When Taran and Ahsoka got back they saw that the villa was empty.

"Where did they go?" said Ahsoka.

"They might have gone off to see the scenery too," suggested Taran.

"Master," said Ahsoka. As if on cue Anakin and Padme walked out of a room, looking a little flustered.

"Hey there you two, when did you get back?" said Anakin.

"About a minute ago," said Taran. "Where were you two at?" Anakin and Padme blushed.

"Umm," began Anakin.

"We were talikbg about old times," said Padme.

"Oh, okay then," said Taran. As they made to leave Anakin stopped Ahsoka.

"Ahsoka, what's that on your neck?" he said motioning to a red patch on Ahsoka's neck. Anakin didn't know it but when the two were making out Taran had left a hickey on her neck.

"Ummm, I must have hit my neck on some rocks while swimming," said Ahsoka blushing redder than she normally looks. Anakin raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

"Hold on, Master Anakin what's that on your neck?" said Taran. Anakin had a hickey on his neck too.

"Ummm, allergic reaction?" Anakin. Padme just slapped her forhead.

"Ooookay," said Taran. "Well I'm going to bed, see you all at tomorrow," said Taran. He entered his room and got onto his bed, testing the softness and flexibility. Then he took his tunic and pants off and lay in the bed. The sound of shaak outside and the sound of the water surrounding them seemed to lull him into a spell of bliss. In the middle of the night he got out of his bed to get a drink of water. He went to the kitchen sink to pour a glass. Little did he know was that he interrupting one of Padme and Anakin's 'private sessions.' He didn't even see that the two were in there and just drank his water and left.

"That was too close," said Padme.

"I think we should keep this down," said Anakin.

"Agreed," said Padme.

"But first, can we finish up?" said Anakin slyly. Padme giggled and they continued.


The next day everyone stuck mostly too themselves. Taran was drawing, Ahsoka was meditating, Padme was finishing some work for the Senate, and Anakin was, well being Anakin. Outside he was watching as Taran finished his sketch and was turning to go back into the villa. Actually, instead of going in there, he walked straight over to Anakin.

"Skyguy, can I talk to you for a minute?" said Taran.

"Umm, okay," said Anakin. They sat on some benches facing each other.

"I want to talk to you about attachments," said Taran.

"What kind?" said Anakin.

"The romantic kind," said Taran.

"Oh, what do you need to know?" said Anakin.

"Why does the Order keep us from falling in love with others?" said Taran.

"I really don't know, it has to do with letting go so that it doesn't draw you in to the dark side," said Anakin.

"But how does it do that?" said Taran.

"I don't know," said Anakin. "Is there this girl who you like but your relationship is forbidden?" Taran just blushed and looked away embarassed.

"Oh that's it. Well I can't dictate your life, but you're free to do what you think is right," said Anakin.

"Thanks. Your good at these kind of thoughts, it's like you already did something like this," said Taran. Anakin went wide-eyed.

"What do you know about that?" said Anakin, shocked.

"Nothing really," said Taran. He got off the bench and preceded to leave.

"Taran, did you see anything last night?" said Anakin.

"No, I was just getting a glass of water. I did here some giggling so I thought you and the Senator were telling jokes or reminiscing," said Taran. When he left Anakin heaved a sigh and relaxed.

"That was too close."


"So Senator Amidala, how long have you known my Master?" said Ahsoka.

"I've known him sice he was ten," said Padme.

"Oh, so you are good friends then?" said Ahsoka.

"Yes, really good friends," she said.

"Can I ask you something?" Ahsoka asked.

"Sure, what is it?" said Padme.

"Have you ever been in a secret relationship?" asked Ahsoka. Padme tensed up a bit, not wanting to tell her the real thing, so she brought it up as a long ago matter.

"I was, but it's different now," she said.

"Did you really like him?" she asked.

"Yes, I still do, but we both have a duty to do," said Padme.

"Oh, so was that spot on Anakin's neck really from allergies?" said Ahsoka.

"Was your mark from hitting against some rocks?" said Padme. An understanding came between the two.

"Let's not get too into this," said Padme.

"Agreed," said Ahsoka.


That night at dinner there was a five course meal for them prepared by a fine, Naboo chef. The food was delicious and everyone thanked the chef, who got so many compliments that he blushed madly for the rest of the night. Dinner conversation ensued.

"So, Taran, what's it been like for you since you were assigned to Obi-Wan?" said Padme.

"Oh it's been wonderful, painful even," said Taran.

"So when were you brought to the Temple?" Padme asked.

"When I was one," said Taran. "My parents were killed."

"Oh, that's so sad. By who?" said Padme.

"Bane," said Taran, putting some venom in when he spoke the name.

"That bounty hunter needs to be stopped," said Padme.

"I take it the two of you have met?" said Taran.

"Once, I was held hostage by him before Anakin saved me," said Padme.

"After I had been knocked out and you gave me back my lightsaber," said Anakin.

"How did she have your lightsaber?" said Taran.

"I....dropped it on the floor and she picked it up," said Anakin. Taran and Ahsoka knew the odds of Anakin losing his lightsaber that easily, but they decided to let it slide.

"So, how long have you and Ahsoka known each other?" said Padme.

"Since we were six," said Taran.

"And how did you two meet?" she said.

"It's actually a funny story. We bumped into each other when I was using the restroom. The door was broken so she offered to stand there while I went. Thank the Force I only had to use number 1," said Taran. There was a round of laughter from everyone.

"I understand you were possessed by a Sith Lord a month ago. How did you break free?" said Padme.

"Easy, Ahsoka beat the crap out of me," said Taran.

"It was the only way Senator," said Ahsoka.

"It still hurt," mumbled Taran.

"And is it true you are the Avatar?" said Padme.

"In the flesh," said Taran. The chef was coming back with some water, but he hit one of the steps and the water spilled onto the floor. Taran bended it up and sent it back into the pitcher.

"That's amazing," said Padme. "What else can you do?"

"I can bend fire (causes the flames in the fireplace to shoot higher), air (a gust of wind blows through the dining room), and earth (a spire of stone comes out of the ground outside a window and then goes back to it's previous position).

"You must have mastered it," said Padme.

"Not all the way, I'm still training," said Taran.

"How do you like the Lake Country so far you two?" asked Padme.

"It's amazing," they both said.

"I'm glad you both appreciate it," said Padme.

"We found an underwater cave behind one of the waterfalls," said Taran.

"That's good, most of the waterfalls here have ancient caves where our people first established themselves here," said Padme.

"It's a nice place, we should come back more often," said Taran. Anakin's holoprojector came on and he turned it on, revealing Obi-Wan.

"Obi-Wan, what is it?" asked Anakin.

"Unfortunately bad news. We've got intel that the Separatist are working on a secret project and I need you guys to come here immediately," said Obi-Wan.

"Obi-Wan, we just got here," said Anakin.

"The Council says you need to come now. Obi-Wan out," said Obi-Wan. The holoprojector turned off.

"We have to leave Padme," said Anakin.

"I can take you on my ship," said Padme.