Obi-wan lifted his dinner tray over his head as he squeezed past a knot of students. The cafeteria was buzzing with conversation as the senior Padawans discussed the upcoming ritual. The younger students and the junior Padawans that were on-planet were taking the time to bombard their peers about the seeds and the best growing techniques.
"You have to be very attentive to get the best colour... ."
"I heard that the colour is affected by your Force-aura..."
"Is it true that the roses never die...?"
Obi-Wan smiled at the curiosity of the youngsters and finally managed to find an empty seat. He sank down gratefully and eyed his dinner with rapture. He picked up his fork and was about to spear a cheese-sauce-covered leafy green when he heard a distinctive chuckle.
"I thought you out-grew that look when you were fifteen." Qui-Gon's voice made the younger man smile.
"Of course not, Master," Obi-Wan said with a chuckle. "I may have grown out of being hungry all the time, but by the Force I still relish eating."
Qui-Gon sat down with his own dinner and the two fell into a companionable silence. Obi-Wan let the flavours of the meal consume him as the day's events settled in his head. He had yet to tell his master of his decision regarding The Rose, and he wondered what the older man's reaction would be.
"Hey, Kenobi! I heard that you haven't planted your seed yet," Garen, another of his best friends, commented as he walked past.
Obi-Wan blushed as Qui-Gon's eyes rose sharply to meet his apprentice's. The young man cleared his throat before answering, "It isn't really official yet, Garen. I'll let you know when it is."
Master and apprentice shared a long look before they each went back to their meals. The significance of Garen's words was heavy between them. No conversation flowed between master and apprentice this time, and Obi-Wan tried not to fret. He knew that a walk in the Meditation Gardens would follow dinner now that Qui-Gon knew of his decision.
The gardens were nearly deserted tonight as we walked. The first of the parties would probably have something to do with it. Qui-Gon and I didn't speak much for the first hour or so and the silence was beginning to bother me. I decided it was time to end the quiet contemplation and get down to business.
Obi-Wan paused in his journal writing as he recalled the events of the night. Only a few masters were about in the gardens and the entirety of the senior class were at the Padawan's 'Sabre, the tapcaf located just outside the Temple's grounds. The illumination banks had been dimmed to a simulated twilight, giving the entire area a dark bluish hue. It was very peaceful.
"That was not the way I wanted you to find out about my decision, Master. I was going to tell you this evening." My words sounded strange in the darkness but bless the Force I kept my voice steady. If I truly decide to go through with forsaking my Rose, I will still retain my knighthood, but I will be remaining with my Master for many, many more years and I will be guaranteed the privilege of training my own Padawan - I know many of the married knights opt to have children of their own and some even train them. Most, however, forsake a Padawan to have a family. I knew what I was asking him, and so did he. The problem was would he accept my decision?
He gave me one of those rare smiles of his and I knew that he had indeed accepted my intended course of action. "I know, Obi-Wan. It was a misfortune that it had to happen this way, as it would have been a pleasant and well-received surprise. Of course, if you choose to plant the seed, I will be just as honoured."
"I would ask your counsel on this matter." If Qui-Gon couldn't help me, no one could.
"You have no need to ask, Padawan. I am always here when you need me."
So it had ended. The promise to discuss the matter further the next day was made and the two had parted company. For now, Obi-Wan chose to remain flowerless. If the Force had other plans for him, as was suggested by the untimely divulgence of his choice to not plant his seed, then so be it.
