The Jedi Temple

Coruscant

The Jedi Halls of Healing within the Temple on Coruscant were truly beautiful. Immediately after their arrival on Coruscant, Padme had been sent into the Jedi's medical care at the behest of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Normally, the exceptional potencies of Jedi healing were reserved only for its members and students. However, the Chancellor had insisted that considering the extreme circumstances and her close involvement in the Battle of Geonosis, the Senator of Naboo should be treated by the Jedi; not only to guarantee her safety but also to insure that the true extents of the gravity of what had occurred on Geonosis was kept quiet. News that a prominent Senator of the Republic had been either involved or injured in the conflict could arguably cause immeasurable trouble in the Senate, thus it was in the best interest of both parties to treat the Senator within the seclusion and peace of the Temple Halls of Healing. Away from peering eyes…

After a short period of intensive care and force induced rest, she'd recovered enough to leave her medical room and enjoy the meditation gardens, which all the healers and patients doted upon. Who could believe that within the rigid imposing confines of the Jedi Temple, such beauty and riotous wildlife could exist? Padme spent nearly all her time in the gardens, allowing her mind to recuperate after her body had healed. The lofty high sealings and the gigantic widows spilled golden light, imbuing the surroundings with the Force's most gentle aspects. The gentle trickle of water coming from the natural streams, the sent of the various growing plants and flora reminded Padme of her home planet of Naboo. It soothed her to be in such a familiar yet unfamiliar setting. The gardens truly were the vibrant incarnation of life renewed.

Nevertheless, she was incapable of letting herself fully enjoy the gardens despite the physical suffering she endured had washed away as if a mere memory. For all the gardens beauty and serenity, she could not forget her confrontation with Obi Wan or Anakin. Since the angry exchange with Obi Wan, she hadn't seen him, or he seek to see her. As for Anakin, she hadn't seen him since the short vision of him floating limply in that bacta tank and during all the time spent in the Halls of Healing her every request to see him were systematically denied.

The only news she'd heard from him, was that he'd been plunged into a deep trance while the healers were perfecting and installing his prosthetic arm. That sent shudders down her spine. In most cases of amputated limbs, medical knowledge allowed reattachment, but it seemed it wasn't the case with Anakin. This indicated that the damage had been too grievous, and the loss would take far longer to recover physically. The question was how long… It was impossible to tell, since she could not be with him. She was tormented by the notion of not being with him, hold him or feel his presence. Wherever she went, she felt isolated and the loneliness was becoming harder to bare.

Dooku had taken from her Sabé and Cordé, then fractured the galaxy's peace thus the foundations of the Republic. Now the Jedi had also attempted to take something away from her…

The confrontation she had with Obi Wan still lingered in her mind, the anger, confusion perhaps even disappointment. Such hard words had been exchanged. They'd felt each other equally shocked and troubled, neither of them sure they'd gained anything. For a brief time, she considered appealing to the Jedi master's demand that she let Anakin go; but this was impossible.

Not only was it not within her power to abandon him due to her feelings, she didn't trust the Jedi with Anakin's overall well being. They did not and could not understand him. How could the Jedi Order be so callous and arrogant as to deny their own humanity and emotional needs? Loss, agony, love and desire were all things the Jedi had been trained to banish since infancy, not Anakin. As far as she was concerned the Jedi, particularly Obi Wan Kenobi had left a void within the young man that craved deep attachment and connection.

Containing these emotions and desires through detachment was not the answer. Anakin's love was like the heat of a supernova, in trying to contain it, the Jedi would destroy him. Never would she allow that to happen. Thus, as time went by, despite the prodigious treatments and calm all her thoughts went to Anakin and the overwhelming need to find him. For now, at least, she wasn't a former Queen or Senator Amidala of Naboo, she was a young woman in anguish over the man she loved.

On this afternoon, Padme had been contemplating the streams when the head healer Master Vokara Che approached her, seating herself on the bench next to her. The female Twilek took her hand with both palms and held it gently.

"I'm glad to see your recovery is total Senator," declared the Healer, her twin head tails twitching.

Padme turned herself to face her, "Thank you Master Vokara Che, surely this means I must depart the Temple soon."

"That is correct Senator," said the healer, with a husky tone in her voice, "but you must let yourself more time for recuperation. I suggest you spend some time back on Naboo, there is only so much left we do here for you at the Temple. Your family has been inquiring about your state of health, and for one I believe their company will be an advantage to your overall state of mind."

Although these words were spoken kindly, for Amidala they were unspeakably cruel. This meant that soon she would be obliged to leave the Temple, without so much as one visit to Anakin despite their gruelling proximity. Padme could only remove her hand from the healer and try disguise her frustration and pain. She couldn't bring herself to break the silence, so the Jedi healer did it for her.

"In light of your obvious anxiety towards the state of Padawan Skywalker, you must know that you are not distress yourself. His trance is nearly over, and the prosthetic limb has been successfully attached. I anticipate his recuperation will not be hindered by his injury." Padme's expression brightened a little.

"Does that mean I may be allowed to see him," she inquired, nearly blurting it out as if she were a child. The healer gave her a disapproving nod.

"No Senator, I am sorry. Although he's recovering, but it is important at this stage for his awakening to be undisturbed. Thus, no visitors," stated the healer. Her tone was grave and her expression severe. Padme would have wanted nothing more then to fight back, insist until they gave in to her demands. But she knew that was a battle she wouldn't win, thus foolish to pursue.

Instead of raising her voice, she once again thanked the healer feigning compliance and made her way towards her medical chamber, under the pretext of resting. Nevertheless, with the knowledge she was soon to leave the Halls of Healing nothing would stop her from seeking Anakin. Damn the healer's statements, tonight undercover of darkness she would find him, even if the last thing she ever kriffing did. Only then would her soul finally be able to rest.

Authors notes:

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