hadthehighground | Empatheias IC Inbox

[It's been a couple of days since Selenium, and the subsequent reverence of the dead, but emotions still ran high and raw. The feeling is still in the air (sometimes literally) when Qui-Gon finally decides to confront Obi-Wan about the haunting vision of Maul and the information that came to light as a result.]

[He knocks on his former Padawan's door, a mere formality these days, but one he keeps up nonetheless.]

Obi-Wan?

[That festival had been unlike any of the others that Obi-Wan had witnessed in this world. It had been the most sobering, and had left the Jedi in a thoughtful melancholy state over that past couple days.

Mushrooms were plentiful and indeed the air was heavy and damp.

He spent a great deal of time thinking and meditating. Reflecting on the past that he rarely entertained before then. This was what Obi-Wan was doing when his master came calling.]

Yes, you may come in, Master.

[He was sitting with an opened journal, which he quietly shut and put away when Qui-Gon entered.]

Too bad we can't get plants and the like from home. I miss red-bean buns, oh my gosh they were amazing!

[At his question she grinned and grabbed one, showing him how to eat it before depositing the pod into the extra empty bowl.]

Oh that's... that's awful. No one should be used to that.

[Obi-Wan hummed his agreement as he followed Usagi's example. This was certainly... different. Using his mouth to extract the soybeans from the pod. But they were rather delicious.

His tone was somber though once he finished with it and likewise placed the empty pod in the bowl.]

We come from an awful time.

[That's more than enough of an invitation for Qui-Gon to enter Obi-Wan's room. The dampness of the air hits him first, although it's happened enough that Qui-Gon doesn't lose his composure, nor is he exactly surprised.]

[That speaks volumes towards the emotional state of his poor former Padawan.]

[Qui-Gon doesn't have to ask how Obi-Wan is feeling, and he won't bother to entertain that platitude.]

Are you open to having a talk?

Edited 2017-03-19 02:10 (UTC)

I keep hearing about things, bits and pieces from your world. It doesn't sound...

I have to wonder if you all weren't meant to come here, in a way, not to help this world, but to be helped yourself.

I've wondered the same, actually. If not do both. Sometimes helping others is the only way we can heal ourselves.

Just because we haven't yet seen it, doesn't mean there is none. I can't believe that all of this is just mere chance.

[She reached out and rested a hand on top of his.]

I hope, if there is any way I can help bring you and your loved ones more peace and happiness, that you know I'll do whatever I can.

I really do hope you get to experience more happiness in your life, Obi-Wan-san.

[The events at Selenium had been both bothersome and healing in ways. But one does not overcome grief so easily, nor the feelings of self blame. And Satine's death was something he normally kept tucked back into a corner of his mind.

Instead of trying to suppress and release his emotions into the Force, he had meditated on his emotions. Something he endeavored to do occasionally, especially as of late. Something he knew Qui-Gon would notice.]

Yes, of course.

[He motioned for Qui-Gon to have a seat on the chair in the room.]

[Not only was it something that Qui-Gon noticed--and very much appreciated in his former Padawan--but it also brought about some concern. Obi-Wan's pain runs deep, far deeper than anyone can discern from the surface thanks to a combination of the younger man's natural tendency to deflect the worry of others and the composure drilled into Jedi from a young age. Qui-Gon could see through both with relative ease, but that never made approaching the issue (the myriad of issues) smooth or appropriate.]

[Until Selenium.]

[Qui-Gon takes the seat without hesitation, resting his elbows on his knees and pressing his hands together at their fingertips.]

It's about Satine. Or, rather, what we spoke about briefly during the candle ceremony.

[He knew this talk was bound to happen some time. Thus Qui-Gon's words came as no surprise. Still, he took in a deep breath and let it out again. Steeling himself for an emotionally heavy conversation.]

You want to know how she died.

Eventually, if you are willing to talk about it.

[But they could ease into that. Qui-Gon may not be one for sugarcoating or tiptoeing around certain issues, but he cared about Obi-Wan's emotional state enough to know better. His self-awareness worked sometimes.]

I wanted to know more about what happened prior to that moment, but we can begin with whatever you feel most comfortable with. I won't push you in either direction.

[There was a long silence following that as Obi-Wan considered the best way to start this conversation. But in the end, it all boiled to one thing. Or rather, one person.]

It was Maul.

[He then waited for Qui-Gon to digest that. It was enough of a bombshell in itself after all.]

[Qui-Gon kept his composure at the revelation. He'd known that Maul somehow his battle with Obi-Wan at least long enough to try to pull Ezra over to the dark side. Still, to learn that the former Sith continued to be a source of horror for Obi-Wan over the years tore at him. Didn't his Padawan deserve some peace?]

How?

[Apparently not. His life seemed to have little room for a truly peaceful existence. The simple question though drew a sigh and a hand to rub at his forehead.]

With his brother Savage, and the Death Watch, he took over Mandalore. They captured Satine and held her prisoner.

Going against the council's wishes I went to rescue her. I almost succeeded, instead we were both apprehended.

[Obi-Wan went quiet as he closed his eyes and raised an outstretched hand. Several clicks would then be heard from that pink crystal chest at the foot of his bed. The lid opening and a single lightsaber lifting from it. It then moved through the air and settled in front of Obi-Wan]

Driven by his hatred for me, Maul killed her with this lightsaber. I could only watch as her life faded away.

Edited 2017-03-24 01:54 (UTC)

[Qui-Gon remained silent, lost in his own thoughts while Obi-Wan explained the situation and pulled the darksaber out of the chest. His situation matched Qui-Gon's own love lost, Tahl: how he'd defied the Council in absconding with his young Padawan at the behest of premonitions in nightmares, the secretive relationship between the two, and the violent nature of both women's deaths.]

[It's enough to make one think that these outcomes were a form of punishment rather than the will of the all-encompassing Force.]

[He closed his eyes and heavily sighed. He could chastise the other man and remind him that attachment was--supposedly--the crux of weakness for a Jedi and an invitation to fall to the dark side... but who was he kidding? He'd known about Obi-Wan's feelings for the Duchess during that mission so many years ago and the fling that ultimately arose. Still, he willingly turned a blind eye. After all, he'd warned a younger Obi-Wan once prior with Siri, using his own far too raw pain from losing Tahl as an example. At the time, he wanted to protect the boy. With Satine, he wanted to allow Obi-Wan the chance to make his own mistakes and see them through. It was part of letting him mature.]

[Maybe Qui-Gon had been right in not wanting Obi-Wan to grow up. Not if it meant this much sorrow.]

[He couldn't even remark on his surprise at the fabled darksaber floating before his former Padawan. The pain, denoted by a drizzle starting to patter against the window, was too prominent.]

I'm sorry for your loss, Obi-Wan.

[The words tasted bitter on his tongue; he'd been saying them far too often.]

[ Whether or not Obi-Wan has entirely recovered by now, he still has to endure his former apprentice seeking him out. Partially to hand him a plate of food that might do better without too close of an inspection, but also for an inquiry. ]

You look better today, master.

You mean not like death warmed over?

[He certainly looked to be feeling better, what with having risen out of bed enough to come downstairs. The Jedi wrapped in a simple robe that he usually slept in. Though he's still not quite the picture of optimal health, his color is starting to come back. Though his hair is a bit unkempt from having spent the last few days in bed.

He then took the plate gratefully and moved to sit down.]

Thank you.

Pretty much.

[ Come on, you got out of bed on your own, That is an improvement! ]

But you still should take it slowly and rest more.

[Obi-Wan couldn't help a soft chuckle as he picked at the plate a little. He hadn't eaten much the past few days. His stomach had rebeled on him frequently.]

How the tables have turned.

[He then took a tentative bite of whatever it was Anakin had given him.]

[ If Obi-Wan were to ask, then Anakin couldn't even exactly name what it is he has handed his former Master to eat. At least there are no living bugs on his plate. ]

Have they?

[ He sounds amused. ]

Well, someone has to watch out for you as well from time to time. Even if you don't like it.

[The fact that the food was unidentifiable is worrying enough. It takes a brave man to put it in his mouth. So excuse him as he tries not to choke before forcing it down.]

It's hard not to with such blatant reminders as to why I do all the cooking.

[Sorry Anakin your cooking sucks. Some things never change.]

Oh, come on. It's edible and won't kill you.

[ AND it's not pie for a change. ]

You might miss it while I'm gone.

I think that's debatable.

[In fact he's trying to muster up the courage to take another bite. That is until what Anakin says next grabs his attention. Sweet distraction.]

What? Are you going somewhere?

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