The look in Renji's eyes wasn't lost to Obi-Wan, and he managed a more serene look that contrasted with his own mirthless smile from earlier. Somehow, he got the feeling Renji understood exactly what he was talking about, as well as the depth of what had happened to him. It was a little refreshing, especially considering the way Schuldig had tried to diminish the braid's importance once it had been cut off.

"I appreciate the sentiment," he replied after a brief moment. "I suppose I should be glad I didn't lose anything else in the process. It also helped me realize that perhaps it was time for me to move on to the status of a Jedi Knight." There was a faint twinkle in his eye now. "Even if I didn't exactly get a traditional knighting ceremony."

And it was true. He and Qui-Gon had made the best of it, and they had shared a moment that he couldn't have asked for with the Jedi Council present. That was certainly something to be grateful for, too.

"Besides," Obi-Wan added, his face a little more somber now, "I know I'm not the only one who's lost something important in this place."