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Missing Scenes
Attack of the Clones: The Price of Duty
I swear by all that is just, noble and honorable that I will dedicate my life and loyalty to serve the Republic and its servant Senator Amidala Naberrie. I vow to serve and protect my lady in both sickness and in health, until the passing of time consumes me. So that through my actions I may serve humanity and ensure that the peace our forefathers had fought and died for may never be tarnished.”
Her voice was so serious and her expression was equally so Sabé noted with pride as Cordé spoke the oath of loyalty and subservience that all handmaidens swore by upon their acceptance into service.
Though it was hard for Sabé to accept the fact she had outgrown her duties as Padmé’s decoy, it still brought her much joy to be able to train future handmaidens while acting as the senator’s intelligence and security. But as she watched her prized pupil complete her oath of allegiance, Sabé couldn’t help but feel a rush of pride and not a little maternal concern for she knew first hand the risks involved. However these girls knew the dangers of their position and she knew without question they would do their duty and not falter should the time come.
Cordé was eighteen years old when she enter the Senator's service.
Nineteen was the age she died for because of it.
To most if not all Sabé took the sudden death of Cordé in stride. She died serving her Senator and that alone spoke highly of her loyalty. To a handmaiden a greater honor could not be found.
But inwardly, she mourns alone. Cordé was one of her favorite students, personally chosen and trained specifically for the task of acting as Principle Handmaiden and unbeknownst to Cordé herself, her lady’s decoy.
Now she is gone. One minute excitedly whispering to her mentor and teacher that she had been chosen to serve in Amidala’s entourage to Coruscant as decoy, the next…
She pauses suddenly as her sense of focus shifts forcing her to fight back the angry tears that threaten to spill. She knows she shouldn’t feel pain, she should accept the truth. As a decoy such risks is always present, it is part of their duty and part of the honor of being a handmaiden.
Cordé knew this as much as she does, yet it does little to sooth the guilt that lingers, reprimanding her for actions and events Sabé can’t change.
It should have been you her thoughts whisper viciously. If you hadn’t accepted Captain Panaka’s offer to train the handmaidens you could have prevented this. She would still be alive…She tries once more to desperately clear her thoughts, but they are too strong now and too obtrusive.
Was this how Jedi Kenobi felt after Qui-Gon was murdered?
The thought hangs in the air silently as she finally opens her eyes.
No it must have been worse she surmises. After all it wasn’t as though he even had a chance to mourn the man who had been like a father to him. Within days of his master’s death the pupil suddenly became the master, leaving no room for recovery or healing. No longer could he be the one in need of healing, as it had become his duty to help another heal from their loss.
But then as the age old warrior mantra states; what doesn’t destroy you, only makes you stronger. He survived the loss of his mentor, just as she is certain his pupil or Padawan had survived living without his mother so she too would have to learn to live without her pupil and friend. She died with honor serving her lady (queen) and Sabé would not disgrace Cordé’s good name by letting self pity consume her.
With this firmly set in her thoughts former decoy closes her eyes and clears her thoughts once more. With a new fervor she begins her active meditations once more. Once more she draws her blade as she guides it through the complicated movements with a calm ease as all distractions around her ceases to interfere any longer.
He knew exactly how Anakin felt when he related the news of their new mission. Obi-Wan and his padawan were instructed to protect Senator Amidala due to an assassination attempt earlier today.
Anakin sat repairing a droid, but the work was completely ignored with the news. Obi-Wan didn't need to see the look in his eyes; the aprehension and eagerness radiated of him in undulating waves. 'Gather your equipment and prepare yourself as we are to report to the Senator within a standard hour,' he told his padawan before leaving the room. A small smile worked its way onto his face at the thought of Anakin's nervousness. It was amusing, while at the same time a bit disconcerting.
He would have to watch Anakin even more closely than usual.
Obi-Wan made his way down the hallway towards his quarters, but stopped before palming the door open, sensing something familiar, elusive, but familiar. It was a ripple in the Force he hadn't felt in...ten years. Sabé But of course, she'd be here. She was no doubt amongst the queen-turned-senator's entourage. Oh, how he wanted to see her again. So much had happened... And now with the Senator's death threats, no doubt Handmaiden Sabé's life was at stake as well.
It was reassuring to sense her presence so near.
Without even noticing it, he wound up following that sense to a training room.
He had an hour.
She was probably busy anyhow...
His footsteps were light as he neared the doorway. The only sound was a whoosh as the door opened. He hadn't expected her to be alone, nor meditating. Though the grief wafting off her pained him, he was able to not let it physically hurt him as he had accidentally done to her back when Qui-Gon passed on to become one with the Force. He watched her thoughtfully, not wanting to prematurly interrupt her meditative state.
Fervantly lost in her meditations Sabe initially isn't aware of the presence nearing to where she remains. In her mind her movements are silent attacks against the ones who murdered Corde, her ship's crew and who even now seek to harm her best friend and former queen; Amidala.
To a skilled observer the blade seme sto sing as its wielder strikes, parry's and dodges imaginary foes with the grace of one who regards their weapon as an extention of their arm.
But the soft buzz which she had initially ignored soon sharpens into an alarm. The signature she picks up is both subtle and powerful. Reconizing it to be that of one trained in the force her already existing mental shield suddenly doubles in its reinforcements.
However it is too late and she knows it. Inwardly she berates hserlf for being so careless when her thoughts takes another turn at a new realization.
The aura is strikingly familar, a signature not felt since..
Her eyes snap open suddenly. Immediately she tries to appear less startled by the Jedi's sudden presence, despite knowing without question Obi-Wan was more then aware that she was caught off guard. Promptly recomposing herself Sabe speaks in polite tones, though her friendly smile belies the fact she is pleasantly surprised to see her friend again.
"Hello, Jedi Kenobi"
'And here I thought we were on a first-name basis, Lady Sabé,' Obi-Wan replied, smiling slightly at her surprise, glad that her emotions shifted to pleasant suprise. He hadn't purposefully attempted to read her thoughts, but even after such a long time, it was second-nature to him...the anxiety which was only natural after what transpassed this morning.
He knelt next to her, apologising for interrupting her meditation. Though not particularly wanting to leave, he would if that was what she preferred.
Even without the Force, he would recognise her anywhere. The years had certainly been more than kind to the young woman: her elegant bearing, her soft, unblemished features, her dark, silky hair, and hint of childlike teasing in the corner of her lips.
When he saw that he was staring at her, he bowed his head, avoiving her glance. He had missed her and he recognised that feeling now. 'How are you?'
She feels her cheeks warm slightly at his words. He is right of course and inwardly she is pleased to know not everything has changed in the past ten years.
About to rise to her feet Sabe hesistates as the Jedi knight kneels next to her. His apology causes her to smile again although this time it is with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She is only too grateful for the distraction his presence brought. It kept her mind off Corde's murder as well as the implications it placed on the security of the Senator and former queen.
There is no need to apologize jed- Obi-Wan. I was about finished anyways.
She says in kind tones before letting a comfortable silence fall between them. Even now, after all this time his presence is soothing, offering unspoken comfort to her mourning soul. Yet even as she realizes this Sabe can feel his eyes studying her causing her to grow concious of herself as she feels her cheeks warming. Feeling a bit shy the former decoy lets her eyes fall to the blade that rests sheathed across her folded legs.
As though sensing her sheepishness he bows his head slightly offering her a subtle chance to return the favor. He is more mature now and a bit harder as well she observes, though realizing he probably sensed much the same about her. She can't be sure if it is the half grown in beard that gives him this appearance, or the weight she saw though briefly in his eyes. Or as he would say perhaps she felt it through the force.
No matter the transition observed some things definately remained unchanged and for that she is grateful. She never had much chance over the years to devulge in past memories, for the events that followed those fateful days left little personal time for such frivolities. But as she studies the Jedi before her, Sabe could not deny the fact that she too had missed him.
His question promptly pulls Sabe from her thoughts and though she has her mental shields up as usual she imagines he proberbly picked up on her reminicing which causes her cheeks to warm further.
I've been busy. Though I doubt it is anything compared to what you have been through.
She offers with a sheepish smile. There are so many questions she wants to ask, so much she is eager to know, but she refrains not wanting to overwhelm him with her curiousity.
What about you? How have you been?
Though I doubt it is anything compared to what you have been through.
Obi-Wan chuckled lightly. He travelled to all sorts of mysterious planets with Anakin, Korriban, Zonama Sekot, Yaga Minor... But all of these missions paled in comparison to training Anakin.
What about you? How have you been? He sensed the eagerness in her questions and was just as eager in return to catch up with her, thankful the council had given him this short spance of time before meeting with the senator. He hoped that Sabé and he would have more time afterwards...
'Well, my lady,' he replied, looking back at her. 'Though I must admit taking on Anakin as my padawan learner has been the greatest challenge I've faced thus far.' He shook his head. 'It's proved to be the most vexing, nerve-wrecking, trying...and rewarding experience of my life.' He was proud of Anakin's accomplishments, knowing much of it was due to Anakin's innate gifts. 'He will make a great Jedi one day.'
Obi-Wan wanted to hear all about everything she'd been through these past years. It felt like a lifetime ago when they'd last seen each other. 'And you? I'm sure Senator Amidala has kept you quite busy.'
She listens to his words eagerly, grateful for this rare opportunity to have presented itself. At his remarks concerning Anakin's training she can't help but laugh, knowing first hand now the complications and frustrations that comes with being a mentor and guide.
"I think every pupil believes themselves to be never nearly as exasperating or stubborn as their teachers say. But when it becomes their turn to be the mentor suddenly everything changes.
They begin to understand that their teachers and masters weren't really as hard or strict as they once believed. That in the end they just wanted what was best for their students."
Her voice turns soft as she is reminded of her own stubborn and trying pupils, especially the one who now rests within the force. Burying the thought as best she can, Sabe focuses on the joy of this moment as she offers a kind smile.
"I have little doubt that Anakin will become a great warrior. He does after all, have a wise mentor to guide him."
At his question she shakes her head slightly as a small sigh escapes from her lips.
"I think now it is my students that keep me most busy these days. I outgrew the role of decoy, literally."
She says sheepishly remembering how her dear friend tried to approach the delicate topic. She knew it was bound to come up as Sabe now towered or so it felt over her Senator and former Queen. Though they stilled carried similar features the difference in height made it illogical to continue using her as the decoy.
"Though I still serve in the Senator's entourage I act more as her personal intelligence and security now. Between my duties to her, I train future handmaidens in the arts of espionage, melee and hand to hand combat in preparation for their service to the Queen."
Tilting her head slightly she remembers learning from the Senator that the Jedi were to join her for a meeting a little later. Which gauging by the chronometer on the far wall meant Obi-Wan had about forty-five minutes left, before he’d be called away to duty once more. About that much time before she’d be called away to train her latest group of handmaidens to be. It isn’t nearly as much time as she’d like to have to catch up but she is grateful for what does remain still. Perhaps, force willing there will be more time later.
An idea enters her thoughts and Sabe eyes sparkle with mischief as she grabs her sword that still rests on her lap.
“On that note; you have earned quite a name for yourself as a swordsman or so I’m told. Care to challenge that with a blacksmith’s blade, or does this proud title only pertain to a lightsaber?”
She offers, unable to resist a playful grin as she can’t help but tease him a little all the while hoping he will take the bait. It had been so long since she had been able to spar with someone of her caliber and skill. Though Sache and Padme was her equal she is eager for a different challenge and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity.
He does after all, have a wise mentor to guide him." Obi-Wan unconsciously blushed at her assessment, about to make light of his involvement with Anakin's training, but then feeling the sincerity of the comment and seeing her all-too-familiar grin, she temporarily caused him to be at a loss for words.
It was yet another relief to hear that Sabé no longer acted as decoy, especially with the events of this morning. But a trainer? He hadn't expected that, though it wasn't surprising she would be chosen for such an honourable task. If Sabé was head of her security, then no doubt they would be working more closely within the next few weeks. He was about to tell her about his new mission when she challenged him.
And yet again she was full of surprises. 'I was not aware you were trained in the art of swordplay,' he said, rising to his feet. Obi-Wan himself was on his way to becoming quite the master of Soresu combat, the style of fighting he preferred and was most skilled at.
The fire in her eyes gave her away and was unable to resist. 'However, if it is a challenge you desire, I am at your service, my lady.' Chucking his brown Jedi cloak to the floor, he spotted a container with a few different swords. He felt a few different ones in his hand, testing them for weight and balance before choosing one that suited him. It was by far quite clumsy compared to a lightsaber, he thought as he swung it around before facing her.
Her eagerness was accentuated by his own as a rush of excitement ran through him. He took a few steps back to get into position, all the while watching Sabé closely. It would be quite interesting to see which form she'd been taught and how well she fought. He wouldn't underestimate her abilities, but had an inkling she was far more advanced than would be expected for a former handmaiden.
Obi-Wan raised the sword, in preperation for attack, watching Sabé closely.
He would not make it easy for her to win.
Rising to her feet she catches his remark and raises a brow slightly in reply while pretending to be offended.
Did you really think that a handmaiden's duties rested only in maintaining the aesthetics of our Queen?
But as he accepts her offer the former decoy is unable to resist a grin as she is eager to begin.
Wonderful. I'm ready when you are.
She states as he removes his cloak before moving to grab a blade from the shelving unit that held a variety of melee. She draws her own blade from the sheath that rests on her hip, while the smaller one remains resting against her back. Taking a moment she watches as he studies the blades weighing them and trying to match one that would suit him best for this spar.
You can learn much about a warrior by the weapon he carries...
The voice of her former mentor and trainer echoes in her mind as she finds herself approving of his choice in melee. The blade is simular to her own, graceful, delicate and deadly when placed into the right hands.
She can feel the tinges of his excitement and it leaves her eager to begin the spar. Like him she is curious of his style, as she assumes that it is doubt far more complicated then anything she has seen. Either way she would have to be careful and not assume anything.
She pauses briefly as he gets into position, before bowing deeply before him. A tradition common amongst those who spar here, as it is a sign of respect and preparation for battle between equals. As she gets into position herself she casts him a look as she states with a wry grin.
"For the record, no using the force."
If I'm to be soundly beaten I want it to be done fairly she mentally adds to herself as she watches his movements closely preparing to begin.
Outgrew her role indeed.
As Sabé finally drew herself up from the floor, Obi-Wan understood why she was no longer a decoy for Amidala. He hadn't expected her to grow taller, figuring women reached their full height in their late teens, but he most certainly wasn't complaining. Her lengthened torso and legs merely enhanced her graceful appearance and lent to his distraction.
Focus, he ordered himself. Don't let yourself be distracted by a beautiful woman. You're a Jedi Knight.
Readdusting his position as Sabé bowed, he kept his eyes trained on hers. 'No using the Force? Very well then.'
Now this most certainly would be a challenge indeed, for oftentimes it just flowed through him without him making any special efforts to enhance it.
He smirked at her before moving it for attack. The instrument deftly swung forwards, slicing slightly to the right.
Rising to her feet she senses a shift in d from the Jedi knight before her and finds herself once more growing a little concious. Have I changed that much over the years? Suddenly she feels painfully aware of her height though she once more tries to ignore this thought putting her mindset into the spar itself.
As she bows she can feel his eyes on her and instinctivally she follows them noting inwardly they are just as intence as the last time she looked into them. She glances away quickly feeling her cheeks starting to warm at the thought. No time for this she inwardly chides herself. We have a fight to begin here! The thought instantly puts her back into the right mind set as the old excitement catches her once more.
At his reply she is unable to resist a grin.
"Well I have to make it a bit of a challenge for you...And even the odds a little for me."
Instantly she goes straight to business as her movements turn poised and graceful. Her eyes focuses on him and she carries herself in a both relaxed but ready stance. He moves to attack and she can't help but appriciate his agility. A simple move nothing elegant yet it carries with it confidence and poise she admires.
In reply she parries before making a short attack of her own. One that would elude Obi-Wan to the familarity of her use of a varient of Form 2 or the Makashi.
Sabé's moves were swift and fluid, Obi-Wan noted. She carried herself gracefully, but it was so natural as if she had--but of course she hadn't ever trained in the Jedi Temple.
Had she any idea how difficult it was for him not to use the Force?
By straining not to use the Force, which was for the most part second nature to him, his reaction time slowed by a startling amount. He avoided the blow and took a step backwards before counterattacking.
His eyes never left his opponent's.
She moves in response swiftly and sthly though she frowns slightly at his slip up believing he is mocking her. But before she has time to chide him for it he counterattacks swiftly leaving her to step back in reply as she barely blocks it.
Her eyes continues to watch his every movement as well, her expression remains nuetral though her eyes flash marking the fact she is impressed and intrigued. Though she knows he is probably aware of the fact she is eager to learn from him she tries not to let it show as she puts is movements to memory for later practice.
Soon she moves to strike once more in a series of smaller agile attacks that she hopes to catch him off guard.
Obi-Wan was reluctant to admit that she possessed raw talent. Her deft movements and series of sharp attacks were something not learned, but a skill honed. He ducked to avoid one of the blows, still straining against his instinct to sense or rather pre-sense her next move with the Force, but would not let her hit him.
The blade whipped around, but it was a bit lax in its movement. It jarringly cut to the left then the right to block and attack. The sound of their blades meeting was harsh to the ears, for he was used to the laser hums and hisses of clashing lightsabers.
It certainly made it more musical though. There was certainly a beat to it and he found his feets falling into a new sort of rhythem. It was as if the two of them were dancing with swords.
The exilaration seems to pour off of her as her eyes dance with excitement. Deftly she strikes as he parries before barely dodging an attack of his own. The sound of blades meeting in aggression is like music to her ears and it makes her more bold. Soon her attacks become more elaborate as she falls into step with the Jedi master, enjoying his talent and skills with the blade.
The atmosphere feels electric with energy for Sabe, who momentarily lost in the spar barely registers her own movements as she attacks once more her actions fluid and agile marking the instinct that now rules her. If there was anything that made her feel more alive then this she could not say.
This was far from lightsaber practice with Anakin. Sabé wasn't as aggressive, nor it seemed, as prone to vengeful attacks with her blade. On missions, most of the attacks he he fought off were out of anger, but this... This was, dare he say it, fun?
Obi-Wan normally found himself discouraging combat of any kind, preferring to resolve conflicts without coming to blows, but this wasn't a battle. This was something else indeed.
His thoughts strayed to thoughts of his upcoming assignment to Amidala. 'You are a great asset to the senator with skills like this,' he said in a puff as he parried, meeting her attack.
He prayed this new assassin wasn't a Sith. Though he'd been the first Jedi to defeat a Sith in over a century, he wasn't especially keen on meeting one again anytime soon. Despite it being Sabé's job, no her life, to protect Amidala, he didn't want her to be put in a situation which might lead to confrontation with a Sith Lord. He felt an incredible urge to want to protect her, but at the same time respected her and her abilities.
His breaths shortened now as the intesity of their duel increased rapidly. She's using the Force, he mused, whether she knows it or not... With just the slightest touch of the Force, he sensed it.
Her spirits run high as she permits herself to be caught up in this dangerous dance of blades. As she initially predicted and inwardly hoped he clearly understood that this was by no means a power-struggle but rather a form of art.
His mannerisms and poise tells her that the Jedi master is relaxed perhaps even enjoying himself and it serves to encourage her further. It had been too long since she had a chance to spar with someone who loved the use of melee as much as she did. Of course Padme enjoyed it as did her 'sisters' but none seem to regard it in nearly the same light as she did. But he understands and it shows.
His words snaps her out of her thoughts and she almost falters as he strikes back upon parrying her attack. It nearly catches her off guard in the process as she inwardly curses her momentary lack of focus. Feeling her cheeks light on fire (even more so then the flush of adrenaline) she quickly replies.
"You should tell that to Eirtae!"
She says before taking brief gulp of air as she moves to attack once more.
"She believes that such skills are nothing compared to a laser pistol!"
With her thoughts now on the topic of her lady she can't help but briefly wonder what his mission is here. She knows it has to pertain to the assassination attempts that much Padme informed her about. But the exact reason why they would need a Jedi when it's clearly a bounty hunter's attack still seems to evade her. Their security was tight to begin with, so what was lacking?
Not wanting her thoughts to remain distracted further she places all her thoughts into the spar and is soon caught up in the fiery dance once more.
'A laser pistol?' he chuckled though it came out as a pant. 'So uncivilised,' he remarked, grinning widely as he counterattacked, metal upon metal though it seemed as though it were radiating heat all its own. Perhaps the heat was not merely from their duelling swords, but from something else altogether natural yet strange in the fact he hadn't felt this way in ages...
Parry, attack, parry, attack, thrust, parry... Obi-Wan decided to spice this duelling dance up a little bit. 'I'd be oblidged to enlighten Lady Eirtaé,' he said, parring her thrust.
Without warning, he reached out with the Force and flipped over her head, landing behind her.
She was now at his mercy, her back pressed against him and his blade dangerously at her middle, though he left her room to escape easily should she desire it.
'And I'll leave off the bit about you cheating,' he added, his voice soft in her ear. The comment was more teasing than threatening.
She huffs out a small chuckle at his words, unable to resist a grin of her own though she is careful not to be so easily distracted this time. She continues to parry his counterattacks, while continually placing attack of her own as the air goes from electric to positively sparking. Somewhere in the back of her mind she ponders how or when everything suddenly got so intence, but in the heat of the spar the answer doesn't come quickly. However it's familarity doesn't go unnoticed either.
He parry's her thrust as he replies to her remarks about Eirtae causing her to almost giggle. Even now all these years later the handmaiden still was a bit miffed over the "incident" on Tatooine.
"I'm sure she'd love that!"
She jokes before her eyes go wide as he literally flips over her head and lands behind her. Instantly she moves to whirl around in response but it is too late. Feeling her back against his chest her eyes soon fall onto the blade that now rests dangerously at her middle.
Odd the simple mindshields she thought she had long since learnt how to master, suddenly becomes very tricky to maintain. A silent reminder of a past when his mere presence would have such an effect. She blinks sensing the oppertunity to slip away though for reasons she can't quite explain she doesn't, at least not for the moment. As his words dance softly in her ear an involentary shiver runs down her spine as her cheeks feel suddenly quite warm though not from the heat of battle.
"Excuse me? Last time I checked you were the one who just did a flip over my head not the other way around."
She says tilting her head slightly back to him in obvious disbelief. Inwardly she wonders drew the spar to a quick close out of boredom or if it was because he ran out of time. She hopes that it is time and not her lack of skill that brought it to an end.
He couldn't prevent himself from chuckling, 'You really didn't notice, did you?' Obi-Wan smiled down at her, his own cheeks flushed as he added, 'You were using the Force before I did that flip and the rules clearly stated that it wasn't allowed...'
When she tilted her head, his grip on the sword faltered, as this angle was quite uncomfortable and he had only planned to take her off guard not take her prisoner. Without intending to, his eyes fell to her full lips, but he tore them away as the pain in his wrist increased.
She furrows her brows in mild annoyance and more then a little concern to his words and laughter. If she had been using it unconciously, then who knows who else may have picked up on it. Her eyes flicker in fear as she replies quickly.
"How is that possible? I'm not trained with such things, outside of mindblocks i don't know how to use it."
She murmurs quickly trying to calm the growing panic within. But the panic soon turns to confusion as she feels his eyes falling on her once more. Sensing his uncomfortability she backs away slightly slipping from his guard as she wonders how it got so warm in the room suddenly.
When she slipped away, he dropped the sword and stooped to pick it up again as he explained, 'Your Force sensitivity. Trained or no, you tapped into it during our little spar. I must say, I am impressed with your swordplay.' He could only imagine what sort of Jedi she could have been had the Force willed such a fate for her.
Obi-Wan was pleased that her thoughts weren't as dark as they had been when he first entered this training room.
He sensed her confusion and wanted to allay her concerns. 'It's nothing abnormal, I can assure you.' She intrigued him to say the least. She should have been trained, he thought. Although I'm glad she hasn't been. It gives her a freedom; a freedom from the restrictive codes I adhere to so I can sit on the Council one day. The latter thoughts were somewhat disconcerting now and he wasn't sure what to make of this feeling.
The blade clattering on the floor causes her to jump as it seems to echo off the very walls forcing her back from her thoughts. Her eyes flicker to him as he picks it up though his explanation causes her to grow obviously frightened as he confirms her fears.
"That means anyone near me would know this wouldn't they? Despite my blocks?"
She murmurs before his compliment causes her to blush further as she glances down at the sword in her hands.
"Thank you. Coming from you, that is quite a compliment."
She says suddenly feeling very shy and concious of his words and close proximity. However as though sensing her awkwardness he tries to alliviate her fears and for a moment it works though the concern still remains near. She wonders if perhaps part of the reason it even occured at all was because of his presence. As he always seems to have a knack for lowering her defences without even trying.
Though he masks it well she can sense there is more on his mind then he is letting on. She knows what it is like to have to bury ones concerns and personal feelings in the name of duty and she wonders if perhaps he is sharing a simular struggle. No doubt worried about the mission that brought him here as well as his Padawan she inwardly surmises. Gently she places a hand on his shoulder as her eyes fill with gentle concern.
"You alright? You seem a bit...distracted"
She asks wanting to offer what little support she could.
He shook his head at her question, recalling that before he left Naboo all those years ago. 'I don't think so. I seem to be more attune to you' than I ought to be. 'Even after all these years, I feel as though that bond we forged is just as strong.' And what I'm saying is inappropriate.
Then her hand was on his shoulder and she was asking him if he was all right. Her touch, he inwardly sighed. Just being here with her made everything else seem trivial. 'I've missed you,' he admitted in a murmur, reaching out to touch her cheek thoughtfully.
After a moment, Anakin's anxieties about meeting the queen nagged him as if to say, Where are you, Master? It's almost time! He tried to ignore those feelings, noticing they truthfully had at least another twenty minutes. Obi-Wan wasn't normally one to curse his padawan, for he had far more patience than him, but this was just not a good time. It seemed as though Sabé and he would never have enough time.
WHERE ARE YOU?! WE CAN'T BE LATE!! He felt it throguh the Force.
Obi-Wan's brow furrowed. Patience, Anakin. We've still got twenty minutes... He exhaled and moved away from her to return the sword to its resting place. 'I have to go,' he told her apologetically.
His explanation causes a rush of relief to pour off of her in waves. But at his admittance that their bond hasn't lessened over the years Sabe feels her heart skip a beat or five. Her cheeks instantly flush as she frantically thinks of a way to dispel the awkwardness that is certain to come if she doesn't say something.
"Thats a relief...That others can't pick up on my actions I mean...
It was a horribly weak reply even to her own ears, but at least it is honest.
But the moment passes and soon she finds herself trying to offer comfort as best she can. However just as soon as she manages to slow her racing heart, she hears his soft murmur and feels his hand against her cheek causing her heart to skip it's beat once more.
She feels the gentle calm peace that his presence and touch always brings and she is unable to disguise her thoughts as a gentle smile plays on her lips. It takes her back to another time, when things were so complicated and yet so simple.
"It has been far too long."
She breathes in barely audible tones, her words carrying the weight of so much she wants to say but can't.
Time seems to stand still and Sabe finds herself grateful for this rare moment of peace when everything in the universe just feels right. Then again whenever he is near things always seemed to find a way to work themselves out.
But as with any moment of happiness it is fleeting and as he furrows his brow her eyes grow concerned once more. Sighing he pulls away as he moves to return the blade back to the shelving. She wonders what has just transpired and hopes she isn't responsible for the shift in his d.
As he prepares to leave her eyes instinctivally drift to the clock. Dissipointment creeps into her mind as she begins to worry her thoughts may have offended him somehow. After all even with the walls up and intact he could still sense after all.
"There is still some ti-
Another thought occurs to her causing Sabe to furrow her brow slightly.
"Has something come up?"
Her instincts tell her to ask if it has anything to do with Padme's situation but she senses it's more agitation then concern that he seems to feel and so she refrains.
Seeing the disappointment in her eyes when he turned away from the storage unit, he exhaled. Just being in her presence returned a sense of peace to him, a peace that didn't take the Force for him to find. This reassuring feeling was so uplifting, he wanted to indulge in it forever.
Thinking on this, he didn't have to put an effort into smiling, despite his padawan's overpowering emotional shifts. 'It seems my apprentice is more than a little nervous about meeting with the senator,' he said, figuring Sabé could forecast from there why he needed to leave so soon.
Though Anakin occupied a great deal of Obi-Wan's thoughts, Sabé's whisper It has been far too long echoed in the back of his head as he exited the training room. He paused and turned back to look at her once more, now feeling it in his heart. She made him want things he knew he oughtn't. Especially if he wanted to eventually attain a place on the Council.
This conflict within him would, no doubt slowly abate as he decided what to do about it. But enough thinking on this, he told himself as he neared the rooms Anakin was pacing.
Despite the dissipointment and the budding doubts upon catching the Jedi master's smile, Sabe's thoughts soon relax and calm. Returning it with a gentle one of her own, she nods in understanding.
"It's alright, I know how these things can be."
She pauses, her expression turning more serious.
"It was good seeing you again."
She says finally, trying to ignore the strange sense of loss she feels as he quietly leaves. Even though there time together has been short it gives her with a sense of fulfillment that she hadn't felt in years, leaving her less then eager to let this moment come to an end. Sighing softly she is about to turn away herself to prepare for the young handmaidens to be lessons in hand to hand combat. But something causes her to pause, just in time to catch the Jedi glancing back at her.
She returns his gaze briefly her mind forever etching his image into memory as she tries to ignore the stirring she feels within her heart. Turning quietly away she can't deny the conflict she senses from him or the fact it seems to reflect her own thoughts. He is a Jedi after all and carrying such frivolous thoughts would do her no good. Yet try as she may to accept this fact, it still stubbornly remains until she forces herself to bury it under the immediate call of duty that is her arriving students.
