Purple?

by Shan (shaunna256@yahoo.com)

Archive: Yes. If you want it...it’s yours.

Category: PWP, Qui/Obi

Rating: PG at the most

Summary: Terri threw out a challenge that I just couldn’t resist. Here’s just a silly little response for her.

Feedback: E-mail me whatever you want. I love e-mail.

“Master...your dangly bits...they're...purple.”

Why is it that children can never learn to ask those truly awkward questions in private? Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn sighed very softly as he turned to answer his very precocious padawan’s...inopportune question.

“Obi-Wan, did I not specifically ask you to stay inside the temple until after the ceremony?”

The boy cocked his head to the side as his brow screwed up questioningly, “Master, the Sauzhiri ambassador asked me to join you for the ceremony. I did not think you would wish me to refuse his invitation.”

Such logic from the mouths of babes. Qui-Gon resisted the urge to sigh again. Instead, he opted to try to salvage as much of his dignity as was possible without offending the Sauzhiri ceremonials.

“Obi-Wan, this is a Sauzhiri ceremony to celebrate their Queen’s newest mating. Purple signifies fertility in the Sauzhiri culture.”

“Well Master, should I not be painted, too?” Obi-Wan queried innocently.

“No, Padawan. You are too young to express your support in this particular festival. This particular festival utilizes...” Qui-Gon was stopped from further explanations by the timely arrival of the Sauzhiri Ambassador, Ahrzin.

“Many apologies, Honored Jedi Master Jinn. I acted hastily by inviting your apprentice. I have just been informed that he is not mature by your standards. Thus, our edicts state that he must leave the ceremony,” at this statement, the ambassador looked distinctly uncomfortable.

“There is no need for apologies Ambassador Ahrzin. I will send Obi-Wan to our rooms to meditate,” Qui-Gon stated smoothly and with not a little relief.

“Actually Master Jinn...” Ahrzin began shakily.

“Yes, Ambassador?” Qui-Gon encouraged.

“The Queen would prefer that you went with your apprentice to...ensure his safety. He is young by your standards and we do not wish you to neglect him for the sake of our humble ceremony,” the Sauzhirian finished his explanation with the smug look of one who has just accomplished the impossible.

Qui-Gon was unwilling to either recognize or comment on the vagaries of the Sauzhirian mind. He was just glad to be able to take his apprentice back to their quarters...and some warm water to remove the purple from his...dangly bits. Qui-Gon Jinn, the ever- diplomatic Jedi Master, merely nodded his consent and turned back to the temple with his padawan following obediently behind him.

As the Jedi Master disappeared from site, the Sauzhiri ambassador sighed in relief. Ahrzin was mightily glad of his slight mistake in inviting the child to the ceremony. The slip had given him the excuse he needed to diplomatically extricate the Jedi from the ceremony. Who would have thought that the great Jedi Master Jinn was so...~large~? Ambassador Ahrzin returned to the ceremony glad that he had not needed to explain to the Sauzhirian revelers just what they were to do with so much purple flesh.