Chapter Text
Qui-Gon knew nothing of the purpose of their meeting, other than the fact that Master Yoda said that speaking to the woman was an urgent priority. Because of this, he left Obi-Wan to his own devices for the afternoon, traveling across the temple by himself to the designated visitor section of the temple.
The woman in question was tall and slender, with high cheekbones and full lashes. Her hair was a mixture of dark auburn and fine gray, pulled back into a simple yet elegant twist-braid. It was clear that she was somewhat wealthy, but she was anything but arrogant when she greeted Qui-Gon.
“I presume you are Master Jinn?” she asked, lips curving upward as she bowed to him. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“My lady,” Qui-Gon said, taking her hand into his own. He still didn’t fully understand who she was. He assumed she would be a key element in some sort of assigned mission. “Please, let's sit down so we may speak.”
She followed him over to a table near the window, giving them a fine view of Coruscant’s sunset. “My husband remains on Stewjon, but he sends his regards as well. He was disappointed not to be here with me, but his job holds high demands.”
“And what does he do for work?” Qui-Gon asked in polite interest.
“He’s the Head of Stewjon’s Educational District,” she informed him proudly. “Stewjon has some of the finest schools in the Republic. We plan to enroll our son as soon as we return home. Of course, I expect he’ll already be well-ahead of his peers. I have heard how well the Jedi Temple educates its students.”
It was here that Qui-Gon grew confused.
“I apologize, my lady, but I don’t quite follow.”
She frowned, her blue eyes narrowing in concern.
“I’m here to collect my son. Obi-Wan Kenobi?” she said, though it sounded more like a question. “I’m Ar’elle Kenobi. My husband and I received notification that he had not been chosen for an apprenticeship, so he was to join the Agricorps on Bandomeer. But en route to Bandomeer, I was told there had been an incident, and that he had been taken back to Coruscant.”
Qui-Gon stared at her, frozen and uncomprehending. Meanwhile, Ar’elle continued speaking.
“We were told that, if he wanted to, Obi-Wan could come back with us. Of course, if he prefers to pursue farming, we will support him, but we wanted to give him another option. You see, my oldest son, he passed onto the stars two years ago. We are still grieving his loss. My second oldest, Thocie-Jon, will be travelling off-planet to the Young Women’s Academy on Alderaan in the fall. It seems as though it were fate, finding out that we would have the opportunity to get to know our youngest.”
She smiled tentatively, but her eyes shined bright. “I have all the paperwork ready for the transfer of custody. All I need is a signature.”
Qui-Gon couldn’t bear it any longer.
“Obi-Wan has received an apprenticeship,” he said bluntly. “I’m sorry that you were not notified in time. It was rather sudden…”
“Oh?” Ar’elle blinked a few times, her eyelids fluttering slightly. She remained remarkably calm, but Qui-Gon could easily pick up on the shock and disappointment that coursed through her system. “That’s- well, I’m very happy for him. But- but I don’t understand.”
“It’s been several weeks,” Qui-Gon informed her, his mouth feeling dry. “He was only on Bandomeer for a few days. Although he is technically in a probationary period right now, the Jedi Council fully expects to restore him to the rank of Padawan in due time.”
Ar’elle was quiet for a long time. Qui-Gon didn’t say anything, allowing her time to process the news.
She appeared so devastated that for the briefest moment, he entertained the thought of allowing her to take Obi-Wan back to Stewjon. Ar’elle was clearly a kind, intelligent, and compassionate woman who would take great care of Obi-Wan. He would have a family to support him, and an education to give him opportunities.
On the other hand, Qui-Gon knew how much Obi-Wan wanted to be a padawan. He knew how hard he had worked his whole life. The boy had almost willingly blown himself up just to try and be a Jedi. He had even followed Qui-Gon to Telos, supporting him without a second thought.
Obi-Wan deserved to be a padawan, and Qui-Gon owed him the opportunity. As each day passed, he was coming to appreciate and enjoy the young teen’s company more and more.
“I’m so sorry,” he told Ar’elle again. “Your son is remarkable. But he has chosen the path of the Jedi, and I intend to see him become a Knight one day.”
“Good evening, Master,” Obi-Wan greeted Qui-Gon with a smile. He was holding a plate of food in his hands. He said sweetly, “I just got back from the dining hall. I brought you back a plate, in case you hadn’t eaten.”
“Thank you Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said, taking the offered meal. “You were right, I haven’t had a chance to eat yet. Come, why don’t you sit with me while I do.”
“Of course, Master,” Obi-Wan said, following him into their kitchenette. Ever so perceptive for his young age, he seemed to pick up on Qui-Gon’s mood. “Is something troubling you?”
Qui-Gon stared back into the wide, worried gray eyes and felt his stomach grow heavy. However, being the esteemed and experienced Jedi that he was, he managed to shield himself and quickly regain his composure.
“Not at all,” he told his young student. “Tell me, how was your afternoon?”
As Obi-Wan began to chatter earnestly about his day, Qui-Gon only half-listened. His thoughts kept straying back to Ar’elle and the shattered look on her face. Despite the fact that she had intended to take Obi-Wan back with her, she had reacted with nothing but complacency in Obi-Wan being a padawan, accepting his wishes without argument, despite her desires. She was just as remarkable as her son.
“...Master?”
Qui-Gon blinked. “I’m sorry, Padawan, I was lost in my thoughts.”
Obi-Wan smiled rather shyly, but his eyes held pure delight at being addressed as ‘Padawan.’ It helped further solidify Qui-Gon’s confidence that he had made the right choice.
“Are you sure you’re alright, Master?” Obi-Wan asked again. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Everything is fine,” Qui-Gon assured him. “More than fine. I have just come to realize how grateful I am to have such a fine young Padawan to teach.”
“Oh!” Obi-Wan’s eyes grew wide. “T-Thank you, Master! I will do my best to make you proud.”
The padawan was practically trembling with happiness. Qui-Gon had forgotten how terribly entertaining children could be. He laughed, beckoning Obi-Wan over for a hug.
“I know you will, Padawan,” he said, holding the boy close. “I know you will.”