I wrote this back on 8/1/01 and never finished the series. I recently found a notebook in the back of my closet with the story outline. Then I found it archived on Jedi Forums Classic Story Board. Well, that was enough the get my interest going again. Please review, and if you like, I will continue the series. I don't know why I ever abandoned it to begin with. confused
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's lives through the eyes of Qui-Gon's first apprentice, Skylar Malin. Hope everyone enjoys.
Alternate Universe, I know, I know Jedi can't have attachments, however, back in 2001 that was not exactly clear. wink
Series: Forged Bonds
Chapter: A Time To Grow
Author: Jedi Princess
Rating: G to PG13. (Implied consensual sex, nothing graphic).
Feedback: Please! Please! Please!
Disclaimer: Don't own Qui, Obi, the council. Skylar and Thoran are mine.
Forged Bonds: A Time To Grow
Skylar Malin took great care in dressing that morning. She wore her best tunic and leggings and had her new robe on the bed, ready to slip on. Looking in the mirror, she combed her hair and almost started to braid the long thin lock of hair that grew from behind her right ear. But, she decided to let someone else do the honor.
The padawan, soon to be knight, left the bedroom that had been hers for almost twelve years. She was ten when she first became Qui-Gon Jinn's padawan. But, after this afternoon, she would no longer be his student. She would be his peer.
Qui-Gon was seated on the couch, looking over notes for one mission or another. The Jedi Master looked up as he student entered the common room. Qui-Gon offered her a warm smile. Wordlessly, the young woman took her spot at his feet. Handing him the comb and hair ties, Qui-Gon nodded that he understood.
and began the task of braiding the lock that he had braided over a decade before. There were no need for words. The task was carried on in silence.
In just a few minutes, the hair was braided, and Skylar and Qui-Gon stood up. Skylar, who stood only 5'3, looked up at her Master. Tears filled her eyes as she fought to keep control of her feelings. There is no emotion, there is the force.
Qui-Gon gently pulled her into an embrace, "It's all right to show your feelings, Skylar, there is no weakness in that."
Skylar nodded against her master's chest. As much as she wanted to be a knight, she would miss the man who raised her, who trained her, who loved her. She has spent half her life by this man's side. Waking up tomorrow would be very strange indeed. At the same time, the two parted and Skylar took a deep breath, "I'm ready, Master."
Nodding, the elder Jedi replied, "Then lets not keep the council waiting, Padawan."
Excusing herself, Skylar went to the padawan bedroom to retrieve her robe. She took a moment to reflect. The room was now devoid of everything that the young woman had collected over the years. Her whole life sat in boxes, ready to be moved to her Knights quarters later on that afternoon. The room looked the same it did twelve years ago. Taking the robe off the bed, Skylar slipped it on and walked to the bedroom door. Taking one last glance, she closed the door behind her.
Qui-Gon was waiting at the door. Together they left the apartment and Skylar fell into place to her master's left and one step behind. In quiet companionship they walked down the quiet halls of the temple towards the council hall. It would be the last time that Skylar would accompany her Master as his student. In a short time, they would be peers.
Skylar knelt before her master in front of the council. Qui-Gon caressed her head with his large hand. Then he took her padawan braid between two fingers.
"Skylar, you have been a good apprentice. But a padawan you are no longer," with delft fingers, the Jedi Master severed her braid with a pair of shears. "You are now a Jedi Knight."
The young woman looked up at her former master, his eyes were filled with pride. He put out his hand, and she took it and allowed him to help her up. Once she was standing again, Qui-Gon gave her a warm embrace.
Later that evening, after a party with her peers, Skylar got herself organized in her new quarters. Not that she would be staying there for long periods of time. In two days she would be leaving for her first solo mission. As nervous as she was, she knew she was ready. Qui-Gon had taught her well. Then she would be expected to take a padawan of her own. Skylar already knew Qui-Gon was anticipating a second apprentice. But she did not approve of the boy who had caught her former master's eye. Xanatos was a fine student, but a very selfish boy. She only hoped that Qui-Gon would not choose him.
A knock on her door surprised her. She had already said good-bye to most of her friends, and she and Qui-Gon were meeting for breakfast in the morning, so the young woman was not expecting anyone.
Skylar opened the door and smiled at who she saw there. It was Thoran. Thoran Sannes was a couple of years older then Skylar, but the two had gone through some classes together. Skylar had not seen much of Thoran in the past year. Since he had been knighted, he had been on back to back missions. He had gained the reputation of a fine knight.
But for a man who had faced down pirates and brought peace to warring worlds, he seemed rather nervous. Skylar noticed, but did not address it, she was to happy to see him.
"Thoran, when did you get back?" She asked excitedly.
Thoran laughed, his nervousness eased instantly, "Just now. I wanted to congratulate you on your knighting. And..."
Thoran was cut off by Skylar's comlink sounding. She gave him an apologetic look and answered, "Pad...Knight Malin."
It was Mace Windu, "Knight Malin, we have received word from Cromlis. The situation has grown worse. They are not able to wait and are requesting a Jedi immediately."
"I understand, Master Windu. I'm ready and can leave now," The transmission ended and Skylar turned to Thoran, "I'm sorry. But it seems that duty calls."
Laughing, Thoran nodded, "I see that, but let me tell you know. It gets no better."
The two shared a laugh and Skylar picked up her travel bag. "I guess its good I'm always prepared. I had to be with the back to back marathons they gave my former Master."
"Yes," Thoran agreed, "I know the feeling. Can...can I escort you to the landing pad?"
"I think I would like that, " Skylar responded, "I just need to stop by Qui-Gon's first and say good-bye."
A short time later, Skylar was standing in front of the transport. Facing Thoran, she asked him, "What did you want to tell me?"
Thoran smiled slightly, and replied, "Ask me again sometime."
Skylar nodded and touched his arm, "Good-bye Thoran. I will see you soon, I hope."
With that, the young Knight climbed on her transport and left for her first mission.
Thoran stayed on the landing pad and watched the ship take off, he then whispered, "I hope so too."