Rise of the Warrior
Chapter 14
A few months passed and Padme took comfort in raising her children. By feeding, cleaning and playing with little Luke and Leia she began to slowly recover from her lose of Anakin. They're innocent wonder and discovery of the world distracted her from morning and depression. She was provided for by the Clan and she learned that they were overall a pleasant people.
Yet, sometimes she talked with Obi-Wan about Ani and together they remembered and grieved the destruction of the Jedi and the Old Republic. He was the only one that understood her lose, but often he'd disappear and she wouldn't see him for days.
It wasn't until she went looking for him that she discovered he was actually spending time with Thrice. She spotted them in a secluded terrarium running around like children. The woman-warrior giggled and laughed as she ran through a grove of fruit trees and danced just out of reach of the Jedi Master's grasp. Padme was amazed to discover that they both looked so carefree.
They paid her no attention as she watched them play silly games of tag and hide-and-seek. And then like two teenagers they came together and sat on the soft earth and whispered to each other their secrets. She saw Obi-Wan's normally serene and reserved nature crumble away like ash and was replaced with a teasing charm and tenderness. He seemed so much lighter and Thrice as well. The typically business-like warrior was actually very bubbly and sweet. Her guard was completely down in Obi-Wan's presence. It was obvious to her that they were in love.
"You're in love," stated Padme one day over a cup of tea in her apartment.
Obi-Wan nearly choked to death on his tea. He spilled some of the brew onto the saucer and over his hand. He had to use a napkin to clean up the mess.
"Oh—uh, whatever do you mean, Padme?"
The brown-eyed beauty grinned and shook her head in exasperation. "Oh, Obi-Wan don't try and deny it. I've seen you and Thrice together."
Suddenly, all the color drained from his face. Horrified, he couldn't even imagine what sort of situation Padme might be referring to. He had to admit he and Thrice had been over zealous lately, but nothing too inappropriate in public—well, not anywhere near the Colony. They did like to do things out in the woods. Some natural hot springs were quite lovely for romance, though surely Padme didn't mean that incident. Suddenly, Obi-Wan felt embarrassed yet there was no use denying it since it seemed the cat was already out of the bag.
Bashfully, he confessed, "Well, Milady does enjoy playing. And sometimes she can be down right foxy."
Padme wrinkled her nose perplexed. She never expected Obi-Wan to say that. "What? I meant that you two seemed to love each other's company."
"Oh—um, yes."
Suddenly, Padme stared at Obi-Wan in shock. She covered her mouth with her hand and couldn't help laughing in disbelief. "Oh my god, you're having an affair with her, aren't you?"
He stuttered, "She—she's a very lovely lady. She's, I—oh, Force, what am I doing, Padme?"
Mortified, Obi-Wan covered his face with his hands and rubbed his beard. He couldn't deny that he had formed an attachment. He was irrefutably in love with his lady. Everyday now all he could think about was her—what she was thinking, what she was feeling, what she was doing. It was like an obsession. Constantly he found himself playing her childish games or helping her tend her duties or sparring like old adversaries. She was an amazing warrior and their passionate duels usually ended in passionate embraces. He didn't think he'd ever think of a training room the same way again.
Yet, sympathetically Padme moved to sit beside him and touched his arm to comfort him. "It's alright, Obi-Wan. I think you finding somebody is wonderful."
He turned to look at her in disbelief. "But, Padme. I'm a Jedi. Attachments are forbidden."
Padme shook her head and said, "I think its too for that, Obi-Wan. Don't you already like her?"
The Jedi Master then got up and started to pace. He started to rant and said, "She's always on my mind. We have so much in common. I feel like I don't have to explain myself when I'm around her. I feel more at ease when I'm with her than with anyone else that I have ever known…she told me the most important things in the world are made with love. Oh, Padme, how could I not love her? She's filled with such fire and warmth."
"You should tell her. You should tell her that she's your angel."
He laughed and said, "She's definitely not an angel, Padme. That's Ani's ideal. Thrice isn't an innocent, but in her heart I know that she will always be true."
Padme marveled at how her friend described his feelings for the war-maiden. She didn't think she'd ever see him so smitten. He was practically overflowing with love for his lady. It was a side of him she had never seen. Even Anakin's old stories about his former-Master didn't even come close to what she was witnessing. She only hoped Thrice felt the same way.
"Wow, Obi-Wan. She's certainly a lucky lady."
The Jedi Master flushed, but chose not to say anything. In truth he felt like the lucky one for meeting her. Thrice was gently and welcoming. She tended to his raw emotions after the Purge like a healer and banished his feelings of self-pity and doubt like an enchantress and filled him instead with joy. He was so enthralled that he could not imagine life with her by his side. He suddenly felt like he could finally understand what his former-Padawan must have felt for Padme. And subsequently the pain that coursed through Jinn.
Obi-Wan's manufactured son weathered through heartache like a man lost at sea. Adrift and alone, he secluded himself for a time like a hermit in a cave. Great squalls of anguish poured out from him like a hurricane. Lights would flicker in his presence and his eyes would glow a haunting amber hue. Obi-Wan recognized the Darkness inside him, but to everyone in the Clan he was simply a shade. Thrice had told him and many others that he just needed time. He needed to understand his own feelings, yet Obi-Wan feared for Jinn's soul.
Curious, he asked, "Padme, have to spoken with Jinn?"
"Yes, a few days ago. He was helping me with the babies, but I'm worried about him, Obi-Wan. Jinn has been quiet lately."
Obi-Wan uncomfortably replied, "Yes, well he has a lot on his mind. I'm sure he'll tell you what's been troubling him in time."
"I hope so. I miss talking with him. He's been a good friend. I still haven't thanked him properly for saving me, but lately he's been very distant." Then, in a vulnerable voice she asked, "Obi-Wan, do you think it has something to do with me dying? Do you think he feels I've changed?"
The Jedi Master met her gaze and tried to end the conversation before he said something he'd later on regret. "Padme, please. You shouldn't spectul—"
"No, I'm tired of secrets, Obi-Wan. Jinn used to be my confidant. He knew about my marriage. He promised to keep it hidden even though he told me I should step forward and come clean for my babies. Oh gods, I even sent him to speak with Ani and now he's so withdrawn. What's he keeping from me? Why won't he tell me what's wrong?"
"I don't know, Padme, but believe me, Jinn only has your best interest in mind."
Exasperated, the brown-eyed beauty rose from her seat and walked towards the balcony and looked across the fields and wilderness below. It was a majestic sight full of peace and harmony that was filled with groves and evergreens. It was so timeless and yet Jinn had run away from it all. He had come to Coruscant and saved her from the hands of death just as Anakin had sworn he would do, but he wouldn't look her in the eye. It was like they were strangers.
Resolved, Padme decided that she needed to clear the air once and for all. She looked at Obi-Wan and said, "Look after the babies. I'm going to have a talk with Jinn."
Flabbergasted, he was about to protest. He had an appointment with his lady. "Padme! I—"
Yet, in a flash she was gone and now Obi-Wan was stuck babysitting.
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Location: Jinn's quarters
The young warrior was having an afternoon tea when there was a knock on his door. It sounded like it was urgent and so he placed his kettle down on the countertop and answered it. He was surprised to see that it was Padme. She looked a bit winded and he wondered what wrong.
"Is something the matter, Padme?"
The brown-eyed beauty's confidence abruptly began to wither. She ducked her head for a moment and asked, "May I come in?"
Jinn mentally shook himself and stepped aside. "Oh, yes, please. Uh, would you like a cup of tea?"
"No, thank you, Jinn. I already had some."
"Well, then just ignore me."
The warrior then went back to his task and picked up the kettle and began to pour the brew into a cup. The steal from the hot water created swirls of mist to float up into the air. The aroma was sweet and flowery. Padme also noticed that Jinn wasn't dressed in his typical clothes. Normally, he wore things that made him still look like he was drafted in the Republic Army, a plain gray uniform with tall boots and a blaster-hostler, but now he was wearing Clan-clothing.
He had on a black battle-suit with an outer robe that was a rich emerald green with a sky blue sash. The colors played beautifully off his amber-eyes and at his hip was his sword that was made entirely of steel and was black like his former-mentor's. She saw that at the base of the sword was a red stone that was polished and shone like glass. She never realized it was there before and she wondered what it meant.
"Is that a decoration on your sword?"
Jinn paused sipping his tea and removed his weapon from his sheath. "No, it's a crystal. It's very similar to what Jedi use in their lightsabers. It helps a warrior focus their energy and channel the Force. Though, I don't think you came here to discuss weapons, Milady."
In a stern tone, she said, "No, I think we need to talk."
"Very well, what shall we discuss?"
Irked, Padme folded her arms over her chest and said, "You've been distant."
Jinn looked away from her. "No, I haven't. I've just been thinking."
"About what? I don't like secrets, Jinn. Secrets are what drove my family apart. Please, just tell me. Whatever is bothering you we can see it though. You're my friend and I care about you."
The warrior pressed his lips and then swiftly got up and began to pace. He started to rub his chin and Padme realized that he resembled Obi-Wan almost exactly. Their mannerisms were so much alike, but their prospective were like night and day. He didn't like to play it safe like Obi-Wan. Jinn was a fighter like Ani. He had a taste for adventure.
Though, shocking Jinn replied, "I can't! I don't want to burden you with my feelings."
Padme frowned. "What? What are you talking about? Is it because I died?"
Puzzled, Jinn stop and looked at her and said, "No, don't be ridiculous. I grew up the spawn experiment of a cloner. You think a thing like dying is going to shake my world view?"
"Then, what is it? Tell me!"
Overwhelmed, he shouted, "I love you!"
He then wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Padme felt his heart pounding next to her own and softly he pressed his face to her ear. A wave of longing consumed her whole like a wild beast and suddenly she felt her heart constrict like it was being squeezed and would break at any minute.
Reverently, he whispered, "I love you. Oh, Great Spirits, I love you. I wished to all the gods that I didn't, but I do and I know you need time to grieve."
Shocked, she tried to pry herself free. She stared at him in disbelief and realized that the drowning sensation of utter dread and heartache was his. She understood now that Jinn wasn't trying to end their friendship. He wasn't trying to pull away. He was trying to give her space because he loved her so desperately that he couldn't contain it.
"Padme…you're crying."
Confused, she brushed her hand across her cheek and saw that it was true. She was crying, but the tears weren't hers—they were his.
"It's alright, Padme. You don't have to love me."
Stunned, she gazed up at him in amazement. How could he say such a thing? How could he hurt so bad and still be standing? Yet, before she could say another word Jinn closed the distance between them and gave her a gentle kiss. Only their lips were touching and it barely lasted more than a minute, but it was the sweetest kiss she had ever received.
She stared at him speechless. She didn't know what to say.
Then, shyly he smiled at her lovingly and wiped away the tears from her face. Padme caught his hand and looked away.
"I—I think I better leave."
Startled, the warrior replied, "Oh—um, yes" and before he knew it she was gone.
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Padme felt bewildered. She shut Jinn's door and stumbled out into the hall and thought about going back to her apartment, but then changed her mind. She didn't want to see Obi-Wan. She didn't want to see anyone. She didn't want to explain what had just happened. She wasn't even sure what the heck happened. It was all so sudden and happening too fast. She felt like things were falling down all around her like sand.
Aimlessly, she decided to go for a walk and clear her head.
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Location: Padme's quarters
Meanwhile, elsewhere Obi-Wan was still in Padme's apartment and wondering just how long her conversation with Jinn was going to take. He had other things to do and he knew his ladylove would miss him since they had a sparring date. And unfortunately, just as the Senator left her little ones started to cry and it was up to him to operate double diaper duty.
"Oh, Force. I'm getting too old for this."
He laid Luke down the changing-table, but was interrupted by the chime at the front door. Exasperated, he temporarily wrapped the babe in a towel and carried him over to answer the door. He opened it and saw that it was Thrice.
She gave him a puzzled look and said, "Darling, where have you been? It's been waiting for you for nearly a half an hour."
Obi-Wan moved aside and let her in and replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, love but Padme has stepped out and she left me to watch the children."
Thrice shut the door and followed her Knight to the babies' room and watched him change Luke and Leia. He sensed that she was upset, but thankfully her mood softened when she picked up one of the babies. Gingerly, she rocked Luke back and forth and hummed sweetly.
"Mmm, how lovely." She then lifted the tot up and said, "Are you going to grow up and be a big strong warrior? Oh, yes you are!" She then spun around and made the baby squeal with laugher. Together they giggled and she stated, "Oh, how might you are, Luke the Legendary! If you're lucky I'll teach you to slay a thousand fiends."
Obi-Wan gave her a funny look as he finished cleaning up Leia. "What on earth are you talking about?"
Thrice smiled and said, "Training. I'm sure they'll love to train when they're older. Now, come. Let me call up one of the maidens to watch over the babies than then we can go sparring."
The Jedi Master watched as the warrior-woman unclipped her communicator and dispatched her command. She then carried Luke over to a baby-seat and placed him in and afterwards did the same with Leia. Then, she gleefully grabbed Obi-Wan's hand and tried to drag him towards the to front door.
"Thrice, don't you think you ought to be more patient?"
"No, we have over a thousand warriors on staff. I'm sure one of my former-disciples can spare a moment to baby-sit. And really, what could be so urgent that Padme could not call for a maiden herself?"
"Well, I believe she went to speak with Jinn."
The woman-warrior narrowed her brow and faced him. "Jinn? You mean she knows?"
Obi-Wan rubbed his beard. "Um, actually I'm quite sure she'll know soon enough. I don't think he will wait any longer to express his feelings."
Thrice sighed. "Yes, I suppose so, but I hope that no matter what happens that Jinn finds closure."
"I do too, my sweet, but this is something they must resolve on their own."
"Yes, but I worry, I—oh."
She began to sway and her Knight had to catch her arm. Concerned, he tired to hold her steady and asked, "Are you feeling alright, darling?"
"Yes, I just suddenly felt dizzy."
Obi-Wan then nodded and eased her towards a chair. She grabbed hold of the back of the seat while he went to fetched her a glass of water. "Perhaps, you're overheated. Let me get you a drink."
Yet, the moment he left her side she immediately collapsed. Horrified, Obi-Wan rushed to her side and prevented her from falling completely. He brushed her cheek and then checked her forehead for fever, yet that didn't seem to be the cause. He honesty didn't know what was wrong. Carefully, he scooped her up and heard the front door chime. He used his powers to open the door and saw that it was the maiden.
"Oh, thank the Force."
Shaken, the servant asked, "What happened?"
"I don't know, but I need to take Milady to the infirmary. I want you to stay here and watch over the children until Miss Padme returns."
Obi-Wan didn't even bother to see if the maiden would agree. He knew she would. The Clan were made of good people and he was frantic to ensure that his lady got proper treatment. In a rush, he exited the door with his beloved in his arms and down the corridor.
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TBC
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Cliff hanger!
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