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Author	Topic: Spirit Warriors of Angharad COMPLETE Link to MS Word version available 8/4
ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 5/28/04 10:37pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (17/?) 5/27
	solojones wrote: This has to be the oddest/saddest role-play ever. We need to get someone to play Short Round McFly, go get a d20 and some pizza, and make a night of it: "My +4 face_plain defeats your +2 poop thread creation of doom!!" Hah! I can just imagine a little reptilian thing following Obi-Wan around. I'll bet he would take quite the acception to that. They do . . . and he does. I wish I had a way of actually showing them . . . they look sort of like chicken-sized tyrannosaurus rexes, and they have the most demented little walk--kind of a stalking toddle. They also like to stand there . . . with their mouths open . . . looking at you . . . and not. move. Obi-Wan hates them, but they looooove him. If I had a way to make them a major plot point, I would, but unfortunately they're relegated to being local color. Then again, it's perhaps the closest thing to a girlfriend he's had: it gives him attention, follows him everywhere, and insists on being fed at his cost. Maybe this is the true reason for his aversion to females. I blame the Skrikes. LOL! You know, I wouldn't put it past Anakin to have a thought like that. If that turns up later, I'll be sure to give props to you. Incidentally, in this universe anyway, Obi-Wan doesn't have a total aversion to females. Note keywords in intro. His whole character arc in this story is about conflicts between emotions and duty, so it seemed like a good way to turn up the heat. More Obi-Wan angst = good, IMO. Of course, he actually seems to like little kids, which I do think is how he would respond. That familial attachment again. A problem in some ways, but ultimately a good thing for Luke et al Yeah . . . there's a strong streak of the good father in Anakin. You can see his somewhat overdeveloped protective instincts in that light, if you want to. Actually, most of the same motives that caused him to disobey Obi-Wan down in the river valley are the same ones that cause him to toss Palpy down the reactor shaft. Slow learner indeed. Stop being a good writer. ::sigh:: All right, sj . . . for you. Thhhen, teh guy s,, hdythey bloweed somsdtufff. uppan tehy. mede it essplodde antehtryes lkie a Sthi in evthering an phlaghblahghaljkshfrewuohawffleghflghaagh. Teh Ind. -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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solojones Registered: Sep '00	Date Posted: 5/28/04 11:19pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (17/?) 5/27
	We need to get someone to play Short Round McFly, go get a d20 and some pizza, and make a night of it: "My +4 face_plain defeats your +2 poop thread creation of doom!!" Wow. So sadly incredibly true. Only a YJCCer could understand... probably a good thing. They also like to stand there . . . with their mouths open . . . looking at you . . . and not. move. Obi-Wan hates them, but they looooove him. Okay well at least now I'm going to have this image in my mind while reading this story. Thanks. LOL! You know, I wouldn't put it past Anakin to have a thought like that. If that turns up later, I'll be sure to give props to you. Ahhh! Are you saying now you've got me thinking like Anakin?! How dare you! I'm Obi-Wan. I'm Obi-Wan repeats mantra to self until she starts involuntarily folding her arms across her chest and giving people stern looks Incidentally, in this universe anyway, Obi-Wan doesn't have a total aversion to females. Well I don't believe he does in the 'real' GFFA, either. It's just that, as you said, he has a strong sense of duty. But there's also the aspect of him never having had experience in the romance department which adds to this and probably makes it seem to Anakin like a rather unnatural aversion. We all know what Obi-Wan's really thinking, though. You can't fool us, lover-boy His whole character arc in this story is about conflicts between emotions and duty, so it seemed like a good way to turn up the heat. How dare you suggest that someone could have a character arc! What do you think this is, literature?! This is fanfiction, for crying out loud! More Obi-Wan angst = good, IMO. In your humble, correct opinion I mean, honestly, I'm devoting an entire saga to what is mostly Obi-Wan angst, all in the name of character developement in mini arcs combining to a big, angst-ridden but beautiful arc. Meh, it's mostly his fault anyway Actually, most of the same motives that caused him to disobey Obi-Wan down in the river valley are the same ones that cause him to toss Palpy down the reactor shaft. Slow learner indeed. Hmm, interesting thoughts. I might have to re-read that passage with that in mind. Sometimes we miss things on first readings. But you have no idea how much I appreciate an author who has the subtlety and conceptual idea to put such things into each bit of their writing. Brilliant. Thhhen, teh guy s,, hdythey bloweed somsdtufff. uppan tehy. mede it essplodde antehtryes lkie a Sthi in evthering an phlaghblahghaljkshfrewuohawffleghflghaagh. Teh Ind. -sj loves kevin spacey -----signature----- 6 x 9 = 42 Proud member of the Colbert Nation My short films: http://www.youtube.com/solojones1138
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 5/29/04 4:40pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (18/?) 5/28
	solojones wrote: Ahhh! Are you saying now you've got me thinking like Anakin?! How dare you! I'm Obi-Wan. No, man, I'm Obi-Wan!! Where's that d20 again?! We all know what Obi-Wan's really thinking, though. You can't fool us, lover-boy "Thank you for curing me . . . of my ridiculous obsession with ::sob:: duty!!" I want to see that scene in Episode III. Yes, yes, I do. How dare you suggest that someone could have a character arc! What do you think this is, literature?! This is fanfiction, for crying out loud! Sorry . . . sorry. What I meant was: "Thhhen, teh guy s,, hdythey bloweed somsdtufff . . ." Actually, most of the same motives that caused him to disobey Obi-Wan down in the river valley are the same ones that cause him to toss Palpy down the reactor shaft. Slow learner indeed. Hmm, interesting thoughts. I might have to re-read that passage with that in mind. Sometimes we miss things on first readings. Well . . . I could be smoking death sticks, after all. It's really just that Anakin/Vader's protective instincts override everything else, and when someone he loves is threatened, he responds with unthinking violence. (N.B. to any Tusken villages that may be listening.) Anyway. ::clears throat:: Back to our story. ** Obi-Wan was tired to the marrow of his bones as he left the meeting lodge. He wanted nothing so much as to spend half an hour alone in meditation, seeking calm and peace in the Force. Yet he did not dare leave Anakin alone any longer than he had to. He slipped as quietly as he could through the dispersing crowd of anxious villagers, keeping his gaze on the village street in front of him. After much anguished discussion, the villagers had come to the uneasy consensus that the Jedi were more useful than they were dangerous. In fact, Anakin’s scrap in the Pass had proved to be a mixed blessing, since it had finally convinced the Elders that a full-scale attack was unavoidable. They had asked Obi-Wan to help evacuate Nidawi’s children as soon as possible, and he had readily agreed. It seemed most likely that the little ones would go to a village called Wemilat, which had the dual advantages of kinship ties with Nidawi and a location that offered no strategic importance whatever to the Coridani forces. Obi-Wan’s only reservation about the plan was that all villagers past their fifteenth birthdays were asked to stay and fight. The people of Nidawi had his deep respect for their bravery, but they didn’t make a promising fighting force. The thought of a crowd of beardless boys, pitchfork-waving farmers, and toothless grannies lining up against Sarpedon’s mercenaries was enough to make a seasoned warrior laugh and a compassionate man weep. As he passed beyond the village center and the houses grew farther apart, Obi-Wan sensed Hoel Oya walking up behind him. He did not feel much like talking, and considered drawing up his psychic shields higher, removing any sense of invitation from his manner. Yet Hoel had been a gracious host, and it would be rude to ignore him. Obi-Wan slowed his pace and let Hoel fall into step beside him. The metalsmith was about five years older than he was, but Hoel could easily have passed for another five years older than that. Mountain life aged people prematurely with its bitter winters, hot, sodden summers, and ceaseless wind. The past several years had added grief to the list of conditions that wore the people down early. Hoel had lost his wife, Liluye, some two years earlier to the slaughter in the Grove of Martyrs. She’d been a non-combatant who was trying to bring help to the wounded, but CMC’s security forces hadn’t found that distinction important. Uyek had only been five at the time, and it was a long time before he’d stopped asking when his mother was coming home. Obi-Wan had learned most of this from sources outside the Oya family. Hoel had only mentioned his wife’s death once, but Obi-Wan sensed it weighed upon his mind. "Well, Master Jedi, it looks like you'll be with us a while longer yet," Hoel said. Obi-Wan glanced up at him as he spoke. Hoel's creased face was beardless, and he wore his dark hair long, as was the custom among Anghara mountain men. Though he carried himself in his usual stolidly friendly manner, he kept his gaze on the road ahead of them, as if he too felt the need to seal off some meditative space for himself. "Yes . . . and I’m grateful,” Obi-Wan said. “Your support has meant a great deal to us. I think if you hadn’t spoken, your neighbors would have run us out tonight." Hoel had no official leadership role in the village, but Obi-Wan had noticed early on that other villagers quieted and listened when he talked. "No,” Hoel said, shaking his head. “There’s not a lot of love lost on offworlders here, so people felt obligated to show a little outrage. Nobody wanted to be the first to stand up and say that there might be a few good people from the Republic after all. The truth is, most of them are impressed that you were able to take out four yakiné soldiers by yourselves. I think some of our young warriors might even be a little jealous.” In the word “yakiné” Obi-Wan recognized the Anghara term for “offworlders.” The word carried connotations of both “outsiders” and “desecrators,” and technically applied to himself and Anakin just as well as it did to Perahata’s soldiers. It didn’t escape him that Hoel had used the more polite Basic term when speaking of the two Jedi, as if he made distinctions between different types of outsiders. Obi-Wan had been warned that most Anghara mountain men wouldn’t. ** End 19/? -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 5/30/04 3:43pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (19/?) 5/30
	“The battle was a near thing,” Obi-Wan said. “We might not have survived if your men hadn’t taken care of a couple of the scouts while they were in the Pass.” Hoel nodded gravely and said, "We can accomplish more together than we can by standing alone. Most of my people appreciate that.” He seemed to hesitate a moment, as if trying to find a way to bring up a painful subject, then added, “I just wanted you to know . . . up on the ridge--I didn't fire on your boy." "No, I didn't think you had," Obi-Wan said. “For us, there has always been a difference between honor and revenge,” Hoel continued, almost apologetically. “Honor is defending your home and family, protecting the resting place of the spirits. Revenge is . . . .” He shook his head, as if trying to rid himself of some image that troubled him. “Well, these days . . . some of our young people think the difference is no longer important. One yakini is as good as another, they say. They bring up the Grove of Martyrs to us . . . as if more blood could possibly wash those deaths away. Before the Grove, no one would have fired so close to Anakin as he was fleeing the soldiers. What kind of fool risks the life of a brave boy who’s trying to help defend us from our enemies?” “I’m glad you see it that way,” Obi-Wan said. “I was concerned you might blame Anakin for provoking them.” “I suppose some people might,” Hoel said, “But from what I’ve seen, these dog-soldiers need no provocation. The blueshirts were bad enough, but at least they waited until there was a theft they could blame on us before they sent out raiding parties. The new soldiers need no reason. They’re killers. That is the reason they’ve been sent here.” The “blueshirts” were CMC’s security staff, who had carried on a kind of chronic, low-grade war with the Anghara ever since the mining company came to the planet. CMC claimed the mountain people stole its supplies and damaged its equipment, so it would send out slash-and-burn parties to damage the property of the supposed offenders. Then the Angahara would exact their own form of justice by actually stealing supplies and damaging equipment, whether or not they’d been guilty in the first place. However, the rules had changed when Perahta’s troops had arrived. Unfortunately, Hoel’s belief that the mercenaries had been brought in as hired murderers was probably right. “Anakin was wronged in the Pass today,” Hoel said quietly. “If he were an Anghara man, he could take the matter before the Elders. As it is . . . well, things would be difficult. I don’t know how you Jedi handle such matters. Will you want to know the name of the man who endangered his life?” He glanced over at Obi-Wan, clearly worried that this might be the start of a warriors’ grudge match. “No,” Obi-Wan said. “The Jedi Code forbids taking revenge of any kind. If some of your people dislike offworlders, Anakin and I will simply have to be more careful.” Hoel nodded, apparently satisfied. He didn’t need to tell Obi-Wan who had taken the dangerous shots, anyway. Obi-Wan’s suspicions centered around a young warrior called Yerik Aingeru, a man who'd stood at the back of the assembly and glowered at anyone who dared suggest it wasn't a good idea to meet Perahta's troops head on. From what Obi-Wan had picked up from the young man, he did not seem to wish harm on Anakin personally--it was more that Yerik was desperate for a chance to fight back against the Coridani, and what was the life of a yakini, more or less? “Our young people have seen just enough war to make them angry,” Hoel said. “If they had seen any more, they would not crave it as they do." "Some take longer to learn than others," Obi-Wan said. He’d seen a fair number of Yerik Aingerus among those who'd grown accustomed to battle. Regretfully, he added, "I feel I must apologize again for my student . . . he’s seen plenty of conflict, yet he always seems ready to stir up more." Obi-Wan sensed Hoel's smile. "It would have been wiser to stay away from yakiné territory, but you have to admit . . . six dog-soldiers against one boy. Who would have thought he’d be the one to walk away? He’s very brave.” If Hoel had meant to evoke fatherly pride in Obi-Wan, he’d picked the wrong subject. "Yes, he is," Obi-Wan said, without inflection. **** End 20/? -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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solojones Registered: Sep '00	Date Posted: 5/31/04 8:28am Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (19/?) 5/30
	"Thank you for curing me . . . of my ridiculous obsession with ::sob:: duty!!" And then Anakin lets out a lovely soprano- "Come what May". Obi-Wan stops, and slowly turns around... then rushes back to Anakin next to the lake of fire and thus THE DUEL begins! Brilliant. Sorry . . . sorry. What I meant was: "Thhhen, teh guy s,, hdythey bloweed somsdtufff . . ." That's much better. Well . . . I could be smoking death sticks, after all. No, I agree with your point about Anakin's protectiveness, definitely. Yes, yes, back to our story indeed... In fact, Anakin’s scrap in the Pass had proved to be a mixed blessing, since it had finally convinced the Elders that a full-scale attack was unavoidable. Isn't it the darndest thing how that works out? On one hand, Obi-Wan has instructed Anakin that something shouldn't be done, and then when it is done, it helps. Puts Obi-Wan in a tough position to say 'Shame on you, boy, you shouldn't have done that', huh? It reminds me of in AOTC where Obi-Wan insists they aren't going to investigate, then ends up doing that very thing himself. The thought of a crowd of beardless boys, pitchfork-waving farmers, and toothless grannies lining up against Sarpedon’s mercenaries was enough to make a seasoned warrior laugh and a compassionate man weep. And you know what, the way you described that image was both funny and sobering at the same time. “Honor is defending your home and family, protecting the resting place of the spirits. Revenge is . . . .” He shook his head, as if trying to rid himself of some image that troubled him. “Well, these days . . . some of our young people think the difference is no longer important. I loved this passage, because I think it relates very well to Anakin too, and young people in general. Anakin definitely has a strong sense of protectiveness and honor, but that can be mixed into revenge. He is more like those strange kids he's met than he realises. I recall the bit about him thinking the girl wearing bone-twigs in her hair and a young child's bracelet was a strange sight, but really, he is the same mix of a young person made to fill a very old role. If Hoel had meant to evoke fatherly pride in Obi-Wan, he’d picked the wrong subject. "Yes, he is," Obi-Wan said, without inflection. Ouch. I couldn't help but wince at this. Obi-Wan, that was cold, man. Just plain cold. All hail Ophelia and her continually amazing writing! -sj loves kevin spacey -----signature----- 6 x 9 = 42 Proud member of the Colbert Nation My short films: http://www.youtube.com/solojones1138
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 5/31/04 12:13pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (19/?) 5/30 - Date Edited: 5/31/04 12:37pm (1 edits total) Edited By: ophelia
	solojones wrote: And then Anakin lets out a lovely soprano- "Come what May". Obi-Wan stops, and slowly turns around... then rushes back to Anakin next to the lake of fire and thus THE DUEL begins! Brilliant. Then Gollum, dressed as a magical sitar, runs into frame, bites off Anakin's saber hand, and leaps into the lava! This is getting better by the minute. I'm going to quit writing this "Spirit Warriors" crap and go write that. Puts Obi-Wan in a tough position to say 'Shame on you, boy, you shouldn't have done that', huh? This kind of thing happens with Anakin a lot. He is the Chosen One, after all, and different rules seem to apply to him. It's one reason why Obi-Wan hasn't been a terribly effective disciplinarian--in this universe, anyway. ("Master says 'no,' but the Force says 'yes.' So neener-neener-neener Master Obi-Wan!!") The thought of a crowd of beardless boys, pitchfork-waving farmers, and toothless grannies lining up against Sarpedon’s mercenaries was enough to make a seasoned warrior laugh and a compassionate man weep. And you know what, the way you described that image was both funny and sobering at the same time. I am so cribbing from "Seven Samurai" here. That was the original inspiration for this story, FWIW. really, he is the same mix of a young person made to fill a very old role. Somewhere there's a picure of Hayden on a razor scooter with a cigarette in one hand and a lollipop in the other. It always struck me as a good metaphor for Anakin. Ouch. I couldn't help but wince at this. Obi-Wan, that was cold, man. Just plain cold. Hey, he's a professional. He can't let the personal stuff get in the way. It's obvious to everyone he loves the little sucker, anyhow. Notice Hoel refers to Anakin as "your boy" and not "your apprentice." All hail Ophelia and her continually amazing writing! All hail to solojones and her endlessly entertaining commentary! The bit about Anakin cutting in with "Come What May" made me laugh until there were tears in my eyes . . . thanks, I needed that. It would almost be better if he did it in the deep Darth Vader voice, though: "COME WHAT MAY . . . . ::Wheeze!:: COME WHAT MAYYYYYY . . . .!" Then he flings out his arms, inviting a big, Sith Lordly hug . . . (Oh yeah . . . can't you just feel the "cease and desist" letter coming on . . .?) -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 5/31/04 12:32pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (20/?) 5/31
	Right. That's quite enough of that. **** Hoel must have sensed Obi-Wan’s displeasure, because his next question was, “Will you punish him?” “Would you punish one of your children who’d nearly gotten himself killed on a fool’s errand into enemy territory?” Obi-Wan asked. “I suppose . . . if the fright weren’t lesson enough. But it’s hard to imagine one of them doing something like that,” Hoel said. “My children aren’t warriors, Master Jedi. They’re gentle, like their mother. I worry about what will happen to them if we are invaded. Azelie’s old enough to fight, but she can hardly stand to kill a weavole. Leb has a foolish, boy’s idea of battle. He’s a good shot for his age, but he has no idea what it’s like to fire at a man. Thank the Spirits he’s still a year too young. As for the little ones . . .” he shook his head, plainly imagining the likely effects of war on his two youngest children. “Don’t be too harsh with Anakin. Perhaps he’s a little wild, but he meant well. Consider it a blessing that he can take care of himself.” “Well . . . sometimes he can,” Obi-Wan said. Hoel hadn’t seen what had happened down in the river valley, and Obi-Wan wasn’t in a hurry to tell him. It certainly wouldn’t improve Hoel’s opinion of his guests in particular or of offworlders in general. Obi-Wan did his best to explain without going into detail. “The Jedi also believe there is a difference between honor and revenge, and that’s something that Anakin still needs to learn. You’ve seen what happens when that lesson comes too late. A young warrior can become a protector, or he can become . . .” The memory of Anakin single-mindedly hunting down the remaining scout returned to him, and he decided not to describe exactly what a fallen Jedi could become. “Anyway . . . our Codes are very strict on the matter. It’s for the best that way--we hold too much responsibility, and, frankly, too much power, for it to be otherwise. Our discipline isn’t meant to be harsh, but it is enough to keep us honest." Hoel was quiet for a time. "Perhaps you're right,” he said at last. “If all Jedi can fight like you two, maybe I should be glad you aren't allowed to do as you please." "It really is the only way,” Obi-Wan said. “An ordinary out-of-control warrior like—" he stopped himself before he said Yerik Aingeru’s name— “. . . like the man who fired too close to Anakin is bad enough. “If you imagine such a person with Jedi powers, you’ll get some idea of the danger. Besides, Anakin was very sorry for what he’d done. I shouldn’t have to—" As he spoke, he reached out to Anakin through the Force, hoping the poor fellow had managed to calm himself and was starting to make peace with what had happened. Instead, he picked up a feeling of giddy hilarity. "What is he doing?" Obi-Wan asked aloud. Hoel gave him a strange look. "My Padawan's up to something," Obi-Wan said apologetically. In truth, Anakin's delight was a relief from the oppressive grimness of the last several days. However, it was entirely at odds with doing penance in a doomed village in the middle of the night. He thought Hoel was trying not to look amused. "I suppose we'd better go investigate, then," he said. **** End 20/? -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 6/1/04 1:49pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (21/?) 6/1
	There didn't seem to be a real reason to hurry; Obi-Wan wasn't picking up any sense of danger or alarm. Still, he felt some trepidation as they trudged up the bend in the steep path and the Oya farm came into view. A number of oil lamps rested on the lift platform outside the second-story barn door. Childish squeals of glee came from the loft, intermixed with the thumping of small feet running across the boards of the floor. Now and again Anakin's voice could be heard: "No--not water! I'm afraid of the water. Stop it--you're scaring me." This was followed by an audible splash. //"I'm afraid of the water?"// Obi-Wan and Hoel looked at each other. "He's good with children. They all like him very much," Hoel pointed out. "I know. Almost everyone likes him," Obi-Wan said wearily. //It's a pity I'm going to have to strangle him.// The two men crossed the farmyard and climbed up into the loft, where the scene was one of joyous chaos. Anakin was on his knees in the middle of a riotous crowd of children, most of whom where trying to whack him over the head with plasform tubes. One of the boys had discovered the water barrel in the corner, and had obviously been busy dousing his companions. Hoel's two older children had joined the fray alongside the young ones. Azelie was nearly a young woman, but she was laughing as hard as the rest of them, her hair and clothing full of water and swinging heavily. Leb was busy rubbing hay into his younger brother's hair. Hoel moved in swiftly to intervene. A sodden and barefoot girl ducked around Obi-Wan as he reached upto steady an oil lamp that swung wildly from the rafters. The change in the light made Anakin glance up, and his look of surprise quickly turned to chagrin. He stood up despite the continued assaults of his small adversaries, his feet slipping a bit on the wet floor. Watching him try to compose himself was almost comical--he dropped his plasform tube and folded his hands, allowing the wet sleeves of his mantle to fall over his fingers. His gaze instantly dropped to the floor, as if to say: //"I'm a good, penitent Padawan."// //And I'm a Zabrak,// Obi-Wan thought. "Hello, Master," Anakin said, glancing up at him briefly. "Hello, Anakin," Obi-Wan said, his tone bright and dripping faintly with acid. Anakin's look was appropriately guilty. "Uh, guys . . .?" he said, looking around at his companions. Obi-Wan spared him the trouble of reining in the riotous group of young people. "The meeting's over," he announced. "Time for you lot to go home." There were cries of dismay, but most of the children did slow down their gleeful assault on one another. Obi-Wan gently steered a few of the more persistent ones away from his student. "Come on now . . . I'm sure your parents are wondering where you are. And you," he added to the very small girl who could not seem to stop hitting Anakin on the kneecap with a fistful of hay. The hunt for lost shoes and misplaced lanterns began in earnest, amidst a few complaints, but without any serious arguing. Apparently the people of Nidawi had done a better job of disciplining their children than Obi-Wan had done with Anakin. It took some time to herd all the young ones down the ladder, but this task was eventually completed. The Oya family went last. Uyek still had a tremendous amount of hay in his hair, and Leb still looked rather pleased with himself, despite the fact that he'd been reprimanded. "Good night," Hoel told the Jedi. He turned to Anakin and seemed about to say something, but then appeared to change his mind. Instead he just said, "Listen to your Master, eh?" "Yessir," Anakin said quietly. Hoel nodded to Obi-Wan and said, "We'll see you in the morning." His manner toward the young Knight was respectful but a little less warm, and Obi-Wan thought he detected a mild reproach there. As far as Hoel knew, Anakin had done nothing but make a group of frightened children happy, and here was Obi-Wan being so stern about it. Obi-Wan supposed he must seem terribly harsh. Yet Hoel did not know the full story of what had happened that afternoon; nor was he familiar with the Jedi way of life. Obi-Wan raised his hand in farewell and said, "Good night. May the Force be with you." The loft fell into darkness once the Oyas left with their lantern. Anakin's tall, cloaked figure was silhouetted against the bluish moonlight shining through the loft door. He stood motionless, his head bowed. "I'm sorry, Master," he said. **** End 21/? -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 6/2/04 2:09pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (22/?) 6/2
	“Hmm. Well, I can’t say I’m not disappointed,” Obi-Wan said. He folded his arms and walked over to Anakin’s side. His footsteps seemed to ring loudly in the empty barn. “I thought you’d taken what happened today seriously.” “I did,” Anakin protested. “It’s only that . . .” Obi-Wan gave him a moment and then prompted, “Yes?” “Well, Itai Wikvaya came out to tell me she didn’t trust us, and the rest of the kids wanted to know the truth about what's going to happen to them. I didn't know anything either, and Itai got angry . . . and then, I don't know. Uyek wanted to see my lightsaber . . . and it kind of went from there,” Anakin said. “I see,” Obi-Wan said. "Ordinarily I'd say it was an act of compassion to play with them, but this wasn't the time." "No, Master," Anakin said softly. "Not very respectful to play when I asked you to spend the time in meditation, was it?" Obi-Wan asked. "No, Master," Anakin said again, even more quietly. "Did you do any meditation at all?" Obi-Wan asked. "Yes, Master," the boy said, sounding a little wounded. “Or at least I tried.” For some reason, Anakin’s mental shields went up against their psychic bond. His motivation for trying to shut his Master out did not seem to be defiance--it was something else, something that felt more like pain or dread. Obi-Wan turned toward him, searching his face. "What is it?" Anakin's distress was obvious from his expression, but all Obi-Wan picked up psychically was tremendous resistance. "Anakin," Obi-Wan said, his tone a gentle reminder of a Padawan's duty to answer his Master. "I'm trying to help you. In order to do that I need to know what's happened," Obi-Wan said. Anakin seemed to think about that, and Obi-Wan sensed the barrier around the boy's spirit slowly beginning to drop. There was dread behind that wall, and a profound feeling of shame. "I saw the chains again, Master," Anakin said. "Ah," Obi-Wan said. This was unwelcome news. Intrusive images during meditation could be a sign of serious spiritual illness--something Obi-Wan had attempted to have the healers treat Anakin for, but with little success. "You understand those images aren't real." "They feel real," Anakin replied. “Only as real as you make them,” Obi-Wan countered. Anakin didn’t reply. “When we return to Coruscant, I want you to see the healers again. This time they may be able to—“ “They said there was nothing they could do,” Anakin interrupted. “They said there was nothing they could do at the moment,” Obi-Wan said. “You were frightened the last time you saw them. I don’t think you trusted Rey-Baba. Perhaps someone else—“ “It wouldn’t make any difference,” Anakin said. He shrugged his shoulders more squarely into his mantle and then pulled its folds protectively around himself, as if to ward off the evening chill. “I just don’t like the idea of mind healing. That’s all.” “You had it done when you were a child,” Obi-Wan said. “Sort of. Not the way they’d want to do it now,” Anakin said. Years ago, the mind healers had helped Anakin end a string of nightmares by teaching him some meditations and doing some very basic work on the outer layers of his mind. By contrast, outbursts of rage and frightening images during meditation required a deeper, more complex healing process. There were no secrets from the healers during such deep mind healing. Although they were sworn never to reveal what they saw in the depths of a suffering mind, the fact remained that by the end of the treatment, the mind healers would know their patient better than any intimate friend or lover ever would. Thus far, Anakin had been unwilling to have anyone look that deeply into his soul, and the mind healers refused to perform any treatment on someone reluctant to have it done. “Well, you’ve got to do something. If you won’t see the healers, how do you plan to prevent something like this from happening again?” Obi-Wan asked. **** End 22/? -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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diamond_pony2002 Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 6/2/04 5:02pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (22/?) 6/2
	Although they were sworn never to reveal what they saw in the depths of a suffering mind, the fact remained that by the end of the treatment, the mind healers would know their patient better than any intimate friend or lover ever would. That's a little scary, isn't it? Having an almost complete stranger, who you never have contact with unless you're wounded or in any type of fatal danger, delving into your mind and ripping it apart, so to speak? I would be terrified!!! Awesome post, though! I like how Obi is handling this in a calm manner! -----signature----- Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve.- FFA Motto
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 6/3/04 1:27pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (23/?) 6/3 - Date Edited: 6/3/04 1:30pm (1 edits total) Edited By: ophelia
	diamond_pony2002 wrote: That's a little scary, isn't it? Having an almost complete stranger, who you never have contact with unless you're wounded or in any type of fatal danger, delving into your mind and ripping it apart, so to speak? I would be terrified!!! Yeah . . . I figure that's why they don't work on anyone who doesn't want them to. I'm not quite sure why the Jedi don't offer standard talk therapy . . . I guess I just can't imagine them sitting around emoting and talking about how unfulfilling their lives are. They seem to be very against such things. Awesome post, though! I like how Obi is handling this in a calm manner! Thank you! And yes, Obi-Wan's not very happy at the moment, but he's not going to spazz out about it. One of them has to be the adult here, and it's pretty clear it's not going to be Anakin. . . . and back to our story, already. **** Anakin gazed down at some indeterminate point in the farmyard and said bitterly, “I did something wrong. I should be punished.” “There will be consequences for your actions, yes, but punishment’s not a long-term solution,” Obi-Wan said. “You can’t spend your life relying on me to make you keep your emotions under control. You’re going to have to learn to do that yourself.” “Yes, Master,” Anakin said, although he sounded unconvinced. Obi-Wan could hear Anakin's anger at himself and his sense of defeat in his voice. Remorse was appropriate in this situation, but despair was not. Anakin needed to believe in his ability to bring something good out of his mistakes before he could learn from his actions in the river valley. When Obi-Wan continued it was more gently: “Besides . . . you’re a brave young man. You’re loyal. You’re compassionate. You’re generous toward those who could never hope to repay you." Anakin looked away, as if it was easier to shut out his Master's words than to accept them. "Ani . . ." Obi-Wan said, his tone mildly reproving. When Anakin didn't respond, Obi-Wan put his hand on the boy's shoulder, making himself that much harder to ignore. "You can learn to control yourself," he assured his student. "No one else has to drive you into it.” When Anakin still didn't answer, Obi-Wan clapped him on the back and asked encouragingly, “Am I right?” “I guess so,” Anakin said softly. “A Jedi doesn’t say ‘I guess so,’” Obi-Wan said. “Then . . . yes, Master,” Anakin said. “’Yes, Master’ what?” Obi-Wan asked, unwilling to accept such a dim, pale agreement. An unrealistic lack of self-confidence was just as unacceptable as wild overconfidence, since both led a person away from the truth. “Yes, Master, I can learn to control myself,” Anakin said. His answer wasn’t exactly enthusiastic, but he spoke with a certain amount of resolve. “That’s good,” Obi-Wan said, truly pleased with even this modest amount of progress. "That's very good." Whether or not Anakin believed him, the warmth in his voice coaxed a rueful smile out of the boy. “So," Obi-Wan continued, "How are we going to keep you out of trouble for the next few days?” Anakin sighed, and some of the tension seemed to leave his shoulders. "I suppose . . . I suppose I'd better stick close to you for a while," he said. Obi-Wan nodded. "I think that would be a good idea." "I know I lost your trust, and I deserve to be in a lot of trouble, but . . . do I have to stay right here?" Anakin asked. He pointed to the floor immediately next to Obi-Wan. "I'd like you to remain as close as is reasonably possible," Obi-Wan said. Referring to this situation as keeping a student at "smacking distance" did not do it justice. The point behind asking a student to stay close to his Master was to re-set his spiritual equilibrium, to bring it into alignment with that of a mature Jedi. The measure was meant to heal as much as it was meant to correct. “All right . . .” Anakin said dispiritedly. “I guess I have no right to complain, do I?” Obi-Wan picked up a flicker of self-contempt from him. "And I don't want to catch you thinking of yourself as a 'LOSer,'" Obi-Wan said. "I don't devalue you no matter what you've done, and neither should you." "No, Master," Anakin said. Although Obi-Wan had spoken sternly, he thought his words were beginning to help his young friend. Anakin seemed to be breathing easier, as if the noose of self-loathing had slipped open a notch. "You had a very late start with our Order, and you're learning," Obi-Wan reminded him. "Yes, Master," Anakin replied. He did not yet meet Obi-Wan’s gaze, but he was no longer clutching his mantle around himself, and his stance had lost the closed-in, off-balance look of misery. Obi-Wan gave Anakin a few moments of quiet to turn things over in his mind. As they stood in silence, Obi-Wan focused on the calming energy of the Force, allowing himself to be soothed by the farm's quiet night noises. Even the skrikes didn't sound so bad, when the whole pack of them wasn't in full cry. In time, Anakin’s breath became deep and even, as if he too were seeking calm in the Force. Obi-Wan deliberately matched his breathing to Anakin’s own. When Obi-Wan reached the quiet, centered state that was the goal of meditation, he thought Anakin was with him. **** End 23/? -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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solojones Registered: Sep '00	Date Posted: 6/3/04 3:12pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (23/?) 6/3 - Date Edited: 6/3/04 3:14pm (1 edits total) Edited By: solojones
	Sorry it’s taken me a while to get to reading and replying. Honestly, I’m sorry to myself as well because I love this story so much, things have just been kind of hectic lately. But I wanted to offer a big congrats on your SFFA nominations! I am so* cribbing from "Seven Samurai" here. That was the original inspiration for this story, FWIW.* Really? I haven’t seen that yet and I’ve been meaning to lately, as in really recently lately, which is what lately means. I should rent it. Somewhere there's a picure of Hayden on a razor scooter with a cigarette in one hand and a lollipop in the other. It always struck me as a good metaphor for Anakin. I think I’ve seen that one. Ooooh, you’re right, that’s a great visual metaphor. And the picture of Ewan with the youngling’s helmet on his head… not such a great metaphor for Obi-Wan, but still a fun picture Hey, he's a professional. He can't let the personal stuff get in the way. It's obvious to everyone he loves the little sucker, anyhow. Notice Hoel refers to Anakin as "your boy" and not "your apprentice." Yeah, I know he is. I just like to make fun of him, still. It’s such a difficult balance because he is a professional and they do have a job to do, but they’re still people. And, as Hoel shows, other people probably don’t grasp the ‘job’ side of it as much and just assume it’s a father/son outing kind of thing or something It would almost be better if he did it in the deep Darth Vader voice, though: "COME WHAT MAY . . . . ::Wheeze!:: COME WHAT MAYYYYYY . . . .!" Then he flings out his arms, inviting a big, Sith Lordly hug . . . Wow. Just…wow ---- I absolutely loved Hoel’s worrying about his children and how they would deal with the war. It gave a cultural as well as personal insight. What’s more, it was just so filled with the wisdom of a father of several kids. I think Obi-Wan would do well to hear some of that mixed in with what he usually reads about in “The Idiot’s Guide to Being a Jedi” or whatever text they use in the Temple. The memory of Anakin single-mindedly hunting down the remaining scout returned to him, and he decided not to describe exactly what a fallen Jedi could become. Ahhh Very eerie and foreshadowing and whatnot. But Obi-Wan has some very good points about why the Jedi need to have codes to restrict them using their powers aimlessly. I love the fact that Obi-Wan is perturbed by finding out that Anakin is gasp having fun Yes, that certainly warrants an investigation. pats Obi on the head "I know. Almost everyone likes him," Obi-Wan said wearily. //It's a pity I'm going to have to strangle him.// It’s a good thing I’m not a big out-loud laugher, because I had just taken a sip of Coke when I read this. But it did spark a large, wry grin (oh yes, so very Han/Obi-Wan of me. How dashing.) He stood up despite the continued assaults of his small adversaries, his feet slipping a bit on the wet floor. Watching him try to compose himself was almost comical--he dropped his plasform tube and folded his hands, allowing the wet sleeves of his mantle to fall over his fingers. His gaze instantly dropped to the floor, as if to say: //"I'm a good, penitent Padawan."// //And I'm a Zabrak,// Obi-Wan thought. This was such a great little section. I could completely picture how Anakin would be playing around with these kids, and then how he’d react when Obi-Wan entered the scene, darkening the doorway like a scary door-darkening man I love that you added the little detail of Anakin slipping a little. The beautiful realism of that moment was just awesome. And then, well, the little thought exchange was the icing on the proverbial cake. The ‘Zabrak’ reference lent it just enough GFFA feel to make it all SWsy. And then the girl hitting Anakin with hay… and just everything about that bit was wonderful! I know, I know, I’m gushing. I’ll stop Apparently the people of Nidawi had done a better job of disciplining their children than Obi-Wan had done with Anakin. Hmm, possibly not the greatest feat in the world to accomplish His manner toward the young Knight was respectful but a little less warm, and Obi-Wan thought he detected a mild reproach there. As far as Hoel knew, Anakin had done nothing but make a group of frightened children happy, and here was Obi-Wan being so stern about it. Obi-Wan supposed he must seem terribly harsh. Yet Hoel did not know the full story of what had happened that afternoon; nor was he familiar with the Jedi way of life. Ok, in the beginning of this part, I was thinking Obi-Wan had once again been burned and sympathized with Hoel’s feelings. But then when you gave Obi-Wan’s side of things, I had to agree with him as well. Arg! Stop doing this to me. I feel like a dancing puppet Ordinarily I'd say it was an act of compassion to play with them snort Suuure you would, Obi, sure "Anakin," Obi-Wan said, his tone a gentle reminder of a Padawan's duty to answer his Master. "I'm trying to help you. In order to do that I need to know what's happened," Obi-Wan said. raises hand May I please put my literary analysis courses and practice to good use? I’m an aide in there next year, so I really should practice Here you have Obi-Wan expressing that he’s trying to help Anakin, which he is. Yet, at the same time, it’s not a completely undemanding sort of care, either. He doesn’t trust that Anakin will seek help on his own or be able to help himself (which is probably a good estimate of things) so he tries to coax Anakin to telling him what’s happened. The way you describe Obi-Wan’s tone as a ‘gentle reminder of a Padawan’s duty to answer his Master’ shows the balance in this relationship between being professional and being personal. Obi-Wan’s tone is a ‘gentle reminder’, and he later expresses that he’s trying to help Anakin. However, at the same time, it’s a reminder nonetheless of Anakin’s ‘duty to answer his Master’, whereby you show that Obi-Wan is not strictly concerned with Anakin on a personal level, but also out of responsibility to him as a teacher and authority figure. You do a brilliant job of epitomizing their relationship in just these few little lines, though the feeling is certainly echoed throughout the story. …sorry, did I get carried away? This is what we do in English class and boy do I love it. But honestly, to be reading a fic that has the literary precision to it to be able to do the same sort of thing I normally do for Nobel Prize winning novels is a blessing. I absolutely love your writing and think it’s brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! “There will be consequences for your actions, yes, but punishment’s not a long-term solution,” Obi-Wan said. “You can’t spend your life relying on me to make you keep your emotions under control. You’re going to have to learn to do that yourself.” Bravo, Obi-Wan… Bravo indeed. Though in AOTC Obi-Wan is reluctant to let Anakin go out on his own, it’s obviously for good reasons (we see the result of it too). However, I do think that Obi-Wan knows he can’t make all the decision for Anakin, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to. He just wants the boy to be well-prepared for being a Jedi in his own right, which, sadly, I don’t think Anakin really is by the time he becomes a knight (perhaps this has something to do with the large deception surrounding the fact that, as a padawan, he gets married, hmm? ) I love that Obi-Wan thinks of Anakin as ‘his young friend’ in this part here. It’s the kind of thing I hope we see more of in Episode III. Obviously, their relationship has been turbulent and their personalities have clashed, but they are still friends. That makes it all the more sad, though When Obi-Wan reached the quiet, centered state that was the goal of meditation, he thought Anakin was with him. He thought he was… but is he? Oh man, I have somehow managed to blab on for over 1,400 words Well, if I’m cluttering your thread up ophelia, you only have yourself to blame! -sj loves kevin spacey -----signature----- 6 x 9 = 42 Proud member of the Colbert Nation My short films: http://www.youtube.com/solojones1138
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 6/3/04 6:25pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (23/?) 6/3
	things have just been kind of hectic lately. Yes, so many people seem to have one of these "life" things. I find it quite puzzling. But I wanted to offer a big congrats on your SFFA nominations! Congratulations to you, too! I think instead of voting on stories, we should have a big gladiator showdown. A singing gladiator showdown. Imagine how many copies we'd sell of the "making of" DVD alone. I am so cribbing from "Seven Samurai" here. That was the original inspiration for this story, FWIW. Really? I haven’t seen that yet and I’ve been meaning to lately, as in really recently lately, which is what lately means. I should rent it. Yes, you should. It's one of my all-time favorites. It's pretty much "Spirit Warriors," only I cut the seven samurai down to two and replaced the bandits with corporate mercenaries. You know how it is. And the picture of Ewan with the youngling’s helmet on his head… not such a great metaphor for Obi-Wan, but still a fun picture Hey, where'd you see that? That's a new one for me. I think Obi-Wan would do well to hear some of that mixed in with what he usually reads about in “The Idiot’s Guide to Being a Jedi” or whatever text they use in the Temple. Yeah . . . Hoel's there partly to be a foil for Obi-Wan's character. Obi-Wan does have a touch of "first-time parent" syndrome. I love the fact that Obi-Wan is perturbed by finding out that Anakin is gasp having fun Yes, that certainly warrants an investigation. pats Obi on the head ::sigh:: The poor fellow tries. Apparently the people of Nidawi had done a better job of disciplining their children than Obi-Wan had done with Anakin. Hmm, possibly not the greatest feat in the world to accomplish Well, let's think . . . number of children in the GFFA: seveal zillion. Number of children who grow up to be a Jedi-slaughtering, son-maiming Sith Lord: one. You may be onto something there, solojones. Ok, in the beginning of this part, I was thinking Obi-Wan had once again been burned and sympathized with Hoel’s feelings. But then when you gave Obi-Wan’s side of things, I had to agree with him as well. Arg! Stop doing this to me. I feel like a dancing puppet I guess the point is that Obi-Wan's really got no good choices. He has to raise Anakin a certain way (or he feels he has to), but it doesn't seem to be working very well. What's a stable center to do? The way you describe Obi-Wan’s tone as a ‘gentle reminder of a Padawan’s duty to answer his Master’ shows the balance in this relationship between being professional and being personal. Wow! I inspired someone to commit literary analysis! I student taught in an English class all last term, and never managed to get this to happen! ::weeps with joy:: You get an A. However, I do think that Obi-Wan knows he can’t make all the decision for Anakin, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to. I prefer to think of him as a tough-love type, instead of say, a crabby, emotionally constipated jerk. When Obi-Wan reached the quiet, centered state that was the goal of meditation, he thought Anakin was with him. He thought he was… but is he? Anakin's never quite where Obi-Wan thinks he is. Well, if I’m cluttering your thread up ophelia, you only have yourself to blame! Yes, certainly never, ever feed this author's ego by providing long, thoughtful, intelligent feedback. That would be terrible. -Ophelia loves solojones -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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solojones Registered: Sep '00	Date Posted: 6/3/04 9:50pm Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (23/?) 6/3
	I must be off to bed right now, no time to reply, except to say: -sj loves kevin spacey -----signature----- 6 x 9 = 42 Proud member of the Colbert Nation My short films: http://www.youtube.com/solojones1138
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ophelia Title: Ex-Mod Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 6/4/04 12:46am Subject: RE: Spirit Warriors of Angharad (23/?) 6/3 - Date Edited: 6/4/04 12:47am (1 edits total) Edited By: ophelia
	Awwwww . . . he's so cute. ::visualizing:: Younglings: Hello Master Obi-Wan! Obi-Wan: Hey--nice hat. Hatless Youngling: Gimme that back!! Incidentally, I clicked on the image above and visited the site it came from, which is so amazing in so many ways. It has lots of great pictures of Ewan, it has random Star Wars promo shots, it's done in two different shades of lavender, and it's translated very strangely from an Eastern European language. Exhibit A: In this dialogue we can also see one of another Obi-Wans casts. Young man honours Kodex and authorities of his Order. I'm not entirely sure what Obi-Wan has in his cast here, and I'm really not sure why. Exhibit B: As precious I rate scene when Obi-Wan handles dealer in bar with Force Clearly, he was ignoring the large sign above the bar which read, "Warning: Do Not Handle Dealer In Bar With Force." Exhibit C: In our universe it's sign of exogenous depression, bordering on manic-depressive states, but in the Star Wars universe it is greatest sign of wisdom and noble-mindedness. Now that's just great in any language. Thank you for posting that, solojones. That just made my day. -----signature----- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps with your mom
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