The Hardest Lesson - Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan - JA

Does happy dance. CYN's posting! I knew you could do it. Always a pleasure to read your wonderful prose, even if it feels a little strange without the usual, colorful additions.

I can't wait to see where you take this tale of love and duty.

 

Obi-Wan's suggestion was quite roguish -- will Qui-Gon let him get away with sunbathing by the pool? Loved the part where Qui-Gon put a finger under Obi-Wan's chin to shut his gaping mouth!

 

Cyn, the day YOU write Disney is the same day George Lucas sells the rights of Star Wars to me

 

I am absolutely delighted at the responses I've been getting here - for the most part - and have decided that the few sour grapes are hardly worthy of notice, beyond a good belly laugh. You are all terribly kind - and, when time is less pressing, I do hope to respond more personally to everyone's remarks.

For now, let me simply say thanks - and the next post is on its way up as we speak.

 

Before they could get to the somnolent moments he envisioned beside a lovely, free-form pool, Obi-Wan acknowledged that they had to endure seemingly endless formalities - and he had to present himself for any discipline his Master might deem appropriate.

Not that he had been deliberately willful or disobedient - but he had been distracted and less than attentive, not to mention slightly brusque on several occasions during the long afternoon following their audience with the royal family. He had not intended to be rude or less than forthcoming; he simply couldn't seem to focus on the moment.

He was much too focused on the memory of eyes the color of the heavens at twilight.

At that hour of the day - usually his favorite, for he often remarked that the light of any given day was brightest and loveliest as it was extinguished - a whimsical notion that his Master had often dismissed as romantic nonsense - he found himself in the small, immaculate garden that surrounded the dwelling he shared with Qui-Gon, with enough time before he needed to prepare for the evening's event to run through one of the shorter training katas.

He removed his cape, and laid it neatly across a low retaining wall, before also removing his outer tunic. The day had been warm, and the stone pavers on which he stood still radiated a gentle heat as the first mist of evening stirred far out over the ocean's sweep.

He was more than half-way through the ninth kata - the one padawans called Mochel's Flight, in honor of a long-dead Jedi who had perfected the aerial maneuvers - when he sensed the arrival of his Master, along with an unexpected guest. Still - he did not pause in his endeavors; one did not, after all, simply halt a kata of this complexity. Instead, he allowed himself to embellish the formal movements - just slightly - for the entertainment of the observers.

He was rewarded with the enthusiastic applause of Lord Kaffia when he completed the kata with a perfect back flip, getting superb lift as he launched himself, and ending with a graceful landing in a lunge position with lightsaber fully extended.

Qui-Gon's comment was a slightly sardonic smile.

"That was astonishing, Padawan Kenobi," said Kaffia, beaming his approval.

"You're very kind, Sir."

The Kyrian thought, for just a moment, that he really should be annoyed that the boy wasn't even breathing hard - although he was damp with perspiration.

"Are you procrastinating, Padawan?" The gentle gleam in the Master's eyes removed all sting from the question. "The ball begins in just over an hour - and I don't believe your 'date' is the type who would enjoy being kept waiting."

The padawan grinned. "I wouldn't be surprised if she were the type to have escorts who showed up late tied down and beaten - and I guess I do need a shower, don't I?"

"That would be in your best interests, yes," said Qui-Gon. "You don't exactly smell like a dainty flower."

Kaffia watched the interaction between the two with great interest. He was one of very few of Qui-Gon's friends who personally remembered the Master's last apprentice - and he shivered slightly, despite the warmth of the night. It was wonderful to see his friend involved once more in a healthy partnership with a young man worthy of his devotion.

As Obi-Wan disappeared into the cottage, the Kyrian caught the Master's eye. "It might be a good idea," he said softly, "to remind him of a few salient facts of life, my friend - if you get my meaning."

Qui-Gon smiled. "I do, Old Friend - and there are other issues as well. If you don't mind waiting for a bit . . ."

Kaffia simply settled himself on a comfortable stone bench and prepared to enjoy the spectacle of the end of the day, while the Jedi went to find his apprentice.

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

As a padawan, Obi-Wan had been required to develop many skills over the years. Some he learned with great ease; some with more difficulty. Given time, he mastered them all - but a few, though learned and lea

 

Aahh it's nice to see Qui-Gon being friendly for once

 

It's different from the brilliant but oh so angsty "An Untimely Frost", that's for sure! It will probably go in that direction a bit later in the story, but I don't think it can ever match the hearbreaking events of AUF.

Well, CYN, it proves that whatever you decide to write, whether Qui-Gon is a jerk or a wonderful Master, you always do it with amazing skill.

You humble me!

This scene was so sweet!

 

Loved the interaction between Qui and Obi. Qui seems so like a Jedi master. And Obi's so Obi.

You're writing is always so engrossing and beautiful, and the characters seem so real.

So, will we get a second post today?

 

Got to love the interaction between Qui and Obi...

I'm with Nat on this one... you humble me, Cyn.

Don't suppose there will be more soon?

 

Such a heartwarming image of Obi/Qui. So very different from AUF. I was beginning to think that Qui-Gon was a piece of rock after reading you and RRK.

 

7

 

I hope you are not getting a hernia from writing this yet.I would hate to see pain caused to you when we FF readers are obviously taking great enjoyment in this story.

I never said I didn't like your writing on the contary, I am one of your most ardent fans.

Now, tell the truth is it really revolting, apeasing the younger audience.I mean you do write so well,they should not be denied your Q/O Ff just because of age.

You just might create a whole new follwing of FF readers here.

GOOD LUCK!!!

PEACE Ewen

 

Ahhhh. This story,as is all of your stories, such a pleasure to read. More More More.

Oh... and if you can do it... a huge post of AUF on the 21st would be a nice birthday present.

 

At the risk of sounding redundant, I have to tell you once again what a pleasure it is to read your story. I love reading Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stories, but your writing is such that even if it were a piece of prose with characters unknown to me, I would enjoy it just as much.

After reading this, I had to go see your AUF story that everyone is raving about. I'm only yet on chapter four, but I'm in awe.

 

Cyn, the day you write Disney is the day when the earth splits in two, fire rains down upon us, cats give birth to snakes, a movie comes out that's worse than "Cable Guy"...

I didn't think that I would see you on these boards (as an author) for some time, though I am sincerely glad that you are. Your talent of tearing my conscious between fawning over Obi and delving deeper into the plot is unparalleled. This would be G-PG - for all who remain uncorrupted by your other 'fics. Just too many naughty images come to mind when you mention him shirtless. You have done your job almost too well.


I do love your mixture of subtle foreboading
and mind's eye candy. THe plot is shaping up very nicely and I can only wonder two things: how much pain ( ) will be inflicted on my Obi and can you actually keep this under epic proportions? Not that I would mind another of UF's scale...Anyway, I can't help anticipating the arival of these "anarchists" as Her Majesty so deems them. Waiting with bated breath for you next installment.

 

I never thought I'd see the day when CYN would try her hand at Obi/Qui mush. OK so maby it's not exactly MUSH...but whatever you want to call it...coming from you CYN, it's refreashing.

Obi has yet to realize he's the hottist thing to walk the galaxy?

::

That's our Obi. Never realizes his true potential. In whatever area it my be.

 

Something about Jedi padawans falling for beautiful aristocratic women, methinks...heheh.

It makes you wonder the way you portrayed Qui-Gon in the last post if perhaps, he remained alive to train Anakin, if things might have happened differently...

Great stuff so far.

-Tim

 

I just love your characterization of Obi, CYN. It seems to come so effortlessly to you. And it is nice that Qui sees Obi for what he truly is for a change.

This must be a nice little break for you as well, from all the angst in AUF. This fic almost seems light and fluffy for you The title does suggest however that angst will be forth coming.

Atleast Qui will be there to help Obi through it, as he should be. Can't wait for more.

 

Good afternoon, Friends. Post coming up in a few - but first. AHEM - I need to respond to some of these lovely messages.

RRK -Does happy dance. CYN's posting! I knew you could do it.

Then you knew better than me - and why the heck are you over here when you should be writing, writing, writing, til your little fingers fall off. You can't leave us hanging, you know!

Jane - Obi-Wan's suggestion was quite roguish -- will Qui-Gon let him get away with sunbathing by the pool?

Was anything ever that easy for our fair-haired boys?

Antigone - Cyn, the day you write Disney is the day when the earth splits in two, fire rains down upon us, cats give birth to snakes, a movie comes out that's worse than "Cable Guy"..

Now wait a minute here! Are you saying I can't write Disney. Ok, there's this really studly young lion - you know the type - golden red mane, sea change eyes - GRRRR - who goes out one night into the jungle and happens upon this curvaceous young lioness who really wants to . . . . OK - back to the drawing board.

I do love your mixture of subtle foreboading and mind's eye candy. The plot is shaping up very nicely

Good - it's always nice when the plot matches the body.

Tim - It makes you wonder the way you portrayed Qui-Gon in the last post if perhaps, he remained alive to train Anakin, if things might have happened differently... Bite your tongue. I refer you to RRK's narrative to figure out what happens in that scenario.

I would love to be able to respond to each of you for your very kind, very thoughtful posts - but time is not my friend today. I ask you all to just hang in there - and I will get to you eventually.

In the meantime, maybe you can enjoy the next post. OK?

 

Bite your tongue. I refer you to RRK's narrative to figure out what happens in that scenario. >>

Ahh, but I said YOUR Qui. And Cyn, do you really think I could maintain any shred of my reputation if I didn't start posting controversial comments early on? LOL.

-Tim

 

For the Kyrian briasta - the humanoid faction of the population of the planet - beauty was as necessary for life as breathing, and it was incorporated into the smallest details of their culture. Even the drinking fountains in public areas were hand-carved from blocks of some pastel mineral - sometimes pale rose, or soft lilac or icy green - veined with threads of ruby or amethyst or sapphire, that seemed almost to glow when the sun's radiance struck them at just the right angle.

Utilitarian, therefore, was a word that had little meaning; yet, the civilization was not without its pragmatic side, and the technology, though heavy on embellishment and the perfection of form, was not without function.

Even such mundane concerns as security precautions did not entirely escape the cultural preoccupation with visual loveliness.

Thus the force fields that surrounded the palace on this very special occasion were a great deal more than just domes of plasma energy that hovered placidly over the building and grounds and never showed themselves at all unless they were engaged to rebuff a particular threat . That, of course, was the norm for such shielding.

The Kyrians simply couldn't bear to leave it at that; what, after all, was the point of having so much power - deterrent or otherwise - and allowing it to remain unseen?

Therefore, the Kyrian force fields were a carousel of broad stripes of bright color - moving and reforming constantly, like a child's kaleidoscope - glowing and dancing to unseen harmonies - heavy enough to deter the most determined attackers - but delicate enough to allow frequent glimpses of stars and crescent moons and nebulae and distant worlds.

Obi-Wan could only stand and stare.

Once, on Alderaan, in the company of a group of padawans and out of the company of any Masters - really, really out, he recalled - he had visited an establishment that he knew - with absolutely no doubt - that Qui-Gon would have removed him from at first glance, slung over his shoulder, if necessary. It had been called, if he remembered correctly, the Bridal Veils.

The group of apprentices had not dared linger long in such a place, knowing full well that - despite their best efforts - they were broadcasting their rather intense emotions through their training bonds, but they had stayed long enough to learn that there was absolutely nothing 'bridal' about the veils that gave the dingy little pub its name. Obi-Wan had certainly heard the term, exotic dancer, before; had even been present at demonstrations of that ancient art, in the course of missions to a few worlds where the cultural environment was less rarefied than that of Coruscant's upper levels - but the Dance of Falling Veils, as it was termed, that he and his companions had witnessed that night - just before their Masters had descended on them en masse - had been something entirely different - entirely out of his experience and, for a naïve, fresh-faced boy of fourteen, entirely unforgettable.

The experience had almost been worth the month-long grounding and the course in Aboriginal Choreography of the Malastairian Sub-Continent that had been assessed as part of his punishment. Almost.

Standing within the brilliance of the revolving shields brought back the memory of those tantalizing veils - and . . .

A stern gaze from his Master made absolutely sure that he did not pursue that thought any further.

The crowds that were gathered in the entry of the great palace were a stunning feast for the eyes - the women elegantly gowned in rainbow shades of synth silk, edged with delicate Chimilian lace and crusted with brilliant jewels, beneath elaborate coiffures graced with gem-laden tiaras or nets of glowing pearls; the men were more somber, but no less elegant, favoring dark tapered trousers beneath long, tailored waistcoats of deep jewel-tone colors, and voluminous cravats, adorned with huge polished stones, set in heavy frames of precious metal.

In contrast, the two Jedi were garbed quite simply, despite the decide

 

"Mommy, Mommy! Guess what I just saw! There was this boy lion and this girl lion..."

Not saying that you can't write Disney, just that, well, I think that to do it, there would have to be a major rewrite in the whole Disney philosophy...either that, or the subliminal messages would have to become less subliminal...THEN, I think you'd be perfect Actually, I'm fairly certain that I would enjoy your versions infinitely more...there once was a red haired merman who, because he lived underwater, never had need for a shirt...

Another wonderful post. The problem is deeper than at first it seemed. And, while it may make more sense to the casual observer to take out Queen Nemis, it seems there is something going on that you have yet to reveal. Now, why would someone want Trell dead? The little difference between her and Maliyah may not be so little to all, especially those who may not look upon it as completely political. Perhaps someone feels it is time to step out of - albeit rather savagely - her sister's shadow...

 

I love all the detail you describe about everything. It makes everything seem much more real.

Obi's youth and inexperience with the opposite sex is easily summed up with his 'wow'. I loved that. But will his feelings get in the way when/if he has to be uninvolved enough to face up to the challenges of this mission? And what about Trell? I have suspicions about her.

You've raised more questions and suspicions with this post. This story's turning out so well. Are you sure you can wrap this up in the "five or six posts, at most" that you originally planned? Either way, I'll love it.

 

Are you sure you can wrap this up in the "five or six posts, at most" that you originally planned?

Cas - are you, by any chance, trying to tell me that I'm long-winded. Well, if you are - you're absolutely right. I probably won't wind it up in six - but eight or nine should do it. You know, I always start out meaning to be concise - and succinct - and wind up with War and Remembrance.

Maybe I should start writing haiku - for practice.