Disclaimer: All characters belong to…guess who! George Lucas.

Without Words

By yui seta

          Night had fallen over Tatooine, and the cool air was a comforting touch, especially for Obi-wan Kenobi, who had been watching the horizon and his surroundings the entire day with anxious eyes. Something was wrong, and it always bothered him to know that something was wrong, but he couldn't ascertain just exactly what was wrong.

          The moon was rising now, a pale eye looking upon the dry sands of the land. It was hauntingly beautiful and lonely, and unnaturally bright. The stars twinkled meekly around it. He sat down on a seat near the observation deck and contemplated. His mind ran from one question to another, but before long, they faded. His head drooped a little, like a wilting flower. He was very tired and sleep brought all his barriers down. He did not notice the shadow pass by the door. Soon his chin was lightly resting upon his chest, his breath even and peaceful. The tired eyes finally closed.

          Sabé paused by the door, regarding the sleeping Padawan thoughtfully. She had sneaked out of her sleeping quarters to contact and check up on the queen one last time before she settled to rest. But after their brief conversation, all sleep left her. Their future seemed hazy and uncertain now. She hated to admit it but she was afraid—deathly afraid—of…of so many things. They were all nameless fears, strong and dark, terrible ghosts threatening to eat her mind and soul to nothingness. She was half-running back to her own room when she caught sight of the Jedi, and something in his face stilled her.

          She seemed rooted to the spot she was standing on, staring at him, fingers clenched on the doorway, as if it were her life support. Gods—he was beautiful, with the moonlight upon his still form. He looked different now, and his sleeping face reminded her of the boy who used to give her flowers when she was a little girl and run away—that was from a forgotten time.

          Obi-wan shivered in his sleep, suddenly reminding her that the temperatures in a planet such as this changed rapidly, one extreme to another. She had not noticed, for she had been wearing fine clothes for the whole day. She took off her own cloak from her shoulders and began walking towards him. This was the least she could do, she thought. He is worn and weary, and he has done so much for us.

          Why were her knees trembling every step she took towards him? Her heart was ramming itself so wildly against her chest that she was sure it was loud enough to wake him. But he remained sleeping, perfect and serene.

          She was standing in front of him now, the cloak clenched in her hands. She was looking at him with tender eyes, an unfamiliar feeling of happiness bubbling up from the depths of her despair. Slowly, carefully, she lifted the cloak, encircling him with her arms.

          His eyes opened.

          She carefully tucked the cloak over his body and drew away gently, but he was already awake. He was looking at her through half-closed eyes. She smiled at him, understanding her feelings now, and reached out to stroke his cheek. He seemed surprised at first, then his blue eyes softened as he covered her other hand with his, and turned his face slightly to kiss the hand resting upon his face.

          Sabé smiled at him again, looking radiantly beautiful in the moonlight. Striking, brave and strong—yet full of compassion and grace. No longer an ivory statue to be seen from afar. She was the sun now, not the moon. No, not the moon.

          He stood up, and she opened her mouth to speak, but he placed a finger over her lips. Words seemed clumsy, now. He pulled her softly against him.

          He tightened his arms around her, and she leaned against his shoulders. Just for that moment, their fears were forgotten. Just for that moment, they were as they should be.

~ Fin