The Rose

Rating: 14A (PG-13)
Warnings: None.
Spoilers: None.
Archive: FF.N; Please Ask
Feedback: YES!
Disclaimers: Star Wars = George Lucas and LFL. I own the rest. I get no money
Thanks: Bravenet's Rose smilie
A/N: No note. Enjoy :o)
Status:
In Progress


Chapter 1: Sowing the Seed

Obi-Wan Kenobi sat by the Temple Lake's edge fingering the small packet. His friend Bant had given it to him only moments before, citing that preparations for one of the grandest traditions of Padawan-ship must now begin: the Day of The Rose.

Each year the senior Padawans would grow a single rose. When the flower had blossomed, the Padawan would then give the flower to his or her beloved. Along with the flower growing came the endless dating and party-going, all in a bid to find said beloved.

It was chore that Obi-Wan had been equally dreading and looking forward to. He dreaded the fact that the Day of The Rose would signal the beginning of the end of his training with his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, and the beginning of not only Knighthood, but of marriage and love as well. He loved his master and would always be loyal to him so the thought of leaving his side was not too appealing at the moment. He was also dreading the party going. He hated the drama that he had always observed in the senior classes that had gone before him. All that manoeuvring and sweet-talking...they were looking for life-mates, for Force's sake, not a brief fling.

Obi-Wan sighed as he tucked the packet away in the pocket that held his rock. What he was really looking forward to was the rose itself. If he chose to plant it, that was.

The roses grown were a special flower, not like ordinary roses. Once plucked, they would remain in full flower forever. The colours of the petals were always vibrant and unique. The shades and hues were determined by how well the Padawan took care of the plant. In the unfortunate event that the rose was rejected, however, the blossom would wither and fade.

Pushing thoughts of the Day of The Rose aside, he hoisted himself off the ground and headed to the gardener's huts on the far side of the Meditation Gardens, dodging the younger temple students as he went along. He was anxious to get there before Bant had the chance to hand out any more packets and was relieved when he found no one waiting to get supplies.

"Ah, good morning, young Padawan," Master Van, the Head Gardener said as the youth approached him. "It seems as if your friend did you a favour in giving you the first packet of the year."

"Indeed she did, Master Van. I think my comments on how trite this tradition has become might have given her the impression that I wanted nothing to do with it. No one seems to take it seriously any more."

Van sighed. "You're right, young Kenobi. There was a time when we took this rite of passage seriously. I'm afraid the changing times are to blame for the most part. Many believe that commitment to a mate is less important than commitment to the Jedi heritage."

"Those that think like that should opt-out of the ritual and swear themselves to the dedication of their training, then." Obi-Wan frowned. "I'm tempted to make that decision myself."

"No one would think any less of you, Padawan Kenobi, for doing so. Many before you have done it. You certainly wouldn't be the first."

"I know. My Master was one of them," Obi-Wan said with a smile. "Thanks for your time, Master Van, but I don't think I'll be needing any supplies."

Master Van gave the youth a warm smile. "I'll let you go without your pot and soil if you promise me one thing, Kenobi."

Obi-Wan raised a brow. "What promise would you have me give, Master Van?"

"That you hold onto that seed and not throw it away. You might regret it some day."