The Beginning

"Open your eyes."

Obi-Wan obeyed and looked curiously at the small, round, present in his hands. He raised an eyebrow at Qui-Gon, not wanting to be disrespectful but having no idea what his wise Master had bestowed him with.

"It's a rock." The boy said simply.

Qui-Gon nodded, still smiling. "It's a very special rock."

Obi-Wan nodded slowly, still confused, beginning to question his Master's sanity. Qui-Gon nudged their bond and drew his attention to the small stone in his hand. The more he focused, the warmer it became. And it was...is it humming? And then it clicked.

"It's Force sensitive! Oh wow, I've always heard about them but I didn't think they really existed. Thank you so much!" Obi-Wan dove forward and wrapped his arms around his Master, hugging his teacher as tight as he clutched the tiny stone in his hand.

"You're welcome, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon replied fondly. "Happy Birthday."

Like Father, Like Son

"Thanks Master! I've always wanted a... um... a really...nice river rock. I'ts great!"

Anakin tried to seem appreciative, wondering why his Master had chosen to give him this, of all things. He always saw Obi-Wan holding it or fidgeting with it or putting it in his pocket. I mean, why would he give it to me if it's so special?

"Anakin, the rock is sensitive to the Force. Can't you feel it?"

The young boy shut his eyes for a moment, concentrating. After a minute, his eyes flew open, brighter than ever. "It's singing! Or at least, it feels like it's singing. This is so cool! Where did you even get this?"

Obi-Wan smiled. "It was a gift from Qui-Gon. He gave it to me when I was thirteen and now I"m giving it to you."

Anakin's jaw dropped. "Master, I can't take this. Qui-Gon gave it to you!"

Obi-Wan shook his head, placing the stone into the pocket of his student's tunic. "And I am giving it to you."

Anakin smiled, feeling the stone's weight in his pocket and the weight of all the memories it carried with it. "Best. Birthday. Ever."

Connected

"So, Snips, I know that we missed your birthday while we were on Geonosis. But I have something for you now, you know, if you want to..."

Ahsoka seemed to materialize at his side, curiosity pouring from her side of the link. Smiling, Anakin reached into his pocket and placed the water worn stone into her hand. On his thirteenth birthday, it had taken him a little bit to figure out exactly what the stone was. So naturally, it took her about thirty seconds.

"A Force sensitive river stone! Master, this is amazing! Thank you so so much! Where did you find one of these?" She was bouncing in place, pressing the stone close to one of her lekku to listen to the vibrations from deep within the rock.

"It was a gift. From Qui-Gon to Obi-Wan to me. And now, it belongs to you."

Ahsoka froze, bringing the stone down to hold it close to her heart, worried she'd disrespected such a valuable gift with her excitement. Anakin reached out and laid his hand on her shoulder in reassurance.

"You are a member of Yoda's line. Don't forget that. No matter where you go in the galaxy, they will be with you. And I will be with you. In the Force... and in here!" He poked her exposed belly, coaxing a giggle, and she raced after him as he ran off, laughing for the whole Temple to hear.