Sabé's transport pulled into a spot near the one the Jedi speeder.
Captain Panaka slipped out first to let everyone get into their places.
Ellouis grabbed a case from under his seat and quickly followed the
Captain.
Sabé could see out of the window, but the Jedi could not see in. As the Panakas spoke to them, the Jedi took their places. Anakin remained by his master's side while Siri and Bant moved to either side of the clearing. Lowering their heads, Bant and Siri assumed meditative poses. Sabé felt some shifting of the Force and surmised that the two female Jedi had started the sheilding that would keep the party's emotions hidden from the other Jedi that were staying in the city.
Ellouis opened the case that he had brought and pulled out a shiny trumpet. Captain Panaka smiled, and gave him a nod. He began playing a stately march.
At that signal, Amidala left the transport. In her most regal manner, she moved across the clearing and took her place on the far side, just beyond Obi-Wan.
Hasin and Raisa were next. Raisa had chosen to put on her stoic professional face, and showed none of the emotion she had felt earlier. A quiet satisfaction emanated from Hasin, marking him as every bit the proud father of the bride. When they reached Obi-Wan and the Queen, they bowed to each in turn and took a place across from the groom.
When the Governor and Rowan left the transport, Rabé began handing out the flowers. Each handmaidan took her bouquet, but Eirtaé held Sabé's along with hers until the proper moment.
Saché reached out for Meira's hand. "Come on, you're next," she prompted.
Meira shook her head. "No! Want Mommy."
Sabé looked down and smiled. "Don't you want to go first and stand next to Jedi Obi-Wan?"
The little girl reached for her mother's hand. "Wanna go with Mommy."
"Hmm. You'll change your mind soon enough, I bet. When you get past that door, you'll make a break for the Jedi," Sabé said.
The march that Ellouis was playing stopped. After a moment, a different melody drifted through the air. Still stately, but not a march, it was the cue for the handmaidens, the child and the bride to begin their procession.
Eirtaé and Yané were the first to step out. They stood on either side of the transport door, facing each other. Saché and Rabé were next, and they did the same.
Obi-Wan tried to appear serene, but he did narrow his eyes and waited to catch his first sight of his bride. She stepped through the door, her face obscured by the cream colored hood. Hand in hand with her was Miera. He saw them as a vision of perfection.
"Sorry, Ani," Obi-Wan whispered. "I'm the one getting angels today."
"No argument here, Master," Ani replied. "It's all right. I can wait my turn." He cast a glance at Amidala and gave her that lopsided grin. She smiled back at him, and he could see her stifling a giggle of delight before she averted her eyes and straightened up.
The handmaidens surrounded Sabé and Meira in the same formation as they would the Queen when she appeared in public. They all began walking together in the stately manner that was common in the Naboo court.
Obi-Wan had eyes only for Sabé and Meira as they seemed to float towards him, but halfway there, the little girl in green pulled on her mother's hand and gave her a look that seemed to ask for something. Sabé looked down, released Meira's hand and the child ran to Obi-Wan, waving her bouquet along the way. When she reached him, he picked her up and hugged her tight.
"Now watch, and see what happens," Obi-Wan said to the girl. She nodded and laid her head on his shoulder, keeping a close eye on Sabé as she drew closer.
About a meter before she reached Obi-Wan's side, she and the handmaidens stopped for a moment, then moved to the side. Hasin and Raisa came from where they had been standing and removed the silk outer cloak. It was a tradition indicating that their daughter was entering into a new life and no longer needed their parental protection. Raisa came close to getting emotional again, but held herself in check.
As the outer garment was removed, Sabé had kept her head bowed. Now that she was freed of the restraint, she looked up to meet Obi-Wan's eyes. They smiled at each other and both felt their throats catch at the intensity of the moment.
//Beloved, you are very beautiful!// Obi-Wan sent.
Sabé fluttered her eyes demurely as her smile grew wider. Seeing her love and her daughter together and waiting for her to step forward was surely the happiest moment of her life.
//Obi-Wan, my love, you have been, are now, and always will be, the most handsome man I'll ever know.//
Amidala cleared her throat. Sabé and Obi-Wan broke their gaze and blushed slightly. Obi-Wan put Meira down so that he could hold hands with his bride. The child sat on the grass and studied her parents as if she wanted to always remember this moment.
Before she spoke, the Queen cast her gaze around the clearing and looked at each of those present. Then in a clear and direct voice, she began.
"We have come here today to celebrate a bonding. These two, who were living as individuals, are to declare their intent to join their lives together. Though their duties may require them spend some time apart, from this day forward, their home will not be found in a city, a planet, or a system, but with one another. It will not always be an easy path, but I feel that you both have the strength of will and the desire to travel it according to the will of the Force. "
The Queen turned to the Jedi Knight. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, We of the Naboo are placing our trust in you. On your honor as a Jedi, a citizen of the Republic and a friend to Our people, do you pledge to love, honor and care for Sabé?
"It is with a humble heart and a sense of awe that I do pledge my love for this woman. I will honor her and care for her as my beloved wife all the days of my life and beyond, when we have joined with the Force."
Amidala nodded in approval. "And what of little Meira? Do you accept the responsibility of raising her as your daughter and completing your family?"
"I fully accept Meira Calle as my daughter with with all the rights and responsibilities of the position, and furthermore," --here he paused for emphasis-- "I will fulfill those promises with a father's love."
Sabé looked at his face and saw the dedication in his eyes and she nearly melted. Then Amidala spoke to her and her attention focused on her part of the ceremony.
"Sabé, there are promises you must make as well. On your honor as an official of Our sovereignty, and as a citizen of Naboo and the Republic, do you pledge to love, honor and care for Obi-Wan?"
"It is my great priviledge to pledge my love for this man as I take him to be my husband. I vow to honor and care for him in this life and the next, when we are one with the Force."
Amidala glanced at Anakin before she continued. "Sabé, you are in a unique position. You will be accepting Obi-Wan's padawan into the fold. Though he will not be as a son to you, he will need your positive influence in his life as he prepares to become a Jedi. Will you find a place for him in your heart and nurture him according to his needs?"
"I proudly accept Anakin Skywalker into my home and heart as one of my own. I will fulfill my responsibility to him as I would to any member of my family and I pray that I will be worthy of the honor that is bestowed upon me with this position."
The Queen nodded with approval. "Those who are not of age are not required to make vows, but Anakin has informed me that he wishes to say a few words at this time."
Obi-Wan and Sabé both looked at Anakin in surprise. The padawan, pleased with himself, smiled broadly as he stepped up to give his speech.
"Your Highness, Obi-Wan, Sabé, and honored guests. Jedi Kenobi did me the honor of accepting me for training when he lost his master. He had no reason to, other than his promise to the man he loved as a father figure. I will always be grateful for his faith in Qui-Gon, and I only hope that I will earn the same faith and trust from him."
"Sabé, you were kind to me from the first moment we met, even though you, your family and your world were embroiled in a crisis. You showed me understanding and encourged me when I was lost and lonely. It wasn't something you had to do, but you put your own concerns aside and did it. There are no words to tell you what your consideration meant and still means to me this day."
"Therefore, I think it only fitting that I make a vow to the two of you. I accept you as my mentors, and I love you both as my caretakers and teachers. I will always strive to make you proud of me and do the best I can in my training. On the day I am knighted, I will be dedicating my work to the two of you, along with my mother and Qui-Gon. It is an honor and a priviledge for me to be included in your family."
Sabé, the Queen and the handmaidens all started sniffing. Rabé had prepared for this possibility, and they all pulled out hankies from a compartment in the bouquets.
Meira looked around, puzzled. There was crying going on, but it was different than most of the times she or someone else cried. She didn't sense pain, fear or hunger, but a great deal of raw sentiment was brewing and she didn't know how to handle it. It was so overwhelming that she was almost ready to cry herself, but she felt a familiar calming influence. Looking around, she spotted a hazy blue form. It was the image of a tall man in robes with long hair. She smiled and waved at him. He returned her smile and waved back.
"That was wonderful, Anakin," said the Queen as she dried her eyes.
"It is to be commended," Sabé said, which brought laughter from everyone who had been present in the starship's throne room when she first spoke that line.
Amidala spoke when they had finished laughing. "Well, since we won't ask a two year old to follow Anakin's stirring speech, I think this is where we open the wine. Eirtaé?"
Eirtaé picked up the sack she had brought and took out a bottle of wine, a brass cup and a small bottle of water. "The first sips are to be taken by the couple. Since we are modifying the ceremony, Anakin and Meira will have the honor to sip next. That will cement the bond of the new family."
Amidala took the bottle and popped the cork. As officiant, she poured the wine and held it out to Obi-Wan. He sipped, then offered it to Sabé. She took her sip, and smiled at Obi-Wan, letting her love and desire flow through the bond, which he gratefully returned.
Amidala held her hands over the couple. "With the sharing of the wine, you have established your bond to each other, now and forever. As the Queen of Naboo, I pronounce you husband and wife!"
The couple looked expectantly the Queen. She giggled at their hesitation. "Well, go on. Kiss!"
They fell into each other's arms and the Force sensitives could fairly feel the heat between them. Bant and Siri bit their lips struggling to keep it contained and Anakin fanned himself. Meira rolled on the grass in laughter.
When they broke the kiss, Sabé took a deep breath. "Wow!" Then she looked down and saw what her daughter was doing. "Oh sweetie! Please get up. You and Anakin have to have a sip now."
Amidala held the cup out to Anakin and he took his sip. He looked at Obi- Wan and Sabé and felt a warmth running through him that he was almost sure wasn't coming from the wine.
"Now Meira's turn, but we're going to make it suitable for her," Amidala said. She took the bottle of water and diluted the wine before she prompted the child to sip. Meira stood up and quickly downed the entire cup.
Sabé gasped. "Goodness, I'm glad you watered it down!"
"That's what I figured would happen," Amidala replied. She became solemn once more as she lifted her hands over the four of them this time. "And I now pronounce this a family!"
Sighs of relief and clapping from those in attendance changed to mood to one of happy celebration. Saché took Meira's hand and held it as Sabé and Obi-Wan recieved hugs and handshakes from everyone there.
While her mother and father were busy, Meira looked around for the blue ghost again. She spotted him and smiled again, then wrinkled her brow. He seemed to be fainter and farther away.
//Meira, I have to get ready to go now. Everything will be all right. You take care of your Mother, Father and Anakin for me. Do you understand? I know you'll do well and become a fine Jedi one day.//
She reached out to him. "Jedi Qui-Gon...don't go," she said, softly. The blue form was fading.
//A part of me will always be with you. When you're older and stronger, perhaps you'll see me again. Sing the lullaby and it will make you feel better. Goodbye for now, Little One. I'll be watching you.// He dissapated until she could no longer see him.
She made no sound, but tears were sliding down her face when Saché turned and noticed that all was not well.
"Sabé! Come quick, there's something wrong with Meira. Maybe the wine made her ill."
Sabé hurried over, opening her bond to her daughter. "It shouldn't have done that; it was almost totally water." Bending down, she spoke to Meira. "What's the matter, Sweetie? Does something hurt?" She thought it was odd. She sensed no physical pain in the girl, but there was great sadness. She picked her up and dried her face. "What's wrong? Tell Mommy."
As Obi-Wan joined them, Meira spoke very softly. "Big Jedi...Qui- Gon...gone."
Sabé and Obi-Wan exchanged glances. He took Meira and started singing the lullaby to her as he sent out calming vibes throught the Force.
Sabé turned and noticed that everyone had stopped talking. Worry was in the eyes of her friends and family as they all waited to see what was wrong with the child. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "Just an upset tummy," she said in bright tones. "Obi-Wan's soothing her right now, and she'll be fine once we get to the cottage for reception--which we should be doing, Your Highness, if you're going to get back to court and meet with the Chancellor on time."
Captain Panaka stepped in. "That's right, everyone board the large transport, except for Obi-Wan, Sabé and Meira. I'll be driving them back in the speeder myself."
As they boarded the speeder, Meira glanced around the clearing once more. They pulled off, and she turned around and waved, calling out.
"Bye-bye, Qui-Gon!"
Sabé could see out of the window, but the Jedi could not see in. As the Panakas spoke to them, the Jedi took their places. Anakin remained by his master's side while Siri and Bant moved to either side of the clearing. Lowering their heads, Bant and Siri assumed meditative poses. Sabé felt some shifting of the Force and surmised that the two female Jedi had started the sheilding that would keep the party's emotions hidden from the other Jedi that were staying in the city.
Ellouis opened the case that he had brought and pulled out a shiny trumpet. Captain Panaka smiled, and gave him a nod. He began playing a stately march.
At that signal, Amidala left the transport. In her most regal manner, she moved across the clearing and took her place on the far side, just beyond Obi-Wan.
Hasin and Raisa were next. Raisa had chosen to put on her stoic professional face, and showed none of the emotion she had felt earlier. A quiet satisfaction emanated from Hasin, marking him as every bit the proud father of the bride. When they reached Obi-Wan and the Queen, they bowed to each in turn and took a place across from the groom.
When the Governor and Rowan left the transport, Rabé began handing out the flowers. Each handmaidan took her bouquet, but Eirtaé held Sabé's along with hers until the proper moment.
Saché reached out for Meira's hand. "Come on, you're next," she prompted.
Meira shook her head. "No! Want Mommy."
Sabé looked down and smiled. "Don't you want to go first and stand next to Jedi Obi-Wan?"
The little girl reached for her mother's hand. "Wanna go with Mommy."
"Hmm. You'll change your mind soon enough, I bet. When you get past that door, you'll make a break for the Jedi," Sabé said.
The march that Ellouis was playing stopped. After a moment, a different melody drifted through the air. Still stately, but not a march, it was the cue for the handmaidens, the child and the bride to begin their procession.
Eirtaé and Yané were the first to step out. They stood on either side of the transport door, facing each other. Saché and Rabé were next, and they did the same.
Obi-Wan tried to appear serene, but he did narrow his eyes and waited to catch his first sight of his bride. She stepped through the door, her face obscured by the cream colored hood. Hand in hand with her was Miera. He saw them as a vision of perfection.
"Sorry, Ani," Obi-Wan whispered. "I'm the one getting angels today."
"No argument here, Master," Ani replied. "It's all right. I can wait my turn." He cast a glance at Amidala and gave her that lopsided grin. She smiled back at him, and he could see her stifling a giggle of delight before she averted her eyes and straightened up.
The handmaidens surrounded Sabé and Meira in the same formation as they would the Queen when she appeared in public. They all began walking together in the stately manner that was common in the Naboo court.
Obi-Wan had eyes only for Sabé and Meira as they seemed to float towards him, but halfway there, the little girl in green pulled on her mother's hand and gave her a look that seemed to ask for something. Sabé looked down, released Meira's hand and the child ran to Obi-Wan, waving her bouquet along the way. When she reached him, he picked her up and hugged her tight.
"Now watch, and see what happens," Obi-Wan said to the girl. She nodded and laid her head on his shoulder, keeping a close eye on Sabé as she drew closer.
About a meter before she reached Obi-Wan's side, she and the handmaidens stopped for a moment, then moved to the side. Hasin and Raisa came from where they had been standing and removed the silk outer cloak. It was a tradition indicating that their daughter was entering into a new life and no longer needed their parental protection. Raisa came close to getting emotional again, but held herself in check.
As the outer garment was removed, Sabé had kept her head bowed. Now that she was freed of the restraint, she looked up to meet Obi-Wan's eyes. They smiled at each other and both felt their throats catch at the intensity of the moment.
//Beloved, you are very beautiful!// Obi-Wan sent.
Sabé fluttered her eyes demurely as her smile grew wider. Seeing her love and her daughter together and waiting for her to step forward was surely the happiest moment of her life.
//Obi-Wan, my love, you have been, are now, and always will be, the most handsome man I'll ever know.//
Amidala cleared her throat. Sabé and Obi-Wan broke their gaze and blushed slightly. Obi-Wan put Meira down so that he could hold hands with his bride. The child sat on the grass and studied her parents as if she wanted to always remember this moment.
Before she spoke, the Queen cast her gaze around the clearing and looked at each of those present. Then in a clear and direct voice, she began.
"We have come here today to celebrate a bonding. These two, who were living as individuals, are to declare their intent to join their lives together. Though their duties may require them spend some time apart, from this day forward, their home will not be found in a city, a planet, or a system, but with one another. It will not always be an easy path, but I feel that you both have the strength of will and the desire to travel it according to the will of the Force. "
The Queen turned to the Jedi Knight. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, We of the Naboo are placing our trust in you. On your honor as a Jedi, a citizen of the Republic and a friend to Our people, do you pledge to love, honor and care for Sabé?
"It is with a humble heart and a sense of awe that I do pledge my love for this woman. I will honor her and care for her as my beloved wife all the days of my life and beyond, when we have joined with the Force."
Amidala nodded in approval. "And what of little Meira? Do you accept the responsibility of raising her as your daughter and completing your family?"
"I fully accept Meira Calle as my daughter with with all the rights and responsibilities of the position, and furthermore," --here he paused for emphasis-- "I will fulfill those promises with a father's love."
Sabé looked at his face and saw the dedication in his eyes and she nearly melted. Then Amidala spoke to her and her attention focused on her part of the ceremony.
"Sabé, there are promises you must make as well. On your honor as an official of Our sovereignty, and as a citizen of Naboo and the Republic, do you pledge to love, honor and care for Obi-Wan?"
"It is my great priviledge to pledge my love for this man as I take him to be my husband. I vow to honor and care for him in this life and the next, when we are one with the Force."
Amidala glanced at Anakin before she continued. "Sabé, you are in a unique position. You will be accepting Obi-Wan's padawan into the fold. Though he will not be as a son to you, he will need your positive influence in his life as he prepares to become a Jedi. Will you find a place for him in your heart and nurture him according to his needs?"
"I proudly accept Anakin Skywalker into my home and heart as one of my own. I will fulfill my responsibility to him as I would to any member of my family and I pray that I will be worthy of the honor that is bestowed upon me with this position."
The Queen nodded with approval. "Those who are not of age are not required to make vows, but Anakin has informed me that he wishes to say a few words at this time."
Obi-Wan and Sabé both looked at Anakin in surprise. The padawan, pleased with himself, smiled broadly as he stepped up to give his speech.
"Your Highness, Obi-Wan, Sabé, and honored guests. Jedi Kenobi did me the honor of accepting me for training when he lost his master. He had no reason to, other than his promise to the man he loved as a father figure. I will always be grateful for his faith in Qui-Gon, and I only hope that I will earn the same faith and trust from him."
"Sabé, you were kind to me from the first moment we met, even though you, your family and your world were embroiled in a crisis. You showed me understanding and encourged me when I was lost and lonely. It wasn't something you had to do, but you put your own concerns aside and did it. There are no words to tell you what your consideration meant and still means to me this day."
"Therefore, I think it only fitting that I make a vow to the two of you. I accept you as my mentors, and I love you both as my caretakers and teachers. I will always strive to make you proud of me and do the best I can in my training. On the day I am knighted, I will be dedicating my work to the two of you, along with my mother and Qui-Gon. It is an honor and a priviledge for me to be included in your family."
Sabé, the Queen and the handmaidens all started sniffing. Rabé had prepared for this possibility, and they all pulled out hankies from a compartment in the bouquets.
Meira looked around, puzzled. There was crying going on, but it was different than most of the times she or someone else cried. She didn't sense pain, fear or hunger, but a great deal of raw sentiment was brewing and she didn't know how to handle it. It was so overwhelming that she was almost ready to cry herself, but she felt a familiar calming influence. Looking around, she spotted a hazy blue form. It was the image of a tall man in robes with long hair. She smiled and waved at him. He returned her smile and waved back.
"That was wonderful, Anakin," said the Queen as she dried her eyes.
"It is to be commended," Sabé said, which brought laughter from everyone who had been present in the starship's throne room when she first spoke that line.
Amidala spoke when they had finished laughing. "Well, since we won't ask a two year old to follow Anakin's stirring speech, I think this is where we open the wine. Eirtaé?"
Eirtaé picked up the sack she had brought and took out a bottle of wine, a brass cup and a small bottle of water. "The first sips are to be taken by the couple. Since we are modifying the ceremony, Anakin and Meira will have the honor to sip next. That will cement the bond of the new family."
Amidala took the bottle and popped the cork. As officiant, she poured the wine and held it out to Obi-Wan. He sipped, then offered it to Sabé. She took her sip, and smiled at Obi-Wan, letting her love and desire flow through the bond, which he gratefully returned.
Amidala held her hands over the couple. "With the sharing of the wine, you have established your bond to each other, now and forever. As the Queen of Naboo, I pronounce you husband and wife!"
The couple looked expectantly the Queen. She giggled at their hesitation. "Well, go on. Kiss!"
They fell into each other's arms and the Force sensitives could fairly feel the heat between them. Bant and Siri bit their lips struggling to keep it contained and Anakin fanned himself. Meira rolled on the grass in laughter.
When they broke the kiss, Sabé took a deep breath. "Wow!" Then she looked down and saw what her daughter was doing. "Oh sweetie! Please get up. You and Anakin have to have a sip now."
Amidala held the cup out to Anakin and he took his sip. He looked at Obi- Wan and Sabé and felt a warmth running through him that he was almost sure wasn't coming from the wine.
"Now Meira's turn, but we're going to make it suitable for her," Amidala said. She took the bottle of water and diluted the wine before she prompted the child to sip. Meira stood up and quickly downed the entire cup.
Sabé gasped. "Goodness, I'm glad you watered it down!"
"That's what I figured would happen," Amidala replied. She became solemn once more as she lifted her hands over the four of them this time. "And I now pronounce this a family!"
Sighs of relief and clapping from those in attendance changed to mood to one of happy celebration. Saché took Meira's hand and held it as Sabé and Obi-Wan recieved hugs and handshakes from everyone there.
While her mother and father were busy, Meira looked around for the blue ghost again. She spotted him and smiled again, then wrinkled her brow. He seemed to be fainter and farther away.
//Meira, I have to get ready to go now. Everything will be all right. You take care of your Mother, Father and Anakin for me. Do you understand? I know you'll do well and become a fine Jedi one day.//
She reached out to him. "Jedi Qui-Gon...don't go," she said, softly. The blue form was fading.
//A part of me will always be with you. When you're older and stronger, perhaps you'll see me again. Sing the lullaby and it will make you feel better. Goodbye for now, Little One. I'll be watching you.// He dissapated until she could no longer see him.
She made no sound, but tears were sliding down her face when Saché turned and noticed that all was not well.
"Sabé! Come quick, there's something wrong with Meira. Maybe the wine made her ill."
Sabé hurried over, opening her bond to her daughter. "It shouldn't have done that; it was almost totally water." Bending down, she spoke to Meira. "What's the matter, Sweetie? Does something hurt?" She thought it was odd. She sensed no physical pain in the girl, but there was great sadness. She picked her up and dried her face. "What's wrong? Tell Mommy."
As Obi-Wan joined them, Meira spoke very softly. "Big Jedi...Qui- Gon...gone."
Sabé and Obi-Wan exchanged glances. He took Meira and started singing the lullaby to her as he sent out calming vibes throught the Force.
Sabé turned and noticed that everyone had stopped talking. Worry was in the eyes of her friends and family as they all waited to see what was wrong with the child. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "Just an upset tummy," she said in bright tones. "Obi-Wan's soothing her right now, and she'll be fine once we get to the cottage for reception--which we should be doing, Your Highness, if you're going to get back to court and meet with the Chancellor on time."
Captain Panaka stepped in. "That's right, everyone board the large transport, except for Obi-Wan, Sabé and Meira. I'll be driving them back in the speeder myself."
As they boarded the speeder, Meira glanced around the clearing once more. They pulled off, and she turned around and waved, calling out.
"Bye-bye, Qui-Gon!"