Series: Postcards
Author: Padawan Li'Ann (padawan_liann@hotmail.com)
Rating: G. Non-slash, JA style.
Summary: Some downtime set in the JA universe.
Archive: M&A certainly, Early Years, Padawan Journals if wanted. I'd be flattered if anyone else wants it, but please ask first, ok?
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em. Who does? Why George Lucas, of course! Also
kudos to Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson for the JA universe, which I adore.
Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Pumpkin for the terrific beta, the great
title, and the encouragement to try to make this into a series!
-------------------------------
Series: Postcards
Well, Obi-Wan rationalized, Qui-Gon wouldn't be truly angry. But if there
was one thing the young padawan did not want to do, it was to disappoint his
master. Nothing troubled Obi-Wan's heart and spirit more than seeing
disapproval reflected in the elder Jedi's sapphire eyes.
From the periphery of his vision, something bright caught the afternoon
sunlight and blinded him momentarily. Not long, but just long enough to
cause him to crash headfirst into a large and rather angry-looking Drovian
headed in the opposite direction.
"I'm sorry," Obi-Wan apologized as he regained his balance.
"Watch where you're going," the Drovian snarled, pushing him roughly aside
before moving on his way.
Obi-Wan stumbled and caught himself barely in time to escape a fall. He
pressed up against the nearest merchant stall to avoid the passing crowd.
He stayed there until the worst of the throng had passed, then relaxed and
let his heartbeat slow back down to a normal level. He was fortunate that
the Drovian hadn't done anything worse than push him. They tended to be a
rather volatile race, and Obi-Wan had no desire to provoke one.
As he straightened, Obi-Wan noticed the object that had blinded him. From a
merchant's stall across the street it was still reflecting light, but from
this angle the apprentice could finally make out the details.
Obi-Wan's first thought was that it was breath-taking. His second thought,
as he moved across the street to examine it more closely, was that it had
either been stolen or otherwise smuggled from the Jedi Temple.
At first glance, it was a beautiful but rather simple thing. Basic stained
glass artwork depicting two Jedi engaged in lightsaber training. The larger
of the two portrayed figures was obviously a master, his dark brown robe
swirled behind him, caught by some unseen air current. The smaller figure
was a padawan, his braid trailing behind and away from his body. Their
lightsabers were crossed, the padawan's lunging motion caught forever in
time.
It was the lightsabers that were extaordinary. Obi-Wan could feel the force
signature radiating off them, and it filled him with light. Although the
rest of the artwork was made from simple materials, the 'sabers were not.
Fragments of actual focusing crystals, Obi-Wan thought with surprise.
The two Jedi featured on the stained glass could easily have been himself
and Qui-Gon. Of course, it could have been any human Jedi pair, but the
artwork spoke to Obi-Wan and he found himself unable to divert his gaze.
Qui-Gon's naming day was rapidly approaching, and as of yet Obi-Wan had no
gift for him. His mostly practical master did not accumulate many personal
effects, and the things he did own tended to be only those that were special
to him on a deeply personal level. The Force sang to Obi-Wan from this
item, however, and the padawan knew instantly that it would be a perfect
gift for his master. Not to mention returning it to the Jedi, where it had
obvioulsly come from.
At that moment, the shop owner had apparently decided that the boy had been
standing there staring long enough.
"Do you have any money, boy?" he demanded roughly, his large arms folded
across his chest in a decidedly unfriendly manner.
Obi-Wan broke out of his reverie with a start, and turned a blank gaze to
the shopkeeper. "I'm sorry?" he questioned. He'd missed the actual query,
but not the intention of the man, and knew with a sinking heart what the
shopkeeper wanted.
"I *said*," the merchant repeated, speaking slowly and with emphasis, as if
to an idiot, "Do you have any money, boy?"
Obi-Wan blanched as his gaze darted to the price tag which he had ignored up
until now. Glancing once more at the glass before turning back to the shop
owner, he lowered his gaze and shook his head ruefully.
"No, sir," he replied and allowed himself to be escorted a little roughly
back into the busy street.
Without a backward glance, Obi-Wan shoved his hands into the pockets of his
robe and hurried on his way, already anticipating Qui-Gon's lecture about
the merits of punctuality.
---End card 4---
Qui-Gon glanced up at the approaching figure and recognized Master Hayata.
The small Sullustan was Obi-Wan's academic councilor and advisor.
"Certainly," Qui-Gon agreed. "Please, sit down." He indicated the seat
across from him in the dining hall.
"I hate to interrupt your meal," Master Hayata apologized as he sat, "but
I'd like to speak to you about your padawan."
Qui-Gon nodded. "Go on."
"As you know, Obi-Wan has been excelling in his basic piloting class. He is
far beyond the other students in astrophysics and dynamics, as well as in
the practical aspects of piloting. His instructor contacted me a short
while ago. She has recommended that Obi-Wan be graduated into the advanced
class."
Qui-Gon nodded again. "That would be acceptable," he said after a moment's
consideration.
Master Hayata stared at him, as if waiting for more. When no additional
comments were forthcoming from Qui-Gon, he cleared his throat. "Forgive me,
Master Jinn, but do you realize just how few students Master K'frey allows
into her advanced class? Especially at Obi-Wan's age?" He regarded
Qui-Gon's cool, even expression before continuing. "It is considered a
great honor by the padawans and their masters, alike."
Qui-Gon's expression still had not changed. "I recognize that fact, Master
Hayata. Obi-Wan has my permission to enroll in the advanced class. I will
ask the Council to take us off the active duty roster temporarily so that he
may devote himself to his studies."
Hayata waited a moment more, as if his pause might inspire more from the
other master. Finally, sighing a little to himself, he rose and bowed his
head slightly. "If you will excuse me, then? I will need to re-arrange
Obi-Wan's schedule to accommodate Master K'frey."
Qui-Gon rose and bent his own head slightly in response. "Thank you, Master
Hayata," he replied evenly. He watched as the Sullustan walked away, then
resumed his seat. He considered finishing his morning meal, but found that
his appetite had strangely disappeared.
Just then, he became aware of a familiar Force signature behind him.
"Hello, Tahl," he greeted as he rose to assist the sightless knight to the
table.
She shooed him away as he touched her and sat down with no difficulty.
Qui-Gon allowed himself a wry smile. If Tahl was anything, she was
self-sufficient.
"I'm sorry, Qui-Gon," she apologized, "I couldn't help but overhear the last
part of your conversation with Master Hayata."
Qui-Gon grimaced and reached for his cooling tea. If there was anything he
didn't want to discuss it was his reaction to the advisor's news.
"I'd prefer not to have this conversation right now, if you don't mind,"
Qui-Gon told her without malice.
Tahl sighed and waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, Qui-Gon, don't be a bore.
I'll make you some fresh tea and even let you pour some for me if you'll
be so kind as to accompany me to my quarters. You can tell me all about why
you deflated poor Master Hayata's bubble like that."
Qui-Gon made a small noise in his throat. "Really, Tahl, I don't want..."
"Stars and galaxies, Qui-Gon! What's a girl have to do to get you to come
back to her room?"
Qui-Gon smiled despite himself and felt some of his anxiety drain away.
Tahl was a good friend, and always seemed to know when his heart was heavy.
Particularly when it came to issues about his Padawan. "All right," he
reluctantly agreed as he stood and brushed his arm against hers, allowing
her to take hold of his cloak.
They exited the dining hall together and took the turbolift to Tahl's
quarters. Once there, Qui-Gon sat down and waited as the knight prepared
the tea. Once again, Qui-Gon was amazed by how well his friend had adapted
to her blindness. There seemed to be very little Tahl could not do.
She brought the tea to him, and true to her word, actually allowed him to
serve.
"So what was that all about back there?" she asked finally as she sat down,
cradling her warm cup. "That poor man was waiting for you to at least *act*
pleased about his news."
Qui-Gon sighed. He was still uncomfortable discussing this, but it was
difficult to deny Tahl information when she wanted it. "I am pleased that
Obi-Wan has been accepted into Master K'frey's class. I am perfectly aware
of how few students are actually accepted to study with her."
"So what's the problem?" Tahl asked bluntly.
Qui-Gon hesitated, then began speaking slowly, as if sorting through his
feelings as he spoke. "I'm glad Obi-Wan is doing well. However, I cannot
allow myself to feel pride in his accomplishments. He has worked hard in
his studies and has a natural affinity for the Unifying Force. It is a
great asset to him. But I must remind myself that although he is strong in
the Unifying Force, he is often weak or insensitive to the Living Force.
Just a few months ago, Master Hayata approached me regarding how Obi-Wan was
struggling with his basic healing techniques class. I must recognize my
Padawan's weaknesses as well as his strengths. To do any less would be a
mistake."
He paused and took a sip of tea before continuing. "I made that mistake
with Xanatos. I took pride in his every accomplishment. I felt that he
excelled not only because of his own strengths, but also because of how well
I was training him."
Tahl made a small noise of disapproval. "You know that Obi-Wan is *not*
Xanatos. If anything, you are creating the exact opposite situation. You
do not acknowledge Obi-Wan's achievements very frequently. He often feels
insecure or unworthy of you. I can tell just by the ripples in the Force,
as well as by the things he says when you are together. If you'd just
listen with your heart, you'd hear it, too."
Qui-Gon shook his head before he remembered she could not see him. "No. I
will not allow myself to be proud of him. It is an unworthy emotion and can
cloud judgement. Believe me, I know. It is better if I remain detached.
He knows when he does well. He should have his own sense of accomplishment
without needing me to call attention to his strengths beyond basic praise."
Tahl nodded. "I understand what you are saying, Qui-Gon. But I cannot say
that I agree with it. Obi-Wan wants to please you. You are his mentor. At
his age, most padawans practically live for their masters. Can't you see
that your feelings toward him are important? If he believes you aren't
proud of him, how can you expect him to feel self-worth? How can you expect
him to ever achieve confidence in himself? You can be proud of him and
still be mindful of his weaknesses. Feeling a sense of accomplishment in
your padawan's achievements is not the same as being blind to his faults."
She sighed and set her tea cup down. "I think you are being too harsh on
him and on yourself. The two of you have been through so much together. I
would hate to see your relationship suffer when this is something you can
change."
Qui-Gon shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Sometimes the things Tahl said
had this nasty habit of making sense. He still wasn't convinced that Tahl
was entirely right, but he did recognize that perhaps he had been too stern
with his padawan recently. Would it actually hurt to tell Obi-Wan that he
was satisfied with his achievement? That wasn't the same thing as blind
pride. Was it?
"All right, Tahl. You've made your point," he conceded. "I need to
meditate upon it some more, though, before I can decide the appropriate path
to take. I've meditated on it more times than I care to admit, and have
always come to the same conclusion. But perhaps what you've said will alter
the outcome somewhat."
Tahl nodded, looking smug. "I'd love it if you'd just admit I was right,
Qui-Gon Jinn," she grinned.
He smiled back. "Never."
**************************
"Hello, Master," Obi-Wan greeted as he set down the data pad he had been
reading. "Can I make you some tea?" he asked, already rising expectantly.
"No, Padawan," Qui-Gon interrupted. "Get your cloak. We're going out."
Obi-Wan's expression was one of surprise. "Do we have a mission, Master?"
Qui-Gon's face twitched into a sad smile. "Is that really the only time we
go anywhere together, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan was really confused now. "Umm...I...well, yes, Master. I guess
so." He couldn't recall Qui-Gon ever suggesting they go anywhere unless it
directly related to a mission, Temple business, or places like the training
rooms or dining hall.
Recognizing that the boy seemed frozen in place, Qui-Gon fetched his cloak
for him and held it up so that Obi-Wan could shrug into it. The
fourteen-year-old was just standing there, staring at his master as if
someone else inhabited Qui-Gon's body. Slowly, he reached his arms back
into his cloak and squirmed a little until it settled on his shoulders.
Qui-Gon chuckled. "Come, Padawan. We have a little celebrating to do. I
received word this afternoon that Master K'Frey has accepted you into her
advanced piloting class."
Qui-Gon watched as those changeling eyes widened in surprise. "It is
considered a great honor," he continued, "and one that I do not wish for you
to take lightly." He said the last rather sternly, lest Obi-Wan forget that
he was being granted a privilege.
Obi-Wan nodded fervently. "I...I won't disappoint you, Master," he
stammered and bowed his head a little.
Qui-Gon shook his head, angry with himself. He had to remember that he was
supposed to be praising the boy. Not intimidating him. He heard Tahl's
words in his head. Was he really being so harsh that Obi-Wan's first words
would be to pledge not to fail?
"I'm not making myself clear, Obi-Wan," he said gently as he laid a hand on
the boy's shoulder. "This is good news. I know that you will do well.
Master K'Frey would not have accepted you into her class otherwise. I'm..."
Qui-Gon's throat caught on the words, but he stubbornly pushed them past the
constriction. "I'm *proud* of you, Padawan. You've worked hard and done very well. I'd like us to go out to dinner to celebrate."
Obi-Wan stared up at him, eyes wide and mouth open just a little. Slowly he
regained his composure. "I...I'd like that very much, Master," he replied,
his expression gradually widening into a small smile.
Qui-Gon smiled back. "Good," He replied as he steered the boy out the door.
He did not allow that smile to fade, even as he realized with an inner groan
that he was going to have to admit to Tahl that she had been right afterall.
End card 7
You are visitor #
© 2000 heather.lively@ns.sympatico.ca
Author: Padawan Li'Ann (padawan_liann@hotmail.com)
Rating: G
Category: Non-slash, JA universe style.
Summary: Some downtime set in the JA universe. In this one, Obi-Wan goes
shopping. Well, sort of...
Spoilers: None that I am aware of.
Warnings: With a "G" rating? Naaahhhh.
Archive: M&A please. Padawan Journals and Early Years if wanted. And yes,
Wolfie-- if you want it, it's yours. :)
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em. The Star Wars universe belongs to George Lucas
and Co.
Feedback: Always welcomed with open arms.
Acknowledgements: Continued thanks to Pumpkin for all her help! Also thanks
to those list sibs who have given me such great encouragement!
Authors Comments: Here's the missing Postcard #4. No matter how I tried, I
just couldn't get the idea behind this fic to come across. At long last,
I've given up and decided to post it "as is." It may not make a lot of
sense, and it may leave you with a "so what?" kind of feeling, and for that
I apologize.
-----------------------------------
Obi-Wan hurried through the crowded marketplace. Muttering "excuse me," and
"pardon me," repeatedly as he wound his way amongst the throng, he knew
beyond any shadow of a doubt that he was going to be late for his meeting
with Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master would have his hide for his tardiness.
"Master Jinn, may I speak with you a moment?"
Obi-Wan looked up from his spot on the couch as Qui-Gon entered their shared
quarters.
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