-Hmmgh, went well did it?- Yoda observed as Obi-Wan removed the cloth from his eyes- Have fun did you?-
-We started poorly, I'm afraid- Qui-Gon stated calmly, kneeling in front of the green Master's relaxed demeanor.
Obi-Wan refrained from commenting. After the bridge episode, Qui-Gon had directed him with 'don't touch the plant on your right, its thorns are poisonous' and would gently pull him away from the hazards. It had been comforting to hear his Master talking. He cherished his Master's presence, but even more, his voice. It was nice to know he was worth his Master's verbal wisdom, for he was a quiet man.
He preferred to keep that to himself, of course.
-Hmmgh, your turn it is now, Qui-Gon- Yoda said, noticing Obi-Wan's silence..
Qui-Gon wrapped the cloth around his eyes in a swift movement and stood as he waited for Obi-Wan's command. His tall figure was not quite relaxed but he remained still, listening closely to his surroundings and preparing for the upcoming challenge.
Next to the tall Master, Obi-Wan was releasing his anxiety and as he opened his eyes, he found Master Yoda watching him closely.
-Fear not, young one. Master Windu hard to find will not be- the great Master said gently. Of course the first sentence was the real message.
Apprehensively, Obi-Wan turned to his Master trying to come up with the best course of action. Very slowly, he reached for Qui-Gon's huge hand and hesitantly put it on his shoulder.
He tried not to think how good that felt as they began to walk.
The padawan sweated as he decided what to do, his Master soundlessly following him out of the bushy place Master Yoda had taken residence.
'Oh Force, please don't let him trip' the padawan thought forlorn, struggling up the hill because of the mischievous slipping rocks. He paid close attention to his Master; there was no way he would let him get hurt. Not in his watch.
Finally, they reached the path once again and Obi-Wan stopped walking. Now, where should they head to?
'Well' Obi-Wan though as he tightened his jaw and lips along with it. 'First things first. Find Master Windu!'
He concentrated for a bit trying to set apart the Force signature he needed from the whole lot he could feel. He emerged victorious and smiled at his tiny triumph.
-What are you cheering for?- Qui-Gon's voice surprised him.
-I found a clue of Master Windu´s whereabouts- Obi-Wan stopped talking, suddenly self-conscious. Had he taken too long again? Probably. Of course his Master was right, he had nothing to celebrate.
As they reassumed walking, Obi-Wan was thinking hard on what to do. 'Talk, not talk; that's the question' the padawan smiled sardonically. Unexpectedly, when they were walking around a pond, Obi-Wan spotted a councilor approaching them.
-Master Mundi is coming- he said to Qui-Gon and bowed. The cerean Master nodded graciously.
-Padawan Kenobi, Qui-Gon; how nice to see you- Qui-Gon nodded as well.
-Master Mundi, a pleasure to hear.- the councilor passed his eyes between the team and grinned.
-I think I'll see you both later…- Master Mundi bowed smiling and retired quickly.
Obi-Wan was perplexed. Why approach them to leave right away? There was no say with Jedi Masters, he sighed.
The padawan suddenly realized where he was and a furious blushed appeared along with a smile.
-I met Master Mundi in here- he whispered. Qui-Gon shifted slightly to show he was listening- it was just after my first lightsaber class and I was so excited I took a stick and fought those rose bushes over there pretending I was Master Yoda.-
Qui-Gon's lips twitched up in amusement.
-And what happened?- the tall Master asked softly.
-Master Mundi came and helped me feel the plants. They were hurting, so I stopped.-
Obi-Wan was unaware of his Master's tiny smile. But of course, he was also unaware of Qui-Gon's love for any living being, including defenseless beautiful plants.
They continued their journey towards the sand clearing where younglings used to play. The padawan supported his Master as the climbed up the hill and then Obi-Wan was yet again clueless of what to do. Until he felt…
-Is something the matter?- Qui-Gon's deep voice touched Obi-Wan's ears. The slouch had given him away.
-I think I made a mistake.- Obi-Wan said despond- I now feel Master Windu is nowhere near here.-
Qui-Gon, of course, could not help when he couldn't feel anything aside his padawan's deep unhappiness. However, the Master thought it was a nice touch to recognize the error right away. Humbleness was a good trait.
-Correct the course, then-
Making a one eighty turn, they descended once again but taking the left way, giving their backs to the path they had come from.
-Ah… we need to go out of the way- Obi-Wan said frowning- there are some big bushes with some flowers along the way and I don't know what they are.-
-How do they look like?- Qui-Gon said a bit eager.
-Red haulms, white petals, orange pistils.-
-Those are ornamental flowers- Qui-Gon said unable to contain a smile.- I planted them myself.-
Obi-Wan's jaw dropped. Gardening? Well, no surprise really; was there anything in the galaxy his Master didn't excel in?
-What a way of meeting…- A deep, elegant voice suddenly interrupted.
Obi-Wan didn't recognize the Master. He had white hair, perfect regal posture, sharp eyes and a huge silent power resting on his Force signature.
Master Qui-Gon, however, bowed deeply right away.
-Master Dooku, it's been quite a while.-
Obi-Wan's eyebrows popped up. Master Qui-Gon's Master? He knew about him; he had an impeccable reputation in the political field and as swordsmen. A fine diplomat, he was a former padawan of Master Yoda. He sure wasn't how Obi-Wan had imagined he would be with his aristocrat, proud and stern form and a confident and detached demeanor.Obi-Wan wondered how it would be like to interact closely with the man. He swallowed hard.
-I've just returned- the older Jedi said smoothly, his tone surprising Kenobi- the padawan coordinating arrivals was at a lost with me; but that is what two years out do, I believe.-
Qui-Gon nodded at ease as he placed, once again, his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
-I believe you have yet to meet my padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi.-
Nervously, Obi-Wan bowed and then met Master Dooku's hawk eyes. He was surprised by the gentle look he got in return, it puzzled him to see it when Master Dooku looked so severe. Maybe it was because he was still young and the Master didn't want to intimidate him too much?
-Nice to meet you, young one.- he sent Qui-Gon a mocking gaze- Master Yoda told me all about you. I find myself shocked. I'm curious about the boy who conquered Qui-Gon's wretched stubbornness.-
Obi-Wan, disconcerted by the statement, looked uncertainly into the Master's eyes who smiled conspiratorially.
-I hope you have better taste than your Master- the older Jedi continued in an elegant tone- Tell me, what are your thoughts about Makashi?-
Obi-Wan eyes widened. Another test…
- Umm… From what I've seen in the Archives, it's a very elegant Form. Requires perfect precision because of the characteristic cuts it performs. It's great on duels, however… It's not so good against several opponents and even worse against lasers.- he said frowning without noticing his voice gaining strength- The only way of using it alone nowadays is to achieve Mastery over it but that takes a life time. Had someone wanted to choose it at the beginning, they'd have to mix it with another form to be safe. Makashi alone just doesn't do in these times-
Master Dooku arched his eyebrows, taken aback. Qui-Gon's lips twitched up. Talking about bruising pride…
-And what do you think of Ataru?- Dooku said relentless.
-Well, Master Qui-Gon uses Ataru… I think Ataru is fun, feels like… like life itself, moving all around… I like it because it rest heavily on the Force, sometimes using it even more directly than other Forms. But it needs creativity because its defense is not so good if not lacking.- Obi-Wan said seriously- It works for Master Qui-Gon because the surprise is his defense, no one would imagine someone his size doing mortal jumps-
Rich laughter flew through the air as Master Dooku rejoiced over the boy's answer, Obi-Wan was surprised at hearing his own Master chuckling along softly. The young padawan felt his face reddening.
-What a boy! Mind as sharp as a lightsaber!- Master Dooku kept chuckling helplessly- I see you have a Negotiator on the making, Qui-Gon.-
-So it would seem- Qui-Gon answered with an elegant eyebrow gesture. Wow, how close attention Obi-Wan paid to him to know that?
-I'll be waiting for the day I get to see you perform your Form of choice.- Master Dooku said before preparing to leave- A duel tomorrow morning, my old padawan, and perhaps dinner?-
-Of course- Qui-Gon answered. Dooku nodded gracefully and walked away.
-I haven't seen him that impressed by a young one for quite a while- Qui-Gon broke the silence that had fallen into their walking.- probably since he chose me all those years ago…-
-Are you two close?- Obi-Wan asked silently.
-We keep in touch, we work well together; he has even said I was his favorite padawan. However, our way of thinking couldn't be more different. Sometimes, as we give each other a complete opposite point of view, we are able to solve problems otherwise impossible.-
Obi-Wan nodded soundlessly, Qui-Gon perceiving this not by sight, as he couldn't, but from the wide open bond. It was so estrange yet wonderful experience. They usually had the bond closed and by so, they had deprived themselves from a Force wisely given companionship. It was as if they had found there was a piece of themselves they had missed but now they knew about it… they complemented perfectly one another. They were both doubting the closeness they wanted to have, though. They felt insecure like that.
And now, arriving to a high place alongside the river, they stopped once again.
-You're standing on an unstable rock, Master- Obi-Wan said distractedly as he searched incessantly for who he now knew wasn't there. He sighed distressed.- I don't understand, Master Windu is not here, though he should.-
Qui-Gon squeezed comfortingly his padawan's shoulder.
-I'm sure he used to be here and has just moved- the Master said surprising himself at how earnest he was to ease Obi-Wan's apprehension.
-But…- the boy began but suddenly gasped, his breathing picking rocket speed.
-Obi-Wan?- Qui-Gon said startled, the bond just making feel he was spinning relentlessly- Obi-Wan?!-
Qui-Gon resisted the urge of tearing up the cloth around his eyes. Obi-Wan had forcefully place a knee on the ground and was holding his head with his hands without responding to his Master's anguished calls. Qui-Gon placed his arms around a trembling Obi-Wan however, the second later the boy freed himself and began to emit sounds that indicated an emptying stomach process.
-Obi-Wan?- Qui-Gon said worriedly.
-I'm sorry Master- the boy said hoarsely as he wiped his mouth with the sleeve.
-Are you feeling ill? Do you need a healer?- Obi-Wan shook his head carefully as he rose to his feet.
-It was just a vision.- Obi-Wan said and grimaced at seeing his breakfast on the grass. 'What a waste…' he thought- But come, we need to go elsewhere-
Obi-Wan lead his Master once again, eagerly so. They walked towards his favorite place, the huge tree near the river. The refuge was empty though. Obi-Wan shifted nervously, what if…?
The impressive figure of Mace Windu made appearance a second later, as the councilor tried to sneak in without being seen.
-Wh..? Why are you here?!- the councilor said puzzled.
-I got a tip- Obi-Wan said relieved and cheerful, he hadn't fail! Had he been able, he'd have done a happy dance.
-Mhmgh the Force play also wanted…- Master Yoda slowly made his way towards them, gimmer stick leaving marks on the ground as he walked.
-You have learnt important things- Mace said as he kneelt feeling a bit down as his game had come to a quick end- you were forced to trust and the other one proved to be an eager guardian. You refreshed what is to be guided as we must learn to be able to guide and to lead means selflessly give oneself to others.-
-Nervousness, doubts about trusting, normal are but the Force a great ally is. Reach the Force, together Master and Apprentice it brought. Betray not the confidence the Force in you put.-
Suddenly, the serious talk was interrupted by the distinct sound of a hungry stomach.
-I'm sorry!- Obi-Wan said red faced. It was well after lunch time though, and losing one's breakfast didn't help...
The Masters were highly amused.
-Mhgm a gundark you have swallowed, young one, groans fiercely it does, yes- Master Yoda said as he playfully picked the padawan's belly with his gimmer stick.
Qui-Gon's broad chest resonated with his musical laughter, infected by the cheerful scene of a ticklish Obi-Wan.
-Go eat before you eat us, Obi-Wan- Mace said blissfully. Seeing this team laugh was the best experience he had been given.
1904: Thank you for commenting. I'm glad you like how this is developing and I hope you keep loving this as much as you've had so far :)
Captain: I was very glad to know that I was able to make you happy through my note. I feel great about you liking my story so much. However, I'm sorry to say that the quick updates will come to an end soon because I'm still writing for this and I'm a very slow writer and, as I'm not a native speaker, I have to send the chaps to my beta, so... I'll do my best though ;) I take my time to develop the relationships because things don't get fixed from one second to another, specially when something big like trust was affected. We'll see how this turns out, I have some surprises coming ;) thanks for your support, means a lot to me.
