The young male servant waiting outside the King's office door escorted Obi-Wan through a series of gleaming hallways. The young knight's eyes followed the extreme height of the marble columns which lined the walk. The architecture of the palace was impressive, even to the Jedi Knight who had seen a variety of similar structures across the galaxy.
It was evident that Naboo was steeped in tradition. It was revealed in the artwork he saw, consisting of beautiful tapestries that hung on the walls, and carved replicas of its past leaders set in random alcoves. Even in the clothing the Nabooans wore, but especially in the displays of ancient weapons they passed.
If it weren't for the advanced security technology, the blasters he had seen strapped onto the palace guards' legs, and the distant roar of the air traffic outside, Obi-Wan would have believed he had stepped back in time.
The servant finally stopped and motioned through an open doorway before reaching down and taking Obi-Wan's travel pack and turning to walk away.
Obi-Wan stepped outside and into a large pebbled courtyard surrounded by smaller buildings reminiscent of the main palace. He bowed in greeting as Qui-Gon approached him.
"I thank you for this opportunity, Knight Kenobi. I would very much enjoy watching a demonstration of your fighting skills."
"As you wish." Obi-Wan replied with another bow, removing his cloak, which the King himself carried away. The knight's eyes followed the older man and only then did he notice that Padmé was seated underneath a large shade tree, having changed into a darker blue gown that fit snugly to her petite form, the neckline plunging to reveal the shadowy crevice between her breasts. Obi-Wan had to force himself to withdraw his appreciative gaze.
The King seated himself next to her on the ornate metal bench and motioned with an open hand for the demonstration to begin.
Obi-Wan unclipped his 'saber from his belt and took comfort in the familiar hum and vibration of the blade that glowed blue in his hand. A swift salute brought the sword vertically in front of his face before the young man moved through an exercise that was popular amongst most of the new knights at the Temple. The thirteenth kata included a variety of movements and aerial acrobatics, which Obi-Wan excelled at. Toward the end of the routine, he wondered why he had chosen this particular exercise. He worried that the King would think he was perhaps showing off a bit. However, he knew that his performance was not for the benefit of Qui-Gon. His whole purpose in the precise movements, the height of his jumps, was designed to impress the young woman seated next to the King.
As Obi-Wan attempted to catch his breath, he deactivated his lightsaber, turning his attention toward his audience. The knight was somewhat disappointed to see that Padmé didn't look impressed in the least. In fact, she looked almost bored.
The King however, immediately rose to his feet.
"Amazing!" He declared joyfully as he approached. "I didn't realize that the human body was capable of such speed and agility. You must be very proud of yourself, young man."
"Pride is not a trait of the Jedi, your highness. All of my abilities I owe to my Master's training and to the Force. I am merely a vessel for its use."
The knight's attention focused on the King, he missed the slight quirk of Padmé's brow.
"Of course." The King replied with a grin, and Obi-Wan had the distinct feeling that he had just been tested. He smiled in response.
"If you would be so kind as to indulge me once more." Qui-Gon continued, nodding toward a servant who immediately came forward, bearing an object wrapped in purple linen.
The King relieved the servant from his burden and from within the material he removed a long metallic sword. Meticulously detailed along the blade, the hilt itself was encrusted with jewels. The King looked upon the weapon with admiration before removing a similar, but less adorned sword from the wrapping and handing it to Obi-Wan.
"An ancient weapon for a more civilized age." Qui-Gon noted with a smile.
The young knight's brow rose in interest as he clipped his 'saber back to his side and reached out and took the weapon.
Glancing along the length of the sword, its silver blade glinted in the setting sun's light. He gripped the handle firmly. It felt strange and foreign in his hand and much heavier than he had anticipated.
He held the blade up with both hands, his body suddenly stunned as the King's blade abruptly came into contact, rather swiftly and quite powerfully.
Once more the knight's brow rose, but this time in an expression of curiosity and just a hint of worry.
Just above him, he met the intense blue eyes of his opponent and was thankful that the King was apparently oblivious to the occurrences of earlier in the afternoon, when he and Padmé had shared their kiss in the woods, or else, this playful joust would have an entirely different meaning.
However, as a change of expression flashed through the older man's gaze, one that Obi-Wan could not read, he began to wonder if perhaps the King might not be so oblivious after all.
The duel did not last long, but Obi-Wan's hands were turning numb by the end of it. Years ago, when he had first been accepted as a padawan, he had trained with a practice rod, a solid 'saber made from plastisteel. But even then, he had only fought against other padawans, whose strength came nowhere near the power of the fully grown man he faced now.
Unwilling to access the Force, thinking it was an unfair advantage, Obi-Wan moved quickly in order to dodge most of the King's wide, ferocious sweeps. Occasionally, their swords clashed together and it jarred the younger man to his bones. He was unaccustomed to the power needed to swing the heavy weapon and block the forceful blows, as well as the resulting fatigue he knew would inevitably follow. This type of fighting was far different than using his lightsaber.
But he stood his ground and eventually the King conceded the match with a smile.
"You fight well." Obi-Wan noted, slightly out of breath.
"Ha." Replied the King, taking the sword from his hands and passing both weapons to the approaching servant. "You were holding back on me, I believe."
"Perhaps." Obi-Wan teased as he searched out the beautiful eyes of the Lady of Lonessa, but once more she stubbornly avoided his gaze and rose to place an arm through the King's.
"Third meal should be ready now, my lord."
Qui-Gon lovingly glanced down at her. "Then let us proceed indoors. Knight Kenobi?" He addressed the young man who stood behind them. "You may freshen up before joining us if you'd like. My servant will show you to your quarters."