A/n : My first Starwars fanfic. Set 3 years after TPM. A routine mission to a
strange world provides an extraordinary opportunity for Obi-Wan…
No one is mine except for the natives. Yay natives. George owns all.
_________________________
From Ashes to Calm
By: Spazkit
_________________________
I'm a Jedi Knight…
I'm a Jedi Knight…
I'm… not afraid…
_________________________
Obi-Wan Kenobi had the most nerve-wracking week of his life. Honestly, that's
what it was. His padawan of three years, Anakin, had yet /again/ disobeyed him
and participated in one of those infernal underground jet races near the senate
complex. After dragging the dirt-ball of a child back to the temple, he'd run right
into Master Yoda on the way to the residential area. Glorious. And of course, he
received a stern talking from the smaller Jedi with a good whack from his gimmer
stick.
Dismayed and deeply worried that the boy could have been hurt during the race,
even the slight master noted when Obi-Wan's brow furrowed at the child,
concern mixing with displeasure. Yoda had sighed, and sent the disheveled
master with his padawan to get cleaned up. In their quarters, Anakin had spent a
half hour in the fresher, trying to clean the grit from his body and hair while his
master paced the living room.
/I have no idea how to discipline this boy!/ Obi-Wan moaned to himself. Every
time he tried, Anakin would either curl up into a ball of defiance or simply explode
in anger. Anakin's anger was often contagious, though the master was far more
adept at handling and releasing it into the force.
Even now, three years after his death, Obi-Wan missed his master, more than
ever. He missed the guidance, missed the soft yet powerful voice, missed the
gentle touch on the shoulder…
"Master?" Anakin asked softly, toweling his dirty blond hair dry and gazing at his
master with a thoughtful expression. Obi-Wan blinked and pulled himself out of
his memories, whirling to face the boy.
"You," the knight said calmly, "Are in big trouble."
Anakin winced but nodded, dropping his eyes to the floor.
"Why do you insist upon doing this, padawan? If nothing else, it worries me half
to death, let alone disregards all the rules. It's /dangerous/, Anakin. And not the
Jedi way." Obi-Wan sighed heavily, and sank down upon the couch before his
padawan. Anakin watched as his master massaged his temples, closing his
eyes.
"I…"
Obi-Wan looked up, watching as the boy sat crossed-legged before him, running
a hand through his short hair. "I do it… because I… can forget when I fly. I can
forget when I build and fix things…"
"But Anakin, forgetting will not erase the problem," Obi-Wan said gently.
"And what /is/ the problem, master?" Anakin asked, eyes wide with expression.
"How can I erase my past?" The boy's lip quivered. "How can I sit here and
meditate when it just…"
"Just what?"
The padawan sighed and looked away, fiddling with his short braid. "It's so easy
to do what is required of me, master. The saber practice, the tests, the
homework. It's all so easy. The force is always there, just waiting for me and
yet… it won't let me rest, master." Anakin bowed his head, hiding his eyes.
Obi-Wan stared at the child. Force, what should he do?
/Master, what do I do?/ The Knight questioned, but there was no answer. There
was never an answer.
At a loss, Obi-Wan squatted down and scooped up the boy, then reclined back to
the couch. Anakin looked at him with hesitation from the knight's lap.
"Anakin I…" Force, Obi-Wan groaned. How to do this? "I know you miss your
mother. I… I miss Qui-Gon. More than anything."
"In the world?" Asked Anakin, looking directly into the master's sea-green eyes.
Obi-Wan nodded.
"But I don't divulge myself in fantasies or dangers to escape that feeling, Anakin.
It is simply not the Jedi way. I do what the force asks and I serve the code." The
master sighed, leaning his head back against the couch.
"But… doesn't it hurt?"
Obi-Wan's eyes flew open at the question. /More than you know…/ But he said
nothing and only smiled.
The two stayed up late that night, just talking. Anakin talked of his mother with
shimmering eyes and Obi-Wan listened intently. For the first time, Anakin and his
master seemed to be truly at peace together, whispering softly on the couch.
*************************
The following morning, Obi-Wan was sipping a cup of coffee and going through
some mission reports when the door chime rang.
"Enter," he murmured, still engrossed in his reading. The door hissed open to
reveal the dark-skinned Master Jedi Mace Windu.
"Good morning, Obi-Wan," The Jedi greeted, startling the reading knight.
"Sorry, Master Windu. I was reading this... Please, have a seat," Obi-Wan
motioned to the chair adjacent to the couch. The master sat.
"Where's Anakin?" Mace asked mildly. Obi-Wan shook his head and yawned
slightly, his bearded face catching the early morning light.
"We had a long talk last night. Mostly about discipline. I fear I'm growing soft, for I
decided to let him sleep in." He smiled sheepishly.
"Ah. And that is what I'm here for."
Obi-Wan's eyebrows rose. "Really? How so?"
Mace sighed and allowed his gaze to slide over the room. "There is a mission.
Nothing difficult, a rather primitive world on the outer rim, called Amak, is holding
a kind of festival this coming week, and they offer their 'hospitality' by inviting a
Jedi. Apparently, it's tradition to invite those whom are allies, tribes or whatever.
Since they so recently joined the republic, they requested our presence."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I see. Sounds… interesting, I'm sure. But what does that have
to do with Anakin?"
"The council would like your padawan to participate in the upcoming scholastic
tournament this week… and we'd like him to do so without you. You are to attend
the festival on Amak as a representative of the Jedi, and your padawan will
remain here."
Just then, Anakin sauntered into the room, looking grouchy. He stood between
the two masters and sighed.
"Ok, Master Windu," he sighed. "I… overheard your conversation. I understand
what my punishment is." And then the boy continued his wandering into the
kitchen. The dark-skinned master raised and eyebrow.
"Apparently, he listened to what I had to say last night… I told him what we do as
masters will help him to learn his place and be at peace." Obi-Wan watched his
apprentice move off. "Can't say I'm not surprised he listened to me, though," he
whispered to Mace. The two masters watched the young boy attempt to make
himself breakfast.
***************
Obi-Wan dozed off and on, his head reclined against the cockpit chair's headrest.
From the core to the outer rim, it was a five-day journey and sometimes seemed
to take forever. He was constantly being contacted by Anakin, the boy yelping
reports about how boring the tournament was and how well he was doing. Obi-
Wan was beginning to believe that his time with his padawan the night after the
race had actually helped their relationship. He was glad.
A high-pitched beeping brought the master from his light nap, and he trained his
unfocused eyes upon the front panel of the ship. He was entering the
atmosphere of the planet Amak.
As he piloted through the dense atmosphere, he gasped. Like a tangible warmth,
a strong current of the force flowed through him. Closing his eyes, Obi-Wan
soaked in the feeling, and was astounded at how strong the force was on this
world. Blinking, he managed to land the craft to the murky ground, still caught up
in the feelings coursing through his strong frame.
As he exited, the Jedi was assaulted by the smell of dew and moisture. The
landscape was unseen, for large, red trees grew in every direction. Confused,
Obi-Wan re-checked the coordinates… yes, this was the correct place to land…
And then, there was life. A dozen natives came forth from the trees, smiling
pleasantly and most of them holding children. Clad in plain tunics and loose
pants, they greeted the Jedi warmly. Obi-Wan tucked his hands in his wide
sleeves and bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Jedi. I am Faldin, leader of this tribe. We welcome you with open
arms to Amak." The tall man greeted, his short black hair bobbing as he spoke.
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. It is an honor to share your festival," Obi-Wan responded
with another slight bow. From behind Faldin, a small girl poked her head out from
behind his thick legs. Her sky-blue eyes danced around Obi-Wan, studying the
stranger with intensity. The Jedi smiled at the small girl, and she smiled quickly in
return, then zipped behind Faldin again.
Falling in step beside him, Faldin introduced two other members of his tribe.
"This is Tiagra and Kou," the chief said mildly, motioning towards a rather short
yet lithe young woman and a stronger, well-build man with a nasty scar running
down his face. He chattered lightly about the world as they walked through the
muck and moisture of the forest. Faldin explained that this was not a city nor a
usual place of inhabitance, but a special and ancient wood that had been used
for generations to hold the festival.
As they spoke, the little girl with blue eyes streaked in-between Kou and Faldin,
and then in-between Obi-Wan's legs. She yelped, suddenly entangled in the
Jedi's robe. Obi-Wan inhaled in surprised when she banged into the inner side of
his leg.
"Mira!" Tiagra hissed from behind them, wanting to grab the girl, but Kou stopped
her, gently touching the woman's arm. The troop halted, and Mira poked her
head out from Obi-Wan's robe, below his crotch. He swallowed, but was taken
aback by the brilliancy of the child's wide smile.
"Hello," Obi-Wan said softly to the girl beneath him. Her smiled widened.
"You feel?" She asked, waving her arms about, her fingers wiggling.
Obi-Wan looked at the girl in confusion. "Feel?" He asked, looking down at her.
She nodded wildly and giggled.
"Don't mind her, Mr. Kenobi," Tiagra murmured with a wide smile, looking at the
child. "She's… always been a little different. Especially at the time of the festival."
The woman leaned over and lifted the child. Mira smiled and wiggled her chubby
fingers with glee.
The party continued on, traveling deeper into the wood. Beyond the trees, Obi-
Wan spotted a massive bonfire burning brightly. Concerned about the chance of
a wildfire, he was about to say something when suddenly, Kou spoke, "Look,
Jedi,". Glancing towards the tall man's extended finger, Obi-Wan looked
upwards. He was dazzled to find three moons, one pink, one green and one blue,
all close to a straight line.
"It's beautiful," he murmured, his eyes soaking in the large satellites. "They're so
close!"
"Indeed," Faldin nodded. "Every ten years, the moons align and the festival is
held here in these woods. There are other places like this one all over the planet.
And when the moons align in two days, that will be the height of celebration."
"I see," Obi-Wan nodded. "Why do you celebrate?" He asked.
"Because the moons represent our past, in a way," Tiagra explained softly from
behind. Obi-Wan slowed, and walked beside her. In her arms, Mira stared
upwards at the moons, her shimmering eyes bright. "There were three ages on
Amak, you see. The first age was when we were ruled by a monarch or sorts. It
was a difficult time. The second age, not so long ago, the people or Amak
rebelled and set up a republic. Now, we are in the third age, the age of peace."
They made their way to the fire, which was contained by a small body of water
within the wood to prevent the flames from spreading. Several huts lined the
center of the clearing, made from the red wood of the trees around them. While
primitive, the structures looked solid and sturdy. A sweet cedar smell filled Obi-
Wan's nose and he breathed deeply. Suddenly, another strong wave of the force
crashed against his body and he gasped. It wasn't unpleasant, just so strong!
He stumbled backwards, gripping his head. So strong… he felt like he was
spinning in a sea of the force, it's power swirling through his mind…
"Master Kenobi?" Faldin asked worriedly, tentatively gripping the swaying Jedi's
arm. Tiagra and Kou exchanged worried glances. Mira suddenly wiggled in
Tiagra's arms, and the distracted woman set the girl down. She followed Kou and
Faldin as the men escorted the dazed Obi-Wan to one of the guest huts. They
lay him gently upon the cot, the moonlight filtering through the grass doorway
onto his face. After a few moments more, Obi-Wan groaned and opened his
eyes. He found Kou and Faldin looked down upon him, concerned.
"What happened?" Faldin asked gently.
"I…" Obi-Wan began, bringing a hand up to rub his face. "The force, it's so strong
here. I've never felt anything like it…"
"You feel!" Mira squealed, startling the men. Glancing at the doorway, the little
girl beamed happily from the long grass. Obi-Wan motioned for the child to come
forward. Mira scampered towards him, weaving through the other men.
Approaching the bed, she watched as the robed Jedi swung his legs over the cot
and peered down at her.
"Yes, I feel it. Can you?" Obi-Wan asked, touching her head.
"Master Jedi, I apologize for Mira. She's always been… unique-" Kou began.
"No… I think… she's force sensitive," Obi-Wan murmured, closing his eyes and
finding a rather strong force signature that was Mira's. "I'm sure of it."
Faldin blinked. "What do you mean?"
Obi-Wan smiled at the girl. "Some beings, Faldin, are gifted with the force. It
makes them… different, and without training, children tend to act like Mira, here.
There is nothing to worry. She has been given a great gift. She can feel the
force."
"Like… Jedi?" Kou asked. Obi-Wan nodded. "Does that explain why she sees
things others can't?"
"Possibly," Obi-Wan replied, inhaling deeply when another, even stronger wave
of the force flowed through his body. It was invigorating, yet barely something he
could withstand. It was like his midichlorians were suddenly screaming, taking in
the force and multiplying, or something…
Mira tugged on his pant leg. Obi-Wan blearily opened his eyes to regard the
pointing girl.
"You feel! You see?" She asked, pointing to an empty spot in the hut, the corner.
Obi-Wan saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"No, Mira. I see… a corner. An empty corner. What do you see?" He asked
softly. Kou and Faldin looked on in interest. Mira just sighed, exasperated.
Mumbling to herself, the girl exited the hut.
"She is often like that, talking to people we can't see and talking to herself as
well," Kou said, looking at the empty corner. Faldin sighed.
"I hope that you are well, Master Kenobi. I did not expect this place to affect you
so. If you wish, we can relocate you-"
"No, it's alright. I'll stay," Obi-Wan assured, nodding at the chief. Feeling steady
enough to stand, the Jedi followed the hesitant chief outside.
Around the fire many natives had gathered and were laughing and drinking some
kind of jade-colored juice of sorts. Along the edge of the crowd, a long table had
been set up and a variety of foods and drink rested upon it's aged wooden
surface. Obi-Wan made his way to it's edge, finding himself beside Tiagra.
Before Obi-Wan could greet the woman, she help a finger to her lips and pointed.
Following her gaze, he peered across the clearing to see Mira, giggling and
smiling at… nothing. A tree, nothing more. Obi-Wan frowned.
"An invisible friend?" He asked softly, accepting the greenish drink Tiagra offered
him.
"Indeed," She nodded. "She gets a new one every festival, for the last three
years. I believe this one's called 'Bahr'. She talks to it all through the festival,
then she says goodbye on the night the moons align. It's quite odd," Tiagra
contemplated, sipping her juice. Obi-Wan followed suit, tasting the drink. It was
sweet, very sweet. His eyes crinkled.
"Careful, mind you. It's quite… potent. A special drink for adults during the
festival," She grinned. He was glad she'd told him, he couldn't taste anything like
alcohol beyond the sweetness of the drink. Sipping slowly, he and Tiagra fell into
a casual conversation. Her light laughter and smile were pleasing, and they
talked for a long time.
After a time, people began to migrate to the large table and take the main course
of the meal, a large plate of fruits and vegetables.
"You're vegetarian?" Obi-Wan asked mildly as he tasted a small cake made from
nuts and berries.
Tiagra nodded, waving towards the wood. "Most of us are. Our stomachs get
very upset when we try to eat meat. So, we've learned to make other foods."
"And very delicious other foods," added the Jedi, when something caught his
eye. Turning, he saw Mira. The girl was waving against to something in the
forest…
And Obi-Wan thought he saw movement beyond the trees.
strange world provides an extraordinary opportunity for Obi-Wan…
No one is mine except for the natives. Yay natives. George owns all.
_________________________
From Ashes to Calm
By: Spazkit
_________________________
I'm a Jedi Knight…
I'm a Jedi Knight…
I'm… not afraid…
_________________________
Obi-Wan Kenobi had the most nerve-wracking week of his life. Honestly, that's
what it was. His padawan of three years, Anakin, had yet /again/ disobeyed him
and participated in one of those infernal underground jet races near the senate
complex. After dragging the dirt-ball of a child back to the temple, he'd run right
into Master Yoda on the way to the residential area. Glorious. And of course, he
received a stern talking from the smaller Jedi with a good whack from his gimmer
stick.
Dismayed and deeply worried that the boy could have been hurt during the race,
even the slight master noted when Obi-Wan's brow furrowed at the child,
concern mixing with displeasure. Yoda had sighed, and sent the disheveled
master with his padawan to get cleaned up. In their quarters, Anakin had spent a
half hour in the fresher, trying to clean the grit from his body and hair while his
master paced the living room.
/I have no idea how to discipline this boy!/ Obi-Wan moaned to himself. Every
time he tried, Anakin would either curl up into a ball of defiance or simply explode
in anger. Anakin's anger was often contagious, though the master was far more
adept at handling and releasing it into the force.
Even now, three years after his death, Obi-Wan missed his master, more than
ever. He missed the guidance, missed the soft yet powerful voice, missed the
gentle touch on the shoulder…
"Master?" Anakin asked softly, toweling his dirty blond hair dry and gazing at his
master with a thoughtful expression. Obi-Wan blinked and pulled himself out of
his memories, whirling to face the boy.
"You," the knight said calmly, "Are in big trouble."
Anakin winced but nodded, dropping his eyes to the floor.
"Why do you insist upon doing this, padawan? If nothing else, it worries me half
to death, let alone disregards all the rules. It's /dangerous/, Anakin. And not the
Jedi way." Obi-Wan sighed heavily, and sank down upon the couch before his
padawan. Anakin watched as his master massaged his temples, closing his
eyes.
"I…"
Obi-Wan looked up, watching as the boy sat crossed-legged before him, running
a hand through his short hair. "I do it… because I… can forget when I fly. I can
forget when I build and fix things…"
"But Anakin, forgetting will not erase the problem," Obi-Wan said gently.
"And what /is/ the problem, master?" Anakin asked, eyes wide with expression.
"How can I erase my past?" The boy's lip quivered. "How can I sit here and
meditate when it just…"
"Just what?"
The padawan sighed and looked away, fiddling with his short braid. "It's so easy
to do what is required of me, master. The saber practice, the tests, the
homework. It's all so easy. The force is always there, just waiting for me and
yet… it won't let me rest, master." Anakin bowed his head, hiding his eyes.
Obi-Wan stared at the child. Force, what should he do?
/Master, what do I do?/ The Knight questioned, but there was no answer. There
was never an answer.
At a loss, Obi-Wan squatted down and scooped up the boy, then reclined back to
the couch. Anakin looked at him with hesitation from the knight's lap.
"Anakin I…" Force, Obi-Wan groaned. How to do this? "I know you miss your
mother. I… I miss Qui-Gon. More than anything."
"In the world?" Asked Anakin, looking directly into the master's sea-green eyes.
Obi-Wan nodded.
"But I don't divulge myself in fantasies or dangers to escape that feeling, Anakin.
It is simply not the Jedi way. I do what the force asks and I serve the code." The
master sighed, leaning his head back against the couch.
"But… doesn't it hurt?"
Obi-Wan's eyes flew open at the question. /More than you know…/ But he said
nothing and only smiled.
The two stayed up late that night, just talking. Anakin talked of his mother with
shimmering eyes and Obi-Wan listened intently. For the first time, Anakin and his
master seemed to be truly at peace together, whispering softly on the couch.
*************************
The following morning, Obi-Wan was sipping a cup of coffee and going through
some mission reports when the door chime rang.
"Enter," he murmured, still engrossed in his reading. The door hissed open to
reveal the dark-skinned Master Jedi Mace Windu.
"Good morning, Obi-Wan," The Jedi greeted, startling the reading knight.
"Sorry, Master Windu. I was reading this... Please, have a seat," Obi-Wan
motioned to the chair adjacent to the couch. The master sat.
"Where's Anakin?" Mace asked mildly. Obi-Wan shook his head and yawned
slightly, his bearded face catching the early morning light.
"We had a long talk last night. Mostly about discipline. I fear I'm growing soft, for I
decided to let him sleep in." He smiled sheepishly.
"Ah. And that is what I'm here for."
Obi-Wan's eyebrows rose. "Really? How so?"
Mace sighed and allowed his gaze to slide over the room. "There is a mission.
Nothing difficult, a rather primitive world on the outer rim, called Amak, is holding
a kind of festival this coming week, and they offer their 'hospitality' by inviting a
Jedi. Apparently, it's tradition to invite those whom are allies, tribes or whatever.
Since they so recently joined the republic, they requested our presence."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I see. Sounds… interesting, I'm sure. But what does that have
to do with Anakin?"
"The council would like your padawan to participate in the upcoming scholastic
tournament this week… and we'd like him to do so without you. You are to attend
the festival on Amak as a representative of the Jedi, and your padawan will
remain here."
Just then, Anakin sauntered into the room, looking grouchy. He stood between
the two masters and sighed.
"Ok, Master Windu," he sighed. "I… overheard your conversation. I understand
what my punishment is." And then the boy continued his wandering into the
kitchen. The dark-skinned master raised and eyebrow.
"Apparently, he listened to what I had to say last night… I told him what we do as
masters will help him to learn his place and be at peace." Obi-Wan watched his
apprentice move off. "Can't say I'm not surprised he listened to me, though," he
whispered to Mace. The two masters watched the young boy attempt to make
himself breakfast.
***************
Obi-Wan dozed off and on, his head reclined against the cockpit chair's headrest.
From the core to the outer rim, it was a five-day journey and sometimes seemed
to take forever. He was constantly being contacted by Anakin, the boy yelping
reports about how boring the tournament was and how well he was doing. Obi-
Wan was beginning to believe that his time with his padawan the night after the
race had actually helped their relationship. He was glad.
A high-pitched beeping brought the master from his light nap, and he trained his
unfocused eyes upon the front panel of the ship. He was entering the
atmosphere of the planet Amak.
As he piloted through the dense atmosphere, he gasped. Like a tangible warmth,
a strong current of the force flowed through him. Closing his eyes, Obi-Wan
soaked in the feeling, and was astounded at how strong the force was on this
world. Blinking, he managed to land the craft to the murky ground, still caught up
in the feelings coursing through his strong frame.
As he exited, the Jedi was assaulted by the smell of dew and moisture. The
landscape was unseen, for large, red trees grew in every direction. Confused,
Obi-Wan re-checked the coordinates… yes, this was the correct place to land…
And then, there was life. A dozen natives came forth from the trees, smiling
pleasantly and most of them holding children. Clad in plain tunics and loose
pants, they greeted the Jedi warmly. Obi-Wan tucked his hands in his wide
sleeves and bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Jedi. I am Faldin, leader of this tribe. We welcome you with open
arms to Amak." The tall man greeted, his short black hair bobbing as he spoke.
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. It is an honor to share your festival," Obi-Wan responded
with another slight bow. From behind Faldin, a small girl poked her head out from
behind his thick legs. Her sky-blue eyes danced around Obi-Wan, studying the
stranger with intensity. The Jedi smiled at the small girl, and she smiled quickly in
return, then zipped behind Faldin again.
Falling in step beside him, Faldin introduced two other members of his tribe.
"This is Tiagra and Kou," the chief said mildly, motioning towards a rather short
yet lithe young woman and a stronger, well-build man with a nasty scar running
down his face. He chattered lightly about the world as they walked through the
muck and moisture of the forest. Faldin explained that this was not a city nor a
usual place of inhabitance, but a special and ancient wood that had been used
for generations to hold the festival.
As they spoke, the little girl with blue eyes streaked in-between Kou and Faldin,
and then in-between Obi-Wan's legs. She yelped, suddenly entangled in the
Jedi's robe. Obi-Wan inhaled in surprised when she banged into the inner side of
his leg.
"Mira!" Tiagra hissed from behind them, wanting to grab the girl, but Kou stopped
her, gently touching the woman's arm. The troop halted, and Mira poked her
head out from Obi-Wan's robe, below his crotch. He swallowed, but was taken
aback by the brilliancy of the child's wide smile.
"Hello," Obi-Wan said softly to the girl beneath him. Her smiled widened.
"You feel?" She asked, waving her arms about, her fingers wiggling.
Obi-Wan looked at the girl in confusion. "Feel?" He asked, looking down at her.
She nodded wildly and giggled.
"Don't mind her, Mr. Kenobi," Tiagra murmured with a wide smile, looking at the
child. "She's… always been a little different. Especially at the time of the festival."
The woman leaned over and lifted the child. Mira smiled and wiggled her chubby
fingers with glee.
The party continued on, traveling deeper into the wood. Beyond the trees, Obi-
Wan spotted a massive bonfire burning brightly. Concerned about the chance of
a wildfire, he was about to say something when suddenly, Kou spoke, "Look,
Jedi,". Glancing towards the tall man's extended finger, Obi-Wan looked
upwards. He was dazzled to find three moons, one pink, one green and one blue,
all close to a straight line.
"It's beautiful," he murmured, his eyes soaking in the large satellites. "They're so
close!"
"Indeed," Faldin nodded. "Every ten years, the moons align and the festival is
held here in these woods. There are other places like this one all over the planet.
And when the moons align in two days, that will be the height of celebration."
"I see," Obi-Wan nodded. "Why do you celebrate?" He asked.
"Because the moons represent our past, in a way," Tiagra explained softly from
behind. Obi-Wan slowed, and walked beside her. In her arms, Mira stared
upwards at the moons, her shimmering eyes bright. "There were three ages on
Amak, you see. The first age was when we were ruled by a monarch or sorts. It
was a difficult time. The second age, not so long ago, the people or Amak
rebelled and set up a republic. Now, we are in the third age, the age of peace."
They made their way to the fire, which was contained by a small body of water
within the wood to prevent the flames from spreading. Several huts lined the
center of the clearing, made from the red wood of the trees around them. While
primitive, the structures looked solid and sturdy. A sweet cedar smell filled Obi-
Wan's nose and he breathed deeply. Suddenly, another strong wave of the force
crashed against his body and he gasped. It wasn't unpleasant, just so strong!
He stumbled backwards, gripping his head. So strong… he felt like he was
spinning in a sea of the force, it's power swirling through his mind…
"Master Kenobi?" Faldin asked worriedly, tentatively gripping the swaying Jedi's
arm. Tiagra and Kou exchanged worried glances. Mira suddenly wiggled in
Tiagra's arms, and the distracted woman set the girl down. She followed Kou and
Faldin as the men escorted the dazed Obi-Wan to one of the guest huts. They
lay him gently upon the cot, the moonlight filtering through the grass doorway
onto his face. After a few moments more, Obi-Wan groaned and opened his
eyes. He found Kou and Faldin looked down upon him, concerned.
"What happened?" Faldin asked gently.
"I…" Obi-Wan began, bringing a hand up to rub his face. "The force, it's so strong
here. I've never felt anything like it…"
"You feel!" Mira squealed, startling the men. Glancing at the doorway, the little
girl beamed happily from the long grass. Obi-Wan motioned for the child to come
forward. Mira scampered towards him, weaving through the other men.
Approaching the bed, she watched as the robed Jedi swung his legs over the cot
and peered down at her.
"Yes, I feel it. Can you?" Obi-Wan asked, touching her head.
"Master Jedi, I apologize for Mira. She's always been… unique-" Kou began.
"No… I think… she's force sensitive," Obi-Wan murmured, closing his eyes and
finding a rather strong force signature that was Mira's. "I'm sure of it."
Faldin blinked. "What do you mean?"
Obi-Wan smiled at the girl. "Some beings, Faldin, are gifted with the force. It
makes them… different, and without training, children tend to act like Mira, here.
There is nothing to worry. She has been given a great gift. She can feel the
force."
"Like… Jedi?" Kou asked. Obi-Wan nodded. "Does that explain why she sees
things others can't?"
"Possibly," Obi-Wan replied, inhaling deeply when another, even stronger wave
of the force flowed through his body. It was invigorating, yet barely something he
could withstand. It was like his midichlorians were suddenly screaming, taking in
the force and multiplying, or something…
Mira tugged on his pant leg. Obi-Wan blearily opened his eyes to regard the
pointing girl.
"You feel! You see?" She asked, pointing to an empty spot in the hut, the corner.
Obi-Wan saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"No, Mira. I see… a corner. An empty corner. What do you see?" He asked
softly. Kou and Faldin looked on in interest. Mira just sighed, exasperated.
Mumbling to herself, the girl exited the hut.
"She is often like that, talking to people we can't see and talking to herself as
well," Kou said, looking at the empty corner. Faldin sighed.
"I hope that you are well, Master Kenobi. I did not expect this place to affect you
so. If you wish, we can relocate you-"
"No, it's alright. I'll stay," Obi-Wan assured, nodding at the chief. Feeling steady
enough to stand, the Jedi followed the hesitant chief outside.
Around the fire many natives had gathered and were laughing and drinking some
kind of jade-colored juice of sorts. Along the edge of the crowd, a long table had
been set up and a variety of foods and drink rested upon it's aged wooden
surface. Obi-Wan made his way to it's edge, finding himself beside Tiagra.
Before Obi-Wan could greet the woman, she help a finger to her lips and pointed.
Following her gaze, he peered across the clearing to see Mira, giggling and
smiling at… nothing. A tree, nothing more. Obi-Wan frowned.
"An invisible friend?" He asked softly, accepting the greenish drink Tiagra offered
him.
"Indeed," She nodded. "She gets a new one every festival, for the last three
years. I believe this one's called 'Bahr'. She talks to it all through the festival,
then she says goodbye on the night the moons align. It's quite odd," Tiagra
contemplated, sipping her juice. Obi-Wan followed suit, tasting the drink. It was
sweet, very sweet. His eyes crinkled.
"Careful, mind you. It's quite… potent. A special drink for adults during the
festival," She grinned. He was glad she'd told him, he couldn't taste anything like
alcohol beyond the sweetness of the drink. Sipping slowly, he and Tiagra fell into
a casual conversation. Her light laughter and smile were pleasing, and they
talked for a long time.
After a time, people began to migrate to the large table and take the main course
of the meal, a large plate of fruits and vegetables.
"You're vegetarian?" Obi-Wan asked mildly as he tasted a small cake made from
nuts and berries.
Tiagra nodded, waving towards the wood. "Most of us are. Our stomachs get
very upset when we try to eat meat. So, we've learned to make other foods."
"And very delicious other foods," added the Jedi, when something caught his
eye. Turning, he saw Mira. The girl was waving against to something in the
forest…
And Obi-Wan thought he saw movement beyond the trees.