Snowhere to Go: Chapter Fifteen

We were getting desperate. With only a sliver of moon above and a glowlight to illuminate our way, the path was getting more treacherous and dangerous predators were making their whereabouts known.

"What was that?" Dormé asked, clinging to my arm. We'd heard the night cry of one of the larger variety of wolf-cats who called Alderaan their home and that one sounded quite close.

"Just local inhabitants saying goodnight," I tried reassuring her, which heralded a long sarcastic raspberry from her mouth.

"Yeah, right. I know a hungry critter when I hear one. We're dinner, that's what we are."

"I won't allow anything to happen," I promised. We would soon hit a dead end, coming face to face with the mountain and so far, there had been no sign of my Master or the Senator. Dormé was quick to share her disappointment.

"Just great! We're out here freezing, Senator Amidala needs our help and we've discovered nothing! How are we ever going to find them? We need help! We need machinery! We need…

While she had been ranting, Dormé had been pacing. Back and forth, circling around and then back and forth once more. I hadn't considered the possibility of a pocket this close to the wall, but without much warning, her entire body was consumed by the massive drift. Down she went with a squeal. I had no choice but to follow her and we both rolled together landing in a heap at the base of the slide, onto hard stone. I managed to push myself up onto my elbows and stare down into her beautiful face.

"Thanks for dropping in," she quipped with a smile. "Now get off. You're squishing me."

Reluctantly, I rolled to the side and stood, bringing Dormé up alongside me.

"A cave! Do you think they could be in here?"

I brushed myself off and stared into the darkness. "Only one way to find out."

Hand in hand, we crept silently through the dim cavern, coming to a stop once I'd spied a faint glow flickering in the distance.

"That must be them!" Dormé whispered.

She bolted forward to see for herself and would've accomplished that had I not pulled her back.

"What are you doing?"

"Hold on." I was experiencing the strangest sensations along our training bond. I realized the mountain played tricks with the Force, but this emotion was strong and nothing I'd experienced coming from my Master before. Could it be?

"Easy. I don't think they're expecting company," I whispered to her, although she wasn't paying attention.

"What? Are you crazy? Of course, they are! They have to be waiting to be rescued and will be thrilled we found them!"

Perhaps I should let her see for herself. I let go of her hand and she scrambled toward the light, only to come to a full stop and quickly step into a nearby alcove.

"Oh my! They're…"they're…." She made movements with her hands to imitate the actions she'd witnessed and ended up displaying a rather obscene gesture. I couldn't help but chuckle at her attempts to explain what she'd observed. "They're having intercourse!"

"So they are," I smiled.

Dormé gazed at me curiously. "And you're okay with that?"

I guess it was no secret that for years I had carried this obsession around with me and was absolutely positive that the moment I ran into Padmé Amidala again, sparks would fly. We would immediately be drawn to one another since, after all, we were meant to be together. The truth was, when I saw her again, not much happened. And once I'd had time to think about it, I was no more attracted to her than I was to say…any of the female padawans from my crèche. We were just friends and likely to remain so. So, yes. I was okay with that.

"I'm happy for them," I announced, surprising her as well as myself.

"That's good to hear." My companion's eyes had turned from curious to coy and she stepped toward me, making her intentions clear.

When our lips met, I didn't feel passion flare or see fireworks, but I did feel a deep sense of comfort and joy. It's what I needed in my life and I welcomed her embrace after our kiss.

"How long do you think we should, uhm…let them continue before making them aware of our presence?"

I searched along the training bond and quickly backed away, a slight blush rising to my face. "Just a little while longer," I announced before anxiously clearing my throat.