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Qui Gon watched in mild bafflement as Master Yoda told a story to a group of youth, including his wayward padawan. It wasn’t the telling of the story so much as it was the contents, though Qui Gon supposed he had come upon them part of the way through, and Yoda’s syntax made following a story harder.
“Around the bulkhead, crept he.” Yoda continued, which made Qui Gon reconsider what he was imagining entirely. “A flash there was, filled, the corridor was, with blue light.” The younglings gasped.
“A figure, there stood, robed in blue. His Master it was, many years dead. ‘My Padawan,’ said he, ‘learn to see me you have.’”
All at once Qui Gon knew which story was being told. It was a story, told through generations, of a Jedi learning to see ghosts and hear the wisdoms of ancient Masters after having spent a hyperspace trip terrified out of his mind.
The story ended, as it always did, with the Jedi returning to his Temple and passing on all he had learnt.
“Still see him, you can, halls he wanders, pranks he plays, teaches the Jedi he will, if see him or not we do.” Yoda concluded, and after much laughter and a smattering of applause the group scattered.
“Why do we tell ghost stories for Life Day Master?” Obi Wan asked him as they turned towards the Garden of a Thousand Fountains.
“Perhaps it is to remind us that we will all return to the Force one day and there is nothing to fear?” Qui Gon suggested.
“Yes, but some of the stories are quite frightening. Do you not remember the Kit Bag?”
“Oh.” Qui Gon said, for he did remember the story and the fright it and others like it had often given him.
“Even the one Master Yoda just told is a little scary.” Obi Wan admitted, tucking his hands into his sleeves. “And A Life Day Carol too!”
“You are right Padawan.” Qui Gon admitted. “I don’t know then.”
“I will ask Master Yoda.” Obi Wan resolved, and he turned and raced back up the hall. Qui Gon sighed, and turned around himself, striding hurriedly after him.
When he caught up with him, Obi Wan was once again seated with Yoda, and sensing that he would have little choice, Qui Gon folded himself to the ground, legs crossed, and joined the lesson.