Chapter Twenty-Seven

Much later, though she hoped it to be the same day, Sarali was being led through the stone corridors on a strong chain by two Geonosians. Four more surrounded them; each held a menacing electro-spear. The tiny feline attempted to retain what dignity she could as she was chained to a large cart. In the distance, she could hear the sound of a great many people cheering. This sound chilled her bones because these Geonosians seemed to be quite a war-like lot. It would fit that they would enjoy blood-thirsty spectacles, which she suspected was to be her. At this point, a great dread filled her, from which she was only distracted by the approaching sound of footsteps.

Many minutes seemed to pass before she could see the approaching people. Towering over a group of Geonosians was Obi-Wan, a very welcome sight that instantly comforted and worried her. She smiled at him, though it was strained and worried. He answered more serenely, though he, too, appeared to be suspicious. He was loading onto the cart beside her and chained opposite her. No sooner had the Geonosians finished this task, before they all left, leaving the two alone.

Only seconds later, Obi-Wan asked bluntly, gesturing at her black coat and purple dress, "What are you wearing?"

"It was in my cell when I woke up, and if you'll remember, my own clothing was somewhat ripped."

"What?" he asked, clearly confused.

"The droids singed my leggings as we were being fired at, and in dragging me here, the back of my shirt was ripped nearly ragged."

"So they just happened to have a dress, a coat, and leggings that fit you?"

"No. I believe someone has been planning this for some time, though how they knew I would come I doubt I'll ever know."

"But who would engineer something like this?"

"The Sith," Sarali said bluntly.

"How do you know about them?" Obi-Wan asked cautiously.

"You Jedi are not the only ones who can sense the darkness in the near future."

"Your force sensitivity?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Trust your feelings. Trust in the Force," he urged, bending down as far as he was able to kiss her forehead.

The two lapsed into companionable silence until Sarali asked "Obi-Wan? Do you know what is happening?"

"The Geonosians have a history of public execution," he said hesitantly, looking into her eyes very seriously.

She only nodded gravely in response.

After a few seconds of silence, he sighed and said sadly, "I'm sorry, Sarali. I should not have gotten you into this."

"What are you talking about?"

"I should not have let you come with me. You could have been safe on Coruscant now."

"There is nothing to be sorry for. If you had left without me, I would have followed you, if only to keep Padme safe."

He smiled sadly and said, "Thank you. It is a great comfort to me that you do not blame me."

"I could never blame you for this, Obi-Wan."

"Sarali, I feel as if we could not be closer were we brother and sister."

"Ah, but we would not know each other, then," she said before jumping up to kiss his cheek.

As she drew back, the odd pair looked each other in the eyes. Neither of them could deny the longing in their heart for the other, though neither of them would voice this for fear of ruining their ever so precious friendship. They each valued the other's company too highly to risk losing it through an admission of if not love then at least fond attachment far more than friendship.

Sarali sig sighed and laid her head down on Obi-Wan's chest. Putting all thoughts of the Code aside, he rested his head on top of hers. He hadn't noticed how delicate her ears were until now with his face nestled in her hair. She hadn't noticed how spicy and musky he smelt. She huddled closer to him, taking his aroma in.

The couple was pulled from their respective musings by a lurch of the cart.