A Jedi Homecoming | Closed

[hadthehighground]

WHO: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Grogu
WHERE: The Jedi Temple on Coruscant
WHAT: Obi-Wan goes to talk to the High Council and takes Grogu with him.
WHEN: Beginning of the event.
WARNINGS: Likely PTSD regarding genocide.


He knew Coruscant like the back of his hand. Even so far in the past, some things were still the same. He had walked and flown across this planet many times. The towering skyscrapers that glittered in the sun, the many lanes of speeders streaking across the sky, flashing signs mostly in aurebesh. It was all very familiar. He felt at home here. Yet it was his true home that he needed to find

Having tucked Grogu under his cloak, the Jedi Master made his way through the crowds. Some casting him glances, and a few even moved aside for him. The robes clearly marked him as a Jedi and they all knew it. It was just as it had been before.

Flagging down a cab speeder, Obi-Wan climbed into it, handing the driver a few credits. ”To the Jedi Temple, please.”

The driver took his pay, and without a word, they lifted into the air. Melding into the traffic, the wind whipping at his hair and clothing. Before long, as they passed through many transparisteel towers, the temple came into sight. The ziggurat with its crown of five spires a very distinctive shape against the flatter cityscape around it.

”Look, little one,” Obi-Wan said softly to his young companion.

Comments

[hadthehighground]

Obi-Wan just chuckled at Grogu’s clear surprise. “Come, let’s see what we can find.”

Taking the turbolift to another level, Obi-Wan walked down the familiar halls where he remembers the quartermaster being located. He certainly has been there often enough.

Fortunately it was still in the same place and he was greeted warmly when they walked in. “I need a set of robes.”

“For yourself?” the man said back before Obi-Wan lifted Grogu and placed him on the table. “For my apprentice here.”

The Jedi’s mouth dropped open slightly, staring at the tiny youngling. “Ah... I will need to... take measurements.” This was for certain going to be tiniest set of robes he has ever made!

[the_child]

Fortunately, Grogu was no longer frightened of being seen. Being in the temple was comforting, and he was now confident that it was safe and no one meant him any harm. At least, not for now.

He was still mulling over the idea of his own Jedi robes when the arrived. He smiled and waved at the quartermaster, his ears raising as he trilled cheerfully.

[hadthehighground]

Time to get to work! The quartermaster carefully took all of Grogu’s measurements and laid out pieces of cloth for the Jedi and his apprentice to look at.

“What do you think, Grogu?” Obi-Wan asked as he considered the different samples. Some fabrics were coarser than others, and they all came in varying neutral colors. Mostly browns and tans but also greys and some other muted colors.

Grogu was going to be wearing this so he could choose what he liked.

[the_child]

Grogu watched curiously as his measurements were taken. This was all very new to him. Finally, as the fabrics were laid out, he stepped closer. He looked over all of them, taking his time. Leaning over, he touched one particular shade of brown that stood out to him. Master Kenobi would notice that it matched the color of the flight suit Din wore beneath his armor.

Glancing up at Master Kenobi, he made a small noise, looking for his approval.

[hadthehighground]

Obi-Wan did notice and couldn’t help a smile and a nod. It was a nice dark brown. “I think that’s a good choice.”

“An outer tunic with this,” he tells the quartermaster, pointing at the fabric Grogu had chosen. He will also need a white undershirt, and some pants in this color. He points at a fabric that’s a light tan. “And a cloak of course.” Of which most came in the standard chocolate brown.

The man took note of this and gathered what he needed. They were then invited to sit and wait or browse through the other items that were available. Obi-Wan moving Grogu to a cushion where he could sit before walking away to look at something. Eventually he came back with a few strips of material and sat beside the little green one.

[the_child]

Grogu sat cross-legged on the cushion, watching everything around him with wide curious eyes. He's never been in this room before, and to wait for something to be specially made for him... it was a new experience for him.

When Master Obi-Wan returned, Grogu tilted his head and made a curious noise. What are those?

[hadthehighground]

What he held were three long thin strips of tan canvas cloth. Along with a couple other small pieces. He smiled at Grogu as he held them out for him to see.

“A Padawan needs his braid. Since you haven’t grown any hair yet, I’ll have to make one for you.”

[the_child]

His eyes widened again. A Padawan braid? He hadn't even considered that. Certainly his thin wisps of hair weren't enough to anything with, but he thought of Master Kenobi making him a proper Padawan braid... it was incredibly moving.

He smiled, giving Master Kenobi a nod to show he understood.

[hadthehighground]

“I haven’t done this in awhile,” Obi-Wan admits. Plus his last Padawan had hair. It was a little sad to think about, but he also felt a bit more complete. Like he had a purpose again in taking on students again.

Taking the strips of cloth he tied them to a very small loop that was attached to a silver clip. Reaching down he placed that clip on the bottom edge of Grogu’s right ear, making sure it was comfortable for him and not pinching. Twisting the fabric he brought it over the back and through the loop again before threading in a yellow bead. This would keep it from coming undone or falling off. Obi-Wan then carefully weaved the strips of fabric into a tight braid that would be long enough to drape over Grogu’s shoulder. When he was done he tied it off in a knot.

[the_child]

Grogu remained still, watching Maser Kenobi work. This was an important tradition, after all, and he gave it the attention it deserved. When it was finished, he looked down, one hand gingerly touching the bottom of the braid. He never imagined he'd actually have one of those. So many emotions churned up within him. Pride at this moment, humility... sadness for his friends who would never share this moment with him. All of it was followed by the desire to share this moment with Din, to show him that he now bore the hallmarks of a Jedi in training.

[hadthehighground]

When he was done, Obi-Wan smiled at his new student, feeling a bit of pride himself. He could feel all the emotions welling up in Grogu as well and nodded at him.

"Yes, you should reflect on all those feelings, young one. That's what I want you to do while we wait. Consider each of them, what they mean, and how they will affect you moving forward. That is your first task as my student."

This was an important moment for both of them. It was their first bonding moment as master and apprentice.

[the_child]

Grogu nodded, accepting the task he'd been given. Settling more comfortably onto the cushion, he rested his hands on his knees and closed his eyes.

He remained perfectly still until he was interrupted by the return of the quartermaster.

As he meditated, he thought of each of his friends in turn, the other younglings he'd grown to know while he was at the Temple. While he was saddened that their lives were cut short before they could become Padawans, he knew in his heart that they'd be happy for him. He had a strong sense that they'd be happy he survived and was finding a way to live in the much changed Galaxy. At least one would have been quite jealous of the adventures he'd had. He thought of the Jedi who'd saved him on that day. He wondered briefly if they could have imagined he'd have survived this long and ended up there. Likely not. But he believed they'd be pleased that he was beginning to learn again so he could continue the tradition.

Pride and humility seemed like such conflicting emotions. And yet, they fit together like a hand in a glove. He was proud for his achievement, yet humbled that it came at the hand of such a legendary Jedi. He still felt undeserving, but he knew that was residual guilt from surviving while all others perished and having to hide who he was for so long. He knew pride could be dangerous in large amounts, but he was certain he was in no danger of that happening.

Finally, his thoughts drifted to Din. He wondered where he was and what he was doing. He knew Din was as reluctant as he was to agree to the training. They'd grown so close. He wanted to know what Din really thought, but he didn't dare intrude in his mind. That was rude and unethical. He hoped Din would be happy for him. It was a strange arrangement they had. It was unusual, but it seemed like it would fit and be beneficial to all of them. By the time his thoughts were interrupted he was thinking about the dangers of pride, yet how he felt like he wanted to make Din proud.

[hadthehighground]

Looking on in quiet approval as Grogu settled in to his meditation, Obi-Wan eventually did the same. It might almost be comical for anyone to see a human Jedi Master sitting there next to such a tiny Padawan, meditating in silence.

Despite how it looked, he too was proud to have this opportunity to pass on his knowledge. Yet he also still struggled with feelings of unworthiness. He had let down his last student by failing to protect and prepare him for the assaults that came his way. A part of him feared doing the little one a similar injustice. Yet the Force had spoken to him and shown him its will. It had placed not only Grogu before him, but Cal and Ezra as well. All of them in need of his guidance in varying degrees.

Quietly he thought of Anakin, mourned the loss of his brother who had meant so much to him. Dare he think he could have that sort of connection with any of the young boys placed before him now? It remained to be seen. Nothing and no one could replace Anakin in his heart. He would always love him. Yet perhaps there could be such a place for each of them in his life as well. Perhaps they could be their own sort of family as the Jedi Order had been for him . For now, he simply released his sorrow into the Force and embraced the hope of better things to come.

As the quartermaster approached, Obi-Wan snapped out of his trance and looked over to Grogu. “It seems he’s ready for us.” He then held out his hands to his student, offering to carry him.

[the_child]

It had been quite a while since Grogu had just sat and meditated. He had done a great deal of it while in hiding - there'd been little else to do at that time. Now, though, it brought him a great sense of peace and he finally felt right accepting the Force as it flowed through him. He was finding his path again and was confident it was the right one.

Master Kenobi's voice pulled him out of his trance. He opened his eyes and looked up at him. Oh, right. Making a small noise, he got to his feet and reached out towards Master Kenobi. Thanks for the ride, Master.

[hadthehighground]

Picking Grogu up, he carried his miniature student back over to the table. An outfit having been laid out for him by the quartermaster. One very tiny set of Jedi robes that looked like it could fit a doll.

Obi-Wan would help the little Padawan get dressed. Reminding Grogu that caring for one’s robes is very important and the significance behind them. The Jedi attire was very steeped in history! After tying the little sash around Grogu’s waist and putting on the simple belt, Obi-Wan then helped him with his tiny cloak, completing the look.

“There now, how does it feel?”

[the_child]

Grogu paid close attention as Master Kenobi helped him with the unfamiliar clothing. He'd seen it plenty of times, to be sure, but he'd never worn it, himself. It was more layers than he'd grown accustomed to wearing. Plus, pants! Those were new. Of course anything is an change over the shapeless robe he'd been wearing for quite some time.

Once he's fully dressed, he experimentally moves his arms and legs, feeling how everything feels against him. Finally, he nodded, making an approving noise. He likes it! It's just... new.

[hadthehighground]

Standing back a bit to get a better look, even Obi-Wan would have to admit he looks adorable. A little smile coming to his face as he tries not to melt right then and there. “Good, I’m glad it fits.”

Tucking Grogu’s old clothes under his arm, Obi-Wan then moves to pick him up again. “I suppose we should see ourselves to our room and get some rest. I have a feeling we will be quite busy the next few days.”

[the_child]

He looks stinking cute. Even cuter than before. A fearsome Jedi he is not.

As Master Kenobi picked up Grogu's clothes, a small metal ball tumbled out. Grogu made a distressed sound and reached out a hand. The ball stopped its descent and flew straight to his hands. He turned it over, making sure it was okay.

[hadthehighground]

Stopping short of picking up his Padawan, Obi-Wan looks down as the ball falls then goes flying into Grogu's hand.

"What's this?" Obi-Wan asks, his brows raising as the little one clutches the little metal sphere. He then holds his hand out, asking to see it. Do you trust him with your treasure, Grogu?

[the_child]

Busted. He hesitates only a moment before holding it out to Master Kenobi. He is his Master, after all. One of two people he trusts completely.

The silver ball seems less like a treasure and more like a spare part. It's got a small blue circle on one end and a hole in the other where it had been screwed onto something.

[hadthehighground]

Taking the ball, Obi-Wan looks it over with a raised brow. "What is this? The end of a lever?" It looked like it belonged on some sort of machinery, but who knows what exactly. Either way, it didn't look like much of anything of value, except whatever sentiment Grogu had to it.

"It's important to you isn't it," he says, offering the ball back to his young Padawan.

[the_child]

Grogu nods, taking the ball back. He closed his eyes, holding it between his hands. He projected a few memories to Master Kenobi.

Using the force to unscrew the ball - a knob - from the Razor Crest.
Din taking it from him and scolding him.
Din using the ball to get him to show Ahsoka his ability.

He knew it wasn't right to be attached to an object, but he liked it... And it held a much deeper meaning for him than just a play thing.

[hadthehighground]

"I see," Obi-Wan says as Grogu sends him the memories. His lips pulling in amusement at the images, though a bit amazed to see Ahsoka looking so grown up too.

"Do you know what attachment means, Grogu?" Obi-Wan asked this as he moved to pick up the little one again. Intending to talk to him as they walked.

[the_child]

Grogu holds onto his ball as Master Kenobi picks him up, trying to figure out where to tuck it away.

At the question, he looks up. His ears lower a little and he looks back at his treasure. He remembers that lesson, well. He also knows that's why Ahsoka refused to train him, and why Master Kenobi had hesitated. Nodding, he opens his mind to his Master. It's being close to people or things. Jedi aren't supposed to form attachments.

[hadthehighground]

"Yes, that's right," Obi-Wan says, deciding to speak aloud even as Grogu opens his mind to him, allowing him to hear his thoughts.

"But there is more to it than that. Why do you think attachments are so dangerous?" He wanted to know exactly what Grogu knew, and what his thoughts were on it. These are important lessons for young Jedi after all. Things that Grogu would have to grasp clearly if he was to learn from Obi-Wan.