Qui-Gon was dozing fitfully, trying to monitor Obi-Wan as he did so, when he was woken by someone entering the room. Blinking, he was surprised to find Adi Gallia once again before him.

"What's happened?" he asked, immediately wary.

The woman smiled, one of the few true smiles Qui-Gon had ever witnessed from her in the many years she had been a Master. "It's okay, Qui-Gon. Everything is okay." He must have looked as if she'd lost her mind, for a moment later she laughed. "Truly, Qui-Gon. All is well."

Biting back a sigh, Qui-Gon asked again, "What's happened?"

"She's alive, Qui-Gon." Qui-Gon blinked, sure he had heard her wrong. "I'm not certain how they did it, but the healers saved Elyzabe."

The Jedi master looked at the boy lying curled against him. For the first time since everything with the Council began he felt a chance for hope. "She's alive?"

Adi nodded and relief filled Qui-Gon. He could only think what this would mean for Obi-Wan. Then he recalled the last time he saw Mace... His head snapped up, seeming to startle Gallia. "Please, find Mace, would you?"

She looked confused. "What are you thinking, Qui-Gon?"

"There's something going on there." He shook his head. "I just know he needs to know, Adi."

Sliding her hands inside her robe, Adi nodded. "I will find him and tell him the news. You will tell Obi-Wan?"

"This is one thing I cannot wait to tell him," Qui-Gon said quietly, watching as Gallia turned and left the room.

~<>~<>~

When Obi-Wan awoke, he found Qui-Gon staring at him. "Master Qui-Gon?" he asked, rubbing his knuckles against his eyes. He found it strange that the master was smiling.

"Good morning, little one."

Struggling against the blankets to sit up, Obi-Wan looked at the master in confusion. "Why are you smiling?" he asked in a small voice. "Master Kohn..."

He felt a nudge along their bond, only becoming more confused before Qui-Gon said, "Master Kohn is alive, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan's mouth fell open and he stared at Qui-Gon. Part of him believed it a trick, he had seen... But Obi-Wan knew the master wouldn't do something so mean. "What?" he finally managed to ask.

Qui-Gon smiled. "She's going to be okay, Obi-Wan."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. And the healers said you can see her soon, if you'd like." He almost jumped off the bed before Qui-Gon caught him. "Not so fast, little one. I said soon."

Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon, almost pouting. "Please?"

Qui-Gon nodded. "Soon, I promise."

~<>~<>~

Finding Mace wasn't as difficult as Adi had feared it might be. Luckily for her, he seemed to have gone directly to his quarters. Unluckily, however, he refused to let her inside.

"Mace, I swear," she muttered under her breath, keying in an override sequence to the lockpad. As the door opened she stepped into the darkened interior. "Mace?" There was a noise from near the window and after her eyes adjusted to the darkness she was able to see him sitting, wedged into the windowsill.

"Go away, Adi."

She shook her head. "I can't. I have to tell you something."

When Mace growled, she flinched. "You've told me plenty, Adi. For all the good your warnings did."

"She's alive, Mace," Gallia said, interrupting him before he could continue. It was suddenly clear why he was hurting. "Elyzabe is alive."

Mace's head snapped up and he looked at her with haunted eyes. He lashed out, "Now you lie to me as well?"

"Elyzabe lives." Adi took a deep breath, centering herself. "I do not lie to you now, nor have I ever, my friend." When Mace still looked doubtful, she held out her hand. "Please, come with me."

"Adi..."

"Please Mace. I cannot bear to see you hurting so."

It took several moments, so long that Gallia thought Mace would ignore her altogether but eventually he did stand and walk toward her. "If you are wrong..." he stopped, staring at her for a second, apparently satisfied with what he saw in her eyes. "Please, Adi."

She held out her hand, and this time, he took it. "It will be okay, Mace. I promise you."

~<>~<>~

When the healer came to tell Obi-Wan it was okay to visit Elyzabe, Qui-Gon thought he was going to have to hold him down to keep the boy from bouncing all the way there. As it were, he was happy to see the familiar exuberance having returned to Obi-Wan. So much had happened, so many terrible things for a child to witness, he could only wonder how long before even this relief came crashing down.

As they neared the chamber where Elyzabe was, Qui-Gon felt Obi-Wan clench his hand tightly. He looked down at the boy, smiling and nodded. He gestured Obi-Wan forward, following the healer into the room.

Qui-Gon heard Obi-Wan gasp when they saw Elyzabe for the first time. She was pale, far paler than he had ever seen her. If it weren't for the steady rise and fall of her chest even he would doubt she lived. Yet live she did.

He watched as Obi-Wan moved forward slowly, climbing up on a chair so he could see better. Qui-Gon could feel the uncertainty the child was feeling, and sought to reassure him. He knew he had succeeded somewhat when Obi-Wan glanced over at him, calmed.

"Master?" Qui-Gon heard Obi-Wan ask the sleeping teacher. Carefully taking her hand, Obi-Wan leaned forward. He looked at her face for a long moment before once again turning to Qui-Gon. "When will she wake up?"

Qui-Gon shook his head, glancing at the healer. "She is in a healing trance, young one," the healer replied. The man stepped forward, laying a hand on Elyzabe's forehead. "Do not fret, she is well and growing stronger even as we speak."

Biting his lip, Obi-Wan stared at the healer. "But when will she wake up?"

The healer smiled. "Soon enough, young Obi-Wan. She will wake soon."

"Can I come and see her then, too?"

"Of course you can." The healer nodded, but gestured toward the doorway. "But for now, it is time for you to rest."

Qui-Gon bit back a laugh when Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at the healer. "But I'm tired of resting."

"A familiar complaint," the healer said dryly, glancing at Qui-Gon. For his part, Qui-Gon hid all signs of his earlier humor. "All the same, rest you must."

"But..."

The man shook his head, pointing toward the door. "No buts, initiate. To bed with you."

Clearly unhappy with the situation, Obi-Wan looked at his teacher one last time. "Sleep well, Master Kohn," he whispered before jumping off of the chair and taking Qui-Gon's hand. Together they left the room, Obi-Wan glancing over his shoulder one last time before the healer slid the door shut and he could see Elyzabe no longer.

~<>~<>~

They were not quite back to their room when Obi-Wan saw Master Windu walking toward them with another master he didn't recognize. Letting go of Qui-Gon's hand, Obi-Wan ran forward to meet them.

"Master Windu!" he called, stopping just in front of them and bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Did you hear? Master Kohn is going to be okay!"

He waited for Master Windu to respond, and was surprised when he was silent. Obi-Wan looked to Qui-Gon, wanting to understand but the Jedi Master was staring at his friend.

"Mace."

Mace was staring at Qui-Gon, the first miracle, it seemed as if he needed assurance of yet another miracle befalling them. "Is it true?"

Qui-Gon nodded, placing a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "She's not awake, but she's going to live."

Obi-Wan was surprised when he saw Master Windu sway slightly, only to be steadied by the other master. Looking at Qui-Gon he asked, "Is Master Windu going to be okay?"

He watched as Mace walked quickly past them to where Elyzabe was resting. Qui-Gon nodded, looking down at Obi-Wan. "He'll be fine, little one. You, however, are supposed to be in bed, not running and jumping."

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "Yes, Master Qui-Gon." Giggling at the surprised look on Qui-Gon's face he started walking once more.

~<>~<>~

By the time Mace returned to the room Qui-Gon was sharing with Obi-Wan the boy had finally fallen asleep. It seemed he suffered side-effects from what he had gone through after all, and the healer was right, they both needed to rest. Qui-Gon had been trying to stay awake incase Mace came by, and was glad when he did.

"You believe us now?" he asked as Mace sat down.

Mace nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yes. I'm sorry, Qui-Gon. It was almost too much to believe. I owe Adi an apology as well."

"She would not hurt you, you know that."

"I know." Mace sighed, staring at the floor for a moment. "I can't explain it, Qui-Gon."

Careful not to disturb Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon leaned forward. "Explain what, Mace?"

"What it felt like to be in that chamber. Seeing him attacking them and then feeling her dying in my arms." Mace shuddered. "I can still hear Obi-Wan begging her to wake up."

Qui-Gon looked at the boy beside him, thankful he was sleeping peacefully. Resting a hand on Obi-Wan's arm, he nodded. "I could sense what he was feeling through our bond. It was... most unpleasant, even from here." He looked up at Mace, "I shudder to imagine having endured it first hand."

"You were too weak, Qui-Gon..." Mace replied, obviously understanding what Qui-Gon was getting at. "It was for the best you weren't there."

Unable to agree, Qui-Gon looked away. "I helped cause this."

"And he would have killed you, too."

"He almost killed all of you."

Mace swallowed audibly and Qui-Gon knew he was thinking of Elyzabe. His voice hoarse, he replied, "Almost."

Qui-Gon took a deep breath, looking at Obi-Wan. "Thank you, Mace." When Mace looked confused, he gestured toward the sleeping child. "For keeping him safe."

"You should thank Elyzabe."

"I intend to. But I thank you, as well."

~<>~<>~

Obi-Wan woke to the sound of Qui-Gon and Mace talking quietly. He stirred, discovering that he had become tangled in the sheets as he slept. Before he even had his eyes open Obi-Wan noticed they had stopped talking. Opening one eye, he peered out cautiously.

"It's okay, Obi-Wan. We know you're awake."

Obi-Wan stretched his arms up over his head and yawned. "Can we see Master Kohn yet?" he asked, looking between the two masters.

"Doesn't waste any time, does he?" Master Windu asked, glancing at Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon smiled. "Hardly ever." Looking at Obi-Wan he nodded, "In a bit, Obi-Wan. We have to wait for the healers to say it's okay."

Sighing, Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "I'm tired of waiting."

Ruffling Obi-Wan's hair, Qui-Gon nodded. "I know you are. Be patient, Obi-Wan." When Mace made an amused sound, they both turned to look at him. "Yes?" Qui-Gon asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, nothing. Nothing at all." Mace shook his head, and Obi-Wan noticed it looked like the other master was almost... smiling. It had been a while since he had seen Master Windu happy. Obi-Wan could only wonder how long he had been asleep. "You're just an interesting choice of teacher for lessons in patience, is all."

Obi-Wan looked to Qui-Gon, wondering where the conversation might be going but it was interrupted when a healer walked into the room.

"You are supposed to be resting, gentlemen," she said, crossing her arms -- all four of them, Obi-Wan noted -- over her chest. "Qui-Gon Jinn, why are you sitting up? Why are you not sleeping?"

Obi-Wan giggled at the look on Master Qui-Gon's face, at least until the healer focused her gaze on him. He swallowed nervously, staring up at her. "And you, young Jedi. You were to be resting as well."

"Yes, ma'am."

Without turning she added, "And don't think I've forgotten you, Mace Windu. You left without being released. If you'll follow me, please?"

Although it sounded like a question, Obi-Wan was somehow sure it wasn't. He was even more sure when Master Windu stood. "Yes, Healer E'dir."

Seemingly satisfied, she nodded her head. "Good. When we are done with Master Windu I'll send him here to collect Initiate Kenobi."

When it looked as though Qui-Gon might protest she leveled him with an imposing stare. "I realize your bond led to your recovery, Qui-Gon, but the boy must be released. You will follow him soon enough."

With that she disappeared through the doorway, healer's robe billowing behind her. Obi-Wan watched as Mace followed her and Qui-Gon sat there, open-mouthed. "Master Qui-Gon?"

"Yes, little one?"

"Are they going to let you go soon, too?"

"Eventually."

"And they'll let us see Master Kohn?"

"Yes, Obi-Wan."

"But first I have to leave with Master Windu?"

"It appears so."

Obi-Wan climbed over next to Qui-Gon. "I'm glad you're okay."

Wrapping his arm around Obi-Wan's shoulders, Qui-Gon smiled. "And I'm very happy you are as well."

"We're all going to be okay, right?" he asked, staring up at Qui-Gon with wide eyes.

Ruffling Obi-Wan's hair, Qui-Gon agreed, "Yes, little one. We are."

~<>~<>~

Mace had come to take Obi-Wan to his quarters sometime later and Qui-Gon was once again left alone. He dozed, off and on, conscious of his bond with Obi-Wan at all times. He didn't, however, feel any threat to the boy and was grateful for that.

He was unsure how long he had been sleeping when a young healer -- the same girl who had told him of the battle in the Council chambers -- came into the room. She woke him gently, with a soft touch of the Force. A moment later she said, "Master Kohn has awoken. I thought you might like to see her."

Qui-Gon nodded, surprised by the offer. Judging by how Healer E'dir had spoken he had not expected to be allowed up for a while yet. "Please."

"Come with me," she said, helping him to stand.

~<>~<>~

About the same time, in his quarters, Mace knew that Elyzabe had woken. He wasn't sure how he knew, or rather, if he was he didn't want to acknowledge it yet. Obi-Wan, who was sitting at the computer console clutching his stuffed wookiee and playing a learning game, looked up when Mace left the main room.

In his bedchamber, he used the comm unit on the wall to speak with one of the healers and discover that Elyzabe was, in fact, awake.

"Obi-Wan and I would both very much like to see her."

Healer E'dir, just his luck to have her answer his page, replied, "I assume you'll leave me no peace until I say yes. Very well, come and you may see her. But you must leave when we ask you to do so. She is still very weak."

"Yes, Healer E'dir."

That seeming to satisfy the woman, she nodded. "And," she added just before Mace could end the transmission, "we will discuss how you knew she had woken so soon after the fact."

Groaning silently, Mace nodded. "Yes, Healer E'dir."

The screen faded to black, and Mace went back into the main room. "Obi-Wan, how would you like to go see Master Kohn now?"

Obi-Wan jumped up from where he was seated, stuffed wookiee still in hand. "Finally?"

"Finally," Mace agreed, smiling and causing Obi-Wan to grin in return.

~<>~<>~

Qui-Gon was sitting beside Elyzabe's bed, speaking quietly when he felt a familiar tug on the bond he shared with Obi-Wan. Looking up, he watched as Obi-Wan entered almost hesitantly with Mace close behind.

Holding his stuffed wookiee wrapped in both arms, Obi-Wan walked over next to Qui-Gon and the master picked him up so that the boy sat in his lap. "Master Kohn?" Obi-Wan asked in a hushed voice.

"Hello, Obi-Wan." Her voice was a rough whisper. According to what the healers had told Qui-Gon it was a side effect that would pass with time. "Are you okay?" she asked, reaching up her hand until Obi-Wan took it in his own.

Although Qui-Gon had assured her they were all going to be fine, she was insistent on seeing for herself. Not that he would feel any differently in her place so he couldn't begrudge her the question.

"Yes, Master Kohn." Obi-Wan glanced up at Qui-Gon for a moment before asking the question he had asked Qui-Gon time and again, "Are you going to be okay?"

Elyzabe smiled. "Yes, Obi-Wan. I'll be fine now."

"Now?" Obi-Wan asked, casting an odd glance between the masters.

She nodded, and Qui-Gon could tell the movement was painful for her. "Now that I've seen the three of you, I feel fine." And although Qui-Gon could see the lie in her eyes, he didn't call her on it. He was, once again, reminded of his awe for her as a teacher as he felt Obi-Wan relax and saw the boy's smile.

"Thank you," Obi-Wan whispered.

Elyzabe smiled, although Qui-Gon thought he saw the glint of moisture in her eyes. She touched his hair and then his cheek. "You're so very welcome, little one."

Seeing Mace hovering just inside the doorway, Qui-Gon motioned for Obi-Wan to stand. "I think we should leave them alone for a moment, Obi-Wan." Although the boy looked confused, he nodded. Sensing his wariness to leave, Qui-Gon added, "Do not worry, we will return soon."

Looking at Master Kohn, Obi-Wan asked, "You'll be here?"

"I'll be here. Take care of Qui-Gon, okay?"

Smiling at the joke, and more relaxed still, Obi-Wan nodded. "I will."

~<>~<>~

"How are you? Really," Mace said, taking the chair Qui-Gon had just left.

Elyzabe smiled, clearing her throat. "I'll be fine."

Mace reached out, taking her hand. "You scared me," he admitted in a quiet voice, not meeting her eyes.

"I'm sorry." She tugged on his hand slightly until he looked up. "I had to do it." Her eyes implored him to understand and he found that he did, no matter how much he despised what had happened.

"I know."

With a far away look in her eyes, she continued. "There was no choice, Mace. If it was Obi-Wan or me... Then it was going to be me. I couldn't let Ysari have him."

Leaning forward, cupping her cheek in his free hand, Mace nodded. "I know, Elyzabe. I just wish..."

"You did all you could." She leaned her face against his hand, staring into his eyes. "You saved us."

"Not soon enough. I..."

"Thank you," she said, interrupting him and smiling.

He sighed. "I realized something then, Elyzabe. After I killed Ysari, when you were lying there." His voice not rising above a whisper, Mace said, "I love you."

Elyzabe smiled even though a tear fell down her cheek and onto his hand. "I know."

~<>~<>~

When the healers were finally willing to release Qui-Gon from their supervision, Mace and Obi-Wan were waiting to escort him to his quarters. Elyzabe had been awake for two days and Obi-Wan had finally returned to his normal bed in the initiate's chambers the night before.

There was little question, however, that he would miss class yet again to see Qui-Gon that morning. Padawan Jonis had merely sighed, the sound of the long-suffering, before letting the child leave.

Mace had smiled, having no doubt that the padawan was looking forward to the day that Elyzabe returned to her teaching duties. It was a thought shared by many who were close to her.

They arrived at Qui-Gon's room only to find Healer E'rid already there.

"Ah, Master Windu. I was expecting you." She bowed, Mace bowing in return. Obi-Wan, however, moved to stand beside Qui-Gon. "And young Kenobi. How are you today?"

Looking at her with large eyes Obi-Wan glanced at Qui-Gon and smiled. "I'm well, Healer."

"Good, good." She glanced at the chrono on the wall. "I can think of no other reason to keep you here, Qui-Gon. Which is probably for the best of us all. Heavens knows you've exhausted my poor staff."

Qui-Gon looked annoyed, Mace noted, but wisely stayed quiet. "Healer, if I may, I have one other question." When she nodded, Mace continued. "With all that has been said since our return, what has not been discussed is what happened to save Qui-Gon."

He noticed Obi-Wan stiffen at the question, probably from the reminder of how close they had come to losing the other master. Mace also noted that Obi-Wan had barely time to react before Qui-Gon had laid a hand on his shoulder and spared a long glance toward Mace.

The healer, although probably noticing all that was happening, answered as if nothing had. "That would be, Master Windu, because as of yet we still do not have a conclusive answer." Looking skyward, she sighed. "We know it is in part because of the bond shared between Master Jinn and Obi-Wan. It somehow managed to counter-affect the poison from the Herrins root."

"So without their connection," Mace began.

E'dir nodded. "Master Jinn would not have survived. Remarkable, truly it is, what the boy was able to do."

Mace looked at Obi-Wan, who was watching the exchange closely. Remembering what Elyzabe had told him of Ysari's words during their confrontation, he was not surprised at all by what had happened. Instead of commenting, however, he simply nodded. Perhaps a mystery with a happy ending was better than a well understood tragedy.

Qui-Gon, who had been standing quietly during the exchange, cleared his throat. "Are both of you quite finished? I would like to leave this wretched room now that I've been freed."

"By all means," E'rid said, and with a quick nod she was gone.

Obi-Wan smiled, glancing over at Mace before looking up at Qui-Gon. "Can we go see Fyre?"

"I'm afraid you must return to class, Obi-Wan," Mace interjected before Qui-Gon could reply. "I promised Padawan Jonis to return you there once Master Qui-Gon was settled in his quarters."

"Oh well," Obi-Wan sighed. Not ready to give up, he looked up at Qui-Gon once more. "Tonight then?"

Qui-Gon laughed, picking the boy up and holding him in his arms. "We'll see what our guard says," he glanced at Mace, causing Obi-Wan to giggle. "How about that?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "Okay."

"Are both of you quite finished?" Mace asked, using Qui-Gon's earlier words against him.

Still grinning, Obi-Wan nodded. "By all means." Both Mace and Qui-Gon had to laugh. He had mimicked Healer E'rid perfectly.

~<>~<>~

Following Qui-Gon's release life went on much as it had in the days before the Council -- before Ysari -- had upended their lives. Fully healed, Qui-Gon returned to his duties in the Temple, as did Mace. Obi-Wan went to his classes, Bant rarely leaving his side once he returned.

On the day Elyzabe was released from the healers -- with instructions to go directly to her quarters -- all of them were there to see her home. Once they reached her chambers they found Yoda there waiting for them.

"Pleased to see you well, I am."

"Thank you, Master Yoda," she said, keying the door open. Mace, walking beside her, kept a hand on her arm as they walked the remaining distance to the couch. She wanted to comment about Mace's hovering, but knew she couldn't have covered the distance so easily without it.

Once she was settled Elyzabe patted the couch beside her for Obi-Wan to have a seat. Qui-Gon sat in a chair in front of the comm board and Mace disappeared into the kitchen to make tea, judging by the noises.

"Can I help you with something Master Yoda?" Elyzabe asked, settling back against the couch cushions.

The smaller master shook his head. "No. Came to speak with you I did. All of you."

Qui-Gon leaned forward in his seat and Mace appeared from the kitchen, tea obviously forgotten. "Yes, Master Yoda?" Elyzabe prompted.

"Apologize I must, for Ysari's treachery. See it I could not."

"What happened, Master?" Qui-Gon asked. "How did all this happen?"

Sitting in a chair that Mace brought in from the kitchen, Yoda sighed. Or it sounded like a sigh. Elyzabe was forced to admit she had never heard the ancient master make such a noise.

"Know how this happened, I do not. Poison Qui-Gon he did. Attack Obi-Wan he did." Yoda tapped his cane against the chair. "Great Jedi Ysari was once. To fall..." Yoda's ears dipped downward and Elyzabe felt Obi-Wan press against her side. "Know, I do not."

Elyzabe blinked slowly, glancing at the others. "Ysari spoke of a master. His master."

"Darkness hid before, yes. But know it is there now we do."

Qui-Gon shook his head. "A warning?"

Mace moved to stand next to him. "A first mistake."

"But their last?" Elyzabe asked, looking to Mace.

Yoda's eyes closed and he made a noise in the back of his throat. "Hard to see, it is."

Another question begged to be asked: And if we fail? But to say such in front of Obi-Wan went against everything Elyzabe knew. No matter how much they had learned over the past weeks.

"What about me and Master Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan asked, ending the silence.

"Ahh, yes." Yoda's head straightened and he seemed to smile. "Together you will stay. Your bond shall grow."

Elyzabe looked at the boy seated next to her, remembering the things Ysari had said about him. She had never any doubts of what kind of man he would become. From the earliest time she knew him there was something special about him. Something that had drawn Qui-Gon Jinn from his solitude and brought she and Mace together. Elyzabe smiled, feeling the pride of a parent in that moment. Meeting Qui-Gon's gaze, she knew he felt the same.

Yes, great things would come from this small boy.

"Congratulations, Qui-Gon." When he looked at her, confused, Elyzabe laughed. "It's a boy."

Obi-Wan laughed, even as Qui-Gon groaned and Mace rolled his eyes. It was a release she had needed for a long time, the happiness that was present in the room at that moment.

"I almost forgot," Mace said, reaching into one of the pockets of his robe. "This came for you yesterday, Qui-Gon." Qui-Gon took the offered package and looked at it curiously. Recognizing the Nahbey markings on it, he was instinctively wary. Seeing his look, Mace nodded. "It's safe."

When he opened the package, it was Obi-Wan who exclaimed, "My fish!" Jumping down from the couch he crawled into Qui-Gon's lap, examining the small object closely. "It's not broken."

"Indeed," Qui-Gon said, hugging the boy close. "A very fine fish it is, too."

Elyzabe smiled, happy to hear Obi-Wan laughing again. "And my picture." She turned to Mace. "However did you find them?"

Sitting beside her, Mace wrapped an arm around Elyzabe's shoulders. "It was because of you, actually. The healer who helped you rescue Qui-Gon sent them."

Elyzabe nodded, leaning into Mace's embrace. "Trinn. I hope he's safe."

"Another Jedi, to Nahbey will be sent." Yoda used the Force to lower himself from his chair. "Alone this one will not be. End the faction fighting they will."

"You're certain?" Mace asked.

Yoda smiled. "Ever hopeful, I am, Master Windu. Ever hopeful."

~<>~<>~

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon left not long after Master Yoda and Elyzabe and Mace were alone. They didn't move from the couch. Rather she curled her legs up on the cushions and leaned back against Mace with her head on his shoulder.

"Can it really be over?"

Mace sighed, running a hand along her back. "I don't know. Something tells me our life may always be interesting."

Elyzabe chuckled. "Well heavens knows I would hate for it to get boring now." Turning so that she could see his face, Elyzabe smiled softly. "I love you."

Brushing her hair from her face, Mace smiled. "I know."

~<>~<>~

Rather than go to the initiates chambers, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan took a detour after leaving Elyzabe's rooms. Obi-Wan smiled when he recognized the long, winding corridor. He began to bounce as he walked.

"Are we going to see Fyre now?"

Qui-Gon laughed, ruffling his hair. "I thought we might. Would you rather go to bed early?"

Managing a pout, Obi-Wan shook his head. "I've wanted to see Fyre for ages, Master Qui-Gon."

"I know you have, little one."

Obi-Wan thought for a moment. "Are you going to fall in this time?"

"I wouldn't have fallen in last time," he was interrupted by Obi-Wan giggling. "I give up," Qui-Gon said, sighing.

Still laughing, Obi-Wan took Qui-Gon's hand. "It's okay, Master. I'll help you if you fall."

And looking at the child before him, young and wise all at the same time, Qui-Gon knew that to be true. He couldn't see the future, as Yoda could, but he was looking at his future standing right in front of him all the same.

"And I you, little one. And I you."

the end

The series in order, one last time, just for kicks: