revivalproject | August Catch-All

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August Catch-All

WHO: Obi-Wan Kenobi and You!
WHERE: Around Temba and Not-Temba briefly
WHAT: Several things!
WHEN: Month of August
WARNINGS: None atm

A is for: Around the Temple

With his curiosity for Not-Temba being mostly satiated, Obi-Wan has returned to his normal routine in Temba. Which involved mostly doing things around the Temple. In the mornings he could be found meditating in The Spire, the tall building that he's converted into the prime meditation area. The Healing Crystals of Fire now sitting on a table in the center of the pedestal, surrounded by cushions for sitting. Anyone is welcome to join him there.

He can then be found tending to Boga in building that was converted to a barn and storage area. Following that, his classes and duties to his Padawans. Other points of his day spent to cleaning up more of the main temple area that he's converting to classrooms, other meditations spaces, a sparring hall and the the like.

Maybe sometime in the evening you might even catch him in the room he's put aside for the museum artifacts. Cataloging the pieces that remained, or even trying to put something together.

B is for: Babies!

Some days he spends more time with (baby) Luke and Leia more than others. This includes one afternoon where he could sense the children wanted attention. Peeking in on them only to find Padme having passed out for a well deserved nap. Draping his cloak over her, he then takes the little ones so that she's not disturbed.

Spreading a blanket on the temple's now manicured lawn, he places the twins down for a bit of tummy time and sunshine. The babies cooing as Leia tries to scoot along in an attempt to go somewhere, while Luke grabs at and mouths an obnoxiously pink mothcat plushie.

The Jedi Master simply relaxing right next to them, quietly reading a book.

C is for: Classes!

While Obi-Wan liked to work one on one with each of his Padawans, there are days when he gets all of them together for various learning sessions. Luke having been invited to sit in on them too now that he was here and clearly had gaps in his own learning.

Luke being given a copy of 'The Jedi Path' so that he could read it and follow along with classes. Each time they did this they covered a portion of the book in greater detail and discussion. One of those sessions ending with a question time. "Does anyone have anything they would like to ask or for me to elaborate on?"

Then there was the one on one time. Whether it was working with Ezra on his lightsaber forms, with Grogu in his speech therapy, refreshing Cal on the Jedi Code, or discussing Force Healing with Luke. Whatever it might be, he was always there and available for them. Doing his best to teach them what each individual needed.

D is for: Deep End

Even a Jedi Master needs a break from time to time. Something different than just meditating, as helpful and fulfilling as that always was. Thus on occasion Obi-Wan could be found at the local bar. Not exactly a regular but a semi-frequent visitor.

Boga, his giant lizard mount, was usually seen outside the bar when he was there. The creature being exceptionally obedient as she patiently waited outside, not needing to be tied up. She's friendly though! Anyone who passes by while find her simply looking at them with a keen and intelligent gaze. She does like pets though and won't bite unless provoked.

Obi-Wan though will be inside, sitting down with a view of the aquarium and likely sipping at some Jawa Juice or whatever fancies him that day. Maybe someone can get him to try a bit of spotchka?

E is for... uh. Palm Cottage I guess.

Eventually he did go back to Not-Temba, realizing that he could no longer get on the Twin Roses or any of the other ships docked in Temba. Finding this curious, he took a train to Not-Temba and returned to the hangar where they had discovered the other ships.

To his amazement he couldn't get on any of them this time except for one. The Palm Cottage opening up for him. It's then that he takes the time to explore this ship a bit more thoroughly, enjoying all the plant life within. This ship just really seemed to suit him.

Anyone else making their way onto the ship at this time might find him sitting on the "Captain's" cot. Legs folded beneath him as he meditated, putting out his Force feelers and getting better acquainted with the ship and the plants that were scattered about.

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Ezra's fairly certain that objectively, the work he's putting into polishing up his lightsaber form, particularly Soresu, isn't going badly. He has more time and space, here in Temba, to do the hard repetitive work of not just knowing the katas but training muscle memory and using that to get more fluid and creative in sparring or against the training remotes.

And still, he feels a gap. It had been easy to tell himself that Master Kenobi has invested decades in perfecting the form, so of course a gap will be there, that he's not likely to ever catch up with. Not without years more practice, himself.

But now he's met Luke, all grown up, and while they haven't sparred yet, Ezra knows that with only a fraction of the training Ezra has had, he somehow bested Vader.

Ezra isn't jealous exactly - he's very glad Luke survived fighting Vader multiple times, even if he didn't entirely come out in one piece. Ezra's just increasingly aware that there's only just training in play, there's aptitude -

Today, it's getting to him, his frustration a slow burn, and making the smooth motions of Soresu rougher than they should be, which is, of course, a negative feedback loop.

As his teacher and brother, Obi-Wan is constantly attuned to what’s going on with Ezra. Their bond making their emotions flow freely between them. So it should be of no surprise when he notices that the young Jedi is off kilter today.

Being the master of Soresu that he is, Obi-Wan goes through the motions with ease. His movements fluid as they practice their katas together. It would take Ezra time, they both knew that, to fully master the form. Obi-Wan didn’t expect him to be perfect, but it’s clear the his Padawan is distracted. Something that he as his master would have to address.

He doesn’t say anything at first, but rather let’s things go on for a bit. It’s not until they complete one of the sets that Obi-Wan straightens up and looks over.

“You’re off balance today, Ezra.” There’s no condemnation in his tone, only concern. It wasn’t like him to be this put off by whatever was going on.

“I sense that your mind is troubled.” It’s an invitation for him to admit it and talk if he wanted to. Obi-Wan was ready to listen and help in any way that he could.

Ezra freezes, embarrassed, despite the lack of condemnation he can both hear and feel from Obi-wan.

Then he blows out a breath. "Yeah," he admits, his shoulder sagging a little. "It's dumb stuff, but knowing that isn't making the feeling go away, so-"

Maybe he should say the dumb stuff out loud and talk it out. Ugh.

“So I highly doubt it’s ‘dumb’,” Obi-Wan says back.

Talking it out is definitely better than stewing over it.

“Let’s take a break.” His lightsaber deactivating before he moves to a reasonably comfortable spot and sits down. Motioning for Ezra to do the same.

"Oh, it's dumb," Ezra mumbles under his breath, and he flips off his own lightsaber. He keeps it in his hand as he follows and settles on the ground.

"Ok. So. We've all got different gifts. I know that," the padawan says after a moment, with staccato hitches in his breath, as he drags the words out of himself.

"And that's fine. I don't think I'd even want Cal's level of psychometry. Just...now that I've had a little more to compare to - I'm pretty sure lightsaber combat-" He slowly flips the hilt of his 'saber over, end over end, until it rests in his offhand. "Isn't one of mine."

He has more thoughts on that, but he just lets that admission sit there, spoken out loud, for the moment.

Edited (typo, slight word changes) 2021-08-14 21:30 (UTC)

As Ezra gathers his thoughts and tries to verbalize them, Obi-Wan patiently waits and listens. A hand stroking at his beard which was mostly fully grown back at this point. Humming thoughtfully when his Padawan admits to lightsaber combat not being his forte.

“Actually, I already gathered as much,” Obi-Wan admits. “But part of your journey as an apprentice is figuring what you are good at for yourself and how best to use your talents. During my time, many Jedi didn’t specialize in lightsaber combat and only knew the basics.”

So he hopes that will reassure Ezra that he doesn’t have to be an ace duelist as a Jedi. Not everyone went that direction.

His master admitting he'd already made that assessment stings, just a little. His hand tightens around his 'saber hilt and part of his want to bite out, Then why have you bothered-

No, that really is dumb.

Ezra knows, for one thing, he really has been improving, particularly in his defense. He may never be able to soundly win a life or death duel against another Force user, but being able to defend himself long enough to get away, that's a goal to work towards.

A goal he'd needed to figure out for himself. He sighs again.

"You know it's funny. When I was on my own as a kid, my first tactic against stormtroopers or...anyone bigger than me, really, was almost always distract and run away. And sometimes I've used that on missions as a rebel. I've even used it against Inquisitors, especially when Kanan was clearly willing to run, too." He pauses. "But for a while I got more likely to toss myself into fights I really shouldn't have." Like Vader. Twice.

"Because that's what Jedi are supposed to do, right? We protect people. We fight when others can't. But that's not all we do. And with a lightsaber isn't the only way."

Watching Ezra intently, Obi-Wan can feel that surge of indignation but also as he pushes it down. That was good. Anakin would have given in to that impulse and screamed at him. Seeing it as a judgement and a personal failure when it wasn’t.

He listens as Ezra works things out in his own mind and voices those thoughts. A smile coming to his face at the end. A pleased and proud smile.

“That’s right. That is exactly right.”

Jedi were more than warriors. Being one was more than just wielding a lightsaber and defeating others in combat. Being a Jedi was also about having the ability to stop a situation before it got that far.

“Healers protect and save lives. Diplomats negotiate with the leaders of worlds to help their people. Consulars study the Force and its will for the better of the galaxy. All of these are ways to protect and serve. And then when these fail, only then is the lightsaber necessary. Peace before conflict if at all possible.”

"Yeah, it's just hard to have room for those ways when the people in power use intimidation, slavery, and mass murder as their own go-to tactics," Ezra replies darkly, with a grimace.

That's why wrestling with the realization he's not really built to be one of the best at combat is bothering him so much. He's used to being hunted and fighting enemies who aren't likely to listen to reason. He wasn't trained solely to be a soldier, but being one had been part of his reality anyway.

"But that's not here," he continues, after a beat of a silence. "I may never be back in Imperial territory. Because I was probably headed to Wild Space or the Unknown Regions when I got here. Who knows. Either way, focusing on defense could come in handy. I mean, I'm not going to quit working on my forms in general, but 'able to defend myself and have a chance to get away from someone stronger who is trying to kill me' - that's a reasonable benchmark to work towards. Yeah?"

He shifts to looks at Obi-wan, to watch his reactions, because his question is a sincere one.

"Keeps me alive to protect and serve."

“Yes,” Obi-Wan admits to the first part. “You were born in a difficult time, and asked to be something that perhaps you shouldn’t have.” Had Ezra been trained during a time of peace, his life would have gone very differently.

“I never thought suggesting you should quit your lightsaber training at all. Of course you should be able to defend yourself.” Even if fighting at the front lines of a battle was not what Ezra was made for.

“What I am suggesting is you expand on that. You have the time, and ability, to explore your options here. You have many talents Ezra, and they should not be overlooked.”

He looks back at Ezra, his own expression and intentions sincere. “As your master and your brother, I want you to be able to find your full potential.”

Edited 2021-08-15 00:06 (UTC)

Ezra leans in towards Obi-wan to brush shoulders just a little, a sheepish but pleased smile beginning to twitch across his face. He is, at least, beginning to really let go that feeling of 'not good enough'.

"I used my ability to connect with animals a lot the last time I went home. And I'm not sure that I'll ever be a diplomat exactly, but um. Good at pulling together allies? I'm sure there's other stuff, too. Connections. Patterns. I feel like I should be able to use that in healing somehow too, but it hasn't really clicked yet."

“Hmmm,” Obi-Wan hums as he leans in a little himself so that their shoulders bumped.

“You know I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” he admits. “With a temple and with our numbers increasing, we should start having more defined roles. You take care of the gardens, yes, but more than that.”

He glances at Ezra fondly, knowing how important it was to feel useful. Perhaps if he had more of a purpose that feeling of ‘not good enough’ would fade completely.

“Plus it’s a Padawan’s duty to assist their master, and it might help you explore your talents.” He remembers quite well having to do bust work for Qui-Gon. A lot of which he had hated at the time but did broaden his scope. He had no intention of giving Ezra something mundane though.

“It hasn’t escaped my notice how easily you connect with people here. The town meeting being but only one example. Far better than I have. I’m something of a relic that they don’t understand. But you have have bridged that gap. Able to see their points of view and bringing ours to them in a way that they can relate to. As much as I would like to do it myself and come to understand everyone better, I simply don’t have the time. Between helping to raise two babies, training padawans, and keeping up this temple. So I think I will need to rely on you for that.”

Ezra does roll his eyes in the middle there, and argues, "You're not old enough to be a relic."

But that so much of Obi-wan's life had been centered around communal temple life and serving the Republic did make make him out of step with a lot their neighbors, that much rang true. Even Ezra felt it to some extent - things like Tony calling his willingness to sacrifice himself to take Thrawn and his fleet out of the picture 'suicidal tendencies', as if he hadn't made a reasoned choice after getting an unusually clear view of options, via the Force.

"I've been trying to... reach out and shake up any notion that we're insular or whatever, yeah," he agrees. "Cal's been here longer, but he doesn't chime in on the network that often."

The teenager shrugs. He likes Cal a lot, but he's the more cautious and self contained of the two of them. How much of that was Cal's natural inclination versus habit from keeping his head down, it was hard for Ezra to guess

"I don't think age has anything to do with it," Obi-Wan says back. "Judging from the way things are on earth, if Billy's imagination is anything to go by, then I think the Jedi ways are a bit old fashioned to them. They are in a sense in our own galaxy as well. Cobb and Mando don't even understand us. At the very least, everything I've been taught doesn't line up with their own way of thinking."

Which was something he was used to, in some capacity. There were many who didn't really understand the Jedi very well in their galaxy. But they were at least for the most part accepted for who they were. He didn't have to constantly explain things to people and then get drawn into a conversation of ethics because someone thought their ways were somehow cruel. It was exhausting, even for him.

"That's good, and I want you to keep that up. To put on a good front for the rest of us where we're not always able to." Ezra certainly seemed like the best fit for that. He naturally seemed to have a way with the people here. "Cal has his own issues, which I'm trying to help him with. I hope in time, that he won't be as withdrawn and be more comfortable with who he is as a Jedi."

"Someday, eventually, we're all going to have to sit down and talk about what being a Jedi will mean, for more than just us as individuals," Ezra notes with a sigh.

If enough of them are here long enough that a decision needs to be about when to start training the twins, well, there will probably have to be some bigger conversations, about then, he imagines.

That gets a thoughtful nod from Obi-Wan.

"Yes, I think that you're right. If we are here for any long duration, that is something we need to discuss. Once we're all settled and the temple is how we want it, I think that will be the next step."

It seemed like the logical move to him. The future of the twins would definitely be important as well.

"I was honestly thinking more...when the twins are old enough for decisions to be made about their training," Ezra admits. "But I guess if we're considering more defined roles, we do need to talk about what the roles should be, too."

That makes him hesitate. Obi-Wan looking at Ezra with a furrowed brow. He has a feeling he might know where he’s going with that, but wants to hear what his thoughts are.

“What do you mean about the twin’s training?”

Ezra hesitates a second, too.

"I mean. They'll pick up some stuff from us and teaching some control will have to happen, no matter what, but has Padme actually said she wanted them to be trained as Jedi?"

"We haven't actually talked about it," Obi-Wan says with a frown. He knows that sounds bad. The both of them were busy and didn't always get a chance to just talk. And as a result he may have assumed or just didn't think about it.

He sighs softly, running a hand across his beard. "I suppose I will need to make that a priority."

"We've all been busy. They're still very much babies," Ezra tries to earnestly console his master.

"And I doubt Padme's gonna flip to the attitude older Luke told me his other uncle had," he adds, with a roll of his eyes, because he still wasn't happy with the idea of any version of Obi-wan being essentially banished away from the little family he had left.

He shrugs. "I know it's not really my place to say, but it seems to me like the most important thing is they know they're loved, and that we just want to help them choose wisely, for themselves."

The reassurance is appreciated and Obi-Wan gives Ezra a faint smile. He was right though, there was still time. Though he winced slightly at the mention of Owen. "No, I don't think she will," he agreed. The older Luke had told him about that as well, and he would be lying if he said it hadn't made his heart sink.

"No, that's where you're wrong, Ezra. It is your place. I very much value your opinion. But don't worry, if anything they will get all the love they need." He loved those children deeply, and the older Luke as well though he didn't actually know him yet. And he loved Ezra too. That feeling surging through their bond with deep warmth.

Ezra beams back, warmed by the emotion flowing through their bond as much as the words themselves.

"They will, we make sure of it," he replies, with the easy, sunny confidence he learned from Hera. "And well, I hope you know I'm working on completing my training with you because I want to. I want to find my path forward as a Jedi."

Edited (fixing phrasing) 2021-08-23 17:50 (UTC)

"I do, and I'm glad for it," Obi-Wan says. "It brings me joy to see that and gives me hope that our people will flourish once more. Both here and in the future of our galaxy."

He reaches out and puts his hand on Ezra's shoulder. "Not only that, but I want what's best for you, for all of us here. To be happy and comfortable with who you are. To meet your full potential. I wouldn't be a good master if I didn't."

"I love you, too," Ezra says, sounding a touch amused, because he does appreciate all the nuance behind Obi-wan's words.

But sometimes it's nice to just say it with fewer of them.

"Other thoughts on non combat things I could be working on?"

C!

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