I wrote this story about four months ago, and I will admit, I wasn't the best writer back then (hopefully I have improved) but this was always one of my favorite oneshots, because it shows Qui-Gon and Tahl in their younger years. As I was going through my old notebooks I realized I never typed it up, so…here it is!
I don't own Jedi Apprentice.
If there was one thing in this world teenaged Qui-Gon wanted to never change, it was Tahl's steady friendship. As he awkwardly grew and struggled to maintain a good relationship with his fellow students and his strict Master, Tahl's presence never failed to lift his spirits considerably. Her sense of humor, considerate advice, and ready smile cheered him up every day.
But that had just changed.
Qui-Gon was foolish enough to have allowed Tahl to borrow his force sensitive river stone, his most prized possession. She had been having trouble focusing on the force in meditation. For Qui-Gon, the stone brought him closer to the force and soothed his nerves. Out of generosity and trust in his friend, he had lent in to her for a few days. Tahl had solemnly accepted it and slipped it into her pocket, and they parted ways to go to class. When they met again for the evening meal, she stuck her fingers in her pocket to show it to him…and only a few pieces of lint were there.
Qui-Gon panicked, to be frank. Tahl had gone all over the Temple from class to class, and chose today of all days to take a swim in the lake. Tahl and Qui-Gon had prowled the halls of the Temple until midnight. Tahl had even enlisted the help of a Mon Calamari to scour the lake.
"She's gonna pay!" Qui-Gon hissed to himself, letting his emotions get the best of him. He began to angrily pace his small quarters. Once again, he ran over every possibility in his head. Sighing, he tugged on his Padawan braid, as if it could possibly help him. Convincing himself nothing more could be done; he flipped onto his sleepcouch and struggled to find rest.
---
A soft tapping on his door woke him up. It was Tahl, looking groggy and miserable, but she brightened up when she saw at least he had gotten rest.
"You found it?" He asked without greeting.
Tahl shook her head regretfully. Tahl stepped inside his quarters and took a seat on his floor. Qui-Gon noticed he had slept in, as out in the hallway Jedi were milling about.
"I gave up hope of finding it soon," Tahl explained once Qui-Gon was seated beside her. "So I decided to replace it."
"Replace it?" Qui-Gon couldn't believe it. Tahl still didn't understand its sentimental value to him. It was from his homeworld.
Tahl pulled out a small cloth pouch from her belt. She gave it to Qui-Gon, who slipped the contents out,
"Another stone?" Qui-Gon's blue eyes widened in surprise, suddenly forget his resentfulness at it. "How did you find it?"
Tahl blushed. "Well, I snuck out of the Temple after dark- don't tell- walked to CoCo town- you know, they have plenty of work there- and cleaned some dishes at some diner- the guy was named Didi, said he knew you. Then I walked to the-"She lowered her voice, "Black market sector, if you know where, and I negotiated for this stone."
Qui-Gon gaped. The stone was nearly identical to his other one, and though weaker, still force sensitive. It was true, anything could be found in the lower levels. And Tahl had broken Temple rules to find it. He finally remembered his thank yous. "Thank you, I-"
"No problem," Tahl shrugged. "I'm the one who lost it in the first place. And I'm sorry."
"It's okay." Qui-Gon was overcome with emotion at Tahl's hard work. "You're a true friend."
Yeah, it's kind of fluffy. I'm not found of the stuff if I'm the one writing it.
Reviews are greatly appreciated.