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Topic:
Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan) Part Three up: 1/28/06 Completed!
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Fluff-Slayer
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
12/4/05 8:37pm
Subject:
Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan) Part Three up: 1/28/06 Completed!
- Date Edited:
7/14/07 10:42pm (13 edits total)
Edited By:
Fluff-Slayer
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Edited, cleaned up, and otherwise battered: 3/18/06.
I've decided this year to honor the hobbitish tradition of giving a gift on my birthday (the sixth, actually, but you know). Forgive me for my too-long absence.
Edit: Heartfelt thanks go out to BrightFeather, who beta-ed it. You can thank her if it's coherent. 
 , everybody. Enjoy!
The exchange between them was quick and cordial; Padawan What's-her-name met him at the door at his first knock with the aforementioned canister in her arms. She smiled nervously and placed a fair quantity of strong-smelling teabags into the taller padawan’s waiting hands. Obi-Wan thanked her and hastened back to his room to prepare it.
Thank goodness that their neighbors had had some to spare. It had been a poor turn indeed to arrive back and find their apartment’s store of his master’s favorite tea almost depleted, especially given current circumstances. Obi-Wan regarded the teabags for the treasures that they were and made a note to buy some soon—six of them would hardly hold up for long. He would go the moment that he could spare the time.
He entered the apartment quietly, as he had become accustomed to doing, and treaded to the kitchenette. The kettle was awaiting him with anticipation, and it took merrily to the task of warming the water with which he filled its belly.
While it did, there were other items that needed finding—the sweetener, which would be used in strict moderation (his master would not abide a cloying tea), the tarts that he would serve alongside it in hopes of their being eaten, and the painkiller that would dissolve in the smoky depths of the sweetish drink.
The latter was most difficult to find. It resided on the countertop behind the empty glass that had held his master’s morning dose, which was coupled always with juice. The evening and afternoon doses were to be given with tea that he loved. That was not the healers’ order—or even Qui-Gon’s, really—but Obi-Wan had accepted it as a rule. Anything that could be done to raise the man’s morale would be done, for it was in a sorry shape indeed.
An outsider would not have known that anything was amiss. His master awoke every morning at the fourth hour, the way he had for years, and meditated as had always been his custom. He received Obi-Wan and the meals and cajolements that he brought with diplomatic tolerance. He agreed with Obi-Wan’s reasoning that he would have to eat to regain his usual stamina and deferred to the healers’ unyielding insistence that he accept the analgesics, at least for a time.
Everything seemed commonplace. Injury, even serious, was not an unusual occurrence, especially in the Jinn/Kenobi quarters. The two were frequently unwell, ill-treated, and in various stages of physical and psychological recovery. Bant and Garen had already allotted him the three-week reprieve from their visitation, the good turn that they granted him when he returned from a trying mission; when they were in residence, the neighbors were unnaturally careful about maintaining quiet.
The difference was not in the physical appearance of things, nor even in their situation: rather, it involved the internal state of the two.
Obi-Wan accepted that he did not—and probably could not—understand the situation in its entirety. Qui-Gon could be very complex; sometimes he was sure that he knew his teacher well, while others he felt like they were strangers. It was all a part of being Qui-Gon’s padawan—the others had probably gone through the same thing.
That was what he got for being apprenticed to one of the most unfathomable Jedi in the Order.
The kettle shrieked its completion of its task with joy. Obi-Wan jolted and hurried to pull it from the heat and stifle its noise before it disturbed anyone that just might be resting in the vicinity. He gave it a scolding look before emptying its contents into a cup.
This part of the process was familiar. Steep the bag for roughly three minutes for a strong flavor. Now add the sweetener (using good sense) and stir the stuff so that the grit doesn’t settle at the bottom in a glob.
Here the procedure deviated from what he knew. Once the tea had settled, he was to stir in the medicine in the green packet. His hand trembled as he reached for it, but was steady as he poured the allotted amount into the cup and reached once more for the spoon. Within seconds, the horrible powder had disappeared and he could breathe again.
It was ridiculous, really, disliking the medication as he did. If anything, it helped Qui-Gon, lessening the pain of his extensive injury and allowing him more restful days. He was cursed with the knowledge that his master quietly detested it, the substance that he regarded as an unneeded prop, and that he was forced thrice daily to be the bearer of the tray that housed it. And to do so with a cheer-inducing sham of a smile.
Were it up to Obi-Wan, he would given Qui-Gon a choice.
But the fact was, it wasn’t, and he couldn’t.
The tray was arranged summarily and adorned with the pretty, sugary tarts that Bant had baked that morning and a flower that he had found upon the ground during his walk through the gardens.
Balancing the assembled ‘meal’ was simple (too simple), and Obi-Wan anguished over the absence of a dish of more substance—but his master would merely refuse anything more, and the refusal would cause him distress on account of Obi-Wan’s distress, and that was the last thing that either of them needed.
So he would consent to the tarts and the tea. At least the latter was guaranteed to be partaken of.
Knock knock. Two taps, as per usual. “Master? Are you awake?”
“Come in, Obi-Wan.”
The door was unlocked. He entered into the diffuseness of the room and crossed the distance to his master’s bed. The tray he set upon the nightstand, picking up a half-empty glass of water in one hand and transporting the teacup with the other. Qui-Gon accepted it with his habitual tranquility, and the thing settled into the circle of his hands.
Obi-Wan paused in his arranging of the tray, gazing sightlessly at the contrast of the pale fingers entwined about the solid, sturdy teacup. The recognizable, worrisome ribbons of thought wrapped about him, and he forgot himself for a moment. When one of the hands moved and settled gently upon his hair, he jolted in surprise.
Qui-Gon’s knowing eyes searched his.
“Sit down, Padawan.”
Obi-Wan sat on the edge of the bed, being careful not to rock it.
“How are you feeling?”
“I should be asking you that question."
“I am well. Let me see your wrist.”
Not to be deterred. Ah well. Reluctantly, Obi-Wan extended the requested limb, quelling his grimace as the Jedi rolled up his sleeve to inspect the bruised skin beneath.
“You’re not wearing your splint.”
A sigh was repressed with some difficulty. “I’m sorry, Master.”
“You should take better care of yourself, Padawan. The healers will have both our heads if you’ve worsened nursing me.” His grin was wry. “They were already reluctant to allow you the right.”
“It won’t worsen.” Gently, Obi-Wan repossessed his arm and took to smoothing the ruffles in the comforter. “It’s only a sprain." He paused. "Bant baked some tarts for you. She dropped them off earlier today.”
“You should invite her to dinner.”
“Perhaps I will.” He wouldn’t. Not while Qui-Gon still required quiet to sleep.
“Obi-Wan…”
“Yes?” He found the thoughtful note somewhat worrying.
“I want you to leave the apartment tonight.”
“What?” The boy's thinly-veiled panic must have shown through his shielding, for Qui-Gon patted his good hand once in comfort.
“That isn’t what I meant.”
He swallowed. “What did you mean, Master?”
“I think you should get out a little more often. You’ve spent a lot of time in the apartment since we returned.”
Obi-Wan was adamant. “I won’t leave, Master,” he said. “Not until you’re well again.”
Qui-Gon looked at him sadly. “I thought as much. That is uncharacteristically irrational of you, Padawan.”
“Irrational? How?”
“What exactly do you think will happen if you leave?” He received no answer. “I assure you, my young padawan, I will not starve to death, bleed to death, brood to death, or otherwise become one with the Force if you step outside for a couple of hours. You have my solemn word.”
Obi-Wan said nothing.
“Relinquish your bedside duties for tonight," Qui-Gon encouraged. "I will still be here when you return.”
“Master, I—”
“Surely you would not presume to argue with your master, Padawan Kenobi.”
He ceased protesting, stopped by the reminder of his position. The muscles in his jaw were taut.
“You...will not reconsider?”
“I’m afraid not.”
The two stared at one another. Finally, Obi-Wan inclined his head and glued his eyes to a spot on the floor.
“Then I’ll be back in time to prepare dinner. Is there something in particular you’d like?”
“Anything will do.”
The dismissal could not be clearer. With another bow, this of farewell, the boy turned and departed from his master’s presence. Whether Qui-Gon had dismissed him for Obi-Wan’s own good or to clear the apartment of his nervous presence was uncertain, but it didn’t matter anyway. Obi-Wan would obey the command that he had been given—he would flee their dwelling, and he would not return for a reasonable span of time.
But he would not meet Bant. He would not burden her with the worries that she would without a doubt sense.
Padawan Kenobi left the apartment and set his feet moving in the direction of the gardens. There he hoped to disentangle the interwoven knot of his master’s troubles and his own; perhaps then he would be able to find elusive peace.
-----signature-----
"Sometimes glass glitters more than diamonds
because it has more to prove."
--Terry Pratchett
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Layren
Registered:
Oct '03
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Date Posted:
12/4/05 8:57pm
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Awwww that's the end?? You need more! This was too lovely to stop!
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oqidaun
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/4/05 11:14pm
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Very nice, Fluffster, but I agree with Layren--there needs to be more. 
I love the way you characterize Qui-Gon. Very true to form.
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BrightFeather
Registered:
Nov '05
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 4:02am
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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I'm afraid I agree with the others. There are so many unanswered questions here. How did Qui get hurt? What exactly is wrong with him? C'mon, Fluff-Slayer, you can't just leave us dangling like this!
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Healer_Leona
Registered:
Jul '00
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 4:24am
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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No, no, no, that is not the end, It cannot be. It was very well done and I as well enjoyed the characterizations you gave us. Still, you know it's left us wanted much, much more and you'd do well to listen to our pleas. 
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Still crazy after all these years.
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Princess_Arulmozhi
Registered:
Nov '04
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 4:53am
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Ah, that was quite a beautiful piece. Qui-Gon was excellent, and Obi-Wan was well etched. No mush, Fluffy? And what happened to Qui-Gon, and is he going to recover, and will there be more angst?
I echo what the others said. Come back, and write more!!!!!!!!!
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Perceptions (Xanatos/Obi/Qui/Anakin) AU:http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25276178/p1/?7 - *vignette* Stones (Li'l Obi/Qui) - http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/23371821/p1/ Best Author, WFFA (BtS) 05/06 Lore-Master to 7
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kenobiwanobi
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 11:23am
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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MORE PLEASE!
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Better to die on your feet than live on your knees-Dolores Ibarruri
Moulin Rouge Freak- The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
check out my story ( link=my profile)
Proud Padawan of stormqueen874
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Stella_Ripple
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 11:52am
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Wow, that was excellent characterisation! But- you know what I'm gonna say- echoing everyone else, you can't leave it there!! (even if it is your story  ) Come back and post!!!
Please?! 
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Obi-Wan offered himself as a highly responsible role model in “Episode II.” He didn’t like reckless driving;
he disapproved of being chained to a big pillar as large animals with pincers approached;
he just said no to deathsticks.
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Gkilkenny
Registered:
Mar '04
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 12:00pm
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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That was a lovely piece so much concern being
shown by both parties.
Obi-wan doing everything to make his Master safe and well
and Qui-Gon trying to release his padawan from his burdens.
wonderful 
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Padawan to p_stotts
Peace over anger - honour over hate - Strength over fear.
Links to Stories in my Bio. Obi-Wan forever.
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Valairy_Scot
Title: PT Rewrite Winner
Registered:
Sep '05
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 12:53pm
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Ah, intrigueing! Looking forward to more, nicely done.
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http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. Proud master of several padawans
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KELIA
Title: Moderator: Fan Fiction
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 2:55pm
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Awww...that was so sweet.
I love how determined Obi-Wan was to take care of his ailing Master.
Great Job
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maychorian
Registered:
Jan '05
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 4:43pm
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Oh, what a sweet, angsty hobbit birthday prezzie! Thanks so much! And many happy returns of the day!
I really felt Obi-Wan's heartache in this, how much he longs to help his master, but feels helpless. I hope things turn out okay for them.
Of course, this simply begs to be longer . . .
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Kynstar's former Padawan The Unchosen: http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/20049795/p1/ updated 2/16 When the darkness falls early, and the light hits the ground, there's a moment to be captured . . .
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Bastet
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 6:36pm
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Aww, that was great!
I loved how Obi-Wan was taking care of Qui-Gon, so sweet. 
“What exactly do you think will happen if you leave?” He received no answer. “I assure you, my young padawan, I will not starve to death, bleed to death, brood to death, or otherwise become one with the Force if you step outside for a couple of hours. You have my solemn word.”
But now I must echo what others have said and say that I wouldn't mind seeing more of this too! 
Oh, and Happy Birthday, Fluff-Slayer! 
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"Oh yeah. Ooh, aah. That's how it always starts. But then later there's running, then...screaming." --Dr. Ian Malcolm
"Okay fine. Go ahead and scream. Then when that tricycloplots attacks you, don't come crying to me." --Paul Kirby
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Jedi_Tigris
Registered:
Mar '05
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 7:30pm
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
- Date Edited:
12/5/05 7:31pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Jedi_Tigris
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Aww, that's so sweet! Love how Obi-Wan didn't want to leave Qui-Gon's side while they were still recovering. Love all those descriptions too.
I echo everyone else, I hope there'll be more to this!
Happy Birthday!
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"Who is more foolish? The fool, or the fool who follows him?" - Obi-Wan Kenobi, ANH padawan/adoptee of Myri_Antilles  Battling DRL...otherwise known as college and work...  Please add me to your pm list when I review. Thanks!
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hyperspace_police
Title: FanForce CR
Arkansas US
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
12/6/05 11:47am
Subject:
RE: Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
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Excellent story.
However, forced to agree with others...
More 
Keep up the wonderful writing.
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Proud member of the "Cade Brigade" (Obi, please forgive me)
Stories in bio
We managed it with the power of "assless chaps"... Oh yes... that one is a direct quote from myself...
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judsta36
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
12/6/05 1:45pm
Subject:
Unfathomable (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan, Vignette)
- Date Edited:
12/6/05 1:50pm (3 edits total)
Edited By:
judsta36
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Fluff-Slayer posted:
I assure you, my young padawan, I will not starve to death, bleed to death, brood to death, or otherwise become one with the Force if you step outside for a couple of hours. You have my solemn word.
Loved this line!
A lovely start... please continue!
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I luv Obi-Wan's lightsabre twirls
Occupation: Jedi Religion: The Force
Keep Truckin'!
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