After the house was completely finished, they invited the workers and their families, the Naberrie's, and friends for a housewarming party. Members of the Jedi Council were also invited, Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, Yoda came. The twins, Luke and Leia were coddled and affectionately shared amongst the council members. Luke was entranced by Obi-Wan, and loved to play with his beard and look into his blue eyes. Luke had thing about eyes and Leia loved to hear the voices surrounding her, she even attempted language but only Luke could really understand what she was trying to say through their special twin bond.
"Anakin, a word we would like to have with you." Master Yoda stated.
"Certainly follow me, there's a meditation room down the hall here, no one will disturb us."
Anakin, Obi-Wan, Mace, and Yoda all entered the mediation chamber and shut the door.
"Master Skywalker, we may have a youngling for you."
"You want me to take on a padawan?"
"Yes, she is five years old, she has a fiery temper and we believe it is the will of the Force for you to train her to calm her and help her focus her abilities."
"What's her name?"
"Mara Jade, she has no last name."
"I will have to discuss this with Padmé, of course."
"Of course, meet us in five days at the council chambers to discuss this further."
After the guests had left Padmé and Anakin went out to the lawn and talked.
"The council wants me to take on a padawan-learner."
"Really?"
"Yes, she's an orphan, her name is Mara Jade, they say she has a fiery temper and needs someone who can help her control her temper."
"And they want you?" Padmé laughed.
Anakin glared at her and then said, "Obi-Wan said that Mara Jade would be a good match for me."
"So will she live here? Or will you have to move back to Coruscant?"
"No, she will live here. I think it also will be good for our children as well."
"Okay, I don't have a problem with it, I guess it's a good thing that we have large enough house."
Anakin laughed and kissed his wife and helped her up.
The next morning, he kissed Padmé, Luke, and Leia goodbye and Luke started to cry.
"Shh, Luke, I'll be back before you know it."
Anakin pulled on his cloak and entered the ship the council had sent to him. He boarded and mediated to his trip to Coruscant.
Mara Jade was in the crèche, holding all the toys above the other children's heads and mocking them.
"Mara Jade, lower those toys you will." Yoda scolded.
"Yes, master." She sullenly replied as the toys came crashing down.
"Come."
"Why master?"
"Don't question just come, be obedient."
Mara Jade rolled her eyes and huffed as she followed Master Yoda out and felt a particularly sharp whack with his cane as she left the room.
"Ow!" Mara Jade rubbed her bottom and sulked the way to the council chamber. She saw a large looming figure standing in the center of the chamber. She was afraid and decided whoever this stranger was, that he didn't look like he had a sense of humor or tolerated any pranks or foolishness.
He seemed to be incredibly strict and overbearing. Obi-Wan silently laughed behind his façade of seriousness. He knew that Anakin was projecting this sternness intentionally.
"You are a fierce master, my old padawan." Obi-Wan sent telepathically.
"Thank you master, I learned from the best." Anakin sent teasingly.
Mara Jade nervously stood by the door.
"Master Skywalker, please take a seat." Mace Windu offered.
"Mara Jade, please come forward." Obi-Wan gently called to the frightened girl.
"It has been decided by our council that you need a different kind of master than what we can provide here. You will leave this afternoon and join Master Skywalker and his family on Naboo."
"Why can't I stay here? I'm sorry, I won't misbehave anymore."
"Oh, dear child, this has nothing to do with your behavior, we feel that you need more one-on-one training from someone who has dealt with issues that you are struggling with, and Master Skywalker has first hand knowledge of such circumstances."
"He looks mean!" Mara Jade cried.
Anakin lowered his hood and started to laugh which comforted Mara Jade slightly.
"Looks can be deceiving, young one." Anakin softly stated.
Mara Jade stood in the center as she watched Anakin stand and bow to the council, Mara Jade knew that as a Jedi she shouldn't want to hug Obi-Wan but she couldn't resist as she threw herself into his lap.
"Remember what I told you, Mara?"
"Yes, you said that Master Skywalker used to be your padawan."
"That's right; you will be very well taken care of, young one. He is very loyal to not only his Jedi family but to his own natural family as he will be to you."
Mara Jade felt comforted and bowed to the council as Anakin did and Mara Jade left the chamber. She stopped by the crèche and said goodbye to her friends. Anakin led her to the transport ship to Naboo. Anakin retrieved some food from the line and sat with Mara Jade.
"Master?"
"Yes?"
"Why do you wear black?"
"I like it, it's my favorite color."
"Do I have to wear black?"
"No, young one."
Mara Jade ate her dinner and Anakin set up a small bed for her while allowing her to use his cloak as a blanket.
"It smells good, like a spicy wood."
"Oh, that." Anakin whispered.
"What is it?"
"Its cologne, it's the only luxury I allow myself to indulge."
Padmé put Luke down to bed and he said his very first word, "Dada."
"Very good Luke, proud of you."
"Dada!" Luke said again.
"Shh, time for sleep." Luke lay and went to sleep.
Padmé realized for the umpteenth time how blessed she truly was, now she was going to have another family member, even though technically she was training as a padawan, she knew that she would adore her.
Mara Jade was really surprised at the beauty of Naboo, its water fountains, the palace, and the natural beauty. She was awestruck; she couldn't believe that this would be her home.
"Master?"
"Yes, young one?"
"You won't ever send me away will you?"
"What makes you think that?"
"I'm not always well-behaved." Mara admitted shyly.
Anakin crouched to her, "Mara I don't expect perfection from you, Force knows I drove my master Obi-Wan crazy with my behaviors. A relationship between Master and Padawan is without conditions. The only thing I expect from you, is to be all that you can be."
Mara felt tears come to her eyes, she wasn't expecting this. Anakin pulled her into an embrace and she cut loose and Anakin felt her emotions of both amazement and the fact that Anakin would always be there for her, no matter what. Anakin stood up holding the child until he reached the garage where he parked his family speeder. He loaded her up in the passenger seat. They flew home. Mara Jade's tears turned into pure joy as Anakin drove fast and deftly while maneuvering around the traffic. The security personnel recognized the speeder and since they knew a Jedi was driving it, they didn't even bother going after it.
Mara Jade's mouth was gaped open as she saw the large manor home come into view. Anakin laughed as he closed her mouth, "A bug might fly into your mouth, young one."
Padmé opened the door holding Leia, Luke was content in playing with his blocks in his playpen. Leia reached out for Anakin and squealed with delight.
"Mara Jade, let me introduce my wife, Padmé and my daughter and son, Luke and Leia."
"Nice to meet you." Mara bowed.
"Welcome to your new home, Mara Jade. I have a room already set up for you."
"My own room?" Mara excitedly asked.
"Yes, come this way." Padmé offered her hand and Mara Jade gladly accepted it. Leia played with Anakin's pony tail.
"How's my baby girl?" Anakin smiled as he kissed her.
Luke pulled himself up and stood in the playpen and called out, "Dada!"
Anakin was taken aback, he picked up Luke and tears of joy came from his eyes. Luke looked deeply into his eyes and saw the pure joy and smiled as threw his arms around Anakin's neck.
Mara Jade entered her room with soft ivory walls, light pine furniture, and a bed with a pink and white bedspread with matching curtains. "This is much better than at the temple!"
"We want you to be happy here, Mara." Padmé responded.
After dinner, Mara and Anakin went to the meditation room and reflected to form a master/padawan bond.