So this did not go in the direction I expected at all, and have never written Qui-Gon before, but wanted to explore the idea of what it would have been like for him seeing the aftershocks of Sifo-Dyas and Dooku's relationship without the context, as suggested by the lovely @charmwasjess earlier today!
I also learnt how to do the "keep reading" which icl I thought happened automatically... whoops... but better late than never!
Dooku storms down the halls, the sound of his heels clicking against the hard stone floor echoing loudly. Qui-Gon chases after him, his little legs struggling to keep up with the brisk pace his master favoured. While he could feel that his master could feel the inquisitive glances his padawan kept shooting his way, nothing was said about why they were making an early morning trip to the Halls of Healing. When Qui-Gon began intermittently sighing, thinking about the warm bed he had to abandon for this unexplained flight at dawn, Dooku simply sped up slightly, distracting him from his sulking by forcing him to hurry to avoid being left behind.
"Mast-" started Qui-Gon, finally fed up with the intrigue and mystery surrounding their self-imposed mission, but was interrupted as Dooku stopped short, sending him barreling into his master. Dooku shot him a cool look, and he quickly straightened, bowing in apology and smoothing out the creases in his robes, as Dooku knocked on the doors. Waiting for a reply, Dooku turned back to Qui-Gon, and pulled him in closer to his side, pushing a soft order of relax-quiet-calm through their new master/padawan bond that soothed some of his concerns.
The door finally opened with a hiss, unveiling Vokara Che standing with her arms folded in front of her at their early arrival. After she gave Qui-Gon a quick once-over for injuries, realisation seemed to flit across her face when she spied the mystery basket in Dooku's arms. "He isn't awake yet" she started to say, gentle understanding colouring her words, "but should be soon. I know you won't listen the visiting hours, so-" as Qui-Gon felt his face twist in confusion, with his thoughts becomeing a scramble of 'his master? Not following rules? Surely not!' Dooku seemed to confirm the subtle accusation by interrupting the jedi! Qui-Gon's jaw dropped in shock, as Dooku suddenly handed the basket out for Vokara to take, replying "there is no need. Thank you for the offer, but he needs calm recuperation, and we have work to do." Dooku then gave a low bow, and turned away, in a similarly abrupt march to the way he dragged Qui-Gon to the Halls in the first place.
Qui-Gon looked back at Vokara, who had a sad look on her face, as she removed the soft blanket from the basket it covered. Underneath was a pine green scarf Qui-Gon had seen his Master buy at a stall the other day, and a box of chamomile and lemon tea he had been instructed not to touch, normally sitting on the kitchen counter. Vokara reached in to the basket, and pulled out a small bouquet, made up of roses, baby's breath, and a sprig of pine, her face reflecting a mix of nostalgia and sadness that Qui-Gon still didn't understand. She looked at Qui-Gon and sighed, muttering something about "Rael needs to explain... stupid jedi... bloody arguments" and though he recognised the name of his lineage brother, he was still lost at what was going on.
As Vokara turned to leave, she glanced back at Qui-Gon, saying kindly "don't worry about these things, young padawan. Let the old keep their secrets and disputes to themselves". He found himself nodding, though he wasn't quite sure why. "Who was Master Dooku going to visit?" Taking a step back, he regretted the impulsive question, worrying that he'd be scolded for his nosiness, but she just sighed, seeming to age as a shadow passed over her face. "Just an old friend. An old friend he thinks he lost. But run along now, you won't want to be left behind. Oh! And do tell your Master I will pass on the gift as he directed - May the Force be with you both". Qui-Gon spun around, panicked he had lost his Master, shouting a "And may the Force be with your spirit" as he looked for Dooku, decideing to leave the mystery for another time.
