*****
We've landed in the forest and we're waiting for Jar-Jar to return from the Gungan's underwater city. The last part of the trip was spent getting Sabé into the Queen's battle-dress and the rest of us into complementary outfits. I'm not sure it's really wise to have Sabé impersonate the Queen right now, but then again, never has Padmé been in more danger. This is so complicated. I'll try to write more later if I get the chance...
*****
Whew! It's amazing how much can happen in a few hours. When Jar-Jar finally returned, he reported that the Gungan city had been abandoned, but led us to a place deep in the swamps that the Gungans call the "Holy Place." It was kind of spooky, with the ruins of large statues and buildings looming up among the trees. We were surrounded by Gungans on kaadu, all armed. I must admit that even after Jar-Jar told Padmé what great warriors the Gungans are I had a hard time believing it. It's a hard thing to realize that you're prejudiced, but I realized that up until today, I was. I've always been raised to respect other creatures, including the Gungans, but I always pictured them as being technologically challenged. I guess they are as far as "meckanics," but they have a highly developed organic technology and I feel horrible for feeling so superior. If Naboo is to be won back, it will be because the Gungans are much better prepared than Naboo's human inhabitants.
In any case, we taken before Boss Nass, the Gungan leader, and Sabé tried to open negotiations, but he wasn't having any. Then, Padmé stepped forward and revealed the Great Handmaiden Deception and convinced Boss Nass to listen to her by–get this–kneeling before him and begging for his help. Padmé begging! I almost cracked up, except that it really wasn't very funny.
Just think, I, Rabé Hilde, farmer's daughter, was witness to one of the greatest historical moments in my people's history–the treaty between humans and Gungans on Naboo. It was very cool.
Right now, Padmé is trying to sell her battle plan to Panaka, Master Jinn, and Boss Nass. She'll succeed–like I said before, she always wins. Once the scouts return, I have a feeling we'll be moving out and heading into battle.
I'm still nervous, but somehow seeing the peace between us and the Gungans and just being home again and seeing that the planet hasn't been burned to a crisp has made me feel a bit more confident. We will succeed. We have to.
*****
Reviews are welcome!! :)