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A Long Way From Home

by: Ashley R

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Chapter 2

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Part 3:

Celidre woke to see Obi-Wan's smiling face staring down at her. "Good morning. Time to get up!" He said cheerfully. Celidre smelled something cooking in the kitchen. *Qui-Gon must be making breakfast,* she thought. She smiled up at him and yawned. He stepped back and let her stand up. She looked out the window. It was barely dawn. The sun was shooting out pink, blue, purple and yellow rays across the sleeping sky. It was barely peeking over the mountains. The reflection of the sky in the lake was magnificent. "Morning? Are you sure you don't mean night?" She smiled and yawned. He gave a laugh. "Come have breakfast. We will start your training shortly." He left the room for her to get dressed. She found the outfit he had left for her on the dresser. The outfit very pretty turquoise-blue color. It was an exercising outfit, and rather tight at that. But it made her look very sexy, and she was proud of that. She looked in the mirror and gave a smile. She then placed her cloak on, which was not the same color, actually a dark brown, but it went well fashion-wise nonetheless. She headed for the kitchen. Celidre sat down at the table and watched Qui-Gon preparing breakfast. He was apparently a master chef. The smell of fresh fruit filled the kitchen, not to mention sizzling meat and eggs. She grew very hungry at the smell.

After breakfast, the sun was shining through the windows. Celidre cleaned up her room and headed outside to wait for Obi-Wan. He came out in very handsome attire; he was wearing his coat, of course, but he was wearing a tighter and darker pair of pants. His cloak was also slightly tighter. She smiled as she watched him approach. He led her far across the property, near a small patch of woods at the very base of the mountain. It was a long walk, but she spent most of the time getting to know her master better, and also hearing of what tests she would be given today. As they reached the field, she soon saw what lie ahead of her. There was a very lengthy circular track in the ground, with a stack of hurdles lying next to it. She realized that she would be tested on her agility and speed. Her first test was to prove her strength. Celidre was instructed to do many exercises; the faster, the more efficient. She passed all the tests, most with flying colors. She was a very fast runner, and although her flips were timed incorrectly, she was an amazing athlete. She was quiet, but determined.

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By the end of the day, Obi-Wan carried her to her bedroom and lay her down on the bed. She was exhausted and could barely breath. He left her there to get a drink of water. Qui-Gon stepped in and sat down next to the bed. He took her hand and smiled, watching her chest rise and fall rapidly. "Tired, I see. Well, young Celidre, you proved yourself well today. I'm very proud of you. You have done well so far." He smiled proudly. She smiled back, squinting at him through exhaustion. "Yes, but I don't know if I can survive another day like this." She gave a sad smile, knowing in her heart that it might be the truth. "No, young padawan, I know it's not true. I have much faith in you; I can feel the force in you. It has grown very strong." She gave a grateful smile. She watched as Obi-Wan walked through the door carrying a pitcher of water and a glass. He sat down on the side of her bed and handed her a full glass of water. She drank it all in one large gulp and breathed a proud and content sigh as she rested. They smiled at her. She was coming along rather well.

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Celidre had finished the end of her first week of training before she had realized it. It was the one-day of rest she deserved. The week had been the most excruciating and physically fatiguing week of her life. On the day of rest, Saturday, the end of the week, she had slept much later than the other two. That Saturday evening, after a relaxing day of resting and much relaxation, she was dreading the next day. Although she anticipated the upcoming weeks of her training, for anxiousness of becoming a Jedi-Knight, she still dreaded the thought of waking up. But, waking up every morning meant waking up to see Obi-Wan Kenobi's smiling, handsome face. She was relaxing in the gazebo, listening to the calm and serenity of the night, when Obi-Wan walked by. He went to sit down at the edge of the lake. He picked up a stone and skipped it across the lake. Celidre watched his graceful moves, and looked at the moonlight reflecting off of his handsome face. His eyes shone brightly and elegantly in the moonlight. His brow, however, in the dim light, appeared furrowed. He was apparently deep in thought. A concerned look crossed his face. He sat quietly, thinking to himself. Celidre studied him from afar. He was a very gorgeous young man, sitting alone in the moonlight. Celidre went to get up but reconsidered. She instead let him alone. But that's when she saw the anguish spread slowly across his face. A sadness rest in his eyes, from what she could see. She stood up, and quietly made her way to his side. She walked down the steps quietly and stood behind Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan titled his head back to look at the stars; instead his gaze met Celidre's pretty eyes. They were shining beautifully in the moonlight. "Hello, Celidre, how are you this evening?" He said politely and warmly, a smile spreading across his face. "Oh, I'm good. And yourself?" She asked. "I'm such as well." He turned his gaze back to the lake. The silence grew to awkward levels. "May I sit next to you?" Celidre asked, breaking the silence. "Oh, yes, of course!" Obi-Wan happily invited. She sat next to him, her legs growing tired. "You've had a very active week. I'm proud of you, young padawan. You are showing much talent. You will most definitely grow to be a very gifted and skillful Jedi-Knight. Your strength, not only being physical but by the Force, is very noticeable." "Thank you, mentor. But this is such because I have a superior master." She looked up at him, eyes twinkling with sincerity. He smiled. "Thank you for your kind words, apprentice." His gaze drifted from her eyes to the lake. *Now is not the time. She is still growing as a Jedi-Knight. You cannot become emotionally involved in such matters when doing such critical training. This could endanger her path to becoming a Jedi-Knight.* He frowned slightly at this thought, his heart breaking from the truth. He figured he should go back to his room and go to sleep. "It is getting late, Celidre; we should be heading back to our rooms by now. We have a new day tomorrow; you will be working with more flexible moves. Sometime this week we shall move on to more weapons." He smiled at her and took her hand, and gently helped pull her to a standing position. "Thank you, master." She joined him in walking back to the house. She noticed Qui-Gon standing outside, arms crossed, leaning against the wall. He was gazing at the stars and thinking. "Young padawan, it is past your bedtime." He gave a chuckle and led her inside. She got ready for bed, anxiously awaiting the new day.

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Part 4:

Weeks passed by quickly. Celidre was not only growing stronger with the Force and her physical strength, but also her feelings for Obi-Wan. No one knew of her feelings for him, except for her sister, whom she occasionally wrote letters to. She also kept a small diary of the daily things she did. It was hidden in the drawer underneath her bed, under the layers of blankets. The key was kept in her jewelry box. One night, 2 months into her training, all things changed. She was outside in the gazebo, recalling the events of the day. She often met Obi-Wan outside to discuss the day's happenings, and to review her stance as a padawan. But one night, all things changed. She was not expecting Obi-Wan outside that night. He was rather busy discussing the stances of the Anowans and their plans. They were in the kitchen and had been talking for quite a while. Her heart was aching for Obi-Wan's touch. To feel him was all she wanted; to love him and care for him. All of her other loves were mere crushes and nothing more. Her mind tended to stretch the truth and make her believe what really wasn't true, that all her previous boyfriends were true. But she knew this time it was not only her heart speaking, but also her gut. She sat outside, glancing at the lake. Thinking and taking in nature's beauty had become a past time. Besides training, eating, sleeping, and visiting other cities for Jedi Council meetings, she frequently went outside to the trellis and sat, thinking and wishing. Soft footsteps crunched through the grass as Obi-Wan approached. Celidre smiled widely; her love was coming, although she pretended not to hear so not to appear too eager. "Hello, young apprentice. How are you this evening?" He said proudly, tightening the cloak around his shoulders. "I am very well. Yourself?" She asked, motioning for him to join her. He gladly stepped into the lattice. "I'm also well. You are coming along splendidly; I could not have asked for a better student." Celidre beamed proudly and sincerely, looking into Obi-Wan's eyes. "Yet, I have some distressing news." She frowned. "Yes, master?" "Despite the fact that this is only a rumor, the Anowans have supposedly given up fighting in a nearby galaxy, and is heard to have been heading this way. They may be targeting Tatooine. An inner spy from Tatooine has been sent to Anwangia. They are trying to appear peaceful so they may throw the military of Tatooine, as well as their government, off guard. We may have to increase the speed of teaching, so we can try to prepare you as best as possible for a potential spontaneous attack." Celidre frowned. "I understand, master." She gazed back at the water. "I understand your family still lives on Tatooine. Although it may be against governmental standards to bring any outsiders other than padawans to a training retreat, I'll try to find a way to sneak your family into Centrios. They can live with us, if wished." "Oh, you mean so, master? Oh thank you, from the bottom of my heart!" She gave him a hug. "You are most welcome, my apprentice." He held her close, closer than he had ever ventured. The feelings he had for Celidre had grown so much during the past few weeks, it was unbearable to even look at her. She realized how close a hug she was in, and pulled away, slightly. She wanted to slap herself for doing so, but she knew that a relationship with her master would seriously endanger her path to becoming a Jedi. She was not too sure of how; her heart believed that such love could bring her closer to him, and to help them communicate during training even better. But she was never quite convinced. Obi-Wan felt her pull away. He realized what a fool he had been to do such a thing. He felt terrible; his chances at a relationship with Celidre were now nearly impossible. She looked into his eyes; his eyes stared longingly back into hers. She knew she had to release such tension in her heart and mind. Although telling him her feelings might endanger the relationship of master and apprentice, the chance was well worth taking. The training would be no different. If his feelings were the same, they would be better at communicating and encouraging each other. She sighed. "What is it, my young apprentice? You are holding something back; I can feel it." "Yes, master, I am. But I fear if I tell you, grave consequences will result!" She pleaded. "Do as you wish, my padawan. Do what you feel is right." "Then, master I must tell you. "I regret,.." She paused. "No, I do not regret my feelings." "Celidre? What are you speaking of?" He asked curiously. His heart was pounding, anxiously awaiting such an answer. "Master, I must tell you that I have feelings for you. I believe, mentor, that I love you. Yes, I do believe such is true. I wish that you do not feel uncomfortable in my presence after hearing such." Obi-Wan felt such joy and relief in his heart that he could barely hold it in. "Young padawan, I admire your courage for coming forth and saying so. "I do believe that, Celidre, I love you as well. I have loved you since the day we met." His eyes, gazing directly into hers, showed a burning passion for her that had been hidden behind the satisfaction of her training. Celidre, too, felt relief in her heart. She felt a content and abundantly happy feeling rest over the nervousness in her heart. Her heart's rapid thudding slowed to a peaceful and content beating. She looked into his eyes, and knew what was coming. She leaned closer to him, watching him intently. He slowly but surely wrapped his arms around her. Such comfort and love was never felt before. They kissed. It was a simple but intensely passionate kiss, which should have been only a few moments, but together they made it seem like forever. And forever was indefinitely not a bad thing. Obi-Wan let Celidre take control over the situation. He felt it was her place to make the moves. He did not want to hurt her or push her too far in any way. She was the one to deepen the kiss. She placed her hand on the back of his neck and held him close. He wrapped his arms around her tighter, as if not wanting to let her go anywhere. The moment was the most perfect and beautiful thing that had ever happened to Celidre. She wanted this moment to last forever. Her love was so undying for him, it was a feeling that she could never have imagined.

In the distance, leaning against the back on the house, stood Qui-Gon Jinn, gazing at the two dark silhouettes became one. He shook his head sadly. He saw this coming. As much as he wanted them together, and to be happy, he knew a relationship could endanger Celidre's future. Such a foolish and teenage act the both of them were; immediately jumping into a romantic relationship. They had apparently forgotten the call of duty and the trainings. Qui-Gon, however, felt a tinge of jealousy. He remembered a love he had back on Tatooine. No one was to know that she was the one called Lau-ra Dahliana.

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The next morning was rather awkward. Celidre sat across from Obi-Wan, eating and often smiling at him. He smiled back of course, remembering their secret from the previous night. Little did they know that Qui-Gon had discovered their secret. Qui-Gon returned from outside with the mail. He handed Celidre a large letter, he was surprised to have received such a quick response, only sending the letter the previous dawn. "Young apprentice Celidre, I sent your parents a letter asking them if they would like to stay at our retreat until the war was resolved. My guess is that the letter you are holding is a response." He grinned at her. She had a small look of surprise. Celidre opened the letter and read it, her brow furrowing and a look of possible glee spread across her face. "The letter states that my parents are grateful for the invitation, but they regret the fact that they must decline. They will be staying with my grandparents and my aunt on planet Imation. My sister Lau-ra, however, will be coming here to visit me, because she refused to miss the chance of seeing me." Celidre beamed with loving happiness. "That's so unimaginably sweet!" She held the letter to her chest tightly and gazed at Obi-Wan. He was very happy for her. Qui-Gon, standing by the front door, felt a pang of something; what it was, however, he wasn't sure. He couldn't figure out if the feeling was happiness for his love returning, fear of seeing her, anticipation, or anxiety. Obi-Wan noticed his master's pain. He grasped the edge of the counter to keep from stumbling over in shock. "Master Qui-Gon, are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked, getting up from the table. "Yes," Qui-Gon cleared his throat, "I'm fine. I believe, young Obi-Wan, it is indigestion." He gave a chuckle, burying his feelings for Lau-ra deeper.

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Celidre watched as the many days of training went by. Each night she went home aching, tired, and physically strained. The day of her first training with a lightsaber, many weeks later, was exhausting but more fun than all of her other trainings combined. She greatly enjoyed handling the lightsaber. *The more you enjoy using a lightsaber*, as Obi-Wan put it, *the more anticipation for learning you will feel; thus you will prevail.* She had quickly learned the techniques of movements with the lightsaber. *Although quickly learned, mastered progressively.* She had learned the basic moves. She had practices with Obi-Wan often, and enjoyed it, especially when she fumbled. They would join in laughter and he would come up behind her and hold her, trying to position her arms correctly. She enjoyed the feel of his touch; so superior and wise, but soft, warm, loving, and supportive. Qui-Gon watched their drills from afar; his thoughts were constantly drifting back to Lau-ra. He greatly anticipated seeing her again, but his emotions were mixed. He felt in his heart that he still loved her, but he also felt that fear of seeing her. It would be greatly awkward; oh that was definite. But, how would she feel? Qui-Gon stared into the distance, watching them practicing. Obi-Wan knocked the lightsaber out of Celidre's hand and it flew quite a distance. Celidre leaned over, laughing so hard she nearly fell. Obi-Wan ran to get the lightsaber, laughing loudly as he ran. Qui-Gon tried to remember such happy times, but found very few. Lau-ra was the love of his life, and their separation with his departure to the previous planet of Jedi-training retreats, Archidia, had left him wanting more. But, it was not his exodus that separated the two. Lau-ra had found the man whom she wanted to marry. He no longer was the love of her life. Qui-Gon sighed heavily, feeling his heart's entwined emotions. He walked back inside.