darththalia (darththalia) wrote in tpm_flashback, @ 2004-09-29 00:04:00 |
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Original poster: batagur
My next Reality-check Wednesday offering is a little different. This one is pre-slash and does not include the high angst factor of Qui-Gon's death. Instead, it is full of believable realities of a Jedi's life.
Title: Crystallize by torch
Catagory: POV, action-adventure, drama, pre-slash
Pairing: Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan (undeveloped pre-slash relationship), Obi-Wan/Other (implied)
Rating: PG-13
Warnings and spoilers: mentions JA characters, but no real spoilers
Link to the story: http://www.masterapprentice.org/arc
Author's LJ and email: flambeau, flambeau@strangeplaces.net
Authors web page:http://www.strangeplaces.net/torch/
Reason for recommending:
This story, to me is the quintessential illustration of a well-crafted pre-slash story. It is first and foremost an adventure story, well written and rich with depth and texture that carry the reader into the heart of the story. We are with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as they experience the clean crisp cold and the peace of a sleeping frozen planet. We follow their thoughts and feelings against a backdrop of snow and solitude. We experience the rising tension in an evolving relationship that is wrapped in an illusory coat of casual familiarity. The author weaves such an enchanting picture that you simple slip in.
Quote:
"Master, that puzzle you're working on--what will it be when it's finished?"
Qui-Gon accepted the change of subject, but privately resolved that if Obi-Wan would not voluntarily speak during the two days he had been given, Qui-Gon would ask. It was a fine line to walk--he wanted to respect, did respect, his padawan's privacy, but at the same time it was his responsibility to look into all things that could affect Obi-Wan's mental state. His responsibility to make sure that his padawan's mind and soul did not become mired in the trouble that kept him silent and brooding.
"I don't know," he said, picking up one of the rectangular crystal pieces and turning it between his fingers once more. "The Rem call it a dar puzzle. It is force sensitive, and responds to the emotions of whoever touches it." Brushing the piece at random against another, he was surprised to feel it slide into place. "When all the pieces are in place, it is supposed to show an answer to a question."
"You have to ask a question before you start?"
Qui-Gon shook his head. "No. 'The answer to the question that isn't asked,'" he quoted.
The Sistah gets prolix:
This story has so many interesting elements in its plot that you cannot help but get caught up in its rich tapestry. You have brooding Obi-Wan contemplating the nature of relationships, restless Qui-Gon wondering what it is that is within himself that is causing him such uneasiness. Add to that a boring mission that proves to have some interesting pitfalls, and a quasi Rubics Cube like crystal puzzle that is also a Magic Eight Ball of the heart. (That is a bit simplified, but I think you get the gist of what I'm talking about.)
This story is engaging in so many ways and is truly a wonderful pre-slash story that doesn't beat you over the head with the latent love and desire between Master and Padawan. I really love that about the story. The author is subtle and the story delicately dances around the real desires and intentions of both men not giving too much away too soon. In fact, you are left wondering if the deepening affection will be mutual.
There is excitement and adventure as well as emotional intrigue on the snowy little planet as well. What's not to like?