Chapter Thirteen/Epilogue
As most girls do, when Padmé was young, she and her sister would pretend they were getting married to only the most handsome and bravest of men. They would set up elaborate ceremonies with dolls and a variety of other toys. The setting was always large, the decorations elaborate as all weddings should be. She had held onto that notion most of her life; believing a wedding ceremony should be a grand celebration with many attendants.
Time and situations have a tendency to change one's opinions, however, and in her mind, she and Obi-Wan were already married. She had committed her life to him long before he had found the courage to make the request.
The small ceremony on top of the peak of Lin-Hyt was her idea. Frankly, she didn't want to wait a moment longer! Obi-Wan had actually argued with her, once again filled with doubts that she would regret not having a big ceremony on Naboo.
When was he ever going to learn to trust her? She had asked him. She knew her heart, and her heart belonged to him. It didn't matter where they stated their vows or who witnessed their life commitment.
A small, private gathering was perfect in this case. And one following her near-brush with death, was even more fitting.
"Tol dun, ina set gen far," she recited the ancient Linhytian words of unity, smiling proudly when Obi-Wan did the same. Her heart nearly burst with joy as Bon-Cro announced their lifelong union and Obi-Wan took her in his arms; sealing their fate with his kiss.
"I love you," he purred beneath the white fur wrap covering her ears as they held each other on the mountaintop while all those who had witnessed the ceremony applauded.
It was by far the happiest moment in her life, were it not for one thing.
In the distance, off to the side of the crowd, Dormé was now speaking with a pair of Jedi who had just so happen to arrive with the Republic Recovery team. Master Windu did not look extraordinarily pleased, but then he never did. Knight Fisto, on the other hand was still clapping his large, webbed fingers with glee, a broad, infectious smile on his face.
"What do you think they're talking about?" she asked Obi-Wan between acceptances of gifts from the Linhytians who had joined them.
"I'm not sure," Obi-Wan answered back, drawing her close and placing a kiss to her temple. "We'll just have to wait and see.
It wasn't long before Dormé made her way over to them. She hugged both of them tightly, congratulating them warmly. For once, Padmé couldn't read her expression, though she seemed extremely calm. Almost resigned.
"Well?" Padmé prompted. She knew Mace Windu wouldn't have come all this way for nothing.
The young woman smiled and turned to Obi-Wan. "First off, my apologies, Master Kenobi. I now realize the error of my ways and am ready to pay the price for them. But if you please, I would like to speak to the Senator alone."
"Very well. " Obi-Wan squeezed her once before walking toward the two Jedi.
"What did he say?" Padmé urged. She had always believed her patience was more than most, but if Dormé didn't explain what was going on soon, she'd scream!
"I've been offered two options." Her aid began. "I can go to prison for up to ten years for obtaining an illegal substance, performing an act of terrorism upon a representative of the Jedi, kidnapping and endangering the life of a Galactic Senator…."
The young woman paused while reciting her list of crimes, giving Padmé the feeling the other option may be worse.
"Or be banned from entering the Galactic Core for the remainder of my natural life. "
Her mouth had dropped open, which was not a necessarily attractive trait, causing Padmé to clamp her lips together. She had her suspicions, but had to ask. "Which did you choose?"
"It has been my honor serving you, Mi'Lady," Dormé bravely exclaimed, her demeanor still quite calm, "but I think it's time I returned home."
The idea of not having Dormé in her life came as a shock, and Padmé realized suddenly, that despite the fact the girl was an absolute nuisance, she would be missed.
"What will you do?"
Dormé pondered the question for a moment. "Maybe go back to the University. Dr. Janus thinks I'd make a good physician's assistant. It's a possibility."
"That's wonderful!" Padmé exclaimed. "Dormé, the PA. I like the sound of that."
"Unless…"
That one word took away most of Padmé's pleasure in the idea.
"Unless, the Queen requires my assistance."
A warning began sounding in the Senator's head. "The Queen has an entourage of handmaidens as well as bodyguards. I don't think she'll need your…"
"I'm not talking about that kind of assistance," Dormé interrupted, a fiendish twinkle appearing in her eye. "I'm pretty sure the Queen's not attached to anyone yet…"
"Dormé! Don't you dare!"
/End
A/N: Thank you readers/reviewers! Now, I'm going to concentrate on "Walking on Water." See you there!