Obi-wan stood staring out of the large window. He allowed himself to just be as he watched the traffic flow by. The ever present lights of Coruscant reflected off the long auburn hair. He felt tired. More than tired really. He was exhausted. He was actually grateful to the healers. they had told the council in no uncertain terms that Obi-wan was NOT to do anything even remotely stressful for the next month or so. The years spent working on the outer rim had finally caught up with him. The council had decided that he would not be taking those types of missions any longer. If they did allow it they would be risking his life. And they just couldn't justify doing that. He had lasted longer on the outer rim missions than most even came close to.
Obi-wan looked up from his contemplation at the steady taping that echoed across the chamber. A smile broke out across the wearied face. He turned and dropped to one knee to meet his Master. As the Knight kneeled the said master took a moment to view the changes time had wrought on the familiar figure. The hair was much longer now. Actually is was longer than most knights even thought of growing it. The waist length hair was pulled back in a multitude of tiny braids. Those were then braided together to form a slightly thicker braid. And those were braided to make a thicker one. And so on to one solid braid running down the knights back. His face once smooth and innocent was now haggard and weary. And while the light of the force had not dimmed the hopeful outlook on the future had. Obi-wan's clothes were worn and obviously much mended. And he moved with an unconscious grace that had been apparent when he was younger. Only now it had been distilled down the fines essence. There was no energy wasted in his movements. He simply did not have the energy to spare. Master Yoda found himself feeling very happy the Padawan of his heart would be on Coruscant for a while. The aged master only said one thing to the young knight. "Welcome home, Obi-wan." Obi-wan smiled and bowed his head. Yoda rested a clawed hand on the bowed head for a moment. Then they both turned to watch the traffic continue in it's unbroken stream.
And the force rejoiced that it's beloved child had finally come home. And every where every force sensitive on the planet felt that joy. And wondered what caused it. But there were three beings that did not wonder. Master Windu began a very quick walk, it wouldn't do for a council member to be seen running, to the room he knew he would fine Yoda and Obi-wan in. He had a welcome home to attend to. Qui-gon looked up startled and smiled. Perhaps now he would have a chance to talk to his former padawan. And Anakin Skywalker looked up too. But there was no smile on his face. Instead a dark frown marred the handsome surface.
Obi-wan and Yoda continued staring. Oblivious to it all.
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Obi-wan looked up from his light reader at the chime. He quickly looked over at the chrono on the wall and frowned. It was too early for it to be Yoda or Mace. He stood up. There was no way out of it. He would have to answer the door. He snorted as he walked to the door way ** Could I get any more dramatic. No way out! Honestly! I've been spending too much time away from the temple!** He opened the door and was suprsed to see the people standing on the oither side. But He quickly recovered. "Master Jinn! Padawan Skywalker! Come in!" He stepped to the side and ushered his visitors into the living chambers. He settled them down on the sofa. "What brings you two here?" Qui-gon smiled and replied "We heard you were back in the temple. So after locating you new chambers, we decided to come and visit." Obi-wan smiled. "Well I'm glad you did. Now in my last communication with you, Anakin was working on the Heart Song Kata. How did that go?" Anakin looked up and launched into the tale. "Well at first it was confusing. But then I found this vid of you teaching it to some padawans and I watched that...."
Qui-gon watched as Anakin told the story to Obi-wan. He took the time to watch his former apprentice with out being noticed. It was a startling difference. **I seem to have this happen quite often. This is the third time I've been shocked that he had aged.** He noted the white flecs in the ruddy hair. And the lines around his eyes. He chuckled to himself. ** We are both getting older. It's time I admit that. I need to talk to him soon about helping me train Anakin. I'm getting too old to handle some aspects of his training.** Qui-gon had admitted to himself last year that time was catching up. His hair and bear were completely white, and his joints were stiffening up. And no matter what the Healers did he couldn't see as well anymore either. He had been waiting for Obi-wan to come home. He needed help with Anakin. The boy was enthusiastic and energetic. And Qui-gon just could not keep up with him. He came back to himself as he realized Anakin's tale was winding down. "...And once I realized that I was able to do it!" Obi-wan smiled. "That's great Anakin! You'll have to spar with me one day so I can see how you have progressed since then." Anakin's Face lit up. "Oh Wow! That would be great! Every one says you are one of the best in the temple!" Obi-wan grimaced a little. "Well I don't know about that, But I'm glad you would like to spar with me." Anakin looked very much his nineteen years old at that moment. He was all but bouncing out of the chair. Qui-gon looked on indulgently. But a quick glance at the chrono told him that they needed to get moving. He reached over and grabbed the braid hanging over Anakin's shoulder. "Come Padawan. It's time to head to the council chambers." Anakin groaned. "Oh Master do we have too?" "Yes padawan we Have to." He turned to Obi-wan and clasped his shoulder. "We'll stop by again later." Obi-wan nodded. "I'll look forward to that." And then Master and Padawan swept out of the chambers.
Obi-wan looked at the door with a perplexed look on his face. **Why in blazes did Qui-gon send me a private message that he needs to talk to me privately later?** He shrugged. **Well there is nothing I can do about it now. I need to go meet Yoda and Mace.** And without a second thought the Knight walked out of him chambers and down the long hallway.
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Hey all! Hope you all enjoy the third story in the series. This one will be very slow coming. I will be posting it as it is written. All my previous stories have been completed prior to posting here. Keep and eye out for the next chapter.
~Sameri