Chapter Forty-Five
The dark blue water slapped against the side of the ferry which carried them across the sparkling lake. Beyond the gentle waves was a hillside of forever green, and beyond that, the clear, cloudless skies of Naboo. The yellow sun was warm upon Padmé's face, and the gentle breeze cool as it drifted over the water and lifted her hair.
The Lake Country was one of Padmé's favorite places on Naboo. Having suffered very little damage during the Neimoidian Occupation, she was ecstatic to discover it was as perfect as it always had been.
She had been visiting Varykino Resort with her family ever since she was a little girl, and had always enjoyed the visits. However, her enjoyment now was tenfold to that which she remembered as a child. Sharing this place with Obi-Wan brought her more joy than she could measure.
It was at Panaka's and the handmaidens' insistence she and Obi-Wan take a honeymoon. Initially, Padmé had argued that there was too much work to be done. In the end, she had agreed to stay on Naboo since going off planet would take far too long – a decision Obi-Wan was secretly thrilled about since it meant no space travel. They would spend three, maybe four days at most at her family's resort home in Varykino.
Padmé watched Obi-Wan with amusement as he allowed his hand to drift through the water, seemingly mesmerized by its texture and overall abundance. Occasionally a fish would swim up to nibble on his fingers, bringing a bright smile to his face – a sight which warmed Padmé's heart.
How could she possibly love someone so much so soon? Captain Panaka had voiced an opinion that they knew so little about Obi-Wan. How could Padmé explain to him, to anyone, that she had known Obi-Wan all her life? That she had seen him in her dreams for many years? She had expected him and he hadn't disappointed her. In fact, he had proven himself to be far beyond her expectations. Not only was he the hero and warrior she had counted on, but he was kind, compassionate, attentive, and remarkably handsome.
She was honored to have been chosen for him by this strange power which had brought them together; a power she still did not understand. In time, Obi-Wan had explained; she would in time.
But that was the future, and building an army of Jedi was in the future. Right now, Padmé wished to focus on the present; especially the way the sun brightened the copper highlights of his hair.
There was one other thing which was on her mind, and that was her plans for this evening. They would be arriving at the resort at mid afternoon, which would give her time to give Obi-Wan a tour of the house, as well as the nearby beach and grounds. After that, she would take some time for herself.
It had occurred to Padmé that ever since their first meeting, she had never appeared her best. She had been dressed as a handmaiden in a color which was not all that flattering, and in gown she'd been forced to wear for several days. After the confrontation with Gunray, she had switched to battlegear, which she had kept on for several more days. And then during their trip to Ilum, Padmé had donned a travel suit with many protective layers over it.
Obi-Wan had definitely not seen her at her best. But he would tonight. Padmé would make sure of it. In a way, it would be her wedding gift to him.
"This is incredible," he murmured aloud, taking in the scenery which reflected in the grays of his eyes. "You're probably used to this," he pointed out, turning his focus to Padmé.
"I hope not. I don't ever want to take any of this for granted," she told him, pleased that he understood her full meaning as he took her hand and leaned over to light a feathery kiss upon her lips.
He held her gaze for a moment until something caught his eye on the horizon. "Is that it?"
Without having to look, Padmé could answer his question. "That's Varykino."
She then addressed the driver who's concentration had solely been on the long oar within his hand which he'd used to carry them gently over the waters. "We'll stop at the first dock and walk from there, Gadi."
When the boat pulled up to the landing, the elderly man stepped out onto the damp stone and offered to help Padmé from the boat.
Obi-Wan hopped onto land without assistance, then turned around to face the driver.
"Thanks," he pronounced quite well in Basic.
"My pleasure, and congratulations to the both of you."
"Thank you," Padmé replied, pausing to wait upon Obi-Wan who had not only smiled at their escort, but took the time to shake his hand as well.
"Obi-Wan," he said clearly.
"Gadi," the ferryman replied, a smile crinkling his sunkissed face.
"Nice to meet you." Obi-Wan told the man before turning to skip up the steps to take Padmé's hand.
"Your Basic is getting better," she acknowledged as they began their carefree stroll along the stone street bordered by a wall separating them from the steep drop-off to the lake below, and the incline of a hill which was littered with steps leading to a variety of smaller homes, all built in the similar Nabooan architectural style found in Theed.
They had brought nothing with them, as the resort was always well stocked, and so their arms were free to wrap around one another as they walked, their booted feet making soft plodding noises against the wet stone beneath their feet. Overhead, were clusters of white acathia blossoms which hung from the trees lining the street, and th air was filled with their sweet fragrance.
"I've been trying," Obi-Wan acknowledged her compliment, slowing their steps even further as he took a moment to replace a strand of hair which had released itself from her braids, and then pause completely to gather her close and kiss her.
His lips were soft and his skin smelled like the sun. When he opened his eyes, they glittered like the body of water spread behind him, and Padmé couldn't agree more with the thoughts he shared.
"This is all like some fantastic dream I don't ever want to wake up from! I never thought I could find happiness like this. Or that I even deserved it."
"Me either." Padmé tried to explain, her voice a mere whisper, and losing it entirely when Obi-Wan brought her hand up to his mouth, and pressed his lips to her knuckles.
"Are we getting close? I have the strongest urge to lie down with you right now."
Padmé chuckled. Her sentiments exactly. "We'll turn left at the end of this street and it's just a little further down," she explained, prompting Obi-Wan to walk again.
They continued down the path, following her directions, which led to a long flight of steps that brought them to a house with many windows facing the water.
Inside, it was quiet and dark. They were alone since most of the house employees, having lived in the city, had taken refuge on Alderaan. Without guests, there was no income, and without a thriving city population, there would be no guests.
The thought momentarily saddened Padmé, but she quickly shook off any melancholy. What was done was done, and her future with Obi-Wan was what mattered most.
"Are you hungry?" she asked as he once again took her in his arms and began toying with her earlobe – a welcome fascination he seemed to have.
"Incredibly," he informed her as his fingers began to undo the clasps of the leather vest she wore.
"For food, Obi-Wan," she informed him, playfully slapping away his hands.
"Come to think of it, I am a little."
She had a plan and was going to stick with it, no matter how much she would rather give in to Obi-Wan's obvious suggestion.
"I'll get something started in the kitchen, and if you want, you can go take a dip in the lake." Padmé pointed out the rear transparisteel doors, which offered a fantastic view of the water. "Let me freshen up a bit, and when you're done, I'll meet you back in here and we can eat. Okay?"
His answer came in the form of a kiss which was so ravaging, it nearly buckled her knees and put Padmé in the position they would both rather be in.
"If you insist," he told her with a twinkle in his eye.
