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Topic:
To Have And To Hold (Book II in DLT series) Author Replies 10/1 Completed!
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Force_Triad
Registered:
May '06
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Date Posted:
6/5/06 4:34pm
Subject:
To Have And To Hold (Book II in DLT series) Author Replies 10/1 Completed!
- Date Edited:
10/1/06 12:17pm (43 edits total)
Edited By:
Force_Triad
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Title: To Have And To Hold. Book II in the Days Like These series.
Author(s): Layren and Neon Star
Summary: Will the Force's actions on bonding three young souls into one bring salvation or condemnation for the Jedi and it's triad?
Genre: A little of everything.
Characters: Qui-Gon, Kyran Josel, and other OC’s.
Disclaimer: We don't own the Jedi. We don't own star wars. The only characters that belong to us are the ones we created. Qui-Gon obviously is not ours.
Author's Note: This is the second book in an ongoing series. The first book can be found Here
Posting schedule will be every Monday and Thursday
Days Like These trailer
Author's Note: Very special thanks are due to stormqueen874 who made us some beautiful cover art! We both really appreciate it! 
Prologue
If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday. ~Pearl Buck
He looked out over the vast landscape of Coruscant, eyes roving over the slowly building cityscape around the Temple, and the grass lands beyond. This was the sight of the new government, a thousand years in the making, only a short decade old. This was also the sight of their slowly organizing faith.
The Jedi had been around for longer then this Republic; far longer, but never had they stepped from the shadows and gathered together, making themselves truly known to the galaxy. The underground religion as it had once been called, was finally centering itself, on this fledgling world, right beside the growing government.
"Magnificent, isn't it, brother?" a voice purred in his ear, as a familiar sense flooded around him.
Smiling a little, he turned, to meet matching blue/green eyes, set in a face that was a mirror of his own.
"Jerric, I didn't know you were back. How did it go?" he grasped his twin's forearms tightly, looking intently into his twin's face.
"Well, very well. I managed to find a sect in the Morith system. They're agreeing to send representatives to meet with the others here. Soon, we'll truly be the order we dreamed of, Merrick," Jerric stated.
The younger grinned, before pulling his brother into an embrace, "That's wonderful. Have you told Master Sani yet?"
The older shook his head, "I wanted to see you first. Being gone for nearly six months is far too long, dearest."
Merrick laughed a little, "I'm glad for that," he pulled away finally, letting him go, “I did miss you..."
Something dark flickering in those orbs alerted the older that something was wrong, "Not just because I was gone, though. What happened, Merrick?"
Merrick turned away, one hand toying with his thick, long brown/blond hair, "I had that dream again, often while you were away."
There was tension now, between them. Jerric knew what he meant, that dream seemed to come more often this last year. Since they came to Coruscant, and started to help build this Order.
"It's always the same, that three-sided triangle of fire, ice, and life, twisting, burning in my mind. Then that light, that bright, all consuming, all seeing light that fills me with as much dread as it does peace... And in the midst of it, I'm starting to be able to see something within that light, a shape, and outline of a person... The dream is getting clearer, Jerric, but I still don't know what it means. Except that it means something to this Order," Merrick said softly, voice barely above a whisper.
"Master Sani still can't help you?" his brother asked, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Reaching up, he grasped that hand, "No. Even as the head of our Order, he does not know what to make of it, nor why it is I that is having it. And all I can feel, besides that it deals with the Jedi, is that it does not pertain to our time."
"How do you know that?" Jerric asked softly.
"I can feel it. There is no great darkness, as there is in my dreams. In my dreams, that darkness is all consuming. We, as old as we are, are too young to have such darkness festering in our midst at the dawn of our Order. What I felt, was old, and had a long time to grow. What I felt, was the ending to our beginning."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Coruscant, Present Day
Eight-year-old Qui-Gon Jinn was sitting on the floor in the archives, his nose buried in a holobook. His bondmates were in class but they should be out soon. He had promised to meet them their to help them with research, but while he had waited, he had decided to do a bit of research himself on the foundations of the Order and the chosen one prophecy that came during that time.
It was an odd subject to be studying, but the child had always been fascinated with what the old Jedi had been like and he read everything about it he could get his hands on. Only by studying the past, could one hope to learn from history's mistakes, he reasoned, and thus be a help to the here and now to not make the same mistakes twice. He loved history; it was one of his favorite subjects, next to the natural sciences. Some Jedi found such studying dull, but not Qui-Gon. Always a very quiet boy, he looked forward to being old enough to help his bondmates do more than pick books for their projects.
"That's a rather interesting subject for such a youngling," a voice said from beside him, as a youth of no more then sixteen knelt beside him.
Qui-Gon jumped, startled at the voice. He had not sensed anyone there beside him. He turned to the voice. "I like history," he said shyly.
Green eyes sparked with amusement as the older boy looked at him, while a faint smile tugged at his lips, "That's a good subject to be interested in. Too many forget the past."
"Well it's important to focus on the here and now," Qui-Gon amended. "But if we totally ignore the past, how can we learn anything?"
The brown-headed youth nodded a little, "You're right, the present is as important as the past, you need both to create an unhindered future," he glanced to the holobook in Qui-Gon's hands, "The beginning of your Order? That's very old history, nearly a thousand of human lifetimes."
Qui-Gon nodded in agreement. "I find it interesting." He smiled a bit shyly. "My friends don't agree though. Ky hates history. I don't know if Nissan likes it or not. He seems kind of like he doesn't care much about it."
The boy smiled a little, "There are few that are interested in such ancient past. Though, I see why you would be, as it interests me as well," he reached over, tracing a name in the holobook, "This one Jedi especially interests me."
Qui-Gon peered at the name. "Why?" he asked curiously.
"Because, he was the first to make a prophecy concerning the Chosen One, and he disappeared soon after he did, at the young age of twenty. Barely enough time to make his mark on history."
Qui-Gon tilted his head, and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Really? I didn't know he was first. I was studying Master Dames's writings."
"Few know of Knight Tryphen's dreams," the boy withdrew his hand, "Since it was so close the beginning, right as the Jedi were drawing together. Around the time this Temple was built, in fact. The Jedi didn't know what those dreams meant at the time, I doubt anyone realized it till Dames."
Qui-Gon felt his bondmate's approaching the archives. Evidently their classes were done. "My friends are almost here. What's your name? Can we talk some more later?" he asked hopefully.
A slight, mysterious smile tugged at the youth's lips, "My name is Zamir Crion, and perhaps we will. What's your name. youngling?"
Qui-Gon smiled. "I'm Qui-Gon Jinn," he said. "Pleased to meet you, Zamir. Maybe we'll see you at evening meal," he suggested.
Zamir stood, and nodded a little, "The pleasure was all mine, and perhaps you will. Farewell, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon stood and peered around a bookshelf corner and waved at his bondmates coming into the archives. He turned back to tell Zamir good bye but he blinked, discovering he had already gone.
"Is something wrong, Qui-Gon?" Shane asked, as they approached, noticing the odd look on his face.
"I was talking to someone but he appears to have ...left before I could say goodbye," Qui-Gon said, frowning.
"Really? Who were you talking to?" Shane asked curiously. Neither he nor Kyran had noticed anyone leaving the archives as they entered it.
"He said his name was Zamir Crion. We were talking about prophecy in the ancient Order." Qui-Gon said enthusiastically.
Shane shared a glance with his ke'en. He knew they had never heard of any Jedi by that name, but then, they didn't know every Jedi. "That's good. Perhaps you'll see him again sometime."
"Let's get started, " Kyran said, without much enthusiasm. Studying wasn't exactly his strong point.
So these are the ones you wish me to watch, Merrick? Very well, I don't think I'll mind it for a while.
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Princess_Arulmozhi
Registered:
Nov '04
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Date Posted:
6/5/06 5:23pm
Subject:
RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series)
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*snags first post*
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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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Charmisjess
Registered:
Jul '03
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Date Posted:
6/5/06 5:37pm
Subject:
RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series)
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Little Qui-Gon is teh cute.  Good luck with your beginning book 2!!
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I <3 Starrie.  Strange Little Girls-> http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24496675/p1/?0 Where are you going?
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Fluff-Slayer
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
6/5/06 9:10pm
Subject:
RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series)
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"What I felt, was the ending to our beginning."
 Ohh, them's prologue words!
What a mysterious beginning. Crion! Is it really...? No, it...
Bah.
Spin me in cicles and laugh.
Go ahead.
I hear you.
Harrumph. *Goes off to mutter and wait for Thursday*
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"Sometimes glass glitters more than diamonds
because it has more to prove."
--Terry Pratchett
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dianethx
Registered:
Mar '02
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Date Posted:
6/6/06 8:48am
Subject:
RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series)
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Oh, oh. Crion. Run away, Qui-Gon, run away! Good job with the beginning of this. I hear that you have lots written so I'm looking forward to seeing where you are going with this.
Looking forward to more. Keep me on your PM list.
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Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 11/20/08 jedidas3's Master At last - Hope for our country
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Ara-gon
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
6/6/06 3:40pm
Subject:
RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series)
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You have a bunch of pages already written. Yippee! Nice sock name, btw. 
Ooooooo . . . a flashback. Verrry intriguing. Prophecies about the chosen one, mysterious dreams from the dawn of the Republic, early brother Jedi--yep, I'm hooked.
Crion? Sounds familiar, but my EU history is weak. Off to search wookiepedia!
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Alethia
Registered:
Feb '05
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Date Posted:
6/6/06 4:22pm
Subject:
RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series)
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...I knew something was up as soon as Zamir appeared. As soon as I realized it wasn't Ky or Shane, I knew. And I'm guessing he's really Jerrik? Intriguing...
Qui's quite the little scholar, and I just hope that he doesn't end up uncovering something that causes too many problems. Then again, this is Qui. And he's friends with Ky and Shane and it's kind of a given that they end up in some kind of trouble... But still, just don't let it be anything deadly *coughs* or too horrible.
And Zamir...I want to think that his intentions are good, but I can't betoo sure...
Hmm...
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Jen, High Scholar and Ponderer of all Things Verily Blue, and Official caller of Suz, Crusader of Heretics and Knight of the Blue 1000
Now sacrificing Movie Garfield
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Force_Triad
Registered:
May '06
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Date Posted:
6/8/06 7:57am
Subject:
RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series)
- Date Edited:
6/8/06 8:35am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Force_Triad
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Princess_A My the enthusiasm, you would try to steal our first post, our hearts are all a flutter  
Charmisjess Awww so glad you liked little Quigs. Here's more for you!
Fluff-Slayer You'll just have to wait and see who Zamir really is  We're not saying a word
Diane Hey just cause Xani turned out bad, doesn't mean all Crions are bad He might be nice! Or he might not :P You'll just have to see
Ara-gon Yep, last page count was 146 so far Crion was Xanatos' last name, Qui-Gon's second apprentice, according the the JA books who fell to the dark side. Glad you like the sock name Did you read the profile? We had fun creating that
Alethia So glad to have you back! Hope you stick around! Qui-Gon strikes me as the type to like research but not like writing about the research As far as trouble well.. you'll have to wait and see Thanks for reading!
Chapter One: Homecoming
Ecclesiastes 4:11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?
It was late, nearly midnight, when Zephir answered the door. The older Master had been going through documents related to his last mission when the chime had rung. He could sense who it was, but he was still slightly startled when he opened the door to find one of his younger and dearest friends at the doorstep.
Ice blue met grayish green for a few moments, and the two eyed each other, taking in changes after two years of being apart. Finally Zephir smiled, and stepped aside, "Come in, Dooku, it's been a long time."
The Knight entered, silently removing his cloak and settling it on the rack beside the door, "I am sorry for coming at such a late hour."
"That's fine, though, why didn't you let us know you were coming home? Drex and I would have met you," Zephir said softly, watching as the other elegantly settled himself on the couch, before joining him there.
"I knew it would be late when I arrived, and considering the news I heard," he gestured about the place, indicating the spacious joint living quarters, "I thought it best to come, rather then have you leave the young ones alone."
"I thought you would hear. I am sorry I couldn't explain it to you before..." Dooku waved his apology off.
"It's a very odd idea. But then, I don't know about this so-called triad as you do. However, you know I support ideas that ruffle the Council's feathers," a light smirk appeared upon Dooku's lips.
Zephir shook his head, chuckling faintly, "That was not the reason I suggested this to them, renegade though we three are," he sobered, "But this idea may be more then odd for even you, old friend. There is a lot that even I don't understand right now about those three. Qui-Gon will not be a normal apprentice."
Dooku looked unconcerned, "And you don't think I didn't know that the minute I found him and brought him here? How different, is yet to be seen. You know my expectations, and I know from what I saw of him before I left that he could meet them."
"We all have expectations for our apprentices," Zephir agreed, "But they don't always fit the child we put them to. This is your first. And as much as I know you hate my advice, I would ask you to be somewhat gentle with him. We here are fond of him, especially his bondmates. I certainly know they would have no quarrel with facing you."
Dooku let out his own soft chuckle, "Considering who their Masters are, I'm not surprised. Though, I am surprised you and Drex can live together without killing each other. Force knows I'm not sure how I survived my apprenticeship being taught by you two."
Drex had been in the kitchen making tea while Zephir and Dooku were talking. He came out with two steaming mugs, one for himself and one for Zephir and he stopped short in surprise at seeing who was in their quarters. "Finally dragged yourself back, did you?" he said, grinning as he handed Zephir a mug of tea.
Dooku raised an eyebrow, "Nice to see you still among the living as well, Rixar. Haven't destroyed anything recently, have you?"
Drex smirked. "Depends on what you mean by recently," he chortled.
"That's reassuring," Dooku stated, tone dry, "I fear what you two have done to my soon to be apprentice."
Drex raised an eyebrow. "Keep your tunic on, he's fine and in one piece. You can go check on him if you like," He gestured to Shane's bedroom where he knew Qui-Gon had curled up earlier.
Dooku smiled a little, "I think I had better. To assure myself at least that he still has the correct number of limbs and digits he did the last I saw him."
Drex snorted into his tea. "As you wish."
Dooku rose, and made his way to the bedroom. Sensing all occupants, surprisingly three, well asleep, he opened the door a little to look within. He recognized all three within, though, some part of him was surprised to see how each of them had grown from the last time he had seen them. On one side of the bed, nearest to the small balcony, was Zephir's Padawan. Half curled on his side, head resting on what could only be Drex's new Padawan's chest, one pale hand wrapped tight around Josel's small slender golden braid.
Josel was sprawled out on his back on the bed, one arm trapped under Callister, other hanging off the bed. And tucked between them, curled a little, his back pressed to Josel's side, facing Callister, one arm draped over the older, grasping tight even in sleep to white feathers, was the child he had come back to claim, the one he had watched grow, and had waited for, Qui-Gon Jinn. The child had grown a lot in two years, becoming taller, though he was still slender and lanky, with only the hint of a promise of height and power there. His apprentice, the one he had such high hopes for.
He shut the door, and returned to them, settling himself once more on the couch, "He seems well. I suppose now it's down to the living arrangements. I obviously can't remove him from here without problems. As I said, I don't understand this triad business. Both you," he nodded to Zephir, "And Master Yoda has been vague. But that won't dissuade me from taking him on as my apprentice. I will, however, possibly choose not to live here. As much as I support any new idea to shake up the Council and their beliefs, this might be a bit too... radical for even me."
Drex frowned a little at that. "You would take him away from them? Dooku, you can't just do that. He has nightmares at night."
"I have no intention of taking him away, Rixar," Dooku stated calmly, "I did say it would cause problems, and I don't wish that, even if I do wish my apprentice was less reliant upon others. I merely stated I might decide not to live in this... establishment."
Drex's brow furrowed. "Where do you intend to live then?
There's a living quarters opened near here. But I haven't made my decision yet. I do value my privacy, so I doubt my thoughts will change on the matter."
"So you might not take him then?" Drex was perplexed at his wording. "What do you mean you haven't made a decision?"
Dooku sighed, looking mildly frustrated, "I mean. I am willing to leave him here. I intend to take him no matter what I decide as to my own living arrangements."
Drex looked somewhat sheepish. "Apologies, it's been a hard day," he rubbed his hand through his hair. "I think that's my cue to hit the sack."
"Indeed," Dooku said.
Zephir stepped in finally. "You can stay here while you decide, Dooku. There is an extra room, and it'll be some days before the other place is ready. It'll give you a taste of living here," the oldest offered.
Dooku seemed to consider it; "I do need a place for the night... Very well, a few days here might be wise. I do need to get to know the boy before I ask him anyways."
Zephir smiled, "Well, if you want to retire now, feel free. It's been kept clean and such, I assure you."
Drex yawned and went to the kitchen to rinse out his mug. When he came back he clapped Dooku on the shoulder. "It's good to have you home," he said, before heading to his own room.
Dooku looked to Zephir once he was gone, "He seems a little better then the last time I saw him."
Zephir nodded, an affectionate look in his eyes as he glanced towards his apprentice's door, "Kyran has helped. They still have a long way to go though."
"So it would seem, but he seems more himself," Dooku rose, "I suppose I should go to bed as well. We shall discuss things in the morning."
"I look forward to it," Zephir said, as Dooku disappeared into the spare bedroom.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kyran yawned as he awoke the next morning. He tried to move his right arm and realized it was trapped. Shane was on top of it. Amused, he tried to work his way out from under without waking anyone else.
Shane shifted a little, murmuring sleepily as his hand tightened on Kyran's braid, and he snuggled his face a little into his nightshirt. It was rare the oldest of them would be sleeping in, but this was one of those days when he didn't want to wake up early.
And he certainly didn't want his 'pillow' to move.
Kyran just shook his head and was resigned to the fact that he would be pinned for awhile, as it was obvious Shane wasn't waking up any time soon. He yawned. Maybe he should sleep another few minutes.
Finally, Shane's eyes flickered open, and he stretched, almost feline like, careful of the body more or less pinned between him and Kyran. His wings tried to open, but the right was hindered by the strong, small grasp of his youngest bondmate. He looked down, and smiled sleepily, tenderly as his hand moved from Kyran's braid to touch Qui-Gon's tousled hair affectionately.
"Comfortable?" Kyran murmured. "Or do I get to have my arm back?"
"No," Shane said softly, moving his head to look up at him, "I think I'm comfortable, so you can't have it back," he smirked.
Kyran rolled his eyes. "Figures."
"Besides, we don't have lessons today. I suggest sleeping in till our Masters drag us out," Shane suggested, a mischievous look in his brightening blue eyes.
"That sounds like a plan," Kyran agreed. "But I think I have to use the fresher, so if you don't mind letting go, I'll be right back."
Shane rolled his eyes, and lifted himself a little, still careful not to wake Qui-Gon.
Kyran extracted his arm and went to the fresher to relieve himself. Within minutes he was back and climbed back into bed carefully, sticking his arm under his head and laying on his side, facing Shane. "So what are we going to do today since we've been given the day off?"
Shane seemed to consider it, while his fingers threaded through Qui-Gon's hair, "I'm not sure. I just suggest that we don't destroy, blow up, or maim anything."
"Or let Qui bring any more strays home."
"No cooking experiments then," Kyran agreed, smirking, he laughed at the last. "Yes, I think Master Hazark was pleased to have his fish back."
Shane laughed softly, "Yes, he did look happy. Though, I would prefer not to do that again, my wings are still drying from trying to catch those sithly things."
Kyran snorted at that. "No more fish stealing," he agreed. "Will have nightmares from that episode for months," he teased.
Another soft chuckle from that, "I'll be sure to protect you from evil fish dreams, Ky."
Kyran laughed. "Please, spare me. I can't bear them." He gave a mock shudder.
Shane refused to roll his eyes this time. "Yes, I admit that little violet one with the sharp teeth could give anyone nightmares for years."
Qui-Gon stirred then and came too, yawning. "Nissan, do you have to be so loud?"
Shane looked down again, amused look melting into an affectionate one, "Sorry, nihan, we didn't mean to wake you."
"Still tired," Qui-Gon said turning over and pulling covers up to his chin and burying himself in them. He pushed himself against Shane and draped one arm over Kyran's chest.
Shane smiled, adjusting his hand to run his fingers through Qui-Gon's hair again, "Then go back to sleep. We've got all day."
Qui-Gon drifted back to sleep as Shane ran his fingers through his hair. Kyran smiled affectionately seeing Qui-Gon go back to sleep.
/Maybe we should follow suit,/ Shane said, glancing back up to Kyran.
/Maybe so,/ Kyran agreed. /It's pretty early yet. Master won't be up for awhile./
/That's true,/ Shane agreed, his free hand snaking out to take find Kyran's. /Its been a while since we could just relax anyways./
Kyran yawned and closed his eyes. /It has. All these missions lately./
Shane eyes were already close as his hand moved from Qui-Gon's hair to curl around him, /Yes. We've been too busy lately. I've missed being with you both./
/Night, ke'en,/ he said around another yawn.
/Night, Sala'ne',/ Shane replied, already feeling sleep tug at him once more, pulling him back under into warm darkness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sometime later Kyran awoke feeling his stomach rumble. He glanced at the chrono and saw the morning was half gone. At only three hours before noon, he was surprised the masters had let them sleep so long. He supposed he needed it. He yawned and tried to slide out from under Shane where the other's arm was draped across his chest.
Shane stirred a little, blue eyes flickering open to find out what was the disturbance. Focusing on his bondmate, he yawned a little, and stretched for the second time that morning, "What time is it, Ky?"
Kyran smiled in amusement. "It's three hours before noon, ke'en. Don't you think we should get up now?"
Blinking, Shane looked mildly amused, yet puzzled, "Did anyone check to make sure our Masters were still living?"
Kyran's eyes twinkled. "No. I was too busy sleeping. My hunger woke me."
Shane chuckled a little, "Figures. I suppose we should go check," he glanced to Qui-Gon, fingers brushing through the younger's hair, "Nihan? It's time to get up."
"Just a few more minutes, nissan," Qui-Gon mumbled around a yawn.
"Sorry, Qui. You don't want to sleep the whole day away, do you?" Shane prodded.
"I suppose not," Qui-Gon rubbed his eyes. "What time is it?"
"About three hours from noon," Shane answered, as he sat up, wings fluffing out to stretch as well, feathers brushing the balcony windows behind him.
Qui-Gon blinked in surprise. "We slept late!" He said stretching as he sat up.
"That we did," Shane agreed, finally getting out of bed, "But from the faint scent I'm getting, Master is still cooking morning meal. They must have gotten up late too."
"Good cause I'm hungry," Kyran chimed in as he stood and stretched.
"Then you better hurry up and get ready. I doubt Master will feed your half dressed," Shane teased.
"I bet he would," Kyran retorted. "I can look awfully pitiful when unfed," he said in amusement.
Shane had to concede to that. Kyran had a look that could almost rival Qui-Gon's 'Can I keep it?' one. "Then go try. I'm going for a shower." He was already gathering his clothes. With only one refresher in the apartment, it was often a challenge to get a warm shower.
Qui-Gon smiled as Kyran reached over and tousled his hair before reaching to put a shirt on. "Did you sleep good Qui-Gon?"
"Yes Ky. Did you?"
"I slept like a log," Kyran remarked, re-braiding his padawan braid.
Qui-Gon giggled. "You always sleep that way Ky. You're impossible to wake up!"
"Impossible?" Kyran looked mortally offended. "I'm not the one asking for a few more minutes," he teased.
Qui-Gon pretended to look hurt. "But you and Nissan woke me up too early! I wouldn't have needed more time if my sleep hadn't been interrupted," he pointed out.
"Mmmhm sure. Blame us for your troubles," he smiled again and headed out into the living room with Qui-Gon in tow.
Zephir glanced up from his cooking as he felt their approach, and smiled, "So you finally got up, and in time it seems."
Sitting at the counter, sipping at a cup of cafe, their visitor looked up as well, and nodded to the two, "Hello, Josel," a slightly warm smile twitched at his lips, "Qui-Gon. It's good to see you both again."
Kyran smiled, recognizing the Master. "Hello Knight Dooku. When did you return?" he asked as he sat down at the table. Qui-Gon, didn't say anything. He didn't know the Jedi Knight except by reputation.
"Last night. Your Masters were kind enough to provide me a place to stay for a few days," he set the cup down, not commenting on Qui-Gon's silence for the moment, "I see things have changed since I was last in the Temple."
Kyran glanced around their suite. "A bit," he agreed.
Another slight smile, "Indeed," he addressed his next comment towards Qui-Gon, "You've grown since I've last seen you, Initiate Jinn."
Qui-Gon tilted his head curiously and scooted closer to Kyran, overcome by sudden shyness. "I don't remember seeing you, Knight Dooku." He looked troubled. Had he met the master and just forgotten? He searched his memory but frowned finding no trace of the Master in his memories.
"It has been a long time, and we didn't meet officially," Dooku supplied, "You left a impression after I saw your skill in the training matches two years ago."
Qui-Gon's eyes widened a little at that. He blushed faintly and looked to his bondmate as if for help before glancing back to Dooku. "Thank you."
"No need for that," Dooku fingered the glass in front of him, "I know talent when I see it, and you have great talent to be an excellent swordsman when you grow older."
Qui-Gon looked embarrassed and pleased at the same time. He wasn't sure what to say so he kept silent as he ate.
Shane finally entered, hair half wet, wings still drying. Catching sight of the Knight, he gave a half bow in greeting, "Knight Dooku, I didn't know you were back."
Dooku nodded in return for the greeting, "I've only recently arrived. You seem to be doing well, as well, Callister."
Nodding, Shane took the last seat on the counter, next to Qui-Gon, who was oddly slightly pink. Looking a little concerned, Shane mentally checked his youngest, senses reaching out to sweep over him as he answered Dooku, "I have been. I hope your mission went well."
"Well enough," was all Dooku would say on the matter.
Kyran watched as he ate his breakfast, wondering if the Jedi would choose his youngest bondmate as a padawan soon.
Dooku watched the three of them for a while, biding his time, before he finally spoke again, "Initiate Jinn, I was wondering if you could spend the day with me. Master Zephir informed me that it was a day off for younglings."
Qui-Gon looked surprised. In all his time at the Temple, rarely had anyone shown interest in him, other than his bondmates and their Masters; for someone to show an interest in him, he was unsure what to think. He had planned to spend the day with his bondmates. He looked to them for help.
Shane smiled soothingly, already knowing why the Knight would ask for such a thing, /You should accept it, Qui-Gon. We'll spend another day together./
/Are you sure Nissan? I had planned to be with you and Ky./ Qui-Gon said anxiously. /
/Of course,/ Shane glanced at Kyran, /Right, Ky? It would be better for Qui-Gon to spend the day with Knight Dooku, he might learn something other then to get into more trouble,/ he winked at his nihan, to show he was teasing,
/Right,/ Kyran said in agreement. /We'll be alright without you for one day,/ he tousled the other boy's hair. Qui-Gon smiled before turning back to the Master, with a shy, "Alright."
Dooku had watched this silent exchange with interest. So what Zephir had told him that morning was true, in its way. These three were very connected, and their bond solid just between them. He hadn't managed to catch a single thing from it, except for a thrum of warm power between them. It was odd, yet fascinating to him. He smiled a little to the boy, "Thank you. I'll look forward to seeing how you've advanced while I've been gone."
Qui-Gon finished his breakfast and went to deliver his plate to the sink. He was curious as to why the other Knight wanted to spend the day with him. Some small part of him hoped that maybe, just maybe the other would pick him for a padawan, but he pushed the thought away. He was only eight. He was too young to be chosen. The Master would never ask someone so young like him.
Dooku had finally finished his cafe, and deposited the cup in the sink. He glanced to Qui-Gon, "When you're ready, we'll go down to the training halls."
"I am ready now. I'm done," he said.
Nodding, Dooku started for the door, "Then let's go. We'll be back later. And Zephir, tell Drex he shouldn't sleep so late, he's wasting years off his life."
The hearty chuckle from both Kyran and Zephir followed the duo as they left.
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Charmisjess
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Date Posted:
6/8/06 8:23am
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RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series) Updated 6/7!
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Haha, first post on the Dooku chapter!!!
It's good to see him. Lovely post! Looking forward to the next part!
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I <3 Starrie. Strange Little Girls-> http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24496675/p1/?0 Where are you going?
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dianethx
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Date Posted:
6/8/06 9:55am
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RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series) Updated 6/7!
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No wonder poor little Qui-Gon is so confused. If Dooku has never really shown any interest, Qui wouldn't know what to think about it all, especially if he thinks that he's too young to be chosen.
It was cute that they are all so close but that could cause problems once they are away on missions and missing each other. I wonder if the Council realizes just how close they are.
Good job. Keep going.
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Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 11/20/08 jedidas3's Master At last - Hope for our country
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Aya-Na_Bashu
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Date Posted:
6/8/06 10:19pm
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RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series) Updated 6/7!
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I just suggest that we don't destroy, blow up, or maim anything."
"Or let Qui bring any more strays home."
"No cooking experiments then," Kyran agreed, smirking, he laughed at the last. "Yes, I think Master Hazark was pleased to have his fish back."
 I see he started collecting the Pathetic Lifeforms (PLF's) early.
"Then you better hurry up and get ready. I doubt Master will feed your half dressed," Shane teased.
"I bet he would," Kyran retorted. "I can look awfully pitiful when unfed," he said in amusement.
Shane had to concede to that. Kyran had a look that could almost rival Qui-Gon's 'Can I keep it?' one. "Then go try. I'm going for a shower."
ROFLOL!
I hope somone warns Dooku of Qui-Gon's quirk with strays.
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Ara-gon
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6/9/06 9:32am
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RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series) Updated 6/7!
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I think Dooku needs to live in the same quarters with the others--if for no other reason than the rabid opportunities for humor!
Crion! Thanks for the summary! I'm trying to work my way through JA and haven't gotten to that part yet!
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Alethia
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Date Posted:
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RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series) Updated 6/7!
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This is my third attempt to post this, because the freaking boards keep on eating my posts. *sigh* I forgot that about them...
Anyways, lovely chapter. Very nice to see Dooku again and it's intriguing that he's considering moving out of the Temple. I wonder what that will be like.
Fish dreams. *snerk* I really liked seeing the three of them- everyone, really- relaxed and just lounging around. And I feel for Drex- I know very well how it is to sleep in like that. *grins*
Great job. Would have been longer, but after the first two attempts were eaten by a cyber monster... *rolls eyes*
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Jen, High Scholar and Ponderer of all Things Verily Blue, and Official caller of Suz, Crusader of Heretics and Knight of the Blue 1000
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Force_Triad
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Date Posted:
6/12/06 10:01am
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RE: To Have And To Hold (Book II in the Days Like These series) Updated 6/7!
- Date Edited:
6/12/06 9:00pm (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Force_Triad
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Charmisjess Of course Dook is your favorite part well rest assured there is more of him Thanks for reading!
Dianethx Qui is very confused. He's never had any masters show interest in him before. He was an outcast in the creche partially due to the bonds he shared, and partially due to the effect of his Living Force talents. As for the Council.. well not sure what they realize just yet Thanks for reading!
Aya-Na_Bashu Yep Qui-Gon started collecting those probably at two years old And why would they warn Dook about that? He needs a Master Don't want to scare him away Thanks for reading!
Ara-gon You're welcome for the summary Dooku probably will choose to live in quarters adjacent to theirs, but ya never know just what Dooku will do Thanks for reading!
Alethia Awww man that sucks! I hate it when that happens. Drex loves to sleep in He is not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination As for longer well that's okay you can make it up later
Chapter Two: The Will Of the Force
It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. ~Author unknown
Dooku glanced back to make sure Qui-Gon was following, "I imagine you don't have a training saber yet."
Qui-Gon shook his head. "No, Master Dooku. I just turned eight."
That was right. It would have been nearly eight years since he had brought that child to the Temple... "We'll have to get you one then, for this. Perhaps you should start considering your plans to build one soon."
Qui-Gon looked somewhat shy. He had been drawing plans for his own hilt not long ago. "I've done some drawings of what I might like for class."
"Really?" the door slid open, and they started down the hall, towards the turbolifts, "Perhaps you'll allow me to see them sometime. I take it you are very interested in swordsmanship then, if you are doing so already."
Qui-Gon nodded eagerly. "I've been studying forms that my bondmates use, but I don't know if I want to use either of their styles. I don't think they would work for me."
"There are many different forms of lightsaber combat. You are probably most familiar with Form I, Shii-Cho, are you not?" Dooku asked, as they entered the lift.
Qui-Gon nodded in agreement with the Master's words. "Yes. But I've also been studying Form V since that's what Ky is learning from Master Rixar and Nissan has been learning Form VI from Master Zephir. I watch while they spar."
The knight nodded, "Yes, those forms would be ideal for their specialties. Form V is more physically aggressive than Form VI, which is a more diplomatic form."
Qui-Gon followed the Master into a private training salle, surprised again that the master was so interested, and taking the time to get them a private training room so they wouldn't be disturbed. Qui-Gon went for one of the training sabers that the initiates used.
Dooku waited for him on the mat. Once he was there, he gestured, "Show me what you have learned up until now."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kyran skipped rocks across the lake in the gardens. He always enjoyed watching the effect as it hopped across effortlessly. "Do you think Master Dooku will pick Qui-Gon today?" he asked into the silence.
Shane sat nearby, leaning back on his hands as he watched Kyran skip rocks. Glancing at him, he shrugged a little, "I don't know. That's always been his plan."
"How do you know?" he asked curiously, skipping another rock.
"I heard Master talking once about it," came the casual answer.
"Before I was chosen, I assume," he said in a slightly bitter voice. He cleared his throat and went back to his task, pushing the cloud that had threatened to loom from his mind.
Another glance to him, a knowing look, but not judging, "Actually, it was just a few months ago. You know I have a tendency to stay up later then you and Qui."
Kyran arched a brow at that, but said nothing. He bent down and picked another stone up, but held this one awhile, feeling the smoothness of the rock in his hands. "I'm happy for him. At least he'll be spared the uncertainty," he said before skipping the stone in his hands.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that," came Shane's almost quiet answer, faintly unsure in its soft tone.
Kyran frowned at him. "What do you mean? Why not?"
"Not everyone is open to the idea of an apprentice that shares his soul with two others, Ky. Nor are they open to the idea of such a powerful bond, that even out weighs the training bond. From what I remember of Knight Dooku, he has his own mind when it comes to things, but even he has his limits."
"What if he decides that we are beyond that point, and decides not to take him?"
Kyran shrugged his shoulders a little. "So be it then. If Master Dooku wants to get all in a chizznek over it, then he wasn't the right Master for Qui-Gon anyway."
"But then who would be? Qui-Gon may very well run into the same problem as you. He might even have a harder time, now that he isn't living in the crèche, where he can be watched by other Masters who might be looking for an apprentice," Shane pointed out.
"They saw the results of what happened to me and I'm sure the Council took that into consideration before they moved him in with us," he jammed his hands into his pockets.
"Did they?" Shane asked, watching him now, "The Council hasn't prearranged anything but that he won't be shipped to Agricorps. But he won't be trained either. Qui won't accept that after so long."
Kyran sighed heavily and ran a hand through his mop of curly hair. "But it just seems unlikely ke'en. The Masters know what everyone thinks of us. If it was going to be a problem, why haven't they cut our bond?"
"Perhaps they can't," another slight shrug, "As powerful as they are, they are not all powerful."
Kyran nodded slightly. "True enough. However, I doubt Master Yoda would let something like that happen. It just doesn't feel right for one."
"You're probably right. But I have a feeling that if Dooku doesn't accept us, there won't be another right Master for Qui-Gon."
Kyran looked faintly guilty at that. He let out a deep sigh. "Maybe we should have waited to bond with him until after he had a Master."
Shane looked at him, "Waited? We didn't intend to do it in the first place."
"I know. I just meant..." he looked away. "I don't think I could bear it if we were the reason for him being denied a Master. It's bad enough to go through the suffering of not being chosen, much worse when you realize it's due to something that wasn't your fault to start with."
"We wouldn't be the reason," Shane's voice was flat, determined, "The fault would lie with another's intolerance to change. As much of the Order is right now."
Kyran smiled sadly. "Qui-Gon would not see it that way."
Shane was silent for a while, knowing that Kyran was right, "If it comes to that, then we will do our best to support him, and show him that it was none of his doing."
Kyran glanced back at his bondmate. "I still don't really think we'll have to. Somehow, I think things will work out for him. I can't see the Force being that cruel to one with that much light," he said twirling his golden braid around his finger.
Nodding a little, Shane fingered the grass a little, "I know. I just can't help but worry for some reason..." He remembered Dooku's face for a moment, of when he had watched them 'discuss'. The man had been fascinated, but there had been something else there, that he had seen far too many times with other Jedi.
Kyran smiled faintly. "You've always worried too much even over little things, ke'en." He wandered over to sit beside his bondmate in the grass.
Shane lightly smiled, instinctively moving to lean against his bondmate, "I know. But if I didn't, who would watch over our little group?" his tone showed he was teasing.
Kyran shrugged a little and smiled. "The Force would see to it that everything worked out. You know that."
Something altered a little in Shane's eyes, darkening very slightly, "Indeed."
Kyran frowned at the look in his bondmate's eyes. "What's wrong ke'en?" he queried.
Shaking his head, Shane sighed, "Nothing. It was just a passing feeling. You are right, the Force will take care of everything."
Kyran blinked, slightly confused. "You sound like you don't really believe that."
"I do believe it, Ky," I need to believe it. Shifting, Shane smiled reassuringly at him, "After all, the Force has done a lot so far. Even brought Ja' back to us."
Kyran nodded at that. "See?" He smiled again, his eyes shining. "Didn't I say that evil could be redeemed, Ke'en?"
"Yes. Though, I don't think he would call himself redeemed yet," a faint grimace came to Shane's lips, "He doesn't like being practically imprisoned in the healer's ward. But Master Kah' dra said he's almost ready to be released."
"He's not cutting into himself anymore," Kyran pointed out. He stood up then. "Let's go see him. We haven't in awhile."
Shane followed, "That we haven't. He's been rather busy with the soul healers lately..." he paused as a thought occurred to him, "When are we going to tell Qui-Gon?"
"About Ja'thernen?" Kyran's brow furrowed. "I had planned on telling him today. We'll just have to see when time allows."
"Maybe we should wait till Ja' has been released," Shane suggested, "I have a feeling Qui-Gon won't hold a grudge against him, but Ja' would prefer not to see many while there..."
Kyran scowled slightly. "I suppose so, but I think Qui-Gon's light could help him."
"Perhaps I'm just being overprotective," Shane sighed again, "As much as I love Ja', I don't want to expose Qui-Gon to that darkness."
"He's already been exposed," Kyran pointed out. "Ja'thernen rescued us. You at least owe him the chance to have such light."
"We give him plenty of light. And Qui-Gon wasn't awake then. He couldn't have felt it."
Kyran sighed a little. "As you wish ke'en. Can we at least go visit?"
"Of course. I want to see him as much as you do," Shane stated as they entered the turbolift, "I've missed him, even if it's only been a few days."
Kyran looked pleased. "Maybe we should sneak him in some food. I think if I were trapped in the ward as long as he has been, I'd be desperate for some real food."
Shane chuckled, "You're desperate even without being in the ward. But Ja' isn't. It's a wonder to him to get regular, well portioned meals three times a day, I think, without having to fight someone for it."
Kyran sobered a little at that. "I didn't think of that," he admitted.
"You probably wouldn't see it like that. I imagine Ja' had complete control over his gang by the time he caught you," Shane shrugged, "But as kids, we were lucky to get meals once a day, even when running with the gang. Saren didn't have that much in food, and it wasn't often wasted or thrown away to where we could get it without stealing or fighting for it."
Kyran looked at his bondmate and winced a little. It had been a long time since his bondmate had spoken of Saren and what life had been like then. He tried for a smile, "Well no wonder you gained so much weight when you were a youngling," he teased.
Shane raised an eyebrow at that, "Are you telling me I grew fat as a kid?" he joked a little, knowing what his bondmate was trying to do, and feeling faintly bad for constantly breaking down the good mood of the day.
Kyran's smile grew wider. "If the boot fits," he joked.
Shane eyed him, "Well, considering that I was still smaller then you were, perhaps I wasn't the only one," he smirked amusedly.
"Hey!" Kyran looked down at himself. "I am perfectly sized for a human my age and height," he teased back.
"So you say, Sala'ne'," Shane waved off, grinning now, " Though, I have to say, your height is still disturbing."
Kyran eyed his bondmate. "If it's any consolation to you, I don't think that's going to last long," he smirked.
Shane blinked. "What makes you say that? I won't hit my majority for two and half more years."
"I just have this funny feeling that between you and Qui-Gon I'm going to be the shortest," he said, waving his concern aside. They entered the Healers ward and headed immediately for Ja'thernen's room.
Shane didn't comment as they entered the small cell like room. Ja'thernen had been moved there soon after he had recovered from his near death experience, for his own safety as well as the healers. It wasn't as if he was an active threat, Ja'thernen was usually calm and somewhat willing to be helped. But the darkness that broiled in him needed to be contained, so the walls around them were greatly shielded, making sure that others could not sense him from the outside.
Inside, Ja'thernen was settled against a wall near the bed, kneeling, head bowed, hands flat to the floor, his eyes closed. His lips moved silently to some incantation, and at a second glance, one could see the stream of blood running down his arms.
The stench of blood made Kyran wrinkle his nose and he let out a long, soft sigh, seeing it. He had promised not to interfere if Ja'thernen wanted to kill himself again. His heart twanged painfully. Maybe Ja'thernen wasn't as well as he had hoped. "Ja'," he said hesitantly, speaking up to let the other know they were there.
Ja'thernen started, having been unaware of their presences. Looking up, he eyed them both, before reaching up to pull the small pins from his arms, that he had been using to keep the small wounds open. "I didn't expect you two to be here for a while." He commented, rising to go to the bowl sitting nearby, filled with water, and started washing off the blood.
Kyran looked at Ja'thernen with concern. "We have today off." he hesitated before asking. "What were you doing?"
"Salvation ritual, was asking for Sala'ne' to strike me with his sword," Ja'thernen said simply, shrugging a little as he wiped off the traces with a towel.
Kyran looked faintly confused. "Why would I do that?"
Ja'thernen raised an eyebrow, then smirked, "No, I meant Sala'ne'. Unless you're a god under that skin, you aren't him, per say, just a bearer of that name."
"Oh," Kyran pretended to understand as he sat down. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Sane," Ja'thernen said, a knowing look in his eyes, "The healers say I might be out within a few more days, if I keep to my progress. I must be doing good if they allowed me my ritual methods again."
Kyran looked both a little pleased and worried still at the same time. "Are you still thinking about killing yourself when you get out?" he asked quietly.
Ja'thernen shook his head a little, "No. There is no need to for the moment. I may have dishonored myself, but I'll learn to regain that honor in time," he glanced to Shane, "And those that I betrayed before," he returned his gaze to Kyran, and smirked, "Besides, I decided you needed more training before I can trust you with what's mine."
Kyran arched a brow at that. His mouth thinned a small bit. His gaze went rather distant. He knew Ja'thernen cared for him now but -- Ja'thernen's testing methods still gave him nightmares once in awhile. Not often these days, but... He pushed those thoughts away with an effort. "I do, eh?" he said after the awkward silence. He tried a smile.
Watching him, Ja'thernen moved in, as Shane shot a faint worried look towards Kyran. Reaching the youngest, Ja'thernen touched his shoulder, "Nothing like that, kid. The ancient gave me a task to do when I get out of here. He's letting me give lessons to some Padawans, under supervision of course, in street fighting. To prepare them better for the outside world, so to speak. I want to teach you too, and sharpen Me's skills again, so you don't have any trouble with something like me again."
The tenseness that had settled into Kyran's shoulders eased faintly at that. "That sounds like a good idea," he said thoughtfully. "Master might even be interested."
Ja'thernen smirked again, "Hopefully not, I have a feeling if your Master and I ever started a lesson, we'd end up in a duel."
"I wonder who would win," Kyran said arching a brow. "My master can usually figure out a fighting style after only a few moves against someone."
"I change my fighting style with every move. You might not have noticed, kid, but I use three styles rather then just one. Using one gets you killed," Ja'thernen stated, "So I think he'll be hard pressed against me."
Kyran looked interested at that. "I'd be interested to see how well he would do. He's gone up against people similar to you most of his life."
Ja'thernen looked thoughtful, "We would have to see then. Though, I think I know of one he could never beat," there was a mix of pride and sorrow in that gaze for a moment, while Shane tensed a little beside Kyran.
Kyran frowned a little, not understanding. "Who?"
It was Shane who answered, eyes a bit dark again, as realization settled in. "Te'renthe'," he said simply, softly. "My elder brother."
For some reason, Kyran couldn't explain, he tensed even more than Shane at the mention of Shane's older brother. A bad feeling began to form in his gut. He wasn't sure why, but he didn't like this talk about him. He knew his bondmate's devotion to him and Qui-Gon was absolute, but all the same this talk was faintly disturbing to one who had never known his family. "I never knew my family."
Shane relaxed a little, Ja'thernen looked mildly interested, "Might be for the best. Not everyone's families are worth knowing."
Kyran shrugged a little. "If you say so. I've wondered about them some. I kind of wish I did know a little something, so I could help ke'en when he misses his nissan. I've never had a Nissan. I've never had anyone to miss."
"You help me enough, Ky," Shane said softly, clasping his shoulder, "I don't miss him that much anymore."
Kyran smiled faintly. "You used to."
"Yes," the answer was solemn, "But I've grown to realize it's pointless to miss what's been gone and won't come back."
Kyran put his hand on his bondmate's shoulder. "Not pointless, ke'en. It's alright to miss him."
Ja'thernen watched this, something playing in his eyes, a mix of dark, yet understanding feelings, "Besides, it would be a dishonor if his nihan forgot him," he commented softly, "I was actually doing the ritual for him today. This is the day Te' was taken from us. Even if Sala'ne' isn't necessarily my god, I ask his salvation for Te'."
Kyran nodded in understanding, even as he tried to relax the muscles in his stomach that had suddenly clenched. He reached out to the Force, pushing his anxiety away still wondering why it had happened.
"At any rate." Ja'thernen moved away, back to the pins he had been using, and began to clean them off as well, "You two get days off? I'm impressed. I thought the life of a Jedi was busy."
"It is most of the time," Kyran said. "We just happen to have Masters who are even more tired than we are."
"That's interesting, I didn't think the old man and your Master got tired," Ja'thernen mused almost jokingly.
"The last mission was hard," he said softly. "We almost didn't make it back," he admitted.
Shane nodded a little, moving a little closer to Kyran, offering comfort over their bond, "And Master Zephir has been constantly working on diplomatic disputes the last few weeks." He did not mention that one of the main ones had been Saren at that time, or that his Master had not slept at all while working on it, nor would he let his apprentice handle any of it. Like always when dealing with Saren. "It's been a rough few weeks while you've been in here. That's why we've been unable to come see you."
Kyran's look turned thoughtful. "Would you like to meditate with us Ja?" he asked, in a soft, almost shy tone of voice.
Ja'thernen blinked, a little, considering it. "Meditate with you?" he had only meditated with the ancient so far, and the soul healers.
Kyran nodded a little. He was hoping some of their light would embrace Ja'thernen and help him, even without Qui-Gon there.
"We want you to, Ja'," Shane touched the life bond between them, reassuring. He held out his hand, "It's up to you."
Considering it a few moments longer, Ja'thernen finally answered, hesitantly, "Alright. But if anything goes wrong..."
"Nothing will go wrong," Shane soothed, as Ja'thernen finally took his hand.
"We promise that," Kyran replied taking Ja'thernen's other hand, finally reaching out to the tendrils that linked him with Ja'thernen.
Ja'thernen tensed at the other touch on his mind, familiar yet not yet, before he finally forced himself to relax, reaching back to them slightly, weakly, almost as if afraid to infect the light he sensed.
Kyran responded by letting the light trickle gently between them. He saw the darkness in Ja'thernen. He didn't realize how completely he had been embraced in it and he didn't want to hurt him. He had promised nothing would go wrong after all. He could not allow himself to let the power overwhelm the one he wished to help.
It took a moment to adjust to that faint trickle leaking into his mind, but Ja'thernen allowed it, and opened the connection a bit more, accepting. He could feel Me'telnen's strength backing him, old and comfortable against this newer, different source, just in case in wanted to close things off. But he didn't. It hurt, vaguely, but not enough to force him to shut off his mind.
How long they sat that way Kyran didn't know. He lost himself in his meditation. Going deep into the Force. It was so calming, even with Ja'thernen's darkness at the edge he was still relaxing more than he had in several weeks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that night after dinner had been eaten and the dishes were washed and put away and the padawans were sleeping, Drex sat lounging around with a cup of tea. Qui-Gon had come home and fallen asleep without even eating dinner. "You know Dooku, you could go easy on the boy until you decide to accept him at least," Drex said with a snort.
Dooku sipped from his own cup. It was just the three of them now. The two apprentices had excused themselves sometime before. Raising an eyebrow, he glanced over to him, "He enjoyed himself, and it's a good start to the training he will receive."
"So you are planning to accept him then?" Drex asked tapping his hand idly against his knee, wondering why he faintly felt so agitated even after training.
"The boy is talented. I must admit that. He surprised me with what he knows," Dooku stated, non-committing.
Drex nodded a little and didn't say anything more. He stood and paced. He didn't know why he was so agitated tonight, but he was. He felt faintly as if something were clicking into place.
"Drex," Zephir said calmly from the chair he was occupying, "Sit down. Dooku hasn't answered you yet."
"I can't," Drex said. "I'm too agitated. I don't know why."
"Think I might corrupt the boy?" Dooku asked, in veiled amusement, "I wasn't that bad of a learner, was I?"
"No, not that," he whirled around. "It feels like this is supposed to happen. I don't know how else to explain it. It feels like pieces of a puzzle are falling into place."
The younger and older Jedi glanced at each other, then at Drex. "Perhaps it is," Zephir said softly, "Perhaps this is destined to happen. Seems rather odd, we three friends would take on such as them. Just as their bond is odd, or its timing. Destiny indeed might be at work here."
Dooku looked skeptical, "You know I don't believe in destiny, though I suppose the Force could be in motion in this."
Drex gave him a wry smile. "You don't believe in destiny and you're considering taking a member of the triad as a padawan?"
"Is that a requirement when doing so?" Dooku asked, mildly.
"No," Drex conceded. "It's just something I've come to see."
Brow furrowing, Dooku took this information calmly, adsorbing and studying it as he consider things, "You say they don't have trouble apart. There aren't any complications? Lack in focus? They can and do exist apart as much as together?"
Drex nodded. "They can, as well as I see. I asked Kyran about it. They usually shield from each other on missions, unless something goes wrong and one or the other is injured."
Another pause as Dooku considered this, "And if something does go wrong?"
"Then they're rather agitated if they can't do anything to help, but they send comfort and help over their bond which doesn't seem to care how far apart they are," he said easily.
"Does it detract from their attention?" Dooku persisted.
Drex hesitated. He knew this answer mattered a great deal. Kyran's attention was distracted some but it had never prevented him from following orders. "Some," he admitted. "But never to the point of interference with a mission."
"How much is some, Drex? You know as well as I do that a Jedi must always be focused."
"I have never had any problems. Qui-Gon however, we have not tested," Drex said mildly.
"Indeed..." Dooku considered the information, "I do not know if I can accept this."
"It was not easy to accept even for me," Drex pointed out. "The council should have thought farther ahead when they allowed their bond to stay. Now, I doubt it could be cut by anything other than death, if that. They should have had Masters already waiting for them."
"How do you accept it?" Dooku asked softly, "And you do realize, that might have under minded the Force's will if they had done that. Perhaps that is why they did not."
Drex sighed a little. "I don't know how really. I just accept the fact that I am never going to be first in Kyran's eyes. And that is the way it should be after the way I treated him when he was young."
"I don't know if I can accept that. The Master is meant to be the first thing in an apprentice's life, below only the Force, no matter what. To be under something else..." Dooku trailed off.
Drex bit his lip. This conversation was not going well at all. He did not want to discourage Dooku from taking Qui-Gon, but he could not lie to his friend. He suddenly thought of Qui-Gon what it would be like for him to have to endure the same thing that Kyran had, and resolved that if Dooku did not want him as an apprentice he would either take him himself, and train the two of them no matter what the Council said, or find a Master who *would* accept the boy.
"You must understand. I know this is old fashion of me to think like this, and you know I do support changes in the Order. But this..." he gestured a bit, helplessly, "This is not merely a shift in a doctrine or rule. This is something that could reform the whole Order."
"I would think you would want to be apart of such change, Dooku. You were not satisfied with your own training when you were young, as we were not," came Zephir's voice, as he entered from the kitchen. The Master had left during their discussion for a few moments on a simple errand, and to check on the boys, before going to make a cup of tea for himself, feeling it best that he leave Drex to speak with Dooku, knowing his friend was a bit closer to the young Knight.
"It could very well," Drex admitted. "Perhaps that is what the Order needs most and that is why they are here."
Zephir nodded a little, coming to sit beside Drex, "Perhaps the time is passing for small change. We have become too set in our ways. Even you have said that."
"So I have," Dooku agreed, "But even then...There are some things that need to remain, that must remain. This could even change the very foundation of all that we believe. I want to help change this Order, but not beyond all recognition."
Drex's brow furrowed. "Most of our beliefs should be following the Force. The Jedi have become more self-serving and serving of political ideals than serving the Force. Would it really change so much if we really went back to those basics without the politics?"
That drew Dooku's interest. He believed as a few did that the Jedi should not be controlled by the politics they were so wrapped up in now. What should matter, was the Force's will, not the will of beings so removed from their people that they knew nothing. "Yet, how would we know if this was a chance to go back to following the Force, and no forward into following our own whims and wills? What is the true first thing for them? Is it themselves, this triad, or is it the Force?"
"That I cannot answer for you. You will have to ask them yourself," Drex replied sipping his | |