A/N:Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May the Force be with you!

He couldn't quite make out what they were saying.

His body felt tired…and his mind drifted. The meals were enough to satisfy his aching joints and the Force supplied the rest of the healing. No matter much his master's presence demanded meditation through their training-bond; it did little to soothe his weakened state. He admired and looked up to the large man with much acceptance, and often wondered—especially now—if there was something missing. A single word, an unheard thought, or even an unspoken feeling. Something tugged at the helpless young man and it troubled him.

That is…until she entered the room. Stood close enough for him to almost touch. Suddenly his strength increased and he breathed easy; the Force surrounded his weakened form and almost overwhelmed him with the support and comfort desired for healing. She was his strength, his piece of mind, the air in his lungs…and company most asked for. While he slumbered he became more increasingly alert to the feelings that grew within. An attraction was being formed that embarrassed and excited the ecstatic Padawan. He understood perfectly well the consequences to such forbidden attachments and lingering feelings.

He couldn't help it. It was as if he could almost anticipate her moves and determine her thoughts through body language or a single expression. He trusted the will of the Force, and in return was granted peaceful solitude.

Love is forbidden amongst Jedi.

But would love be forbidden between people who served different masters?

Handmaiden Padmé Naberrie was a servant to Her Highness the Queen; Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi was an apprentice to Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn.

Were there any differences? Were there any similarities? He could name so many and yet mention so few.

Did he just connect with her through a bond of service? Is that all he thought of the both of them—as servants to a higher cause? He knew full well that one day he would undergo the Trials and become a full fledged Jedi Knight, but what of Padmé? Would she forever dwell under the servitude of Nubian rule?

Whatever her decision, he hoped and prayed he would still be a part of her life.

It was early morning and Padmé was still a bit tired.

Handmaiden Yané arrived early to drop off the medical supplies to help the healing Padawan aboard the stranded ship. Handmaiden Padmé was both grateful and happy to see her friend again…but not so pleased when further news was brought to her attention. Yané called for a special meeting with the Queen and her subjects from a holographic image of Master Jinn.

"Are you sure about this?" Padmé asked, bewildered. "Trusting our fate to a boy you hardly know?"

Master Jinn went on to explaining the events that were to be taken place in a few hours. None of the handmaidens knew why exactly he chose to stay behind instead of being present to talk to the Queen directly…but when he spoke of a "Podrace" and the importance of testing a dangerous vehicle before an important event, Padmé felt a bit offended. His Padawan was not doing so well and needed his master's guidance—and yet he chose to stay behind and check on the status of a flying death machine! How absurd!

The Queen however seemed to have faith in the Jedi Master's judgment and did not speak a word of protest. Even the other handmaidens seemed content with the dangerous decision.

Meeting adjourned, Handmaiden Yané gave Padmé a small chip. "Master Jinn wanted to give this to his Padawan."

"What is it?"

"A chance for him to watch the upcoming Podrace. He felt a bit of excitement might do him some good."

Padmé sighed and hugged her friend goodbye. She watched her fellow 'maiden disappear into the depths of the sunrise and went back inside the ship. She relayed the meeting to Obi-Wan once he had awakened and was fed a hearty breakfast, in which he listened to her contently and allowed her to voice her thoughts on the present situation while he ate. Padmé never felt so much better after venting her feelings.

Nor did she ever feel so comfortable.

"A Podrace?"

"Yes. That's what Master Jinn said."

Obi-Wan contemplated. "You feel you need to be there."

His statement surprised her. "What?"

He swallowed his food. "You feel you need to be there," he repeated. "Things do not seem right and you feel you need to offer more support; to be present during the Podrace."

"That's absurd—"

"But it's also true."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think you do."

"Why do you think I would go?"

"Because you don't trust him."

"I do!"

"Then what's the problem?"

"He sometimes approaches things a bit recklessly—"

"Is that you're personal opinion?"

"It's what Yané told us."

"Do you believe her?"

"She's my friend. But she admires him greatly."

"Then why do you pass judgment if you haven't been around him?"

Pause. "Are you teasing me?"

Shrug. "You're not telling me the truth."

"About your master?"

"About why you really don't want to go. Even though I sense you do."

Padmé never felt so lost or frustrated with anyone before. Yet she could bring herself to lie to him. Not now.

"Because I don't want to leave you alone."