Nyce: Haha, yeah, well they've simply had it too easy. :) But, I hope you like where I go with it. O_o huh? I'm a little confused, but I think I get what you're saying... I think. Haha, uh, well I haven't actually considered that. Hmm... idk, I think I like Anizara better. It flows :P Really? Yay :DD You know what's funny about my romance writing? My relationships were duds. 8| I guess I'm just a romantic at heart :) Well, you have this one, and the next one is in the workshop and should be delivered within the next few days. Looking forward to hearin from you :)
By the way. Thank you lilmsglam16, BenSoliSonofPoseidonBaneofGaia, Lady Ishtar12123, Ocean's Eyes, RippahGoneWolf, Marlilsis, Theta Grace Smith, Mireilles3 and MissKissey for favoriting and following. To see you guys does wonders for my moral. :D Check in sometimes, and let me know what you think of how things are going. And next scene...
Ozara woke to the sensation of feather-light kisses going from her forehead to her jaw. She smiled, liking this affectionate side of Anakin she'd never seen before. "I thought you weren't supposed to see too much of the bride before the wedding?" she said groggily, turning onto her back and opening her eyes.
His smile greeted her, "I'm not. You just have enough time to have breakfast and get dressed. Then we're going to Dyserth, I've already found your friend, and he'll meet us. I thought now would be a good time to wake you." he explained, giving her a kiss.
She looked over at the clock, "Wow, I wonder if this is one of the shortest engagements in history. What has it been? Twelve hours?" she asked, getting out of bed and going to her wardrobe.
Anakin came up behind her, cradling her closely. "What are you complaining about, Soon-to-be-Mrs.-Skywalker?" he asked, looking at her through the mirror in front of the wardrobe.
"Did you hear me complaining?" she asked, pulling away just for a moment to find a dress for the occasion – thankful that Leiana had insisted that she get at least one white dress... otherwise, she was sure she'd be very miserable. She always wanted to be traditional. He kissed her cheek.
"You could say we've had three years of engagement. I declared I loved you back on Geonosis." he said as she went into the fresher to change.
"Good point." she called back, "I'll be right back." and she shut the door for privacy.
Anakin took that moment to examine her room. It looked so different than he had remembered as a child, more mature than before. Even more mature than when he had barged in to break up the wedding. He had to admit, he liked her tastes in light-blue and pale yellow. It was very different than any color schemes he was used to seeing with Ergonians. A smile worked its way onto his face, she always was an individual.
He looked at the holopictures on the wall, noticing that she had quite a few. There was her as a small child, with a older boy holding her closely. She had always spoken of a brother – not that he could remember the name – but he stared intensely. The boy reminded him of someone he knew... someone he'd seen recently it almost looked like a younger version of –
"Ready?" her voice sounded from the door of the fresher. He turned around, expecting to see her in the dress she had disappeared with – instead she had a cloak of red velvet on. "No, you may not see it until we actually are about to be married. I have no intention of showing off to everyone that may see us that I am dressing for a special occasion in the middle of the day." she explained finishing the ties on he cloak.
"As you wish, milady." he teased, going to the door, "Lets get you breakfast real quick, and then we're meeting your friend."
"Where are we going for the... honeymoon?" she asked sheepishly, not quite sure how to voice her question without blushing.
"Its been arranged." he said vaguely, placing a hand on her waist and leading her out of the room. There were no guards greeting her below, and she looked at Anakin in questioning. "I dismissed them. You won't need them for a while yet... if ever again."
"They're going to get suspicious." she told him.
"No, they won't. I'm a Jedi, remember? It would be unfathomable." he replied, kissing her just to make his point – to no one of course.
She shook her head, "Obviously, someone needs to reconsider what is unfathomable and what is not... because obviously it is fathomable." and they walked downstairs to have breakfast.
Obi-Wan made his way through the Utapauian city, his hood over his feature to disguise just who he was. It was now a waiting game, Commander Cody should be coming soon – he just needed to find Grievous first. Looking through his binoculars, he sighed, there had to be a way to get up there. Looking up the steep cliff-walls he knew it would be impossible to climb... but how?
A strange bellowing noise sounded from somewhere to his left, sounding like some kind of animal. Putting the binoculars away, he went to investigate. It was a corral, filled with half a dozen dragon-like lizards. There were several wranglers around, some looking after the creatures, and some talking to one another.
The Jedi Knight approached one that was currently feeding one of the creatures, looking up for just a moment. "I need transportation." Obi-Wan said, waving his hand subtly.
"You need transportation." the wrangler replied.
"Get it for me." Obi-Wan ordered with another flourish of his hand.
"I will get it for you." and he walked toward the pens.
One of the other wranglers looked over in curiosity, wondering just what his friend was up to. Obi-Wan waved his hand, "It is nothing."
"It is nothing." the wrangler whispered to himself, turning back to the conversation between the others.
Obi-Wan moved along the line of creatures, examining each. They were all a little different than each other, but it was the green one with a blue crown that caught his eye. Approaching the beast, it bowed its head to him, and he placed a hand on its neck. "This one."
The wrangler moved toward the pen, bringing the chosen animal out. "Boga." the wrangler said, earning a quizzical gaze from Obi-Wan "She answers to Boga." he explained.
"Boga." Obi-Wan repeated, swinging up on her back, "Good girl, Boga." and with a slight nudge of his legs, she reared up for a moment before scurrying out of the cave and to the edge of the sinkhole. Looking up at the sheer cliff, Obi-Wan signaled that was where he wanted to go. Boga looked back at him only a moment before rearing up once more – this time climbing up to the tenth level.
Obi-Wan felt a slight feeling of dread, but shook it off... it wasn't his own, and he was on a mission. Feeling around the city, he quickly found his object of investigation.
Anyone who called on the Chancellor at that moment was told that he was currently in a meeting – which he was, as Senator Amidala was currently presenting the 'Petition of Two Thousand' with a few other Senators including: Fang Zar, Tristan Peregrine, and Idriya Thaxton – who once more stood in for Senator Farrel.
As Padmé explained everything, Tristan took the time to retreat into his own thoughts. He was beginning to wonder if Senator Farrel was purposefully avoiding him, as he had never seen him – only his aide. But Bail had met him, accounting him as someone he believed was on their side; even Skandar had come by for a visit, telling Tristan how he had met the Senator and was surprised with how Ergonian he seemed – but Tristan had yet to meet the elusive Senator. Today, however, he was determined to meet him, and was going to use Idriya to do it.
"I understand your reservations completely, Senator. I assure you the appointment of Governors will in no way compete with the duties of the Senate." the Chancellor said when Padmé was done.
"May I take it then, that there will be no further amendments to the Constitution?" she replied.
"I want this terrible conflict to end as much as you do, My Lady, and when it does I guarantee an immediate return to democracy." Palpatine vowed, though he was only lying through his teeth.
"You are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the war, then." Idriya added, almost forgetting her place before she inserted a 'Sir' at the end.
"You must trust me to do the right things, Senators. That is why I am here." he replied, taking a closer look at the young woman. She was like Ozara, and not only in looks.
"But surely-"
"I have said I will do what is right, that should be enough for your... committee." he nearly spat the word in disgust, plotting the demise of those who opposed him. He had to thank Kacia for information on who was part of this little alliance.
"On behalf of the 'Delegation of two thousand', I thank you, Chancellor." Padmé said, standing in such a way to convey that it was time for them all to leave.
"I thank you for bringing this to my attention, Senators. I assure you, I will do everything in my power to bring a democratic solution to this problem. Have a good day." Palpatine replied as the other Senators began to leave, "Uh, Senator Amidala, may I have a few minutes of your time. I wish to speak with you on a different matter."
Padmé nodded, and separated from the group, the doors of the Chancellor's office closing behind her.
"Miss Thaxton." Tristan called out, "I would like to schedule something with Senator Farrel. Could you tell me when he is available?"
Idriya's gray eyes widened, "I'll have to check." she said quietly, "Allow me to speak with Senator Farrel, and make sure both of our schedules are in sync. I shall contact you when I do – I promise."
Tristan nodded, "Thank you." he said as Padmé exited the Chancellor's chambers. "All is well?"
"Yes, all is well. I just have to speak with Leiana, make sure she finishes on that report tonight so I can send her home." Padmé said playfully. "I thank you Senator, for allowing your daughter to be my aide. She really has been exceedingly helpful – even when I'm working her to death!" they both laughed, "I'll send her back tonight, alright?"
"Very well, thank you Senator. Good day, good day, Miss Thaxton." Tristan replied, getting in his transport and leaving.
"Idriya?" Padmé called as the girl was about to leave. "Is this yours?" she held up a necklace, a small blue stone hanging off the end.
"No, I'm sorry its not mine. Must belong to someone else." Idriya replied, trying to leave – she was somewhat wary of the Senator, though she didn't know why. Suddenly, something in her mind clicked and she took the stone again. "Actually, I think it is mine... sorry, I don't even remember putting it on. I must be overtaxing myself."
Padmé laughed, "Well, us Senators like driving our aides into the ground. Its a miracle you all have survived this long." she said, "Goodbye." and with that she was gone.
Idriya looked at the stone in her hands, looking at the small inscription, leaving no question in her mind – it belonged to Varian's late wife. But what was Padmé doing with it?
"Does milady find the stone interesting?" a voice sounded from behind her. Turning, she saw Skandar leaning on the pillar a few feet away, his brown hair smoothed back.
She smiled, "Not really, except for the whole Corellian connection." she replied, "I think it belongs to Senator Farrel."
"Idriya, does Senator Farrel have a first name?" Skandar asked, she laughed.
"Of course he does, my handsome Corellian – his first name is Senator." he rolled his eyes, "Alright, his name is –"
"Now, now, children, you know you shouldn't be telling secrets." Varian suddenly came around the corner, his brown eyes twinkling with mischief. "Solo."
"Senator." Skandar replied, shaking his hand cordially, "May I ask your permission to take Idriya out tonight? There is a marvelous opera going on, and I would like to show her."
Varian looked between them, "Yes, you may. But not until later, I have some things for her to do." and with that he guided her to their transport. Skandar nodded, and left. "You like him." Varian stated.
"Yes." she replied.
"Does he like you?"
"I don't know if its me or Ozara he pines for... I hope its me." she pulled out the stone, "This belongs to you."
His eyes widened, "Where did you get this? It was Petra's." he said, thinking of his late wife.
"Senator Amidala." they exchanged a strange look, getting in the transport and going back to the apartment.
"By the way," Idriya began once they were inside the apartment, "Senator Peregrine wishes to meet you, shall I schedule that?"
Varian closed his eyes, sadness taking him over, he hadn't seen his father in years – and had been avoiding him for months. He wasn't sure how the older man would react, if he met him again. "Yes, Idriya, schedule it. I've been putting it off for far too long."
They were married. Anakin still couldn't believe it. He was married to the one person in the galaxy that he absolutely adored – and loved. He thought it was amusing when she had finally taken off the cloak, right before the ceremony, raising a challenging eyebrow as he scrutinized her choice of attire. He couldn't complain, the dress was even more to his taste than the last one he had seen her in. Simple, with a little embroidery... she explained she had done that herself. She had been so nervous as they approached the altar with R2 as witness. He recorded the event. Naturally.
As he said his vows, he wondered how he ever could have pursued Padmé those few years ago; though he was glad that he realized his mistake before he had a made it even larger than before. But now, as he tied himself for life to her, he could only look at the future: and their lives together. He knew they would have so little time together to enjoy their newfound bliss as he was no doubt likely to be posted soon, leaving her alone once more. He only hoped no one was foolish enough to try and do anything to her while he would be gone. The war would be over soon – he was sure of it.
Now they were alone, at a small place which had been built after his first trip to Ergon, near Lake Eresea. It was a pretty place, with plenty of privacy for the new couple. Ozara let out a squeal of surprise when Anakin carried her over the threshold. He had only laughed in joy, reveling in the foreign feeling of husbandhood.
Ozara looked around in awe. "You found this this morning?" she asked.
"Last night, actually. After I sent you to bed, I immediately started planning." he said, kissing her forehead.
"How long do we have it?" she inquired, shuddering in pleasure as he gently kissed her neck.
"A week. I dared not rent it for any longer... as we have to return soon." he replied.
She sighed, "Well then, we best make the most of it." she said, kissing him with liberty as she now could. She then pulled away as her stomach made itself known. They both chuckled.
"Hungry, Mrs. Skywalker?" Anakin asked, she nodded and he led her into the kitchen where there was some food already set out.
"Did you think of everything? And in such short time?"
"You slept till noon, I woke at five... that gave me several hours to think of anything and everything." she pouted for a moment. "What's wrong?"
She shook her head, "Nothing. I'm absolutely happy." it was true. Though when he perused her mind for a moment, he saw what it was she had bothered herself with: she had had 'two' weddings, and had planned neither one. But she wasn't really complaining, she just wished she had been able to have a little warning on this one, she could have done some things to help Anakin out.
"Don't worry about it." his voice suddenly said in her ear from behind, "Lets eat."
The conversation was as pleasant as usual. Though now, there were more loving glances as they now could without reservation. They were man and wife, they cared not for anything else in the galaxy but each other. He wasn't a Jedi, and she wasn't a prospective Senator. They were friends, and now married. How quickly that had escalated.
When dinner was finished, they moved to another room of the house. There was another hunger that wanted to be filled.
Commander Cody's blue image appeared on the holotransmitter of the Jedi Temple. "Master Windu, may I interrupt? General Kenobi has made contact with General Grievous, and we have begun our attack." he said. "Padawan Jukassa has gone to assist General Kenobi. They are currently hunting General Grievous."
"Thank you, Commander." Windu replied, turning to Stass Allie, "Stass, deliver this report to the Chancellor. His reaction will give us a clue to his intentions."
"Yes, Master." the younger Master replied leaving the room.
"I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi. The dark side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor." Master Windu said, looking to his co-council members.
" If he does not give up his emergency powers after the destruction of Grievous, then he should be removed from office." Master Mundi said as Qui-Gon walked in.
"That could be a dangerous move... the Jedi Council would have to take control of the Senate in order to secure a peaceful transition. Master Windu replied.
"And replace the Congress with Senators who are not filled with greed and corruption." Qui-Gon added. "Master Windu is right, it could be a very dangerous move.
"To a dark place this line of thought will carry us. Hmmmmm..." Yoda said, "Great care we must take."
Okay. That was a whole lot of fluff, and I hope I wrote it good. Yes, Nyce I know you thought I did well on the last one... but really, over the next few chapters, I'm in uncharted waters. I'm good at writing the build up to relationships - but not the follow through. So, if any of you didn't like any part of it, please leave me a suggestion and I'll see what I can do. Meantime? Review?
