Pawn of Darkness

Chapter 3

Qui-Gon eased his way through an assortment of some of the oddest looking species Obi-Wan had ever seen. He thought of himself as quite well traveled and informed of the thousands of different species the universe had to offer, but he was almost caught off guard by quite a few of the stranger looking beings that crowded the tiny front room of the nightclub. Only a mere scattering of anything even vaguely humanoid made him feel not completely out of place. He wondered about the native species to the planet and cursed himself for being so preoccupied with Qui-Gon that he had done no research on the journey. Observing his surroundings he doubted he would have found anything anyway.
An old, dilapidated bar sat along on entire wall, complete with a few beings hanging on to it like it was the only thing holding them up and still nursing whatever drinks were in front of them. Several small round tables sat throughout the room, each with beings crowded around them, making it seem like some kind of living obstacle course. He muttered a few apologies as they continued heading deeper into the bar. They passed through a large archway thatnnednned the width of the building and the entire atmosphere changed abruptly as if they had stepped through a portal to another place entirely.
Here the same small tables were scattered a bit further apart and covered with a deep green cloth. Small candles sat on each table, enveloping the room in a soft yellow light and filling the air with the smell of wax. All but two of the tables were occupied by the largest collection of humans Obi-Wan had seen since landing, although there were still a few non-humans. The back wall of the nightclub was taken up by a well lit stage surrounded by heavy royal blue curtains.
Qui-Gon made his way to one of the empty tables and sat down. Obi-Wan tried hard to contain his smile as he noticed exactly how small the table looked next to the large form of his teacher. He took the other chair and began tapping his fingers on the table.
" Getting impatient for some answers ? " Qui-Gon asked, after a moment.
Obi-Wan gave a start. He hadn't realized Qui-Gon even knew he was there. " Yes, Master actually I am. " he answered.
The fog that had encompassed his Master seemed to have lifted. He looked at Obi-Wan with clear, focused eyes and a small smile played at the corners of his mouth.
" We are hear to find someone. " he stated.
" Who ? Why have we come all this way to find this person ? "
" I will tell you everything later. " he said, glancing around.
" Can you at least tell me if we have found this person ? "
" She should be around here somewhere. We need just be patient. Anna was never one to be inconspicuous. " he smiled.
At that moment the curtains on the stage closed and the room seemed very dark. Then a spotlight came on. A small being made his way to center stage. He cleared his throat and every head in the room turned to see him.
" I know you all have been waiting " he began in a very nasal voice. " So here she is the reason you are all here - Arianna. "
The curtains opened slowly, and the spotlight dimmed as Qui-Gon nudged Obi-Wan his his hand.
" I told you she wouldn't be too inconspicuous. " he grinned.
A slow, steady, pleasing rhythm began to pour from the stage and the light from the spotlight grew brighter.
She stood in the middle of the stage, back to the audience and hips swaying casually to the music. She was tiny in stature, maybe five feet, Obi-Wan guessed. Her hair hung to her waist in what seemed like thousands of black waves, contrasting with the porcelain skin her clingy white gown exposed.
She turned with agonizing leisure towards the audience and Obi-Wan felt his breath catch in his throat. She was breathtaking. She moved with a grace few humans possessed. Her body shifted to the music, hips swaying at a unhurried tempo. The white dress she wore pooled around her feet. The declining neckline emphasized her heaving chest as she took a breath. Her face was the shape of an inverted teardrop, wide at the top and tapering down to an almost pointed chin. Her skin was pale and flawless. Large sapphire eyes scanned the audience. As she opened her full, red, smiling lips, the sweetest sound he ever heard came from her. Her voice was like honey as it dripped from her lips. The song was sultry and her eyes conveyed the mood of the music. Obi-Wan was mesmerized. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he watched her. Her voice reached out to him and surrounded him in its warmth.
" That is who we are here to find ? " he breathed.
" Yes, that is Anna. Beautiful isn't she ? "
Obi-Wan tried to steady his shaking voice. " Beautiful doesn't come close. " he whispered, still not taking his eyes from the stage.
Qui-Gon turned his head back to Obi-Wan with such an abruptness it drew his attention away from her. " Be cautious, Padawan. Anna is, or at least was, a very troubled young woman. "
" How ? Who is she ? " Obi-Wan asked, trying to keep his eyes from drifting back to the stage for a moment.
" She was my apprentice. " he answered, glancing back at her.
" She is Jedi ! " he gasped incredulously.
Qui-Gon threw a look at him from over his shoulder. " She is a trained Knight. "
" Why have I not sensed her ? "
" She has completely shut down from the force. The only thing I sense from her is through the old training bond we once shared. " he explained.
" It is hard to believe someone so beautiful is a Jedi Knight. "
Qui-Gon gave him a lopsided smile. " I am sure there are quite a few women at the Temple right now that would be extremely offended by the remark. "
Obi-Wan grimaced as he imaged some of the women's reactions. " I believe you are right. You still have not told me how it is that she was troubled, Master. And why has she completely shut down ? "
" That, Padawan, is a long story for another time. "
Obi-Wan half-heartedly accepted that answer only because it allowed him to turn his full attention back to the woman on the stage. He had never seen such beauty or heard such talent. He let himself get lost in the song, letting it flow over him and through him. She sang with a passion that was deep felt and honest.
Disappointment filled him as the last notes of the last song faded and the curtains closed, taking her away from him. Qui-Gon turned back to him with a sigh that spoke of deep weariness.
" She has certainly grown into a lovely woman. It seems the last time I saw her was a lifetime ago. " he commented sadly.
" It has been quite a while. " a soft voice almost whispered behind him.
Qui-Gon spun around to the owner of the voice. He was on his feet encircling her in an embrace in seconds. The big man dwarfed her in size, her head resting on the middle of his chest.
Obi-Wan watched the exchange with the petrifying knowledge that he would most likely need to speak to this woman in a matter of seconds. He was unprepared for the way her eyes seemed to sparkle more brightly up close.
He stood from his chair and unconsciously ran a nervous hand through his spiky blond hair, as Qui-Gon held her at arms length, appraisingly, Obi-Wan shifted from one foot to the other. He could barely hear what the two were saying over the blood pounding in his ears. He had never been very comfortable with women and especially not extremely attractive women, but this was different by far. The woman standing on the other side of his Master was without a doubt the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Suddenly, he realized that Qui-Gon had turned back to the table and offered Arianna a chair. She stepped towards it, then stopped abruptly, her eyes leveled on Obi-Wan as if she had just realized he was there.
" Who have we here ? " she asked, extending her hand towards him.
Stars, he thought, now I have to touch her, too.
He raised a shaky hand and engulfed hers in it. Her skin was cool and softer than the finest Corellian leather.
" This is Obi-Wan Kenobi, my Padawan. " Qui-Gon introduced him.
" It's a pleasure, Obi-Wan. I hope the old man isn't too hard on you. " she gave him a dazzling smile.
Obi-Wan's mind went into overdrive trying to think of something to say.
" He has been a great teacher. " he said, and thecidecided it was the lamest thing he could possible have said.
" He's a good guy. " she answered, turning her smile on Qui-Gon.
" You are both going to make me blush. " he quipped.
Obi-Wan shifted again and then realized he still held her hand in his. He looked up at her and saw her looking at his hand as well. He tried to let it go as quickly as possible without seeming like a total moron.
She lowered her hand, then sat without comment.
Obi-Wan realized he let out an audible sigh as he sat as well.
By the Force, he thought, I'm acting like I've never seen a female before, as he ran his hand through his hair yet again.
" So how have you been ? " Qui-Gon asked.
" I have been well. I have a nice little apartment upstairs. I sing here five nights a week. I have a nice, quiet, simple life. " she answered.
Obi-Wan got the distinct impression the whole answer had been rehearsed.
" I take it your being here means he is gone ?" she asked, in a voice just above a whisper.
Qui-Gon shifted. " That is true. He is gone almost four years now." he answered.
" Four years. I really have been gone far to long. " she whispered, to no one in particular in a far off voice.
" We have all missed you greatly. " he said, reaching out and taking her hand in his.
She sighed and a slow guilty smile spread across her face. " I honestly thought you would all be angry with me for the way I left. "
The look that Qui-Gon gave her left no doubt that nothing could be further from the truth.
" You had your reasons. We all understood that, even Master Windu after a time. "
" I fear that I hurt him most of all. He tried so hard to protect me from him. " she whispered, her eyes appeared almost to the point of tears.
Protect her from who ? Obi-Wan thought.
Later, Padawan, I will explain everything to you later. Qui-Gon told him through their training bond Obi Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortably. He felt like someone eavesdropping on a private conversation.
Suddenly, Arianna shook her head and turned her gaze back to him.
" So, did you like my set, Obi-Wan ? "
Obi-Wan cleared his throat and swallowed around the lump in his throat that had formed the instant she looked at him.
" It was lovely. You are very talented. " he managed finally.
" Thank you. I'm glad I could bring a little light into the life of a learner of Qui-Gon's. Force knows, he doesn't give you much time for entertainment. " she teased.
" He can be quite demanding. " he agreed with a smile, letting himself relax a bit.
" Will you gentlemen be staying for a bit or are you off to save the Universe again ? "
Qui-Gon leaned back in his chair and regarded first Arianna then Obi-Wan.
" I think, as long as Obi-Wan has no objections, we could spare a little time. I could sure use a vacation. Obi-Wan ? "
Obi-Wan's eyes were still on the woman sitting across from him. They hadn't left her since she sat with them. " I would like nothing better. " he whispered.
Stars, he thought, did I actually say that out loud. I must look like some lovesick puppy mooning over her.
I don't mind. I get stared at a lot. It's nice to have such pretty eyes doing the staring this time. The voice in his head this time was definitely not Qui-Gon's he realized and felt himself blush uncontrollably. She thinks I have pretty eyes.
Qui-Gon gave him a questioning look, then a smile.
" Anna, what have you done to make my Padawan so very nervous. " he teased.
" Master Jinn, I would never purposely make someone nervous. " she answered innocently.
Obi-Wan's blush increased as he felt more and more like the butt of some joke the other two shared between them.
" I trust I can tempt you into staying with me. I have two bedrooms and a sofa that is more comfortable than most beds. " she smiled.
" That sounds like a wonderful idea. " Qui-Gon nodded. " We have a lot of catching up to do. "
" Well, then, " Arianna said standing, " It's settled. I would love the company. I have been rather isolated lately. "
The two other Jedi stood as well.
She lead them to the stage and through a door hidden by the curtains. On the other side of the door was a plain, gray metal stairwell leading up. It opened into a large, tastefully decorated apartment. The floor plan was open and inviting. Very little furniture cluttered the expansiveness. A bar set apart the kitchen and the living area. A small table and various obligatory appliance were the only pieces in the kitchen. A large data center covered one wall of liviliving space. A beige, rich fabric covered the sofa that set in the opposite corner with two matching chairs flanking it. One door lead out of the kitchen and two doors lead out of the living room, presumably to bedrooms or a refresher.
" It looks as if you have been doing quite well for yourself. " Qui Jon said, indicating his approval.
" Yes, you have a lovely home. " Obi added, feeling a bit lame for having nothing better to say.
" Thank you, It isn't much but it's comfortable and convenient." She said, walking to the bar and opening a refrigeration unit under the bar. She removed a dark green bottle.
" I have a bottle of Corellian Ale I have been saving for a special occasion." she said, regarding them both carefully. " I would say that jedi visitors is about as special as it gets. "
" That sounds wonderful. " Qui-Gon agreed.
" Obi-Won, how about you ? Will you be joining our celebration ? " she asked reaching for glasses.
" I would love to. It sounds lovely. " he answered, shuffling uncomfortably.
She retrieved three glasses and poured the amber colored liquid. Then handed one to each of them, keeping one for herself.
Obi-Won accepted the glass and took a long drink from it. He could feel the tension easing from his body.
" Please sit. " she said walking around the bar and indicating the sofa.
Qui-Gon moved to a place on the side of the sofa closest to the chair that Arianna was making her way towards and Obi-Won opted for the other chair.
He sank down into its soft, buttery leather and listened as closely as he could as his master and Arianna traded stories about her young life at the temple. Having nothing to contribute to the conversation, he simply sat back and watched her as he sipped his ale. The alcohol eased his tension and his muscles considerably. He realized he had been tense since the moment he had seen her. The dramatic caliber of her beauty had completely turned him into a mass of nerves and hormones. Now that he was up close and getting to know her, the feeling had begun to ebb slightly. Her small hands moved with such fluid, graceful gestures as she told a story or took a sip from her glass. Her hair waved around her face, framing it and making it seem like a master artist's sculpture.
She stood, startling Obi-Wan slightly and bringing him back into the present.
" I hope you guys are hungry, cause I am starving. " she announced walking to the kitchen and looking through various cabinets.
" We don't want to impose on you. We could find our own food or just eat our rations. " Qui-Gon said, standing and walking over to lean on the bar.
" Deep space rations. " She looked over at him with a scowl. " Don't be absurd. I love to cook and I never get a chance to coor otr others. "
" Well, I guess it would be rude of us to turn our host dow" he" he smiled, warmly.
" This is going to be so much fun. " she almost giggled as she pulled out several different ingredients and placed them on the counter.
Obi-Wan stood and moved to the bar as well.
" Is there anything we can do to help ?" Obi-Wan asked, grateful to finally have something to offer.
" Obi-Wan here is quite a cook. I don't really know what I am going to do for food once he takes the trials and moves out. " Qui-Gon said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
" Don't worry, I'm sure another padawan will come along to cook for you. " he teased.
" Well, you can help me chop some vegetables. " she said, grabbing several sacks of vegetables and handing them to him. Then she gave him a colander and a knife and pointed him to the sink.
A general comfort settled over the house as Arianna and Obi-Wan danced around each other in their meal preparations and Qui-Gon and Arianna tossed good natured jabs back and forth. Obi-Wan f himselfself standing at the sink, slicing a Vitagonian tomato and smiling for no apparent reason.
The camaraderie lasted through dinner.
" The sofa folds out into a bed. It is actually quite comfortable. I've slept there a few times myself. " Arianna said, standing from the table and turning to take her dish to the sink, she smiled and added, " But that is a story for another time."
After she disposed of her dish she left the room through a door at the far end of the room. She returned moments later with an armful of blankets and pillows.
Obi-Wan stood to take them from her and his hand brushed against her arm sending a jolt of electricity through his body. He jerked his eyes to hers to catch her reaction, but apparently she hadn't noticed anything strange or at least hadn't acknowledged it.
"The guest room is right there. It should already have everything you need in there." she said indicating one of the doors leadfromfrom the living room. " Okay well, I guess that should do it. The refresher is here." she added indicating the only other door from the living room. " I really should be getting to bed. I have rehearsal early tomorrow. " she smiled. Then moved to Qui-Gon and hugged him briefly.
" I really have missed you. I'm so glad you are here. "
He hugged her back tightly. " I agree. It has been too long. "
He reluctantly released her and she turned to Obi-Wan.
" It was wonderful to meet you. Sleep well. " she said, before returning to the room she had just left and shutting the door.