Before - Legends Love, Qui-Gon--a story of friendship in letters-- New post 10/25

Padawan Jinn,

We thank you for your willingness to cooperate in the yearly public relations effort to be held on the fourteenth day of the second month. We know it will be an excellent learning experience as it has been for the Jedi in the last three hundred years.

This year, it is the wish of the Alderaanian consulate that you liaise with Miss Noela Ovorp, a member of the delegation's staff. She awaits your contact to make the necessary arrangements.

We anticipate that you will bring honor to the Jedi in this time-honored tradition and that your efforts will only further our cause of promoting good relations between our Order and the peoples whom we serve.

Again, we thank you for your efforts.

Sincerely,
The Jedi Council

Miss Ovorp,

We are pleased to announce that the Jedi Council has approved your upcoming meeting with one of their representatives. Padawan Qui-Gon Jinn will be your contact for the evening and will be in touch with you in the next day to make the arrangements. We appreciate your enthusiasm for this project.

Sincerely,
Ciala Antilles
Senior Aide to Senator Esio Turot

Dear Padawan Jinn,

Do I have to call you that or is that one of those ridiculous formalities that keep them from being suspicious of who is writing you letters. I know it's only been two days since I saw you, but I was wondering if you caught a glimpse of the morning's newscast. I got a few dozen copies from well-meaning staff members who were amused at how 'chummy' we look in that one holo. I don't mind looking 'chummy,' if that's what it was, but if one more person teases me about it, I may poison their bruallki.

Love,
Miss Noela Ovorp

Dear Noela,

I saw the 'chummy' picture as well. You looked wonderful, but my nose nearly blocked you from view. As it is, the concert's performers are rather put out that there were no holos of them. I apologized for the lack of consideration shown by the holoshill, but can't do much more than that. Would you really poison someone's bruallki? You seemed more affable than that when I met you and I'm hoping that wasn't in earnest because underage Jedi are not permitted to visit prisons. That would mean a very long three years before I'm of age and I'm sure you would be lonely. Moreover, it would not be a pleasant thing to think of.

Regards,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Oh, I suppose you've convinced me. I won't kill anyone just because it would mean three years before you could come and visit me. Besides, I doubt they would permit me access to a computer terminal in prison, even if I were on my best behavior.

Love,
Noela
P.S. Why don't you say "Love, Qui-Gon?" Is that an attachment?

Dear Noela,

Attachment has nothing to do with it. Love is simply a word that I choose to use on special occasions.

Sincerely.
Qui-Gon

Dear Quiggy,

And I'm not special? See if I beg my Consulate to arrange our liaison next year!

Noela

Dear Qui-Gon,

For the love of Taia, you don't have to ignore me for two weeks just because I hurt your feelings!

Love,
Noela

Miss Ovorp,

Qui-Gon is in the Healer's wing after our last mission. He asked to relay his greetings to you and apologizes that he has been delayed in responding.

Sincerely,

Master Jan Dooku

To: Padawan Qui-Gon Jinn
From: Miss Noela Ovorp

Get well soon. I didn't even know that humans could contract Bothan influenza! You mentioned you liked this flower when we were at the arboretum, so I thought I'd send you a few. The others are lorna blossoms and are the provincial flower of Antibes. Please say you don't have hayfever. I'd ask for a picture, but I'm sure your sensitive nose would probably be very red. Oh, there's me being sympathetic again.

 

I got a few dozen copies from well-meaning staff members who were amused at how 'chummy' we look in that one holo


hmmm... interesting little note. I was more intrigued by this being in the news. I just imagine chummy was really tring to get her through a door frame without incident.

P.S. Why don't you say "Love, Qui-Gon?" Is that an attachment? They do have lessons at the temple talking about this swear word.. don't they?

I didn't even know that humans could contract Bothan influenza! There he is... doing what no one else does, one more time!

It isn't right to laugh this hard before I have eaten breakfast. Now my stomach hurts too much.

 

What a fun idea!

I like this friendship already. She's a very nice girl? lady? who sounds far too lonely! But what a friend to have.

Just Jill

 

Ish, this is lovely.

-DS

 

Noelie--Indeed at the doorframe comment. They probably don't have lessons about vulgar words like attachment. It's one of those things left to the Masters to explain, like the birds and the bees. And of course he'd do what no one else would. Here's an update after dinner.

Just_Jill--I love this one book called "Love, Rosie" that Noelie is keeping from me (I left it in her car) and the entire thing is based on that. Noela's 15 at this point and very lonely at times. Check out the "Same Time, Next Year" thread.

-Darksaber---Thanks!
*****
Dear Noela,

Good news! They let me off of sedatives, so I can finally form a coherent sentence! Of course, Master Dooku thinks that I'm taking advantage of my newfound lucidity to work on the report on our mission to Bothawui, but what he doesn't know won't hurt him and I'll get to that in a minute, anyway.

Anyway, yes, it is possible for humans to get Bothan flu. Master Dooku claims that it's one more proof of their xenophobia, but I don't care because it at least relieved me of having to go to classes for a few days. Moreover, it has given me ample time to meditate.

I hope you are doing well. Master Dooku said that we have been invited to the Senate fundraiser for security purposes. Can you arrange to be in danger for a while?

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

First of all, you're asking me to put myself in mortal peril just so you can benefit from my stellar wit? I'm finding myself a new Jedi to be my best friend! One that won't get Bothan flu!

And who meditates when they're in the hospital?

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

I meditate because I cherish my connection to the living Force.

Mortal peril is unnecessary.

Am I really your best friend?

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Yes, you might well be! I need to get out more. Perhaps I'll find a dashing young actor with a small nose at this fundraiser and convince him that I need some protection.

Sincerely,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Sincerely was a low blow, as was the comment about the nose.

Chaste, unattached love,
Qui-Gon

Qui-Gon,

You used the L word. Should we be looking out for an apocalypse? Or is this one of those 'special occasions?'

Noela

Dear Miss Ovorp,

You take that apocalypse comment back or I'm going back to sincerely!

It's not a special occasion, simply an assertion of the nature of our appropriately friendship-based relationship. For the benefit of the record and any Masters who might be eavesdropping.

Sincerely,
Padawan Jinn

Dear Qui-Gon,

All right, that Padawan Jinn thing made me so uncomfortable that I'll repent. I'll even start the fund to get corrective surgery on your nose.

Love,
Noela

Noela,

So, you dislike my nose as well? You're not helping! I shall now go and prepare my report on the mission.

Jinn

Dear Qui-Gon,

I think your nose is quite handsome and will eventually suit your face quite well. It's too early to tell. After all, we're only 15! We're also too young to be having this sort of needless drama.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

All will be forgiven if you make me laugh at the fundraiser. Are you going with a date?

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Why? Are you interested?

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

No, I just want to know who I would have to beat senseless if he mistreated you.

That is not to say that you are an unattractive person. I'm sure you are perfectly capable of attracting a suitable young man to escort you.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

I wouldn't have taken you for a sentimentalist. I am going unaccompanied. It leaves things uncomplicated and the Senator I am aide to thinks I am far too young for that sort of thing.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

He's right! See you tonight.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

 

Now that I have stolen said book and had today to read parts of it, I am truly addicted and want more.

Dear Noela,

Sincerely was a low blow, as was the comment about the nose.

Chaste, unattached love

That was probably my favorite part of all

 

This is funny and sweet...more?

 

Dear Qui-Gon,

Did you have to joke about the mortal peril thing?

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

I don't think you were in mortal peril, even with Ambassador Palpatine showing interest in you.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Showing interest would be one thing. Inviting me for drinks after the reception is another! I'm 15! What would I want with a drink, much less a dirty old man such as him? You should have sprung into action.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

I would have sprung into action if I thought your honor was at stake. Besides, since you kept stepping on my foot to keep me from saying anything stupid, I'm not sure I could have sprung into anything.

Sorely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Hypochondriac,

I did that once and it was because you were about to ask the male ambassador from Ithor when the baby was due! I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have taken that well.

Indignantly,
Noela

Dear Self-elected Sage,

I suppose that working on the Senator's staff makes you more diplomatically savvy. With that in mind, I bow to your wisdom and drop the subject herewith.

On the other hand, it was a pleasure to see you again.

Modestly,
Qui-Gon

Dear Party Animal,

It must have been, since you looked unnaturally stern any time you weren't conversing with me.

Observantly,
Noela

Dear Snoop,

I had just found out that we'll be leaving for Alderaan tomorrow and you're trapped here on Coruscant. Any recommendations for where to go?

Despondently,
Qui-Gon

Dear Sojourner,

I imagine that you'll be seeing the scenic conference rooms at the Antibes Palace, but if you go into conference room seven and look in the southeast corner, my grandmother's name is painted into the mural. Go introduce yourself. If you do have a bit of leisure time, try and say hello to the Antibes port for me. I miss walking there.

Nostalgically,
Noela

Dear V'taiaketh,

I'll try and find an excuse to walk along the docks at Antibes and make a good impression on your grandmother's...well, you get the idea. We will be there until the negotiations are over, which usually depends on the stubbornness of the parties. Your king isn't obstinate, is he?

Apprehensively,
Qui-Gon

Dear Misfortunate,

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

Sorry, was that an earnest question? Well, I suppose you have your answer now.

Pityingly,
Noela

Dear Heartless,

I have a bad feeling about this. I'll comm you when we return. Good luck on exams.

Morosely,
Qui-Gon

 

Aw this is great, I'm addicted! I especially ejoy the ever-changing salutations.

 

I love all the greeting and salutations, just like teenagers, even if they are "old" for their ages.

 

Ish! This is fantastic. They're so cute and obviously young, but also strangely mature in that way public figures often are. I'm enjoying this immensely.

 

adawn--Yay! Addicts good! I like the ever-changing salutations as well.

Araxie--They really are old for their ages, which is what I like about having them have normal thoughts at times.

Lilith Demodae--Awww, thank you! Glad you're enjoying this so much!
*****
Dear Qui-Gon,

I'm supposed to be taking notes for this meeting, but I'll just

Regarding the planned festivities for the Alderaanian Festival. Both Senators assigned

have to fake interest when someone's looking. I will never understand the point of this sort of meeting. After all, they only do it to pass the time. If they'd just decide that they know what they're doing, we could all be sunbathing somewhere in the Bikiha Game Preserve. Hmm, maybe I'll fake a migraine and

Ambassadorial meeting with Corellian Embassy scheduled for a week from today at 1300.

get out of here early. Oh, never mind, it's miraculously over! How's Alderaan?

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Loah from Antibes. I'm sitting next to your grandmother's mural debut. She has a lovely name. I can't write long, since we're waiting for the king to arrive and he is due to arrive in five minutes. It would be 'unseemly' as Master Dooku puts it for his bodyguard to be writing a letter when the world comes crashing down. I hoep you are well and not trapped in any more interminable meetings.

Are people always this formal on Alderaan?

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Eternal Optimist,

Only you would think of mortal peril for your friends and disasters for your missions. What are you negotiating again?

Love,
Careless on Coruscant

Dear Absent-minded,

I rather prefer these monikers to our names. It gives me something to think about during the negotiations regarding...

It's a lovely day here and we helped unload the fishing boats this morning.

Sincerely,
Equally Absent-minded

Dear Hypocrite,

Ha! You can't remember why you're there, either. It's spring in Antibes and I would always get bad marks because of the smell of the Palace Gardens and lose my train of thought. Here on Coruscant, I don't have that problem because everything seems to stink of duracrete and hawkbats. It's got a beauty of its own, but it's not in the urban areas.

Love,
Smug

Dear Smug,

Blast. You have me thinking about the Gardens and now I've lost my concentration. I'm going to boycott your communiques until we leave tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Distraughtly Distracted

 

I love it. Or rather, I hate it when someone mentions something distracting, and then you suddenly notice and are totally distracted. It's insidious I tell you!

 

Yes! Incredibly, awfully, wonderfully distracting. I am afraid I am headed toward a "I wish someone would distract me" sort of day.

I still love how good natured their coorespondance is. How they are with each other.

Good work Ish!

 

Lol! Just ... lol!

 

This is great Ish. I love seeing the banter between Qui-Gon and Noela. So humorous and believable. I guess i'm just going to have to stick around and continue reading this. Again, great work!

Cheers,
Wyo

 

Ping--LOL, thanks!

Noelie--Distractions are occasionally good for cabbage-kickers. I'm glad you're still enjoying the tone of this.

Lilith Demodae--I totally do the same thing. Very insidious!
*****
Dear Noela,

I hate to have to say this, but I'm writing this under the covers and hoping my Master doesn't catch me. I haven't done this sort of thing since I was a seven-year-old Initiate and it's making me feel very ridiculous. It is, however, necessary.

You see, my Master thinks you're an Attachment.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Of course I'm an attachment. I'm just not an Attachment. And what's wrong with that? You're attached to your Master, to your random stray animals, your friends... Please explain.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Well, when we were leaving, one of the thanes told me that if I ever wanted to marry, he could find a nice Alderaanian girl for me. Your Senator's sister is that thane's wife and she laughed, then said that he didn't need to find one. I had you. The thane said something to the effect of "Is that allowed for Jedi?" And before I could say "It's not like that at all!", Master Dooku made our farewells, dragged me onto the ship and told me that until further notice, I'm not to speak to you. You're an Attachment, which is, of course, a very dirty word in the Jedi dialect of Basic.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Well, that explains a lot, first and foremost being your reasons for writing under the covers at 0300. There are ways of taking your revenge, you know.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Dare I ask?

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Well, for one thing, you could start writing "Love, Qui-Gon" after everything and forward copies of these letters to your master.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

As discussed before, I won't unless I mean it.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

What, you don't love me?

Sincerely,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Not the way your thanes intended! And certainly not the way Master Dooku thinks. I have a healthy adolescent and entirely asexual attachment to an amiable young woman of high standards.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Well, that was recited from one of your Master's lectures.

Sincerely,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Master Kimara, actually. She's my political science instructor.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

I would be angry at you for dodging the issue, but now you've piqued my interest. Why does your polisci instructor talk about Asexual Attachment?

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Maybe she's lonely? I don't know. Let's not take revenge. I'm being bad enough just trying to write this between the sheets. Besides, I'll get to see you in about a month again. Master Kimara is assigning all of us to various delegations of the Senate for a week to observe political practices. If there's anything your delegation can do to make sure I find a good home...

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

I'll try!

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

The Aldereenian delegation. I've never even heard of them and Master Dooku won't believe that it's just a typo by someone who can't tell the difference between a and e. Who's going to your delegation, anyway?

Perturbedly,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Sorry for the late response, but we haven't exactly had much time to write. Our Jedi was Padawan Tahl. She did not seem thrilled by me asking about you. Now I think she's going to write me up as an Attachment. Perhaps our Attachment is why they assigned you to the lords of the flies?

Sympathetically,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Other than having to choke down live grubs, I didn't mind my experience one bit. They are a noble...race and I found myself laughing at their jokes by the end of the week. I'm sorry you had Tahl. She's a wonderful apprentice, but doesn't have much of a sense of humor when it comes to me. I think you may be right about the Consequences of our Attachment. Master Dooku hasn't looked this smug since I

 

Oh poor Qui-Gon

They are sure doing as much as they can to keep him away from Noela.

Great update. And it came right after I started reading your fic. Yay me!

Cheers,
Wyo

 

I'm sure Noelie told me you had updated this a week ago and I still missed it! I still get a real kick over all the different terms of endearment they are using. Such a fun insight to their relationship.

 

But Qui-Gon didn't send a joke! but then of course Noela might not get it.

Grubs? how lovely.

And you already know what I think of the vision of a lanky, slim Qui-Gon hiding under the covers to write his friend.

 

WyoJedi--LOL, they are doing as much as they can, all in vain, of course... Glad you've started reading this! Love ya!

Araxie--DOn't worry, we'll eventually get you to read it and we don't mind the wait. (We being the royal we for a very unroyal person who is nevertheless pretentious.) The terms of endearment will come and go, unfortunately.

Noelie--Heehee, the entire situation still cracks me up.

 

Dear Noela,

I hadn't heard from you in three weeks and when I did, it was because you sent my Master flowers for his birthday? Are you angry with me?

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Of course I'm not. Just because some of us have entrance exams to worry about doesn't mean I'm angry. Well, not at you, anyways. Did he like the flowers?

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Of course. You'll be receiving a formal note of gratitude as soon as his hayfever blows over. Entrance exams for what? Charm school?

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

I've already flunked out of every charm school on Coruscant. The consulate thinks that it's time for me to attend the university. There are exams, interviews, essays to write.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

University? You're only 15.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

I'm a brilliant, precocious and utterly adorable 15-year-old. What's your point?

Love,
Noela

Noela,

You have a point. Which ones are you applying to?

Qui-Gon

Qui,

In a hurry, aren't we? Antibes, Cornet and Mon Calamari.

Noe


N,

None on Coruscant?

Q

Q,

University of Manarai is my safety school. Antibes has the best polisci program. Mon Cal has better internships. Cornet has Corellians in abundance.

N,

N,

Manarai has a lonely Jedi Padawan and his sniffling Master within 30 kilometers. Isn't that incentive enough?

Q

Q,

I'll think about it.

Noela

Noela,

I wish you well. I don't wish you'd go to the other side of the Core!

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

I'll keep you posted. I won't know for another couple of months.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Do you need help with your admissions essay? I've got one drafted for you, based on what I saw at the infocomm for Antibes.

Applicant: Please write, in 500 words or less, about something that will help us understand you as we review your application.

My name is Noela Asenath Ovorp and I am 15 years old, but I am already highly intelligent. I engage in witty banter, keep up a regular correspondence and have a fascination with doorframes. My greatest talent, however, is in debate. Indeed, on a regular basis, I am able to debate for days on the meaning of words. For example, I can tell the difference between attachment and Attachment. I have conducted psychological experiments on the effect of this word on civil servants of the Jedi Order. I am beloved by all for my charming dialogue and accent and my aristocratic nose. Politicians love me, Jedi respect me and my consulate loves me. I look really good in blue, so I could wear the school colors with pride. Please, love me!

In all solemnity,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

I'm guessing you never want to see me again because if you were serious about that, I'm going to have to poke your eyes out!

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

What's not to love about that answer?

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Qui-Gon,

I'm supposed to demonstrate an IQ above 0 in this essay.

Noela

N,

I suppose, then, you won't be asking for my help.

Q

Q,

You could stop sending me letters for five minutes so I can write this blasted thing.

N

N,

It's been four days. Is it safe to come out of hiding yet?

Q

Q,

Go ahead. I just got asked on a date.

N

Noela,

Who is this young man, young lady? Did you say yes or did you protect your virtue?

Qui-Gon

Hi, Dad,

Qui, he's from my class at school and I said yes with all my virtue intact. Does any date that doesn't involve you put my virtue at risk?

Love,
Noela

Young Lady,

Of course it does. They don't want an Attachment. They want a Relationship.

Qui

Dear Qui-Gon,

I'd say it's sweet of you to worry, but I have the feeling you're going to drive me nuts!

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

You're applying to Antibes. Nuts is a very short drive from here.

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Correction: I was accepted at Antibes. It looks like I might see you on spring break only.

Love,
Noela

De

 

Dear Noela,

I'm supposed to do a service each week. Can I help you pack if my Master lets me?

Sincerely.
Qui-Gon

Dear Qui-Gon,

Are you sure you want to ask? He may be wary of you being in my bedroom.

Love,
Noela

Dear Noela,

Not THAT way!

Sincerely,
Qui-Gon

Oh dear, I am laughing to hard at work with you know who here.

Very charming.

 

Great update Ish. I love their witty banter. Only good friends could ever get away with some of the stuff they are saying back and forth. I love this... it is so good.

Cheers,
Wyo

 

Noelie--Beware the SoD! Thanks!

WyoJedi--They definitely couldn't get away with this under any other circumstances and it's so funny to write.