Handmaiden's Chronicles – Sabé's Legacy

DISCLAIMER: You know, this is one of those insignificant little fanfics that are scattered in the web. I'm not getting money out of this, so please don't sue me because ehrm…the Force is not strong with me. -_-;

~~**~~

            They first met in unusual circumstances. She, a Handmaiden, had been assigned to be a decoy for the queen: dressing and acting like her while the real Amidala hovered about unnoticed—a strategy used only in the direst situations. He was a Padawan, a student of a Jedi, a tried and tested fighter and one of the peacekeepers of the galaxy. Their paths crossed abruptly, yet for some time remained unnoticed. Because she was a queen first and a person afterwards. And he was a Jedi—and that was all that there was to him.

           

When they had been forced to land on the desert-planet called Tatooine, Queen Amidala summoned Sabé for a private conference in her quarters. It was a strange sight: Sabé, dressed in majestic black robes, was speaking with her head bowed before the girl wearing Handmaiden's clothing. The younger girl spoke in a clear, low voice, while the older one was replying in a soft, hushed tone.

            "I have decided to go with the Jedi Master Qui-gon Jinn. Captain Panaka has informed me that if ever an attack came upon this ship, there will be little to be done in order to protect me. This is a mission of dire importance…" she trailed off, knowing Sabé would understand.  Even if the ship was destroyed, Amidala would be able to escape, unscathed, therefore she might still be able to carry out her plea to the Galactic Senate.

            Sabé looked up a little. "I knew you would tell this, my lady. And if there would be a message from home…?" she said this so casually that one might think that she was offering Amidala some tea. "Might I be right to assume that we shall send no reply?"

            A flash of pain flickered across the queen's face, but disappeared quickly. "No. You are not to send any reply. To give out our coordinates to anyone would surely cut this mission short." Then there was a short silence as Amidala stood up. "You know what to do, Sabé. I trust you." This last sentence had a softer voice in it and Sabé bowed deeply. And as if on cue, Rabé appeared, holding in her hands garments suited for the climate of the planet.

            'Your Majesty." Rabé bowed. "The Master Jedi will be leaving any time soon. You must be made ready." Amidala nodded, and walked noiselessly outside the quarters.

~~**~~

            "Captain Panaka has given me unsettling news." Sabé, seated on the queen's throne, informed the Padawan Obi-wan Kenobi. Her face was smooth and white as freshly fallen snow; yet Obi-wan sensed a slight tinge of irritation in her eyes and demeanor. "The Jedi Master has put us—and the whole mission, in a gamble with some locals of this planet. I wanted you yourself to brief us on the matter, Jedi."

            "They met this boy—" Obi-wan began, pausing to recall what his master told him. "A human slave boy, who volunteered to help them find money in the easiest way possible—pod racing. The boy made a pod racer by himself, and Master Jinn bet the Nubian so that his bet would be worth something.

            Obi-wan shifted slightly, sensing the Queen's disapproval, trying to look for words. "I assure you, your Majesty, that he was only looking out for your best interests. He seems confident that you have faith in him."

            "Then he assumes too much." She said—rather haughtily—as Obi-wan noted. Then she seemed to calm herself a little then went on. "As it is too late to change Master Jinn's plans and his mind, I trust that you will inform us of the outcome of this." She paused. "I will wait for good news." She threw in, for good measure.

            "I understand, your Majesty." Obi-wan bowed deeply. "I will make sure that you will be directly informed of the outcome of the pod races as soon as I hear from my Master."

            "I hope," she said softly. "He will not fail my people." Her eyes were filled with sorrow.

"You may leave." The queen told him, with a slight nod of her head, a movement highlighted by the huge black feathers on her headdress. As soon as the door hissed shut behind the young Jedi, Sabé waited for Rabé and Eirtaé's comments.

"Reckless and rather impudent, if I should say so myself." Eirtaé finally said, shaking her head.

"But what else could we do? Perhaps the Jedi Master could do only what he can do." Rabé countered. "And anyway, it's better than betting the Queen's wardrobe and jewelry. They don't even belong to the Queen. They belong to Naboo."

"I hope Queen Amidala is enjoying herself. I'm sure that I'm not." Sabé rotated her stiff neck and shook out her arms to rid herself of the uneasy feelings that had been hounding her the whole day.

"Accompanying the Jedi Master was quite an unexpected move for her, was it not?" Rabé moved forward to massage Sabé's shoulders, giving her friend a sympathetic smile.

"Staying in one place, especially in unknown territory is a death trap." Sabé replied, in defense of the queen's decision to leave. "I think she'll get to think better on what to say when she's in front of the Senate. She's like that."

"She's like you." Eirtaé smiled wryly. "Honestly, why can't you just sit down and think instead of walking around like sleepwalking zombies?"

Rabé and Sabé gave her a puzzled look. "Zombies?" they chorused.

Eirtaé shrugged. "Just an expression I picked up somewhere." She said nonchalantly.

~~**~~

            Aside from that, the Padawan and the Handmaiden had very few interactions. While waiting for Qui-Gon, Padmé, Artoo Detoo and Jar Jar to return, Obi-wan busied himself with the parts of the ship that he could restore without any new parts. He was very good at this, for back when he was very young (and that seemed a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away!) this was his only passion and hobby. But now he was working away as hard as he could—for the safety of a kingdom and a people.

            Sometimes the queen left her conference chambers to personally overlook the repairs on the ship, and Obi-wan also noted that she always sent for status reports. Aside from that, she remained hidden away. Obi-wan always observed her from a distance, though, reaching through the Force to be able to gauge if was tired, anxious or displeased. Mostly, though, he felt that she was driven to distraction by anxiety. He was worried for her.

~~**~~

            Obi-wan stood some distance from the ship, shielding his eyes from the sand being whipped up by the winds. This was not a good sign. A sandstorm? This is going to slow them down.

            "We've received a message from home." Captain Panaka's voice called out to him.

            The throne room was thick with tension when he walked in. The Queen acknowledged his arrival with a slight nod. Panaka hit a few buttons on his belt, and a hologram image of the elderly man that Obi-wan met back in Naboo floated in the middle of the room. Seeing his image, Obi-wan felt the queen tensing. It was Governor Sio Bibble.

            "The death toll is catastrophic. We must bow to their wishes. You must contact me." His eyes were desperate, his voice pleading. Sabé closed her eyes, steeling her resolve, recalling what Amidala told her. The holovid flickered out.

            "It's a trick. Send no reply. Send no transmissions of any kind." Obi-wan said quietly, looking into her eyes. She could sense his sympathy. She had exposed herself too much. She only looked at him silently in reply—and agreement. With this, he walked out of the room.

~~**~~

            Obi-wan decided it was best to inform his master of this new development. A connection was immediately established.

            "Obi-wan."

            "We have received a holovid from the governor of Theed." Obi-wan said, straight to the point. "He was asking the queen for help."

            "Sounds like bait to establish a linking transmission." Qui-Gon commented, as Obi-wan expected he would. He was completely right but—Obi-wan recalled the heavy sorrow washing over the queen. The people…her people that she had sworn to protect were in danger, and she was where she could not help them. He knew the feeling all too well.

            "What if he's right. What if it is true…and the people are dying?" he asked quietly.

            Qui-Gon paused before answering. "Either way, we're running out of time." Then the connection was cut. Obi-wan stared at his comlink before replacing it on his belt. He turned to see the queen standing on the doorway, watching him intently. Her expression was unreadable, but it seemed to him that she was now regarding him in a new light, believing now that they really wanted to help her and the rest of Naboo. Without saying anything, she moved away from the doorway and out of his sight.  

~~**~~

            This is too much! A little too much! Sabé groaned to herself, twisting her body to one side again. Night had already settled on Tatooine, yet sleep refused to settle on Sabé. Jedi Kenobi had just informed her that their ship was the placed bet on the pod races.  If they lost…if they lost…

            She finally sat up. Padmé purposely did this to drive me insane! She thought angrily. She was against the idea of Amidala going with the Jedi Master from the very start, but her opinion was no match for the Queen's. This would never work, she decided, standing up. The other handmaidens were already asleep, brought about their exhaustion and worry. They had spent the whole day discussing theories on what happened on Naboo, and what the Trade Federations' ulterior motive to their planet really was. And Amidala—how was she faring? She frowned and tried to shake these unpleasant thoughts from her head.

            Exhausted. She was terribly exhausted. She felt stiff all over, brought about the fact that she had been sitting ALL DAY, doing nothing but to worry and speculate. Usually when she was tired and restless like this, she would go to the combat room and practice her skills with her blade. But since they weren't anywhere near Naboo…

            She would have to settle for a walk. Sabé stood up and began groping in the dark for the nearest hooded robe. Eirtaé had flung hers around here somewhere. Ah, she had found it. The texture, the shape…this was it. She then quickly twisted her hair in a simple bun that she favored. She didn't want to turn the lights on and wake her companions. The last thing she wanted was to do impersonate the queen in the middle of the night. Working quickly, she threw on the robe and pulled its hood up, and she slipped on the soft shoes that the Handmaidens wore. Again, she didn't know whose shoes it really was, but they all were the same sizes anyway, so it fit perfectly. She headed for the door, punched a few buttons on the small computer pad located beside it, the door opened, and she walked out.

            As she had expected, the hallways were empty, and she fell into her thoughts again. But it was far from political. What of Saché and Yané…and Governor Bibble? Are they held in detention? Killed? Sabé dreaded to find out. Faces of friends and children welled up in her, and she hurried her pace a little bit, almost colliding into someone.

                                    It was Obi-wan Kenobi. He had avoided her just in time, and didn't seem to be surprised by her sudden appearance. He paused however, recognizing the hood and build of one of the queen's Handmaidens.

            "It is a little late for touring the ship, isn't it?" he remarked dryly.

            "Forgive me, Jedi Kenobi." Sabé was quick to reply. "I didn't see you."

            "Where are you going, if I may ask?"

            "I am going to tour the ship." She said with the same dry tone he had used earlier. She regretted it immediately. This was no way to speak to a Jedi, much less to a Jedi who was helping to save Naboo.

                        "You are anxious and apprehensive." Kenobi commented, picking up her emotions. They must be really bouncing off me! Sabé thought miserably. She was not really in the mood to be commented on by a Jedi.

                        "Do not fear, Handmaiden. Your friend is safe, and very soon we will be able to help your planet, once we reach Coruscant." Kenobi said, trying to reassure her. Sabé thought he sounded like one of those knights in stupid romantic novels with his 'do not fear' speech.

"But we will still see that for ourselves, won't we?" Sabé said, sardonic smile playing on her lips. Obi-wan gave her a funny look. She didn't know herself why she felt so weird tonight, but she just attributed it to her stress.

            "The queen isn't around anywhere, I hope?" he asked, blue eyes narrowing a little. Sabé inhaled sharply at these words.

            "No, Jedi Kenobi. She is getting her well-deserved sleep." Sabé was quick to reply. Yeah right.

            "I'm glad." His features finally softened—whenever she saw him, he was always scrunched up, making him look older than he actually was. "I've been doing nothing but bring bad news all day which I think is—pretty much what makes you anxious right now, Handmaiden."

            "Yes." She said, her tone even. Jedi were supposed to be mind readers, did he suspect? You look like a Gungan; you look like a Gungan, she thought to herself, a sort of test for him. But no, the look on his face didn't change. Good. "I will be going on ahead, Jedi Kenobi." She decided to say. The less time they conversed, the better.

            "I will accompany you." He said, surprising her. He noticed her reaction and laughed softly. "What? Did you expect me to leave a lady like yourself to wander around the ship unattended? We are still very much in danger, Handmaiden—"

            "Sabé." She supplied, suddenly feeling weak. Things weren't looking good. What if he would recognize her?

            "—Sabé. And besides, I'm making rounds myself." Not coming up with a good excuse not to (and besides, her legs were still stiff) they began walking.

            "It's very kind of you." She said politely. Don't screw up Sabé. Or else as soon as you get to Naboo, you better be checking out new posts. She looked at Obi-wan. Don't Jedi ever sleep? She thought to herself, rather miserably. They walked for a minute or two in silence. Taking another quick glance at the young man, who seemed to have NO desire to start a conversation, she gathered her courage to speak first.

            "Are you sure I am of no inconvenience?" she asked timidly. "You seem to need rest."

            The Jedi shook his head slowly. "It's nothing. There are just some things that have been bothering me lately."

            Sabé nodded. "The pod race."

            He shook his head, more vigorously this time. "I have confidence in my Master's decisions."

            "And you have great faith." She added lightly, although this crazy idea of his Master annoyed her to the core. "Or have you foreseen a triumph through the Force?" There. She did it. She brought up a topic that she had been itching to bring up. Not everyone met a Jedi everyday, much less converse with him or her.

            Obi-wan sensed a note of mockery tinged with genuine interest in the last question. "Only Jedi trained well in the Force can foresee the future. And even if I did foresee it, it doesn't necessarily mean it will happen. The future is always moving." He explained, trying to figure this girl out.

            "I see." Sabé mumbled, her interest heightening. "Well, I'll admit it. I am more interested in the Force than future-reading. I've read that before the rise of the Jedi, the Force was something ambivalent—undecipherable and unreachable. Many religions were built around the belief of the existence of the Force. Those who were Force-sensitive were greatly burdened by their talent, ridiculed by society. Many refer of this power not as a 'force' but as a Secret Life." Sabé drew her breath after this short narrative. "Is my brief reconstruction of history correct, Jedi?"

            He smiled widely in spite of himself. "Quite true. I must say I'm impressed. That was quite a bit of history that was always overlooked. Where did you get your references? More likely, your parents told you that story, didn't they?"

            She stiffened a little, almost unnoticeably, under her dark-blue cloak. "My parents died a long time ago. I've been living in the Theed palace all my life." She informed him quietly.

            Obi-wan was caught off-guard and looked away awkwardly. "I'm sorry."

            "It's alright. I'm not sad. I never knew them. They died when I was quite young." It's just that it's surprising when people mention it to me—my parents.

            "I see. You were taken in by the government."

            "Only because they saw that I had potential. You Jedi seem to have that habit too, am I right?" she peeked at him from under her hood, hoping he was not annoyed or insulted by her remark. He wasn't. His face was as calm as before, his eyes clear. They walked in utter silence (for a Nubian starship made very little noise) and she began to wonder if he heard her at all.

            "Yes." He suddenly said, making her jump. "I was only a year old when they took me to the Temple. I consider it my home, they way you consider Theed palace your home." He seemed to ponder on it.

 

            Jedi or not, he's pretty strange. But he was right. The mere mention of her home made her yearning to be there again. She couldn't imagine a life without a home, without serving her queen and the people. She glanced at Obi-wan again, still lost in his own thoughts. He was like her, too, she realized. A life dedicated to service—only on a grander scale, and with less nice clothes. You could almost say that we're two peas in a pod, she thought to herself, a small smile playing on her lips. A bantha and…another bantha…she stopped there, chiding herself for her silliness.

             A sound of ripping cloth pulled Obi-wan and Sabé from their reveries. Sabé felt a strong tug at the hem of her cloak.

            Oh gods no…

            She twisted her body to see what was wrong—an unwise move, for she heard more cloth ripping. "What is that?" she cried in alarm.

            "Don't move." Obi-wan told her as he bent to inspect the ripped hem. He sounded too serious for a ripped hem, Sabé thought, a little amused.

            "It's a bad tear. It got caught in a half-open air vent." Obi-wan reported from below, plucking the cloth from the grate and pushing it back into the vent. The back of the cloak was almost split into two.

            "Oh in Piabree's name…!" Sabé muttered savagely, but her face fell when she turned her head and saw the damage herself. "Nooo…" she moaned. All the pent-up feelings of despair flooded out of her and she completely lost control over herself. "It's not even my cloak! Eirtaé will kill me!"

            It was pretty funny to see a usually cool and dignified Handmaiden to lose composure, but Obi-wan decided not to tell her that, fearing her opinion on that matter. "It's just a cloak. You can sew it back on tonight." He told her, trying his best not to laugh at Sabé's dismay.

            "No." Sabé groaned miserably. "It's Eirtaé's cloak and she's so particular about these things. And besides…" her voice dropped a notch lower. "…I'm a bad seamstress. She'll notice."

            "You're a bad what? You can't sew?" Obi-wan looked shocked.

            "I was trained for other things!" she spluttered, embarrassed. "Never mind. I can handle this myself." She turned on her heel, ready to leave.

            "Wait a second." He called. "I can help you."

            She faced him again. "You can? How?"

            "I can sew." He said simply.

            "You CAN?" the disbelief was evident in her voice.

            "Well…yes." It was his turn to be embarrassed. "Part of my training when I was eight, learning how to meditate."

            Meditation and sewing? Huh? Crazy Jedi! She looked doubtful. "But that was a long time ago."

            "How do you think I maintain these things?" he asked, gesturing at his brown robes.

            No time to be picky. You need to be in Eirtaé's good favour if you want her to help you in this impersonation shtick. She gave this some thought, then finally conceded. "Okay. You win."

            Obi-wan walked towards her to get her cloak. She suddenly drew away. "Wh—what do you think you're doing?!" she demanded.

            He seemed puzzled for a moment. "I'm—going—to—take…your cloak to sew it up." he said slowly.

            Are you dense or what? "I'm only wearing my nightclothes underneath." She said softly.

            Obi-wan suddenly flushed a deep red. "Um—of course." He said, regaining his composure. He shrugged off his outer robe and handed it to her. "You can use mine for the meantime." He offered.

            "Thank you." She said meekly, taking the offered robe. It had no hood. Damn. Obi-wan turned his back on her a she took off her cloak and replaced it with his robe. Slipping it on her shoulders, it felt light but heavy enough to keep her warm. It smelled like grass. Why was that? There was no grass around here. She tied the sash quickly to secure it in place. "Jedi Kenobi."

            He turned back to her, and she quickly lowered her face. She handed him her ruined cloak. Suddenly she felt shy and embarrassed. "Maybe it's not a good idea…no, this is terribly rude of me!" she drew back. Idiot! He's a JEDI, and you're asking him to sew up Eirtaé's cloak?! "I'm sorry. I've been out of my wits end. You're right. It's just a cloak. I'll just explain everything to Eirtaé. She'll understand. You really don't have to. I was just babbling back then…as I am babbling right now." Now she's lost it. Dignity, self-respect…all down the drain... She fought back tears and growing sense of discomfort and embarrassment.  Why was she like this? She was supposed to be the cool-headed Handmaiden, wasn't she? She looked in Obi-wan's blue eyes, apologetic. 

Obi-wan, on his part, was totally confused. He didn't usually talk to women, and Sabé had to be one of the strangest ones he met in his life.  He couldn't keep up with her. "No, it's alright. Really. I owe you one." He said gently.

"Yeah. How?" Obi-wan almost laughed. Just some time ago, she was so…so formal. Now she was simply…delightful.

"You came along when I needed distraction." He told her.

She frowned a bit. "That doesn't sound good."

"As a matter of fact, your distraction was quite refreshing." He admitted.  Without her hood, he could see her face clearly and he thought she was lovely. One of the loveliest women he had ever seen (not that he noticed women much). "It would be a great honor for me to sew up a cloak that you have used." He said sincerely.

"Let's just hope Eirtaé washed that before taking it here." She smiled ruefully. The smile vanished. "I can't let you. You're a Jedi Knight…"

He held up a hand, silencing her. "We're friends." It felt good saying that. 

~~**~~

"Waaaaaaaaaaaake up queenie!" Rabé's voice pounded gratingly on her ears. Sabé buried herself deeper into the pillows, trying to ignore her friend's calls.

"Queenie, queenie, queenie, wakeuppy!" Rabé persisted, knowing that the more she made her voice whiny, the more effective it would be. Still, Sabé didn't budge. "Geez, Sabé, hurry up and wake up! I still have to fix your hair!"

"What time is it?" Sabé said in her pillow.

"I'm not sure, but it's an hour before the first sun rises." Eirtaé informed her, her voice a little farther off than Rabé's.

Eirtaé! Sabé shot up, almost colliding her forehead with Rabé's. They looked at each other, Rabé looking puzzled, Sabé looking dazed. She suddenly looked at Eirtaé, and saw that she had already bathed and dressed—in the blue cloak! The hood was down, and Eirtaé gave her another look.

"Great. She's trapped in her own world again." Rabé snorted, rolling her eyes. "Go and take a bath, young lady. You have impersonation to do."

"I know, I know." Sabé grumbled, catching the towel Eirtaé tossed to her. Her eyes passed by the black number she had been wearing ever since their escape from Naboo. Ugh.

As she took a bath, events of the past night filtered into her mind. Jedi Kenobi offered to sew Eirtaé's cloak, and she headed back to her room to catch some sleep. However, her conversation with him left her more sleepless than before. In two hours' time, she met him at the hallway as planned, and swapped his robe for her cloak. When she went back to her room, she could no longer resist the charms of unconsciousness, and gave to it, only to be awakened again.

The bath roused her senses considerably, and soon she was ready to have her makeup and dress donned on. The first sunrise was just threatening to spill over the horizon as they finished putting on the ceremonial paint. Before everything else, Sabé finally decided to tell them a truth…well, parts of the truth.

"Um…hey guys?" she said, rather uncertainly. Rabé and Eirtaé looked up expectantly. "There's something I have to tell you…" she took a deep breath. "I couldn't sleep well last night, and I took a walk in Handmaiden's attire—"

"I hope it wasn't mine." Eirtaé commented.

"You didn't bump into anyone, did you?" Rabé asked, her voice tightening.

"I ran into the Jedi." Sabé admitted morosely. "I had to introduce myself as Sabé. It was too sudden; I had no time to think. I wish I had."

"Sabé!" Eirtaé cried, disdainful. "How can you be so careless? You've practically blown our cover!"

"That's why I need you to help me." Sabé pleaded. "Rabé could have the day off, so I could just have one Handmaiden, while we can say that Sabé is sick, dead, whatever…"

Rabé and Eirtaé exchanged glances, doubtful. Rabé shrugged. "If it involves me and some rest, I definitely agree on it."

"The damage has been done." Eirtaé agreed, sighing. "At least this half-witted plan of yours is a little believable, Sabé. You owe us one."

"Yeah. I'll jot it down my list." Sabé remarked sarcastically, as the feathered headpiece was slowly settled on her head. 

~~**~~

"Good morning, your Highness."

"Jedi Kenobi." Sabé returned, her voice deep and authoritative, a perfect copy of Amidala's. "Has Master Jinn sent us any word yet?"

"I'm afraid not, Highness. The pod race begins in an hour's time. It will be over quickly, however, and the outcome of the races will be reported to you as soon as possible." Obi-wan returned, keeping his pace up with the queen.

"Good. And the ship…?"

"The ship is all ready for the parts, Highness."

"Very well. Thank you, you may go." Sabé tried not to study his face too carefully. When she first saw him, she didn't think he was handsome, she even thought he was arrogant with his swashbuckler moves. But now he seemed…different. Kinder looking. Or was it just she? Snap out of it Sabé, you idiot! You've caused yourself enough trouble do you hear me?!

"Your Highness?" his voice slapped her back into reality. She didn't show this, of course. Obi-wan was now studying HER carefully. "I see you are accompanied by only one Handmaiden. If you don't mind me asking, where is the other one?"

Sabé felt her heart stop for a moment, and she exhaled slowly. "Sabé?" she discreetly signaled Eirtaé to answer that question.

"She has taken ill." Eirtaé was quick to inform Obi-wan. "She is resting at this moment."

"Ill?" he looked concerned. "What ails her?"

Eirtaé racked her mind—right, what COULD she be sick of? This planet? Her life? Or perhaps the fact that she's playing the queen, the most stressful job in Handmaidenology? Her stupidity in bringing along all this trouble? She finally settled on saying,  "Food poisoning."

"Food poisoning?" he echoed, brows furrowing. "Is she alright?"

"Yes. But she needs rest. I think it was caused by some of the…food stuffs that had been stacked away for too long." Eirtaé said slowly, hoping the Jedi wouldn't play mind reading and discover her lie.

"Oh. I am sorry to hear that." He paused to digest the information. "Is there anything I could do to help?"

"She is best to be left alone." Sabé said. "I thank you for your kindness, but I assume you have other things to do." Come on you stubborn Jedi! Buy this story already!

"Your Highness assumed rightly." He drew himself up. "We should be all careful then with the food on the ship."

"Oh, I just think Sabé ate too much." Eirtaé commented, a little un-handmaiden like. She couldn't help it, the situation was funnier than she expected. Sabé threw her a sharp look before the Jedi bowed and left the throne chamber.

~~**~~

A few hours later, there was still no word from Qui-Gon.

"I'm worried." Eirtaé had said more than once. Sabé bit her lip and said nothing. It would do no good to agree with Eirtaé and heighten her anxiety. She instead fixed her eyes on the clenched fists on her lap. She wanted to go home, wished that this nightmare had never happened. She closed her eyes.

Then, images from a forgotten time met her. Faces—smiling faces. A man and a woman. Who were they? They seemed taller than her; they were reaching out, picking her up. "Sabé—Sabé…" the woman cooed. The woman with her face. "Everything's going to be alright, Sabé." The woman said, smiling sadly.

"…Mother?"

The dream ended. Eirtaé was calling her name. The Jedi—Obi-wan—wanted to see her. She was instantly jolted into tension again. He stalked in, and then broke into a smile. Oh, gods…I can't believe it…

"The parts will be coming in shortly." He announced, smiling radiantly. "We'll be ready for travel in a few hours' time."

Sabé wanted to cry, to laugh, and to scream in delight all in the same time. Instead, she gave him a small smile. "That is very good news." She glanced at Eirtaé, who grinned under the handmaiden cloak.

A step closer to home.

~~**~~

"There is something that you have to know about the boy." Qui-Gon began, drawing up a seat in front of Obi-wan. "About Anakin Skywalker."

Obi-wan nodded. "The Force is strong in him. I have felt it." He looked about. No one was around. Anakin had wandered off by himself, perhaps to look for the handmaiden that went along with his master. Handmaiden. How was Sabé doing? He wondered to himself, but he decided to find out the answer later. More pressing matters had to be discussed.

Before Qui-Gon could say anything more, the door hissed open, and Panaka walked in. He was no longer frowning as much, Obi-wan observed. All onboard were gaining hope as they traveled toward Coruscant.

"The queen wishes to see Master Jinn." He announced, nodding towards Qui-Gon. Master and apprentice glanced at each other.  Very soon the queen herself walked in, skirts rustling. Two handmaidens followed her. Eirtaé and--for a moment he thought it was Sabé, but with a sinking feeling, he realized it was not her.  No Sabé. Obi-wan repressed another wave of disappointment. What was wrong with him?

"Master Jedi," she began, seating herself to a chair that Eirtaé had drawn up. "I have received news that you battled a dark warrior shortly before the ship took off. I came to see how you are doing."

"I am fine, your Highness. I did not get injured." Qui-Gon was quick to reply. He sensed that she had another reason for coming here, but he wasn't sure what it was.

"That is good." She nodded. "Please stay in your chambers until you are fully rested. I will send some crew members to get you nourishment before landing in Coruscant."

"There is no need, really…" Qui-Gon began, but the queen cut him off.

"I insist. You have done much, and this is the least I can do. And this is also a way for apologizing to you and your apprentice, for ever even doubting you." She smiled wryly at this. Obi-wan could've sworn he'd seen that smile before, but it disappeared quickly before he could think more about it. "Do you have any idea on who your attacker might be?"

"Very likely he is after you and your life, your Highness." Qui-Gon said, a shadow darkening his brow. "He might be following you after Coruscant. After all, he has followed us to a planet like Tatooine…"

"I see." If the news of a killer troubled her, she did not show it. "I will make sure to take the necessary precautions." She stood up, and her handmaidens were behind her in a heartbeat.  "Please get some rest, Master Jedi. I will leave you and your apprentice to talk." She looked at Obi-wan. "He has a good soul, and I thank him for all he has done for us." The gaze lingered a little longer, and then she turned to leave.

                                   

~~**~~

            The truth was shortly revealed afterward—Padmé came forward and admitted that SHE was the Queen Amidala, and not Sabé while asking the Gungans to aid them in the war against the Trade Federation. Obi-wan shared a surprised, if not amused, look, with Qui-Gon. How could Sabé not be the queen? Obi-wan wondered. In her was every trait that a queen should have…

           

At first, Sabé wanted to argue, but the look on the queen's face silenced her. Then she kept her peace. She understood. For the Gungans to truly trust them, they must show the truth…

           

Under the shady forests of Naboo, as the Gungans assembled and Amidala discussed the plans for penetrating the Theed, she called for Sabé, who was still dressed up in the queen's battle attire.

            "Your Majesty."

            "Handmaiden, Saché and Yané and some of our officers will accompany you as my backup. Do not wander far from us or let the droids delay you for too long. Yet do not be so reckless as to alert the Viceroy of your presence." Amidala instructed her in a stern voice. She was queen again—not just of her revelation, but also by her very stance and tone.

            "As your Majesty commands." Sabé bowed deeply. Amidala put a hand on her shoulder, and Sabé looked up in surprise. Amidala smiled sadly. It might be the last time they would see each other.

            "You have been a good friend. I thank you." She said softly, allowing a small smile to show as she hugged Sabé tightly.

            "I won't fail you." Sabé whispered, hugging her queen and her friend in return.

~~**~~

            "You must think yourself very clever." A familiar voice commented as Sabé was reviewing the blasters laid out on the grass. Obi-wan Kenobi walked towards her and she rose up to meet him.

            Sabé suddenly felt tired, but she managed a weak smile. "Yes. But who would have thought that you would easily believe the food poisoning story? Did you not sense it yourself?

            "Yes…but…I did not want to blow your cover." Obi-wan replied, lying through his teeth. Sabé laughed.

            Obi-wan's face suddenly became very concerned. "Take care of yourself, Sabé…the queen needs you." Sabé was clearly surprised by this sudden change and his concern for her life. He quickly turned and walked back to his Master.

~~**~~

            "Your occupation here has ended, Viceroy!" Sabé yelled, raising her blaster and wiping clean two battle 'droids standing beside the Two Nemoidians. She exchanged a glance with Amidala, and nodding almost imperceptibly, she took a sharp turn for the East wing of the palace.

            "After her! …This one's a decoy!" she heard the Neimodian's disgusted shout. She smiled to herself. That smile quickly faded when Saché, running behind her, shouted out:

            "Destroyers!"

            "Everyone, take cover!" Sabé yelled when she heard the whir of the approaching Destroyer droids.  The ducked behind the columns just in time as the Destroyers opened fire.

            "Hold your ground!" she shouted again, hoping desperately that they had drawn out all the Destroyers from the throne room. She took a shot at them, but she knew it was futile, as the laser beam bounced off the Destroyer's shields, hitting the ceiling. Another beam hit that part of the ceiling, and a huge piece of concrete came crashing down, hitting one of the droids and destroying it completely. It crashed and…

            Everything became deathly quiet.

~~**~~         

Saché peeked cautiously from behind a pillar after the crash, and couldn't believe it. The other two droids had crumpled to the floor!  "Sabé, the enemy is silent."

            Sabé inhaled sharply. "This can only mean one thing."

            "The main ship has been destroyed!" Saché cried, her face breaking out with joy and relief. "We've won!"

            The queen. Sabé didn't have time to rejoice just yet. She sprinted into the corridor, in the Throne room's direction. The door was closed, jammed. A slow dread crept into Sabé's heart. She groped for her comlink on her belt, but it wasn't there. She must have dropped it.

            "Your Highness?! Your Highness!" Sabé cried, pounding her fists on the door. She was answered by the hiss of an opening chamber door. There stood a triumphant Amidala, and a very much-defeated Nute Gunray and sidekick. The two girls shared a happy grin as they hugged each other tightly.

~~**~~

            A few minutes later, Sabé was back on the corridors, blaster up and ready. She was sent on one of the "cleanup crews" as she called it, to check if there were any more enemies around, or any droid that by any chance, still activated.

            The hangar was empty. It just took a quick scan to confirm that there were no more droids. She then noticed the discarded robes in front of the opening that led to the main energy reactor. The two Jedi…and the Sith lord.

            Sabé shuddered at the memory. She had read about the Sith lords, but she never, ever expected to see one in the flesh. He was hideous, and evil was emanating from him, like a foul stench. She stared at the crumpled Jedi robes, contemplating.

            "My lady?" one of the guards assigned to her asked.

            Sabé's head snapped up. "You will stay here. I'll go on ahead to check the main reactor.

            "But my lady, is it safe?"

            Sabé felt her anger rise. "Of course it's not safe. That is why this group is staying here. It's too dangerous."

            "But…"

            "I'll take my chances." She replied, knowing what he was going to say: 'What if both of them lost?' Not to take any more arguments, Sabé walked into the hallway that led to the main reactor. Sabé felt a sudden chill. What if…?

            No. It couldn't be. Don't be such a pessimist, Sabé. She thought.  

            That's when she heard the far cry from the back of her head. It sounded familiar. "Obi-wan…?" she began running—although she didn't know where. But her feet took her through the narrow catwalk, through the energy shields and…

            To the crumpled body of Qui-Gon Jinn.  Obi-wan was cradling his dead body, weeping openly. She had never seen a man so crushed. She dropped her blaster and rushed to his side. He didn't acknowledge her presence, and she paused, not knowing what to do. Knowing that in his grief, he would hear no words, she knelt beside him and put a hand on his shoulder.  He seemed stung by the sudden contact, and looked at her with dazed eyes. She nodded.

            The radio on her belt beeped. With her free hand she unhooked it and brought it in front of her lips. Obi-wan was now quiet, his sobs subsided. "Captain."

            "Are you alright?" Panaka's voice came through. "Did you find them?"

            "Yes Captain. Suggest you re-group the volunteers. I hear many are injured. Don't worry about us. We'll report soon." She decided to omit anything about Qui-Gon's death. It wasn't her place to announce it. She closed her eyes and lowered her head. In the short time that she had known him, she knew that Qui-Gon was a good man, and it was a great loss, not only to Obi-wan, but also to the whole galaxy.

            He had just lost his father. Just like she had. This very thought made her heart break. You don't

deserve this, Obi-wan. You're the last person who deserves this.

            She tightened her hold on his shoulders, as he wept.

            ~~**~~

            In the middle of the festivities—no one was sure how—Obi-wan managed to slip away from the celebration. He was in no mood to rejoice—his master was dead and he was going to train a boy who might very well be the Chosen One. He needed to think.

            The whole palace was bustling with music, laughter and joy. As he quickened his steps, these noises faded away. He left the palace, down the grand stairs, past the sculptures of Naboo philosophers…and into the garden, into the winding stairs downward that led to the mausoleum.

            As he approached the chambers where his master was cremated, he felt a presence. His muscles tensed, and his hand on his lightSabér. Gods…

            "Master Jedi." A cool, familiar voice resounded throughout the room. A cloaked figure stepped

from the darkness. She lifted her face. Obi-wan recognized her at once. It was Sabé.

            He immediately relaxed, drawing himself up. She had called him Master Jedi…that sounded strange and new—it made him wince. He bowed slightly, and she nodded in return.

            "Handmaiden Sabé…what are you doing here?" he found himself asking.

            "Keeping vigil over Qui-Gon Jinn." She replied smoothly. "As our last tribute to him."

            He then suddenly recalled that he hadn't seen her of late…so this was where she was all this time? "I thank you." He said softly.

            "We can only do so much." Sabé said, sadness evident in her voice. "We hope—I hope that you will make good use of what he has taught you, Master Jedi."

            "Yes. That would be a more fitting tribute to him…" he whispered to himself. There was a moment's silence as Obi-wan regarded the ashes that had once been his beloved Master. Then his doubts and troubles washed over him anew.

            "Master Jedi…if it is not too intrusive, may I know what is troubling you?" it sounded more like a command than a question, and for one absurd moment, Obi-wan wanted to laugh. Sabé went on, blissfully oblivious to his thoughts. "You have come here for a reason. Your heart is heavy and sad."

            Obi-wan peered into the darkness, but only saw the hood and the cloak Sabé was wearing, as if she was part of the shadows itself. "I did not come here to burden other people with my troubles…" he began.

            "I would have not offered you help had I not wanted to help you with your burden." Sabé replied comfortingly. "You and your master has done so much for all of us that I should be cursed if I had not tried to help you now. Now that Master Qui-Gon is gone, the only way for us to truly pay him back is by helping you." Saying this, she pulled back her hood, and smiled gently at Obi-wan. It was the first time that she had smiled at him and he was genuinely taken aback.

            Before he could stop himself, he leaned back against the cool stonewalls and began to talk. His doubts—true, he was now a Jedi, but was he ready to be a Master? He didn't think so. He even felt that Yoda doubted him, and this added to his burden even more. With Qui-Gon's abrupt death, he still thought that he needed to learn some more things—even though his master told the Jedi Council that he had nothing else to learn from him. A Master for a young boy who was the Chosen One, the one who would bring balance to the Force! Obi-wan wasn't afraid—but wasn't sure if he had the right qualifications for such a daunting task. He was confused now, and felt very alone. He was glad that Sabé's reassuring presence was there to hear him verbalize his thoughts. He felt like a load was lifted from his shoulders.

            Was it because he was conscious that he was like her, growing up without knowing any family, aside from those who had raised them? He thought of Qui-Gon, and remembered the struggle Sabé went through when she saw her adoptive father begging for her help.

            Sabé, on her part, listened intently to what this young man had to say. How different he looked

now, and how vulnerable, she thought. So unlike the confident Padawan that she was acquainted too. He seemed to be really distressed, else he wouldn't be pouring out his heart and soul to a Handmaiden he barely knew.

            He stopped talking and threw a shy, embarrassed smile over her way and she felt her heart go out to him. She wanted to say something to help him, but for once in her life, she could find no words to do so. She suddenly felt vulnerable herself, painfully aware that she was just an eighteen-year-old, who barely knew anything about life.

            "You have your doubts, and your fears have a real basis." She finally said, hoping her voice

wouldn't tremble. She studied him after a moment's silence and went on. "I understand you perfectly. However, you must not let these worries cloud your heart and mind."

            Obi-wan had to smile at that. "You sound like a Jedi Master." He remarked.

            "Do I?" Sabé's eyes widened at that. Obi-wan could see a smile on her lips, but her voice sounded embarrassed. "I must sound rather foolish to you then…forgive me, I advised you when you asked for none…"

            'No, it's alright." Obi-wan interrupted her. "I greatly appreciate your sympathy and concern, Handmaiden." He hoped that would ease her embarrassment. "More than anything, it is I who should ask for your forgiveness, for being intrusive while you are doing your duties."

            "Ah, but your intrusion is a great honor for me, Master Jedi." Her kind brown eyes were shimmering with sincerity. Obi-wan studied her face intently—her resemblance to the queen was striking, for they looked very much alike, but at the same time, it was different, the way sisters were alike and different in appearances. She possessed a nobler face, he decided, cooler and more thoughtful than the queen. He attributed it to the fact that Sabé was older than Amidala.

            She must have noticed his intent stare so she quietly (and a little self-consciously) slipped back the black hood over her head, once again covering her features.

            "You should go back to the festivities, Master Jedi, else Queen Amidala and the other dignitaries miss you." She suggested, her voice cool and alien from him once again. "Celebrations here in Naboo are frequent, but this is the first time there is actually something to celebrate about. It doesn't always have to be self-congratulatory. It is a marking of a bright future. You, of all people, should be the one celebrating the most."

            Obi-wan reflected on this remark. "And you…?" he finally inquired.

            "I will stay." She said in a firm voice that left no room for argument. "As my duty and my privilege."

            Obi-wan bowed deeply, sadness and doubts temporarily forgotten in his admiration for the Handmaiden, now knowing why the queen favoured her among the rest. "Then I take my leave, Handmaiden Sabé. My thanks and gratitude will be yours always. May the Force be with you."

            "I thank you, too, Jedi Kenobi, for helping Naboo's people and her queen." She replied. With this, and a soft rustling of his Jedi robes, Obi-wan left the mausoleum. Sabé stepped back into the shadows, contemplating the unexpected meeting that just took place.

~~**~~

            I wonder what time it is? Sabé thought to herself, several hours after her conversation with Obi-wan. Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft thump thump thump from the stairs. Her body tensed, but relaxed immediately when she saw Rabé come down the stairs.

            "It's almost dawn." She told Sabé softly. "You can go back to the palace now."

            "Did you enjoy the celebrations?" Sabé asked, smiling. Rabé nodded.

            "Immensely."

            "I'm glad." Sabé said as she kissed her friend on the cheek. "Hope you met someone interesting."

            "Now go get some rest. I think the Jedi wants to talk to you." Rabé whispered in her ear, returning the small jest.

           

~~**~~

            Rabé was right. It was not hard to spot the Jedi in his brown robes, standing in the lush green gardens of Theed palace. She forced herself not to quicken her pace. Obi-wan caught sight of her, too, and walked up to meet her.

           

"Good day, Handmaiden Sabé." He greeted.

           

"Good morning, Jedi Kenobi." She returned the greeting, nodding slightly. "Visiting the gardens, I see."

            "It's very beautiful." He agreed, studying the well-manicured lawns. "There's nothing in Naboo that isn't beautiful, I think." He added. They walked along in silence, enjoying the scenery and each other's company. He looks more relaxed now, she thought. Sabé was glad. They reached the foot of the stairs that led upwards to the entrance of Theed.

            "I must be on my way now, and leave you to your peace." She told him politely, preparing to leave. He surprised her when a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.

            "When can I see you again? —I mean, after you have rested, of course." He asked, stammering a bit, unsure of how this all went. Sabé smiled, a light blush coloring her cheeks. But she had to disappoint him.

            "I have duties after my resting hours." She replied. "I still have many things to do." She paused; feeling keenly disappointed herself, seeing his face fall and his vain effort to hide it. "The queen needs me."

            "Oh." His smile looked forced. "I understand. I'm sorry for even bothering you."

            "You never were a bother, Jedi Kenobi." She smiled again and hurried up the stairs, feeling his gaze on her back.  She resisted the urge to look back at him. A voice in her head warned her not to, she knew it would be pointless, futile. He was leaving tomorrow; she had to make that clear to herself.

            She must forget that Obi-wan Kenobi ever existed.

~~**~~

"Your aim is a little low, your Highness." Sabé gently instructed the young woman, raising Amidala's elbow, adjusting it. "You must be tense, alert. Your posture is too relaxed."

            "You will not be easy one me. I like that." Amidala grinned, sweat pouring down the sides of her face.

            "Why, your Highness, I assumed you expected nothing else." Sabé replied in mock surprise, replacing the dummy blaster back to her belt. "Okay, let's rest for a while."

            "No, it's okay." Amidala said, sitting beside Sabé. "No more training today."

            That certainly wasn't something Sabé was used hearing Amidala say. "Your Highness?" she gave the leader a puzzled look. "But we've barely begun."

            "Peace, Handmaiden." Amidala's smile just widened. "You can have the rest of the day off. Yané can train me in your stead."

            "But I don't understand…"

            "You can thank me later." She cut Sabé off, making no room for objections. "Go on. You can go see him now."

            "See him? See whom?" but she already knew whom Amidala was referring to.

            "The Jedi of course." Amidala's brown eyes glinted mischievously, brushing sweat-soaked hair from her face. "Eirtaé and Rabé are positively jealous. They said you annoyed him to no end."

            "The Jedi? Obi-wan…?" Sabé echoed hollowly. Amidala's smile faltered as her friend grabbed the dummy blaster and began firing at the blank wall.

            "Sabé, what's wrong?"

            "Can I…can I just refuse you on that?" Sabé asked softly. "I have no desire to see him."

            "Sabé, I'm not stupid. Why are you acting strange? I know you want to see him—I know you better than anyone. He's leaving tomorrow, and he may never come back. Don't you want to spend some more time with him?" Amidala asked, her friend's behavior confusing her.

            "Exactly. He's leaving tomorrow, what's the point?" a lump was forming in her throat, trying to avoid Amidala's eyes, she fired more shots, all landing squarely on its targets.

            "You know what I think? I think you're in love with him." Amidala countered hotly.

            "You don't know that." It touched Sabé that Amidala was deeply concerned for her happiness, but

perhaps she was too much of a romantic at heart. "What I'm doing right now, this is what I love."

            An uncomfortable silence fell between the two friends. "Oh Sabé, why are you doing this to yourself?" Amidala whispered. Sabé thought her heart would break right then and there.

~~**~~

Why won't you be true to yourself? Amidala's parting words haunted Sabé as she watched the deepening night sky of Naboo. Sabé hugged herself tightly. "Oh, Amidala. But I am being true to myself." She knew, she just knew, that being with Obi-wan wasn't in the future that the stars had formed for her. She wanted a life of service, a life devoted to a cause. She didn't want a family; she didn't want to fall in love. Maybe this was caused by the fact that she grew up knowing no family. Anyway, it was too late to blame anything on anything now.

            He tried to start a conversation after her training session with Amidala, but she had excused herself and hurried off to another appointment. The hurt in his blue eyes was more than she could bear. But she bore it, and she bore it quite well. She knew she wasn't doing it for herself—she was also doing it for him. The last thing he needed was to have someone to lean on, and she didn't want that to be her. He was a Jedi Master now, and had to be independent. She had studied enough of the Jedi to know his heavy responsibilities. Others had to come first, not them, not them.

            Oh but how miserable she felt. If things could only be different. But things could not be different,

and she knew this was the reality of everything. She leaned over the balcony, watching the gardens. She heard the door to their chambers open. "Yané," she called out to the newcomer. "Queen Amidala wants you to inform her of the matters concerning the status of the civilians and how the repair of the villages are going."

            "I'm not Yané." A masculine voice replied. Sabé twirled around in surprise. Obi-wan stood there, looking at her intently. "I'm sorry for coming in unannounced, Sabé."

            "Oh no—not at all. It's alright, Master Jedi." Sabé answered quietly, but panic was slowly rising in her. "Please, have a seat."

            "No, I won't be staying long." He said, not taking his eyes off her. She could only see his face in the dim light, and what she saw frightened her a little.

            "You don't have to be afraid of me, Sabé."

            "I'm not."

            "I feel you."

            "So you do."

            He studied her for another moment before going on. "Why are you avoiding me, Sabé? Just the other day you promised me your friendship, and now you're acting cold. I don't want it to end this way."

            Ending it this way…ending it this way. These words echoed in Sabé's mind. She shook her head. "I told you, I was just busy with some details in our recovery of the palace."

            "That's a lie." Obi-wan snapped. "And you know it."

            Something broke in Sabé. "What do you want me to say, then? No, what do you want from me, Obi-wan?!" she demanded.

            Obi-wan recoiled, as if he were hit. What was he doing here? Naboo's magenta satellite was slowly rising in the horizon, spilling its light on the balcony, on Sabé. For a moment, the girl's mind was open, and he felt her emotions. He smiled.

            "I—I've been in a situation like this, before." Sabé finally said, faltering, knowing that her defenses were taken down. "I never expected it to happen again. "

            "I understand." There were too many things—too many things between them, too much at stake. They were two of a kind, they knew it, and no one felt it more keenly but the two of them.

            "People like us. Maybe we were meant to be alone." Sabé laughed bitterly. She was sad, it was painful, but she was strong. "I knew…I knew you'd come to me someday, Obi-wan." 

            "And that you would leave." She turned back towards the balcony, and then felt him walking up to her, beside her. His presence was comforting enough, and it stopped any tears threatening to fall.

            "You know me all too well, Sabé." She heard him say, sighing. "I..." he paused, knowing that if he said it, he wouldn't be able to let her go. "But you already know that." She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

            "I wonder," he began again after a moment's silence. "What would happen if everything were different?"

            Sabé laughed. "I can easily guess your fate, Jedi. You would be some crazy old hermit in a far-off planet, and going by the name Ben."

            "Ben?" he smiled wryly, rubbing his chin. "Why Ben?"

            She shrugged. "Because it fits a doddering old man like you." Obi-wan feigned a hurt look and she laughed even more.

            "And I…" she paused, thinking. "I would be the lunatic witch Greta, living with the hermit Ben. A doddering old woman that fits perfectly with a doddering old man."

            "But no man would be as happy as Ben—because witches and hermits are a perfect match." He said softly. Sabé stopped laughing, her face now serene. She has accepted everything—Obi-wan thought. My love and our situation.

            "Oh, if we were only a witch and a hermit." She agreed, sighing sadly. He took her hand and squeezed it gently. He was going to miss her. He couldn't imagine loving anyone else.

            Soon enough, Sabé was alone again at the balcony, watching the moon rise.

~~**~~

The Galactic Republic's star cruiser landed on Naboo the next day, ready to take Obi-wan, his Padawan Anakin Skywalker and the ashes of Qui-Gon Jinn back to Coruscant. As preparations for their departure were made, Obi-wan went back to the mausoleum to retrieve his master's remains.

            As expected, Sabé was already there, waiting for him, with the urn containing Qui-Gon's ashes. She was dressed in a beautiful light blue robe, to signify Naboo's good wishes to the travelers' flight towards the sky. Unlike most of the Handmaidens' garments, this one had no hood to cover their faces. She was very beautiful, more than when he last saw her, Obi-wan thought.

            She handed over the urn, which was beautifully designed and gorgeously made, with carvings and gems set on the polished stone. Of course nothing less was expected of a country of arts such as Naboo. Obi-wan bowed deeply in return.

            "I wish you a good trip, Master Jedi," she said softly after this short ceremony. "And may the gods be pleased to cross our paths again." She added, her eyes looking into his.

            Before he knew what he was doing, Obi-wan stepped closer and pressed his lips against Sabé's forehead. He expected her to be angry or shocked (as he himself was very shocked by his own actions!) but instead she simply closed her eyes, and he felt her accept him sweetly and quietly. He drew back and they looked at each other again, wondering at what had just happened and what it could have meant.

            "We will meet again." He promised, and then went away.

~~**~~

            There were no ceremonies held in their departure. Sabé stood by the queen with the rest of the Handmaidens. The rest of Naboo's ministers were not far behind. She even noted the Gungan Jar Jar Binks was loitering around somewhere, as representative for his city.

            She watched Obi-wan out of the corner of her eyes. He was exchanging words and farewells to Captain Panaka and Governor Bibble. Senator Palpatine—no—Supreme Chancellor Palpatine had left earlier for Coruscant, so he was not around. Sabé felt a little relieved and happy by that. Palpatine may look to others like a very nice uncle, but there was something about him that made her wary of him.

            She saw Anakin walking ahead of Obi-wan, shaking hands with well-wishers and thanking them in return. He was very less cordial than his master, though—energetic and warm while Obi-wan was solemn and quiet. She saw Amidala watching him with fond eyes. Soon enough, the blonde-haired little boy approached the queen.

            "We will be going now, Padmé." He said, all energies seeming to fade. His blue eyes seemed very sad. "Will we see each other again?"

            The queen extended her arm and placed a hand on Anakin's cheek. "You will always be welcome here, Anakin, for you will always be remembered. Be brave, and be well. The gods will be pleased to cross our paths again one day." Sabé then recalled that these were similar words that she uttered to Obi-wan.

            "Yipee!" (you know what that sounds like) Anakin cried, brightening immediately. Then, in a lower voice, "I think that is your nicest dress." He said, gesturing at Amidala's golden gown, lined with precious blue and white crystals of Naboo. Sabé and the queen shared an amused glance at this remark. Then Obi-wan approached them. Sabé stiffened and forced herself to look straight ahead.

            "Jedi Kenobi, on behalf of my people, I wish you a good trip and success to your future—as well as your Padawan's." she heard Amidala say, glancing at Anakin. "Again, I thank you for your bravery and good deeds. You have saved us all from an unspeakable tragedy, restoring my faith in the Republic and of course, the Jedi Council."

            Obi-wan bowed in return. "The Council and the Republic will be pleased to hear that, your Majesty. It has been an honor. With your leave, we shall begin our journey."

            "Our blessings go with you." She replied.

            Sabé continued to stare ahead, forcing to cut herself off from her surroundings. He stepped in front of her, and she managed a weak smile. He took her hand, and squeezed it slightly.

            "We're friends, right?" he asked, his eyes dwelling on her.

            She suddenly felt the moistness in her eyes. "Yes. Always, Jedi Kenobi."

 Everyone was waving and shouting their goodbyes, but she remained calm. He pulled away.

           

Then she suddenly felt his eyes on her. She turned her head towards him, unable to resist. Then a flood of sensations poured itself out on her, nothing that she had ever experienced before. It was a mental touch from Obi-wan.

           

"Goodbye, Sabé. Thank you." She felt him say.

            Obi-wan…she looked after him, sadness tugging at her heart as his presence slipped away from her.

~~**~~

Author's notes: So, whaddya think? Too angsty, too choppy…too whatever? Review and we'll do something about it. What else…Hrm…oh did I mention that I'm a Keira Knightley fan now, mm hmm…she's playing Robin Hood's daughter in this movie(?) called Princess of Thieves.
I would also like to inform you that the potential plot to this fanfic is constantly changing, so if you have ANY ideas on how you think this should be carried out, email me at the already given address above. And hey! Winter is going to make an appearance here as err Sabé's kid! Adopted kid, mind you. I love Obi-wan and Sabé-but them sleeping together is just a little too farfetched to me! ^_^;
Oh, and I would also like to say that yes, I know that the Sabé/Obi-wan pairing will never happen but…what the hell. That's what fanfics are for, eh?