Confrontations at a Lake
Chapter Ten – One Month and Three Years
(A/N: Wow, July came and went, and here is finally the next chapter. I feel so ashamed of myself for having not updated earlier, but things got a bit complicated. Anyway, thanks in advance for those of you who do review, and for those of you who read this. Please at least leave a review, it makes my writers heart jump with joy.
P.S. I like to think that Palo looks like Christian Bale from the movie The New World (John Rolfe) go to www(dot)movie-page(dot)com(slash)temp(slash)tnw40(dot)jpg
One Month Later
Padmé was almost completely healed a month later. Her injuries were no longer bothering her, much to her happiness, although she did frown upon the scars which had appeared, showing her, reminding her of her past, and how she had gotten them, although they did remind her of one thing. One thing, one person, who had changed her life forever, either for bad or good, she had yet to tell. The scars that she were most worried about were the one's on her right arm, for anyone could see them, and immediately want to ask why. She had healed surely, but slowly, with Aeryn's help. She had suffered every night with nightmares, always waking up in a sweat, tears on her cheeks, the nightmares still plaguing her. They were of either Aeryn, herself, or Obi-Wan dieing in some grotesque way. Sometimes she even pondered the thought of suicide, just to get away from the nightmares and terror, and heartbreak, but as if reading her mind, Aeryn had convinced her that she had much to live for, thus she was still here, helping Aeryn in her healings, ever since she herself had healed.
Padmé was attending a small boy who had the fever, when three soldiers of some kind burst in, one man being held by the other two, lacerations on his face and arms and legs. She could tell he was trying not to cry out in pain. She winced when she saw he also had a broken leg. She moved towards the soldiers the same time Aeryn did, her thoughts straying to Obi-Wan, her heart clenching as she hoped he was alive. She quickly got the stuff that she needed, as Aeryn asked the other soldiers what had happened.
"Wolves." One answered bluntly, his eyes straying to his friend on the cot.
Padmé's eyes widened at that word, and her hands trembled. An image of Obi-Wan on the ground being attacked by wolves as she struggled with the bow and arrows flashed through her mind, making her whole body tremble even more. She swallowed against the lump in her throat and moved towards the man in the cot, kneeling by him.
"I'm afraid that my friend and I cannot work with all these people in here. You must leave. He will be taken care of." Aeryn's voice reached her ears, as she stared at the man's face, his face red and puffy, blood was everywhere, she couldn't tell what he looked like before the attack. The men walked out reluctantly, and she wiped blood off his face, tears coming to her eyes as the man cried out in pain. She guessed he was a very handsome man, before the attack. She caught a glimpse of his eyes, before they were shut tight. Gray. He had gray eyes. Her hand trembled again. He had black hair, a strand falling onto his forehead as he moved his head.
"Who are they?" She looked at Aeryn as the healer knelled down beside her.
"They are soldiers from the Fighter's Guild. They protect the village from thieves and wolves, and any other thing like that. Not many come here, injured. They are very well trained, but once in a while, one does come. Such as this man here. I'm guessing he was new."
A flash of her wearing the same armour as those men, protecting the farmers, and village as those men did flashed in Padmé's mind, and suddenly she knew what she wanted to do.
"I want to join the Fighter's Guild."
Aeryn looked at her, shock evident in her eyes.
"Are you sure, my friend? There are not very women that have joined the Fighter's Guild, and those that have, well, let's just say it's been awhile since a woman has worn their armour."
Padmé's heart beat faster, as she continued to wipe blood from his face. She looked at Aeryn, determination in her eyes.
"Yes, I want to join. I want to do something that has a purpose, in my life. I'm not saying healing people doesn't have a purpose, far from it. What I am saying is...I am just not cut out to be a healer, and stick in one place for very long. I have been trained in swordsmanship and other weapons, all by my father, when he lived. I hope that you understand, and do know that I will visit you often. You are my only friend I have in this village, and I cherish our friendship. I will be leaving at the end of this week. I hope you do understand."
Aeryn smiled good-naturally, happiness showing in her eyes for her friend.
"Of course I understand. I just hope you come visit me, but not under blood and injuries," she said softly, hugging Evey, before they separated and continued to work on the soldier, who had passed out long ago, together.
--
Padmé hefted her pack on her back, her possessions (although there was not much) in that pack. She turned and smiled to her friend, giving her one last hug, before she would set out toward the Fighter's Guild.
"I'll miss you, and I pray to the Gods that you shall be safe," she whispered, separating from the hug.
"As will I. I'll be sitting here in my lonely little hut, tending to people, wondering what mischief you're getting yourself into." Aeryn said with a laugh.
Padmé waved one last time, a sad smile on her face, before she turned towards the village, the sun shining on her, making her look like an angel. She shifted the pack on her back, drew a breath, and set out for the Guild, determination straightening her body, and shining in her eyes, to all that looked at her.
Aeryn stood at the doorway of her hut, a sad smile on her face as she watched her friend walk away, until she was just a tiny dot in the sea of people. She sighed and turned around, her hand on the doorway, and walked in, smiling at her patients.
"So, who would like some cookies?"
A chorus of laughter and several 'me's' sounded as the door shut with a soft thud.
Three Years Later
It had been three years since Padmé had joined the Fighter's Guild, and almost every day since than she had worn her armor, but not today. Today was just a leisurely stroll in the market, wearing a black cloak over her simple white ivy shirt, her pants, and black boots. Of course her short sword was strapped to her right side, she wasn't that stupid to have not come unarmed. And one dagger was strapped to her thigh, one was in her boot, safely hidden.You could trust no one here. Or rather, she didn't trust anyone. Almost no one, anyway.
A smile came to her lips as she strolled through the market, until it would come time to meet Palo at his house. Palo, the man whom she was engaged to, the man she loved. Her eyes flickered to her right hand, where a ring was set on her fourth finger. It was a simple ring, nothing fancy. She hadn't expected anything fancy from Palo, even though he was quickly becoming famous with his paintings and all. Her eyes took in the sights around her and her heart beat with guilt. She still had to get over the feeling that she was somehow pushing Obi-Wan to the side, forgetting about him, after accepting Palo's proposal. As her eyes flickered over the castle infront of her, her thoughts dwindled to Obi-Wan Kenobi and if he even still remembered her.
---
It had been three years since Obi-Wan had been imprisoned. Every day was the same. Every day was torture. Every day was missing Padmé. Every day was wondering whether or not she loved him. Every day was loving her, no matter if she did or not. Every day were the nightmares. They never stopped. They were nightmares of what really happened. Sometimes they were nightmares of his own mind. Every day was seeing her face in his mind. Every day was remembering what she looked like when she slept. Every day was the same. Nothing changed. Except for this day. This day was different, and he knew it. He felt it.
This day he was being dragged to his cell for the hundred thousandth time. He'd lost count long ago, and had lost track of days along with it. This particular guard seemed to not be as rough as the others, and he looked appalled at the sight of some of the men in the cells, all the pain they were going through. His grip wasn't as strong as the others. His sword was on his other hip, next to Obi-Wan. The younger man must be a lefty. Obi-Wan saw his chance, the once in a lifetime escape he'd been waiting for forever now. He stood up, and pulled the sword from it's sheath, pointing it at the extremely surprised man. He looked more like a boy now, and Obi-Wan didn't know if he could stand to kill him.
"I'm sorry," he croaked out. It had been months since his last words. He lead the man to his cell and lead him in.
"Be thankful I didn't kill you." Obi-Wan said, before grabbing the keys and locking the man in, and taking off down the hallway. He somehow managed to stay upright and moving. The next guard would be passing through in 20 minutes. He had a bit to sneak around and find an escape route before the alarm was raised. Slinking around some crates he searched for an open horse, or the stables. Anything easy to grab so he could get some distance between himself and the castle.
---
"I love you."Padmé remembered those three words he had spoken, the look in his eyes, the anguish which had shown on his face. Her jaw clenched and her eyes closed for a second, standing still, his face in her mind, but as soon as she opened her eyes, he was gone. She sighed in relief and kept on walking. She hadn't thought of him much over the past three years, and she wasn't about to start now. Certainly not now, she was getting married in a week. Or was she just fooling herself? Did she really love Palo? Had she ever really loved Obi-Wan? She had changed over the years, had become a stronger person, emotionally and physically. She supposed she had loved Obi-Wan, but her feelings had changed. She had become detached from her emotions, she had learned to never let her emotions control her, and so, along with detaching herself from her emotions, love had disappeared. Until she had met Palo. Did she really love him though? He was a sweet and kind man, and perhaps the kind of husband some girls would want. Padmé knew that much, she had seen the looks the village girls had given him. The question that kept nagging at her though was: Did she really want the kind of husband he would be? He certainly was rich, and he was becoming richer every day, as the king saw his new paintings. But, being rich wasn't the point, being kind and attentive was. He was kind and gentle with her, always respecting her decisions. He had never actually made her heart flutter in her chest with excitement like Obi-Wan had, though. Padmé frowned as she realized she was thinking about him again.
Oh, who was she kidding? That first year, after Obi-Wan was imprisoned, she had thought of him, had worried about him, had loved him with everything in her, twenty-four/seven. She had loved him, but what was the point in loving someone who she would never see again? It was time for her to 'get on the right track' as Obi-Wan had put it, so long ago.
---
Obi-Wan finally found the stables with five horses standing in their stalls. Only one stable boy was around. He'd have to knock him out to keep him quiet. Sneaking up on the boy, he knocked him over the head with the sword, and took the best looking horse out of it's stall. He lead it back the way he'd come, praying no one would see him with a horse, his prayers were answered. He reached the castle gate and saw it was opening for a knight to come in. Perfect. He mounted up into the saddle and stayed low, waiting for the knight to come in. Once he did he kicked the horse into a gallop, zooming out under the iron gate as it closed. Now they'd have to get the gate open before they could pursue him. He galloped through town towards the city walls, hoping he'd make it in time.
---
A smile formed on her lips and her heart beat accelerated as she saw Palo walking towards her, looking so handsome. They embraced, her arms going around his waist, his arms going around her waist. Palo hugged her to him, kissing her softly on the temple, a loving smile set on his handsome face. His long dark curly hair, which came down to his shoulders, moved in the wind. Padmé looked into his beautiful eyes and smiled. She went on her tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss, before snuggling against his chest again, inhaling his scent again.
"I missed you." She whispered, listening to his heartbeat. His chest rumbled as he laughed.
"I was only away for two days, Evey." His voice sent shivers down her spine, making her feel all tingly.
"I know, I counted the days." Palo's deep laughter interrupted her speech. She smacked him on the arm teasingly, before continuing. "It just felt like forever. It's been real lonely without you."
Palo kissed the top of her head, inhaling her intoxicating scent. He closed his eyes and simply held her, those two days had felt like years.
"I'm here now." He said softly, cupping her face with his hands, giving her his crooked 'insane' smile that she loved so much. He moved and held out his arm for her, glad when she threaded her arm and walked with him.
Suddenly an alarm sounded through the village. Padmé froze and stopped walking, her eyes searching through the chaos of people running to their homes. She gripped Palo's hand as people rushed past them almost knocking them down. They ran towards the castle as best as they could. Everyone knew what that alarm meant. As a member of the Fighter's Guild, it was part of her job to report there, every time they heard that alarm. It meant danger. It meant many things, but all she knew was that she was to be there as fast as possible, to hear the report of the incident. Oh why hadn't she worn her armor? Good thing they were at the Guild, instead of at her small house in the opposite direction.
---
"Shit..." Obi-Wan tried to stay calm. They had discovered he was missing earlier than expected. He galloped right past a couple standing in the street, apparently not rushing to their home. He swore the woman looked like Padmé, but he decided his eyes were playing tricks on him, and his heart would make anyone look like her. He tore through the quickly emptying streets. The Fighter's Guild members would be after him any minute and he had to head somewhere. Why hadn't he planned this out? He'd had more than enough time.Because you were thinking about a girl who doesn't even love you, moron. His mind taunted him as he dodged a few people, going towards the city gates. He was almost there...He turned the corner to see them closing in. No! He'd have to head to the main gate. He turned the horse towards the steps that lead up to the top walls where the guards walked and kept watch. The horse went up easily and he thanked the Gods he'd chosen a Fighter's horse. He hoped he'd make it to the main gate in time, it was much larger and harder to close.
---
Padmé gave Palo a quick kiss on the lips before she ran off to the Guild. She quickly struggled to put on her armor and get on her horse. His name was Comet. Yes, Comet. That man that had ridden past them...he had looked familiar...
She quickly shrugged off that feeling and spurred Comet into a gallop and headed into the direction the other Fighters had gone. Much thanks to Comet she quickly caught up to them, and quickly passed them all, keeping a sharp eye on the fugitive in front of her.
Obi-Wan was still riding up on the wall, galloping past extremely surprised guards, and quickly got to the main gate, and went down the steps there, dashing out the halfway shut door, not seeing the fighters behind him. Padmé continued to pursue the man, feeling alive. This is what she lived for. As she followed him she tried to figure out a plan to cut him off.
Obi-Wan raced through the forest. He could hear hoofbeats not too far behind him, but far enough. He zigzagged in the forest, creating a random pattern that was getting him deeper and deeper into the forest. He'd been through this forest thousands of times before and he knew where he was going. Maybe the Fighters didn't.
Padmé smirked as she followed the zigzag path. She knew this forest like the back of her hand, and she knew that they were coming up to a part where no horses could go. She knew she would have to go on foot.
He, like the knight, knew the dense part of the forest where horses couldn't navigate. He took a hard right, going to get around that spot in the forest. He didn't want to go on foot, he knew he wouldn't be able to run for very long.
Padmé continued to follow the man, knowing where he was going. She sighed when he took a hard right. He obviously knew this forest well, but not as well as she knew it. He was heading straight for the kind of place he was trying to avoid. Land where horses couldn't navigate. She hoped he knew it wasn't there, as she continued to pursue him, urging Comet faster.
Obi-Wan smiled. This should be an easy getaway. Only three were following him from the previous six. He turned at the spot his secret escape route used to be, and his heart plummeted down to his stomach as he only saw trees and shrubbery. He knew this used to be the spot...Obi-Wan dismounted, grabbed the sword, smacked the horse on the hindquarters, not wanting to leave a trace of the spot he'd gotten off. He ducked into the jungle as the horse galloped away.
This was insane. Absolutely insane.
