Spoilers: I don't think so; this one just assumes basic
knowledge of the JA characters.
Archive: M&A certainly! Others please ask.
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em. Who does? Why, George Lucas, of
course! Also kudos to Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson for the JA
universe, which I adore.
Acknowledgements: Continued thanks to Pumpkin for the terrific
beta, the great title, and the encouragement to make this into
a series!
Obi-Wan snatched his plate away with a growl as Bant tried to
sneak yet another piece of food from it.
"Stingy!" Bant accused with as much of a pout as a Calamarian
could manage.
"Get your own," Obi-Wan complained. "For Sith's sake, Bant,
the food's right over there." He gestured to a large circular
table where fruits, cheeses, and desserts of all kinds were
located. The food was plentiful but practical, since this was,
after all, a holiday held within the Jedi Temple itself.
"There's even enough food for Reeft at Solstice-time," Obi-Wan
scowled, waving his hand at the Dresselian seated across from
him. "So why is it that you, Bant Eerin, always have to
take stuff from my plate?"
Bant huffed cutely. "Oh, Obi, you're taking the fun right out
of it. What's with you, anyway? I think you've been hanging
around Master Jinn too long."
Obi-Wan eyed her over the plate he was guarding and looked
plaintively at his tablemates, Reeft and Garen Muln, who
purposely avoided his gaze. "What's that supposed to
mean?"
"Oh, nothing," Bant said sweetly, her attention suddenly
diverted to brushing a few crumbs off her tunic. "But it seems
like ever since you became his padawan you've been acting more
and more like him."
"And what's wrong with that?" Obi-Wan demanded, beginning to
become annoyed with his friend.
Bant sighed. "Can we drop this for now, Obi-Wan? I'm sorry I
said anything."
She got up from her seat at the initiates' table where Obi-Wan
had joined her and the others. She paused and looked down at
him. "I'm going to get my own plate. Maybe you should go sit at
the padawans' table, Padawan Kenobi."
Obi-Wan stared after her as she made her way through the
crowded room. He was confused and somewhat irritated by her
behavior.
Garen Muln pushed his food around his plate absently while
Reeft eyed both boys' food with a hopeful expression.
"I don't mean to sound greedy, but are you going to finish
that?" Reeft finally asked.
No longer hungry, Obi-Wan pushed his plate over to the
Dresselian.
"What's with her?" he asked as Reeft dug into the food
gratefully.
"Who?" Reeft asked between mouthfuls.
"Bant, of course," Obi-Wan grated, biting down on his
annoyance.
Garen sighed. "Don't mind her, Obi-Wan," he said as he gave
Reeft the rest of his plate, also. "I think she just misses
you, that's all."
"Misses me?" Obi-Wan looked bewildered.
Garen shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Well, you know...
since you became a padawan you've been away quite a bit and we
never see you anymore. And besides that, Master Jinn doesn't
seem to let you visit with us much when you actually are
at the Temple. I'm surprised to even see you here celebrating
Solstice. And well... I think Bant resents all of that a
little."
Obi-Wan stared at him open-mouthed for a few moments. Finally
he regained his composure. "But that's what happens when you
become a padawan. I mean...I..."
Garen interrupted him. "Other masters and padawans are at the
Temple a lot more often. Everyone knows that Master Jinn
prefers field duty, but that means you're away a lot." He shook
his head a little sadly. "Don't get me wrong, Obi-Wan. We're
all happy you were chosen and that things have worked out
between you and your Master. But, well... we all miss you.
Bant, especially so."
Obi-Wan looked past the crowd to where the Calamarian was
conversing with an older Padawan.
"You should go talk to her, Obi-Wan," Reeft prompted as he
finished the last of Garen's cake. "And while you're at it,
could you pick me up some more dessert?"
Obi-Wan got up from his chair a little uncertainly. What could
he possibly say to Bant that would make her feel better? As he
began to step forward, searching his imagination for ideas, a
large hand suddenly squeezed his shoulder from behind.
Obi-Wan would know that presence anywhere, turning around was
purely out of respect, not for identification.
"Master," he acknowledged as he faced the larger Jedi.
"There you are, Padawan," Qui-Gon said warmly. He glanced at
Garen and Reeft apologetically. "I'm sorry to take you away
from your friends, Obi-Wan, but we've been called away. There's
a crisis on Garos IV."
Obi-Wan nodded, his heart sinking at Qui-Gon's words.
"Alright, Master. I... just need to say goodbye to
someone."
Qui-Gon shook his head sternly, but sadly. "Now,
Padawan. Our bags are already on the transport. I spared you as
much time as I could."
Obi-Wan cast a sorrowful glance in Bant's direction. She had
her back to him and would have no idea he was leaving. With one
last look at his friend, he turned back to Garen and
Reeft.
"Please tell her I said goodbye," he requested of them
quietly, and then followed his master out of the room.
Archive 