Note:

I do not own StarWars, all belongs to George Lucas!

I am just using his brilliance to further my own imagination.

I am writing for my own enjoyment, but I hope you might find some as well.


She was relieved to see Yané and Saché back at Padmé's side and shared stolen embraces before giving her full report. They helped her change before changing themselves into bright yellow cloaks. They followed her highness down to the courtyard to greet the Senator and to escort the Viceroy to the authorities. She saw Obi-Wan escorting the Viceroy, a blank canvas placed back over his face, moving to greet the Senator. A very brief exchange occurred before the Senator was headed their way. She signed inwardly, her exhaustion to great for this exchange. She was desperately thankful for being a mere handmaiden again, her hood covering her intense stare in the senator's direction.

The senator was smiling all too broadly, and bowed in greeting to the Queen.

"Congratulations on your election, chancellor." Well that explained his face, she thought.

"Your boldness has saved our people, your majesty. It's you who should be congratulated. Together we shall bring peace and prosperity to the republic." The way he congratulated her did not sit well with Sabé. She could still feel something off about him, his face hiding behind a mask. After a final dismissal from the Queen, Sabé went in search for the young Jedi. She was informed he was meeting with the Jedi council and waited anxiously outside the room. She could see some of his sadness still hanging in the air around him, but his features were back to their controlled state, as he had always been.

"Is everything alright?" She asked tentatively. She did not want to invade his privacy, hopeful to be reassuring.

"Yes. They have granted me my knighthood. And permission to train the boy, as my master wished."

She looked to him in silence. That all seemed very quick after experiencing the death of someone so close to him.

"Did you love him?" Her voice barely above a whisper.

"Jedi are not to form attachments." He stated, very matter of factly. But his eyes betrayed him and he sighed.

"We were very close, he was like a father to me. I am doing my best to deal with this loss, but I fear hours of mediation are before me if I am to let him go."

"I do not pretend to understand the way of the Jedi, Obi-Wan. But know our hearts go with you and we all wish to ease your pain."

He nodded in appreciation. Feeling the need to change subjects for him, Sabé began to speak again.

"Does that mean you will finally be rid of your ridiculous hair style." His eyes shot up at her in mock horror "Do not tell me Obi-Wan that you find that small pony tail attractive or practical. I can only imagine that braid wrapping around your neck in your sleep, threatening to choke you."

"It has happened from time to time." He affirmed, a smirk making its way across his face. It quickly disappeared at the thought of his braid. "It is a tradition for the master to cut off his padawan's braid and many times they keep it." He said solemnly.

"I don't mean to over step Obi-Wan, but… would you like me to cut it for you?" He looked at her thoughtfully for some time. She realized this may have been much to personal for him and went to retract her offer before his words stopped her.

"I would appreciate your help. Thank you Sabé."

She led him to her handmaiden's quarters, finding her scissors and placing him on a chair out on the balcony. She hoped the calm view might bring peace to his spirit.

"Do you want me to cut this pony tail as well?" She asked. He only nodded in reply. The silence stretched before them. She had hoped he might feel comfortable enough to talk through some of his emotions with her, but did not want to push him. She took her first cut of his hair, the whole braid gone in one motion. She laid out her hand to catch it, passing it over to him. As always, he could feel her questions in the air. He began explaining each different color along his braid to her, continuing through different traditions and different missions he earned them on. His explanations turned to stories of him and Qui-Gon and she listened quietly as she finished evening out the back of his hair. He would choke up from time to time, but she felt him relax the more he talked. She had been finished for quite some time, sitting down next to him as he spoke. It was only as the sun finished setting that he stopped, his eyes turning towards hers.

"Thank you Sabé. You have good ears."

"I grew them myself, you know." Small smiles graced both their features. "What will you do with your braid?" She asked quietly. She would hate for something of such meaning to be tossed aside.

"I do not know. It is almost more painful to keep it, as it should be with my Master."

She slowly reached for the braid in his outstretched palm. "Then I shall keep it for you, until you might decide otherwise." He clasped the hand reaching for his, braid between their hands. Unspoken word and bond passed between them. Sabé slowly released his hand, careful to keep the braid in her grasp.

"Will you be here for the celebration tomorrow?" Her concern was evident in her voice.

Obi-Wan suddenly realized her voice was much different now. It was no longer the voice of the queen. This voice was full of emotion, concern and held a rich Naboo accent. It was soft and hushed as she spoke to him. He had been so absorbed in his own pain; he had not realized she no longer wore the white make up or bright red lips either. Instead her brown eyes shown from pale skin and her pink lips formed into a concerned frown. She looked much younger here, but he knew better than to underestimate her again.

"The Jedi council will be staying for it. I am expected to attend."

"I shall be there if you need an escape." She offered. He nodded his thanks to her before excusing himself to his own quarters to prepare for the funeral. Sabé watched his retreating back with a heavy sigh. They had formed an odd friendship, as one might when they face danger together. She was glad she might have been of some assistance, as he had been to her. She could not imagine the pain he must be feeling. Having left her family years ago, she had no real connection to them, as he did with his master. But she assumed this might be what it was like if she were to lose Padmé. The very thought sent shivers down her spine. It became even more disconcerting as she realized what he had said about attachment. The Jedi were to have full control of their emotions. To not be allowed grief would make matters even harder than they already were. Her heart truly did go out to him. No one deserved such pain. She moved to her bedside table and opened an ornately crafted box, placing his padawan braid inside. She readied herself for the funeral and made her way to the Queen's quarters. She was dressed in a deep blue cloak and pulled it far over her face in mourning.


She watched Obi-Wan's back for most of the service, eyebrows rising when they lit the pyre on fire. The stench of burnt flesh filled the air and she felt she might be sick. This is the lesson of war: for every victory there is a loss. For everything given, it takes away. Her gaze turned to Anakin beside Obi-Wan. Such a young boy to have been flown from home just to witness the death of his savior. She wished she could comfort them in that moment, but could not while in her line of duty. She hoped they could feel her thoughts and condolences to them.

When Sabé returned to her room she walked back out to the balcony, already knowing sleep would most likely evade her again. Instead of lying down as she should, she grabbed her hallikset and began playing her favorite Naboo lullaby. A few rooms below, Obi-Wan drifted to sleep with the gentle notes.


The celebration the next day began with the grandest parade Sabé had ever seen. She was dressed in her gray formal robes, standing behind the newly knighted Jedi and his new padawan, Anakin already sporting a new braid and ponytail. While she could only see a part of his face, she could tell Obi-Wan was holding it together better today, and she was hopeful this evening would not be too torturous for him. She glanced to her left at Padmé. She was a vision of beauty. Her white gown sparkled in the sun. She could think of nothing else but pride and admiration for her friend. She hoped against all hope that the rest of her terms would be filled with peace, the peace they had earned. Her thoughts were echoed by the booming voice of Boss Nass.

"Peace!"

As the parade ended, the celebration party was led into one of the vast garden courtyards of the Naboo. There was lively music, grand varieties of different foods, and entertainers. The sight was one to behold, but Sabé found her eyes settling on something that starkly contrasted their atmosphere. Forever the staunch Jedi, Obi-Wan stood straight, face impassive as his eyes roamed over the room. After fallowing Padmé to her necessary acquaintances, she excused herself momentarily from her presence. Her eyes still locked on Obi-Wan, she made her way to him through the crowd.

"My good sir, Obi-Wan, you must certainly be the life of the party wherever you go." She teased him light heartedly.

"I am afraid only when in the presence of good company, milday."

"And here I thought we might have even become friends." He smiled back at her.

"Of course, milday."

In that moment, several politicians had made their way over to them. They began praising the Jedi for his bravery and asking many questions, too many of them too personal. Sensing his distress, despite his diplomatic responses, Sabé quite suddenly fell over. Everyone around her turned to see if she was all right.

"My, I just suddenly felt light headed. Master Jedi might you escort me for some fresh air. I am afraid with the recent events I am still nervous on my own." Obi-Wan swiftly held her up and began to escort her past the courtyard, apologizing to the senators as he went. He really hoped she was all right, his concern growing with her silence. Just as he went to ask her how she was feeling, she broke into a fit of laughter. Her laughter stilled at his confused expression.

"Oh come on Obi-Wan, I am not that good of an actress." A lovely smirk had crossed over her face, and Obi-Wan decided it suited her quite well.

"The performance of a lifetime, milady. I hope it will one day reach the rest of the galaxy."

She chuckled at him. "You just looked like you needed a rescue."

They continued their walk in silence. She showed him some of her favorite waterfalls and hidden spots to read. Naboo was truly beautiful and it was the perfect evening, just as it was before the invasion. She knew there was still much to be done to recover, but their people were strong. She began to loop them back to the celebration, knowing Padmé would be looking for her soon. The bright lights of the courtyard had just come into view when she paused.

"Obi-Wan. Do you think we will meet again?" She asked quietly.

"If the force wills it." Forever diplomatic.

"Forgive me for being forward, but I hope you shall write. I am determined to beat you in Sabacc again. I cannot leave us at a tie."

"I look forward to our inevitable rematch. I cannot guarantee much in the way of contact, but I shall try." She accepted this response, leading their way back into the party. She had only just begun talking with Padmé, when she saw the Jedi take their leave. One last glance at Obi-Wan conveyed his goodbye and she again wondered if they would see each other again.