stall.
The man astride it was clad in long black coat and hat, with black gloves. In his late 40’s, his hair was still thick though salted with grey and it was stern features and dark eyes that picked them out as he stopped to stare at them.
“Afternoon Healer…. Mr. Jinn….’cuse me – MASTER Jinn – nice to see you out –“ he said with a slick smile, and Kendra felt the blood in her veins turn to ice, even as she felt Jinn’s arm tense under her hand.
“Good day Overseer.” She said with a nod, and Jinn copied her motion, though he was silent.
“I guess next time you see the constable, you’ll be able to report that our new resident here is recovered?” the overseer asked in a demanding tone, and Kendra met his gaze steadily, as she shook her head.
“I will report what memories he seems to have regained, what his physical condition is…. But as of today, no, he is far from recovered. This is his first time out – and even that I allow only because he is under my supervision sir. He is making rapid progress – but his head injury was very severe.” She said, and he seemed amused as he considered the tall man.
“What do YOU say?” he demanded, and Jinn just half shrugged, his eyelids lowered some now, and his features suddenly worn and tired seeming.
“I wish I could say I felt fully recovered sir…. I hope to be able too soon. But – if I were to claim so today, it would be a lie any small child could catch me on…. And I do not deal in lies.” He said back quietly, calmly, not reacting to Kendra’s soft gasp at his last words, as suddenly the overseer seemed to give him a harsh, intent, glare.
For a long moment there was utter silence… Even the other customers had become silent, realizing the sudden influx of tension between the two men… until finally the one beside Kendra looked away and down at his hand, and the overseer smiled thinly.
“Somehow MASTER Jinn – I doubt very much if you do. I’ll be by in a few days to see how you are I think. You can expect me –“ he said lowly, in a threatening growl, then abruptly reined the horse away, now at a sudden trot, and Kendra let out a breath she did not realize she had been holding, even as the man beside her seemed to sag in the chair.
“How could you do that? Antagonize a man like that? What kind of teacher do you claim to be?” Kendra suddenly hissed at him angrily – and he glared back.
“Perhaps the question is not what kind of teacher am I – but what kind of people tolerate the separation of entire families! How could you even consider such a thing as acceptable Kendra?” he growled sternly as now he rose, folding his arms inside the cloak, and started back at a rapid pace towards the path that led back to the cabin.
Quickly she rushed after him, feeling his deep annoyance and anger at her even in his silence. She was surprised at how fast he now walked – fast enough even so she could not catch up, nor even get even enough to see his face…. Until suddenly about half way there he seemed to stagger, then fell to his knees heavily. Instantly she was at his side, grabbing the back of his cloak to keep him from falling face first to the ground.
Instead she dropped the bread and hugged him to her. She could feel his rapid, shallow breath on her stomach even as she felt him trembling uncontrollably. She looked down, and scowled deeply at the perspiration that coated his features, features that were now absolutely colorless.
“Alright… shhh – it will be alright Jinny…. I should not have lost my temper – Shhh” she soothed gently.
Only eventually did she dare sit him back, watching as he wiped at his forehead with a still shaky hand as he struggled to collect himself. He was still very pale and now utterly exhausted looking as well. Slowly she helped him rise to his feet, collected the bread in one hand, and slid her other arm around his waist to support him. 3 times more she felt his trembling grow severe enough that he stopped, seeming dizzy but refusing to sit down. Finally they reached the cabin, where she caught her breath as she realized the man on the horse sat silently, just off in the trees, watching – as he apparently had been for some time.
Quickly she pulled the tall man in through the door, then turned and locked and bolted it securely. For a long moment she watched out the shutter cracks… saw the overseer come closer – staring at the cabin as if he could see through the walls – then finally he turned and let the horse slowly walk away.
With a huge sigh of relief she turned away from the window – to find the large man sitting on the couch with his head down on his arms that rested on his knees. She went and sat beside him, a gentle hand on his back.
“Here – sit back now – you need to rest.” She soothed, concerned as she found she had to nearly half lift him and guide him, where now he lay back limply, pale features and eyes only half open as he breathed in small puffs through slackly parted lips. Quickly she undid the cloak from around him and removed it – then gently scooped him up against her chest and half turned him so she could now lay him down fully on the couch.
There he seemed to lie very stilly as she undid his boots and removed them as well, then moved back to his side to feel at the pulse in his neck and wrist. Finally he seemed to focus on her and she smiled at him fondly, even as she caressed a cheek.
“That was even BEYOND overdoing it mister…How do you feel?” she asked with concern and he sighed shallowly.
"Like I…. Can’t catch… my breath really…” he puffed softly and she nodded, putting a hand lightly over his sore ribs.
“It’s muscle spasms… from trying to race me home like that. Just try to relax –“ she soothed, still stroking his cheek as she sent him waves of comfort and peace. Slowly she felt his breathing grow easier, even as his eyelids grew heavier and his features dull.
“You should sleep now Jinny… relax… don’t fight it…. Just let yourself float –“ she intoned lowly, brushing his forehead. She smiled as she felt him slowly surrender, sliding towards slumber – until suddenly he jerked back awake with a soft gasp of alarm, and she quickly laid her hand fully against his cheek. Now he blinked at her very heavily, his eyes barely focused.
“The boy… he’s – he’s not just another student…. He’s … he’s more… C- Closer…. Almost… Like – my own son…. I have to find the boy…. He needs me…. No… it I … who need … him. I- I have to find him….” He mumbled fadingly as his eyes finally slid closed, and she sighed sadly as she felt his mind surrender completely and now he fell deeply and soundly asleep.
Gently she caressed his slack cheek, her eyes filling with tears as she recalled the burn marks on his neck, under the collar that she’d seen at first on him. Somehow, she sensed even now that it would not be the last time he bore them. The idea that he would be a teacher somehow felt right – every inch of her inner senses screamed at her that this was his role… who this man was – and with a dedication few others ever matched.
Slowly, gently now, she centered herself in her healing nature. There she found a gentleness and love for all living things…. His dedication and devotion to peace and bringing calmness… And then there was a flash – just a brief flash of a picture – him – in the tan tunics and chocolate colored robes, with a youth at his side dressed in similar fashion. A youth who’s heart was full of love and joy and curiosity….
TBC…
