Jedi Council Forums - The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » Before the Saga »

Locked Topic | Read Only Topic | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 - Previous | Next | Reload

Author	Topic: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - complete
Luminara_Kenobi Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 10/8/06 11:46am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Yay! Update! Happy! Would reply more thoroughly but tired! Wonderful portrayals and descriptions! Love the characters! -----signature----- Oafie & Lulu Long Live the original JA series-- why did it go out of print?! Long Live Freedom of Speech!!! Constantly thinking of new and innovative ways to shave Obi-Wan I miss you, too.
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Veloz Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 10/8/06 1:06pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Oh this was a very interesting turn of events!...i wonder what Ilbin will decide... cant wait for the next update Tnx a lot for the pm -----signature----- "Hello there!" "Remember the Force will be with you..always" - Obi Wan Kenobi, ANH "Who's the more foolish...the fool or the fool who follows him?"- Obi Wan Kenobi, ANH
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Layren Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 10/8/06 2:28pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Most interesting conversation there -- rather surprised he admitted he was afraid and that his sister was too, I wonder what he'll decide, didn't see that coming. Poor Obi-Wan, he should meditate to gain some clarity from the Force. Really nice job there Kim! Looking forward to the conclusion! -----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.
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 10/8/06 5:59pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	If they honor what he wants, of course, they must stand aside and let him die. He is doing what he thinks is right. I don't know how this is going to turn out but I really liked the way you made Obi-Wan face that he couldn't always make his own beliefs into the beliefs of others. Good job. Keep going. -----signature----- 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
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Valairy_Scot Title: PT Rewrite Winner Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 10/8/06 6:40pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Very nice chapter! Obi-Wan is so young; Qui-Gon so wise. Alixxy smiled up at him, brushed back his hair. “I admit that Alixxeria, High Priestess of Shybyta, fears what will happen if the Living Gift does not go to his Mother in the Ritual,” she said quietly, tears gathering in her eyes. “But as your sister Alixxy, I fear more what will happen to me when my brother is gone.” “I won’t be gone,” Ilbin whispered gently. “Not really, you know that.” “I believe in the Lands Beyond, and I know you belong to our Mother first,” Alixxy replied. “But I am weak, and I am selfish.” Her head bent beneath the weight of her conflicting feelings. “And I am so afraid…” That is the crux of the problem. This shows how "human" the characters are - wanting to do "right" and not clearly sure what the real "right" is. Fantastic. “We can’t just stand by and watch him die for nothing!” the younger man cried out, his fists clenching at his sides. “And he’s been raised to think he must die for them! Of course he believes! He’s never known anything else.” “To him, it is not nothing,” Qui-Gon chided. The expression on Obi-Wan’s face was still hostile, and Qui-Gon repressed a grimace. The boy was so dedicated to serving what he saw as right that he sometimes lost sight of the fact that right was often a matter of perspective. And who should make the determination? Hopefully, if the sacrifice happens, Obi-Wan can be at peace that the Living Gift was not coerced into the decision. Very intelligently written chapter! -----signature----- 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
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
rebel_cheese Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 10/8/06 7:02pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Turning to his Master, Obi-Wan’s eyes filled with misery. “We should stand by and watch him die?” His voice was husky with repressed emotion. “If Ilbin chooses to die, then yes, we stand by and honor his choice.” “We let him die.” “Yes, we let him die.” That made me want to cry. Poor Obi-Wan . . . But as much as I'm inclined to side with Obi, I know that Qui is wiser and is making the right decision . . . or so I hope. Even the wisest of Masters make mistakes . . . As usual, this was an intelligently written tear-jerker of a chapter. Excellent update. Can't wait for the next chapter. This story is awesome. -----signature----- Padawan of princess_of_naboo E-married to the amazing padawanlost Member of Charon_Force Beginning's End: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28450077&brd=10477&replies=1
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Gkilkenny Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 10/8/06 7:49pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Thanks for the PM I think what Obi-Wan says may be getting to the Living Gift and he is having second thoughts. nice update. -----signature----- Padawan to p_stotts Peace over anger - honour over hate - Strength over fear. Links to Stories in my Bio. Obi-Wan forever.
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Independence1776 Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 10/8/06 8:22pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	“I bow to your cleverness,” Qui-Gon said, his lips quirking. “What will happen to those who have tried to replace you?” Those two are truly too much alike. “Just sacrifice innocents,” Obi-Wan muttered beneath his breath. Obi-Wan.... “Obi-Wan!” Qui-Gon barked, truly shocked at his Padawan’s comment. “You will apologize to the Leader.” "Perhaps we can just learn to respect each other, and try to see things from a different perspective while keeping our own truths in our hearts?” shakes head Hasn't he been saying that all along? And Obi-Wan still won't listen. Zim watched it all with a slight smile. Obi-Wan looked at him as if expecting a sharp rebuke, but the Leader merely held out his hand and put it over Obi-Wan’s heart. “You have a noble and generous heart, young one,” he said. “That is never a fault.” Good for him. “That is what I’m afraid of, too,” Ilbin murmured, “not having you beside me anymore. I’ve never been alone before. You’ve always been there for me, ever since I can remember.” Aww... And I can understand this, far better than their beliefs. Ilbin looked up at the two Jedi and the High Tribal Leader. “My sister and I must have some privacy,” he said with great dignity. “We must pray to Shybyta for wisdom and the gift of her guidance. I…I must have time to…” He shook his head. “Please understand.” I'm glad that he's actively seeking guidance now. The boy was so dedicated to serving what he saw as right that he sometimes lost sight of the fact that right was often a matter of perspective. That's our Obi-Wan. But he learns... “No, but others might not see it that way,” Qui-Gon said. “It is part of our beliefs that a Jedi should not have any attachments, and so we remove a child from their home and raise them in our ways. The child is too young to make a choice, so the parents and the Jedi make that choice for them. Most Jedi never know anything other than the life of the Order.” I love this parallel. I would not have thought of it. Obi-Wan’s lipped thinned and the muscles of his shoulder bunched once more with tension. “So you’re saying we cannot understand his choice, but we must honor it?” “Yes, Obi-Wan, that’s exactly what I’m saying,” the Master replied. Turning to his Master, Obi-Wan’s eyes filled with misery. “We should stand by and watch him die?” His voice was husky with repressed emotion. “If Ilbin chooses to die, then yes, we stand by and honor his choice.” “We let him die.” “Yes, we let him die.” Heartwrenching. Wonderful update! -----signature----- "Independence forever." John Adams Padawan to Luna_Nightshade Fics in bio Mostly lurking at the moment
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
KELIA Title: Fan Fiction Moderator Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 10/9/06 12:36pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Oh my this is getting good. Ilbin is actually having doubts...not surprising and I'm glad to see his sister will support him no matter what. It can't be an easy thing to consider defying The Ritual. I just hope Obi-Wan can accept Ilbin's decision, should he decide to go through with the ritual. Great update, -----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
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 10/9/06 2:22pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	I think this is my fave chapter so far - and it's had some stiff competition! Two conflicts: that of brother and sister/master and padawan, and as yet there's no real indication whether Ilbin's going to go ahead with the ritual or how badly his faith has been shaken by his sister's worries. I loved Alixxy's confession of weakness, which only seemed to reinforce the bond between brother and sister. Will this be enough to sway Ilbin or will he stay true to his beliefs? But I especially loved the manner in which Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon tried to sort through their different viewpoints, especially Obi's inability to harken to the point behind his master's story of the 'baby snatchers'- that just felt like pure Obi-Wan to me! Great story! -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Ara-gon Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 10/10/06 1:01pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Zim is wonderful. "But even if I believe, I cannot ask that you give up your life for my beliefs." I loved his wisdom in this bit, and I bet it cost him dearly to say that. It was very brave of him to give Ilbin a choice, especially considering the potential ramifications in his culture. -----signature----- Jinngerbread's Padawan The Trouble with Qui-Gon (humor) http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/26735859/p1/?7
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 10/19/06 1:28pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Luminara_Kenobi Thank you so much for reading! Veloz Hopefully at the end of next week. Layren Thank you! dianethx This story resulted from many family conversations about religion. Valairy_Scot Thank you so much for your very kind words, oh talented former padawan! rebel_cheese I'm glad you liked it! Gkilkenny We shall see! Independence1776 I don't think there are any easy answers here. KELIA Thank you! Jemmiah I thought it would be only natural to have some doubts. Now we'll have to see how powerful those doubts are. Ara-gon Zim is a character all right. I based him on my grandfather. I hope to finish this right after I get back. I'm working on the last -or next to last, depending on how things work out - post now. -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Arwen-Jade_Kenobi Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 10/20/06 11:13am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	All caught up finally! I really love how you're showing Obi's struggle with his beliefs and those of the others. Now we wait for the decision! More soon! -----signature----- Retired Council Master of the Lightside It's all about the blues, baby "Love can ignite the stars." - ROTS novel I'm a Trekkie: Deal with it, or suffer the wrath of Khan This user is certifiably insane
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 10/27/06 7:32am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/8
	Arwen-Jade_Kenobi Thank you! That's exactly what I was trying to convey. Glad it seems to have worked. Okay, I really tried to make this the last post, but there was too much happening and so there will be ONE more post after this one. (Yes, I know, famous last words). Thank you so much for continuing to read, even though this was only supposed to be five chapters long at the most. Oops. Chapter 8 Together, the Jedi and the High Tribal Leader waited. Obi-Wan felt restless, out of sorts, while Qui-Gon seemed to be his normal serene self. It was, Obi-Wan thought, enough to drive him mad. He tried to meditate but failed, his emotions too chaotic to allow him to slip into the comforting embrace of the Force. He felt Qui-Gon’s attempt to soothe him, but then his Master retreated, as if he realized that this was something Obi-Wan would have to sort through on his own. He tried, but tranquility eluded him. It was several hours later when the siblings emerged from their seclusion. Each looked exhausted and drained, but at peace with whatever had passed between them. Obi-Wan tried to determine what decision they might have reached, but their emotions were hidden, clouded by primitive shields that Obi-Wan could have penetrated if he chose to. Such an intrusion seemed both unnecessary and unkind, and for a moment, he was embarrassed by his uncharacteristic lack of control. There was something about this mission that struck at the very heart of his beliefs and it left him unsettled and anxious. The Padawan glanced at his Master, wondering if he shared the same unease, but Qui-Gon’s expression revealed nothing. He merely stood quietly, his hands clasped in front of him, waiting for the Gift to speak. With a look at his sister, Ilbin took her hand in his. She nodded encouragingly, and Obi-Wan could see her fingers curl around her brother’s hand. For a moment, he could not take his eyes from the sight of their clasped hands. It was clear that the decision had the full support of both of them. The High Tribal Leader stood up and moved to Qui-Gon’s side, where the old man waited as well. No one spoke, but the silence was somehow appropriate – almost sacred. “I…we’ve come to a decision,” Ilbin said softly. Alixxy’s chin rose slightly and she met Qui-Gon’s gaze. Obi-Wan could feel compassion welling up within his Master, felt it pulse toward Ilbin and his sister. It was obvious that actually reaching the decision had been an arduous and painful process. Ilbin opened his mouth to announce his decision, but Zim forestalled his announcement by holding up his hand. “One moment, Ilbin,” the old man murmured. “Before you tell us what you have decided, I want you to know that – no matter what you have chosen to do – you will have my full support.” He nodded emphatically. “Whatever needs to be done, will be done. I say this now so that you will know I am sincere. Your choice is your own to make.” Ilbin smiled gratefully, his eyes growing moist, as did Alixxy’s, though she turned slightly as if to hide her tears. “Thank you, Leader,” he replied fervently, “that means more than I can express.” He glanced at Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. “First…thank you for securing my release from the rebels.” He bowed slightly and Alixxy nodded. “Your actions made it possible for my destiny to be in my own hands once more, where it should be. That is all any man can ask. Don’t you think?” Ilbin tilted his head, his question seemed to be directed at Qui-Gon, but his eyes remained on Obi-Wan. “It is a fine thing to choose your own path, Ilbin, no matter where that path might lead,” Qui-Gon agreed quietly. “And what have you decided?” Obi-Wan asked, a note of impatience coloring his voice. Ilbin’s own smile flickered and wavered, before settling more firmly on his features. “I have decided to follow the destiny that has been mine from birth,” he answered softly. “I want to go home…to be with my true Mother in the Lands Beyond.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Immediately after Ilbin’s announcement, Obi-Wan gave one short nod of his head, turned on his heel and strode away. Across their bond he could feel his Master’s embarrassment at his behavior, and the anger which flared and was so quickly suppressed. He was vaguely aware of the murmured apology his Master offered before rushing after him. All he could sense from Ilbin and his sister was sorrow and acceptance. He broke into a sprint, as if by running, he could escape the situation. Obi-Wan’s strides did not slow, not even when he heard the furious pounding of his Master’s steps coming up fast behind him. He was not surprised when a hard hand grabbed him by the arm and whirled him around. He looked up into Qui-Gon’s face, took in the harsh lines of his Master’s disappointment. “What was the meaning of that, Padawan?” Qui-Gon’s voice was low and controlled, which revealed the full depth of his anger. Nostrils flaring with fury of his own, Obi-Wan dared to yank his arm away from his Master. The look of shock on Qui-Gon’s face finally broke through Obi-Wan’s rage, leaving him weak and empty. He immediately bowed slightly, giving both his apology and his submission in that simple gesture. “I’m sorry, Master,” he said fervently, his eyes lowered. “I truly am sorry for my behavior, which I know has shamed you.” Then his gaze flickered up to meet Qui-Gon’s and the younger man said. “But I cannot apologize for my feelings about this matter.” Qui-Gon took a deep breath, and Obi-Wan sensed his Master regaining control of his emotions, gathering his serenity before he replied. “I do not ask for your apology for your feelings, Padawan,” he said gently. “The Order may sometimes wish we did not have emotions, but that is something which, fortunately, they cannot control completely.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest, his expression troubled. Still trying to sort out his Master’s enigmatic reply, Obi-Wan remained silent. Qui-Gon put his hands on the younger man’s shoulders, but this time his touch was gentle, comforting and familiar. “Padawan…” he whispered. “I cannot ask you to like what is happening here, or even to understand it,” he admitted. “All I can do is ask that you respect Ilbin’s decision.” “He’s going to die,” Obi-Wan said in an emotionless voice, worn out by the toll of it all. “Yes,” Qui-Gon answered, and the blunt answer made Obi-Wan blink. “He’s a good person,” the Padawan said miserably. “Yes, he is,” Qui-Gon agreed. Then he paused and tilted his head. “You have seen death before, Padawan. You have seen those ready to die for a cause, to spend their lives for what they believe in.” Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes, Master,” he acknowledged. “I have seen them die in battle, fighting….This is…this is not like that.” “No,” Qui-Gon murmured. “It is not.” “He’s going to go up to that altar a perfectly healthy being,” Obi-Wan continued, his words forced out between clenched jaws. “And he’s going to drink something that will kill him. He will die for some archaic religious belief. Not to save his people, not to stop a tyrant, not even to save another life. He’ll just…die.” “Ilbin might not agree that his death has no purpose, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon reminded him. “His beliefs are as precious to him as any cause over which a war has been fought – maybe more precious. To Ilbin, he is saving his people, protecting them for another generation…saving countless lives, and a way of life, in the process.” “But that’s not true!” Obi-Wan protested. “Surely you can’t believe that! It’s all just superstitious nonsense.” Qui-Gon smiled sadly and shook his head. “I believe in the Force, something that most beings in the galaxy cannot see or touch – and they might think the Force is also superstitious nonsense. But I have faith that it exists.” Qui-Gon waited for Obi-Wan to absorb his words, and then continued quietly, “Besides, it does not matter if we believe, Obi-Wan – only that Ilbin does.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ His Master, sensing that he needed to be alone, had withdrawn to their quarters and Obi-Wan wandered the grounds of the Temple, looking for…something. The day passed slowly for him and he finally found himself in the garden, kneeling beside an ancient tree that reached with gnarled limbs toward the sky. He closed his eyes, reached for the Force, seeking the serenity that only the Force could offer One day you might be called upon to die for something that you believe, Obi-Wan. “Then I shall face my death with bravery and dignity,” he answered. He knew it was not specifically the Force speaking to him, merely the person the Force thought he could be in time – a better Obi-Wan, one more in tune with the true will of the Force – the man he would become. And what if others do not think your cause is worthy? The voice was slightly quizzical as if testing him. Obi-Wan hesitated, sensing the trap in the question. “I would do what I thought best,” he acknowledged. “I would trust in the Force.” What of Ilbin? Does he not also feel the Force? Can he not seek the will of the Force you both serve in your own ways? “I don’t know what to think of this,” he admitted to himself, to the Force. There might come a day when you must lead your own Padawan through troubled and confusing waters, trust in the Force, and let it be your guide. He was silent for a moment, felt the currents of the Force lift him up, carry him toward enlightenment. Do not put your faith in emotion, Obi-Wan. Emotions are fleeting, but the Force is eternal. Obi-Wan remained silent, mulling over what his Master had said, and where the Force had led his own thoughts. At last, he sighed and opened his eyes. He got to his feet and walked back into the Temple, finally sure of what he must do. -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Princess_Arulmozhi Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 10/27/06 7:45am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - updated 10/27
	That was beautiful, Vadey. I loved Obi-Wan's reactions to the decision, and Qui-Gon's excellent argument. Also, Obi-Wan's own thoughts later. That was perfect, the Force asking him what he would do, if he were asked to do the same. One more post. I'm sad. There should be so many more! -----signature----- 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
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 - Previous | Next | Reload

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » Before the Saga »