The Heart of Destiny

Author: Laura Kenobi

Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, I don't own Star Wars. I do, however, own any original characters, planets, etcetera that I created for this story.

Archive: Please contact me first!

Comments/Reviews: You can email me through my profile, and you can always leave a review!

Author's Notes: ((italics)) represents thoughts and / italics / represents communication through the Force.

This story was first published in its original version beginning on June 21, 2001. In July 2005, I decided that since four years had passed and my skills as a writer had undoubtedly improved since this story was first written and posted, it might be refreshing to return to this story and give it a fresh look and an update. For the most part the overall story remains the same - my goal has been to improve on and expand on the original, so I hope the result will prove enjoyable to all of you who are wonderful enough to read and review. The version of this story below is the updated version. Call it the "Special Edition" version of this story.

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far!

Summary: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn start out on a mission, and a lifetime of memories follow.

Chapter Two

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The walk to Master Ginger L'arel's quarters was not a long one. The two Jedi made it to the door within three minutes. Obi-Wan watched as the tall Master knocked. As the door slid open, a smile spread across Qui-Gon's face.

"Ginger! It has been too long!"

Master L'arel was human; she was taller than Obi-Wan, but not as tall as Qui-Gon, which wasn't a surprise to Obi-Wan. She had long black hair that was braided, and ran a good length down her back. Her brown eyes were kind, and Obi-Wan saw a spark which reminded him of his Master. She smiled back at Qui-Gon.

"Qui-Gon Jinn! Come in, come in! And this must be the famous Obi-Wan Kenobi?" She smiled at him, and he felt comfortable, "You must keep your Master on his toes, Padawan. He always has something to say about you. I'm pleased to meet you."

Obi-Wan bowed quickly. "It's very nice to meet you, Master L'arel."

She flashed him another smile, and turned back to Qui-Gon.

"My Padawan should be back soon. One of her good friends is leaving on a mission, and she wanted to say goodbye. She's almost seventeen, so she and Obi-Wan should have a nice night - out of here, I'm sure. I thought you wouldn't mind if she was a bit late."

"Oh, no problem. I'm sure Obi-Wan can suffer here with us for a while." He laughed at Obi-Wan's embarrassed expression, and began a conversation with Master L'arel.

Obi-Wan wasn't sure what to do. He decided it would be best just to stay where he was and wait. He was saved the trouble, though, when he heard the door open in the other room.

"Padawan? Is that you? Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi have arrived."

"Coming!" The voice was clear and sounded genuinely pleased.

As Master L'arel's Padawan came through the door, Obi-Wan's breath caught in his throat, much to his embarrassment. He hoped nobody had noticed.

She was human, with light brown hair that just swept the tops of her shoulders, and a petite frame. Obi-Wan estimated that she was probably a little over five feet tall. Despite her small physique, she was stunning. He couldn't tear his eyes away. She turned to look at him as she walked toward her Master, and their eyes met. Obi-Wan wondered momentarily how he could even breathe. Her eyes – they were astounding! They were a brilliant shade of green, and they seemed to glow with kindness and energy. He felt as though he could get lost in their depths...

"Padawan, this is Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi," Master L'arel turned to Qui-Gon, "This is my Padawan, Gwen A'mour."

Obi-Wan flushed slightly, pushing aside everything he felt.

Gwen bowed to Qui-Gon, much as Obi-Wan had done when he had met Master L'arel.

"It is very nice to meet you, Master Jinn," she turned in Obi-Wan's direction, "And you as well, Padawan Kenobi."

"It's wonderful to meet you, Gwen." Qui-Gon smiled.

Obi-Wan wasn't sure what to say. He wondered if his voice would work even if he wanted it to. As Gwen turned and glanced at him, he decided he needed to say something.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Padawan A'mour." He flashed her a smile, and was rewarded with a smile in return.

"Well," Master L'arel announced, "now that everyone is acquainted, let the evening begin! Gwen, would you mind keeping Padawan Kenobi entertained for the evening? Unless, of course, you would both rather spend the evening with us..."

"I'd be happy to, Master," Gwen cut in, giving Obi-Wan a knowing look out of the corner of her eye, "May we go somewhere else in the Temple, or would you rather we stay here?"

Her Master turned to look at Qui-Gon. He nodded slightly.

"Go wherever you like... within reason." Her eyes twinkled, and both Padawans resisted the urge to squirm.

"Thank you Master. I think we will be leaving now." Gwen bowed, and Obi-Wan followed her example. Then, he quickly followed her out of the quarters into the hall. Once they were outside, she turned to him.

"I apologize for the formality. Call me Gwen. 'Padawan A'mour'... is just for formalities. What would you like to do?"

"I really have no preference as to what we do," he admitted, "You don't need to call me 'Padawan Kenobi' either, unless you want to. Obi-Wan will be fine." The words sounded silly in his ears, but she smiled.

"Well then, Obi-Wan, how about a walk in the Temple gardens? I haven't been there in a while since we've been away."

"Sounds good to me. Let's do it." Obi-Wan made a mental note not to talk so much.

They turned and walked to the gardens, where they spent the entire evening talking and laughing. By the time Master L'arel contacted them to tell them to come back, Obi-Wan felt like he had known her his entire life.

Back at Gwen's quarters, as Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were about to leave, Gwen smiled at Obi-Wan. "I had a wonderful time tonight, Obi-Wan. I'll see you again sometime?"

He grinned. "I'd like that. Thank you." Obi-Wan was perplexed. He felt like he was bonded to her. It was strange and comforting at the same time. He would have to think about it more later, but now he has exhausted. Once they reached their quarters, both Master and Padawan went straight to bed, thinking of the events of the evening.

((Am I bonded to her? What would that mean?)) Obi-Wan decided he would ask Qui-Gon in the morning.

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Gwen A'mour sat alone in her room, thinking about Obi-Wan Kenobi. She had felt a connection to him. A bond.

((No, that can't be. Bonds are between a Master and Padawan, not two Padawans.))

She sighed. It was probably her teenage hormones running away with her. He was incredibly handsome, kind, and respectful. That was all.

((I'm not convinced.)) She stood up and walked to the door of her Master's room. "Master," she whispered, "are you awake?" She always asked, although she already knew the answer.

"Come in, Padawan."

As Gwen entered, she saw her Master sitting on the edge of her bed, fully dressed. "Something's bothering you." It wasn't a question.

"Yes, Master." She took a deep breath, unsure of where to start. "It's Obi-Wan Kenobi – Master Jinn's apprentice."

Master L'arel nodded, urging the young woman to continue.

"I feel... connected to him. It's like a bond, but that's not possible, is it?" She paused for a moment, then continued, "It's strange, yet in a way it's comforting. When we were walking in the gardens this evening, I felt like I had known him my entire life. I'm not sure what to think. Maybe it's just hormones?" It was the only explanation she could think of.

Master L'arel shook her head slightly. She had noticed; it had been the main topic of the conversation between herself and Qui-Gon during the evening. They had discussed the possibility that Obi-Wan and Gwen were somehow bonded, through the Force or in some inexplicable way.

"Have you considered, Padawan, that it may be a soul-bond?"

"It can't be. There is no such thing."

"Some people would say that of the Force. Just because it isn't perfectly clear doesn't mean it isn't there."

"I..." Gwen struggled for words, "I only met him tonight! You're wrong."

Her Master raised her eyebrows, and Gwen gave in.

"What should I do?"

"I think you should do nothing. Just see what happens. The Force will guide you."

Gwen wasn't entirely convinced, but she could trust in the Force. "Thank you Master. I will sleep better tonight. I'll see you in the morning."

"Any time, Padawan. That's what I'm here for. Sleep well."

Sleep well, Master."

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Obi-Wan wasn't sure what to think. He had spoken to Qui-Gon about Gwen, and the older man had suggested that they shared a soul-bond.

A soul-bond. That meant they were soul mates. He wasn't sure he believed it.

(("The future is always in motion.")) He heard that all the time. Qui-Gon had suggested that he wait. The Force would show him his path.

He grabbed his lightsaber and headed for the sparring room. He had a practice session with Qui-Gon, and he didn't want to be late. He pushed his thoughts of Gwen to the back of his mind, not knowing if he would ever even see her again or if she would play a role in his life...

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End Chapter 2.

Please review! More tomorrow - thanks for reading, and may the Force be with you! - Laura