Summer Solstice wasn't official galactic holiday, it was specifically Naboo. The longest day of the year was celebrated on the 20th day of the 6th month.
When the axis of a planet, like Naboo's, is tilted at some angle to its sun, so exist seasons and things like the longest day, the shortest day, and twice-yearly equinoxes.
On Kashyyyk, for example, which has no inclined axis and rotates in a perfect circle around its sun in the system, there are no seasons and all days are of the same length.
One might ask why of all things the longest day is celebrated on Naboo and the other days not. Probably because it is the start of a nice, warm summer, you sleep less and don't miss much of life.
This festival on Naboo dates back to prehistoric times; not even the oldest books and records have recorded its beginnings.
The custom was for the family to gather at home, cook and eat together, or to make picnic in the meadows and watch the shaaks grazing. A visit to the temple was obligatory; one prayed to the Gods for the good harvest to come.
Padmé delighted her parents with the news that she would be coming for three days. She had intended to fly to Naboo alone because Anakin was on mission, but she was surprised to see the landing of Jedi on holonet.
It was an unexpected return after Obi-wan and Anakin were sent to rescue Supreme Chancellor Palpatine from the clutches of his kidnappers. A lot had happened that day. Palpatine was saved, General Grievous had escaped, Anakin killed Dooku...but he didn't want to think about that, he wanted to see his wife.
After a few hours, Anakin docked on the patio of Padmé's apartment in Republica 500.
"Hello, my Angel. It took so long to escape from the clutches of Mace Windu, we had to report. Obi-Wan was already getting nervous, the corellian whiskey was probably waiting in the lower levels, and he was already having withdrawal symptoms...like me...after you."
"Almost two months, Ani…I missed you so much. I always miss you. Unfortunately, I promised my parents that I would come, Summer Solstice, you know. If you want, I can cancel, but I don't know how they will cope with it.
"Don't cancel. As you know, I always have a few days off when I come back from a mission. I am going with you.
"We must remain in Theed and how will we explain your presence?"
"We say, we met by chance and you invited me to relax from hectic Coruscant, after that heavy fighting and risky mission to free the Chancellor from the hands of kidnappers."
"Sounds convincing…and the Jedi? Won't they ask why you're leaving the planet?"
"I just won't say anything."
"But the tracker in your comlink will reveal where you are."
"I'll turn it off."
"You really can't do that."
"Okay, then I'll risk the questions. I will go with you anyway."
"Ani...I have something to tell you..."
"What is it, Angel?"
"I went for a checkup and...we're going to have twins."
"Oh Force. ..that's…that's wonderful... it will be really hard. But I'm still happy." He picked her up and spun her around. "I'm so happy."
On the 19th day of the 6th month, they flew to Naboo. This time Anakin landed the cruiser in hanger bay 1, where the whole family was waiting. Everyone was surprised to see Anakin, but not Sola. She also didn't miss the fact that Padmé's dress had a slightly wider cut than the ones she usually wears, as well as Anakin's help with every step.
"We're glad to see you too, Anakin. Is there another threat we haven't heard about?"
"Nothing like that, Mother, but you never know. Anakin returned from a mission yesterday and has a few days vacation. He is tired and exhausted, I offered him to come with me and regain his strength in the peace and quiet of Naboo. Unfortunately, Obi-Wan couldn't come."
"That was a good idea, Dear. "Have you ever experienced the Summer Solstice on Naboo, Anakin?"
"I'm happy to be here now and celebrate with you."
"Anakin, we still have the whole afternoon ahead, so we will have dinner a little earlier. You can go to bed and relax a little, and tomorrow morning we won't wake you up so early as well."
Don't wake up early, huh?... Anakin thought, nothing will come of it. My wife won't let me sleep, I still have to work this tonight. Sola grinned as if she had read his mind, and Padmé wanted to send him to bed early so he could at least get some sleep before she sneaked into his room.
At dinner, Anakin appeared more relaxed than when he arrived; this little bit of sleep was good for him. As usual, he wore his Jedi robe, neatly ironed, and the lightsaber, the weapon of every Jedi Knight, hung on his belt as always. And try not to lose this again! This weapon is your life!...his Master's words came to his mind. He never parted with his lightsaber unless he was having sex with Padmé, but even then, the weapon was in his reach.
"You look a little better now, Anakin. Come sit down, you must be hungry."
"Oh yes, thank you. I'm starving. When we're on the mission, we eat energy bars. This food contains everything we need, but it has no taste, even less than the food in the temple. Sometimes I dream about your cooking, Jobal."
Everyone laughed.
"I taught Padmé to cook. She can cook so good as I.
"I know…..uh, she told me."
Sola grinned, but no one else noticed that he said to much.
The typical Nabooian food was delicious. Plenty of vegetables and Shaak steaks, followed by fruit salad with vanilla cream. Everyone ate a lot and complained about their own weakness and not being able to stop themselves when they ate good food.
"I ate so much, I think my stomach is going to burst." Padmé said and immediately regretted it."
"Yes, you look like pregnant." Sola laughed.
Padmé and Anakin looked at each other, what Sola didn't miss. Jobal and Ruwee didn't seem to notice, or were just pretending.
After breakfast on the day of the Summer Solstice, they all visited the temple. It was the small temple in the monastery where Pontifex Agolerga spent the most of his time.
Many people were praying there, but it wasn't too crowded. After a prayer the family was blessed by the Pontiff Agolerga. It was something celebratory what Ryoo and Pooja liked. Padmé stood in front of the Pontiff and whispered something to him that no one could hear, but Anakin through the Force...and that was: I am expecting twins, Your Excellency. Pontifex smiled and summoned Anakin, with a wave. Then he blessed them, as well as their children, who were not yet born.
This man knows something we don't know, Sola thought and asked her mother what the Pontiff Agolerga was doing.
"He blesses Padmé and then Anakin too. He deserves it for his services to the republic. He risks his life every day."
"If you think… it must be that way."
On the way home, Sola asked her sister what the Pontiff told her.
"He only blessed us out of gratitude for our service to the Republic." She lied and hated it, but it was necessary at the moment.
At home, the women cooked, and the men set the table on the patio, Ryoo and Poojy played in the garden under the watchful eye of their father Darred.
Anakin came into the kitchen several times and asked Padmé if he could help. She was touched by his concern for her.
The whole family sat at the festively set table on the patio and slowly enjoyed the lovingly prepared meal. Nabooians ate healthy, lots of vegetables and little meat. For this festival, it was mandatory to prepare the meat of young Shaaks with lots of fresh herbs and spices. Jobal could do this perfectly and once again everyone ate a lot of it.
"I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight."
Padmé complained, and Anakin thought; I know you won't sleep at all tonight if you make it to my room...and sent her this message through the Force.
That night it was just as Anakin thought, they had little sleep, but making love was more important. Anakin always said: I will sleep and rest when I am dead. Now I want to love you, Padmé.
The next day they went for a walk on Theed's promenade, which was always an experience. The city was beautiful. The view of the queen-palace and the river that plunged you over the cliff into the depths was always worth taking this walk. The day ended with lunch on the patio of a restaurant on the promenade.
It was the last hours before Padmé and Anakin said goodbye, knowing that they wouldn't be coming to Naboo for a long time, but didn't tell her family. Later they flew to Coruscant.
"Where the hell you have been, Anakin? I've called several times, and you don't answer. Additionally, your tracker revealed your location. You were on Naboo. What have you done there?"
"I accompanied Senator Amidala; she invited me to the Summer Solstice Festival."
"Anakin, you need permission to leave the planet."
"I'm sorry, Master. I forgot."
"Even though I'm no longer your Master, there can be consequences."
"I know, Master, but my old friend is worth it."
"Old friend, or something more, Anakin? Please don't think I'm blind."
"We are just old friends, Master, nothing more." And grinned.
Obi-Wan's suspicions grew more and more.
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Best regards from Germany