Disclaimer: This story includes excerpts of the movie Star Wars. The characters and idea of Star Wars is property of George Lucas. I'm borrowing the characters as respectfully as possible, simply to entertain myself and anyone willing to read this fanfiction.
AN; My dearest readers. At first I wanted to torture you a little by posting this chapter after I got back from my vacation. But a few desperate cries have persuaded me to post it before I leave. I will, however, now expect an enormous amount of reviews when I get back! My dear Vee, do not fear, Ani/Ami land holds no allure for me, I will remain a loyal Obidala fan and writer, of that you can be sure! Enjoy this chapter, it isn't the real revelations everyone apparantly is looking and waiting for, but it is leading up to it! Soon, my dear readers, soon...

Peace of Heart

Reunion

Briskly Padme was walking down the corridor of the Senate building towards their appointment with Chancellor Palpatine. The other members of the Loyalist Committee were walking next to, trying to keep up with the young Senator. It hadn't been long since she stepped down as Queen of Naboo, and donned the role of Senator for her home. All the politics she had been trained in now flourished as she entered an arena she had always wanted to be in, the Galactic Senate.

In this newly formed committee were a few Senators who were strongly opposed to the formation of an Army of the Republic. She had been the first to show her support to this cause, and was pleased when a handful of Senators followed her. It pleased her greatly that Bail Organa, the ruler of Alderaan, followed her lead. She respected the man immensely, and they found themselves often sharing the same opinion on matters in the Senate.

Jar Jar Binks was stumbling along behind her. After the battle for their home nearly ten years ago he had stayed at her side as her Gungan representative. He had told her his lifedebt to Qui-gon was technically fulfilled when the jedi master died, but he knew the man would have wanted him to continue serving her instead. She had accepted, touched by his candid offering of friendship. He wasn't the smartest creature, but his loyalty made up for it.

They reached the secretary of the Chancellor, a Rodian by the name of Dar Wac. Clearing her throat she announced themselves.

"I am Senator Amidala. Please inform the Chancellor that the Loyalist Committee is here to see him."

Although he had seen her a couple of times Padme thought it polite to introduce her. Manners had been a big part of her life, and she found it a trade not many people wanted to uphold any more. A shame, she thought.

The Rodian opened a holo-channel to the office of Chancellor Palpatine. Receiving confirmation that they could enter Padme quickly walked up to the door. She was anxious get things started. The reason why she was here weighed heavily on her. That weight had doubled with feelings of guilt over the death of her handmaiden, Cordé. In her mind she knew that none of it was her fault, but her heart just couldn't forget the light disappearing from Cordé's eyes. She rarely focused on that moment in an attempt to put it behind her, because every time she did think about it she would burst into tears. And now was no time for a Senator to show weakness. So she shut it behind tight walls in her mind, and focused on the more pressing matters at hand.

From a side corridor Mas Amedda walked up to them and together the entered the office. She paid little attention to the Vice Chairmen of the Senate. In all honesty she didn't particularly like him all that much. She suspecting him of bribery, but he was careful enough not to leave any trails. He had served under Chancellor Valorum, and now under Palpatine. Usually a change like that caused a completely new staff, but somehow he had maintained his position. Stepping over the threshold of the door she quickly turned her thoughts to the present. She could see several jedi masters sitting in front of Palpatine's desk. She easily recognized the master currently walking towards her. His height, color and appearance were not easily forgotten.

"Senator Amidala."

She looked at the small jedi master before her. Because he was standing up the steps she didn't have to look down as much as usual. She smiled kindly to him.

"Your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible."

His words of sympathy quickly evoked feelings of sadness and guilt, but she clamped them down.

"Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart."

She was comforted that the great master Yoda was glad she was unharmed. It had always been her policy to make friends wherever she could, and she counted the jedi master as a valuable friend. Seeing an opportunity for some clarification she addressed him about the attack.

"Do you have any idea who is behind this attack?"

"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo."

The deep voice of master Mace Windu brought her the answer she sought, but it didn't feel right to her.

"I think Count Dooku is behind it," she said.

"He is a political idealist, not a murderer," master Ki-Adi-Mundi interjected.

"You know, milady, Count Dooku was once a jedi," Mace Windu added, "He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character."

She looked intently at Mace, absorbing the information he had just provided. Dooku was an ex-jedi? So how come he was so certain Dooku wouldn't kill anyone, especially if he left the jedi order.

"But for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are."

That was the only assessment she could agree upon.

"Master jedi?"

Palpatine's voice interrupted them all and drew immediate attention. He was standing near the window, looking out into the busy interior of Coruscant.

"May I suggest the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces?"

For a moment Padme couldn't believe Palpatine's words. She was to be placed under the protection of the jedi Order? She had her own protection, she didn't need some babysitter, even if it was one of the best warriors in the galaxy. They were needed elsewhere and she would not allow a jedi to be out of commission just to stay at her side.

"You really think that's a wise decision under these stressful times?"

Bail stepped forward and voiced his opinion. Padme heard it but had her own answer ready to respond.

"Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe the situation—"

But Palpatine cut her off, drowning out her last words.

"The situation is that serious." He turned fully and walked towards them. "No, but I do, Senator. I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but…perhaps someone you are familiar with? An old friend, like…Master Kenobi."

The instant he said the jedi's name something sparked inside her. A flash of heat exploded in her heart, and she had the distinct feeling of remembrance. But no memory formed in her mind. A little confused she quickly pushed aside the feeling when master Windu spoke up.

"That's possible," Mace responded, "He's just returned from a border dispute on Antion."

'That's all fine and well, but I still oppose to a jedi acting as my bodyguard.' She was about to raise her voice in protest again when Palpatine spoke.

"Do it for me, milady, please. The thought of losing you…is unbearable."

She looked the Chancellor directly in the eye. She could see he was determined to have her under the protection of the jedi. She thought she could see compassion in his eyes, but the dull color made it hard for anything to appear tangible. Realizing there was no way she could deny his request she acquiesced. Biting her tongue she listened to Mace as he spoke to her.

"I'll have Obi-wan report to you immediately, milady."

Holding back a sigh she bowed her head slightly at the courteous bow he gave her. "Thank you, master Windu."

The jedi left the room. Master Yoda was last to step out the door, and at exactly the same time she and he looked back over their shoulders. They shared a glance, before he turned and slowly walked away. She wasn't sure what his eyes had held during their brief encounter, but a small shiver ran down her spine. Something told her this was not going to be a simple deal. Then Bail proceeded and she was drawn back into the world of politics again.

- ∞ -

"Yes, master Windu. I understand. We will do as the council requests of us."

Obi-wan switched off the comlink. He picked up his brown outer cloak that was lying on the coach. Shrugging it on he called out to his apprentice.

"Anakin? We just received a new assignment, we will be leaving immediately."

When he had gotten no reply he tried again.

"Anakin! Did you hear me?"

Out of the door to his room Anakin appeared, dressed in a plain shirt with grease marks all over it. Inwardly Obi-wan sighed.

"Anakin, why you continue to tinker with those droid parts you keep I will never know."

His apprentice smiled, if a bit on the cheeky side. "It's called a hobby, master. Maybe you should have one too."

'Like I'd have time for that. My carefree padawan days are over…'

"Yes, well, hobby or not, we have no time for it. The council is sending us on a new assignment."

Anakin almost did a little happy dance. "Where are we going, master?"

For a split second Obi-wan hesitated telling his padawan about their assignment, or to even take him along. Padme's name had been mentioned many times in their stay together. When Anakin was a mere boy he missed Padme as his friend, one of the very few he had back then. Slowly over the years Obi-wan had tried to filter Padme out of Anakin's thought, for the boy's sake as well as his. It had worked, to a certain degree. He didn't hear much from Anakin about her any more, but he had a lingering suspicion she was still very much present in his thoughts.

But then again, she has been in mine, he sadly thought. When they had returned to Coruscant after the battle on Naboo it had taken him months of meditation to dull the pain in his heart to a soft ache he could ignore. Like he had known and feared his new position as knight and master to Anakin left him with no room for anything else. In some way it justified what he had done to Padme all those years ago, but unfortunately his heart wouldn't let him forget or forgive. When master Windu informed him they were going to guard her while she was here his insides froze and his heart dropped down to his ankles. He knew he could not refuse the council's request, but felt incredibly uneasy about them meeting again after almost ten years. But again his responsibilities won out over his personal troubles and he accepted the mission. And he would take his padawan with him. 'Force help me…'

"We are going to the Fennuc Apartment complex. We will be acting as Senator Amidala's bodyguards for the duration of her stay here."

"Senator…Amidala?" Anakin said, almost in a whisper.

'There we go…'

"Yes, Anakin. Senator Amidala, representative of Naboo in the Galactic Senate, currently present on Coruscant to vote on the formation of an Army of the Republic. Haven't you been keeping up with current affairs like I said you should?"

He knew the slight reprimand would fall on deaf ears but still felt disappointed as Anakin rushed to his room. He calmly walked to the table, picking up his timepiece. As he stuffed in the second pocket to the right of his utility belt a memory surfaced. He could remember clearly when this timepiece was handled by someone besides him. And as always the memory evoked both pleasant and sad feelings. Closing his eyes for a moment to clear his mind Obi-wan called out to his padawan.

"I'm leaving in three minutes, Anakin. No need to rush, just hurry up!"

- ∞ -

Although Obi-wan was feeling uneasy himself he couldn't help but make fun of his padawan a little in the elevator ride up. He smiled when Anakin tried to correct him about their encounter with the Gundarks. Not as if there's any way to make me forget how you got us into trouble with that one, Obi-wan thought.

When they finally arrived they were greeted by a very enthusiastic Jar Jar. Obi-wan kindly greeted the creature. He had not missed the clumsy Gungan in particular, but it was nice to see him again. With an internal smile he realized Qui-gon had left a little of himself behind in his apprentice. Obi-wan decided it was a good thing.

Jar Jar proceeded them into the room and called out to Amidala. Obi-wan had already sensed her signature in the Force the moment they had stepped off the elevator, but seeing her in the flesh made his heart skip a beat. She had grown from a young child into a beautiful woman. Even from a distance it was immediately clear to him. When she moved closer to them her fiery spirit, one he remembered very clearly, shone through her soulful brown eyes. He quickly forced all his emotions behind thick mental walls. He bowed low before her. His feelings of unease had vanished and he could not have meant his words more sincerely.

"It's a great pleasure to see you again, milady."

- ∞ -

Somewhat lost in thought Padme stared off into the distance, not really seeing the ever-busy Coruscant traffic. Any minute now her jedi protector would be here. Obi-wan Kenobi. Ever since the Chancellor had said his name she had been thinking about him. At first her memories had been a little hazy, which was unusual for her. She could normally remember things very clearly and felt a little frustrated because of it. So she had stayed awake for a large part of the night, trying to remember everything about Obi-wan Kenobi. Eventually memories started to re-emerge. How he and his master had dropped down from a walkway to free them from the droids escorting them to one of the prisoner camps. Their conversation on the ship heading towards Tatooine. Their late night bump in on their way back to Coruscant. She could remember everything up till their battle to reclaim her homeworld. After that everything became fuzzy again, and the memories slipped through her fingers like water.

One thing that kept popping up in her memories was a feeling of warmth. Even now when she closed her eyes she could remember that feeling. It was a warmth that spread through her entire body. It soothed her, bringing a peace and calm to her she had never felt before. It wasn't a warmth that would heat up the skin. No, it came from the very centre of her, like the core of a sun. Trouble was she just couldn't remember what it meant or where it came from. She was sure it was something important. But how, and why?

Behind her Jar Jar could be clearly heard greeting his old friend. A little jealousy shot through her. At least he can remember everything, she thought. Quickly she pushed such feelings aside. She did remember jedi could read emotions and she wanted to be nothing more then grateful and courteous to them. Confident her thoughts were nothing but positive she turned and faced her visitor.

Visitors, plural, it turned out. Before her stood two very handsome men, and she took a moment to quickly log their appearances into her memory. Behind Jar Jar stood a young man, somewhere in his late teens. He had a very attractive face and haunting eyes. Although he seemed a bit lanky she could see he had a strong body. Right off the bat she knew one or more of her handmaidens were going to be smitten by him. And why not, she thought. He looked like a nice bad boy in that leather outfit…

Then she turned her attention to the second man. The first thing that struck her was how different he was from the other. He wasn't as tall but still towered over her, like so many men. His built was somewhat obscured by his attire, but he exuded an air of quiet power. Fleetingly she wondered how he would look without the robes. He sported a beard, but it was neatly trimmed. He was definitely the more mature of the two. Whereas the first looked like a bad boy, he looked more like the dashing rogue out of an old pirate holomovie.

'So this is how Obi-wan turned out.'

When her mind made the connection between the padawan she met ten years ago and the jedi master before her now she smiled warmly. She saw him bow, a sign of respect and manners she didn't often receive now that she was no longer a queen.

"It's a great pleasure to see you again, milady."

Admiring his show of respect she reached out and took his offered hand. His hand was warm, the calloused fingers gently holding hers. He did not squeeze her hand but formed his hand into a sort of cradle in which she could let her hand rest comfortably. She looked him in the eyes and was surprised by the intensity of their blue color.

"It has been far too long, master Kenobi."

And of that she was sure.

- ∞ -

"Shesa happy. Happier then mesa seeing her in a long long time."

Obi-wan overheard some of his padawan's words and they disturbed him. As he feared Anakin had not forgotten about Padme, and this encounter only brought them to the front again. 'If I'm not careful this could become something very disruptive in his training.'

"You're focusing on the negative, Anakin, be mindful of your thoughts."

Then he thought back to the moment they had first seen each other again since their goodbye on Naboo. To soften his lecture he shared his observation with his apprentice.

"She was pleased to see us."

At his words Anakin brightened up a bit, but it wasn't much.

"Now, let's check the security."

He and Anakin spend an hour checking the security set up by Captain Typho. Everything seemed to be in order. Obi-wan met with Typho and made some agreements about their presence here. He wanted to assure him they were not here to take everything out of his hands. Typho thanked him for his thoughtfulness, and made it quite clear he was very pleased to have them as the senator's protectors.

When they returned to the apartment Obi-wan pulled off his outer cloak and draped it over one of the couches. It was going to be a long evening and he wanted to be prepared for the long haul. After taking a few moments to instruct R2D2 how to keep guard in Padme's room he settled himself on the couch folding his legs into his usual meditation pose. With a few deep breaths he settled into a light meditation, before he would delve into a deep phase. Unlike his old master Obi-wan always focused more on the Unifying Force during his meditations. Master Yoda had encouraged him to do so. It required absolute silence because the Unifying Force was far more quiet then the Living Force. Obi-wan had taught himself to relax and be silent as to hear the soft whispers of the Unifying Force. And by doing so he had reached a type of meditation that provided him with peace and calmness, giving him relaxation of mind and body. He was about to enter deeper into his meditation when his comlink bleeped. Not moving out of his pose he reached to his belt and picked up the comlink.

"Kenobi"

"Obi-wan"

The instant he heard Mace Windu's voice Obi-wan brought himself out of his meditation. Matter of the council would always get his undivided attention.

"Master Windu." He instilled the respect he had for the council and for the master in question into his voice.

"I'm afraid I have some bad news for you, Obi-wan. Just moments ago we received word that a political dissident on Antion is trying to get your agreement discarded. We are sending another knight to settle this new development."

"Who are you sending, master? Perhaps I should return?"

"No, Obi-wan, your assignment is to protect Senator Amidala. However, we need all of your notes and report to give Master Gasian the information he will need to settle this dispute peacefully."

'Blast! I didn't have time yet to make my report."

"Master Windu, I—"

"I know, Obi-wan," Mace cut him off, "you never had the time to make your report. I realize that, we immediately reassigned you after Antion so no excuse is necessary."

"Then how can I help?"

"Send your padawan back to the temple. He also needs to make his report and we want him to personally brief Master Gasian and his padawan. Give Anakin your notes and send him here as quickly as possible."

Obi-wan felt he was failing his duty in some weird way, but he realized there was no other choice. Someone had to protect Padme, and he didn't believe his padawan was free of emotions enough to do this.

"Yes, master, he will be there shortly."

He shut off the comlink and took a deep breath. It was his sincere hope his padawan wouldn't try and object to him again, for he had a feeling Anakin was not going to like this.

"Anakin?"

- ∞ -

With a violent thud Anakin punched the pad to summon the elevator with the side of his hand. Impatiently he waited for the doors to open. Inside he was fuming.

'Why me! And why now! It's not fair that I have to leave and inform master Gasian of our findings on Antion, it should be Obi-wan! He knows all about it, why can't he do it?'

Finally the elevator arrived and Anakin stepped in. When he reached the parking level he quickly located their speeder and plunged himself into the Coruscant traffic. The speedometer indicated he was accelerating to far above regulated speeds. But he didn't care. The sooner he could finish this stupid assignment the sooner he could return to Padme. Because with her was the only place he wanted and needed to be right now. The council has no right to keep me away from her, he thought. She was the only beacon of light in his life…

- ∞ -

Obi-wan sat back down on the couch. Tiredly he placed his elbows on his knees and dropped his face into his hands. As he had feared Anakin had almost exploded into his face. Although his padawan had shown little on the outside Obi-wan could feel his insides were churning with frustration and injustice. It sadly confirmed to him that Anakin wasn't nearly as ready to be a knight as he once thought. Obi-wan sighed. Maybe next year he can face the trials… He stood up and ran a hand through his hair. He was filled with frustrations and worries himself, and they would not help him guards Padme properly. What he needed was a way to relax, to get his focus back. A small smile formed on his lips. Determined he walked to the kitchen.

- ∞ -

Bidding goodnight to Dorme and R2D2 Padme settled herself for the night. She was wearing one of her new nightdresses. It was made of blue Janarian silk and it felt like cool water against her skin. She was grateful for that because the nights here on Coruscant were slightly more sultry then on Naboo. Because of Captain Typho's security precautions she couldn't open a window and let the night air in, so she was grateful for anything that could ease the heat a little.

Lying with he head on the pillow she stared up at the ceiling. Slowly she let the events of today replay in her mind. She still thought Chancellor Palpatine was overreacting, but her jedi protectors were here now and she would accept them. Obi-wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. How different two men can be, she sighed. It was fairly obvious they had been through a great deal together, and Obi-wan had certainly grown into the role of master. Strangely enough she could easily recognize the Obi-wan she knew in the Obi-wan she had met again today. His presence had been familiar, like that of a dear friend. She had a feeling they would be good friends even though they had been separated for nearly ten years.

Of Anakin she wasn't so sure. In her mind he was still the little boy they had rescued on Tatooine, with the enthusiastic spirit and boyish charms. But the young man that had been introduced to her today, padawan Skywalker, had been nothing like that little boy. She could still feel a little unease settle in her stomach when she thought of the look in his eyes. It had been…a bit overwhelming. She couldn't exactly place her finger on it, but something had made her look away.

Slowly letting the entire conversation pass the revue she dozed off. In mere minutes she was sound asleep. R2 conducted his scans as quietly as possible, using the lowest level of light he could. Little time passed before Padme started dreaming. She felt like she was floating in water, yet she could breath easily. Everything was muted around her and the surroundings were colored the midnight blue the deep waters of Naboo are. From the distance came small orbs of light. They drifted slowly towards her. She focused what energy she had on bringing them closer and slowly they came into reach. With her right hand she touched one of the orbs. Instantly she was filled with a memory she had forgotten. It was of her and Obi-wan, standing next to each other during Qui-gon's funeral. Although their hands weren't touching she could feel the warmth of his presence. There was much sadness in the air, but his was almost palpable to her. She wanted to reach out and touch him, assure him that he was going to be alright.

In a flash the memory passed and the orb floated away from her. But Padme could clearly keep the memory with her, adding it to her own collection. She realized these orbs were lost memories and she was eager to collect them all. Suddenly the orbs started spinning around her, like sharks circling their prey. She tried to grab one of them but they floated just out of reach. The orbs accelerated and became a streak of light forming a ring around her. Just when Padme thought it might disappear it contracted and engulfed her. In a split second all the memories bombarded her mind and settle back into her memory. All the things she couldn't remember after the battle came to her in an instant, letting her relive those moments. She was standing outside the room listening to Obi-wan and Yoda. The datapad telling her her uncle, aunt and two nieces were dead. Obi-wan's strong presence embracing her as she sought his warmth for consolation. Their intimate moments in each other's embrace, telling about their grief. The storm in his eyes when she touched his lips. The embarrassment and excitement she felt when Sabé had walked in. The pain she had felt when he avoided her before he left. The moment they said goodbye…

A sharp cold followed by that same amazing feeling of warmth she remembered flowed through her. It was like a blindfold had dropped from her eyes and she could see everything clear again. Obi-wan grabbing her wrist when she was about to leave, hugging her tight to him. His hands on her waist and the back of her neck holding her to him. The tears she had refused to let fall stinging her eyes. The warmth of his palm on her cheek, his glittering eyes piercing her sadness and soul. Softly the words he had spoken drifted back to her.

'You will remain queen…you will forget about me…'

With a gasp she woke from her dream. She was sitting upright, panting heavily with a light sheen of sweat all over her body. R2 instantly came to life and asked her if she was alright. But Padme never answered the droid. In a second she was up and practically flying to the door of her bedroom. There was someone she needed to have a word with right this instant, and this time he would not get out of it.

- ∞ -