Alone in the vast low-lit amphitheater, with the hologram of Ibbe shining light down upon them, the two long-time friends smiled at each other.

  “Quite a case of the past rising to meet us, is it not, Obi-Wan? A mission involving our dear departed Masters in different fashions?”

  “Yes, Lumi. Are you alright? I know how reading through her old diaries affects you.”

  “I shall be fine, thank you for your concern.” Luminara gave him a reassuring touch on the arm, then came closer to lightly embrace him and to give him a light kiss. It tickled due to his beard. “Are you alright?”

  “I have had a long time to get used to Qui-Gon’s absence, thank you.” He smiled, remaining in the embrace for the moment. Hip to hip with Luminara. “What was behind your request that Ahsoka join us?”

  She closed her eyes and turned her head. “I am worried about Barriss. She has continued in her sullenness. I can tell she is in distress but she withdrawals from my attempts to connect with her… I ask what is bothering her but she only responds with debates about religious ethics and the war. After the First Battle of Geonosis I let her sit out several months of conflict here at the temple as I went out with the Elite Corps as their General. I now wonder if that was a mistake, if it broke my trust in her by leaving her alone. That she felt I abandoned her or if my duty to the Republic was more important than her tutelage.” Luminara sniffed. “I cannot seem to get through to her anymore. She obeys me, but in a stoic angry manner.”

  “And Padawan Tano?” Obi-Wan asked.

  “When they are together is the only time I feel Barriss is at ease. Happy, even. I was thinking, perhaps Ahsoka could be of comfort to her in the same way you comforted me after Master Katri died. And as I repaid the favor for you when Qui-Gon was taken from us.”

  Obi-Wan smiled, closed his eyes, and kissed her again, and a third time. There were some sweet memories mixed into the bittersweet days when they mourned their Masters. “And you think she can handle that?”

  “I am less worried I shall lose her due to unhealthy attachments than I am the trauma she has already accrued due to this wicked war. If she can have her friend nearby. If they become closer, if they comfort each other in whatever manner they feel right, if it can bring my Barriss solace so be it. I would rather they wait until they are older, but I would rather she live to become older and wiser in the first place.”

  “You think it is that dire, that you may lose her?”

  Luminara nodded, a tear running down one cheek, the wings of her headdress wavering in the motion. Kenobi pulled her into a longer hug and caressed circles into her lower back. He did not release her until she felt less worried in his Force perception, and even then it was only to give her another round of deeper and more intimate kisses. It had been quite some time since they were lovers, the war had interrupted their infrequent midnight liaisons, but his affection for her had not dimmed in the slightest and he felt that feeling reciprocated by Luminara. 

  They had always been quite sensible in their affairs. One coming to the other when they were in need. And their relationship had matured and aged with them.