DRIFTFLEET: overflow

[sandhate]

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OBI-WAN

[sandhate]

I can't remember all the men I've lost under my command.

[ he was expecting a lecture after that, something about attachment to those who have died. he can't help it; jabiim makes him feel like a padawan again. ]

You were on the list for a while.

[beardstrokes]

I know.

[ Being kidnapped on the field of Jabiim for two harrowing months wasn't his fault. But he still felt guilty about it. It was one of the few times he had left Anakin's side, without meaning to, with no word or comfort. He knew how Anakin felt about being left behind. ]

But I came back.

[sandhate]

[ He's quiet for a moment. He finds another glowing moth, flying curiously near them, and he focuses on that. ]

You're one of the lucky ones.

[ He morbidly wonders if Rex, Master Hett-- Force, if Tru Veld was still alive. It guts him to think they might not. ]

We have been very lucky. I don't think I realized that until we got there.

[beardstrokes]

We have been.

[ There's no denying a lot of moments have been very close calls. Very close. He's never sure how much of it was their skill alone or Anakin's ability in the Force - to turn overwhelming odds into their favor.

Obi-Wan runs a hand through his beard. ]

I don't know if luck has much to do with it. Though I will have to admit - I did not think I would escape.

[sandhate]

[ He tries not to think about the many -- too many times that Obi-Wan has been injured, bloodied, captured or otherwise incapacitated. ]

You're very resilient, my old Master. I think that's one thing that Dooku and I can agree on.

[beardstrokes]

[ He frowns lightly at that. Anakin agreeing with Dooku for anything - even one is a sign of alarm. In honest jest, he goes: ]

Well, training you has taught me to be prepared for anything.

[sandhate]

[ He huffs a laugh and shakes his head. He decides to take the high road this time. ]

Just as your training has prepared me for anything. Even the frequent nagging.

[beardstrokes]

It is a relief to know something has paid off.

[sandhate]

Don't worry, I listen to you when you have useful things to say.

[beardstrokes]

You mean you listen when I conveniently agree with whatever you have in mind.

[sandhate]

I see you're getting more intuitive with old age.

[beardstrokes]

I don't think a lot of intuition was involved in that conclusion.

[sandhate]

That's very convenient for me.

[ His chuckling stops when another glow moth flies near by ]

Do you want to say one?

[ He glances over. There's a part of him that knows Obi-Wan mourns in a different way, the proper Jedi way. Then there's the part that knows that any wound festers. Losing someone as close as Satine was to Obi-Wan, he can't imagine it. ]

[beardstrokes]

[ Obi-Wan turns his gaze to the moths. There were many names in him, buried deep in his heart. He let the sorrow go into the Force over time, but he finds that speaking of them has not lessened the pain.

Perhaps it is not meant to, he thinks to himself, perhaps I was meant to have a little pain ]

If I said one, I'd have to say them all.

[sandhate]

[ It's times like these he wonders what Obi-Wan is thinking of, who in particular. He has his guesses but he knows Obi-Wan as he is now, a Jedi Master. He's never known the padawan.

Even without knowing exactly what, he can sense the odd pinch of an ache from the man beside him. And he says nothing. Anakin stands continues to stand beside his old Master in support. ]

[beardstrokes]

[ Obi-Wan smiles at Anakin appreciatively before patting his shoulder. It's best not to linger in memories long past. Anakin is still young.

For Obi-Wan, it was another lifetime ago. ]

Try to enjoy the party a little too.