"A good night's rest, hm?"
A chuckle as Obi Wan hails a shuttle for them to board.
"Oh, that'd be about 22BBY. Ha. Not quite sure what one feels like anymore, to be honest."
Obi Wan's face crinkles into a smile. It's true, he's not as old as he often feels these days. Perhaps Yoda is right and it's time to leave behind his self-imposed exile.
"I'm sure you'd understand very well. It isn't you we–... I am worried about."
> "Very well. I know a rather quieter place nearby, it serves tea as well."
He preferred it these days. All the better to calm his frayed nerves.
"What is it you want to know, exactly? I'm unsure I'll be of any use; I'm really not that involved in Mandalorian politics."
"The funeral was something of a political occasion, I don't blame you."
Was there a hint of bitterness in his voice? Or was it just the sound of regret at so many years wasted, years they could have had together if he hadn't let his faith in the Codes keep them apart? It was >
> impossible to tell.
Even though Obi Wan wanted nothing more than to retreat somewhere private to shake off some of the grief which threatened to overcome him all of a sudden – triggered by this encounter with someone so dear to his Satine – he found himself unable to refuse. >
"Ah, your house..."
For an experienced jedi master, it really takes him too long to catch on. But he's not one to be impolite. That, and he's rather intrigued to see her home, rather than the official chambers she holds senate meetings in.
"That sounds rather pleasant, indeed."
The Jedi curses himself inwardly for giving away too much. But then, isn't that why he keeps checking on the boy? To see if he exhibits as much potential as his father?
"I'm afraid I can't say, Luke. But I will in time, I promise."
Unaware of her intentions, Obi Wan nods eagerly.
"That sounds wonderful. Lead the way, my lady."
He offers Padmé his arm – gentlemanly, yet with a slight joking air. Of course, this is nothing but a friendly gesture. The Jedi codes would forbid anything more.
⠀⠀
brotherhood, lost. - S O L O
" you did not kill me, obi-wan. i did. " devastating, really. what he wanted to say he couldn't. gasping for breath in a suit he suffered with for years, shackled by a master
⠀⠀
@JEDlORSITH > it isn't that easy to forget. Everything that happened, everything you did..."
He squeezes his eyes shut, all semblance of composure going out the window. Master Qui-Gon would have been disappointed at this flagrant display of emotion.
The glaring sun makes him squint; Obi Wan can't make out who has just stepped into the path of his AT-RT walker. Is it his informant or an unrelated traveler? Friend or foe?
The jedi leaps down from his vehicle with ease to inspect the unknown individual.
[ᴏᴘᴇɴ, ᴀɴʏ ᴇʀᴀ]
@JEDlORSITH "I know, I know..."
Obi Wan nods, but he doesn't meet Anakin's gaze. He's conveniently ignoring all mentions of 'feelings' or 'desires'; he's spent far too long burying those.
"Palpatine's influence may have clouded your mind, but for those of us who–... who care about you, >
@InTheirShadowz > you acquaintance, my lady. And my deepest condolences for your loss."
'Your' loss, not 'our' loss. Nothing about his response should have betrayed his own feelings. Officially, the woman his heart still ached for every day and night had only been an acquaintance, after all.
@InTheirShadowz That was why she appeared so familiar. His stomach dropped, a wave of grief threatening to roll over him. Obi Wan closed his eyes for the briefest of moments, breathing deeply to settle his emotions as Jedi training had long ago instilled in him.
"I see. I'm pleased to make >
A smile, at that. It fades quickly.
"No reason. I feel I should check on you now and again, make sure you're doing well. Let's say I made a promise to someone I once knew."
@JEDlORSITH "I..."
Obi Wan pinches the bridge of his nose. It's typical of Anakin to cut to the chase and want to smooth everything over.
"I know you have gone through a lot of personal changes, returning to us, but you must understand it isn't as easy for me. To put everything behind me."
At this, Ben has to suppress a slight chuckle. He doesn't exactly blame the man; he put him in an awfully dangerous position all those years ago, after all.
"Oh really? Well, I think I'm a perfectly pleasant neighbour. Don't you?"