(no subject)

[beardstrokes]

Who: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Broadcast: Text
Action: Iskaulit
When: Jan 30th

A: TEXT

I think it's time I retire from teaching for a while.

I don't suppose anyone knows a decent way to pass the time?

B: ACTION

[ When Stefan announced the prayer room, a quiet place for meditation, Obi-Wan had been thrilled. While he enjoyed and cared for the Huntress, quiet is not something they are known for. After talking to Anakin, he knew he was in dire need of quiet and inner peace

He does not regret ( he can not regret )

And yet.

In a way he had envisioned as a child, it had always been Master and Padawan, together. Even when separate, they fought together, learned together, believed in each other. But Qui-Gon died all too soon, and for so long, Obi-Wan threw his hands up against tradition. When Yoda told him to be Anakin's master, he chose to be Anakin's friend. He did not caution against attachment, only warned where it might lead.

He breathes heavily, his legs folded on the mat. It's not working. The Force is still too quiet, too alien at this moment. It doesn't understand his sorrow.

Obi-Wan chuckles, opening his eyes and pushing his hair back. It should be used to that by now.

Looking down at his hands, he's quiet when he speaks. ]

Please help me.

Comments

[killedwithlove]

Yes, you do. But you're not sure you believe it.

His hair, so long and fine, spread out on the floor and my lap. Eyes heavy but still there, still sharp, still knowing.

Warm hands, warm presence, cold creeping through but that's just my body, I am eternal, I'm so sorry, Obi-Wan, I never wanted to leave this to you.

[They're not Qui-Gon's words, or his voice, but it is his accent, his inflections, his pacing.]

/2

[beardstrokes]

[ ]

[beardstrokes]

[ He makes a brief aborted movement to reach out. ]

I -- [ I know, Master, I know you believed in me. I know you cared for me.

But this is not Qui-Gon and the illusion shatters.

His eyes sting. ]

I -- I wish we had more time.

[killedwithlove]

So did he.

[Cole's voice is soft and entirely his own again.]

But every moment you had meant having you there at the end was that much more important. Even the arguments. He was so proud of you for being willing to question and argue, even if it was frustrating at the time as well.

[beardstrokes]

[ Every regret, every question, every moment of doubt slips away. He never needed confirmation, but the words spoke became a living breathing thing.

Yes, the Force seems to say, Yes.

He huffs lightly. ]

He was just as stubborn.

[ My stubborn Master. ]

[killedwithlove]

Yes, he was and he knew it.

[The knot slips looser and the pearl of hurt softens. Cole relaxes, face softening into something that isn't quite a smile but is content.]

[beardstrokes]

As long as it is known, I have no regrets.

[ He was there in the end for Qui-Gon. ]

[killedwithlove]

He knew.

[Cole is certain on that point.]

[beardstrokes]

Then my will is the will of the Force.

[ No more second-guessing. What is done is done and he must look forward. ]

[killedwithlove]

[Cole doesn't answer that. He doesn't know this force is, but it's very important to Obi-Wan and gives him comfort.]

Do you feel better?

[beardstrokes]

Well. It's certainly an improvement.

Thank you.

[killedwithlove]

[The doubt doesn't twist him up like it did. That's better.]

You don't need to thank me. But you're welcome. I wanted to help.

[beardstrokes]

And I appreciate it. Truly.

[killedwithlove]

If you need me, I'll find you again.

[He stands up. Doesn't dust himself off, interestingly. Probably should, though.]

[beardstrokes]

[ He stands up to bow lightly. His heart is in his voice once more. ]

. . . May the Force be with you.

[killedwithlove]

[Cole throws him a smile and then he just sort of fades from view into the shadows.]