The Naberrie Family never expected that the end of the Clone Wars would be much more depressing and heart wrenching than when the galaxy wide war started. With the creation of the Galactic Empire, the world seemed to shatter around them. Evil now dominated everything. But just when it seemed unbearable, another tragedy happened. The loss of a young Nubian woman.
The family walked with head hung low, devastation devouring them from the inside out as they followed the funeral processional. The funeral was for none other than Padme Amidala Naberrie. They tried to stay strong, but it was harder than they thought. The loss shook them all to the core. No one had known what to say when they were notified that Padme had died on an offworld planet during the Jedi Purge on Coruscant. It was an even bigger shock when they were told of her impending motherhood only minutes after the news of her death. Processing it was a miserable thing.
Jobal held the hand of her husband tightly and allowed a few tears to roll down her cheek as they walked behind the open casket carrying their late daughter's body. Seeing Padme lifeless had caused her to go numb. After all, a mother should never have to bury her child. Padme was so full of courage, strength, and passion. Her flame was put out too early. She had so much of her life still ahead of her.
The older woman glanced up at the mourners on the sides of the street. Many of the faces she didn't recognize, but that touched her deeply to see that her daughter made a bigger impact than anyone could have ever imagined. There were many tears and flowers as Naboo mourned the death of their beloved Senator and former Queen. She forced a small grim smile as people tried to give her sympathetic looks. But they couldn't do anything. They didn't know Padme as a daughter, sister, or niece. They didn't know all the memories that were made with Padme, so happy, and so long ago. They didn't know the joy of her coming into the world. They didn't experience birthdays, family vacations, or mornings getting ready for school. They didn't know the fear of letting her run for queen and dealing with the trade blockade. They didn't know the swell of pride over Padme's every achievement from small to monumental. Or the challenge of letting her move off her homeworld to serve as Senator. They didn't know any of it. And with that, Jobal hung her head again and couldn't help but cry.
Soon the processional made it to the river. This was where the Naberries' would have to say goodbye. She and her husband Ruwee went first.
"Goodbye our precious Padme. We will forever be burdened with the sorrow of your passing, but will hold to the joyful memories you gave us. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. You were the most beautiful and selfless person I had ever known. I love you, my daughter."
Ruwee's wiped away a few tears as he bent over to gently kiss her cold cheek. He stepped back as his wife stepped forward to the casket, giving her a moment to say her goodbyes. Jobal looked at her daughter, lifeless. She looked so beautiful as she was clothed in a beautiful blue dress. Flowers were delicately placed in her long hair. It was a peaceful scene. And that's what Jobal wanted for her daughter.
"My baby girl, my daughter, I will miss you everyday. Thank you for showing us all how to be stronger and more compassionate people. You were the joy of my life and the apple of my eye. I wish you had the chance to know the joy and wonderful things that motherhood brings. I know that you would have been a great mother. Now peacefully rest with your child forever. I love you, Padme."
Jobal also kissed her cheek. She started to cry as she stepped back, allowing her oldest daughter to say her farewells.
"You were the greatest sister a person could ever have. Thank you for the strong bond you shared with me, and I with you. Part of us will never be the same and never be replaced with your leave. But we will think of you often and continue to celebrate your life, since you were granted too few years. I miss you Padme. Thank you also for being a great aunt. We all will miss you dearly."
Sola looked from her sister's solemn face to her very swollen belly. She was so close to childbirth, she thought sadly. They should all be pacing anxiously in a hospital waiting room, waiting for the news of the birth of their newest family member. Not standing at the water's edge, waiting for Padme's body to be buried. It was tragic and unfair. But that's how the Galaxy operated. Bad people died old in their beds, while good people died young and painful deaths. Sola stepped away as her husband, Darred, and their two girls, Ryoo and Pooja said their goodbyes. But Sola continued to mourn in her mind. Padme would have been a great mother. She bowed her head, mentally saying goodbye to the child within her sister that they'd never get to meet.
But as she raised her head, something caught her eye. She stared closer at Padme. Among her sister's robes, there was something that stuck out. A small strange necklace was interlaced between her fingers. It was wooden with dark markings carved into it. How could she have not noticed it before? Sola didn't remember hearing where it came from, but Padme was wearing it when she died, so logically, it must be something important to her. Maybe it was a key that could help unlock the mysteries of Padme's life, Sola thought hopefully. She knew it was a wild shot, but she needed something that could give her hope, courage, strength, and everything else Padme had been. They all did.