My many thanks to all who reviewed and left comments. Here's another chapter for your reading pleasure.

Backlash: Thrilled to know that you are liking. Thanks!

NothingfeelsGood: Thank you for the vote of confidence. Anakin and Padme's relationship is definitely going in the right direction. Where that leads? ;)

Anakin-Padme: Glad you like!

LetNys: I appreciate that you took the time to review. I'm always happy to know that the characters in my story are accurate and believeable. Here's another chapter for you :).

The Maelstrom: You posed some very interesting questions and I will try my best to answer them without giving too much away. I partially agree with your assessment on Obi-Wan's influence on Anakin's character. Now that he won't live in the temple and go on missions that will affect his character development from canon. However, the fun and the challenge in writing this AU is to explore how he will change and if these changes alter his destiny. Keep in mind that even though Obi-Wan will not be around as much, young Anakin has some major influences around him, particularly Padme at this early age. How this will change things? Tune in for more to find out. As for the Jedi behaving as they did, I also agree, but I will quote a famous Jedi who said things sometimes depend greatly on our point of view. Interesting comments. Hope you continue to read.

Emerald Green Queen: Thank you so much for your kind review. Glad that the characters are still true to form. Obi-Wan is definitely not being very Jedi like; however, I think this will help him see the bigger picture as things pertain to the Jedi and Anakin. Young Anakin is already very powerful in just a short time. Especially since he is learning what he needs to know first before anything else. Unfortunetly in any universe, old Palpy always seems to be the puppetmaster, directing the play. I don't think any story in this era is completely without him because he controlled and influenced so much. Given that we don't see anything proactive from him until Ep III, I imagine him to be very contemplative and resourceful (Almost Jedi like with obvious differences.) As for Ryoo, I went back to check and she was supposed to be 8 around AotC so her being born around this time (which is more or less 8.5 years prior to AotC) is fairly accurate. Thanks for the heads up though :)

Piper Halliwell2: Thanks for your comments. I agree. I would have like to have seen more in between times, but then again that gives us plenty of material to write about. I will definitely check your fic out soon. :)

A/N: My special thanks goes out to Jennie who was kind enough to beta this chapter for me while Pokey is on hiatus. Now, sit back and enjoy the ride ;).


Count Dooku was thankful to be returning to his family's estate on Serreno after months of travel. This place had quickly become a refuge after his abrupt departure from the Jedi Order and his subsequent mission to seek out the Sith threat. For many months, he had scoured the cosmos in search of information about the elusive Sith Lord. However, planet after planet, Dooku would turn up nothing but a few rumors and even fewer answers.

Prior to his exodus from the Jedi, he had spent time amongst several Outer Rim worlds and had made several contacts. The discontent towards the Republic was even greater than it was when he had previously reported to the Jedi Council. Many more leaders were becoming vocal about their displeasure over the inaction of the Senate during the Trade Federation crisis, as it was now called and many wondered if the same apathy would exist if their worlds were suddenly occupied.

What further outraged those that took the Count into their confidence was the unusual way that the Trade Federation Viceroy was released from Republic custody. While a trial in the courts still loomed, Gunray and his cronies were released and allowed to return to Neimoidia Prime on their on recognizance. This was unheard of in a case that amongst the many serious charges included high treason. However, whenever Count Dooku would attempt to dig further for the truth, the path of information would abruptly end.

Sar sighed deeply as he entered the sanctuary of his estate; he was long overdue for some much needed meditation. He grinned to himself as he could almost hear his old Master's voice, admonishing him for not doing this sooner. While Qui-Gon was always foremost in his thoughts, Dooku found himself missing Master Yoda's enlightened presence; as skewed towards the Code as it always was; yet, it could be reassuring at times. As he rounded the corner hallway towards his chambers, the former Jedi Master knew that this wouldn't be possible as he sensed two presences that did not belong there.

Instinctively, Dooku reached for his newly crafted arched lightsaber, and with the Force, dampened his footsteps as he approached the living area. The room's two occupants nearly jumped out of their seats when they heard the echoing snap-hiss of an ignited lasersword. Their recent misfortune with the Jedi made them all too acquainted with the intent behind that sound.

The Count could not hide the look of amazement at who was sitting before him. "Viceroy Gunray, this is indeed most unexpected."

The tall Neimoidian, along with this aide, Rune Hakko, immediately stood up and bowed. "Count Dooku, it is truly an honor to finally meet you in person. Our mutual friends from the Commerce Guilds have spoken highly of the fabled ex-Jedi." He paused deeply to swallow as he saw the glow of the sapphire lasersword illuminating the room. "We have been looking for you for quite some time."

Dooku simply stared at the aliens as he studied the pattern of the Force surrounding them. They were both cowardly, of that he had no doubt. However, something tugged at the edge of his consciousness not to dismiss them outright. The grey bearded man extinguished his weapon as he then turned towards a high backed chair to drape his cape over. "Why have you sought me out?"

"We know of your years of dedicate service with the Jedi and your feelings about the Republic Senate. We feel that we could trust you with our mutual problem."

Becoming increasingly curious, the Count subtly gestured for the two aliens to sit as he took his seat across from them. "Mutual problem?"

Nute turned to his advisor, who appeared to give him a nod of support rather than permission. The Neimoidian took in a deep breath before he continued. "The manner in which our blockade against the Naboo first originated and who really was its chief architect."

Dooku sat back into his chair with his hands now folded together. "Continue," he said calmly as the swirls of the Force urged him to remain patient.

"About a year ago, we were approached by a mysterious figure that said he had enough influence over the Senate to bring about significant change in the Republic. He promised that if we were to help him in his venture, we would be properly rewarded."

The former Jedi immediately sat up in his seat at mention of the Senate. He nodded again in silence in order to encourage the Viceroy to continue. "At first we dismissed his offer; however, after he promised that several key pieces of legislation would be passed in our favor as a gesture of his sincerity, we decided to listen."

Rune Hakko then added, "That was the first and greatest mistake we made because shortly after, we learned that this Dark Lord--this Darth Sidious, which he liked to be called, was in fact a Sith."

A chill ran down Dooku's spine as he heard the Sith's name. He knew immediately that they spoke the truth because their presence in the Force did not waver. Also, very few beings in the galaxy knew anything tangible other than fables about that ancient Order. Without thinking, he asked, "Was he the one killed by the Jedi on Naboo?"

The Trade Federation Viceroy shook his head. "No, Lord Sidious never physically visited Naboo, although we were in constant communication throughout our occupation."

Count Dooku eased back into his chair as the realization that his former Padawan was bested by a Sith apprentice and not the Master. He never doubted for a moment Qui-Gon's swordsmanship as he was the one who taught him, which made him fully aware that the power of the Darkside was indeed rising. The Sith Master himself would be quite powerful in his own right. Neither Qui-Gon or Kenobi would have stood a chance had they encountered this Darth Sidious given the current weakness of the Jedi Order.

"Do you know which Senator that this 'Sidious' is posing as?"

Both Neimoidians shook their heads. Gunray then answered, "In all our encounters, we never saw his face; however, we believe that he isn't posing as a Senator, but is in fact an actual Senator with tremendous political clout."

A Sith Lord with the power to sway the Senate. The Former Jedi nearly shook visibly as he considered the frightening ramifications. This would indeed explain a great deal if it turned out to be true. The corruption and overtly unfair practices of the Republic's governing body had increased significantly over the last few decades. Indeed, for the Sith to survive for all these centuries, undetected by the Jedi, they would have been masters of patience. The current Master would indeed be a formidable opponent.

"How can I help you?" asked Dooku, uncertain with what they wanted him to do.

"Your actions throughout the Outer Rim as a Jedi and the reputation of your family make you the ideal choice," Gunray said vaguely.

"Choice for what, Viceroy?"

Gunray and Hakko turned towards each other briefly before the Viceroy added, "There are many of our friends that wish to end the tyranny that has plagued the Republic and they would very likely rally around one such as yourself."

The former Jedi was wise enough to grasp the true meaning behind Gunray's statement. "You wish to secede from the Republic? But that is treason, my friend."

In an unusual display of courage, Nute Gunray nodded solemnly in response. "You could unite the feuding systems under one banner so that the Senate would finally be forced to listen and also with your special abilities, you could flush out the Sith so that we can enact our revenge for Naboo." This was at least, partially true. A full scale war could also give them the opportunity to seek retribution from the other person that they loathed more than Sidious—Queen Amidala herself. The Trade Federation Viceroy attempted to study the stoic mask of the former Jedi, hoping that he could not sense his undeclared motives.

Sar raised his eyebrows in interest as he considered the Viceroy's statement. Revenge against a Sith Lord – a Master to be exact. These Neimoidians are as stupid as they are cowardly. However, the Count's knowledge of the current political climate of the Outer Rim suggested that this plan was not too far fetched . If the Sith Master was as influential as the Viceroy has suggested, any interruptions of his well laid plans could present the opportunity to make him act prematurely. Then perhaps in concert with his former Jedi brethren they could eliminate the Sith once and for all.

Dooku winced inwardly as he found himself involuntarily believing the Jedi would help him. They were weak and too entrenched as the Republic's lapdogs to be of any help. No, if the Sith Master was to be brought to justice, he would have to spearhead that effort. The Force had always been strong with him and he spent the majority of his years in the temple reading and learning about the tactics, as well as the fighting styles of the ancient Sith. Surely this Darth Sidious was nowhere near as powerful as the ancients.

Finally withdrawing from his contemplations, the former Jedi Master stood without warning and hovered silently for several moments over the Neimoidians. "I will consider your proposal, Viceroy."

Nute motioned towards his assistant to rise and bow before the revered Count. Before they left the room, the Viceroy turned around to face Dooku once more. "If you require further proof," he then reached inside his robes and withdrew a datachip. "Here are the transponder codes and frequencies we saved from all our communications with Darth Sidious." He paused momentarily to observe the growing interest on the face of the Count. Offhandedly he added, "I'm sure all one would have to do is tap into the Republic's relay mainframes in order to triangulate the origins of his transmissions."

Reflexively, Dooku took the datachip out of the alien's hand and studied it momentarily. The former Jedi grinned as the two Neimoidians took their leave. Perhaps this task would not be as difficult after all. He had much to consider and would require help.


Several days after the failed assassination attempt, Amidala along with Anakin, Sabé and Obi-Wan boarded the Angel Queen to make way towards the small mountain village of Venato, the location of Padmé's family home. For the entire journey, Anakin had been entranced by the changing landscape as they flew over prairies, meadows, lakes and streams, which were followed by majestic mountains that filled the distance. In order to protect the safety of the Queen, they had departed Theed fully cloaked without any prearranged flight plan.

While Anakin was busy at the ship's controls, he would glance over to the co-pilot's chair where the slumbering girl Queen sat. Although the total flight time would take less than an hour, she had fallen asleep even prior to take off. The boy sighed in relief as he somehow knew that she was safe. The horrible nightmares had ceased and from his limited understanding, the Force felt serene to him, for the first time since he had become consciously aware of it. Hopefully this would remain the case for a long time to come.

Even though the young Queen slept, her mind was wrought with problems. Since the liberation, there had been a growing movement to establish a stronger military presence that could prevent another takeover. Although they were traditionally pacifists, the Naboo were weary of the Republic's ability to defend them. They were in search of alternatives than solely relying on Jedi intervention. While having a standing military was against Amidala's innate principles, she was sympathetic to the people's concerns and was understandably conflicted. Ultimately, she would decide what was in Naboo's best interests and hopefully she could convince Parliament to support whichever decision she arrived at. The road ahead was not an easy one.

As Anakin reflected on everything, including his numerous training sessions with Obi-Wan, he could overhear him and Sabé talking about their respective childhoods. He had even noticed Obi-Wan holding her hand for a little while, until the Jedi sensed Anakin's stare causing him to quickly withdraw. Anakin thought that his Master was a bit too tightly wound and needed to have more fun. A flashing on his controls indicated that they were nearing the coordinates that Padmé had provided. This had caught Sabé's attention as she stood up to join Anakin. She smiled warmly as she looked out the viewscreen.

"Are we there yet?" asked an anxious Anakin.

The young handmaiden nodded as she pointed towards the viewer. "There. That's where we heading."

Anakin's eye bulged as he looked to where she pointed. "That's Padmé's house?"

Sabé nodded as the boy quickly disengaged the ship's cloaking field while he initiated the craft's landing cycle. The Naberrie's homestead was located in a small valley, surrounded by rugged mountains. The house itself sat at the bottom of the valley, which was filled with rows and rows of vines. Although Padmé's father had been a Professor at the University of Theed, his passion was maintaining the vines that had been in his family's land for six generations. The whole family had participated in this venture as it helped keep them connected with their world.

As they circled the landing area, four figures stood near the house in eager anticipation. Anakin gently touched Padmé's arm to wake her and she immediately beamed as her eyes took sight of her home. She stretched and yawned briefly before turning her attention towards Anakin. "Why didn't you wake me earlier? We could have talked more."

"You were tired and I didn't want to bother you."

Padmé smiled at her kind friend as she ruffled his growing hair. A few minutes later they set down and the anxious girl Queen ran out from the ship, followed closely behind by Sabé, to hug her family. Taking a cue from Obi-Wan, Anakin held back and the two disembarked together as they walked calmly to join the others.

After hugging and greeting her parents, Padmé turned around to see Anakin nervously fidget while standing next to the young Jedi.

"Come here, Ani,"

The boy obediently responded and walked up next to his friend. "Anakin Skywalker, these are my parents, Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie. Mom, Dad, this is Anakin."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, sir" uttered Anakin as he reached for Ruwee Naberrie's hand.

The gentle man smiled happily at the boy while saying, "The pleasure is all mine, as well as my gratitude for saving my daughter's life."

Anakin thoughtfully replied, "She would have done the same for me."

Ruwee, touched by Anakin's humility and obvious concern for Padmé, smiled and introduced Anakin to his wife, Jobal. She kneeled by Anakin and gave him a tight squeeze. "We are very excited to finally meet you and have you stay with us."

Anakin smiled at her as he saw the love in her eyes that only a mother could have. It reminded him of how his mother looked upon him whenever he had made something for her or done something to ease her daily burdens. At that very moment, he saw the source of Padmé's unending fountain of caring and kindness and he knew he would never be treated as an outsider.

As they all exchanged hugs, Anakin caught a glimpse of Padmé out of the corner of his eye. She was basking in the moment of this long-awaited encounter. She looked positively radiant, especially since she was dressed in a very flattering light blue gown and wasn't wearing any face paint. Once the introductions to Padmé's parents were finished, his eyes shifted to a woman just behind them that looked amazingly like Padmé who was carrying an infant.

Padmé moved over to her sister to carefully embraced her. She then rubbed the sleeping child's back briefly before motioning to Anakin to join her. "Anakin, this is my big sister Sola. Sola this is Anakin."

Sola attempted a polite curtsy, but didn't get too far. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Anakin. Padmé has told us so much about you."

Anakin looked at her and marveled how similar in appearance both sisters were. While Sabé only resembled Padmé, Sola was her spitting image, with of course a few noticeable differences. Sola was about the same height as Padmé, but she had straight hair, was darker complected and was nine years older. For a moment Anakin contemplated that in a few years Padmé would look a lot more like her and that definitely wasn't a bad thought.

Sola smiled proudly when Padmé said, "Ani, I want to introduce you to my new niece, Ryoo. Ryoo this is my best friend Anakin Skywalker."

Anakin grinned happily as he extended his pinky finger to shake the smiling baby's hand causing the two women to giggle softly. While all their attention was focused on little Ryoo, a tall, dark haired man who appeared to be in his late twenties joined them with a proud look on his face. Sola flashed a brief smile at her husband as she said, "Anakin, this is my husband Darred. Darred, this is Anakin."

The young man grinned in spite of himself as he shook the boy's hand. "So you're the one that destroyed that Droid Control ship?" Anakin nodded quickly as Darred added, "Sometime, you are going to have to tell me all about it."

"Of course, sir," Anakin said gleefully.

Padmé then introduced Obi-Wan to her parents. He politely bowed as he said, "Her highness requested that I accompany her and Anakin before I returned to Coruscant. I hope I am not an imposition?"

Ruwee chuckled at the Jedi's over-politeness. "You are definitely not, Master Jedi. We are honored to have another hero of Naboo stay with us. You are always most welcomed here."

Obi-Wan nodded humbly in thanks. Ruwee then turn to face the group. "Please come inside. We have a bountiful feast that is getting cold the longer we stay out here." Anakin grinned at Padmé as she took him by the hand as they led the group inside.


The Naberrie home, while large, was modestly decorated. At the entrance was a large living area that had at the far left corner a holoviewer with several couches that formed a U-shape. On the walls were a mixture of paintings and holoportraits of all the Naberries. To the right of the entrance was a long formal dining room which at the far end connected with the kitchen.

There was a long hallway that extended from the entrance towards the rear of the house. To the immediate right was a small room that Sola was using as a temporary nursery while she and Darred stayed at the house. At the end of the hallway was a large common room from which three other corridors extended from each of the corners towards the Naberrie's individual, as well as several guest rooms.

Anakin smiled as he saw images of Padmé from different times of her life. It was amazing that by simply looking at a few pictures how one could sense that tremendous love that existed amongst the Naberries for one another. Their very home radiated warmth for not only for them, but for all those who were called friends. The boy reminisced how, despite their hovel, his home with his mother back on Tatooine had a similar feel. How I miss her he thought sadly, but tried to reassure himself that they would be reunited soon.

The scene around the table brought back so many wonderful memories prior to Padmé's ascent to the throne. Everyone bantered about everything and anything, just like when she was a child.. Both her parents took to Anakin almost immediately. It was kind of hard not to, at least in her eyes. Her father, especially enjoyed talking to Anakin who was enthralled with learning about life on a vineyard. Ruwee described all the work he did trying to maintain the grapes and it was always family tradition for grape crushing at the time of harvest.

Anakin turned to Padmé excitedly. "Did you work out in the vineyard when you were younger?"

"Of course I did. Many a night I was out with Father making sure that the precious grapes would survive a freeze or bad rainstorm." Padmé reminisced

Suddenly becoming serious, Ruwee asked his daughter, "Is the reconstruction running into as many difficulties as we've heard?"

Sabé, who had been in a quiet discussion with Obi-Wan, overheard Ruwee's question, causing her to shoot a quick glance over at Padmé, who noticeably shrugged. The young Queen nodded in response. "The Trade Federation caused a tremendous amount of damage in a short amount of time. From all the reports I've received, it looks as if they were planning to use the industrial centers in most of our major cities to construct something."

Both Darred and Obi-Wan looked at the young Queen curiously, while Ruwee's face furrowed with obvious concern. "Do you have any idea what they were planning to build?"

Padmé shook her head. "We don't know for certain. We surmise though from the materials they left behind that they were planning to build massive droid factories."

All at the table were notably worried by this revelation. Anakin, who sensed the tension in the room rise, naively asked, "Why is that a bad thing?"

Noticing the already distressed look on Padmé's face, Obi-Wan interjected, "Building up a droid army, Anakin, would suggest that the Trade Federation wanted to use Naboo as a staging area."

Before the boy could ask another question, Sabé added, "With factories in place away from their homeworld, they could use Naboo to launch strikes against other worlds."

"You mean, they wanted to start a war?" Anakin extrapolated."

"Not necessarily, my young Padawan,' Obi-Wan said calmly. "However, for a race that is notoriously cowardly, it was an odd display of resolve."

"So is it possible that they could return?" Jobal asked, terrified at the position her youngest daughter was in.

Padmé sighed and answered, "I hope not. Although with the Jedi watching Neimodia Prime and their leaders up on at least a hundred violations of Republic law, if nothing else, it will keep them busy for awhile." Noticing their escalating trepidation she added, "But with so many eyes on them now, it is highly unlikely they could ever again make such a bold move."

As all eyes were on her, Padmé wished that she had better words of comfort for her family. The part she hated most about her position was how much undue anxiety it caused them. And despite their claims that they understood the risks associated with her station, Padmé knew that it worried them to no end. However, she was raised to perform her duty at whatever the cost and this, unfortunately, was one of them.

Jobal, sensing a need to change the subject, offered a bright smile at Anakin who had already finished his dinner. "Did you enjoy the meal?"

The boy nodded at her vigorously as he tried to gather the remaining crumbs from off his plate.

Picking up on his wife's intentions, Ruwee flashed a quick wink at Padmé before getting Anakin's attention. "Is it true that the Queen presented you with your own ship?"

Anakin grinned proudly as he answered, "Yes sir. It is an amazing ship although I still need to do a lot more repairs on her. Apparently that stinky Sith didn't take care of the hyperdrive or the cloaking device so I will need to find some replacement parts."

Ruwee asked "Well, perhaps sometime during your stay with us, you can take me up in it for a ride." Anakin bursting with excitement looked at Padmé who gave a nod of approval. "So what do you call this grand ship of yours?"

The blond haired boy gave Padmé a huge grin before he responded to her father's question. "I call her the Angel Queen."

The Naberrie patriarch simply smiled at the bright eyed boy knowing that it was named after his daughter. As he reached for another sip of wine, the burly man nearly chuckled aloud as he realized the boyish crush Anakin had on Padmé. As cute as it was, Ruwee found himself appreciative of the former slave from Tatooine who seemed to be a calming influence on his daughter. From her time at the Royal Academy, until recently, Padmé always seemed to unnecessarily isolate herself, which he and his wife had always worried about.

Although the experience of the occupation and liberation from the Trade Federation had a profound impact on her, Ruwee mused it would have been even more difficult had Anakin not be present. That and the simple fact that this child risked his life just a few days ago to save hers, made his arrival that more fortuitous. Maybe in time they would be much more to each other. Ruwee let out an audible sigh as he gazed proudly at his daughter the Queen. Despite being the planet's monarch, Padmé was still his little girl and he was nowhere near ready to see her grow up. At least, not yet.


After second meal, Ruwee and Darred took Obi-Wan and Anakin outside to show them the rear portion of the property. Jobal and Sabé were cackling in the kitchen as they were putting away dishes and cookware. Meanwhile, after Sola put Ryoo down for a nap, she and Padmé decided to go outside to the front for a much needed stroll. The two sisters walked quietly for several minutes before reaching the banks of the small stream that ran through their lands.

"I still don't know how you kept yourself from shooting that blasted Neimoidian in the head" said a very disgruntled Sola.

"Not that I didn't contemplate it, but I still had to show them that we are better than they," retorted the prideful Queen.

"With that and then taking in Anakin, this has been a rough beginning to your reign, baby sister"

Padmé contemplated Sola's words for a moment before responding. "While the task of rebuilding has been difficult, in actuality, having Anakin around has been such a blessing. While I owe him my very life, he's also been here for me, like no friend ever has I can be myself with him and not the exalted Amidala, which I have to do, even with Sabé."

While Sola was shaken by the attempt on her sister's life, she did notice that Padmé's spirits were actually better than they had been even before the occupation. As the two sisters sat by the brook quietly, Anakin, who had become restless with listening to Ruwee and Darred's discussions of galactic politics with Obi-Wan, decided to look for Padmé.

As he approached them, Anakin smiled as he shyly waved. "Hi!"

They both returned his smile as Sola asked, "Ani, what did you think about our home?"

He replied in Dantillian, the language of his mother's people. "Misha, misha. It is quite breathtaking."

"What does misha mean?" Padmé asked curiously.

"It means beautiful," Anakin answered, but began to blush as it was the word he spoke to himself when he thought of her. Not wanting either of them to catch on, the sandy haired boy redirected his attention to the nearby small stream. He was still in awe at the overabundant amount of water on Naboo. Indeed, it still took a degree of self-control not to search for a bucket to scoop it up and save it, much like he did back home.

"I think if you told him to jump in the water right now, he would do it" said a mischievous Sola.

Padmé chortled as she shook her head at her sister. She then flashed a grin at Anakin as he turned around to show off a small worm that he rescued from the water. Now that his embarrassment was properly suppressed, he returned over to where the two sisters sat and plopped himself between the two.

"Padmé tells me that you were from a desert planet. Naboo must seem strange to you."

He nodded as he slightly fidgeted on the ground. "They are so different. Things here are much more beautiful than there," he said with a grin as he caught Padmé's eye briefly. "Nope, can't say I miss Tatooine except for my Mother of course."

Sensing the sadness and worry in his voice, Padmé wrapped her arm around him as she added,

"Hopefully we can get her out of there soon."

Anakin smiled at her and his attention immediately dragged him back towards the water when he saw an unusual turtle-like creature swim near the shore. Alone again, Sola turned to Padmé and concernedly asked "What are you going to do if she wants Anakin to stay on Tatooine?

Padmé was visually disturbed by this suggestion. She had never really contemplated it before because she had always thought that Shmi Skywalker would want the very best for her son and she herself would not want to remain in a place where a return to slavery always loomed.

"After we free her, I'll plead with her to come with us to Naboo, especially since Anakin is the High Protector and can support them both. Plus, if they don't want to stay in the palace, there is the old Senate residence house at the far end of the Palace complex which I could have renovated so they could take up permanent residence there."

Sola became teary eyed at the size of her sister's heart. She smiled at Padmé and told her, "I know I haven't said it often enough, but I am very proud of you and am especially proud to be your sister."

Padmé sighed happily as she embraced the new mother. "That means so much to me." After their warm hug, Sola withdrew from her sister and let out a long yawn. "Tired?"

The young mother nodded as she stretched her back. "Although Darred's been helping out a lot, Ryoo is still quite a handful and I'm afraid that I haven't fully recovered from having her."

"I would imagine not," Padmé said with a glint in her eye. "Why don't you go inside and rest. Besides, I want to show more of the property off to Ani."

Padmé's sister nodded tiredly as she stood up and returned to the house. The young monarch stood up and moved over to the stream where Anakin was still fascinated with the various aquatic life that resided there. "Care to join me for a walk?"

Anakin immediately lost interest in the stream as he stood up to join her. As they walked along the far right side of the Naberrie's land, the sandy haired boy saw a large oak tree stretched grandly on a small hill. Noting his apparent fascination, she pointed at the tree. "That was my special tree when I was growing up." As his smile grew, she added, "Do you want to go see it?"

The boy nodded quickly as they strolled slowly up the grassy knoll. "According to my father, it has been on our land for generations and supposedly even my grandmother used to sit under it whenever she needed to escape from life for awhile." A strange smile crossed her face, almost as if she was recalling something both happy and sad.

"Padmé, what's wrong?"

Her smile grew somewhat as she looked down to see the concern etched on her little friend's face. "I was just thinking about how much I missed my Grandma Winama."

The boy looked at her curiously as he queried, "Tell me about her."

As they reached the tree at the top of the hill, the two youths paused as they took in the scene. The hill overlooked the entire Naberrie vineyard and for as far as the eye could see, rows and rows of vines stretched up and down the land. Anakin never before imagined that such beautiful places existed in the galaxy. Padmé then sat down against the tree and patted the space next to her for Anakin to join.

"My Grandmother was a remarkable woman. She was an advisor to five monarchs and was a full professor of Galactic Politics at the University of Theed." The young woman beamed proudly as she saw her friend listening intently. "Both she and my Grandpa Sarren started the Refugee Relocation Movement here on Naboo, which my father took over after she passed away."

Anakin immediately noted the sadness that had encompassed her beautiful features, as well as the change in her presence through the Force. "You think about her a lot, don't you?"

The young Queen offered him a sad smile as she nodded in affirmation. "I miss them both terribly, but my Grandmother in particular. You see, it was her stories of the Palace and the Queens she served that first inspired me to want to go into political service."

"Really?" asked Anakin.

Padmé nodded slowly as she recalled memories of late evenings on Winama's front porch, dreaming with her Grandmother about what she would do if she were to ever become Naboo's ruler. She wished that the elegant lady had lived long enough to see her coronated as Queen. It was so much simpler in those days, without the responsibilities and weight of all the hopes and dreams of the Naboo on her shoulders. Would Winama have been proud or disappointed in how I handled the Occupation crisis?

Until that moment, the young monarch had not considered this thought. Between the numerous letters she had written to all those who had lost a loved one in service to the crown, as well as avoiding an assassination attempt, Padmé found herself trying to imagine what her Grandmother would have felt. For some reason, her musings left her uneasy. It always seemed, to her at least, that Winama feared very little and would not let anything distract her from doing her duty. Amidala was quite uncertain how to feel. There were still too many lingering doubts in her mind, but she couldn't afford herself the luxury of dining on ashes.

Sensing her inner turmoil, Anakin wished that he could help his friend. He had been quite frightened when he had found her nearly inconsolable in her office several weeks prior and now the same upheaval of emotion was threatening to erupt again. He had to do something. Touching her forearm, the young boy closed his eyes and focused his thoughts into the Force, much like Master Obi-Wan had taught him. Within moments he could see the swirling tides of the Force in his mind as he concentrated his attention on Padmé's signature.

The aura of the Force around her was much dimmer than he had seen that day in the hangar. Anakin reasoned that this was due to the sadness that she had continued to carry. Uncertain of what to do next, the boy sent thoughts of warmth and friendship towards her essence, which immediately brightened her signature. Although the more he focused, he felt fatigue trying to draw him out of his meditative state. However, set on making his friend feel better, he continued on. The more of his feelings that he sent to her, the stronger and more brilliant Padmé's life force seem to grow. Finally, unable to hold the moment, Anakin allowed unconsciousness to seize him as he slumped effortless against the ground.

Padmé smiled at the thoughtful touch of her little friend. He seemed to always know when she needed comforting. As he continued to touch her arm, the young Queen felt a calming warmth spilling from him that coursed its way throughout her entire body. Padmé instantly relaxed and closed her eyelids as she felt like she was being wrapped in a soft, warm blanket. The sensation of weightlessness traversed her petite frame as all the burdens and grief that had encumbered her were slowly being plucked away.

The ruler of Naboo once again experienced the carefree feelings of a child, without the yoke of duty bearing down on her shoulders. Imagines of fun filled summers at Varykino, sitting under her tree dreaming and spending time with Winama and Sola filled her thoughts as the rest of the world disappeared. As wonderful this sensation, Padmé felt the urge to sleep tugging at the edges of her conscious mind. Still basking in this newfound peace, the girl Queen succumbed to unconsciousness; however, as she feel asleep to the world, something that had been in perfect hibernation was suddenly stirred awake.

TBC-Reviews and comments are always appreciated :)