Before - Legends Lotus Leaves (Obi/Qui, JA) - *COMPLETE* - 5/27

Hopefully, this'll be a short one - as in, few posts. But then, I never can predict these things...it may run on...

Lotus-leaves

I

The tall, brown-cloaked figure moved at a leisurely pace along the narrow corridor, pausing once or twice to gaze at the murals that decorated the walls of the Master-Padawan residential floors. Walking with measured steps, it passed various numbered doorways until it came to the last but one - and stopped. Placing a large hand on the control panel, it manoeuvred the workings slightly, whereupon the door swished open gently.

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn stepped into the quarters he shared with his apprentice, and stood still for a moment, breathing deeply. The common area was as neat as could be expected of two Jedi residing in it - one of whom, for the past month, had been involved in an assignment under the tutelage of the Chief Archivist of the Jedi Temple, and another who had spent the chief of that period on a mission that seemed to prolong its existence for an eternity. In other words, it looked relatively neat, and comfortable.

Resisting a temptation to sink down into the coach that stood to one side of the room, Qui-Gon scanned the quarters...ah, yes. His apprentice - all of twenty-three cycles - was in the cooking-area, and judging by the mixture of smells emanating from there, it appeared that he was preparing last meal. Unwrapping his cloak and placing it on the arm of the couch, the master moved towards the entrance to the cooking-area. Once there, he espied his padawan engaged in stirring something on the heating-unit - and paused.

It had been many weeks since the master had had the leisure to indulge in something as simple as watching his apprentice go about his duties - both had been much too involved in Temple affairs to spare much time for such activities, lately. Under the circumstances, it was advisable to utilise whatever opportunity that presented itself, and derive as much pleasure as he could, from watching a slightly unwieldy padawan pick his way around the cooking-area - and he seemed particularly awkward this evening.

Qui-Gon positioned himself slightly to the side of the entrance, at a vantage point from which he could see into the kitchenette - his apprentice's view, however, was blocked. Masking his Force presence accomplished the desired result - and, assisted by a few delicate probes of the Force, he watched Obi-Wan break a couple of welnet cubes over the vessel, and stir it laboriously. The resultant fragrance made Qui-Gon want to walk over and sample it at once - he had had not food since First meal - but he hesitated, watching, as his padawan stood looking into the vessel, frowning.

Strange. Obi-Wan had never really relished cooking duties in the early years of his apprenticeship; later, however, his master's taste for culinary activities seemed to have rubbed off on him, and the padawan delighted in preparing occasional meals. The last four weeks had seen Qui-Gon flitting in and out of their quarters on his mission - he had not had much time to observe changes, if any. He watched for a while longer, as Obi-Wan placed another utensil on the adjacent heating unit, poured a quantity of cooking oil in it, stared off into space, his attention obviously elsewhere - and spent the next few minutes in hunting for something frantically.

Qui-Gon watched, quizzically, as Obi-Wan probed through the shelves underneath and those above the heating unit in a desperate search - and decided that enough was enough.

"You've just poured the belie oil into the vessel, Obi-Wan," he murmured as he walked in, picked up the container and deposited it back on the shelf - considerably startling his apprentice, in the process.

"Master?" Obi-Wan moved away from the counter, his eyes a mixture of eagerness, surprise - and delight. "You're back early."

"As you see." Qui-Gon bent over the vessel and scrutinized the concoction bubbling away cheerily. "This - whatever this is - seems to be appetizing, padawan." He turned. "And

 

Excellent start! Something is definitely amiss with our perpetually endangered Obi-Wan . . .

I like the way you've portrayed their relationship in this one. Keep it up!

 

Well, sock, the writing seems familiar. And looking at your user name I can only think that somehow we would know your other identity. But, no matter what name you use, you're obviously talented! Hope there will be more soon????

 

OKay now I'm really dying to know who you are.. and you've portrayed Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan so well here!.. I look forward to more!

 

Well now, I have to think about this. I agree that the writing style is familiar. Now, who could you be?

I guess leaving feedback on your own story under your regular user name would be a nice diversion, but I'm just not sure.

I will say that I really love the story. Your Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are very well done.

Looking forward to more soon.

 

You've made me decide I need to check out The Before the Saga forum more often.
Thanks.

 

I really love the beginning. More soon?

 

Reply-time! Am I glad you liked it. Thus far.

maychorian, you like it, do you ? Thank you. Yes, our Obi-Wan seems to belong to the always-in-trouble species...but in this one, he's relatively safe. I'm not going to put him through much.

VaderLVR64, merci, for the compliment. My writing is familiar - ah, I've gotta be careful

Layren, you will get more...and keep guessing

LukesTheMan...I could be anyone. I'm amazed that you do find my writing familar... - if you do recognize me, PM me or something And thank you. As for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan...I write them as I see them.

Neo-Paladin, the BFS forum is a great place. I'm glad I made you check in here. Thanks.

LuvEwan...ah, I've been reading your works forever. I'm truly honoured. Glad you like my offering - and yes, there'll be more.

This fic is going to be mush/fluff, I think. And I'm wondering if it has a plot. Whatever. I'm having a great time writing it. . Now, a very short post.

*********

II

//If this is an attempt to initiate me into some obscure mind-reading technique, master, I?m yet to see the point of it. // Obi-Wan murmured through their bond, as they walked off the Royal Scaltian shuttle hangar?of truly impressive dimensions. Armed humanoid guards flanked them, providing what Obi-Wan thought quite unnecessary escort, leading them to the transport that would take them to the Scaltian Royal Palace.

Qui-Gon appeared to be immersed in the sight of a rich azure blue sky, tinged with streaks of rose and yellow. //Mind-reading, Obi-Wan?//

//Why this acceptance of King Zor?s Royal invite, under the cloak of a ?mysterious mission??//

//Mind-reading may be a skill you?ve cultivated?but patience seems to elude you.//

//Is that the point you?re trying to make?// They had reached their Royal transport?a sleek, blue and gold ground car that seemed to be furnished on the inside with cushions tinged a rich mauve - trimmed with gold. Obi-Wan was used to finery, by now - yet, he could not resist blinking at this display.

His musings were disrupted by a voice in his head. //Considering you?ve been my padawan learner for years, and in a position to know my thinking processes?you ought to know.//

//You relish taunting me. And the guards have been darting suspicious looks at each other ever since we landed. After all, we haven?t spoken a word since we stepped off the shuttle.//

//I believe they think we might be dumb.//

//Ah. That was the point you wished to make.//

//Insolent, are you?//

//Perhaps.//

Qui-Gon frowned, his fingers toying with his beard in a gesture of thoughtfulness. //I?ve nourished a Tatooine sand-viper all these years.//

Obi-Wan sank back onto the cushions, and grinned.

************

 

I think I might know who you are, but then again, I'm not known for my thinking abilities.

Another great post. I really, really enjoy the relationship they have going. The banter was great.

 

Ack! Too short! Don't torture us so!

Mush/fluff is good. Yesss. Need more.

 

Hello little sockie. Your writing does seem rather familiar, but instead of trying to decide why, I think I will just sit back and enjoy the story

 

Replies again. I'm on a role. Sort of.

Beloved Luv of Ewan...I have the greatest faith in your thinking abilties. . Glad
that you like the banter.

maychorian, torture you, I will...with unheard of levels of mush and fluff. Hah!

PadawanKitara...hello, little padawan...and you're free to enjoy the story all you want. Welcome!

And here's another update. Whoa.

III

Scaltia?or, to be very precise, Scaltia?s capital city, rather unimaginatively, thought Obi-Wan, named Scalti?seemed a fairly prosperous place, judging from what could be seen through the plexi-glass embrasures of the Royal ground-car. The padawan, after throwing a questioning glance at his mentor (who appeared to have fallen into a reverie), could not help sinking into the luxurious cushions, as he drank in the sights of the city.

A quick glance through information from the databanks of the Temple, prior to the start of their journey had provided him a few details regarding this rather out-of-the-way planet?namely, that they had chosen to arrive in the middle of the Season of Joy?the month that preceded the scorching, parched Months of the Sun. This was a time that was all too brief, for the Scaltians?a period of respite that offered relief from blazing heat, withering winds and general discomfort. The Season of Joy was known for its clear skies, comfortingly cool breezes, and a general upliftment of spirits. This was also the month during which crops were harvested, marking the end of a great deal of hard work?and the happiness was enhanced if the crops had been good, that year. Judging by the expression of Scaltian citizens milling about the streets, and signs of enjoyment, Obi-Wan came to the conclusion that it must have been a very good year, indeed.

Not that this explained by Master Jinn had chosen Scaltia for their brief vacation from Jedi duties?for that it was a vacation, Obi-Wan could no longer doubt. They had been assigned no mission?a fact that the apprentice had been able to wrangle of the reticent master; no planet required their absolutely immediate skills in negotiating/mediating/plunge-in-with-sabres assistance to stop a civil war/communal riot/general idiocy/massacre machinations, in recent times?and there had been King Zor?s invitation. There was only one hitch in Obi-Wan?s hitherto logical reasoning?the fact that Scaltia was blessed with a not-quite-so-salubrious climate. This might be the Season of Joy, and the skies might sparkle an azure blue?but the fact remained that Scalti would prove to be a furnace in the mid-mornings. And it was, he had noticed, not very well endowed with vegetation.

?It is a mountainous country, yes,? remarked Qui-Gon, suddenly rousing himself out of his stupor, and therefore jerking Obi-Wan to wakefulness from the half-dreamy state he had fallen into. ?Nevertheless, Scaltia has it?s merits.?

Obi-Wan watched, with interest, what appeared to be a fair of sorts, in which certain exotically clad humanoid females appeared to be disporting themselves at the cost of considerable merriment to the crowd around them. What they were doing with several pots and ladles was anybody?s guess. ?Enlighten me, please.?

?Scaltia?s wealth is it?s people.?

?And ladles,? remarked obi-Wan, his sight now obscured by the fact that they had passed the scene.

?Ladies?? Qui-Gon?s brow rose.

?No, ?ladles.? Obi-Wan chuckled, describing the scene he had seen earlier, while noting, on an aside, that their Royal escorts were looking at them in undisguised astonishment?due, probably, to the fact they were now actually talking without recourse to their bond.

?Ah, yes.? Qui-Gon relaxed in the seats, eyes gleaming, long legs crossed at the ankles. ?For a moment, I thought your attention had been drawn to?other things. ? Obi-Wan snorted. ?All masters learn to fear the symptoms of...? he paused. ?What is generally called the ?Bane of er?Mastership.? ?

?Mastership? Does the word even exist??

?Certainly it does. I used it, didn?t I?

 

this story is great!

Love the silent banter between Qui and Obi
it is nice to see a different side to these two
instead of the usual angst and Drama.

 

Welcome, and thank you.

 

LOL, this is great. The easy humour and partnership is the best thing about it. They act like people who have been together for a long time and care about each other a great deal. Not quite father and son, but more than just friends. You're walking a fine line with that and you're handling it wonderfully. Wonderful, wonderful job.

 

This gets better and better. Poor skinny Obi-Wan.

 

~burts out laughing~ That was wonderful!

Seven

 

Wow! Such quick updates!! LOLOL that was wonderful! Poor Obi-Wan.... felt so bad for him there at the end of that dropping all of that Good job!

 

Splendid!

As Obi-Wan was picking at his food in the first part, I suspect this may be a little harder than anticipated. He's going to be exhausted from eating so much.

Poor skinny Obi-Wan indeed!

 

Yay...more replies.

Shaindl...! [grabs her and dances a jig] Thank you. Not quite father and son, eh? You might have to revise your opinions ...come the next post. It's there alright - they just don't discuss it, stoic team that they are.

LuvEwan...I'm hoping Scaltia won't turn him into one of themselves, by the time he leaves. [ponders what a fat Obi-Wan would look like]

Seven...thank you.

Layren...poor Obi-Wan indeed. let's hope it doesn't get any worse. As for updates... . you might be surprised/thrilled/groaning with boredom...but I have the next ready.

maychorian...you're much too perceptive for your own good

Next post...God, there's so much...mush?

*************

IV


Fortunately for Obi-Wan, their first meal with Scaltian Royalty did not end in complete and utter disaster. After the debris had been cleared and order more or less restored, Qui-Gon managed to impress upon their host that insectoid food was not particularly palatable to them, and they, especially his apprentice, would prefer something of the less exotic variety?until they had time to adjust themselves, and enjoy Scaltian delicacies. King Zor was nothing if not understanding, and accordingly made amends?and for this, both master and apprentice were extremely grateful.

They were then shown to their chambers by genial, if rather portly palace guards?a lavishly furnished room that seemed to be large enough to accommodate, if not half the Temple, at least a considerable part of it. On entrance, Obi-Wan had simply stood silently, taking in the richness of the tapestries on the walls, the crystal chandeliers that dazzled his eyes even in the bright light of day, and beds of truly stupendous dimensions (created keeping Scaltians in mind, probably)?technology seemed to be in abeyance, somewhat. Barring the mandatory control panel that was cleverly disguised as a modern provincial painting, there seemed to be no evidence that Scaltia was as developed a planet as any.

?I did say that Scaltia?s wealth is it?s people,? remarked Qui-Gon mildly, and Obi-Wan smiled. He had not been shielding?he rarely felt the need to do so, these days.

?I suppose they feel the need to use what is available, rather than resort to mechanizing everything,? he commented, moving towards his master, who had elected to sink into one of the plush arm-chairs resting beside the beds. ?It makes sense?especially for royalty.? He flopped down on one of the beds, feeling suddenly exhausted. The airy light-heartedness that had buoyed him through the journey evaporated, and he felt as though he had run for miles in a parched desert. He threw a look at the riches surrounding him, and bit his lips. Anything farther from a desert, he could not see, at the moment. King Zor was providing what he had promised to?unlimited comfort, for as long as they chose.

And it puzzled him. Not King Zor?s offer?but Qui-Gon?s choosing to accept it. His master had a knack for adapting himself to any situation, but said situation nearly always involved a distressing lack of amenities. They neither of them had much leisure to throw their Jedi duties to the winds, and take off when they chose, to wherever they pleased?and though Qui-Gon had always seemed to know exactly when his padawan was at his best, and when he required rest?avid acceptance of such lavishness was surprising. For a master who relished abundant plant life and had simple tastes, Scaltia seemed rather out of place for a voluntary vacation?all professions of accepting gratitude aside.

What was he thinking?? Whatever he had accomplished, Qui-Gon was best known for his unique instincts?of doing what no conventional Jedi would think of doing. Was accepting a friendly invitation by Royalty such an unconventional thing to do?

Why am I dwelling on this so much?

Unnoticed by his apprentice, Qui-Gon watched Obi-Wan stare at the richly carpeted floor, apparently lost in thought. Humour at the meal-table aside, he had noticed that the pa

 

Oh, I loved it! The banter is extremely wonderful. So much love, understated but very strong. I LOVE fics with a troubled Obi-Wan and a concerned Qui-Gon (as evidenced by my current project. )

Some of your sentences got just a tad convoluted there in the middle, but I followed them okay. Great job! Keep it up!

I don't mind the frequent posts at all.

 

maychorian, you are a fanficcer's delight. Am glad you loved the banter - I always try to keep syrupy sweetness out of them (aside from the fact that Obi and Qui wouldn't have talked that way, at all.)

Convoluted? Hmm...I tend to get carried away at times - but I've tried to make amends. Edited it a bit.

I love frequent posts too (hint, hint)

 

AACK! I missed updates. Now that just won't do. Not at all. I have some idea of your identity, but I won't PM you because I am probably dead wrong!

Lovely work... Which leads to my suspicion.

 

Just discovered this and am enjoying it very much!

I too like fics where Qui-Gon portrays the concerned master to his padawan. Wonder what Obi-Wan is hiding from his master? Perhaps there was more to that research than he has let on so far.

Can't wait for more!

 

If you call that a lot of mush, you need to read a few more stories around here.

That said, for me, it was a great mixture of humour and care and concern. I think that there's more going on here than meets the eye, and I'm waiting to see what that something is.

More soon?