They stood in front of the fountain on the day of Obi-Wan's departure.
He was planning to return to the Temple. He would ask the Council if he could return to the Jedi. Qui-Gon had agreed to accompany him.
Nield flung his arm around Obi-Wan's shoulders. 'I gave you a hard time, my friend. It was good of you to find forgiveness in your heart.'
'Sorrow can defeat the best of us,' Obi-Wan said.
Nield gazed thoughtfully at the fountain. 'I realize now how close I came to turning Melida/Daan back into the bloody battlefield I hated so much. The truth is, Obi-Wan, I was afraid.'
Obi-Wan drew back to look at him. 'You? Afraid?'
'I felt alone,' Nield said simply. 'I had a job that was too big for me to handle. I needed guidance, and there was no one to turn to. It seemed to me that every Elder and every member of the Middle Generation had no ideas.
But I'm finding that's not true. I was listening to the loudest voices. Now I'm discovering there are others who share our vision of peace for Melida/Daan.'
'You've created a new world,' Obi-Wan told him.
'We did,' Nield corrected. 'Now I only have one regret.'
'Cerasi is not here to see it,' Obi-Wan finished gently.
Later, Obi-Wan trudged to the transport next to Qui-Gon. He longed to break the silence. Why was it so awkward now? Such silence was clogged with feelings, he supposed. Feelings that could not be shared.
He had to break it. He had to ask the question that tore at his heart.
He was afraid of the answer, but it was worse not knowing.
'Will you ever take me back, Qui-Gon?'
The words hung in the cold air. Qui-Gon didn't answer, but kept on walking.
'I know I am meant to be a Jedi,' Obi-Wan added. 'I'll never doubt that again.'
'I know you are meant to be a Jedi, too,' Qui-Gon answered carefully.
'But whether you are meant to be my Padawan again is not so clear.'
Obi-Wan's heart fell. He knew it was useless to argue with Qui-Gon, or try to persuade him. Desolation filled him. It was not enough to be a Jedi.
He had to be Qui-Gon's Padawan. Not because he'd failed him once, and his pride demanded a second chance. It wasn't pride that moved him. Deep in his heart, he felt it was right.
Yet Qui-Gon did not. Being a Jedi would have to be enough.
Suddenly, Qui-Gon's comlink signaled him.
He looked at the message. He paled, and his step faltered.
'What is it?' Obi-Wan asked.
'A message from the Temple,' Qui-Gon said gravely. 'A message of extreme distress. The Temple is under siege. An attempt has been made to kill Yoda!'
