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Author	Topic: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod)
Persephone_Kore Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 3/13/07 11:03am Subject: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod) - Date Edited: 9/28/07 11:50am (3 edits total) Edited By: Persephone_Kore
	Title: Where the Heart Is Author(s): Persephone_Kore Timeframe: Clone Wars Characters: Lorian Nod, Obi-Wan Kenobi Genre: AU, vignette Keywords: Lorian, survival, bacta Summary: Mini-AU in which Lorian Nod survives Legacy of the Jedi. Notes: Written for the Movie Title Challenge. Tied for third place. I had a remarkable amount of trouble not quoting Eeyore in the last line. *** He was dying, stabbed through by burning red light, and the world was coming alive around him. He was fading away. He was floating, weightless and womb-warm, with tiny living whispers busy all around him. Something was touching his face. Lorian Nod woke up, opened his eyes, and saw that everything was pink. His first thought was that this didn't resemble any theory he had ever encountered about what happened after you died. Then he blinked, his eyelashes dragging through perfectly salinated goo that had been resting comfortably against his eyeballs, and the pink shapes resolved themselves into the interior of a medical facility. He decided that it must be a very brightly lit one, and he himself must be in a bacta tank. The bacta was still whispering wordlessly all around him. Lorian considered this and accepted it. Bacta was alive. It wasn't usually chatty, to his knowledge, but if his lately reawakened sense of the Force had him paying attention to the activity of bacta, he would be content with that. It was a friendly activity, at least. What had him puzzled was why he was personally still active, even in the limits afforded by a bacta tank. There was only so much one could regenerate, and he'd been impaled on Dooku's lightsaber. It seemed as if having a charred hole through his torso ought to kill him. He'd been so sure he was dying. There was a chnk-hsss, muted by the viscous fluid in his ears, and the tank began draining. Lorian yawned and tilted his head as the level dropped below his chin, blinking the bacta away from his eyes and letting it run out of his ears. No earplugs. They must have popped him in here in a hurry. Of course they had; he'd been stabbed. He shut his eyes again quickly as the equipment sprayed him briskly to rinse off the rest of the bacta, then blasted him with hot air. The tank unsealed at last, the support systems lowering him to the floor and releasing, and he took off the breath mask and climbed out into the cooler, drier air outside its confines. That was when he saw Obi-Wan Kenobi. Sheer surprise meant it took him two tries to recognize the man, and a third to realize he was being offered clothing. "Ah, right. Thank you." Lorian accepted the loose pair of pants while looking around himself at the room. And then staring around himself at the room, and last at Obi-Wan. "This is the Temple infirmary." Obi-Wan raised one eyebrow, very slowly. "It certainly is." Lorian looked down at himself. The pale gray hair on his chest had not quite petered to nothing over his stomach, but a few centimeters below his sternum was a bare patch. He pushed the hair aside to trace its edges gingerly and found it smooth and still tender, warm to the touch, and slightly off center. A perfectly round scar. Now that he had noticed it, he thought the area around it ached. He was also suddenly very aware of his heartbeat, and how close it felt to what ought to be a hole. The scar itself seemed to feel nothing. He looked up. "Why am I alive?" Around. "And why am I here?" Obi-Wan folded his arms. "You're here because you were alive, and you're still alive because we brought you here." Lorian regarded him sourly. "Then thank you for bringing me here for advanced treatment," he said, "but I'm at something of a loss why I needed it. Count Dooku would have been more than happy to kill me while he was still a Jedi; I don't see why he would have left me alive now that he's abandoned such pesky scruples." Obi-Wan's eyes fell to focus on the scar. "I wouldn't care to speculate on his motives for that. I rather doubt it was intentional so much as a by-product of his being in a great hurry. His thrust was just far enough to the side to miss your spine, and too low to strike your heart. Instead of carving upward, downward, or outward to either side to make sure of his kill, he must then have withdrawn the blade perfectly along its original path, before you could begin to fall." "Or maybe switched it off," Lorian said, still fascinated by the wound. "Still, not bad." Obi-Wan's eyebrows shot up. "Not bad?" Lorian shrugged. "Contrary to all apparent logic, I'm still alive. I can afford to be generous. What was the damage, then?" "Ribs, of course. The missing segments have been replaced with calcic graft bars. You may notice some loss in lung capacity at higher levels of exertion, and your stomach has lost about forty percent of its volume." "Hmm." Lorian gingerly traced the scar again, then patted his abdomen. "Well, I'd been meaning to lose some weight, though this probably qualifies as a drastic measure." "Perhaps slightly drastic, yes." Very dry. Obi-Wan was looking at him with a certain amount of disgust, and Lorian wondered how much was for his flippancy, how much was for his overall moral character, and how much might be simply physical. He hadn't been a Jedi since he was twelve. He'd never had Dooku's talent with the Force even before that. He'd still listened to it after he left -- the Council hadn't been able to take that away, and for years he'd had that occasional edge. A hunch, a warning, an insight, an extra sliver of height in his jump or speed in his reflexes. But he'd taken away from himself what the Council couldn't, reaching for the bright touch less and less often. Now he was an old man, with years of soft living behind him, and while he'd kept himself in decent shape it had certainly been nothing like Jedi training. By most standards, he was unusually handsome and muscular for a human his age. By Jedi standards, he was downright... squishy. The idea of Obi-Wan finding him vaguely repulsive amused him. Then again, maybe if he'd kept up his speed just a little better, he could have blown up Dooku's ship. Probably not. A little more exercise, Lorian could rationally imagine. He couldn't envision himself having continued practice with the Force to any degree that might have allowed him to outrun the surge of focused darkness Dooku had been riding, not without reconfiguring his entire life. He blinked. That was interesting. His memory of the chase now included a sense of Dooku racing up behind him, a vivid spatial awareness and taste of cool malice on the air, that he knew had not been part of his perceptions at the time. Oh, well. Memories were tricky things sometimes. He occasionally wondered what Dooku thought had happened between them -- not this last time, which seemed fairly obvious, but back when they were children. "If you're quite finished inspecting yourself?" Obi-Wan's voice cut into this thoughts. Lorian looked up at him. "Sorry," he said cheerfully, "I've never been impaled before." A pause. "I realize you don't think much of me, but you needn't look so disappointed about it." "Given the choice, I'd have preferred Dooku's predecessor to be the one with poor aim." Lorian frowned. "I beg your pardon?" "Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan stepped forward and put three fingertips against Lorian's chest, above the scar. Not very far above. There was just enough pressure for Lorian to feel his heart pulsing against the ribs. "The previous Sith Apprentice struck him through the chest. There." "Ah," said Lorian, glancing down at the young Jedi's hand. Sensitive subject, then. "And what did you do to him?" Obi-Wan's expression didn't change. "I cut him in half," he admitted. "Good job," Lorian said. "Poor kid." "I beg your pardon!" "I meant Qui-Gon," Lorian said hastily, and watched the (subtle, very subtle) flicker of facial muscles as Obi-Wan tried to fit his Master into that description. Obi-Wan shook his head. "He died a Jedi," he said, as if that made it any better. Perhaps it did, Lorian reconsidered, thinking of the sounds and scents and colors he had ignored for so many years. "So," Obi-Wan went on after a short pause, "what are your plans?" Lorian raised his eyebrows. "Unless it's no longer an option, I would like to go home. Much as I appreciate your hospitality." He frowned. "It is still intact, isn't it?" "As far as I know," Obi-Wan said, "but I would expect the Separatists to contest Station 88 at some point now that peaceful means have failed them, and I wouldn't be surprised if the contributing worlds are attacked. And you will be convalescent for some time." Lorian shrugged. "I feel fine. I should probably buy a shirt before I book passage, though." "You will," Obi-Wan repeated, "be convalescent for some time. We've spoken with the rest of your administration; they will understand if you want to complete your recovery here." "I don't--" Lorian began. "Master Yoda," Obi-Wan went on, sounding less than enthusiastic about it, "has stated that you acted as a Jedi Knight." Lorian shut his mouth. "He says," Obi-Wan continued doggedly, "that as the Force is clearly with you, acknowledged as it was not when you first contacted him again, and as you have grown beyond your youthful indiscretions...." He had to be paraphrasing. "The Council invites you to stay here and... start over." The idea made Lorian draw breath sharply, deeply enough that he felt the tug of the scar at his back. That was going to be annoying. But to be, perhaps, a Jedi again -- to be asked back to the Temple -- when Dooku was -- "No," he said. Obi-Wan blinked. Lorian shook his head slowly. "They threw me out when I wasn't even a Padawan yet," he said. Flicker -- ah, right, Obi-Wan had actually been sent down to the Agricultural Corps before he'd snagged Qui-Gon after all. "I have life experience, but I don't have the training to be fit for Knighthood, physically or emotionally, and frankly? I'm not willing to start over now, especially not in the middle of a war." What would they do with him, anyway? The idea of being a Padawan in his eighties was ridiculous. "I'm going back to Junction 5 and Station 88. That's where my life and work are now. My responsibilities, if you'll believe I acknowledge any." And then, just to be obnoxious, he added cheerfully, "I've sort of grown attached to it." -----signature----- Protégé: Chosen: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/28612428 A Rose in the Ashes: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/29028814 Lost Ones: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/29061459 Morality and the Sith Apprentice: http://boards.theforce.net/f1/b1/27581326
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VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 3/13/07 11:23am Subject: RE: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod)
	I really enjoyed this! SO nice to see some of the lesser known characters showing up. I can see why this was honored. -----signature----- Someone who loves me carries an M16. My baby boy wears combat boots.
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JediNemesis Registered: Mar '03	Date Posted: 3/13/07 1:47pm Subject: RE: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod)
	I loved this - didn't have a clue who Lorian Nod was, but I loved it nonetheless From what I read here, Lorian comes across as a rather wonderful guy; big-hearted, and altogether an appropriate person for the title. By most standards, he was unusually handsome and muscular for a human his age. By Jedi standards, he was downright... squishy. Squishy! I love it Well done. This was my favourite, and I definitely think the colours are well-deserved Nem -----signature----- BeTS Best Author '08 NEW Eleven Summers - http://boards.theforce.net/a/b1/29657584 Lightning and Diamonds - http://boards.theforce.net/a/b1/29251762 Into The Shining Day - http://boards.theforce.net/a/b1/29224914
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BrentusofGath Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 3/13/07 11:16pm Subject: RE: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod)
	The idea made Lorian draw breath sharply, deeply enough that he felt the tug of the scar at his back. That was going to be annoying. But to be, perhaps, a Jedi again -- to be asked back to the Temple -- when Dooku was -- "No," he said. Obi-Wan blinked. ROTFLMAO!!! That (Obi-Wan) would have been my reaction too. Very good! -----signature----- In time or so I'm told, I'm just another soul for sale, oh well Feel it in my bones when you break my back, break it just to watch me bend Why'd you have to go and Let it Die? -Foo Fighters http://conscienceoftheking.blogspot.com/
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Healer_Leona Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 3/14/07 3:42am Subject: RE: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod)
	Sadly, I don't know who Lorian is wither, but now that I've read this wonderful piece I'm very intrigued. -----signature----- To me, you're strange and you're beautiful, You'd be so perfect with me but you just can't see, You turn every head but you don't see me.
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Layren Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 3/14/07 4:48am Subject: RE: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod)
	Lorian shook his head slowly. "They threw me out when I wasn't even a Padawan yet," he said. Flicker -- ah, right, Obi-Wan had actually been sent down to the Agricultural Corps before he'd snagged Qui-Gon after all. "I have life experience, but I don't have the training to be fit for Knighthood, physically or emotionally, and frankly? I'm not willing to start over now, especially not in the middle of a war." What would they do with him, anyway? The idea of being a Padawan in his eighties was ridiculous. "I'm going back to Junction 5 and Station 88. That's where my life and work are now. My responsibilities, if you'll believe I acknowledge any." And then, just to be obnoxious, he added cheerfully, "I've sort of grown attached to it." I can't say that I blame Lorian for not wanting to stay at the Temple. I really enjoyed this little piece a lot. I wanted it to keep going and was disappointed when it was over. In a good way of course! Wonderful work! excellent response to the challenge! Colors are most definitely well deserved! -----signature----- Proud Master to Ara-gon The Triad Chronicles http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/25934993/p1/?177 (OC's) Into Another Day http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/27926050/p1/?0 2008 Dear Diary Challenge I am Jinngerbread.
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KELIA Title: The Pretty In Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 3/14/07 11:43am Subject: RE: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod)
	Very nice. I'm impressed the Jedi offered Lorian the oppertunity to come back to the Temple, though it's not a surprise he turned it down. He is a bit old to return to training. Great job on the challenge -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 Undue Circumstances: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28530583/p1/?10
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Persephone_Kore Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 3/14/07 7:33pm Subject: RE: Where the Heart Is - Movie title challenge (AU, Obi-Wan and Lorian Nod)
	Thank you all very much! I suspect I should have included an explanatory note about Lorian. Oh well, here it is: Lorian Nod was invented by Jude Watson for Legacy of the Jedi. He was a friend of Dooku's until, anxious over not having a Master, Lorian swiped a Sith Holocron from the Archives and then panicked and tried to blame it on Dooku. He was kicked out of Jedi training and became a space pirate. He eventually captured Dooku and Qui-Gon, who got away and put him in prison. When he got out, he gained power in Junction 5 by protecting them from a weapon the people on their moon didn't really have. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan found out and sent him to prison again. When he got out that time, he decided to reform -- and ended up in charge of Junction 5 again, and thus as one of the rulers of the jointly controlled spaceport Station 88. The CIS wanted Station 88, and Lorian got involved with trying to thwart Dooku, which is how he got stabbed with a lightsaber. VaderLVR64: I'm glad you enjoyed it! I couldn't resist once I realized I could use him to play with both the proverb and the literal location of the heart. JediNemesis: Thank you very much! I'm particularly honored that you enjoyed it without having "met" Lorian before. I have the feeling I may not have given you quite the right impression of him, but then, he did grow up eventually. I'm especially glad you liked the "squishy" part; I had fun with that. He got stabbed when Dooku outran him, after all. BrentusofGath: To tell the truth, I think Obi-Wan was just as glad not to have to keep him! But Lorian's initial reaction was not a "no"-looking one. grin Glad you liked it. Healer_Leona: I'm glad to have caught your interest. Thank you! Layren: Thank you so much! No, I think the idea of being a Jedi would have held a momentary appeal, but it wouldn't really have made sense for him to pursue. It would have made some practical sense for him to stay there for medical attention, but emotionally even that would have felt very odd. KELIA: I'm glad you enjoyed it! To be perfectly honest I don't think Yoda expected him to stay. Maybe long enough to recuperate, but not to train as a Jedi. But the invitation was significant anyway as an acknowledgement. -----signature----- Protégé: Chosen: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/28612428 A Rose in the Ashes: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/29028814 Lost Ones: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/29061459 Morality and the Sith Apprentice: http://boards.theforce.net/f1/b1/27581326
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