~More than anything he wanted to know her. This yearning, so agonizing threatened to devour him whole.~Anakin Skywalker
Cassandra Pierce is hunted by a powerful evil, putting everyone in danger. Kamar Taj reaches out to the Jedi Temple for aid. Newl...
After two glasses of wine, Cassandra called a halt to the festivities. She didn't want to get drunk. Anakin paid the tab and they left the bar. At a food stand down the road they bought an ice cream sundae to split.
Perching on a pair of rickety stools at the counter, Cassandra and Anakin enjoyed themselves. "I want to thank you for this birthday do-over. It means more than you know."
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Anakin dipped his spoon in the dish. "We both needed a break from everything." He looked around at the other market stalls. "Besides, it's nice to be away from the Temple."
"Being a Jedi does seem tough." Cassandra ladled a bite with chopped nuts and a caramel sauce. "The Council seems pretty strict."
"They are." Anakin said glumly. "The Jedi Code forbids attachment."
That seemed rather sad to Cassandra. "So, Jedi can't love?"
"Hmm, its complicated." Anakin's gaze intensified, the fire in their depths stealing the breath in her lungs. "Attachment is forbidden because it often leads to the dark side. Compassion is a main tenet of the Code." He picked at the sleeve of his robe, never shifting his eyes from hers. "Compassion is love. I've always believed for that reason Jedi are encouraged to love."
Cassandra flinched when he folded his long fingers around her hand. His fingers were warm and callused from sword work, a delicious contrast against her softer skin. It was hard to concentrate on the conversation with Anakin holding her hand. "There are plenty of people who fall in love and don't fall into the depths of evil."
The corner of Anakin's mouth lifted. "Now, you understand why I believe the Code should change. Many Jedi are human, and love is a natural part of our experience."
"Well, maybe you can get on the Council and change things." Cassandra encouraged.
He still held her hand, rubbing small circles over her knuckles. "The Council elects their own members. Many are not fond of me."
"That seems...insular. Shouldn't the entire Order vote on who joins their Council? Shouldn't every Jedi have a say?" She reasoned.
Anakin's expression cleared, the stern line of his jaw softening. "You make a valid point. I wish the Jedi were as flexible as you."
She ducked her head bashfully. "I try to be open-minded. It's not a big deal."
"What about sorcerers? Do you have to follow a Code?"
"Kamar Taj isn't as strict as the Jedi. The order doesn't interfere with personal relationships. The temple is a place of learning and knowledge." Cassandra explained. "Dark magic is forbidden. Sorcerers aren't allowed to do any magic that violates the laws of nature such as altering time."
Anakin seemed intrigued. "Altering time. Is that possible?"
Cassandra recoiled from the question. She stared at her lap, cursing her slip. 'Last year, Tony Stark built a time machine to undo the Blip. I shouldn't say anymore. Time travel isn't something to muck around with.'
