The rain made a soft pattering sound against the leaves on the surrounding trees as the couple made their way from their ship, down a grassy incline toward the misty swamp. Obi-Wan consulted the datapad once more and then tucked it into his tunics. He looked back to check on Padmé's progress and smiled as she hoisted up the long velvet gown close to her knees, sloshing her way through the water and mud.
Once they reached the bottom of the incline, Obi-Wan made his way through a thick standing of trees, beyond which sat a simple multi-domed structure at the edge of the swamp. Just as their shelter came into sight, the clouds burst open and rain began pouring down.
"Come on!" He yelled back at Padmé and hurried toward the hovel. She soon caught up with him, but was soaked completely through by the time they stooped through the doorway.
The hut appeared to have been created from several planetary resources Obi-Wan noted: Some type of stucco, tree bark, roots, mud, resin. But, it appeared sound and at least it was waterproof.
Obi-Wan stay stooped due to the low ceilings and moved to the fireplace. He re-arranged the scattered pieces of wood that lay strewn about the hearth and with the help of his lightsaber, soon had a fire burning.
He turned then to notice Padmé shivering in her wet gown.
"Here." He said to her, opening his pack, from which he pulled out an extra set of tunics, leggings, and even an extra pair of socks and boots. "I have to be ready to leave for a mission on a moment's notice, and I've learned it always pays to be prepared."
She smiled at his offering, thankful to finally be able to change out of her dreadful gown. She glanced around nervously for a place to do so, noticing that the home basically had one room, although it was divided up into three separate globe-shaped parts. One was apparently the living area where she now stood, complete with a small couch and fireplace; the other, an eating area with an equally small wooden table and chairs, and then on the opposite side, the sleeping area, complete with another small table and an equally small cot.
What had Yoda been thinking when he sent them here? Everything was miniature! Perfect for the size of the small Jedi Master, but not for them!
She glanced around once more, worry etching her brow before a sigh escaped her. At least they were safe, she resigned. She could be thankful for that, and soon she would be dry.
Obi-Wan caught the look upon her face as he finished adding more wood to the fire.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I'll give you some privacy." He then moved back through the doorway and out into the rain.
Padmé changed quickly, noting the tunics were too big, as were the boots, but she didn't care. They were much more practical than the gown and heels she had been wearing, and plus, they belonged to Obi-Wan. She reached down and grasped ahold of the tunic, pulling the fabric up to her nose and inhaled deeply, just as Obi-Wan announced his re-entrance.
"Are you hungry?" He asked as he began to pull off his robe and sash, followed by his boots and outer tunics. Soon, all he was wearing were a pair of loose leggings tied at the waist. Padmé sat stunned silent, considering what an idiot she must appear to be. She hadn't hardly talk to him on the ship, and now she wasn't even answering his question!
"Yes, a little." She finally managed, swallowing hard.
"Tomorrow, I might be able to catch a wild animal or maybe even a fish, but for tonight, I'm afraid it's rations again, if you don't mind." He smiled, offering her a bar he pulled from his pack. He poured a cup of water from his canteen and then offered one to Padmé as well.
She accepted the refreshment and smiled in return.
Obi-Wan motioned for her to take a seat on the single low couch covered with some type of rough animal hide while he sat cross-legged on the dirt floor in front of her and they ate in silence.
What was wrong with her? She could address a room full of senators, preach democracy to thousands of worlds' representatives, but sitting in front of this lone Jedi Knight, Padmé was finding herself tongue-tied and speechless.
Obi-Wan finally broke their silence. "I'll sleep in here if you would like the bed."
"Oh no. That's okay. I don't have to have the bed." He had already done enough for her for one day!
"I'm afraid I insist. I don't think I'll fit." He smiled widely with a twinkle in his eye and Padmé returned his grin as she finished her drink.
"I'll lay a cot here on the floor." Obi-Wan then stood and pulled out a think blanket from his pack and arranged it in front of the hearth.
Watching him prepare for a night's sleep, Padmé discovered how tired she was from their journey and from barely sleeping the last night on board their ship. She rose herself and moved toward the sleeping area of the small hovel. "Good night."
"Good night, Padmé." He replied as he watched her move toward the room, still in clear view from his location, the flickering flames of the fire illuminating the area with a glow.
She moved toward the small bed and reached down remove Obi-Wan's tunics over her head. Obi-Wan's eyes swept down toward the floor for a moment, but hesitantly came back up to watch Padmé undress, as if they moved of their own accord. Her petite body was full in all the right places, firm and athletic as well, covered now with only a sheer lacy camisole. The firelight outlined every curve from underneath the fairly translucent material and Obi-Wan memorized them all.
Completely oblivious to Obi-Wan's perusal, Padmé crept into bed and pulled the dusty covers up to her head. The entire placed smelled like the swamp outside and the bed was no exception. She wondered when the last time any sentient being had stayed here.
Obi-Wan watched her until she had laid down and then rolled over to stare into the fireplace, feelings that he were quite unaccustomed to rippling through his body. If she would just talk to him! He had no idea what she was thinking, what she was feeling – if she was feeling…anything.
Just then, his meager desire was met as he heard her hushed voice coming from the adjacent room.
"Obi-Wan?"
"Yes?"
There was a long pause of silence.
"How long do you think we'll have to stay here?"
Was it the accommodations she was disliking? Or his company?
"At least a few days. I'll contact Yoda on a coded channel tomorrow and find out what's been going on and if they've had any success."
Another pause of silence.
"Obi-Wan?"
He discovered he definitely liked hearing her say his name.
"Thank you... for saving my life."
There. She got it out, half expecting him to brush it off with some lame pronouncement of Jedi duty, but found herself grinning instead when he replied with two simple words.
"You're welcome." A small smile was displayed on the Jedi Knight's face as he wrapped the Force around the small hovel to protect them both and soon fell asleep.