"Defining Us"
Chapter 11, post 1
by obi's girl
Sabé bit her lip again for the fifth time as she and Obi-Wan walked to her house. They waited two days before leaving Coruscant; Sabé stayed with Obi-Wan in the Temple, keeping him company and also acting as his personal nurse. Despite Anakin's objections, she stayed in the apartment and slept in his Master's room. The first day, Anakin was alarmed to see Sabé eating breakfast at the kitchen counter, wearing one of Obi-Wan's tunics. However, the second day, the sixteen-year old got used to seeing her in the morning.
Now, Sabé was returning home to see her family. But as much as she looked forward to seeing them, she was a little scared. Her fear didn't have anything to do with Naja and her obsession to be like her, it was more about her family's reaction to her leaving. Sabé was sure her nieces were curious about why she left, but that didn't worry her. Her parents had always been very protective of her and her sisters and, well, during her last visit, that security had been violated. Sabé worried that her parents would be resentful of her or thought she was selfish and inconsiderate for leaving without an explanation.
"Don't worry so much, my love," Obi-Wan said, interrupting Sabé's thoughts. "They won't hate you for leaving suddenly."
She shrugged and looked at him, "I hope not, but Ben, I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye..." Sabé glanced further down the road; they weren't too far from the cottage. She could see her youngest niece playing in the field, and her sister, Devin, watching her from the back porch. Sabé looked back at Obi-Wan, smiled and kissed his cheek, "I love you." she whispered.
He kissed her left cheek in return, "I know, c'mon. I can't wait to meet my future nieces."
"Aunt Sabé! Aunt Sabé!" Elyssa, Sabé's youngest niece cried as she approached the house, Obi-Wan shadowing Sabé in her wake. Obi-Wan had never really had been exposed to family life, but that didn't stop the grin on his face as he watched his fiancé and her niece say their hellos.
"Elyssa, you've gotten so big!" she cried, hugging her niece again and then nodded to Obi-Wan, beckoning him closer as she greeted her sister. "Devin, it's good to see you... are mom and papa home?"
She nodded, raising an eyebrow as she glanced at Obi-Wan, "Um yes sister, they are," Devin then looked curiously at her little sister, whispering, "Who's he? Your boyfriend?"
Sabé smiled but didn't say anything as she and Elyssa walked inside the house. Devin looked again at Obi-Wan, hmm'd and followed her sister.
"Sabé, we're so happy you're home. We heard about the attempts," her mother cried, embracing her youngest daughter. As she hugged Sabé again, Bassim Maberrie, Sabé's father entered the room, carrying Devin's oldest child, Regina. The girl's eyes widened when saw her aunt and cried for her grandfather to let her down. Bassim smiled and knelt down as she hugged Sabé's side.
Devin noticed Obi-Wan lingering around, waiting patiently for Sabé to introduce him. "Um little sister, aren't you going to introduce your friend?"
Sabé turned to Obi-Wan and smiled, "Yes Devin, thank you very much for reminding me. Mom, papa, sisters, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi, my fiancé."
"Your fiancé," Devin started as she helped Mia cut some vegetables in the kitchen for dinner. Arya, Sabé's mother was there too, overseeing the cooking but didn't add anything to the discussion. Obi-Wan was outside, talking to Bassim, Sabé's father. Sabé and Obi-Wan both parted ways upon arrival, her mother and sisters dragging her off the kitchen while her father asked Obi-Wan to walk with him in the garden outside. "So, after all these years of service, you're finally settling down?"
Sabé shrugged, "Obi-Wan and I had been friends for years. He'd been assigned to protect me and we were relocated to Alderaan. We stayed in the country side... it was perfect. The fields reminded me so much of home,"
Mia leaned forward, interrupting the two of them, "Aren't Jedi forbidden to marry?" Devin was quiet as she glanced at her sister. They'd all heard the legends about the Jedi, that they were forbidden to love. "I mean, they're not allowed to have emotional attachments. How were you able to convince the Council to change their minds?"
"It's a trial basis. Basically, it means that even though we're married with the Council's blessing but in public, we need to be careful about how we act around each other..."
"Sounds like a contract marriage to me," Mia replied, "But you're going to be married, finally, so we're all happy for you sister,"
Arya cleared her throat, passing the salad bowl to Mia. She took the bowl and quietly left the kitchen as Arya joined Sabé and Devin, "Obi-Wan Kenobi," she started, "Wasn't he the one that killed the Sith all those years ago during the Trade Federation crisis?"
Sabé nodded, "He was only a Padawan then... Ben doesn't talk too much about it but I remember that all the handmaidens had the biggest crush on him."
Devin snorted and laughed to herself, "You were with him all the time, you didn't develop a crush on him either?"
She shrugged, "I had a duty, Devin. I couldn't compromise my position, Padmé would kill me if I used my position to flirt... Besides, it would be really awkward if he accidentally mistook the real Queen for me. After Qui-Gon died, I offered him friendship and support. He didn't really know how to deal with his emotions, so I was there for him. The day we parted, I'd always wished one day we'd cross each other's paths again, but we never did... until now."
"You love my daughter?" Bassim Maberrie asked Obi-Wan as the two of them walked along the garden.
"Yes sir," he said and Bassim shot him a look, "I've loved her for years since we parted. She was there for me when I needed someone… I realize our engagement is a shock, but I need Sabé in my life. We would love it very much if you would give us your blessing,"
Bassim smiled suddenly and laughed, "I believe you, Kenobi… I was very happy when Mia and Devin married. Their children are beautiful but Sabé, I never expected her to settle down. She'd always been involved in politics and off in her own world, but I'm glad she was able to find happiness with someone like you. You have my blessing."
"Mama," Sabé started, "There's something I'd been wondering for a long time. That day, when the assassin first hit the house and I left suddenly the same night with my handmaidens… Do you and papa hate me for that?"
Arya looked incredulously at her youngest daughter, shocked Sabé would even think she and her father could hate her for what happened. "Sabé, I know what the life of politics is like. I was once a senator before I married your father, I know it can be a dangerous one," she paused and looked at her, "I never told your father or sisters this, but I was once a victim of an assassin attempt. I didn't happen while I was at home visiting my family. I was giving a very important speech in the main square and some deranged man fired several shots into the air. He was caught before he could do any serious harm,"
Sabé frowned, "You never told papa, Mia or Devin?"
Arya waved her hand and smiled, "They knew I was a politician before I married, but that one incident, was nothing compared to what you went through, Sabé. Your own handmaiden, wanting to kill you and become you. Queen Jamilla made a decree earlier for all handmaidens to be screened, given philological testing as well as background checks,"
"How did papa feel about what happened?" she whispered.
"Your father, he loves you girls very much. He wasn't angry at you, though. He was more angry at the person responsible for violating our privacy and home," Arya smiled at Sabé, "You know you're his favorite, Sabé. He could never be mad with you,"
Sabé shrugged, glancing out the window at the garden. Obi-Wan and her father were gone, which meant they returned from their walk. "Honestly, I'd always thought Mia or Devin were his favorites because they were older and less reckless than I am… what makes me his favorite?"
"Your ability to stand up for what you believe in, and that fact you don't shazit from anyone," Arya said bluntly and the two women laughed.
"Defining Us"
Chapter 11, Post 2
Obi-Wan couldn't stop grinning as he and Bassim walked into the kitchen; Devin was seating her girls while Sabé and Mia talked quietly each other. Sabé laughed at something, then switched her gaze to Ben and smiled at him. Bassim slapped Obi-Wan's shoulder as the two men sat down to the table and Arya put down the last dish.
"I hope you're hungry, Obi-Wan," Arya started, passing the salad around first.
"Please call me, Ben. It's my birth name," he said as Arya, Mia and Devin looked curiously at the Jedi Master.
Sabé cleared her throat, "Obi-Wan's right, Ben is his birth name,"
Arya smiled, "I believe you dear, I'm just shocked you remember your birth name. Jedi potentials are taken at a very young age from their family, the fact that you know your birth name, is amazing. Do you remember anything else of your family history?"
Ben shrugged, "I wish I did, but I don't. The Jedi have always been my family for a long time, I don't remember any other family besides them,"
Mia nudged Sabé's shoulder, grinning, "You two better have a lot of children, so at least Ben, will have a great legacy to pass down," Sabé blushed and smiled.
Obi-Wan smiled too, drinking some wine, "A lot of children, that doesn't sound too bad. I look forward to fatherhood."
"I have a question, Ben?" Bassim asked and he turned to his future father-in-law, "If you do have children, will there be a greater chance they'll be force sensitive as you Jedi call them, or less of a chance because their mother isn't a Jedi by blood?"
Sabé stared at Obi-Wan as he sat uneasily, not really sure how to answer her father's question. But she knew he would say something appropriate. "I talked to Sabé about this earlier on. Neither parents don't necessarily have to be Jedi for the child to have potential Force powers, so yes, there is a chance one or more of our children will be Force sensitive,"
"Sabé, where do you wish to hold the wedding?" Arya asked, breaking the sudden silence.
Sabé looked suddenly at her mother and smiled, "Actually, I was thinking in the lake country, maybe around the twin waterfalls or in the lake retreat,"
"Lake country," Devin stated, "is a much better choice, and I just know who would be perfect as your flower girls," she said, winking at her two daughters.
"That would be wonderful," Sabé smiled and glanced at Ben.
"Um, is there any Jedi marriage ritual we should know about, so we know to incorporate it into the ceremony?" Bassim asked.
Ben hmm'd and shrugged, "I'd never attended a Jedi bonding ceremony before. If there are ceremonies, they're usually very small and private, but rituals, customs, there aren't many when it comes to marriage,"
Arya smiled, "We don't have to worry then, that's fine," she looked at Sabé and she smiled quaintly.
Obi-Wan leaned against the back door frame as he watched little Regina and Elyssa play in the fields. They were beautiful little girls, his future nieces. Mia, Sabé's middle sister had one daughter and expecting a son, they boy would be his nephew. As a child, Obi-Wan had never really been exposed to family life, a real family life other than the Jedi Order. He had no memory of his own family but somehow, he'd remembered his birth name.
"They're wonderful, aren't they?" Sabé asked as she stood beside him, "I envy them sometimes. I never experienced a real childhood, either. I'd been exposed to politics at a young age like Padmé,"
Obi-Wan turned to her and looked at her thoughtfully, "Why did you wait then?"
"Wait?" Sabé questioned.
"I mean, why did you wait all this time to get married and have a family?"
Sabé shrugged and smiled coyly, "Would you rather I didn't and marry someone else, Obi-Wan Kenobi?"
"No," he said quickly, "But seriously, why did you wait?"
Sabé smiled and gazed at her nieces, "I waited for you, Ben… I did realize at one point it was foolish since we'd barely spoken to each other since we parted, but like the poem said, we were fated to cross each other's paths again..." she paused, "The reason I came out here was to tell you our room is ready,"
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and grinned, "Our room? Shouldn't we wait until after we're married to be sleeping together?"
"My mom made the room, Ben and the girls aren't sleeping over. Devin just brought them home because I was coming, and I wanted to see my nieces… Unless you prefer it if we slept in separate rooms…?"
"No, it's fine," Ben said, "Um, I'll be there in a minute. I want to say goodnight to the girls,"
Sabé smiled, leaned up, kissing his cheek and then walked quietly back inside. Obi-Wan joined Devin as she called her daughters to get ready to leave. Devin smiled at him, but didn't say anything. "I just wanted to say goodnight to them,"
"That's fine," Devin said and called Elyssa and Regina again, "Girls, come and say goodnight to Uncle Ben,"
Uncle Ben, Uncle Obi, he thought, they're my family too, and I'm theirs forever. Ben knelt down as the two girl approached him. "Goodnight uncle Obi," Regina said and hugged him briefly. Elyssa kissed his cheek and whispered goodnight too, then Regina took her little sister's hand and the two of them walked inside the house.
Devin folded her shawl and held it to her waist, "Goodnight, Ben and welcome to the family again," and left him alone.
Tbc
"Defining Us"
Chapter 11, Post 3
Sabé yawned as she walked groggily into the dining room the next morning for breakfast. Breakfast started early in their family, it had been that way as far as back as Sabé could remember. Honestly, she didn't know how her mother did it, raising three daughters and then getting up at 6 or 7 o'clock in the morning and make breakfast. Her mother ceased to amaze her.
"Good morning, sleepy head," Arya teased as she sat down at the table, "Oh Sabé, there's something I have to show you and your sisters later after breakfast,"
Before Sabé could question her further, Obi-Wan walked into the room. Strange, how he looked more groomed than she did at the moment. His hair was combed perfectly, he looked more well-rested than she did and he had a big grin on his face. He stopped by Sabé's chair and kissed her cheek, whispering, "Good morning, darling,"
"That's not fair, you know," she mumbled, and Ben looked at her curiously as he sat down, "My hair isn't fixed, I look like a total mess and you're all nice and groomed in the morning. Ben, it isn't fair,"
He shrugged and sat down opposite her, grabbing a piece of bread, "I think you look beautiful,"
Arya grinned but didn't say anything as she set some food on the table. Devin came in a minute later, carrying a pitcher of juice, and Mia with some muffins. "Is your father up?"
"He'll be down in awhile," Mia answered.
"Oooh mom, we have to work on details today about the wedding," Sabé started, she looked at Ben and smiled, "Want to make sure everything is perfect," Ben grasped her hand, caressing it slightly.
Devin and Mia smirked, Mia rolled her eyes and laughed. "Not to worry, dear. That's exactly what I wanted to talk you about later," Arya looked and her other two daughters, "You two, also."
"Mama, what is it? What are you looking for?" Sabé asked as Arya scurried about the room. She glanced at Devin and Mia, who only shrugged.
"Ah-ha! I knew it had to be here somehow," Arya cried and pulled out a large white box from under the foot of the bed. The sisters gathered around the box as if it were a shrine. "I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to give you this to you…" Arya lifted the cover and removed a silk white gown, the bust was beaded and laced and the trim on the back was V-shaped. Arya smiled as her daughters stared at the gown in awe, she smiled especially at Sabé. "It's yours, Sabé."
Sabé looked incredulously at her mother, "You made this dress specially for me?"
"I'd worked on it off and on throughout the years," Arya answered and removed the veil from the box and the matching slippers too, "I hope it fits you okay. I started working on it after you left the service,"
Devin snorted and smiled, "She's lying, little sister. Mom's been working on this dress for a long time."
"It's gorgeous, mom…" Sabé whispered and looked thoughtfully at her mother, "Thank you, mama," Sabé took the dress and laid it on herself as she stared at herself in the mirror. It was perfect.
"What's this?" Ben asked as Bassim dropped the white box on the bed and pulled out a light tanned tunic. It was much like his own Jedi tunic except there were two thin colored layers inside. The first layer was a light blue and the second, a bright red. There was a matching pair of tanned slacks, too.
"Traditional marriage garb," he said and looked at Obi-Wan, "I realize you weren't born here, Ben and your Jedi traditions are different from ours, but Sabé's mother and I would love it if you would wear this on the day,"
He shrugged and examined the fabric of the tunic, "It actually isn't that different from my inner tunic, just the extra layers are different," Obi-Wan turned to Bassim and smiled, "Thank you, sir."
"Ben, you're going to be marrying my youngest daughter. We're going to be family, you don't have to call me sir, son. Dad or Bassim is fine,"
"Sorry Dad," he muttered, "I'm just not used to all of this yet… It's good to be a part of a real family,"
Bassim smiled, "I thought the Jedi were your family," he said absent-mindedly.
Obi-Wan shrugged, "They are, what I mean is a real family. I'd never been exposed to family life before,"
"You better get used to it, Ben," he said, "So, after you two marry, are you going to be retiring?"
Ben frowned and fidgeted, "Er, no, we're both going to be living on Coruscant, in the Temple… We'll visit here as much as we possibly can,"
"I'm not worried about that, Ben, but how she'll be able to cope with you being away for months or years,"
"I know," he whispered, "That was Master Yoda and Master Windu's concern, too, but I am confident we can make this work,"
Bassim glanced at the wall chrono and leaned off the wall, "We better get you ready, we can't keep your bride waiting!"