sithkabobed | IC CONTACT

As Qui-Gon picked up the pace and came near, Obi-Wan drew Rooh to a stop. The Eopie making a grunting sound at the affection she was given. A fond smile came to her rider's face as he looked down at his old master.

"Certainly less stiff, in any case."

He hadn't really known any different. If anything it felt like he'd fallen asleep and dreamed about his own life.

"Anakin informed me that I had been out for three weeks. He wasn't able to give me many details on what's been happening, though."

Perhaps Qui-Gon could fill in some blanks for him.

"I'll do the best I can. I was a bit busy while you were dormant."

Qui-Gon gave Rooh another pat before he turned his attention to the baby, gently scratching under its flexible snout with his large, but nimble fingers. Animals and plants always came easily to Qui-Gon. Ever since he'd been a little boy, he'd taken care of whatever sprouts he could find, giving them new homes in increasingly large pots. His fingernails were always a little bit dirty from his hobby, much to Dooku's chagrin, but the rebellious little boy didn't pay his discontent any mind. Nature made him happy, and he wouldn't apologize for that.

"We can walk and talk. Where would you prefer to go?"

While Qui-Gon busied himself with the baby, who seemed to absorb the attention readily, Obi-Wan dismounted and took hold of Rooh's lead. It was more proper and respectful this way rather than to ride while Qui-Gon walked.

"Well, I was planning to visit our old home. To say hello to everyone there, and drop a few things off."

He would still like to do that. After all, if Qui-Gon looked, he would see that a couple of Rooh's saddle bags were full of small containers. Containers of food to be specific. Obi-Wan had done some errands the other day and made food for himself and Anakin, as well as Qui-Gon and anyone else still living with him.

"I would also like to know how you are faring. It seems you have healed well."

Edited 2017-10-06 03:01 (UTC)

Qui-Gon quickly eyed the containers with a grateful nod, always touched with how insistent Obi-Wan was about making sure everyone was taken care of. He'd always been that way, but to know that the harshness of the galaxy and the troubles of his time didn't tamper that generous spirit was its own reward.

"I have. The healers still insist that they check in with me, but I don't think it's necessary."

Typical words of a stubborn old man.

"As for everyone else, the house is empty now. Lune has returned home and Rey hasn't visited today as of yet."

He was sad to learn that Lune had returned--the boy had gotten to the point of wanting to construct his own lightsaber--but he already mourned and released his emotions into the Force, feeling truly at peace.

Qui-Gon clicked his tongue at the baby eopie to lead it along as he started to walk alongside his former Padawan.

Obi-Wan chuckled softly at Qui-Gon's opinion about the healers.

"They don't understand the healing abilities of the Jedi. I had a similar experience with them when I had been injured."

But he had been patient with them, and went along mostly with what they wanted.

What Qui-Gon said next though caused him to fall into silence for a moment. He didn't know Lune very well, but he knew Qui-Gon was fond of the boy. He also wondered about Rey. He hasn't seen her yet.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

And he was, but it also brought on another concern.

"My house is always open to you, master."

He didn't much like the idea of Qui-Gon living alone, and wanted to make sure he knew he was still welcome to come live with them.

“It’s all right.”

He appreciated Obi-Wan’s concern—the tiny buds following his footsteps proved that much—but he was fine. The house, while quiet, was still filled with life. And Qui-Gon has grown to enjoy that dichotomy very much.

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m happy as it is. Of course, you’re always welcome to visit.”

Again there was a moment of silence with Obi-Wan glancing at his old teacher. He wasn't entirely satisfied with that answer. He felt there was more to it. There usuallywas.

"But why not? I thought you enjoyed living with us."

After all, there's plenty of life at the farm. Moreso really. And after what Qui-Gon knew of the future, why be so separate now? They had time together again and he couldn't help but feel... distanced.

“I did, but I also need time to reflect on everything that’s transpired, Obi-Wan. And with the way things were, it was impossible to do so.”

Qui-Gon reached over to place a hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. His muscles gave the slightest twinge of protest, still a little sore from the healing process, but he ignored it in favor of flexing his fingers in a gentle, comforting squeeze.

“For what it is worth, I was already considering finding someplace else to live. Close by, but elsewhere.”

The hand on his shoulder was little comfort as his brow creased in confusion. But the effort was appreciated nonetheless.

"I don't understand," he admits. His master was being very vague.

"Is it... because of me? Because of what happened? Or..."

And his mind goes to other recent happenings, and the only other person he's living with.

"Is it Anakin?"

Qui-Gon wasn't surprised that Obi-Wan's first thought was to blame himself, however indirectly. His grip tightened the moment he asked if it was his fault somehow, wanting his former Padawan to know without a doubt that he wasn't to blame. Far from it.

Anakin, on the other hand...

"Partially," Qui-Gon admitted, "I haven't made any headway with Anakin, and it seems that my presence upsets him more than it puts him at ease."

The fact that QG didn't blame him may have been a relief but he was troubled by his master's response. It may have well as been a yes. The younger man mulling this over as they walked.

"He's not the little boy you once knew," Obi-Wan acknowledged. That much was clear. They both knew it.

"Also, you have not been a presence in his life since then, until now. He respects you, but he does not know you. He knows me, but we have often argued and disagreed over the years as well. There are times he has even resented me."

A good example had been a few months ago. They had both struggled with Anakin.

"However... I've come to find that patience and persistence is the key with Anakin. Something I know you are all too good at."

Qui-Gon was one of the most persistent Jedi he has ever known.

"Surely you don't mean to give up on him already?"

Edited 2017-10-06 21:16 (UTC)

"I'm not giving up on him, Obi-Wan. Just as I would never give up on you."

Qui-Gon's voice remained quiet and soft. He didn't remove his hand from Obi-Wan's shoulder, either, counting on that close physical contact to accentuate his words. The last thing he wanted was another fight over Anakin, especially so soon after they'd overcome the hardships of the false memory aftermath.

"But patience can only go so far. Part of knowing how to help someone is knowing when you're doing less to help and more to exacerbate the situation."

He sighed. The muffled footsteps of the eopies filled in the silence as he considered his next words.

"Every conversation I had with him, regardless of content, led to him either assuming the worst of intentions on my behalf or twisting my words against me. It wasn't healthy nor was it conducive to his recovery."

Despite Qui-Gon's reassurance, Obi-Wan still had this sinking feeling in his stomach. A growing feeling that he was alone in his endeavor to help Anakin. It was... a very sad and lonely feeling.

"When was the last time you tried?"

Because Anakin had made great strides in the last few months. There had been some trying times, certainly, but not like that time when he thought he was losing him.

"Anakin needs support, as much as can be had. Especially now, after what has been said."

He was of course referring to Leia's recent warning.

“What happened with Leia was the consequence of an irrational reaction on Anakin’s part. She wanted to do what was right, and went through with it. Anakin has to realize that his actions all have repercussions. All of them. And he has to work all the harder to overcome the damage he’s already caused.”

It pained Qui-Gon to speak about the boy he held in such high regard this way, but he was never one to shy away from the truth.

“I want nothing more than to provide support for him, but if all my efforts are rebuffed and my advice ignored, then there is only so much I can do. At least by removing myself from his living space, I can remove some upsetting factors that can cause him to lash out and I can provide a safe space for you, Rey, and anyone else involved.”

He let his hand fall from Obi-Wan’s shoulder and come to a rest against the younger man’s elbow. He didn’t break any physical contact.

“I’m not giving up on him, Obi-Wan, but I need to consider what is best for everyone.”

At the moment Obi-Wan came to a stop to turn and stare at Qui-Gon in disbelief as realization dawned on him.

"You agree with her. Anakin is nothing more than a threat in your eyes."

It wasn't a question, it was a statement. And it left younger Jedi flabbergasted.

"You, of all people. The one who found him, insisted on training him, and was his staunchest supporter. Defying the council, and me, when you were told he was dangerous. And then giving the task to me with your dying breath. And now you're just... changing your mind?"

This wasn't the master who trained him. He could hardly believe they were even having this conversation.

"You say it wasn't my fault that I nearly killed you while under the influence of this world. Yet Anakin is to blame for a rant while he was under its influence as well? It warrants a public announcement that will only cause fear and anger?"

Obi-Wan then took a deep breath and shook his head sadly, the hurt was clear in his blue eyes.

"You say you haven't given up on him. Yet isn't inaction just that?"

Edited 2017-10-07 02:41 (UTC)

"Anakin's public spectacle was one symptom of a larger problem," Qui-Gon's voice remained steady, even in the face of Obi-Wan's distress. It didn't change how the display made his heart hurt, but he was a Jedi. He could put personal feelings to the wayside in deference to the greater good.

"It's a problem that you don't have. You've posed a threat only when under this planet's influence. The same can't be said of him," he continued as images of Obi-Wan laying prone in a hospital bed, a victim of Anakin's raging emotions, flashed through his mind. He kept them to himself, along with the heartache the visions brought.

"Despite that, my goal isn't to stand idly by. I will support you both, but I will have to do it without constant involvement. And I will have to do it with everyone's safety in mind."

Edited 2017-10-07 03:34 (UTC)

"I will not deny that Anakin has problems," he said back. His tone shifting from hurt to indignance. "It's because of that, that he needs help and support, not slanderous public remarks. The way to keep everyone safe is to keep Anakin from fulfilling his future. What Leia has done is the exact opposite of that."

He would not, and could not, agree with Leia or Qui-Gon on this matter. Again, he found himself deeply disappointed. He was a Jedi as well, and that called for compassion. Which was one of Obi-Wan's strongest traits.

"Anakin has made progress. If you would speak to him you would know as much. Unequally judging him based on past offenses, many of which were beyond his control, is unfair. If he is to blame, then I am to blame as well."

With that, Obi-Wan tugged on Rooh's reigns and continued to walk. Qui-Gon's talk of support only coming as hollow after his other comments. It was clear to him that he was alone in this matter. He would drop off the food and then be on his way.

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