"Defining Us"
by obi's girl
Chapter 9, Post 1
Obi-Wan Kenobi huffed, walking into the quarters he shared with his apprentice. Since he had been gone, Anakin had been living on his own and Obi-Wan knew that meant his room was nightmare and there was sure to be a pile of dishes in the wash...
Still, Ben didn't really care about all of that. He didn't care because his only worry was for his fiancé, or if the Council told them now, his former fiancé. But Obi-Wan had decided long before their arrival on Coruscant, if they didn't approve of their union, he would marry Sabé in secret. It was very unlike Obi-Wan to act that drastically, but he refused to watch Sabé walk out of his life again.
The first time, they had no choice. Both were unsure about what the future had in store for them, but there was always a special bond there. It was true about what he said. She was there for him when he was hurting after Qui-Gon's death, Sabé had offered her hand for friendship and Obi-Wan had accepted.
Sabé had been good to him, bringing light to his eyes and heart where there was a dark void. Now Obi-Wan feared if they were forced to part again, the light would slowly fade and he'd withdraw into himself again, dedicating his energy to the Order and whatever cause...
"No," he cried, "I will not lose her! I refuse to lose her, I will not watch her walk out of my life again!" With that in mind, Obi-Wan walked to the holo center in the apartment and connected to Sabé's apartment. The Royal Nubian seal appeared briefly on screen and then faded, and the handmaiden Anya answered.
"Master Kenobi," she greeted, bowing her head slightly, "If you're looking for m'lady, she's not here... she left awhile ago. I believe she went to the Temple."
Obi-Wan smiled, "Thank you, Anya... she left by herself?"
Though her hood was drawn, Obi-Wan could see the young girl smirk. "Yes, she left on her own. I offered to go with her but she declined. M'lady left five hours ago, so she should already be on the grounds."
Obi-Wan nodded his thanks and signed off. The Jedi opened himself up to the Force and searched the Temple grounds for Sabé's signature. He smiled when he found her talking excitedly with his apprentice, they were on their way inside. Ben lingered awhile longer, watching her small figure walk beside Anakin. Finally, Obi-Wan cleared his throat and cut into his apprentice's mind.
//Padawan, the Council wishes to see the Ambassador. Could you escort her to the Council Chamber? I'll be there shortly to meet you// Ben saw Anakin nod and direct Sabé towards the Council Chambers.
Tbc
Chapter 9, Post 2
"The Council wants to talk to me? Why?" Sabé asked Anakin as he escorted her to the Council Hall. She knew it had something to do with her involvement with Obi-Wan, but he'd assured her he'd take care of it. Still, it worried her.
Anakin shrugged and smiled, "I wouldn't worry about them being too hard on you, Sabé,"
Sabé was quiet as the stood before the doors to the Council room, "I shouldn't be worried?"
"Well, maybe a little worried," Anakin admitted, "They're really strict on the rules but if my Master talked to them before hand, I don't think there will be a problem."
She smiled thanks to Anakin, fixed her dress, and held her head high as she walked into the Council room. Surprisingly, the room was vacant except for Master Windu and Master Yoda. They stood there talking quietly about the situation regarding herself and Obi-Wan, and then Master Yoda's ears perked up when he saw the Ambassador.
"Welcome Ambassador Maberrie," Yoda greeted, "Happy I am that your crisis is over."
Sabé smiled softly at him and then turned her gaze to Master Windu, "Whatever you have to say to me Masters, let my first say that I love Obi-Wan…"
Mace waved his hand and smiled, gesturing instead that they go onto the balcony, "I have no doubt you have deep feelings for Obi-Wan, m'lady… our biggest concern here is how his involvement with you will affect his judgment as a Jedi. Ultimately, this is the reason why we discourage romantic relationships with anyone out and within the Jedi Order."
"I understand Master Windu, but I believe Ben can be a loving husband to me and devoted Master at the same time," she said and glanced at Master Yoda.
The little Master was quiet, observing Sabé and her actions as Mace continued, "How many sisters do you have, m'lady?"
Sabé smiled, feeling a little caught off guard by the question. She didn't see why her family had anything to do with the situation. "Two, Master Windu; I'm the youngest," she paused and smiled, "Both my sisters are married and have wonderful children,"
Mace smiled and leaned against the railing, "Children are wonderful," he said, "However, as Jedi, we have taken a vow that doesn't allow us to have any attachments, whether it's family of a loved one,"
Sabé gritted her teeth and frowned, "Ben's already assured me he could make things work between us…"
"Perhaps, we're not being blunt enough," Mace interrupted her, "Let's say you do marry and everything is perfect, in the beginning, but then the missions would become more intense and Obi-Wan would be separated from you for months, maybe years. As his wife, you'd sit at home and wonder if the mission he was on was his last, and then you receive that holo every woman dreads…"
"You don't need to continue Master Windu; I know what you are saying," Sabé said, "But I'd also know if he fell while on a mission, he'd have died a hero and his only concern was for me and our family," she paused and held her chin high, "I would not blame myself, either, if you're wondering Master Windu."
Mace nodded to Master Yoda and he cleared his throat, smiling at Sabé, "Chosen well, Obi-Wan has, m'lady. Stubborn, smart, independent, you are and a good match for him, you are," Sabé blushed as he continued, "However, this union, we cannot accept,"
Sabé sighed and gazed at city below as the sun set, "I'd never seen the city from up here before," she whispered, "My office offers the best view of the Temple. There were times I could have dropped by and talked to him, just to be with him but I was scared. I'd always believed if we were meant to be, it would have happened a long time ago. But I'm now convinced, we were always meant to be," Sabé turned to the two Jedi and smiled, "I love Ben, I've always loved him and no matter what you say, it won't change anything between us. We're meant to be, fated to be together, I know it in my heart." Sabé shrugged, "Why would you take away the only good thing in our lives?"
"Strong devotion, you have to each other," Yoda said, "Strong bond as well. The love you share, changes this situation, it does not. Forbid this marriage, we still do."
Sabé nodded and smiled politely at Master Yoda, nodding thanks to Master Windu, "Thank you for your time, Masters." she said and quietly left the chamber.
tbc
Chapter 9, Post 3
Sabé wrapped her arms around herself as she left the Council Chambers and the heavy doors closed behind her. She should have felt discouraged and stupid to believe the Council would give her their blessing. But instead, Sabé was even more determined to become Obi-Wan's wife.
She loved him and he loved her, and in her mind, that was all that mattered. They didn't need the approval of the Council. It was important to Obi-Wan because she knew he'd never do anything without the Council's guidance but Sabé was sure, this time, he wouldn't follow their guidance.
"Sabé, what happened?" a voice asked.
She shrugged, expecting the voice to belong to Anakin, who she assumed waited for her while she was meeting with Master Windu and Master Yoda. She didn't want it to be Obi-Wan, to have to look into his blue eyes and tell him that the Council forbid their love. She didn't want to lose him.
"I was hoping it wasn't you," Sabé whispered and fidgeted, "Obi-Wan, tell me now, does it really matter what the Council says about us?"
Obi-Wan shrugged, "Do you want me to say it doesn't and we can just forget about them?"
"Yes," she smiled wryly, "It wasn't good. They said no; ever after my desperate plea, Master Windu and Master Yoda still told me. They made me act like an idiot. I believed so strongly if I told them how I felt in my heart, they'd realize my love for you is real… and they'd let us be together."
Ben sighed as he glanced at the Council doors. He shouldn't have cared what that they were strongly against their relationship, but deep down, it mattered. Obi-Wan grasped Sabé's hand and he dragged her back into the Council Chamber, pushing both doors open and startling Master Windu and Master Yoda.
Master Yoda frowned and raised an eyebrow, looking solemnly at Master Windu. Sabé pleaded with Obi-Wan to leave but he didn't listen. "Master Yoda, Master Windu," he started, "I have always followed the Code, because I believed there was no other life. Now, I realize my love for the Ambassador breaks the Code I have lived half of life by, but I refuse to say goodbye to Sabé and allow her to walk out of my life. The first time, we had no choice because of our duties but this time, it doesn't have to be that way,"
"Please Masters, I beg of you," he cried, "Don't make me say goodbye to her. My Master too had a chance at happiness, but you told him no too. It was a good decision then because he was young, but I know my priorities. Love doesn't necessarily mean if she dies one day, I'll lose myself to the Dark Side. I'd die first before something like that happens," he paused and looked at the both of them, "That's what this is all about, isn't it? You're afraid if something like that does happen, you'll lose me to the Dark Side."
"Know our reason, you do, Master Kenobi," Yoda said, "Have confidence I do, that you'll never give into the Darkside. Our concern is your pain."
Obi-Wan frowned and glanced at Sabé, "My pain?" he questioned.
Mace nodded, "The pain you'll feel, the pain you'll both feel if the life you dreamed so much about, doesn't work out the way it was supposed to,"
"We both understand what you're saying Master Windu, but pain and love, they walk hand in hand, don't they?" Sabé said as she smiled briefly at Obi-Wan, "but I know, we'll weather the storm together,"
Master Yoda nodded his hand and his ears drooped, "Do this, we should not, but allow this marriage we will," Obi-Wan and Sabé smiled, and then Sabé frowned, realizing there was a 'but' coming. "Allow we will, but on a trial basis."
"For how long?" Obi-Wan asked.
Mace shrugged, "We can't say, but we'll be watching you both. And there are ground rules to abide by. One, if you are both in the Temple and in the presence of other Jedi Masters, keep your hands to yourselves. Outside, beyond the Jedi Temple, I suggest the same thing. Be very discreet."
"Behind closed doors, married you will be, but outside, no public displays of affection. No holding hands, kissing or foul play, we will not permit."
"Thank you, Masters. The conditions are acceptable and understandable," Obi-Wan said as he glanced at Sabé. "Er, Masters, what about living conditions?"
Mace shrugged as Master Yoda sighed, not wanting to add anymore to the discussion, "You'll be granted another suite for yourself in the Temple, not too far from your Apprentice's quarters," Mace hesitated and glanced at Master Yoda, "Anakin is still a Padawan, so if you, Obi-Wan, wish to move completely to the new quarters, Anakin will have to room with a new Master."
"I understand, Masters," he said and looked at Sabé, "We'll stop by there from time to time so he won't be unsupervised," Obi-Wan bowed, thanking the Masters again but was cut short as Sabé dragged him back outside. "What's the rush, love?"
"The rush," she said, "I have to return to the apartment and start working on my resignation speech. Now, we have their blessing, there's no need for me to wait three days. It's just a speech," she rambled. Obi-Wan laughed to himself and Sabé rolled her eyes, "From there, we'll return to Naboo and you, my husband, you can meet your in-laws," Obi-Wan smirked, looking down both hallways before leaning down and kissing his fiancé passionately. Then, Sabé pulled away suddenly and Obi-Wan chuckled, "Sorry, love, but I better go and check in with Anya and Naja. I'll meet up with you later."
Chapter 9, Post 4
'Tonight,' Naja thought, 'The tragedy will come to its conclusion.' She glanced at the Nubian pistol tucked snuggly in her boot. A cruel smile curled at her lips as she fixed her dress. Naja had done well so far, no one suspected she was the one behind the Ambassador's assassination attempts, nor did anyone realize how much she wanted to not only take Sabé's life, but become her as well.
Sabé had all the things Naja believed she had deserved in life. Now, after many years, all the things Naja wanted was finally going to be hers, including Master Kenobi. Yes, despite Lord Sidious' threats to stay away from him, Naja planned to be there for him after Sabé's funeral, to help him grieve.
She would have everything, and in return for Sidious' help, she would help him pave the way for the rising of the Sith and take control of the Republic. And Naja would become Naboo's next foreign ambassador.
"Naja," Anya called from the main room, "M'lady has returned,"
'And I think I'll get rid of Anya, too! That girl is too perky and goody-good, it's nauseating,' Naja fixed her dress again before walking gracefully into the main room. Sabé nodded and smiled hello to both her handmaidens as she handed Anya her cape. "You were successful, m'lady, talking to the Council?"
She sighed, walking quietly to the couch and grabbed a pillow, resting it beneath her chin and against her chest, "I was but it wasn't easy. Master Windu and Master Yoda originally decided no, but then… Obi-Wan demanded they change their minds and they gave us their blessing. It's only a trial basis, though and there are rules we have to abide by while we're both in the Temple,"
Anya's eyes brightened and she smiled, "Congratulations, m'lady! When will the wedding day happen? Where?"
"Yes, when and where?" Naja questioned.
"First, I need to make a public announcement that I am leaving office. From there, I can worry about wedding plans… it'll have to be small; nothing public. Despite the fact we have the Council's support, I think it's still a good idea to have a small wedding,"
Anya smiled dreamily, "A secret wedding… That's so romantic. If it's secret, then that'll mean it has to be on Naboo."
Sabé nodded yes, "After my speech, Obi-Wan and I will leave for Naboo. I'm hoping we'll be able to see my parents and my sisters… my wedding day, Anya! Soon, Obi-Wan and I will be bonded forever," Both women squealed and jumped up and down, much to Naja's dismay.
"Sounds wonderful, m'lady," Naja commented, "Congratulations again,"
"Naja, I need your assistance to help me prepare the speech," Sabé said and winked at Anya, "And you can help me plan my wedding,"
Naja nodded and quietly left the room, gall the while grinding her teeth.
'I really do need to get rid of Anya after I kill the Ambassador.' she thought.