Repeatedly, Obi-Wan felt stings against his ankles and wrists as if wrapped in nettle. He swiped at nothing and called once more, “Anakin, can you hear me?!” Across the river was the large forest, but the crossing would be far too dangerous for anyone to attempt the leap. Too far for any man to jump. But Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t any man. One moment he was standing on the hillside, and the next he was not. 

-

Anakin scrambled against the thick rope, tasting copper with every attempt to gnaw free. His lips had blisters now, and from the ache in his hands he could suppose his palms did too. He hung suspended in the air, a little bundle with legs poking out one way and an arm the other. The palace had hunters which often shot rabbit when beef was scarce. Would they find him too, and choose to pick him instead? “Teacher!” He screamed, but all he could hear was the crown of leaves rustling above him. He could see glimpses of the sky between the branches as he was rocked by the wind. First, there were white clouds that he tried to pass time imagining as figures. But the imagination quickly faded every time he had to turn his head for another attempt at biting free. He’d made significant progress. The rope, which was sturdy and solid, had begun to chafe. Come nightfall, he might be able to snap that one free entirely. He thought to just wait things out; Obi-Wan was sure to be looking for him by now. But he didn’t want to be found, he wanted to show up. Completely unharmed and at ease, smiling at his teacher’s worries. What, did you think I got stuck? Master, come on! I’m not a little kid. I would’ve seen the trap five acres away. He didn’t want to be seen like this. Pathetic and dangling like a prey rabbit. If the huntsmen did come, Anakin might as well ask them to bring him to the palace and cook him with the other animals- it’d spare him the humiliation of seeing his Teacher’s face, telling him ‘What did I say about running off? I know you don’t like it here, but…’

That conversation had taken place several hours ago. Now, his mind had changed and his throat burned raw from yelling. His stomach growled, and his eyes felt sore. He didn’t fear death, and he disliked his Teacher's disapproval but he could bear it. Being alone was worse.