Oath and Sacrifice

Oath and Sacrifice

CATEGORY: Post-TPM, sequel to "Portrait of a Queen"
RATING: PG, unless a little mush offends you
SUMMARY: The brink of the Clone Wars
DISCLAIMER: Don't own 'em, don't make any money.

Chapter One

If one were to cast their eyes down upon the lush garden, they would find a young woman standing in solitude. They would perhaps think she was enjoying the warm sunshine and the beautiful blooming all around her and say she led a good and happy life. Perhaps they would say she was thinking of a loved one who was meeting her there, or they might think that she was simply picking flowers to decorate her long, brown hair. They wouldn’t see the pain in her eyes or see her index finger toying with the waves of hair over her shoulder, or see the slight trembling of the flowers she held in her delicate hand.

Sabè stared at the garden, her eyes unfocused and far off. Her mind was away from the garden, away from the warm sunshine beating down on her, away from the present. Dark thoughts ran through her mind, thoughts of losing someone close to her, of the possibility of already having lost another who she had not seen in seven years, wishing she could stop everything.

Sabè reached up and felt the jewel amulet around her neck. Her eyes squeezed shut and she felt her heart contract. The deep ruby colored jewel was warmed from the sun and she closed a hand around it, thinking back to the oath she had made little over a year ago. How drastically that oath could be incomplete!

So much had change from the happy time seven years ago! How much she wished she could go back to being sixteen and optimistic! Seven years ago had been the Naboo’s victory, their legend in the planet’s long history. The small populace had defeated an invasion and had come out of it stronger. Perhaps that was why they were in dark times now. Ever since the invasion, the citizens had insisted on developing an army to prevent further attacks. Queen Amidala had agreed, seeing what the risk also involved. With the military established, there was a push to expand Naboo’s effect on the galaxy. The once solitary sovereign had joined several other systems’ treaties and guilds, thus having protection and aid.

It was these treaties that were now the cause of Sabè’s worry. A fellow system was close to war, and due to a treaty’s conditions, Naboo was to be an ally against the offense. Many Naboo militias had departed that morning for the neighboring system of Umgal, who had formed an alliance with the warring system of Aylk. The palace had been in a somber mood and many of the regional governors were in dispute over the whole ordeal.

If that wasn’t enough, there was the four-month absent of the letters. Letters that Sabè practically lived for, words that sent her mind and heart reeling. And there hadn’t been a single one for four months. There had been a three-month lull once, but Sabè still worried. Four months was an awful long time to not contact anyone.

But she would not think of what the lull met, would not let the possibility of never receiving another letter taunt her. It would hurt too much. She didn’t know if she could handle it.

So wrapped up in her worries was she that she almost missed the tingling flicker in her mind. A tingle that she hadn’t felt in seven years. It was her imagination, she knew. The tingling persisted, growing stronger. Her hope began to rise in her chest and she opened her eyes. Someone was behind her, their shadow cast over the blossoms. For a moment she stood frozen in place, staring at the distorted shadow. It couldn’t be . . . could it? It was impossible!

Slowly, she turned to face the figure, unsuccessfully holding her hope at bay. Her eyes fell on the taller figure and for a moment she just stared in disbelief, too shocked to react. Then she found her breath. “Obi-Wan . . .” she breathed. Then she flung herself into his arms, embracing him in such a tight hold that she briefly wondered if his ribs would crack.

It was him. It was really him! He was that she could think, all that she could feel. Relief then flooded her, relief that he was alive and not dead. How wonderful it was to hear him breathing and seeing him alive! Sabè felt his own joy and almost started crying. With some effort, she pulled herself back, stepping out to look at him.

He had changed from the Obi-Wan Kenobi she had known seven years ago. His short-cropped hair had grown out to where a few strands fell across his eyes. His ponytail had grown pass his shoulders, but it was only the ponytail that was kept so long. He had grown a beard. No, not really a beard, just more of a shadow. Sabè had never taken to men with beards, but she found herself liking what she saw.

And his eyes. Those hadn’t changed a bit. Maybe a little more mature and serious, but at the moment they were filled with joy and that sparkling mischief she remembered. And the smile was the same. It was all she could do not to look into the depths of those eyes and fall into that smile.

“I don’t believe it,” Sabè said after the long embrace. She poked him slightly on the arm. “I guess I’m not dreaming.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi smiled at her, looking her up and down. She had changed. What girlish gangling features she might have possessed had now formed into a mature woman. She might have grown an inch or two, but nothing more. Her face was even more delightful than he remembered, seeming to possess some secret that no one would ever know. The lips were still sweet and slightly apart as Sabè gazed at him. The soft brown eyes were sparkling like pebbles in a brook, but something sad had been in them not moments before. Something sad possessed her, only masked by her sudden joy.

“When did you get here?” Sabè asked, amazed that she was breathing a bit rapidly. The flowers that she had once held in her hand had dropped to the ground.

“Just moments ago,” Obi-Wan said, still gazing at her with wondering eyes. “Anakin is with the Queen.”

“Are you on a mission and just stopping by?” Sabè asked. There was so much she wanted to say but couldn’t at the moment. It seemed only small talk could make her lips move.

“No, I’m taking you up on that offer you made,” Obi-Wan said, grinning a little.

There was a sudden shriek followed by laughter. A rarity in the palace these days. Sabè looked up towards the balcony stories above her. She could hear Amidala’s laughter and someone else. Anakin. She turned back to Obi-Wan. “How long are you staying, then?”

“As long as it takes,” replied the Jedi Knight. “We’ve been given a leave.” Sabè nodded, then frowned. “You haven’t written to me in awhile,” she accused.

“Our missions have been time consuming,” Obi-Wan explained. “The Council decided we needed a rest and thought my suggestion of Naboo was appropriate. Does coming here make up for it?”

“I forgive you,” Sabè grinned. She looked him over again, as if making sure he was really real. “Growing a beard, are we?”

Obi-Wan reached up and rubbed his chin, quirking his mouth in a half-grin. “Not really. Why? You think I should?”

“Definitely not,” Sabè grimaced. “It’s fine how you have it, just don’t grow it out much more.”

“Sabè! Get up here!” Amidala called from above. The Queen was leaning over the balcony and waving.

“Orders, orders, orders,” Sabè grumbled. She grinned at Obi-Wan and headed into the palace. He followed her and they kept turning to each other, sometimes reaching out and pinching the other to make sure they were real.

They arrived at Amidala’s quarters. A tall, blonde young man quickly intercepted her. Amidala came in from the balcony, shaking her head and then grinning at Sabè and the new arrival. “Jedi Kenobi,” she greeted, bowing her head slightly.

“Your Highness,” Obi-Wan returned. His eyes fell on the blonde with amusement. “Do I need to enforce a calming exercise, Padawan?”

“No, Master,” Anakin Skywalker said, giving his head a shake. His Padawan braid whipped about.

Sabè smiled at Anakin. “Last I remember you,” she said, “you were barely past my waist.”

“I’m taller than you now,” Anakin gloated. At sixteen, the Padawan was about the same height as his Master.

Sabè also noticed the way Anakin was watching Amidala. Apparently the kid had discovered the other gender and Sabè silently wondered what Amidala thought of him. The Queen was twenty-one and hadn’t had any relationships yet, but that was due to the Royal Creed.

The entrance of two handmaidens interrupted her musings. Sachè and Yanè both froze for a moment, wondering why there were two strangers in the Queen’s chambers.

“No, Sachè, I’m not in need of a tour guide,” Obi-Wan teased the younger handmaiden.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi!” Sachè beamed, a grin splitting her young face. She turned to the other Jedi, her brow creasing slightly. “Ani? Anakin Skywalker?”

The Padawan grinned. “Surprised?”

If Sabè didn’t know better, she’d say that Anakin was gloating. She glanced at Obi-Wan and knew the Knight was sharing similar thoughts.

Amidala caught Saché’s eye, noting the handmaiden’s definite approval of Anakin. “Have you been shown to your quarters yet?” she asked Kenobi. “Sabè will show you to your room, if you’d like.”

“I’d be delighted,” Obi-Wan replied, shooting Sabè a glance.

Amidala called Rabè in from the other room. “Can you show Anakin to his quarters, Rabé?” The handmaiden nodded. The Queen turned back to the Jedi. “Dinner will be ready soon.”

Sabè began to wonder if this hadn’t been such a surprise visit after all. The Queen hadn’t seemed too harried by the important guests. It even sounded as if she had everything planned out. Something to bug her friend about later. Meanwhile, she had someone to tend to. “You’re sure you don’t want a tour guide?” she asked Obi-Wan with a teasing grin. Already she felt herself slipping into her friendly role of a Jedi’s comrade.

“I’m sure,” Obi-Wan replied. He glanced sideways at her, a soft look in his eyes. “We have a lot of catching up to do. I want to hear everything.”

For a second, Sabè felt a silent taunting inside, but she shoved it down. Deep down, she knew what that taunt was, but at the moment she didn’t want to be reminded. “You want me to bore you with politics?”

“As long as it’s you talking about them,” Obi-Wan countered, only half joking.

Again, that whispering taunt. “Oh,” Sabè said, feeling her stomach twist at his tone. “Well, I don’t want to bore you with that. Anything that’s interesting has been in the letters and even those have probably bored you.”

“Nothing you’ve ever said has bored me, Sabè,” Obi-Wan said, a slight smile on his lips.

Sabè stopped at the door and accessed the panel. It hissed open and she led him inside. “Well, here you are. I guess you know the drill. See you at lunch.” She turned to go, briefly wondering about her rush.

Obi-Wan caught her hand and gave it a squeeze. “It’s good to see you again, Sabè,” he said softly. He just hadn’t known it would be this good.

Sabè glanced at his hand, feeling her heart give a flutter. The taunt rose in her mind and she let go. She glanced up at him and realized her mistake. For a moment she just looked into his eyes, then dropped her eyes. “It’s good to see you, too,” she said. With a slight bow, she excused herself.

It was a mistake. It had to be. She had imagined it. The taunt persisted and she walked faster, hoping to outrun it.

It had been a long time since there had been a formal dinner served in the palace. Amidala was in her ceremonial make-up and the handmaidens were in their cloaks. Captain Panaka was not present since he was the lead command in Naboo’s military force. The Advisory Council was attending, but they were all cold to each other, carrying their squabbling from the throne room to the dining hall. The appetizer had barely been served before a polite debate broke out.

Sabè was seated across from Obi-Wan and she chewed her food in silence, doing her best to refrain from rolling her eyes. This could be a long meal. Beside her, Sachè was stabbing her fork a little too harshly in her salad.

Amidala seemed a little annoyed by the political banter, but she participated, soothing the troubled waters and trying to hint that they had guests. Obviously, she had not informed the Jedi of her planet’s troubles.

Sabè was taking a delicate bite of her salad when she glanced across at Obi-Wan. He had been monitoring the debate with that silent surveillance that Qui-Gon Jinn had once shown. She wondered what exactly he made of the situation. The blue eyes suddenly darted to hers. Sabè gave him a weak smile then glanced back over at the advisors. Her appetite had been dwindling and what hunger she had was now gone. All she had heard in the past few weeks had been endless debates and squabbles.

The entrée came but Sabè barely touched it. She felt Obi-Wan’s concern and gave him a reassuring smile. All the handmaidens seemed to be eating delicately and Sabè noticed that Amidala was picking at her food. Anakin, on the other hand, seemed to inhale his food. He kept talking to Amidala, who seemed grateful for the distraction.

Dessert was served and soon the advisors left to continue their debates. Amidala dismissed them and departed. Eirtaé, Rabè, and the others left. Sabè and Obi-Wan followed. As they walked down the halls, Sabè felt suddenly silly for her fright earlier. They were friends who hadn’t seen each other in seven years. What ever she had imagined earlier had clearly been her imagination.

“You know what we haven’t done for seven years?” Sabè said casually.

“What is that?” Obi-Wan asked, smiling down at her.

“Have a little duel,” said Sabè.

“You think you could beat me?” Obi-Wan asked, the challenge clear in his voice and smile.

“I know I could,” Sabè grinned. She stopped in front of the door to the combat room.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” Obi-Wan said, repeating his response when she had challenged him in front of fifty Naboo and the Jedi Council.

“You know me,” Sabè shrugged as she entered the room. It was empty except for the various exercise and training tools. She went to her locker and took out her combat suit, then dug for her hair tie. She found it and shut the locker. Obi-Wan was watching her and she suddenly felt a twinge of self-consciousness. “Turn around,” she ordered with a slight smile. He did so and she ducked behind the row of lockers and changed quickly into a green bodysuit. She tossed her cloak back into the locker. “Okay.”

Obi-Wan turned and removed his robe. “Where do I put this?”

“Toss it here,” Sabè said, catching the cloak. She hung it on a hook on the wall, then turned back to him noting that he looked even younger without the robe. “Are you up for it, Old Bones?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Are you calling me ancient?” Obi-Wan asked, trying to look a little hurt. “Yeah, I’m up for it. The question is whether you’re up for it.”

“I think that was a challenge,” Sabè grinned. She stepped across the room on her bare feet to the weapons rack. She quickly picked out two sabers and tossed one over her shoulder, knowing Obi-Wan would catch it. “Oh, shavit,” she swore. “Hold on.”

Hurrying across the mat, Sabè found her hair tie and quickly pulled her hair back into a low ponytail.

“Ready?” Obi-Wan taunted from the mat. He was familiarizing himself with the weapon.

Sabè bounced on the balls of her feet, readying herself. She quickly stretched her muscles, eyeing Obi-Wan as she did so. Should she let him use the Force or not? She decided to let that thought hang. When they were both stretched out, they brought their swords up.

And like seven years ago, Obi-Wan took up the defensive, prepared to wait forever for the attack to come. Sabè scowled and took an easy swing at him, which Obi-Wan parried without effort. After a few practice swings, Sabè began planning her attack.

With birdlike grace, Sabè suddenly spun on her left foot, bringing her right foot up for a kick in the chest. Obi-Wan caught her foot and pushed it away. She almost fell, but regained her balance and brought her blade down at his hip. He parried and spun away.

If he hadn’t been using the Force then, he was now. Sabè could feel the electric tingling in the air. She couldn’t manipulate it, but she could use it to warn her of his movements, something she had learned over the years. Something that she had hidden from him, hoping one day to surprise him.

And her day was here. Her moves were suddenly swift and precise, strength and grace attacking him. Sabè found herself grinning as she attacked and was blocked by his parries. She knew his style, knew it as if it was her own. Obi-Wan drew on the Force and somersaulted over her head, bringing the blade across her shoulders. But she wasn’t there. He landed and found himself being attacked viciously from the other side.

Their blades clashed and Obi-Wan pushed against his weapon, testing her strength. Their heads were almost touching, determined brown eyes boring into the dancing blue. Their minds seemed to connect for a moment, and Sabè suddenly realized that he barely had to lean forward and his lips would be touching hers. The thought had barely passed through her mind before Obi-Wan seemed to press closer, leaning towards her . . .

Sabè turned her head and broke away, her ponytail whipping behind her. Her link and concentration was broken, confusion muttling her senses.

“Are you all right?” Obi-Wan asked with concern. He left his blade up in a defensive position, obviously wary of a trick.

“I’m fine,” Sabè lied. It was her imagination again. Her fingers brushed the amulet tucked under her suit. Definitely her imagination.

“Do you want to stop?”

Sabè shook her head. If she stopped and let herself puzzle over the illusion, she wouldn’t be able to think right. They had to finish the fight. This time, Sabè took the defensive, but her parries were a little off and within minutes, Obi-Wan’s sword point touched her neck.

“What’s wrong?” Obi-Wan asked as she hung the swords on the rack. “Your concentration strayed.”

“Political matters seeping in,” Sabè shrugged, concentrating on the swords.

“You never told me about that,” Obi-Wan said after a moment, studying her back.

“What? Political matters?”

“No,” he said as she turned around. “That you discovered your Force-sensitivity.”

“It was a surprise,” Sabè shrugged. “I found out six years ago that my midi-chlorian count was lower than the Jedi, but that it was higher than the average. So, I’ve been teaching myself a couple things.”

“Like what?”

Sabè smiled slightly, her earlier worries floating away. “Oh, just fine tuning my senses. I’m not ready to build a lightsaber or levitate.”

He laughed and Sabè headed over to her locker, feeling more at ease again. She tossed him his robe. “I think I could use a shower. You should, too.” She reached in and retrieved her cloak. When she looked back at him, she smiled warmly. “It is certainly good to be with you again, Obi-Wan.”