for In Due Time4/9 c1 Eruhin
Lovely piece! Though pretty poignant too, when you know what exactly it will be that breaks Obi-Wan's heart during his Trials :(
Loved Qui-Gon's reluctance to let Obi-Wan out of his care yet, for his Padawan's sake as well as his own. And the fact that it was Obi-Wan's "running" nose that helped the master to make the decision :)
Interesting look at what happens to Padawans who fail the Trials. I never really considered it before, constantly having the perfection that is Obi-Wan before my eyes. Which makes me wonder about one more thing - how exactly did Anakin pass his Trials? He really isn't the person I would associate with "absolute sacrifice" to the will of the Force...
Lovely piece! Though pretty poignant too, when you know what exactly it will be that breaks Obi-Wan's heart during his Trials :(
Loved Qui-Gon's reluctance to let Obi-Wan out of his care yet, for his Padawan's sake as well as his own. And the fact that it was Obi-Wan's "running" nose that helped the master to make the decision :)
Interesting look at what happens to Padawans who fail the Trials. I never really considered it before, constantly having the perfection that is Obi-Wan before my eyes. Which makes me wonder about one more thing - how exactly did Anakin pass his Trials? He really isn't the person I would associate with "absolute sacrifice" to the will of the Force...
4/13/2012 c1 
3rowen raven
By the Force, if it where up to me, I'd be a Padawan until my dying moments. Or if I where a Master I couldn't find it in my heart to part with my Padawan, let alone to set him on such a taunting task.
The truth is we never really think about it, though in the JA series we are faced first with the implications of not being chosen as a Padawan, we quickly forget them as soon as Qui Gon takes Obi Wan in. And we don't even think about a Padawan failing a Trail. To us the Jedi either leave the Order on their own, are Killed, or Turned to the 'Dark Side'.
But as you've brought it home here, Padawan's do fail, and it's a sad and cruel faith. If it's horrible, maddening and hearth breaking not to be chosen a Padawan, after a whole childhood of training, and dreaming of being a Jedi and end up as a farmer. It's far worst to actually be a Jedi Padawan and fail Knighting Trails, and pass from a warrior to a Farmer, that is far too cruel, and they wonder why there are Siths.
Honestly, what do they do with the training, and knowledge then, who do you go from saber katas to weeding fields? from designing cruiser ships, to fixing tractors? from knowing political negotiations to discus fruit exporting? I couldn't do it, I'd run myself through with my own lightsaber before being rejected by the Jedi, for that is certainly what it is, and turned in to farmer.
It makes you realize there are thousands of Force-sensitives in the galaxy, of which there are only hundreds of younglings in the creche, of which in turn only a few dozens if that many will be chosen as Padawans and not all will make it in to knighthood. They say, they believe it's a blessing to be found and taken in by the Jedi, but one wonders what is the kinder faith, after all ignorance in bliss. Better not to know of the Jedi, than to be part of it, however briefly and be cast aside by them. It makes it seem almost justified that the lot of mighty snobs got wiped out, almost.
The Jedi are cruel, heartless people indeed, or so it seems sometimes. How many crushed dreams, how many have felt unworthy a failure, is it really the will of the Force, or just the caprice of the Council?
Sorry for the diatribe, but this one was an eye opener, an more then a little thought provoking, if not unsettling, for the truths that it shows about the workings of the Jedi in regards to Padawan's and Knighting.
3rowen ravenBy the Force, if it where up to me, I'd be a Padawan until my dying moments. Or if I where a Master I couldn't find it in my heart to part with my Padawan, let alone to set him on such a taunting task.
The truth is we never really think about it, though in the JA series we are faced first with the implications of not being chosen as a Padawan, we quickly forget them as soon as Qui Gon takes Obi Wan in. And we don't even think about a Padawan failing a Trail. To us the Jedi either leave the Order on their own, are Killed, or Turned to the 'Dark Side'.
But as you've brought it home here, Padawan's do fail, and it's a sad and cruel faith. If it's horrible, maddening and hearth breaking not to be chosen a Padawan, after a whole childhood of training, and dreaming of being a Jedi and end up as a farmer. It's far worst to actually be a Jedi Padawan and fail Knighting Trails, and pass from a warrior to a Farmer, that is far too cruel, and they wonder why there are Siths.
Honestly, what do they do with the training, and knowledge then, who do you go from saber katas to weeding fields? from designing cruiser ships, to fixing tractors? from knowing political negotiations to discus fruit exporting? I couldn't do it, I'd run myself through with my own lightsaber before being rejected by the Jedi, for that is certainly what it is, and turned in to farmer.
It makes you realize there are thousands of Force-sensitives in the galaxy, of which there are only hundreds of younglings in the creche, of which in turn only a few dozens if that many will be chosen as Padawans and not all will make it in to knighthood. They say, they believe it's a blessing to be found and taken in by the Jedi, but one wonders what is the kinder faith, after all ignorance in bliss. Better not to know of the Jedi, than to be part of it, however briefly and be cast aside by them. It makes it seem almost justified that the lot of mighty snobs got wiped out, almost.
The Jedi are cruel, heartless people indeed, or so it seems sometimes. How many crushed dreams, how many have felt unworthy a failure, is it really the will of the Force, or just the caprice of the Council?
Sorry for the diatribe, but this one was an eye opener, an more then a little thought provoking, if not unsettling, for the truths that it shows about the workings of the Jedi in regards to Padawan's and Knighting.
3/26/2012 c1 4Just-Me-and-My-Brain
Great job! I loved it a bunch!
You should write one about Obi Wan going through the actual trials (with or without Qui Gon- it's up to you wither you want to AU and let him live past Darth Maul... though that could be one of the tests- take that as you will._
Awesome job though. It's diffidently a fav!
4Just-Me-and-My-BrainGreat job! I loved it a bunch!
You should write one about Obi Wan going through the actual trials (with or without Qui Gon- it's up to you wither you want to AU and let him live past Darth Maul... though that could be one of the tests- take that as you will._
Awesome job though. It's diffidently a fav!
3/21/2012 c1 53pronker
Sweet story and the moment of letting go is so blasted painful ... nobody would /want/ that necessary pain.
53pronkerSweet story and the moment of letting go is so blasted painful ... nobody would /want/ that necessary pain.
3/14/2012 c1 1julzdagger88
Another great story from you! I really liked it!I think you have Obi-wan's personality down to a "T"! Hope you write more!
1julzdagger88Another great story from you! I really liked it!I think you have Obi-wan's personality down to a "T"! Hope you write more!
3/13/2012 c1 10Emperor Andross
And one wonders what would have happened if he'd chosen the opposite in that fateful decision. Great stuff once again Ruth.
10Emperor AndrossAnd one wonders what would have happened if he'd chosen the opposite in that fateful decision. Great stuff once again Ruth.
3/12/2012 c1 22LadySaxophone
"Obi Wan flopped elegantly onto his back along the lower bench's length."
I think Obi Wan is the only person who can flop elegantly.
On to my actual review. The thought of what Obi Wan's trial actually was, was just heartbreaking. I've always wondered what happened during a normal Jedi Knighting trial, but I guess that's another story. I'm guessing this is just before The Phantom Menace? Then you really captured that slight calm before the storm. The piece kind of rings with potential energy because we all know what's to come. You did a fantastic job! Thanks for posting this! :D
22LadySaxophone"Obi Wan flopped elegantly onto his back along the lower bench's length."
I think Obi Wan is the only person who can flop elegantly.
On to my actual review. The thought of what Obi Wan's trial actually was, was just heartbreaking. I've always wondered what happened during a normal Jedi Knighting trial, but I guess that's another story. I'm guessing this is just before The Phantom Menace? Then you really captured that slight calm before the storm. The piece kind of rings with potential energy because we all know what's to come. You did a fantastic job! Thanks for posting this! :D
3/12/2012 c1 7FyreFlyte
-Flashback to yesterday evening, at about midnight-
My sister: Hey, have you read ruth baulding's new story?
Me: What? There's a new one out? I was just on my email, how did I miss this?
My sister: ...It's been up for a few hours now.
Me: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! *runs back to computer to read this story*
-End Flashback-
First: I love the idea for this story. There are very few /good/ fictions out there that focus on Qui-Gon's reluctance to let Obi-Wan face the trials. As infallible and wise as he might seem at times, he's still human, and he faces the one challenge no teacher can escape: when do you know your student is ready to move on? I thought this story perfectly showed Qui's impartial Jedi Master side warring with his big heart and attachment to Obi-Wan. You write him so well!
I also love how you keep bringing your other characters back into your stories. At first I thought Ky Shinshee had turned to the Dark Side - but I like your plotline a lot better. I feel kind of dumb, but I never really thought about the failed Padawans before. (Once again, your imagination blows me away!) Poor Ky. I feel quite sorry for him, even if I think his manners towards Obi-Wan could have been better. Then again, his life's dream was just shattered...I think I can excuse him in this instance, Jedi or not. :)
Wonderful portrayal of Obi-Wan in the near-Knight stage. I don't think I've come across anyone else who can write his character as well as you do. In every single story he seems unique /and/ perfectly in-character. You have all his life stages perfectly captured in words and I'm simply AWESTRUCK. This, my friend, is a rare talent indeed.
And the description of the Trials being designed to "break" a Jedi. I think you hit the nail on the head. I never thought of them that way before - but then again, life's biggest trials are exactly like that. Either you survive them or they break you. There's really not much of an in-between. :)
What else can I say? Loved the imagery, description, and dialogue. (You have all three of those very well-balanced, as usual. Again, not easy to do and not common!) Simply loved loved loved this story. :)
Keep Writing!
FyreFlyte :)
7FyreFlyte-Flashback to yesterday evening, at about midnight-
My sister: Hey, have you read ruth baulding's new story?
Me: What? There's a new one out? I was just on my email, how did I miss this?
My sister: ...It's been up for a few hours now.
Me: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! *runs back to computer to read this story*
-End Flashback-
First: I love the idea for this story. There are very few /good/ fictions out there that focus on Qui-Gon's reluctance to let Obi-Wan face the trials. As infallible and wise as he might seem at times, he's still human, and he faces the one challenge no teacher can escape: when do you know your student is ready to move on? I thought this story perfectly showed Qui's impartial Jedi Master side warring with his big heart and attachment to Obi-Wan. You write him so well!
I also love how you keep bringing your other characters back into your stories. At first I thought Ky Shinshee had turned to the Dark Side - but I like your plotline a lot better. I feel kind of dumb, but I never really thought about the failed Padawans before. (Once again, your imagination blows me away!) Poor Ky. I feel quite sorry for him, even if I think his manners towards Obi-Wan could have been better. Then again, his life's dream was just shattered...I think I can excuse him in this instance, Jedi or not. :)
Wonderful portrayal of Obi-Wan in the near-Knight stage. I don't think I've come across anyone else who can write his character as well as you do. In every single story he seems unique /and/ perfectly in-character. You have all his life stages perfectly captured in words and I'm simply AWESTRUCK. This, my friend, is a rare talent indeed.
And the description of the Trials being designed to "break" a Jedi. I think you hit the nail on the head. I never thought of them that way before - but then again, life's biggest trials are exactly like that. Either you survive them or they break you. There's really not much of an in-between. :)
What else can I say? Loved the imagery, description, and dialogue. (You have all three of those very well-balanced, as usual. Again, not easy to do and not common!) Simply loved loved loved this story. :)
Keep Writing!
FyreFlyte :)
3/12/2012 c1 3Irene Djo
I read this when I first got up at around 7 AM...and lemme tell you: I love some good angst with a side of mush with my coffee.
Especially when it involves my two favorite Jedi.
*
"Qui Gon started on the path in a counterclockwise direction, and intercepted his Padawan near the yarbanna tree grotto in the southern corner."
There's this thing that you do that I really appreciate: I haven't noted it yet, but it's something habitual throughout your writing.
You assume that the reader knows a fact about a place or thing.
And I love it. It draws me in, makes me feel like I'm a part of the story.
I mean, I didn't KNOW there was a yarbanna tree grotto in the southern corner, but now I do...and your inclusion of that in the detail pulls me further into the story.
Another example: your reference to the Chakora Seva texts in other stories (which, btw, bravo at this creation) is fantastic. It's a vague reference that assumes that we as the reader will be able to infer what you're talking about...and I LOVE it.
I hope that comment makes sense, because it's a subtlety of your writing that I really appreciate.
*
Obi Wan swallowed, looked at Ky, at his own future. Pity threatened to overwhelm him. "I'm sorry," he rasped, heart aching for the lonely, angry, broken young man who stood glaring at him with such envy and hurt in his face. "I 'm truly sorry, Ky. May the Force be with you."
Absolutely heart breaking.
*
"Ky is not the first Jedi Padawan to fail his Trials," Qui Gon ventured at length.
Dang. I didn't foresee this happening to Ky. Tragic.
*
"What better test of true devotion to the Force than that which struck at the tenderest place, the center of a youthful being's self? Weakness and strength were one thing; service as a Jedi demanded absolute sacrifice. And he knew, he hated knowing, that when Obi Wan's time came to face the Trials, it was his heart that must break."
BAH. OHFREAKINGNOBI-WAN.
Tragedy.
As always, I love your foreshadowing of the tragedies to come.
Well done.
As I said earlier, I DO love some angst and mush in the mornings. It goes perfectly with my coffee.
3Irene DjoI read this when I first got up at around 7 AM...and lemme tell you: I love some good angst with a side of mush with my coffee.
Especially when it involves my two favorite Jedi.
*
"Qui Gon started on the path in a counterclockwise direction, and intercepted his Padawan near the yarbanna tree grotto in the southern corner."
There's this thing that you do that I really appreciate: I haven't noted it yet, but it's something habitual throughout your writing.
You assume that the reader knows a fact about a place or thing.
And I love it. It draws me in, makes me feel like I'm a part of the story.
I mean, I didn't KNOW there was a yarbanna tree grotto in the southern corner, but now I do...and your inclusion of that in the detail pulls me further into the story.
Another example: your reference to the Chakora Seva texts in other stories (which, btw, bravo at this creation) is fantastic. It's a vague reference that assumes that we as the reader will be able to infer what you're talking about...and I LOVE it.
I hope that comment makes sense, because it's a subtlety of your writing that I really appreciate.
*
Obi Wan swallowed, looked at Ky, at his own future. Pity threatened to overwhelm him. "I'm sorry," he rasped, heart aching for the lonely, angry, broken young man who stood glaring at him with such envy and hurt in his face. "I 'm truly sorry, Ky. May the Force be with you."
Absolutely heart breaking.
*
"Ky is not the first Jedi Padawan to fail his Trials," Qui Gon ventured at length.
Dang. I didn't foresee this happening to Ky. Tragic.
*
"What better test of true devotion to the Force than that which struck at the tenderest place, the center of a youthful being's self? Weakness and strength were one thing; service as a Jedi demanded absolute sacrifice. And he knew, he hated knowing, that when Obi Wan's time came to face the Trials, it was his heart that must break."
BAH. OHFREAKINGNOBI-WAN.
Tragedy.
As always, I love your foreshadowing of the tragedies to come.
Well done.
As I said earlier, I DO love some angst and mush in the mornings. It goes perfectly with my coffee.
3/11/2012 c1 3Jeune Circe
Ohhh wonderful fanfic :) perfect and sweet, and sad :(
The Trials, I often wondered, what would have been the trial for Obi-Wan should Qui-Gon have prepare it for him, but thinking again, I think the force did provide a way to break Obi-Wan's heart, for what greater test could the force have found but to strip the apprentice of his master, teach one that he refuse, and yet live a life of service to the force.
Great :)
Thanks for this perfect sunday gift.
3Jeune CirceOhhh wonderful fanfic :) perfect and sweet, and sad :(
The Trials, I often wondered, what would have been the trial for Obi-Wan should Qui-Gon have prepare it for him, but thinking again, I think the force did provide a way to break Obi-Wan's heart, for what greater test could the force have found but to strip the apprentice of his master, teach one that he refuse, and yet live a life of service to the force.
Great :)
Thanks for this perfect sunday gift.
3/11/2012 c1 charie01
Awww. That was lovely:) I love your Qui-Gon /Obi-wan stories.
Thanks for that little treat:)
Awww. That was lovely:) I love your Qui-Gon /Obi-wan stories.
Thanks for that little treat:)
3/11/2012 c1 42Valairy Scot
Speechless once again. I dub thee The Grandmaster of Obi and Qui fanfic.
As much as I agree that the trial, at least of spirit or the mirror, is far more intense than we can even imagine, it seems the masters are guided by the Force to not administering them until the padawan is ready (at least we don't know of many failed padawans).
Mind sharing whatever you're eating or drinking - maybe the muse is eating or drinking the wrong things.
42Valairy ScotSpeechless once again. I dub thee The Grandmaster of Obi and Qui fanfic.
As much as I agree that the trial, at least of spirit or the mirror, is far more intense than we can even imagine, it seems the masters are guided by the Force to not administering them until the padawan is ready (at least we don't know of many failed padawans).
Mind sharing whatever you're eating or drinking - maybe the muse is eating or drinking the wrong things.