Qui-Gon woke first, and as usual, woke all at once, levering up
on an elbow. He looked down at the lovely young man nestled
against him, and smiled. [The second most beautiful thing in
the galaxy is my Obi-Wan sleeping,] he mused. He trailed a
finger down his padawan's arm, then sighed and gently removed
himself from him, setting a pillow under his lover's head.
Obi-Wan sighed in contentment and unconsciously adjusted,
clasping the pillow. Qui-Gon dropped a kiss on his sleeping
lover's forehead, then rose from the bed.
He picked up his discarded breeches from the floor and pulled
them on, found his hair tie which he used to simply tie around
his head to keep his hair back. Then he went out to the main
room. There he came to the broken lightsaber, lying forgotten
in the middle of the floor. For a long moment Qui-Gon stood
there, hands on his hips, regarding it solemnly. [And then
there's this,] he thought, remembering the list of things he
and his padawan needed to talk about. [But this will be
easiest.] He picked it up and went out to the stone veranda.
It was evening, the first stars already twinkling high above
the surrounding woods. The waterfall was softly trickling, but
there was no other sound. The Jedi Master appreciated the
peace, relieved again that they were able to avoid returning to
Coruscant. Here was only life, peace, and the Force, and in
ample measure. Soberly Qui-Gon wondered if he would be calling
Dantooine home in the near future... and thought that might not
be so terrible. [Yet...]
He stepped to the side of the wide, still pool. "Yes," he
whispered in silent assent to the decision he'd already made.
He tossed the 'saber into the pool and watched it sink to the
bottom.
Qui-Gon knew well the arguments he would get from his padawan,
his former master, their Healer, the Council... could any of
them understand the enormity of what he'd nearly done with
that... thing?
Glancing aside, he saw a good-sized grassy lawn to the right of
the pond, easily large enough for a quite decent practice
field. [I need this, need to purge my thoughts into the Force,]
he thought, sighing as he walked to the middle of it. Soberly
he thought of the near-disastrous Storm Cloud jemna that he had
forced his apprentice to try with him. Then he thought back to
the beautiful Shia-Ghree or "Two Birds" jemna he and Obi-Wan
had performed for the Council five years ago when they proved
that they'd developed the mind-communion critical for Master
and Padawan to achieve. [There are many jemna that do not use
lightsabers,] he considered, thinking.
He chose. The Jedi Master moved gracefully into the opening
movement of the Dream Path jemna. An unusual choice for a
Diplomat, it was favored by the Contemplative Discipline for
its length and complexity... and generally only attempted by
Masters. Qui-Gon had learned it as therapy when recovering from
Xanatos's betrayal.
Qui-Gon closed his eyes, holding the position. He would wed his
senses, mind, and body to the Force, letting all concerns, all
memory, all pains fly free in the Force, hopefully to renew his
spirit in return. He began.
Obi-Wan woke abruptly, which was unusual for him, but he was
immediately aware that he was missing an Oraclys. He drew his
breath in sharply, wondering how Qui-Gon could have possibly
left their bed, then he calmed as soon as he touched their
bond. Just like that, he knew. Qui-Gon was outside, exercising.
Relieved, he crossed his legs and just sat for a moment,
rubbing his face. Then he realized he was missing a rare
opportunity.
Nude, he padded into the main room, then snagged his robe,
drawing it on as he went to the door to the veranda. Then he
saw - his master engaged in a jemna he did not recognize.
Respectfully, Obi-Wan sat by the edge of the pool to watch,
folding the robe close around him.
In the glimmering half-light, the Jedi Master was achingly
beautiful in form and grace, his long limbs all silver and
white. Obi-Wan watched the jemna in awe of his master's beauty
and skill, wondering about this strange form. It looked
fantastically difficult, a seemingly random series of complex
movements, with no apparent repetitions. [Perhaps I should not
be here,] he wondered, glancing back at the cottage briefly. [I
don't want to distract him...]
Then he felt the soft touch in his mind. **Just be still for
me,** he heard Qui-Gon's mental voice whisper. **I need this.**
Obi-Wan nodded, stilling as well. Something tugged at his
awareness. Frowning, he glanced into the pool. Then he saw it,
the lightsaber hilt lying on the bottom, clearly visible. He
blinked at it for a moment, then looked back at his master.
[He's been at this for a while,] he noted, frowning for he
could now see the sweat on Qui-Gon's brow and chest. Obi-Wan
understood... he thought. Qui-Gon was eager to live, death by
his own hand having been all too near.
Hugging his knees, Obi-Wan worked to center himself, not
wanting to think about this too much before they could talk,
then opened himself to sensing the currents of the Force, the
subtle symphony of beautiful energies his master was
generating. He felt his beloved Qui-Gon's growing peace, and
knew that was all that mattered.
Hours later, Qui-Gon, spent but serene, knelt on the grass and
sat back on his heels, breathing deeply. **Come to me,
Beloved,** he sent through their bond.
Obi-Wan uncurled, letting the robe slip off his shoulders as he
stood. As he'd hoped, his lover's eyes widened to see his nude
form, as pearlescent in the rising moonlight as his own body.
Smoothly Obi-Wan sauntered over to him, holding his gaze with
his own. Now was not the time to bring up the subject of the
lightsaber.
Qui-Gon watched his Oraclys approach, eyes glittering as he
felt arousal build within him. He slipped off his breeches and
laid back on the grass, raising his arms above his head. **The
third most beautiful sight in the galaxy, Padawan, is you in
moonlight,** he whispered in the silence.
**I missed one in there somewhere,** Obi-Wan replied, grinning.
He stepped over his lover to straddle him, then lowered himself
to sit on Qui-Gon's abdomen. He reached back to caress the
lengthening erection nestled against his buttocks.
**Number two was my Obi-Wan sleeping,** the elder Jedi informed
him, sighing at the caress. **Oh, that feels good...**
They did not feel like speaking aloud. The silence was too
welcome. **That jemna... it was amazing, Qui-Gon. But I don't
recognize it.** He left off stroking his lover's member,
shifting his weight to lean forward and capture the other's
mouth with his. **And good evening.**
Qui-Gon sighed again, but into his mouth. **Good evening... and
that was the Hnuni-Da.** He twined the padawan braid around his
hand, holding Obi-Wan in place.
The subtle pressure at the root of his braid made Obi-Wan
shiver with lust. **The Dream Path! But I thought that was a
Contemplative jemna.**
**It is. Mmmm, I am distinctly hungry, love, but you taste so
good - you are an eminently suitable appetizer.** The Master
pulled more on the braid, deepening the kiss.
Obi-Wan groaned, as much from the sharpening arousal as from
his master's maddeningly irritating attempts to avoid
satisfying his padawan's curiosity. **You... all right, I will
ask later. Force!**
Qui-Gon chuckled in his mouth, then took his lover's lower lip
in both of his to suck on it gently. **I will tell... later.
Right now...** He finished the sentence in a non-verbal manner,
shifting his hips to subtly thrust his erection against
Obi-Wan's crack.
Gasping, Obi-Wan pulled his mouth from Qui-Gon's, trying to
pull the braid away, but Qui-Gon slipped his other arm up along
the other's back and lifted his own torso up enough to capture
a pink nipple with his lips. The suddenly intense sensation
caused Obi-Wan to wriggle and laugh aloud in delight at his
lover's aggressive methods. Then the laugh turned into a moan
as Qui-Gon went for the other nipple, suckling avidly.
**Want you, Oraclys,** Qui-Gon sent into his young love's mind,
caressing their bond sensually.
**Yes, have me,** Obi-Wan returned, running his hand up his
beloved's sweat-slick side to coat his hand. As Qui-Gon laid
back to watch, he added his own spit to the moisture, then
reached back again to coat his master's erection with the
mixture. Finally he positioned the head of the penis at his
opening.
**Obi-Wan...**
**It's enough,** Obi-Wan hastily assured him, shifting position
to assist the entry. **I'm still loose and lubricated from
before. And...** He placed both hands on Qui-Gon's stomach,
balancing as he accepted his lover's member into his body. As
before, there was the little nudge from the Force aiding
Oraclys to join with Oraclys. "Ohhhh..." Obi-Wan moaned as he
was filled with Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon restrained himself from mentioning the fourth most
beautiful thing in the galaxy, deciding to simply enjoy the
vision of his lover filling himself this way, his young face
transformed as he concentrated. He ran his hands up Obi-Wan's
thighs, caressing and gentling him to get him to relax.
And then - it happened again. Both, this time, abruptly seeing
in their minds' eyes a mental image of Qui-Gon, bleeding and
torn, trying to turn his lightsaber on himself. It was Qui-Gon
who gasped, for this was Obi-Wan's memory of him. Then hands
clamped onto his wrists, holding his attention. **Center on me,
Qui,** Obi-Wan sent, flooding their bond with denial of the
image, replacing it with a better one - Qui-Gon, performing the
Hnuni-Da in the pale moonlight. And to punctuate the
replacement, he began to move up and down on Qui-Gon's penis.
It worked. Qui-Gon tightened his grip on his lover's thighs,
now thrusting up with his hips in sync with Obi-Wan's downward
plunges. One hand lifted from his wrist to take up the
unattended erection, stroking it also in time with their
thrusts. As they made love finally, Qui-Gon sent back yet
another image - what he was seeing right now, his Oraclys
riding him so agilely.
**I want to be filled with you over and over again,** Obi-Wan
moaned into their sizzling bond. **Wish I could erase those
memories... both of ours.**
**Do not, Beloved,** Qui-Gon shot back. To get a better grip on
his lover's legs, he'd slipped his hands under Obi-Wan's knees
to grip his thighs from the side, fingers curving around the
top. **We will take away their ability to harm us in time.
This... helps.**
Obi-Wan balanced himself carefully, letting his lover pound
into him now. He threw his head back, braid flying, stroking
his erection hard. The sight sent wild electricity through the
Jedi Master's senses and all too soon they were both climaxing,
moaning loudly. As Qui-Gon, shuddering, filled his lover with
his semen, Obi-Wan shot stream after silken stream onto his
master's chest. As before, the Force surged powerfully through
them both, affirming their union, their love, their new nature
as Oraclyne.
Elsewhere, Maki' Windsailor had his own erection out of his
pants and in his hand before he fully realized what he was
doing. Then he laughed nervously at himself, putting himself to
rights again... and carefully ignored the unfortunate feedback
he had received yet again from the lovemaking Oraclyne. [This
is NOT good,] he thought, sobering as he firmed up his own
shields. [That's it, I have to turn them over to someone else.
Damn it, Maki', old man, you *did* get too close. Damn.]
Sighing, he returned his attention to the database. [I'll tell
T'kennu in the morning,] he thought morosely. On a whim, he
idly paged ahead in the Oraclyne archive stopping on a random
page some hundred pages further into the massive document,
which ran to nearly a hundred thousand pages. What he saw when
he read the page stunned him. He paged ahead farther, found
more on this new discovery and settled in to read.
In minutes, he realized he wasn't going to be ceasing his work
with the Jedi Oraclyne after all... to both his delight and
dismay.
After making love yet another time in the refresher, the two
Diplomats emerged clean, dry... and ready to launch into some
needed discussion between them. Fresh clothing was retrieved
from their packs - mental notes being made to spend some time
later in unpacking and general housekeeping since it was clear
they would likely be here a while - and they dressed...
separately, their thoughts already turning over the facts
concerning the decisions they now faced.
[I need to exercise. I need to meditate. And I'm starving,] the
Senior Padawan Diplomat told himself, arriving in the common
room before his master... and continuing on to the kitchen
area. Rapidly he assembled a platter of foods that would not
need extra preparation from the stores that had been provided:
sliced meats, bread, fruit, cheese. He set those out on the
table in their large common room with plates, glasses and a
pitcher of water, and had his own plate filled and had started
in on it when his master finally came into the room.
Abruptly he left off eating and went to him. "Let me do your
hair," Obi-Wan said quickly, intending to go get his master's
brush and his leather hair tie. Although the hair was dried and
combed out, it still fell around his face.
"No, let it go," Qui-Gon said quickly, a hand on his arm. When
his apprentice turned to stare at him, he'd moved off, heading
for the table. "Thank you for setting out something to eat,
Padawan." He picked up a plate and began to fill it.
"You're welcome," Obi-Wan replied quietly. There was nothing
unusual in their bond, and the Oraclyne connection was sated
and calm. He returned to his seat to resume eating.
Still, there was a subtle tension between them. Obi-Wan took a
deep breath, understanding that this was an adjustment they
would need to make frequently now that they were lovers:
shifting from lovers back to Master-Padawan. He worked to calm
himself, centering, even as he ate his meal, reminding himself
what Qui-Gon was to him first and foremost - his Master,
mentor, teacher... the man who first held his obedience and to
whom he owed the highest respect. [Yes, even though I ache for
him with every fiber of my being,] he thought, then worked for
a few moments to put that in its place. [Later...]
Qui-Gon had no less of an adjustment to make, for he did not
want to think about Obi-Wan's age or how many years he still
had to go - under the normal course of action, that is - to be
Knighted. The bottom line was that they were not equals in the
Order... and must behave accordingly when appropriate.
"Padawan," he said at last when they were nearly done, "please
tell me your feelings and concerns for the future. This, more
than is usual, will be a joint decision. Still, you may wish to
yield the decision to me... but if so, I require your detailed
input." He looked up at him then, solemn though a corner of his
mouth moved up, affording him a little smile. And behind the
solemnity was the warmth of his love.
"Master," Obi-Wan began in a low voice, placing his hands in
his lap. He was as calm as he was going to get. "I would be the
Jedi Oraclyne with you."
Qui-Gon inclined his head smoothly, formally. "That is not in
dispute, Padawan. We *will* be the Jedi Oraclyne. But there is
more to this than that."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan agreed. He stared at the elder Jedi
until Qui-Gon looked back. "I would also complete my training
with you to become a Knight Diplomat of the Jedi Order." [Oh,
please, agree my love... I have wanted this so long...]
The Master stilled, searching his student's eyes serenely.
"But, Obi-Wan, we are to be Healers now."
[He better be testing me,] the apprentice thought, his heart
pounding. [He is very, very good at this game, far better than
me. I'm going to assume that's what he's up to...] Aloud he
replied, "Yes, Master, we will be Healers. But I want to be
Knighted as a Diplomat as well." [Calm, I will be calm.]
"Two Disciplines, Padawan?" Qui-Gon looked skeptical. "How is
that possible, Padawan? No one belongs to two Disciplines at
the same time. Or did you plan to study to be a Healer after
becoming a Knight Diplomat? Hardly seems worth it, to waste all
that training." The warmth was gone for the moment, replaced
with neutrality.
Obi-Wan relaxed. With that last sentence, he knew his master's
intent. For of course Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn himself was not
going to simply cease being a Diplomat, either. [Right, I knew
that - he's the seniormost Diplomat, effectively the head of
the entire Discipline...] The Jedi Disciplines had no "heads",
but the top Masters in each Discipline were widely known and
respected, their counsel avidly sought. [And as far as "two
Disciplines" goes, it's just the sort of thing that Master Jinn
is likely to try. The Council will absolutely hate it, and he
will love it...] "Then the training must not go to waste,
Master," Obi-Wan replied with a smile.
Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes, reading their bond. It was clear
Obi-Wan knew what he was maneuvering toward; did he assent to
it? [I think that's enough formality for the moment,] he
thought, rising from his seat. He held out his hand to his
apprentice, his lips curving into a smile finally. "Come, my
Obi-Wan, I believe I want my Oraclys close for this particular
discussion."
The smile widening to a relieved grin, Obi-Wan took his hand
and went with him to the couch. The Jedi Master sat, then drew
his padawan down, sitting him close, his arm around his
shoulders. "Much better," he murmured as Obi-Wan took his free
hand in both of his. "Now... we were discussing your training.
If you continue to study to be a Knight Diplomat, you will find
it difficult to integrate those studies with your Healer
studies. It will delay your Knighting, for sure."
Obi-Wan did not look at him, far more interested in the
closeness. [This is what matters, that we're together now.] He
lifted the hand in his to his lips, and kissed the back of it
reverently. "I do not mind, Master. I will be a Knight someday
and I will be with you."
For a moment Qui-Gon thought of adding to his list of beautiful
sights, but he pulled himself back sharply to the matter at
hand. "I am ready to tell you of my vision for our future, my
sweet padawan, unless you have more to add?" [Force, he's
beautiful...]
Obi-Wan glanced up and winked at him. "No, Master."
"Good," Qui-Gon sighed. He lifted the hands folded around his,
kissing the back of one in turn. "My Obi-Wan, the Jedi Oraclyne
will need to become its own Discipline."
"Master?!" Obi-Wan was stunned and deeply delighted. [He
WOULD!] "The Council..."
Qui-Gon looked up, meeting his eyes. "The Council has failed us
once already. I cannot depend on their judgment in this matter,
Obi-Wan. Our needs as Oraclyne come before the needs of the
Order. The question they need to ask themselves is: 'how can
the Oraclyne best serve the Republic?' They must weigh all of
our gifts and skills... that of the Diplomats we are... and the
Healers we are also becoming. I foresee our 'Healing' to be of
a different sort than most Healers and even the other
Oraclynes. Something that combines our skill and knowledge in
negotiation and psychology as Diplomats with the empathy and
Healing of the Oraclyne."
Obi-Wan felt a growing excitement. A new Discipline! "There are
societies, Master, where hope has vanished and dread stalks the
streets. I... I saw one myself - Melida/Daan! Locked in their
useless struggles, doomed to kill without hope of ending the
impasse..." He turned suddenly to bury his head against his
master's shoulder, the reminder of those hard times between
them unwelcome. **We left because negotiations had exhausted
all possibilities. Now perhaps the Oraclyne can continue beyond
that point to heal a people so that they may turn back
from...**
"The Dark," Qui-Gon finished in a whisper. "Yes, my Obi-Wan,
you see. We have been on many missions where we had to leave a
situation unresolved. A Diplomat can only work within the
established parameters, not interfering but simply clearing the
way, clarifying, helping each side to see the other's view.
When this does not work... we leave. Now... if asked to go into
such a hopeless situation, we may go where Diplomats do not
go... to the point of healing a people. But as Jedi we would
have to be asked to accomplish that. Likely we would go in
after another Diplomat team leaves. It may not be flesh we were
called to heal as Oraclyne, my loving Obi-Wan... but hearts and
spirits. As you have already healed mine."
"Oh, Master..." Obi-Wan's heart was full, and he now felt the
Oraclyne connection singing within them both. The Force was
here, strong and true, calling them to their new destiny. He
sighed as loving arms closed around him. "Oraclys..."
"Oraclys..." Qui-Gon echoed in response, feeling deeply
content. But he knew all too well that things would never be as
simple as that. "Obi-Wan, we are not taking some very important
things into consideration here. The theory sounds wonderful,
but I think Belvin Three showed us that it cannot work."
Obi-Wan sat up to look at him. "Why?" He'd already been hoping
they could still go back to Melida/Daan, even after all this
time. "But you just said..."
Qui-Gon stroked his cheek tenderly. "I am as much a dreamer as
you, Beloved. It sounds wonderful, but there are problems with
this lovely scenario."
"Such as?"
"Such as the Jedi Code... and the wear and tear on our own
spirits," Qui-Gon replied, sighing deeply. "We may not change
people's minds for them... and do not think that the horrors we
have already seen in our work will not increase if we go this
way. We may not endanger our mortal lives as much... but the
emotions we will need to deal with are going to wear on us.
Healers do burn out... just as Diplomats do. If we take on
*those* kinds of missions like Melida/Daan, we are going to
have to develop far tougher skins emotionally to merely
survive. And that would hurt our ability to heal." He leaned in
to kiss the young man's cheek. "No matter what we do, my
Obi-Wan, I'm guessing we're going to need something of an
emotional buffer."
They sat in silence for a moment, considering the sobering
reality of their situation. Healers were particularly
vulnerable, especially if their empathy rating was high. The
Jedi Oraclyne may be able to soothe the hearts of many, but
there could be a cost to themselves that would not be
acceptable. Even after dispelling the negative energies on
Belvin Three, the memories left behind were still affecting
both of them.
Then the two Oraclys looked into each other's eyes. As one,
something occurred to them. "Maki'," they breathed together,
then Obi-Wan added, "Could that be why he received feedback
from us though he doesn't have a bond with us?"
"It could be," Qui-Gon affirmed, nodding with interest. He
smiled, thinking of their Healer friend. "I wonder what the
Archives say about that? And I hope he isn't going to mind
this..."
"We're still missing a lot of answers," Obi-Wan sighed. "We're
not going to be able to make any long term plans until we know
a lot more about what we're capable of... and what we aren't."
The Master nodded, relieved that his eager apprentice could be
so accepting. "But though we need to know more, my love, we can
decide a few things anyway. One - I *will* train you to be able
to take your Trials one day to become a Knight Diplomat. Two,
we will obviously need to study to be Healers. No matter what,
our work will be changing. We are not going to switch
Disciplines. But we cannot decide more until we truly know what
we are... and are capable of."
Obi-Wan sighed and settled back onto his master's shoulder.
"Yes, Master. Do we need to contact Maki'?"
Qui-Gon hugged his lover closer. "The morning will be soon
enough, love."
As they were not yet adjusted to Dantooine's day/night cycle,
they spent much of the night settling into the cottage,
unpacking and exploring their temporary home. The provisions
were ample, the furnishings more comfortable than what they
were used to... and they had twice as much space as in their
quarters on Coruscant.
When the Master caught his apprentice running in the house to
get something he'd asked for, Qui-Gon laughed and sent Obi-Wan
outside to exercise, recognizing his padawan's need to get rid
of excess energy... though mentally he added a promise for a
different sort of exercise later. Happily Obi-Wan dashed
outside, and started to go through the warmup forms.
Qui-Gon smiled, watching him for a moment, then went back
inside. [We'll meditate together later,] he mused to himself as
he sat down at the cottage's full-size data and communications
terminal. He was pleased to see that the Oraclyne Archives were
accessible already; Maki', he recognized with relief, had been
quick to get it loaded into the Dantooine mainframe. But
instead of reading, he found himself calling the Temple on
Coruscant to locate Master Diplomat Jil-Ba Rendovar. To his
surprise, his former lover was back on Coruscant.
"Qui-Gon," the other Master greeted his holoscreen image with
shock. "I didn't expect..." The blond man seemed shook to see
him. He turned to his padawan hovering in the background, and
ordered her to leave the room.
"I know, Jil," Qui-Gon answered solemnly. "I just called to let
you know that everything is fine between Obi-Wan and myself.
We're at the retreat center on Dantooine. But I also want to
know if you're all right."
"They broke our bond," Jil-Ba murmured, hugging his arms to
himself.
"I know," Qui-Gon replied quietly. "I am sorry for that
necessity. And please forgive me for... what happened in the
garden. I never should have used you like that."
Jil ducked his head, emotion rising within him. "You weren't
yourself. We were told you were... you were... mentally ill. I
am sorry we got carried away, too."
"Have you heard from Rae? Do you know where she is?" Qui-Gon
asked, suppressing a brief wave of remorse. [I need to
meditate, center,] he told himself, checking the integrity of
his shields.
"She's on mission," Jil responded, sighing. "I spoke to her a
couple days ago. She and her padawan are fine, keeping busy.
Rae..." He paused, thinking.
"Rae, what?" Qui-Gon asked. [He's got that look that means he's
trying to deal with something,] he noted.
The other master squared his shoulders. "We talked about you
and Obi-Wan... she believes you two are meant to be together,
you know. I... I'm trying to accept that, Qui. What happened in
the garden... well, I suppose I got my hopes up a little, you
know, that the three of us..." He trailed off and glanced away.
"But I do know better. This Oraclyne thing... Gali Hyr says you
two are going to be these powerful Healers..."
Qui-Gon looked upon his former lover with compassion.
"Something like that," he murmured gently. "Jil, we always knew
our respective work was going to prevent us all from being
together anyway... and Rae far more than myself believed that
Obi-Wan was destined to be my mate."
Jil shot a glance at him, startled at the c
To Jil-Ba's surprise, he felt relief at the invitation.
"Really? You want us there?"
Qui-Gon chuckled. "Oh, Jil, we've been friends too long... I
cannot imagine my best friends not being present at such an
occasion. We are still friends, are we not?"
"I...!" Jil-Ba was speechless. He realized that Rae had been
right - they could love Qui-Gon enough to want him to be happy
with the love of his life, his precious Obi-Wan. And they had
been friends since they were all padawans. "Yes, of course,"
Jil answered finally. "And we'd love to come. Can I ask... will
you two be Healers now?"
"Of sorts," Qui-Gon replied, winking.
Jil-Ba rolled his eyes at him. "That's just like you, Qui!
Well, I'm glad it's you and not me who has to stand in front of
the Council and tell them... whatever it is you plan to tell
them! I'm sure, whatever it is, they won't like it."
"Their problem, not mine," Qui-Gon laughed. "The needs of the
Order must be weighed against the needs and abilities of the
Oraclyne. And there is no clear picture on all that yet.
Obi-Wan and I need time together right now... a lot of it. I do
not expect to stand in front of the Council any time soon."
They chatted a bit longer, talking about Jil's new padawan,
Rae's missions. Qui-Gon got Jil-Ba to admit he'd been thinking
about asking Rae to take life vows with him. Jil-Ba promised to
call Rae when her mission was over and share this conversation
with her. The two old friends both agreed it was good to have
talked... then it was over and Qui-Gon was shutting down the
comlink.
A moment later, arms slid down around his shoulders from
behind, and a kiss was pressed into his cheek.
"Obi-Wan," he sighed, feeling the warmth surge between them.
"were you listening?"
"Of course not, Master," Obi-Wan replied, hugging his Oraclys.
"I do not eavesdrop into your communications. But I do know you
were talking to Jil-Ba... and that all is well. That's all I
need to know. I love you, Qui-Gon."
"And I love you..." With a deep, happy sigh, the Master
Diplomat stood and turned to gather his apprentice and lover
close within his embrace. He smiled down at him, his expression
relaxed, then bent his head down to kiss him. **Thanks for
understanding,** he sent through their bond. **I needed to know
they were all right. And to let them know we were.**
**I'm glad you did then, Qui,** Obi-Wan returned. Happily he
parted his lips to let his lover's tongue slip inside.
**You only practiced for a half hour, Padawan,** the master
gently teased him. **You don't think I'm going to let you get
away with that, do you?**
Grinning, Obi-Wan pulled very slowly off his mouth. "No, of
course not," he replied aloud, then turned and walked back out
the open glass door to the veranda.
Qui-Gon narrowed his eyes, watching him. There was a
distinct... *saunter*... to his padawan's walk that hadn't been
there before. A subtle hint to the Jedi Master that a certain
promise was expected to be kept later. Slowly he smiled.
[Eventually,] he thought with amusement.
Unable to sleep, Maki' Windsailor managed to get his -
apparently - former Healer partner on his vidscreen. It was
becoming clear to him that he likely would not be working with
Gallidys Hyr much longer. "Gali," he greeted the Pytthrvan, "so
they sent you off Coruscant, I hear?"
Gali Hyr made a high-pitched noise that was something between a
squawk and a snarl. "I was in the Council's face too much, it
seems, this Oraclyne stuff, of course." The head crest bobbed
once, then settled. "But they don't know I retained a copy of
the Oraclyne archives. Maki', I should be there on Dantooine
with you. It's going to take both of us and both of *them* a
month just to go through all of this properly. I'm going to
call T'kennu, see if he can't pull a string or two..."
"Gali, wait, you should know something," Maki' broke in
finally. He smiled, used to his ebullient friend's enthusiasm.
"You run across any references to an 'Oracine' yet?"
"Er, once or twice... another damn puzzle. Something about a
pet? The Oraclyne keeps domesticated animals around as an
emotional buffer?" Gali frowned, wondering what this was all
about.
Maki' had read all he could find on the subject, then spent all
evening scanning ahead for more references. As usual, the
chronological nature of the material made that a very
hit-or-miss approach, but he did read enough to glean what he
thought was a working theory as to what kind of a "connection"
he had with the Oraclyne. "Gali, it's worse than that," he
began, suppressing a chuckle. It was as funny as it was
intimidating. "You're right about part of that - the Oraclyne
does need to be surrounded by one or two emotional buffers. But
sometimes those buffers are human. Gali, I've been with them a
*lot* this past week..." He trailed off, knowing the astute
Master Healer would infer the rest.
"Sith!" the Pytthrvan Healer exclaimed in astonishment. "You're
trying to tell me you've become some sort of Oracine? Have you
been, er, intimate with them?"
Maki' laughed, though he was appalled that his friend asked
that. A Healer, in their vows to the Order, made promises of
emotional detachment, which meant, according to their
Discipline's Subcode, that a Healer would not become
emotionally involved with a patient. And the Oraclyne certainly
fell in that category. It wasn't that Healers were to be
detached from their emotions of course, just that they were to
be detached from deeper involvements. Friendship was, however,
not expressly forbidden. "Of course not! Gali, you Sith-spawned
Mynock!"
"Oh, good one," Gali laughed, though he was relieved. "Sorry, I
do know you better than that, my friend. You know, had to
ask... and I do know you consider those two rather easy on the
eyes..."
"Gali, you are outrageous!" Maki' declared, laughing. "Anyway,
I do not believe they know about this yet, though I'm sure
they're aware of the feedback I received when..." He blushed
abruptly while his friend laughed back at him. "Never mind
that!"
"Oh, now I see!" Gali replied, still teasing, though he was in
truth sympathetic to the other Healer's situation. "Tell you
what, I'll come out there as soon as I can and chaperone
you..."
"Gali!"
More laughter was the only response. The Pytthrvan waved his
farewell then the vidscreen went dead.
[Oh, I am in so much trouble now,] Maki' thought, sighing. He
punched up the Oraclyne Archives again. [And my only defense
will be more knowledge, so...]
A half hour into their meditation session, Obi-Wan opened one
eye to peer at his master kneeling opposite him. They'd set
mats out on the stone patio, preferring to meditate in the
cool, fresh air. It was early summer at the retreat center, but
dawn was still a several hours away.
[He really is himself again,] the Jedi padawan thought with a
deeply pleased thrill, indulging in the sight of his master in
meditation. He was careful to keep his end of the bond calm.
[Force, but I missed this, more than times when on mission when
we simply did not have time to meditate. I did not know if I'd
ever seem him like this again...]
He was struck by his master's serene, august beauty, and his
stillness. Qui-Gon Jinn at meditation was like a statue, though
Obi-Wan knew well from personal experience that the Jedi Master
retained enough awareness to react with lightning swiftness at
need. [Oh, no,] the young Jedi thought, paling, [of course he's
aware that I'm watching him right now. And... he's allowing
it.]
There was no reaction from his master's end of their bond, but
Obi-Wan had no doubt that his teacher, no, his *Oraclys* was
very aware of him. Concentrating on breathing slowly and
evenly, he let his gaze wash over the face he loved most. Then
his eyes widened as he noticed something he hadn't before.
Some... things. [He's so relaxed... it's as if he's lost some
of the lines on his face, as if something has smoothed them
out... and his hair... Force, it's so gorgeous, unbound like
this, but... somehow it's richer and fuller. Is it the light?
Or does he look somehow... younger? He's so utterly
beautiful...]
His gaze fell to the open throat of his master's tunics, the
triangle of skin over his windpipe... [I want to kiss him
there, peel away the fabric and kiss everywhere as soon as it's
exposed to the light.] He smiled, enjoying the thought. [I
could meditate on his body,] he added to himself, and let out a
little sigh.
Obi-Wan looked back up to the closed eyes again. When they
opened, directly meeting his gaze, he was flooded with an
adrenaline rush. "Master..." he breathed. He was caught.
"Padawan..." Qui-Gon sighed, his lips curving in a slight
smile. "Is your heart at peace?"
The young Diplomat blinked. "Yes, Master. Looking upon my
beloved is very calming."
The smile deepened. "Then it is time for bed, Padawan. Shall
we?" A long-fingered hand was gracefully extended.
Obi-Wan took the hand, feeling a tingle beginning, a thrum of
arousal. "Yes, please," he murmured, rising to his feet with
him.
His heart beating fast, he soon stood inside the doorway to
their bedroom as if he'd forgotten to come the rest of the way
in. Obi-Wan watched his master casually strip, laying his
clothes on a chair. Then, still not in the least
self-consciously, Qui-Gon lay down on their bed in an easy
sprawl. Obi-Wan's mouth was dry. A part of his mind still could
not believe this feast was going to be his, really his.
"Obi-Wan?" his master inquired, the corner of his mouth
quirking up as he enjoyed his lover's distraction.
"Oh," Obi-Wan sighed, coming nearer, but was still absorbed in
looking up and down the length of his lover's large and long
body. "Force," he breathed, then became aware. "Oh, right,
clothes," he murmured, and quickly removed his belt and sash.
When Qui-Gon sat up in interest, Obi-Wan paused, his hands
stilling on his tabard, hardly trembling at all. "Ah... you
want me to be slow or fast about this?"
"Um," Qui-Gon made an unhelpful noise, then lay back, sighing.
"I do not think I can wait for a more satisfying...
performance. Somewhere in the middle."
"Oh, very well," Obi-Wan replied, smirking as he resumed
removing his clothes. Despite the fact that the hot regard of
his master's eyes was having a noticeable effect on a certain
part of his anatomy, he undressed in an unhurried fashion, as
if he undressed before his master every day.
As he would now. He could not help a shiver. [He really is mine
now, Qui-Gon Jinn is mine...] Then he recovered his more adult
poise and confidence, hiding a smile. [Force, I'm so lucky...]
When he was nude, Obi-Wan paused, a hand laid against his naked
thigh, his other wrist at the small of his back as he leaned
his weight back on one heel. "So... do you like what you see?"
He could not help settling into a wicked grin as he posed in
not-very-subtle invitation.
A sound emitted from the Jedi Master that was suspiciously like
a purr. "I not only like that, I want it on me... now."
The grin deepened. In two steps, the Jedi padawan was climbing
over his lover, straddling him and laying his body fully
against his. Qui-Gon chuckled, clasping the slim hips with his
large hands, adjusting the lithe young body to fit against his.
"Oh, much better," he sighed.
Obi-Wan couldn't agree more. "Want all of you," he purred back,
tangling his hands in the long hair, his lips finding a nipple.
Sighing he licked it, tasting first, then settled in to suckle.
[So good, my Qui-Gon tastes so good...]
"Oh, love," Qui-Gon moaned, arching into the sensation. After a
moment he shifted Obi-Wan to the other nipple. "Force, that's
so good..." His hands roamed down the taut, muscular back, then
reached down to cup the cheeks of his lover's buttocks.
Obi-Wan gasped, a jolt of desire flaring through him. He thrust
once against the erection nestled against his. **Sith, it turns
me on so much when you do that!** he muttered into their bond,
wanting to dial up their mental intimacy as hot as their
physical intimacy. **Can I just come against you doing this?
This time?**
**Anything you want,** Qui-Gon poured back into their bond,
sharing his own intense arousal as he watched his beloved push
so wantonly against him. **Do you have any idea how exciting
you look?**
The reply was mingled with Force-caresses to his lover's mind.
**Oh, and which beautiful thing in the galaxy is that?**
Obi-Wan teased, thrusting again. He closed his eyes
momentarily, tilting his head back as he moved against his
master.
There was a gasp. Qui-Gon felt an electric spike of lust shoot
up his spine at the sensation of his avidly thrusting lover and
the sight of the lithe, muscular neck arched back. **My Obi-Wan
thrusting...** he moaned into their rapidly heated bond, **I
cannot count but it may be number six... oh, Force!**
His large hands tightened on the luscious round globes, causing
Obi-Wan to yelp in hot delight, and thrust back into the grip
as hard as he was thrusting against the other's erection. When
a finger lightly teased at his opening, the younger Jedi let
loose a long, low moan that made the elder tremble... and
Qui-Gon thought he could just as easily catalogue the most
erotic sounds in the galaxy, with that primal moan topping the
list.
**Qui-Gon...** Obi-Wan uttered, pouring his fierce desire and
his love into their bond, flooding his lover with the ache he
felt for him. **Master... my Oraclys, my all, my heart and
mate...**
Another sound pierced the silence, deeper and no less yearning,
a moan of need from the Jedi Master. **Sweet Padawan, my
Obi-Wan! Oh, my Oraclys, my breath, my soul...** He met the
thrust once, twice, then held onto the writhing body as Obi-Wan
came onto his belly, crying out his name, their bond shimmering
and bright with Force and life and love.
Then Obi-Wan collapsed against him, but lay there only a moment
before Qui-Gon was pulling him up to his mouth, kissing him
with a deep soul-felt ardor that made Obi-Wan tremble and
whimper. When at long last their lips parted, another whimper
was unabashedly emitted, this time from the Master. Eyes met,
smoky blue to deep, clear blue, and the Oraclyne connection
between them sang in bliss.
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon whispered aloud at last, his thumb caressing
his young love's lips.
The sound of his name uttered so husky and deep by his beloved
caused another shiver to travel through Obi-Wan. "Qui..."
"Please, my Beloved," Qui-Gon continued to whisper, searching
his eyes, "I would very much like to take you inside my body."
The words sent electricity through the apprentice's lean,
hard-muscled body. He groaned, then slid down his master's body
to press his face against Qui-Gon's groin, his hands clutching
his lover's hips.
Qui-Gon stilled at the unexpected move, and after a moment, his
hand came down to his padawan's head. Fingers filtered through
the bristly hair, and the root of the braid was as usual
fingered. The touch caused a shudder, but then Obi-Wan calmed.
A measure of deep peace stole between them for a precious
moment, a precursor to a renewal of passion. Obi-Wan sighed,
inhaling deeply, then pressing lips to the firm shaft beside
his cheek. "Oh..." he heard sighed above him, and smiled. [So,
more of the like would be welcome?] He brought one hand around
to fold around Qui-Gon's erect penis, turning his mouth to add
more kisses to the velvet skin. "I like this," he murmured,
then dared to run his tongue along the length of it.
"Obi..." Qui-Gon managed to gasp, almost lifting his hips off
the bed in reaction to the delicious sensation. Another lick,
and then nothing. Breathing a little heavily, the Master looked
down the length of his body to see his lover looking back at
him with a decidedly wicked smirk. "What..."
"You said you wanted me to take you into my body," Obi-Wan
murmured, daring to wink at him. "And so I shall." Abruptly
Obi-Wan was shifting position, from laying between Qui-Gon's
legs to sitting beside his hip, one leg still over Qui-Gon's,
the other folded underneath himself. And before the elder could
react, Obi-Wan bent down and folded his mouth over the head of
Qui-Gon's penis.
It was all the Jedi Master could do to keep from thrusting up
into his young lover's mouth. He made himself lie still, but a
groan escaped, and he felt as much as saw Obi-Wan smile even as
he swirled his tongue around the head.
**Like that?**
**You... that's not what I meant.** Qui-Gon moaned deeply as he
was engulfed yet further into his lover's avid mouth.
**No?** Obi-Wan used the tip of his tongue to tease the
foreskin down.
**Take me...**
Abruptly Obi-Wan found himself shoved over backwards onto his
elbow as the taller man turned over onto his stomach. Heart
suddenly pounding, Obi-Wan gaped as his lover levered up onto
his knees, legs wide apart in an unmistakable invitation. For a
moment he couldn't believe what he was seeing - his master, his
*lover* kneeling and open to him, chest to the bed, the long,
dark hair unbound and spilling over the long back. He laid a
hand to the other's hip as he sat up again then moved around
behind him. **Qui...**
A deep sigh and a rumble of satisfaction. **Take me...**
For a moment Obi-Wan caressed the long, lean calves and thighs
as he sat on his heels behind him, then, his hands still
moving, he leaned in to kiss one muscled cheek. "You're
magnificent," he whispered against the taut skin.
"I need this," Qui-Gon murmured quietly. His arms were folded
over his head, his face to the bed, eyes closed.
The hands stopped moving for a moment. "The bad images... are
they back?"
"No," Qui-Gon lied. In fact they had - the sight of Obi-Wan's
face frightened, filled with dismay, in pain - but he held
strong to a more preferred image: Obi-Wan smiling in moonlight.
For a brief moment he thought he'd seen a flash of Xanatos's
face again, but the new image steadied. [Perhaps he is still
helping me...] he thought, and sighed. "Don't stop..."
Then in their bond, no *outside* their bond, elsewhere but
close... some other cushion of emotional support. Maki'?
"Master?" Obi-Wan inquired, straightening.
"He cannot see or sense what we are doing, just that we are...
involved," Qui-Gon replied, his voice roughening. "Which he
already expects. Now, would you please...?"
Obi-Wan grinned and replied by laying a hand on either cheek
and exposing his lover's entrance better with his thumbs. Then
he ran his tongue over the opening, which caused a bright
shimmer of pleasure to pulse through their bond and in each of
their minds... as well as the physical reaction.
"Ahhhh!" Qui-Gon uttered, his hands bunching into fists in the
bed linens, his muscles tensing then relaxing. "More," he added
in a gasp.
It was unnecessary. Obi-Wan was immediately warming to his
task, his tongue laving over the sensitive opening, pressing,
circling, his hands holding tightly onto the now subtly moving
hips. It was so exciting to taste and feel his lover this way
that his own penis began to swell again. Breathing harder now,
he fisted himself a couple times, then straightened. A tendril
of Force was sent out; it caught and brought a vial of oil to
him from beside their bed.
Qui-Gon sighed bone-deeply as his lover prepared him, yielding
to this need to give himself like this to Obi-Wan, to open
himself to him in more ways than the physical. As his body
relaxed, so also his mental shields, as he opened to his
beloved across their pulsing bond. **Take...**
A deep groan behind him signaled his lover's agreement. "Need
you closer," Obi-Wan murmured, his hands sliding up Qui-Gon's
sides, exerting a subtle pressure to get him to lever his torso
up. As the other moved, Obi-Wan began to press into him. They
moaned as one as the adjustment was made, the entrance made as
Qui-Gon sat up on his knees.
Finally, Obi-Wan was all the way inside, his front pressed
tightly to Qui-Gon's back, his head on his shoulder, arms
hugging him close. One of Qui-Gon's large hands found his and
their fingers twined; the other moved down to stroke his own
member. Obi-Wan groaned as he began to move in and out of his
beloved master, not minding the sway of the heavy hair against
his face.
Then Obi-Wan was letting his shields go, too, and the electric
slide of mind against mind was every bit as sharp and intense
as the movement of their bodies together. In moments they were
panting and continuing to moan, moving together in a blend of
harmony as every bit as synchronous as a jemna.
When Qui-Gon threw his hair back yet again into Obi-Wan's face,
a growl was emitted by the younger man, who had discovered he
craved the feel of that long hair on him. On fire now, close to
climax, Obi-Wan emitted something of a primal snarl and grabbed
a hank of hair with his teeth. He pulled... hard.
The nova exploded in their linked minds a fraction of a second
before the climax hit both their bodies. Obi-Wan released the
hair as he cried out, coming deep within his master, their
joined hands tightening painfully. And Qui-Gon came shuddering
in his lover's arms, crying with him, his voice a note deeper.
Minutes later, they lay, sweat-slicked, in each other's arms.
Qui-Gon kissed his sated Obi-Wan - yet another beautiful thing
- then made a face. "Ow."
"You totally loved that," Obi-Wan shot back, grinning as he
filled his hands with hair again. "You know, I think I've had
something serious for your hair much longer than I've been in
love with you."
"Thanks to Kigis eggs," Qui-Gon smirked. "Really, then? You
weren't even fourteen."
"You made me wash it out of your hair," Obi-Wan reminded him
tenderly. It was a favorite time of theirs, a prank which led
to his most favorite task as a padawan, caring for his master's
long hair. "You know, I think you were starting to go
silver..."
"Starting?" Qui-Gon snorted and tugged on his lover's braid.
"Way past starting!"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Not anymore." Serious gray-blue eyes
met puzzled eyes of dark blue. "The Oraclyne."
Qui-Gon nodded, but wasn't sure he understood... or liked it.
"Which reminds me... can you feel him?"
"Maki'," Obi-Wan said, breaking into a grin again. "It feels
kind of nice to have someone out there, ah..." He wasn't sure
how to verbalize the feeling. Both Oraclys sensed their Healer
as a comforting presence. Yet it clearly wasn't part of their
bond. "I guess it's time to call him."
"Yes," Qui-Gon murmured, then kissed him again. This time his
lips lingered for a long time. **That was wonderful, by the
way. Thank you.**
Obi-Wan sighed into his mouth, his only response a mental
caress that made his master shiver.
[I've got to take a break,] the Master Healer thought, pressing
his eyes with the heel of his palm. [Reminder to Healer
Windsailor: remember to eat, move around, and basically look at
something other than this...]
The vidscreen chirped. Sighing, Maki' opened the connection. He
was pleased and taken aback to see Master Qui-Gon Jinn on the
screen. "Qui-Gon, this is a surprise," he managed to say. In a
moment the Diplomat was joined by his apprentice who leaned
over into the picture. Then Maki' realized. [Oh... that.]
"Are you all right, Maki'?" Obi-Wan inquired, looking at the
image of the Healer with a frown.
"Do you want to tell us what's going on, Maki'?" Qui-Gon asked
before he could speak. He was plainly amused - how much did he
guess?
"Ah..." Maki' swallowed carefully. "Yes, I will tell you. I
take it you're referring to the, ah, feedback. And, yes,
Obi-Wan, I am fine."
"You know what it is, then?" Obi-Wan breathed with amazement.
"Our shielding..."
"Is more than adequate, I assure you," Maki' said quickly.
"This doesn't have anything to do with your shielding." He
paused, leaning back, thinking of how to explain the Oracine.
On the vidscreen, the Oraclyne waited patiently. "How much have
you been sensing of the Temple?"
Though the retreat center was hundreds of miles away from the
Jedi Healers' Temple, the Oraclyne, given their telepathy
rating, should have easily sensed that concentration of
minds... and especially their emotions. "Very little," Qui-Gon
sighed. Maki' leaned forward. "The Oraclyne, because of their
heightened sensitivity, has need of a 'buffer', some entity
that serves as an emotional cushion between the Oraclyne and
outside influences. This 'entity' can be another telepath or...
a domesticated animal with heightened empathy."
Obi-Wan laughed aloud. "A pet! Maki', you're going to be our
pet? I love it!"
Chuckling, Qui-Gon gestured for his padawan to ease off. "I
doubt it's quite like that, Obi-Wan." He looked back at the
Healer, smiling. "Tell me it's not quite like that, Maki'?"
"It's not quite like that, no," Maki' replied, grinning.
"Fortunately. It's not a bond, and the Oracine - that's what
the buffer is called - is NOT 'involved' with the Oraclyne, er,
not in the way you might think..." [Oh, what am I SAYING!]
"No?" Qui-Gon gently teased the Healer. "So this is why you can
sense when we're having sex?"
Obi-Wan only laughed all the more, bending in half, slapping
his knee. Maki' blushed furiously, and tried to get indignant.
"Qui-Gon Jinn! You do not have to put it quite like THAT... but
yes. It's not as if I might have any interest in either of
you..." [Oh, that's good, Maki', put your foot in your mouth
why don't you...] "Or that I WANT to know when you're... much
less sense..."
"I get the picture," Qui-Gon replied dryly, smirking. "You're a
Master Healer, and a professional. You do not want to get
involved with patients... and I suppose we're still that."
Maki' sighed, relaxing. "Exactly. Master Yoda thinks I need a
padawan."
"Probably one who is of age," Obi-Wan snickered. No, BOTH
Diplomats snickered at that.
"Or NOT," Maki' finished, exasperated. "While as your Healer I
am very relieved to see you two so relaxed, you don't need to
be making this any worse on me... anyway, apparently my
extended proximity to the Oraclyne has been sufficient to turn
me into..." He rolled his eyes, sighing. "Your Oracine. Your
own personal buffer zone. You're welcome and am I to understand
I have more teasing to look forward to?"
"Oh, yes," the Oraclyne said together. To further tease their
Healer, the two men wrapped their arms around each other and
began kissing, though they looked as if they were going to
erupt into laughter at any moment.
The Healer wanted to wipe off those smirks. [Well, at least
this is an improvement from Qui-Gon's psychotic episodes,
but... did it have to be THIS?] "Right, well, we can discuss
this again at another time, I suppose," he said, shaking his
head at them, unable to keep a smile off his own face.
They broke the kiss, still chuckling. "Was that everything we
needed to know about the Oracine, Master Windsailor?" Qui-Gon
asked, idly fingering his lover's neck.
"Oh, we can leave the rest for another time," Maki' sighed.
"And by the way, I'm moving to the Temple. That should be...
far enough away."
"Sorry, Maki'," Obi-Wan said, though he was still smiling at
their friend.
"We'll be meeting with Master T'kennu and Master Yoda in three
days," Qui-Gon added. "We do need you there, then."
Maki' nodded. "And I've contacted Master Hyr. He's going to try
to be there, too. When do you think you'll be ready to talk to
the Council?"
Qui-Gon's expression darkened. "As soon as possible. I want to
get that over with. Then I expect we will need to come back
here. We're going to be needing Healer training."
Something about the way Jinn said that told Maki' not to ask.
[They've made some sort of decision, but what?] "Very well.
Master T'kennu assures me that I will be available to accompany
both of you to Coruscant when that time comes... and back here,
of course."
"Thank you, Maki'," Qui-Gon replied. Obi-Wan, pressed up
agkeep his emotional distance from
us."
"As he should," Qui-Gon replied, drawing his arms more firmly
around him. "I like Maki'. But we need him as a friend, a
liaison with his Discipline and occasionally the Council. And
if he can cushion us in some way..." He kissed his young lover
on the temple. "We will need that when we face the Council."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes, soaking in his beloved's presence.
"Yes..."
Qui-Gon did not ask his young lover about what was unspoken. He
thought he understood; they would take life vows when they'd
grown more fully into the Oraclyne. When Oraclys was equal to
Oraclys.
The three days went by swiftly for the Oraclyne. They'd easily
settled into something of a pattern as they adjusted to the day
cycle at the retreat center. Upon waking they would snuggle for
a bit, which led very naturally to making love. Then they'd
clean up and dress, exercise, and take a needed firstmeal.
Meditation followed, then the bulk of the day would be spent in
studying the Oraclyne Archive together, a few house chores, and
a long walk on the grounds of the center before nightmeal. It
wasn't too different from their usual routine when at home on
Coruscant. The biggest difference was that they were now in a
new relationship together. And the usual cycle of exercise,
meditation, and study now included lovemaking.
Qui-Gon discovered, to his extreme relief, that Obi-Wan did not
find it difficult to switch between student and lover. A
function of their Oraclyne connection? He seemed to
instinctively know when to be which... or else he was adept at
reading his master's own switch in roles. Regardless, Obi-Wan
continued to display the maturity he'd shown when times had
been so difficult between them so recently. It helped that he
held a deep commitment to his own training, even to becoming
very serious when they discussed what they found in the
Archives.
Although Qui-Gon might have to speak to his padawan about his
manner of walking around his master even when fully dressed and
engaged in otherwise mundane activities...
At the Jedi Healers' Temple, the two Diplomats met briefly with
the Council member before going in to the meeting. Yoda tapped
impatiently on the floor to get the two humans to come down to
his level, then he reached out with a chubby green claw to
touch his former padawan's face, gazing into his eyes to
examine him closely.
Qui-Gon held still for the examination, calm and relaxed. When
the "examination" was done, the ancient Contemplative was
patting his knee. "Well you are now, my Qui-Gon," Yoda murmured
gently, and almost seemed to smile. "Good for each other you
are, hmmm?"
"Yes, my master," Qui-Gon murmured back, smiling at his former
teacher warmly. "Obi-Wan is very good for me. I'm very proud of
him as well."
Obi-Wan beamed and hoped he managed not to blush. "I just want
to make him happy," he said in a small voice, feeling shy
suddenly.
"He does," Qui-Gon breathed, turning to look at him. Obi-Wan
looked up in amazement and met his glance, wondering at the
look of pure love turned on him. He felt the searing look blaze
through him, ending up somewhere in his groin, and gulped,
quickly reining in the surge of lust. **Not NOW, Master!**
"We're doing extremely well," Qui-Gon chuckled, turning back to
his master, who nodded with a bit of a smirk... not missing
very much. And evidently not minding in the least.
"That, I can see, Padawan," Yoda replied, looking from one to
the other. He felt a deep satisfaction in seeing the joy each
man had in the other. They'd been a long time coming to this.
"Made a decision, you have, hmmm?"
Taking a deep breath, Qui-Gon nodded.
Maki' appeared at the door suddenly. "Master T'kennu would like
you to come in."
The Oraclyne stood and followed Yoda into the audience chamber
of the head of the Jedi Healers' Academy.
Master T'kennu was a Myrkrian Neti, resembling nothing more
than a huge, gnarly tree stump topped by root-like tentacles.
Even so, the Healer radiated good-will and compassion, and was
plainly happy to see them. "Qui-Gon Jinn..." he spoke to them
through an Artificer-made translator box which created normal,
human-like speech in Standard Basic out of the Neti's peculiar
rumbles and scratching noises. A wave of tentacles seemed to
usher them to seats. "And Obi-Wan Kenobi... you are welcome at
the Healers' Temple."
"Thank you, Master T'kennu," Qui-Gon replied formally, bowing
deeply to the tall tree-like Jedi Master. At his side, Obi-Wan
copied the bow exactly. "It is good to be here."
Before they could move to seats, the door opened to admit a
third Healer... and the Diplomats were delighted to see it was
Galiddys Hyr. "Gali," Qui-Gon greeted the Pytthrvan with a
smile and an extended hand; one did not hug a Pytthrvan lest
they break a pinnae on the folded wings tucked under the dark
blue robe in a sling against his back. "I'm so glad you could
make it."
Gali Hyr looked up at the tall human, his eyes crinkled with
humor, and shook the offered hand gladly. "You're looking a
hell of a lot more yourself, Qui." Then he nodded toward the
apprentice, his head crest bobbing. "He have something to do
with that?"
"You could say that," Qui-Gon chuckled. "Thanks for coming."
"Thanks, Gali, it's good to see you," Obi-Wan grinned, shaking
the Master Healer's hand in turn.
The newcomer had a more robust greeting for his Healer partner,
clapping Maki's upper arms and nearly shaking him on his feet.
"You did well, young one!"
"Thanks, Gali," Maki' smiled back fondly.
"Please, be seated everyone," T'kennu interjected smoothly. The
young Jedi could all chat later. He was fond of humans and
humanoids, but their sharp emotions, both positive and
negative, tended to wear on his heightened empathy. As the
group settled, he observed the Oraclyne the most, noting the
subtleties of their body language carefully. Having studied
humans for four hundred-odd years had provided the Neti with
insight into the galaxy's most prevalent species.
**See it, do you, T'kennu?** Yoda inquired of the Healer
silently.
**It's obviously they're in love, Yoda, is that what you
mean?** T'kennu replied with a mental rumble of indulgence.
**Besides that,** Yoda said, returning the rumble. **Read the
Force surrounding them.**
**Ah, yes...** The Neti paused for a bare second. **There are
troubles still ahead for them. The Council? And there are
aftershocks yet from what has happened to Jinn.**
**Yes... see it, you do... but prevail they will. Together.**
"Senior Padawan Kenobi," T'kennu began finally, gesturing in
Obi-Wan's direction. "Tell me about the Oraclyne, please."
Surprised, Obi-Wan looked up, then glanced quickly over to
Qui-Gon, who gave him a subtle nod. Straightening in his chair,
he cleared his throat and began to explain. "Master T'kennu,
the Oraclyne is basically a bonded pair of men or women, one
from Zevdra and one from Bajrhen, who because of mental and
genetic matching, are capable of extraordinary Healings. These
men or women are highly telepathic and empathic. The Oraclyne
connection - the bond between them - is extremely powerful with
a strong survival instinct. It is a mental, emotional,
physical... and sexual bond that the two Oraclys share
together."
**Nice job!** Maki' sent, followed promptly by Gali's
**Couldn't have said it better!**
**Have I told you today how proud I am of you, Padawan?**
Qui-Gon sent to his apprentice, flooding their bond with his
pride and love.
**Thank you, Master, thank you, Masters.** Obi-Wan replied,
trying to keep his features neutral.
T'kennu saw through him anyway. [Extraordinary... Yoda said
they'd already been close before all this happened, their
training bond unusually deep.] "A concise yet thorough
definition, Padawan," the Master Healer responded to the
padawan's little speech. "So through a twist of the Force, fate
brought you two together... and a Jedi Oraclyne has been
formed."
Obi-Wan smiled, dipping his head in a bow. "Yes, Master
T'kennu."
"I have already spoken with Master Windsailor in a fair amount
of detail on this subject," T'kennu continued smoothly. "As
well as with Master Hyr over comlink. So I know quite a lot
about the Oraclyne, though I wanted to hear how you would
describe it." Though the Neti had no "face" and hence little
body language other than the seemingly randomly waving
tentacles, they all could read a hint of the emotions he
broadcast subtly into the Force. Plainly T'kennu was intrigued
with the situation... and something else. The truth was that
when he'd heard that the "Oraclyne" involved Qui-Gon Jinn of
the Diplomats... he was less than thrilled. He respected Jinn
deeply for his skills and prowess as a Diplomat with an
impressive record, but he knew well that this Diplomat had a
reputation as a maverick.
Oh, yes, Master Healer T'kennu was already well aware that his
Discipline would not be cleanly absorbing these two Jedi as
members. Nothing was that simple where Qui-Gon Jinn was
concerned. "Now," he went on after a pause, "we are here to
discuss the future of the Jedi Oraclyne. Master Jinn, please
present your proposal." [Since I know well you already have
one, you young scoundrel.] The thought bore curiosity mixed
with an honest interest, also tempered by his powerful empathy.
[Though I know you've been through much...]
Qui-Gon had been deepening his center, making sure that as he
spoke, he was attuned to the Force, for that was the only way
his words would be accepted by both the head of the Healers'
Academy and the Councilor who was his former master. He took a
deep breath, and began.
"Master Healers... Master Yoda... we, the Jedi Oraclyne,
acknowledge that we will both require intensive training in the
Healing arts and sciences... but we are not to become Healers
in the traditional sense." Qui-Gon paused to let that sink in.
He felt Obi-Wan's staunch support in his mind, and he took
great comfort from it. He also felt the shock in their Oracine;
Maki' was stunned to say the least, though his support, too,
was strong. Qui-Gon regretted that they had not taken more time
to talk to him about the buffering. Gali, too, was taken aback,
but Yoda was as impassive as ever. He couldn't read the Neti...
not yet. "I believe, Masters, that the Force wills that a fully
trained and skilled Diplomat and an apprentice Diplomat with
partial training yet clear and proven gifts in that
Discipline... be given gifts of Healing that will allow them to
fulfill a truly unique and sorely needed function in the Jedi
Order." He stopped. [If they have to ask what that function
is...]
T'kennu absorbed this revelation with calm. "Clear and proven
gifts?" he inquired, gesturing toward Obi-Wan. "Is this so? It
is not unusual for even a Senior Padawan to switch Disciplines.
He is young, he can train as a Healer."
[At least he doesn't expect *me* to switch Disciplines,]
Qui-Gon thought to himself ironically. He opened his mouth to
reply, but someone beat him to it.
"Yes," Maki' Windsailor spoke up suddenly. "On Vitruga, when
Master Jinn was unable to complete a negotiation session, I saw
Senior Padawan Kenobi smoothly step in and take over his
master's role completely though he'd given no sign before that
he was even listening to the session. He not only finished the
negotiations, but he was able to smoothly make the transition
to accepted negotiator to both the Vitrugans and Nugrugans. I
was very impressed. He displayed a poise and sensitivity to
both parties that would do any Diplomat proud."
"Gifted in Diplomacy, he is indeed," Yoda added in support,
much to Obi-Wan's surprise. "His teacher as well, I have been.
He has grown much through his master's teachings these last
five years. A worthy Diplomat, he is becoming."
T'kennu made a noise that the box didn't translate. "Well,
Senior Padawan Diplomat Kenobi, let me ask you this. Do you
believe you can - as your master suggests - straddle two
Disciplines? You may have to train longer than is usual before
your Knighting."
Obi-Wan had flushed at the mention of his "gifts", and had
shifted position uncomfortably as Maki' waxed eloquent about
his retrieval of the negotiation session. He was used to far
more subtle affirmations of his skills, able now to tell from a
subtle nod or look how he was meeting his master's
expectations. That Qui-Gon Jinn had high expectations for him
had always been a note of pride for him, one that Obi-Wan
carefully did not let himself dwell on so he would not get
overconfident. He did know that he was far above his age-peers
in his studies and that he absorbed knowledge easily. In fact,
he loved his Diplomat studies, learning how societies wove
their culture, history and politics into a dynamic pattern that
was ever changing and complex... and fascinating. It was a love
he and his master had always shared.
"Master T'kennu," Obi-Wan began with a slight smile and incline
of his head, "I have always loved learning. I do believe myself
capable of completing my higher level Diplomat studies as well
as deepening my knowledge of the Healing sciences." He felt
rather than saw his master shift position, indicating that he
felt like interrupting, and Obi-Wan understood. "It is my wish
to train to become a Knight Diplomat. As I sense my master
would like to inform you, it is not necessary for both members
of an Oraclyne to fully train in the Healer Discipline. In
fact, the Healings we have each done recently indicate that
this may not be necessary for either of us."
[A Diplomat he certainly is,] T'kennu thought ruefully. The
young man indeed had the smooth ways and easy manner of speech
that non-Force adepts found so comforting across the
negotiating table. [Well-spoken and collected,] he noted. [So,
how does the Healer Discipline harness such Diplomacy for the
purpose of Healing?] He repeated the question aloud, still
indicating he wished the padawan to respond.
[Melida/Daan,] Obi-Wan reminded himself, quickly preparing to
reply. [Not that we could achieve a Healing on that scale. And
the cost to ourselves...] "It seems logical to us, Master
Healer, that the kind of Healing at which we may be the most
effective may not be physical so much as mental or
psychological. There have been times when the people we have
been sent to assist have suffered from far worse than
disagreements or the need to smooth transitions of power. We
have had to leave the negotiation table because Diplomacy was
not the solution to a particular people's troubles.
Unfortunately in such cases, Jedi have had to withdraw
altogether until internal forces work to make negotiations more
fruitful. But what if Jedi could aid those 'internal forces' to
expedite the resumption of more normal negotiations? I am not
talking about taking sides or mental manipulation, of course,
but rather of calming raw emotions, even to easing wounded
spirits. Naturally, we would have to be invited to do so."
T'kennu was impressed, but reserved. "Jedi are neutral, and may
not interfere... but you are suggesting that the Oraclyne may
be *invited* to work such an intervention?"
"Is it any more unusual, Master T'kennu," Obi-Wan pressed on,
warming to the debate, "than Healers who are asked to aid in
the correcting of environmental problems? Certainly the
Oraclyne may do the same, though it may take a slightly
different form. When asked to help a people negotiate a trading
contract for food because they have had a run of bad harvests,
would it not be more effective to assist them in improving
their harvests so they would not need to be so dependent on
trade negotiations? Relying on another people creates a
vulnerability that can have wide-flung ramifications..."
"I get the picture, as you say," T'kennu crisply interrupted,
more than suitably impressed.
Obi-Wan flushed again, nodding. **I rambled,** he complained to
his lover.
**You did extremely well,** Qui-Gon returned with love.
**Why is he asking *me*?**
**He doesn't want to hear from me, Obi-Wan. He needs to be sure
of your understanding of this proposal and your commitment.**
**Oh.**
"It is clear," Master T'kennu went on, "that we will be
exploring the possibilities for some time. Master Hyr, Master
Windsailor, do you have anything to add to this subject?"
The two Healers exchanged a glance, then Gali Hyr spoke up.
"Because of their Force-sensitivity, the Jedi Oraclyne will be
unique. The archives on the history of the Oraclynes are
guidelines only, therefore. I believe we have already
discovered differences, and we will be literally rewriting the
archives for our own Oraclyne. I believe the Force has brought
these two Diplomats together to create something new, something
the Jedi Order must understand needs to be treated with utmost
respect and care. Combining the best of the Diplomat and the
Healer arts is revolutionary but may be a powerful force for
good that, as Padawan Kenobi says, is sorely needed. A great
work may be in store for them..." He glanced at Master Yoda,
then plunged on. Something needed to be said. "And lastly I
believe the current Council is not receptive to the Oraclyne."
The temperature of the room seemed to drop several degrees.
Master Contemplative Yoda, the sole Council member present,
remained expressionless. But all eyes turned toward him.
Finally, he spoke, though he looked at no one. "Speak for the
Council, I cannot. But one member, am I. Still..." He moved
suddenly, shifting to turn toward the Diplomats. "Master
Qui-Gon, come before me, please."
Solemnly Qui-Gon rose from his chair and went to kneel before
the chair of his former master. The tiny Master leaned forward
to touch his stick to Qui-Gon's shoulder, regarding the large
human soberly. "My student, Qui-Gon has been. Powerful Jedi
Master, he is. The Council... fear him, they do.
Contemplatives... fearful of change and growth, they always
have been. A strong advocate for growth, Qui-Gon Jinn always
has been." He left it unspoken; the only other living
ex-padawan of Yoda's was Knight Contemplative Ki-Adi-Mundi,
who, though only a Knight and only on the Council a short
while, had already become one of its more powerful members.
Yoda's influence was massive, but balanced easily by Mace Windu
and his supporters on the Council.
The existence of the Jedi Oraclyne could potentially split the
Jedi High Council in half.
**Thank you, my Master,** Qui-Gon returned quietly.
**Honor me, you do, Padawan. Yet though the Force speaks
strongly in your favor, Hyr is right. The Council is going to
reject your decision to remain a Diplomat.**
Qui-Gon did not answer. Yoda regarded him with gentle
affection. "Before the Council, the Oraclyne has already been
summoned," he said aloud softly. "Go to Coruscant... they will
not."
The shock went through both Diplomats first, then resonated
around the room. A Council member advocating defiance? "Master
Yoda," T'kennu began, but was curtly interrupted by the only
person in the room who dared.
"Risk their lives again, I cannot," Yoda snapped. "Hurt them
deeply the Council has already. Nearly died, they both did." He
looked upon Qui-Gon with compassion, withdrawing his stick. "A
terrible, terrible loss that would have been." **Go back to
your seat you may, my Padawan.**
Qui-Gon unfroze, bowed deeply before his master, then returned
to his chair. Yoda turned to the Healers again. "Remain on
Dantooine, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan must."
Maki', his empathy attenuated to the Oraclyne, spoke before his
master could. "They will always be welcome here, and Dantooine
will be their home if they choose."
T'kennu gave a minute, untranslated rumble, but he was clearly
resigned, if not accepting. He wasn't overfond of change
himself, but he recognized the gift of the Oraclyne to the
Order. "Master Yoda, I can and will speak for the Healer
Discipline. The Jedi Oraclyne is welcome to study with our
Healers at the Academy here. As Master Windsailor has said, so
I agree. And... the Healer Discipline supports the Oraclyne's
bid to function in the Order as Healer-Diplomats, a new
entity."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan reached toward one another, clasping hands
in relief. Maki' heaved a sigh, and Gali's head crest perked
up. Yoda sat there with eyes half closed, nodding.
The Neti waved a few tentacles. "As the eldest of the Healers I
like to think that my word carries some weight. I'd also like
to think that over the four hundred years I have been a Jedi
Master, I've gathered some respect among the other Disciplines
as well." He rumbled again, but in good humor. "I'll make a few
calls."
"Support on the Council," Yoda added to that, "we have also. I
will contact them before calling the Council itself."
**I cannot believe this is happening, Master,** Obi-Wan
commented to his beloved, trying to ignore the nervous tension
in his stomach. **All this just because we want to belong to
two Disciplines?**
**Remember, Padawan, the Jedi Disciplines are less than a
thousand years old. What was once a brilliant innovation to
allow Jedi to use their specific gifts to the fullest, has
regenerated somewhat into four all-too-political factions. When
the Force decides that reform is needed, how can we not
respond? I did not anticipate this, but perhaps we were meant
to be such a catalyst.**
Obi-Wan sighed. Maki' and Gali were now conferring between
themselves, probably sharing any new insights gained in their
separate studies of the Oraclyne archives. Yoda was murmuring
something to T'kennu about padawans. **Master,** Obi-Wan
continued privately, **the Disciplines were only designed to
allow us to concentrate on our strengths, though every Jedi
must learn basics of all the Disciplines. Why not belong to two
Disciplines?**
Qui-Gon rubbed his thumb over the slender but strong fingers in
his hand. **Unfortunately, the Disciplines also serve to
manage, even control what a Jedi learns. Control means power,
and yes, there are those in even the Jedi Order who seek that.
Sometimes, however, the need to control comes from fear, and
that is what is operating here. We represent an unknown.**
**But, Master, fear...**
**Leads to Darkness, yes.** Qui-Gon met his eyes solemnly.
**Remember that I, too, was touched by that same Darkness all
too recently. My fear held me captive, frozen into one belief
that the Oraclyne was wrong.**
**You were mentally ill, Qui-Gon!** Obi-Wan's eyes widened,
then he frowned. **That is NOT the same thing at all.**
**Isn't it? My fears were born of psychosis, but there are
other sources for fear.** Qui-Gon squeezed his lover's hand.
**Even the Jedi High Council needs to be vigilant against the
Dark in its midst. And I do not believe it has been.**
A louder rumble from the Neti Healer called their attention
back to the group. Master T'kennu announced, "I am assigning
Makol' Windsailor to be Healer to the Oraclyne for as long as
you need him. He will serve as your liaison with the
Discipline. Galiddys Hyr I am assigning as Advocate for the
Oraclyne. With Master Yoda, he will plead your case before the
Jedi Council, and possibly to the other Disciplines as well. I
am not very mobile." He chuckled at himself; transporting a
Neti was a major endeavor. "Our Gali has a little pull himself,
and he's much prettier and persuasive."
"Not as persuasive as a Diplomat," Gali chuckled, then laughed
outright at T'kennu's silly compliment. "Perhaps I can find one
to help me on the way, eh? Although finding one as pretty as
these Diplomats will be a tall order, eh, Maki'?"
"Gali!!" Maki' tried to look indignant and grin at the same
time.
Obi-Wan shook his head, amazed at the Healers' easy
camaraderie. He had to admit it was a refreshing relief from
the often over-formalized exchanges between Diplomats. Perhaps
the differences between Disciplines were wider than they needed
to be after all. He thought of padawans he knew from other
Disciplines. Artificers tended to be rowdy and brash,
Contemplatives solemn to the point of utter boredom, Diplomats
formal and reserved though occasionally friendly, and Healers
seemed to be the warmest of all, opening easily to others. Yet
all were Jedi and frequently had to work together on missions,
though each Discipline had its own Temple.
"I can make some recommendations," Qui-Gon was saying, joining
in easily.
"I'll take you up on that," Gali accepted with a smirk.
"Finished here, we are, Master T'kennu?" Yoda asked, one of his
long, pointed ears curling a tip in inquiry.
"Yes, apparently," T'kennu rumbled. "Padawan Obi-Wan, I
understand that you have a vow ceremony coming up?"
Obi-Wan straightened. "Ah, yes, sir, I have not yet made my
Senior Padawan vows to my master."
The root-like tentacles settled. "We would be honored if you
would hold your ceremony in the Temple here."
[Coruscant, my friends...] Obi-Wan thought with dismay, but
realized that Master Yoda's concerns about their presence on
Coruscant were valid. [I will make new friends here,] he added
to himself, then nodded to the Master Healer. "It would be my
honor as well, Master T'kennu."
Rumble, rumble. "Qui-Gon, I know the Diplomats have the finest
manners and are polite and formal to a fault, but you really
must get this boy to loosen up. Obi-Wan, I'm basically an
intelligent tree. Think about it."
Maki' laughed, enjoying his master's attempts to put the
Padawan Diplomat at ease. "Obi, we're really not all that
formal here. We believe too much formality keeps people at a
distance, something a Healer does NOT want to do."
"T'kennu," Qui-Gon spoke up, gazing at his young lover with
amusement and a great deal of affection. "I'm already working
on that."
"I'll just bet you are," Gali snorted. "Maki', don't you just
wonder which one of them is more fun in bed?"
Maki' started coughing violently. Obi-Wan grinned.
To their dismay, Master Gali Hyr decided to return to
Coruscant, accompanying Master Yoda. "I should get started if
I'm going to be leaning on the Council," he explained with a
rueful grin. "The sooner this gets settled, the better for
you," he added, nodding to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in turn.
"Thank you," Qui-Gon sighed, shaking the Healer's hand firmly.
He felt torn between wanting to get to know the eccentric,
ancient Healer whom they'd befriended, and a very real need to
get this business with the Council settled. "I hope we see you
again soon, Gali."
"Yes," Obi-Wan spoke up, also shaking the Pytthrvan's hand.
"I'm sorry you're going to miss my vow ceremony."
"Ah, as do I, Padawan," Gali sighed, closing his other hand
over the top of the young human's hand in his. "But I'm surely
going to be able to make it for another vow ceremony... later?"
He grinned knowingly, looking from Obi-Wan to Qui-Gon.
"Oh," Obi-Wan replied, misunderstanding. "My Knighting will be
years away, Master Gali."
"I'm not speaking of your vows to the Order as a Jedi Knight,
my dear young man," Gali murmured, then gave him a saucy wink.
"Oh." Obi-Wan realized the moment he saw Qui-Gon's face. "Our
life vows!" He smiled, flushing a little under his lover's
openly warm gaze. "Yes, please do come back for those."
The feathered headcrest bobbed in the Healer's mirth. "I will
do that indeed!"
Yoda came up to them, but addressed only the Master Diplomat.
"Speak with you I will, Padawan," he murmured in a lowered
voice.
"Excuse me," Qui-Gon said to his apprentice and the Healers,
bowing.
Moving a few paces away with his former master, the tall Jedi
Master stooped, touching one knee to the ground. "My master?"
Yoda looked at him with narrowed eyes. "My padawan... missing
something you are."
Qui-Gon bowed his head briefly. Caught. "Yes, Master, my
lightsaber is broken."
"Supplies for making a new one, they have in abundance at this
Temple," Yoda murmured, softly tapping his stick, the only sign
that he was mildly disturbed by this discovery.
"Obi-Wan has my crystals in safe-keeping, Master, until I am
readyr />
**Kill, you did not. Ill, you were, my Padawan,** Yoda returned
gently, nodding his understanding. **But train your apprentice
without a lightsaber you may not.** He glanced up at Obi-Wan
who had already glanced their way several times, curious but
carefully not eavesdropping. **Perhaps love will cure the
wounds you still struggle with, Qui-Gon. Open yourself to it,
you must. Love him without reservation... and allow him to love
you in the same way, you must do also.**
Qui-Gon bowed his head solemnly. **I will do that, my Master.**
"I would speak to your Padawan, Qui-Gon." Yoda said aloud.
When Obi-Wan was kneeling in his master's place, Qui-Gon having
moved away to talk to the Healers more, Yoda gently touched the
young man's knee. "Tell me about his lightsaber."
[Oh, is THAT what this is about?] Obi-Wan thought, blanching.
"He... had a nightmare... about killing me. Then he broke the
lightsaber apart and gave me his crystals to keep for him. He
was extremely upset, but after meditating, he was fine. We...
we meditated together, and it seemed to help. But later I
noticed he'd thrown the broken casing into the pond behind our
cottage. I... haven't asked him about it since."
"Afraid, your master is," Yoda said quietly. "Powerful he is,
capable of great harm... and great good. A Jedi Knight may not
dwell on the former. Help him stay focused on the love you
share, Padawan."
"Yes, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan sighed.
"What else troubles you?" Yoda sensed there was more.
"Nothing, Master, but there seems to be at least one other...
issue... as yet unresolved," Obi-Wan tried to explain. "We
encountered what we both believe was Xanatos in the spirit
reality. And also in this reality."
Yoda nodded, though he was dismayed to hear of this.
"Disturbed, you both are, by this apparition? Not one with the
Force, that one..."
"I disagree, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan broke in, then flushed at
having responded with emotion. "Respectfully, I disagree," he
repeated, calmer. "I strongly believe Xanatos repented as he
died... and his spirit is restless to atone before he can
become fully one with the Force. Without his assistance,
Qui-Gon and I would be dead." He spoke with conviction, meeting
the ancient Contemplative's gaze firmly.
Yoda paused to consider this revelation, reading the Force in
the young man. To his amazement there did seem to be something
of Qui-Gon Jinn's former padawan here... something to do with
the Oraclyne connection? It was far stronger around Obi-Wan
than around Qui-Gon. Did this make the Oraclyne somehow
unbalanced? "Possible, this is. Meditate on this, I will, as
should you, Padawan. If there is to be reconciliation between
Qui-Gon and Xanatos, a powerful healing this may be... for the
Oraclyne."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan sighed, content... and very glad that
Master Yoda was on their side.
Yoda then announced to the group after Obi-Wan had returned to
his master's side, "Need to rush back to Coruscant, we do
not... remain for this evening's vow ceremony, we shall, hmmm,
Master Hyr?"
"Tonight?" Obi-Wan gasped in shock and delight, then looked to
his master for confirmation.
"Is that too soon, Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked, winking at him.
"The day before my eighteenth year-day was too soon," Obi-Wan
retorted, then broke into a grin. "Master Yoda, Master Gali,
thank you!"
Qui-Gon wrapped his long arms around his padawan from behind,
pulling him slightly off balance. "We would love to have you
there, thank you," he said to the Healers and Yoda, then his
smile deepened to a wicked grin. "Now, we must take our leave
of you. My padawan and I have need of... meditation."
"Indeed you do!" Gali laughed. "Off with you two, then, and
we'll see you tonight here at the Temple."
Obi-Wan was sputtering at his master's playful audacity - [Will
I ever get used to this?] - but Qui-Gon was already maneuvering
them away. When they escaped to the hallway, he found Qui-Gon's
mouth already on his, his body being pulled hard against the
taller body of his master. Obi-Wan lost himself in the kiss,
returning it avidly, until they both remembered where they
were.
Then Qui-Gon was leading him by the hand down the hallway,
looking over with a smile full of love. "Let's go home,
Padawan."
Obi-Wan smiled back, though internally he had to adjust. "Home"
was no longer Coruscant.
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