Forgot to mention in Chapters Two through Four, full disclaimer is in Chapter One. I am just playing with George's intellectual property, and I'm not making a penny off of writing or posting this.

*

Chapter Five - Settling In

Winter descended on the little house less than a month after they had moved in, cutting its occupants off even more from the outside world. Both Obi-Wan and Padmé found ways to keep their confinement from chafing on them too much. Obi-Wan went on long runs in the snow, or practiced saber katas in his bedchamber. Within a few tendays, the Jedi warrior was in the best shape of his life. Though he was a Jedi, he was still a sentient being, and boredom was creeping in on deadly, silent paws. Obi-Wan fought the monotony by keeping an eye on the newsnets and reading. He and Padmé also found some common ground in hand-to-hand exercises, comparing notes as they practiced in slow motion.

Padmé was having a much harder time, watching the Republic getting weaker tenday by tenday. She seemed to feel the squabbles in the Senate like aches in her own body. When the former Senator wasn't fretting over the newsnets, she was spending interminable hours writing messages to her sister and Sabé. Padmé also spent the better part of an hour each day writing in her journal.

They were both dedicated public servants, used to taking action when it was needed. Now Senator and Jedi Knight were being forced to stay still and hide. Obi-Wan wasn't sure who was going to go crazy first.

*

A break in the routine arrived about two tendays after Anakin's makeshift funeral. As he meditated, Obi-Wan sensed the auras of two Jedi in the vicinity. He focused on them. In turn, the Force users concentrated on him. We're coming. One of them felt familiar, but he wasn't sure who it was. He changed back out of his sleepclothes and into his tunic, tabards, and breeches.

As Padmé prepared to go to bed, she noticed that Obi-Wan was tying the re-sash around his Jedi uniform and heating water for tea. "What's going on?"

"Someone's coming, M'Lady."

"Who?"

"I'm not sure. I believe they're friendly, but I won't take any chances." He placed a third tea cup on the counter, then reached out his hand. His lightsaber sailed into the chamber, curving in midair to go to its master. Padmé ducked as the weapon flew over her head. In one smooth movement, Obi-Wan grasped the weapon and tucked it in his tunic.

Hearing the they, she frowned. "Would you please prepare some tea for me as well?"

A fourth cup was already in his hand. Obi-Wan knew that getting her to go to bed when someone was coming to the house would be impossible. The water was hot when a soft knock sounded through the common room. "I'll get the door, Threepio. You and Artoo get into the kitchen." Obi-Wan reached into his tunic for the lightsaber handle and turned to Padmé, his gaze darkening to grey. "M'Lady, would you please go to your chamber for a few moments?"

Padmé nodded, though she didn't like hiding when two unknown people were about to walk into the house. As soon as she had shut the door, Obi-Wan stepped to the front of the house, opening his mind fully to the Force. The visitors' psyches reflected back, confirming his impression of them as friends, but he still kept a firm grip on his weapon as he opened the door.

Two cloaked figures stood dark against starlit snow. The shorter one pulled its hood back. Obi-Wan recognized her immediately. Her name was Alanna Olau, and she had been a close friend of Master Qui-Gon. He ushered them in. As soon as the door was shut, she spoke. "Master Kenobi, it is good to see you again. This is my Padawan, Moanilula Yung. We have been sent by Master Yoda to watch over Senator Amidala." She and her apprentice set small duffels on the floor.

"You're taking my place here?" Though he would be glad of another task, he felt a tug of obligation. Yoda was right, of course. I have a responsibility to her and the children.

Master Olau replied, "No. We will be monitoring the Senator's pregnancy. Master Yoda has instructed us to take positions in the Palace Complex, where we can be of use. You will still be watching over her here."

"Oh." Obi-Wan smothered the twinge of disappointment. He asked the Jedi to wait, then excused himself. As he hooked his lightsaber back onto his belt, he knocked on Padmé's bedchamber door and called, "M'Lady?" The door opened immediately; she'd been standing there the whole time. Obi-Wan suppressed a smile, for he imagined Padmé standing behind her chamber door, ear pressed to a drinking glass that was pressed to the door. She didn't actually do it, but it was a very funny mental picture. "Will you join us?"

Padmé looked at her guardian's face. His eyes were pale blue, and more relaxed than they had been a few minutes earlier. She entered the common room and bowed as Obi-Wan introduced the Jedi to the Senator.

Padmé gestured to the seats. "Please make yourselves comfortable." The healers shrugged off their outer robes, revealing two human women in Jedi garb. Olau was in her late fifties, short and stocky, with red curls that were pinned up. Her purple eyes were fierce and calm. The Padawan was in her early twenties and stood a few centimeters shorter than Obi-Wan. She had black, chin-length hair, except for the traditional braid. Her eyes were large, brown, and tilted up at the outer ends. They both looped their robes over the backs of their chairs and sat. Obi-Wan sent cups of tea to the visitors with Threepio. He followed, bearing Padmé's and his own cups while Padmé dismissed the droid.

Master Olau pulled a small device out from a pocket. As she placed it on the table, Obi-Wan recognized it as a holoprojector. Olau activated it, and Yoda's image flickered into view. "Master Obi-Wan, Master Olau and Padawan Yung have I sent to Naboo. Monitor Senator Amidala's pregnancy, they will. Arranged, it is, with Queen Jamilla, that regular healer's work they shall have in the city. The Senator should give birth in her home if all goes well. Senator Amidala," the image continued, "follow the instructions of these healers, you must. Well learned they are in their field, and need their help, you will." Yoda's likeness flickered, then disappeared. Padmé nodded in compliance.

"We have just come from the Palace Complex. Queen Jamilla has given us positions in the Healer's Wing, and we will come here every tenday to examine the Senator," Yung added.

"We can also instruct you, if you wish, about the care, health, and feeding of your babies. We'll teach you everything you'll need to know," Master Alanna said with a warm smile. "With your permission, M'Lady, we will examine you now."

Padmé nodded, and all three women looked at Obi-Wan. He rose from the table and left the common room as Yung said, "You're in your fourth month, is that correct?"

Twenty-five minutes later, Obi-Wan heard his name called. He poked his head out of his chamber. Padmé smiled, waving him back into the common room.

The healers were still there. Master Olau said, "Master Kenobi, we must ask you to make sure that Senator Amidala obeys our recommendations. She can have no more tea, unless it is an herbal or fruit blend. She needs plenty of rest, but a moderate amount of exercise will also help. Teach her Kabon, it will make her labor easier. Her mind must be rested, as well as her body." Padmé looked miffed at the idea that Obi-Wan should police her every move, but didn't say anything.

Master Alanna added, "Senator, have you scissors or shears?"

Padmé got a pair out of a closet. The Jedi Master took them and murmured thanks, then approached her Padawan. "Oh, please, Master, don't," Moanilula began, backing away.

"We've already explained this to you, Child. No one must know that we are Jedi." The Master reached up and snipped the braid from her apprentice's hair, then hugged her. She tucked the braid into her sash while her Padawan wiped her eyes.

Obi-Wan watched them, shocked. "Why did you do that?"

Olau's purple eyes were wide as she regarded Obi-Wan. "You've not heard that all of the Jedi have been ordered by the Supreme Chancellor to return to or stay on Coruscant?"

He shook his head. "Why would he do that? And why wasn't I told?"

Master Alanna shrugged. "Public opinion has swayed against the Jedi. The Senate has passed legislation that keeps track of us since we are able to manipulate the Force the way we do. They're calling the proceedings 'Registration.' Master Yoda hid Lula and me away as soon as the order came out, then smuggled us out of the Temple through the sewers. He seemed to feel that the Senator's well-being was worth the efforts of three Jedi, and more important than an executive order." She looked at Padmé, eyebrow raised, then asked, "Do you get your information from the newsnets?"

Padmé said, "All of our news comes through Queen Jamilla's offices. We can't keep accounts in our names, for fear of discovery. Why would she keep something like this from us?" Her question hung in the room, a specter that thickened the air with dread. After a few seconds of silence, she murmured good night to the three Jedi and went to her bedchamber.

As Obi-Wan led the healers to the door, Master Olau added quietly, "I don't envy you your task, Obi-Wan. She is quite headstrong. As a former politician, current events are likely to upset her. In spite of the villainization of the Jedi, we have heard rumors that genetic material stolen from Jedi may be used for future groups of clones. The Council has found a way to lessen the likelihood of that happening, but it is not pleasant," she concluded.

They raised their hoods, and Master Alanna smiled. "Your knight-master would be proud of you, Obi-Wan." He smiled sadly, an mixture of emotions that they shared when they thought of Qui-Gon Jinn.

Yung turned to him and reiterated, "We will return every tenday at this hour, or as needed." With the final comment, Obi-Wan opened the door. The healers left the house, tramping though the snow, their dark cloaks blending in with the shadows.

*

"Breathe in, hold the position…slowly breathe out, still your mind. Focus on your body and keeping in place," Obi-Wan said softly.

Padmé balanced on one foot, hands clasped in front of her chest. Her other foot was placed flat against her inner thigh. A sharp wobble broke her concentration and she put her foot back on the floor. "I'm not so sure this is such a good idea, Master Kenobi. I've been at this for over a tenday, and I'm just not getting it." He was teaching her the Kabon poses and stretches, which would strengthen her body and calm her thoughts.

Obi-Wan, effortlessly balanced on one bare foot, arms stretched over his head, replied, "Kabon improves with practice, M'Lady. Even the pillar pose." She looked at him, his eyes closed, his face serene, and sighed. Her center of gravity had changed as she entered her fifth month of pregnancy, making her feel even more gawky than she had been as a teenager. Padmé again hefted a foot against her inner leg and tried to concentrate. I love these children already, but I don't like what they're doing to my body.

The Jedi opened one eye and a dimple appeared through his beard. Padmé caught the hint of bright blue and wrinkled her nose at him, then trembled again. Obi-Wan reached an arm sideways toward her. She rested her hand on his, and the contact was enough to keep her steady.

Though their bodies were still as stones, Padmé's mind was buzzing. She decided that she'd rather know whether she was going crazy or not. "Master Kenobi," she said quietly.

"Yes?"

"There's something I've noticed, forgive me if it's a sensitive subject, I'm not sure of it's you or if I'm just hallucinating. But what is with your eyes?" It all came out in a rush, it was easier for her to say it while their eyes were closed.

"The colors," he confirmed. She made a quiet noise of assent. "No, you're not imagining things, other people have said it. It doesn't have anything to do with me being a Jedi. I don't know how it happens, or even if it's real or an illusion," he replied.

"Ah. Wyvern eyes," she said.

Obi-Wan placed his other foot on the floor. Padmé wobbled as he took his hand away. She looked at him as he asked, "What?"

"Wyverns are mythical creatures, huge, fierce lizards. Some stories have them changing color as their moods change." Yours turn bright blue when you're amused, probably when you flirt, too. If you ever flirt.

"So now I remind you of a lizard?" His gaze bored down on her, still bright blue. The Jedi succeeded in keeping a smile from his lips, but the eyes crinkled up in the corners. He knew she wasn't serious.

Yes, you flirt. Padmé smiled, saying, "Yes." Obi-Wan chuckled and moved his body to demonstrate the next Kabon pose.

*

I know I said it in the beginning, but I want to mention again that Alanna is Tamora Pierce's creation, Sir Alanna of Trebond and Olau, first Lady Knight in Tortall in two centuries. Her story is detailed in Tammy's "Song of the Lioness" Quartet, and continues in several other books.

Apologies in advance to Tahl fans, I didn't know about her when I started writing. And I like Master Alanna too much to change it anyway.

Author's Note: I do hereby express my gratitude to those who reviewed "Hope's Sanctuary" in its first incarnation. As usual;, dunce that I am certainly capable of being, I deleted the original story instead of editing the chapters instead. So I'm back to square one, and I hope you find me again! I do have several reviews stored in my e-mail, please forgive me if you read this and don't see a response to a very early review.

JellyBabyv2 - Thanks very much for the e-mail. I finally got tired of waiting for the dratted, er, I mean, esteemed beta reader to finish beta-ing. So here it is, in all its unreviewed glory.

HGluv - Thank you for the review, here's more. Finally!

Talon DragonFriend - Obidala is not part of George's plan (unless he's got something really tricky up that flannel sleeve for Episode III), so when I deviate from canon, I make sure I show why they do what they do, and that it evolves naturally from existing stories. Darling Yoda. I just love the little green troll.

Kazzy - So glad to hear from you today. Characterization is key, there's no escaping it. I started writing again through reading Obidalas, and I thought to myself, I can do better than that. (Arrogant, huh?) This story has also had a lot of research put into it, I checked out about fifteen library books on grieving, expectant mothers, expectant fathers, child behavior, you name it, I read about it.

kOOlgirl1808 - Thank you, I'm keeping going. Finally.

sparkvallen - I'm as bad as the beta I've been complaining about. You reviewed this story on 30 October 2003, and I'm responding today. *Slaps wrist* But I didn't abandon it! Even when Anakin and Obi-Wan are fighting, I believe Obi still has a lot of affection for his padawan. Even when Ani turns Sith, Obi is just devastated. All the more so if Obi thinks Ani is dead.