Of Love and War Book 1: Dawn of a New Life

Chapter 9: Zelina and the Council

When they reached the Jedi Temple, Zelina's eyes went wide, and she eagerly took in the large building, not sure if she was intimidated or impressed. It was beautiful. Obi-Wan seemed to chuckle next to her at her reaction, but she didn't care.

"It's huge!" she said.

"You should see the inside," Obi-Wan told her. "I'll have to show you and Anakin around sometime, I'm sure you two will like it."

Zelina grinned at him. "I'd love that."

Qui-Gon turned to her. "Now Zelina, when we get there Obi-Wan and myself will need to speak with the Council alone. You might want to wait in the hall."

Zelina sighed. "All right..."

Qui-Gon smiled at her. "It shouldn't be too long young one, don't worry."

They landed the speeder and The two Jedi fluidly got out of the vehicle, Obi-Wan helping Zelina out. "Stay close to me, alright? We don't want you getting lost," Obi-Wan said with a smile.

Zelina nodded and clung to his robe. She was sure that it would be easy for her to go astray in the giant building.

As the small party made their way into the Temple, Zelina looked around in wonderment at the towering pillars on both sides of her, up at the ceiling that seemed as far away as the stars. She was suddenly extremely aware of just how small she was. The sights truly were beautiful, and as they walked she caught several other Jedi looking at her curiously as she passed by. She couldn't help but draw a little closer to Obi-Wan, uncomfortable with all the stares she was getting.

Obi-Wan put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry young one, they're just curious."

Zelina nodded, but didn't release him, which only made him chuckle.

As they walked along, Zelina peered curiously into the rooms that they passed, trying to see what lay beyond the intimidating halls. Two rooms that they passed seemed big from what Zelina could see. She saw part of a fountain in one room, and there were tables and shelves in another room, but she wasn't able to take in the rooms entirely as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan hurried ahead.

Eventually their hurried pace slowed and she was able to easily keep up with them. "Where are we going?" she asked curiously, tired of the silence.

"To the Council Room," Qui-Gon told her. "Where the Jedi Council is."

She nodded. "Alright."

"When we get there I'm going to have you wait out in the hall until Obi-Wan gets you, alright? I'm sure the council will want to talk to you."

Zelina shifted nervously. "What about?"

Qui-Gon gave her a reassuring smile. "They'll just ask you some questions. Just answer them honestly and you'll be fine, alright Zelina?"

"Okay..." she said slowly.

They came to a stop in front of a large door, and Zelina looked nervously between the two.

"It won't be long," Qui-Gon reassured her as the doors opened.

"Stay here," Obi-Wan told her, lingering just long enough to give her the instruction before he followed Qui-Gon into the room. Timidly, Zelina went and hid behind a pillar, watching the door from her seat on the floor.

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Obi-Wan stood beside Qui-Gon in the Council Room, once more stretching out his senses to make sure that Zelina was still outside as Qui-Gon gave the report on what had happened on their mission. He trusted the girl; though he'd also taken Qui-Gon's word to heart that she could find trouble very easily after hearing some what had happened to her.