Empatheias IC Inbox

[hadthehighground]

Need to talk with Obi-Wan privately via amulet or want to physically meet him somewhere? This is the place to do it!

Just post with the IC date and the type of post (audio, video, action, etc) in the subject line. If it's an action post please put the location as well.

Comments

[hadthehighground]

Yes. I do.

[He regretted is so much it hurt. He blamed himself for it, even if he wasn't quite acting himself. So Ezra blaming him was no surprise, even if it stung a little in more ways than one.]

I can explain my feelings to you Ezra. I can answer your questions. However, I can't convince you to believe or trust me. That is something you will have to decide on your own.

[lothrat]

[He'd tracked Obi-Wan down for answers. He'd come here hoping to find some assurance that the nightmare of Lumis was gone. He has both now, only to realize...

It's not enough. It can't be enough. Obi-Wan is right. Trust isn't something that can be earned with words alone. It's something Ezra can only find within himself.

That isn't the answer Ezra wanted, though, and his unhappiness with it wars clearly on his face.]

Then what am I supposed to do? Search my feelings?

[Even he knows those are compromised right now.]

[hadthehighground]

[He knows that’s not what Ezra wanted. It was easy to see that. Folding his hands in his sleeves, confident that things wouldn’t escalate further, Obi-Wan considered the boy’s words.]

I think you already know your feelings, Ezra. That’s the problem.

Truth enlightens the mind, but won’t always bring happiness to your heart.

What you need to find, is peace.

[lothrat]

How am I supposed to do that?

[Underneath the mulish obstinacy, the question itself is genuine. Despite everything, part of him does still see this man as a Master, as someone who should have the answers he needs.]

How am I supposed to find peace when I keep remembering what happened? How can I be sure it won't happen again? If even you can turn to the Dark side, then...

[Then what does that mean for any of the other Jedi here?]

[hadthehighground]

Life is full of uncertainties Ezra. Especially in this world. Resisting the Dark Side takes courage, and discipline, even now I'm struggling with its pull.

[The Dark Side's influence was not something he could shake off easily, especially after what happened. Though you could hardly tell by looking at him. He felt pity for the young boy, though. Especially since, there seemed to be more to it.]

However, I would suggest you start by being honest with yourself. I suspect this goes far deeper than just me. Confront your fears, and learn to let go of them.

[lothrat]

I'm not afraid.

[Yes he is. Very, very much so. The fear creeps from his stomach and his heart into the air like ghostly butterflies that vanish before they can truly take form. But sometimes if you tell yourself something hard enough, you can even get yourself to believe it, so Ezra lifts his chin, defiant against his hammering heart, and lowers his lightsaber to his side. The butterflies glint with gold briefly from the show of bravery before they dissipate into the air.]

I'm not afraid of you, Master Kenobi. I just... had to be sure. You understand, right?

[hadthehighground]

[Obi-Wan knew better. He knew the boy’s fear was still there, but also recognized his effort. It would take time, he knew that. So he accepted Ezra’s declaration with a small smile.]

I’m glad to hear that, and yes, I do understand.

[Probably more than the young Jedi realized.]

[lothrat]

[He probably shouldn't expect to fool a Jedi Master, but the fact that Obi-Wan isn't calling him out on it makes something small loosen in his chest. Makes it that much easier to try to convince himself.]

Good. I'm glad. So then... then everything's okay.

[Well, except for the fact that the street is still cracked, and there are people still watching them warily from a good distance away. That knot of tension reappears, though for different reasons this time.

Still, the reminder twinges at his conscience, and he ducks his head guiltily.]

Sorry. For scaring your Eopie.

[hadthehighground]

[Obi-Wan hadn’t once forgotten about the crowd. And it was as Ezra made his apology, that the Jedi slowly stepped forward to place his hand on Ezra’s shoulder should he let him.

To both reassure the lad, and to show the crowd that everything was going to be fine now.]

Your apology is accepted, and don’t worry, they will be fine.

[The Eopie were surely home by now with Rooh helping herself to some feed.]

Would you allow me to buy you some pears?

[He owed that to Ezra after ruining the past ones, and it was the least he could do for everything that happened.]

[lothrat]

[Ezra freezes in places, heart jumping at the touch - but somehow he manages not to flinch away, though no doubt Obi-Wan can feel just how tense he is. But he's determined, too, and if he could face down Anakin with the specter of Vader behind him, Obi-Wan with just the specter of a false memory of a Sith should be a piece of cake.

He swallows, holding his ground. Even manages a small, weak smile.]

I wasn't going to hold that against you, but... I'd like that, Master Kenobi.

[hadthehighground]

[Ezra's discomfort was certainly obvious, thus Obi-Wan didn't allow his hand to linger. The Jedi Master straightening up and folding his hands in his sleeves only a moment or two after touching the boy. A light smile coming to his face as his offer to make it up to him is accepted.]

Come, then.

[And with that, he'll lead the way to the nearest fruit stand. With the crowd watching and beginning to go on their way now that the show was over.]