Anakin watched the family from the rear of the enclosed transport. Sabé
and Obi-Wan sat next to each other and Meira was on her father's lap.
Obi-Wan whispered in Meira's ear. "You understand that though I have to go, I will be back for you. Always remember--you're the first one I learned to love after Qui-Gon's passing."
"Big Jeddi Qui-Ga," she replied, a pleased sort of certainty in her little voice, as she patted her father's hand.
"Perhaps someday it will be only hours or days between our time together, not months or years," Obi-Wan said, hoping it would be the truth. The little girl held one of his fingers tight and nodded. He wasn't sure if her nod was a sign that she understood, or that she was just happy to be in his lap at this moment.
"Why don't we see how she does with Ani now?" Sabé asked.
Giving an affirmative nod, the Knight beckoned to his apprentice. "Approach her in a natural manner, Padawan. This is the last time we'll try during this visit."
Anakin scooted down the seats of the transport, slowly coming closer to Meira. While she didn't show the level of fear that she had before, it was clear by her stare that she wasn't entirely comfortable with him yet.
All the while, the boy spoke to her in a calm manner. "You know I'm leaving Max and Mana in your care, Meira. Will you watch after the kitties for me?"
"Kitties! Love soft kitties," she replied.
Easing a bit closer, Ani continued to chat at her. "I'm glad you love the kitties, 'cause there's no one else I could trust as much as you to look after them."
When Anakin had gotten too close, she started grasping harder to Obi-Wan. Her new limit seemed to be about a meter.
"That's as far as we'll get, Ani," Obi-Wan said, giving him the signal to stop. "It's better than it was yesterday. Good work."
"It's so difficult to learn patience, Master," Anakin sighed. "I really wanted to be on better terms with her before we left."
Sabé changed her seat so she could be next to Anakin for a moment. "Everything in its time, Ani." Then she got a twinkle in her eye. "Let me see your gift. The Queen wouldn't let anyone look at it before the ceremony, not even me!"
The boy was proud when he took out the little charm that Amidala had given him. Sabé gasped in delight. "Why, this is the same stone that her amulet is made of. It's found in the area where her family has the farm. Anakin, I hope you know what a wonderfully personal statement she's made. This is obviously something crafted just for you."
Anakin perked up. "It would have to be, wouldn't it? I'm sure that no shop would have something like this in the same shape as the japor snippet already made. I mean, she's kept it a secret, right?"
"Of course, " Sabé confirmed. "Only those really close to her have seen it. This is a wonderful sign of her feelings for you, Ani."
"I might have ruined that last night," Anakin said, in a fretful tone. "I don't know."
Sabé put her arm around the Padawan to comfort him. "Look, she gave it to you anyway, and she didn't have to do that. She could have substituted anything, since none of us knew what the gift was to be. Calm yourself again so you may discuss it with her before you leave."
Anakin nodded and worked on centering, recalling the confident feeling he'd had earlier that day.
Obi-Wan drew his black gemstone out of his robes and held it out for Sabé. "Now, will you tell me the meaning of this? I sensed that you were pleased about it."
Shifting her seat back to Obi-Wan's side, Sabé grasped a gold chain around her neck. When the stone that dangled from it was visible, it was easy to see that matched the one on the Jedi Knight's chain. Sabé took her stone and his, and put the uneven sides together. They fit perfectly.
"Something I found when we were looking in the Palace attic. No record of them existed anywhere, so Amidala took that to mean they were meant for us. We don't know where the stones came from, or what they are supposed to do for Force sensitives. You and I will have to find that out on our own."
Obi-Wan's eyes lit up as he smiled at Sabé. "Always out to learn something new, aren't you?"
"Uh huh," Sabé replied, moving in for a kiss from her Knight. As their lips met, Meira laughed and applauded, while Anakin covered his face with his hand, but still peeked through his fingers. For a second, Anakin wondered what it would be like when he could kiss Padmé that way, then pushed that speculation from his mind. He wouldn't allow anything like that to interfere with their relationship again.
With some relief, Anakin shifted to look out the window. They were approaching the station now, and their transport was pulling into a garage that would shield them from the media. The Queen's transport was already parked, so he knew she awaited him. First, he was going to have to make his way through a throng of nobles, each of whom wanted to be seen shaking his hand. The boy sighed in exasperation.
"I know, Padawan. Another of the things we have to bear gracefully," Obi- Wan said, just before the vehicle parked and the door opened to reveal them to the assembly.
------
Anakin moved through the crowd as quickly as possible. He knew he should have been paying attention, but he had no idea how many hands he shook, or who called to him. He really didn't wish to be impolite, but it was necessary to get to Padmé soon, with a minimum of social hobnobbing. The moment he spotted Rabé, Eirtaé and Saché guarding a door up ahead it was easy to figure that was the direction he needed to take.
When he was three meters from the door, some of the Palace guards appeared and cleared a way for him. The handmaidens reached out, beckoning him to hurry. Rabé pressed a button, and the door panel slid upward. Eirtaé and Saché stepped out and took Ani by the shoulders and hurried him along.
He found himself in a quiet room. It was surprising with so much noise outside that none of it filtered through to this chamber. The Queen had her back to him as she gazed out of a window toward the transport the Jedi would be taking out of Naboo. Jeré and Yané were standing near her.
The Queen's head tilted back as she lifted her chin. "Please wait outside," she ordered the handmaidens, remaining stoic. As the two ladies seemed to float by Anakin, Yané turned her head slightly, giving him a subtle encouraging nod.
When the door closed again, the boy was alone with Amidala. He stayed mindful of his feelings, and released his apprehension into the Force. Along with it, he sent a silent wish for guidance on how he should speak.
Suddenly, Anakin realized that he hadn't noticed today's royal gown until this moment. The green velvet cape was decorated with tiny soft pink rosettes, like a tree with complimentary flowers. "You look lovely, Your Highness," he said softly.
Amidala turned around, a pensive look in her eyes. Her face was still decorated in the Royal mask, lips and cheeks accented with the same pink as the rosettes on her cape and the long silk dress under it. Speaking in her normal voice, she began. "Anakin, about last night...,"
"Your Highness, I forgot myself then. I beg your forgiveness," Anakin responded.
The young woman glanced down, then her eyes met Anakin's. "Ani, don't make this harder for me. Right now, I'm Padmé. The only reason I'm still in costume is that I have to go back to court after you leave, but while we're in this room, what happens is not official business."
"Yes, Padmé, it was rude of me to interrupt. I want to hear what you have to say," the boy said calmly.
She took a deep breath and put her palms together, fingertips down. "I've told you that my caring for you would remain and it has, please understand that."
"I do, Padmé."
Somehow, his quiet acceptance made the conversation more difficult for her. She hesitated, taking a moment to gather herself, then spoke again.
"Then you understand I'm only sixteen. I have so much that demands my attention that I don't know when I'll be ready for any other kind of relationship."
Anakin smiled at her in sympathy for her angst. "You have more responsibility on your shoulders than most people three times your age. I have to call you Your Highness here, because that is who you are, and it dominates your life."
He took a breath, and continued to let the words flow. "I'm sorry that I made you feel pressured, Padmé. It happened before I realized how strong my emotions are. I know that is a flaw that I will have to work hard to correct. My time here has been short but eye-opening."
Amidala gave him a little half smile. Ani allowed himself a moment's adoration, hoping that it would leave a better impression than last night's behavior.
The Queen's smile widened, and it was as if a weight had been lifted from her.
"Anakin Skywalker, I don't have the power of prophecy, but there's one thing I do know about the future right now. I'm always going to need you in my life. We'll work on how that's going to happen, but later, when we have a few more years to sort ourselves out. Is that fair?"
"Yes, Your Highness...I mean, Padmé, " Anakin said, as he bowed slightly.
She held out her arms and he joined her in an embrace. The Queen noticed a subtle stirring, and a warm glow from deep within, but she pushed it back down before she had the chance to analyze it and let it worry her. Looking down at her friend's neck, she wrinkled her brow. "Where is it?"
"What?"
"The gift I gave you in court. Where's the stone?"
He pulled the box from an inner pocket. "I was hoping you'd put it on me yourself. That would make it feel official."
"Very well." She took it from the box by the cord and placed it around his neck. "There, will that do?"
"Yes, thank you, Your Highness." Then the glow returned to Anakin's eyes. "Now, where's the japor snippet?"
With an undignified girlish grin, Amidala reached up and pulled two cords from under the silk fabric. Hanging from the leather cord was the japor snippet. A stone and transparisteel amulet dangled from a black silk cord. "The two most important gentlemen in my life gave me these, so I wear them always," she explained. "Your snippet and my father's amulet."
Anakin bit his lip as he smiled.
-----------
Sabé and Obi-Wan exchanged a long look. Neither expressed affection through the Force bond this time; something that intimate would make the parting more difficult, so they avoided it.
Meira tugged at the Jedi Knight's cloak. "Uppy?"
Obi-Wan looked down at her and smiled. "Yes, once more." Taking hold of his daughter, he lifted her up in the air, then held her close. "Now remember, you have to take care of your mother. And when I get back, we'll do things right. Understand?"
//How can you promise her that, Obi-Wan? We don't know what the Council will decide.//
//Trust in the Force, Sabé. We got this far; things will work out.// Obi- Wan replied with confidence.
Meira nodded, and threw her arms around her father's neck. "Jeddi go bye now?"
He spoke to the child. "Yes, Jeddi has to go for awhile. But I'll think of you every day. Now, another big hug, then you have to walk."
After Meira's embrace, Sabé and Obi-Wan moved in for a farewell kiss, pouring enough into the embrace to make up for the long separation ahead.
Suddenly a scene played out inside Sabé's mind. As if she were just waking up for the day, she turned and saw a man with white short hair and a white beard. He had to be a much older Obi-Wan. He stroked her cheek and smiled sadly at her before he spoke.
"Did I ever thank you properly for keeping me from actually becoming a crazy old hermit?"
She broke the kiss suddenly, her heart pounding. When she opened her eyes and saw him at the age he should be now, she gasped with relief.
Obi-Wan cupped her face in his hands and studied her, concern in his eyes. "Are you all right?"
Nodding, she leaned into him and put her hands over his. "Yes, don't worry about me. You have to board the transport any minute."
Knowing she had seen something, but respecting her wish to keep it to herself, Obi-Wan questioned her no further. After a few more minutes of holding her and Meira and whispering words of comfort, he glanced up at the chronometer and sighed as he spoke.
"It's time, Beloved."
---
Sabé, Meira, and Obi-Wan joined Amidala and Anakin in a hall that took them to the transport.
"You should wear the outfit you have on today when you do their wedding," Anakin whispered to the Queen. "Remember."
"I will," Amidala whispered in return. She turned and held out her hands, one to Obi-Wan and one to Anakin. When the Jedi clasped their hands in hers, she smiled warmly. "We look forward to your return. Until that time, We pray that you carry out your missions in safety and with success. Jedi Kenobi, as it will be Our privilege to officiate at your formal bonding ceremony with Our Minister, We request that you notify us as soon as you know the dates of your next visit, so that all preparations will be complete upon your arrival. You've both waited long enough." She finished with a nod.
"Your Highness, I thank you for the hospitality shown me while I have been your guest," Obi-Wan replied, honoring her with a slight bow. "I will be in touch concerning the ceremony."
The Knight and the Padawan released the Queen's hands and turned to the Minister. Sabé leaned as far as she could to face Anakin.
"Thank you again for saving my life, Ani. I know I'll never be able to return the favor."
"You already have, Minister," Anakin said, glancing at Obi-Wan. "Your influence has made my Master someone that I can live with."
"Oh, I can't take the credit for that, Meira did the work there."
Obi-Wan grinned and raised his eyebrows. "Don't be modest, Beloved."
A pilot stuck his head in the doorway and cleared his throat. "Jedi, when you're ready," he said, then disappeared.
Nodding, Sabé released him. She, Amidala and Meira were all sniffing as the Obi-Wan and Anakin waved from the door of the craft, then went inside.
They watched the transport rise in the air and fly out of sight. A moment that seemed outside of time slipped by, then Sabé and Amidala faced one another and exchanged knowing looks.
"It's like coming out of a dream somehow, Your Highness."
"Yes," Amidala said. "Back to real life and doing without our Jedi."
Sabé let a beat pass as she pondered the meaning behind the Queen's reference to "our" Jedi. "And back to single parenthood," she said when she spoke again. "At least this time I know he'll be returning."
The Minister took her daughter's hand. Meira reached up and grasped Amidala's slender fingers, and together, the three of them left the hall.
(Don't worry, much more to come!)
Obi-Wan whispered in Meira's ear. "You understand that though I have to go, I will be back for you. Always remember--you're the first one I learned to love after Qui-Gon's passing."
"Big Jeddi Qui-Ga," she replied, a pleased sort of certainty in her little voice, as she patted her father's hand.
"Perhaps someday it will be only hours or days between our time together, not months or years," Obi-Wan said, hoping it would be the truth. The little girl held one of his fingers tight and nodded. He wasn't sure if her nod was a sign that she understood, or that she was just happy to be in his lap at this moment.
"Why don't we see how she does with Ani now?" Sabé asked.
Giving an affirmative nod, the Knight beckoned to his apprentice. "Approach her in a natural manner, Padawan. This is the last time we'll try during this visit."
Anakin scooted down the seats of the transport, slowly coming closer to Meira. While she didn't show the level of fear that she had before, it was clear by her stare that she wasn't entirely comfortable with him yet.
All the while, the boy spoke to her in a calm manner. "You know I'm leaving Max and Mana in your care, Meira. Will you watch after the kitties for me?"
"Kitties! Love soft kitties," she replied.
Easing a bit closer, Ani continued to chat at her. "I'm glad you love the kitties, 'cause there's no one else I could trust as much as you to look after them."
When Anakin had gotten too close, she started grasping harder to Obi-Wan. Her new limit seemed to be about a meter.
"That's as far as we'll get, Ani," Obi-Wan said, giving him the signal to stop. "It's better than it was yesterday. Good work."
"It's so difficult to learn patience, Master," Anakin sighed. "I really wanted to be on better terms with her before we left."
Sabé changed her seat so she could be next to Anakin for a moment. "Everything in its time, Ani." Then she got a twinkle in her eye. "Let me see your gift. The Queen wouldn't let anyone look at it before the ceremony, not even me!"
The boy was proud when he took out the little charm that Amidala had given him. Sabé gasped in delight. "Why, this is the same stone that her amulet is made of. It's found in the area where her family has the farm. Anakin, I hope you know what a wonderfully personal statement she's made. This is obviously something crafted just for you."
Anakin perked up. "It would have to be, wouldn't it? I'm sure that no shop would have something like this in the same shape as the japor snippet already made. I mean, she's kept it a secret, right?"
"Of course, " Sabé confirmed. "Only those really close to her have seen it. This is a wonderful sign of her feelings for you, Ani."
"I might have ruined that last night," Anakin said, in a fretful tone. "I don't know."
Sabé put her arm around the Padawan to comfort him. "Look, she gave it to you anyway, and she didn't have to do that. She could have substituted anything, since none of us knew what the gift was to be. Calm yourself again so you may discuss it with her before you leave."
Anakin nodded and worked on centering, recalling the confident feeling he'd had earlier that day.
Obi-Wan drew his black gemstone out of his robes and held it out for Sabé. "Now, will you tell me the meaning of this? I sensed that you were pleased about it."
Shifting her seat back to Obi-Wan's side, Sabé grasped a gold chain around her neck. When the stone that dangled from it was visible, it was easy to see that matched the one on the Jedi Knight's chain. Sabé took her stone and his, and put the uneven sides together. They fit perfectly.
"Something I found when we were looking in the Palace attic. No record of them existed anywhere, so Amidala took that to mean they were meant for us. We don't know where the stones came from, or what they are supposed to do for Force sensitives. You and I will have to find that out on our own."
Obi-Wan's eyes lit up as he smiled at Sabé. "Always out to learn something new, aren't you?"
"Uh huh," Sabé replied, moving in for a kiss from her Knight. As their lips met, Meira laughed and applauded, while Anakin covered his face with his hand, but still peeked through his fingers. For a second, Anakin wondered what it would be like when he could kiss Padmé that way, then pushed that speculation from his mind. He wouldn't allow anything like that to interfere with their relationship again.
With some relief, Anakin shifted to look out the window. They were approaching the station now, and their transport was pulling into a garage that would shield them from the media. The Queen's transport was already parked, so he knew she awaited him. First, he was going to have to make his way through a throng of nobles, each of whom wanted to be seen shaking his hand. The boy sighed in exasperation.
"I know, Padawan. Another of the things we have to bear gracefully," Obi- Wan said, just before the vehicle parked and the door opened to reveal them to the assembly.
------
Anakin moved through the crowd as quickly as possible. He knew he should have been paying attention, but he had no idea how many hands he shook, or who called to him. He really didn't wish to be impolite, but it was necessary to get to Padmé soon, with a minimum of social hobnobbing. The moment he spotted Rabé, Eirtaé and Saché guarding a door up ahead it was easy to figure that was the direction he needed to take.
When he was three meters from the door, some of the Palace guards appeared and cleared a way for him. The handmaidens reached out, beckoning him to hurry. Rabé pressed a button, and the door panel slid upward. Eirtaé and Saché stepped out and took Ani by the shoulders and hurried him along.
He found himself in a quiet room. It was surprising with so much noise outside that none of it filtered through to this chamber. The Queen had her back to him as she gazed out of a window toward the transport the Jedi would be taking out of Naboo. Jeré and Yané were standing near her.
The Queen's head tilted back as she lifted her chin. "Please wait outside," she ordered the handmaidens, remaining stoic. As the two ladies seemed to float by Anakin, Yané turned her head slightly, giving him a subtle encouraging nod.
When the door closed again, the boy was alone with Amidala. He stayed mindful of his feelings, and released his apprehension into the Force. Along with it, he sent a silent wish for guidance on how he should speak.
Suddenly, Anakin realized that he hadn't noticed today's royal gown until this moment. The green velvet cape was decorated with tiny soft pink rosettes, like a tree with complimentary flowers. "You look lovely, Your Highness," he said softly.
Amidala turned around, a pensive look in her eyes. Her face was still decorated in the Royal mask, lips and cheeks accented with the same pink as the rosettes on her cape and the long silk dress under it. Speaking in her normal voice, she began. "Anakin, about last night...,"
"Your Highness, I forgot myself then. I beg your forgiveness," Anakin responded.
The young woman glanced down, then her eyes met Anakin's. "Ani, don't make this harder for me. Right now, I'm Padmé. The only reason I'm still in costume is that I have to go back to court after you leave, but while we're in this room, what happens is not official business."
"Yes, Padmé, it was rude of me to interrupt. I want to hear what you have to say," the boy said calmly.
She took a deep breath and put her palms together, fingertips down. "I've told you that my caring for you would remain and it has, please understand that."
"I do, Padmé."
Somehow, his quiet acceptance made the conversation more difficult for her. She hesitated, taking a moment to gather herself, then spoke again.
"Then you understand I'm only sixteen. I have so much that demands my attention that I don't know when I'll be ready for any other kind of relationship."
Anakin smiled at her in sympathy for her angst. "You have more responsibility on your shoulders than most people three times your age. I have to call you Your Highness here, because that is who you are, and it dominates your life."
He took a breath, and continued to let the words flow. "I'm sorry that I made you feel pressured, Padmé. It happened before I realized how strong my emotions are. I know that is a flaw that I will have to work hard to correct. My time here has been short but eye-opening."
Amidala gave him a little half smile. Ani allowed himself a moment's adoration, hoping that it would leave a better impression than last night's behavior.
The Queen's smile widened, and it was as if a weight had been lifted from her.
"Anakin Skywalker, I don't have the power of prophecy, but there's one thing I do know about the future right now. I'm always going to need you in my life. We'll work on how that's going to happen, but later, when we have a few more years to sort ourselves out. Is that fair?"
"Yes, Your Highness...I mean, Padmé, " Anakin said, as he bowed slightly.
She held out her arms and he joined her in an embrace. The Queen noticed a subtle stirring, and a warm glow from deep within, but she pushed it back down before she had the chance to analyze it and let it worry her. Looking down at her friend's neck, she wrinkled her brow. "Where is it?"
"What?"
"The gift I gave you in court. Where's the stone?"
He pulled the box from an inner pocket. "I was hoping you'd put it on me yourself. That would make it feel official."
"Very well." She took it from the box by the cord and placed it around his neck. "There, will that do?"
"Yes, thank you, Your Highness." Then the glow returned to Anakin's eyes. "Now, where's the japor snippet?"
With an undignified girlish grin, Amidala reached up and pulled two cords from under the silk fabric. Hanging from the leather cord was the japor snippet. A stone and transparisteel amulet dangled from a black silk cord. "The two most important gentlemen in my life gave me these, so I wear them always," she explained. "Your snippet and my father's amulet."
Anakin bit his lip as he smiled.
-----------
Sabé and Obi-Wan exchanged a long look. Neither expressed affection through the Force bond this time; something that intimate would make the parting more difficult, so they avoided it.
Meira tugged at the Jedi Knight's cloak. "Uppy?"
Obi-Wan looked down at her and smiled. "Yes, once more." Taking hold of his daughter, he lifted her up in the air, then held her close. "Now remember, you have to take care of your mother. And when I get back, we'll do things right. Understand?"
//How can you promise her that, Obi-Wan? We don't know what the Council will decide.//
//Trust in the Force, Sabé. We got this far; things will work out.// Obi- Wan replied with confidence.
Meira nodded, and threw her arms around her father's neck. "Jeddi go bye now?"
He spoke to the child. "Yes, Jeddi has to go for awhile. But I'll think of you every day. Now, another big hug, then you have to walk."
After Meira's embrace, Sabé and Obi-Wan moved in for a farewell kiss, pouring enough into the embrace to make up for the long separation ahead.
Suddenly a scene played out inside Sabé's mind. As if she were just waking up for the day, she turned and saw a man with white short hair and a white beard. He had to be a much older Obi-Wan. He stroked her cheek and smiled sadly at her before he spoke.
"Did I ever thank you properly for keeping me from actually becoming a crazy old hermit?"
She broke the kiss suddenly, her heart pounding. When she opened her eyes and saw him at the age he should be now, she gasped with relief.
Obi-Wan cupped her face in his hands and studied her, concern in his eyes. "Are you all right?"
Nodding, she leaned into him and put her hands over his. "Yes, don't worry about me. You have to board the transport any minute."
Knowing she had seen something, but respecting her wish to keep it to herself, Obi-Wan questioned her no further. After a few more minutes of holding her and Meira and whispering words of comfort, he glanced up at the chronometer and sighed as he spoke.
"It's time, Beloved."
---
Sabé, Meira, and Obi-Wan joined Amidala and Anakin in a hall that took them to the transport.
"You should wear the outfit you have on today when you do their wedding," Anakin whispered to the Queen. "Remember."
"I will," Amidala whispered in return. She turned and held out her hands, one to Obi-Wan and one to Anakin. When the Jedi clasped their hands in hers, she smiled warmly. "We look forward to your return. Until that time, We pray that you carry out your missions in safety and with success. Jedi Kenobi, as it will be Our privilege to officiate at your formal bonding ceremony with Our Minister, We request that you notify us as soon as you know the dates of your next visit, so that all preparations will be complete upon your arrival. You've both waited long enough." She finished with a nod.
"Your Highness, I thank you for the hospitality shown me while I have been your guest," Obi-Wan replied, honoring her with a slight bow. "I will be in touch concerning the ceremony."
The Knight and the Padawan released the Queen's hands and turned to the Minister. Sabé leaned as far as she could to face Anakin.
"Thank you again for saving my life, Ani. I know I'll never be able to return the favor."
"You already have, Minister," Anakin said, glancing at Obi-Wan. "Your influence has made my Master someone that I can live with."
"Oh, I can't take the credit for that, Meira did the work there."
Obi-Wan grinned and raised his eyebrows. "Don't be modest, Beloved."
A pilot stuck his head in the doorway and cleared his throat. "Jedi, when you're ready," he said, then disappeared.
Nodding, Sabé released him. She, Amidala and Meira were all sniffing as the Obi-Wan and Anakin waved from the door of the craft, then went inside.
They watched the transport rise in the air and fly out of sight. A moment that seemed outside of time slipped by, then Sabé and Amidala faced one another and exchanged knowing looks.
"It's like coming out of a dream somehow, Your Highness."
"Yes," Amidala said. "Back to real life and doing without our Jedi."
Sabé let a beat pass as she pondered the meaning behind the Queen's reference to "our" Jedi. "And back to single parenthood," she said when she spoke again. "At least this time I know he'll be returning."
The Minister took her daughter's hand. Meira reached up and grasped Amidala's slender fingers, and together, the three of them left the hall.
(Don't worry, much more to come!)