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Missing Scenes

Post Attack of the Clones: Sacrifices and Honour

In a similiar state, Obi-Wan considered awaking Master Yoda, as his thoughts strained to visions of Naboo. After of only an hour of attempting a sleep cycle, the foreboding sense of something amiss drove him from his bed. He wandered through the Jedi Temple, arms crossed and wondering just what to make of this.

Anakin was never the best at concealing his emotions, not by a long shot. Obi-Wan figured it had to do with him being trained at such an old age. Had he been taken from his mother when he was a baby, he wouldn't have grown used to...to being alone and being responsible for ones own actions, nor would he have been so attached to the senator, whom Obi-Wan viewed as a replacement for his mother up until Geonosis.

Obi-Wan was no fool. He knew something was between them that wasn't proper and now he felt things from Anakin that were very powerful. It was easier during the day to put them in a box and focus on other agendas, but at night, everything came flooding back to the forefront of his thoughts.

Only earlier that day, he'd been in the Garden of a Thousand Fountains with Sabé, recovering from the battle of Geonosis and even then he'd had to put the the strong sense coming from his padawan that everything was not as it should be.

Thinking briefly on Sabé unconsciously drew him to her Force signature.

Fear.

She felt frustrated and afraid, he sensed and this increased his concern for his padawan. Despite the late hour, he considered going to the senatorial quarters, but decided against it. Perhaps things would be different in the morning.

It was yet another sleepless night and once it was a reasonable hour, he retrieved his cloak before heading over to the Senate District. After exiting the transport, he strode through the entrance hall to the repulsor lifts. It didn't take much of an effort to sense where Sabé was and he followed it.

The hour is early and Sabe finds herself wide awake unable to retain anymore sleep then a couple of hours. But her thoughts are too tense and distracted to really permit any sort of rest and so she decides to give up on it. Heading down to the training halls she realizes that there is little she can do for the moment except perhaps meditate or practice her katas (?). Her students had the day off and her first meeting of the day isn't for at least another two hours.

So much for sleeping in she inwardly grouses remembering how much she was looking forward to this day as it isn't often her schedule is this light. Taking a deep breath the former decoy tries to bury the memories of yesterdays discussion with the Senator. Clearing her thoughts as best she can she begins to stretch in preperation for her melee practice.

Yet as her eyes fall to the window ahead at the other side of the room as she catches sight of the sun beginning to rise on the horizon she pauses. For a moment her thoughts find peace in the memory of the past. Her first kiss and what she thought would have been the last. Closing her eyes she smiles almost feeling the touch of his lips against hers. Though they hadn't seen each other in ten years his kiss is just as potent now as it was all those years ago and the thought causes her to sigh softly at the memory.

Happiness is fleeting she was once told and in this moment she can see why. Pulling herself from the thoughts of the past both recent and aged, Sabe takes a deep breath in an attempt to clear her thoughts once more before continuing her morning stretch in preparation for practice.

But this too promptly comes to an end this time she picks up the familar hum associated with Obi-Wan's presence as feels herself already beginning to relax. She imagines he is on his way to train in one of the other halls or visit the healer and tries not to get her hopes up because of it. Still sensing him so near brings her peace and soon she is feeling more relaxed then she has felt since her discussion with Padme. So with back turned to the door she begins again this time with a calm that she has spent most of the night and morning trying to achieve.

Now her familiar hum was calmer than it was before and for a moment, Obi-Wan second-guessed himself. Perhaps he ought not bother her with the visions and things he'd felt last night, but then again, he knew he hadn't imagined the fear from her.

Despite the reservations, he stopped the lift on the floor she was on, heading down the hallway to the training room she was in. He paused outside the doorway for a moment, but would not be deterred.

Upon entering, he spied her stretching with practiced ease and approached. 'I trust you got more rest than I did,' he said. The room was cool and he felt the slightest bit of dread, though his tone was hopeful. Surely her contact with Senator Amidala would enlighten him as to the meaning behind his visions. That was to say, if she were able to share such private information.

She continued to stretch quietly her thoughts forced and focussed on her training and the styles she hopes to practice before time runs out. But still in the back of her mind she feels his signature and is unable to resist the peaceful calm that it seems to radiate.

It seems to grow stronger as she continues her preparations and she feels her cheeks warming slightly as she wistfully imagines he is coming by to see her. But this is soon replaced with a rush of shame. Here she was frowning upon Padme and Anakin for their actions and yet her thoughts aren't too far from such thinking as well. Innapropriate doesn't even begin to cover it she thinks fiercely chastizing herself for the moment of weakness.

Sighing deeply she closes her eyes and clears her thoughts before nearly jumping out of her skin as she feels the thrum in her thoughts growing suddenly powerful as she realizes he is alot closer to her then she initially thought.

Quietly she turns around and smiles slightly at the sight of him before catching his remarks as she notes the exhaustion in his eyes. It reflects her own concerns once more which return with a vengeance. Though his words are light she can almost feel the weight of them which is reflected in his eyes.

"That depends on how you define rest."

She says a bit more wryly then she would have liked as her expression turns concerned.

"You on the other hand look exhausted. You should be resting not roaming."

She chides him kindly though it is obvious she is concerned by his lack of rest. However she too feels a bit guilty as she wonders vaguelly if it has any connection to her discussion with the Senator. Perhaps Anakin did speak to him about it after all. She tries not to frown. Doubt it. If he doesn't have enough honor or decency to follow the code of his order she has little doubt he has enough to at least speak to his mentor and friend about it.

As if your any better trying to keep this from him as well she inwardly admits glancing away hoping he doesn't see her inner conflict or feel her sadness and guilt. You deserve to know the truth old friend. No matter how much it hurts you. But my duties to the Senator demands this of me and for that I'm so sorry.

Calming her thoughts she returns her attentions to him once more her thoughts lingering with shame as she feels guilty for enjoying his peaceful presence. I don't deserve even this, not after what I have done she thinks sadly as she quietly asks.

"You look as though you have as much on your mind as I do. I don't suppose you'd care to talk about it? Unless of course it is a private matter, then I understand completely."

Obi-Wan took her words and processed them thoughfully as he moved from the entrance towards her. Despite the heavy brooding he had been doing for most of the night, her slight jibe caused a slight smile to tug at the corners of his mouth.

He hadn't planned on purposely sensing her emotions, for he would have politely refrained from doing so.

As it was, it seemed their bond had only increased since yesterday and he inevitably felt the various emotions confusion, guilt, sadness, conglomerating into one massive unnameable feeling.

'I,' he began, frowning slightly at the thought, 'I actually came to see you.'

He took a few steps around her, looking at the floor before stopping and looking back at her. 'I almost came to see you last night, actually.'

But before it sounded like he was going to see her in any sort of inappropriate way, he explained swiftly, 'I've been having these visions of Naboo--involving Anakin--and I wasn't sure what exactly to make of them-- I just sense there's something going on and I haven't been able to sleep thinking about it.

'I thought perhaps, if you knew anything-- I know you spoke with Senator Amidala yesterday... That is to say, if there is anything you can tell me, I would be much oblidged. But I understand if you're not allowed to on principal.'

He pressed his lips together, not sure if coming to her about this was at all improper.

She feels her heart skip a beat at his admittance but her smile falls short as he frowns slightly. Something was definately wrong, and she had little doubt now it pertained in someway to her own situation.

As he nears she furrows a brow noting his eyes on the floor. Another tinge of guilt fills her thoughts and as he looks back at her it takes all her strength not to look away. Although at his initial remarks she blinks chastizing herself for the initial flicker of thought that enters her mind. Definately inappropriate she inwardly thinks burying it swiftly and deeply as she feels the color draining from her face as he explain the troubling dream.

Now she glances away feeling her heart going to her throat for a different reason as she moves away trying to put a little space between them to ensure her walls don't completely fall apart. What am I supposed to say? No matter what I choose I will become the betrayer. Closing her eyes she takes a deep breath as she chooses her words very carefully.

"...May I ask you something Obi-Wan?"

She finally states her back turned to him for the moment as she stares outside the large window.

"...Have you ever found yourself being torn between loyalty to your duties and the code of honor that you follow?"

Obi-Wan watched as Sabé turned away from him. At her words, he immediately disregards the visions that brought him there in the first place. No doubt she was speaking of what transpassed between the two of them the day before.

The guilt she was feeling was his fault. But he wouldn't trade the scant few hours they had spent together for anything. Whatever this was, needed to stop, for her sake. If it was taking away from functioning at the highest level possible, if it in any way deterred... He wouldn't want to be the cause of it.

He hesitated a moment before admitting, 'I'm not sure I understand what you're asking, my lady,' the formality intact with a purpose this time.

She senses a shift in his d as he suddenly turns from open to guarded, borderline professional. It both hurt and made her feel ashamed though she was careful to do her best to hide this. Even at his words she can almost feel the formality and it leaves her feeling vulnerable for her own stormy emotions.

Frowning slightly she tries to hide the sadness that seems to pour over her now.

"I suppose you wouldn't. The order of the Jedi are far more selfless then I once believed."

She sighs feeling horrible for having to do this to him. She wants to warn him to tell him what is happening with the Senator and his Padawan but having promised Padme she would remain silent she is torn.

"Perhaps I should rephrase my question."

She begins once more choosing her words carefully.

"Have you ever been in a position where your superior asks you to do something you are not comfortable with? Something that places you in a position that leaves you no viable choice. So that no matter what you choose, someone or something will be betrayed."

Confusion etched in his brow as he listened to her words. This was not what he had expected and though she had moved away from him, went over to her, wanting to see her face to better gauge her responses.

'Someone would be betrayed?' He shook his head.

Funny how she had this uncanny ability to trip him up like that. It reminded him of the time they spent on Tatooine...

Instead of answering of his own experience, since he knew it was a metaphor for whatever she was going through.

'If someone's forcing you to make such a decision, they are in the wrong, Sabé.' He resisted the urge to rest a hand atop hers as he was still uncertain where this conversation was heading.

Sabe tries to keep her troubled expression nuetral as she hears him quietly approaching. His question seems to hang in the air as she inwardly winces. Someone already has been betrayed she thinks miserably not quite able to look him the eyes as shame weighs heavy in her thoughts.

A tinge of anger then echos in her mind and the former decoy finds herself once more torn. Why did she have to put me in this position? Sabe thinks to herself in frustration and guilt. Surely she knows I would do anything for her, but this; this isn't right...She deserves happiness, but not through dishonesty and disloyalty.

A deep sigh escapes her lips as Obi-Wan's words confirms her doubts. Her eyes flicker to him as she bites her lip before quickly looking away. I'm sorry, I never wanted things to come to this but I must keep my promise. She sadly thinks as she turns her attentions back to the window.

"Perhaps, I really don't know. Under normal circumstances this situation wouldn't even be a complication. Sometimes I wonder, if there is even a right answer for such things."

She says quietly casting him a torn glance before looking away.

"I wish I could tell you more, but it's best you don't know. Believe me how I wish I didn't know either."

Sabe admits before pausing as she studies him for a moment both curious and fearful as his remarks pertaining to the dreams lingers in her thoughts.

"You mentioned you saw visions pertaining to your padawan? May I ask what they were?"

She tries her best to keep the disgust out of her voice as she mentions Anakin's title. Another tinge of guilt. She shouldn't dislike the boy, he had done nothing wrong to her if anything she had never seen Padme happier in her life as she is in his presence. She should happy for her friend, she should be proud for her. Instead Sabe only feels the creeping hints of disdain and disgust because of his shameful deeds.

Her anger was readily felt, slight tinge that it was and he nearly suggested something when she spoke again.

She knows something that she can't tell me, so this means this is most likely nothing to do with yesterday, he thought, barely comforted by the thought as her confusion and...torn loyalties?..echoed as if spoken through the air.

Obi-Wan nodded in understanding that she wasn't able to tell him. He respected that. He did, however pick up the resentment in her voice at the mention of Anakin. Surely Anakin hadn't--done something inappropriate to the senator-- The thought struck a disconcerting chord with him.

'Defiance,' was the first word out of his mouth after he took a moment to gather his thoughts into a cohesive statement. 'Defiance and pride. I began sensing this yesterday and it was stronger than before. It started off with these strong emotions and then last night, I had visions of him on Naboo; it was either early morning or sunset. I saw the senator in white.' He didn't know if they were things happening or things to come.

The future is always in motion, he schooled himself. If anything had happened, for good or for ill, Obi-Wan would know upon Anakin's return. There was no doubt of that.

He was having difficulty explaining the feelings he sensed from Anakin for they were not unlike his own for Sabé, the affection, but at the same time completely different... It was far too confusing to put into words, at least at this juncture.

Possessive, attached, briefly entered his thoughts. But that is against the Code...

He only said one word and yet within it carries so much more. Her eyes settle on him as she carefully gauges her thoughts trying to hide the agitation that single word seems to encourage in her thoughts. Defiance seemed to say it all and yet not even begin to cover it.

As he continues his explanation she tries to bury the rush of guilt she feels. Of course he's proud he just pulled the wool over his master and the councils eyes! She inwardly begins to fume and i stupidly supported it. Sighing deeply she catches his remarks about the Senator wearing white and feels another rush of confused and torn emotions.

"You are closer to the answers you seek then you realize."

She finally admits not wanting to say much more but not wanting to leave him in the dark either. You don't deserve this she inwardly thinks once more as she studies him noting the concern and confusion that is evident on his features.

"I am sorry."

She continues softly her expression turning sad and tired.

"You deserve to know the answers you seek. But my hands are tied...Such is the price of duty I suppose."

She says inwardly hoping and praying that should he learn the truth of all this and her role in it that he will try to understand the horrible position all this has placed her in.

'Part of me doesn't wish to know,' Obi-Wan admitted gravely.

Her dark expression floods him with concern, but knows that her secret is safe, for he has no desire to cause her to faulter in her duty by admitting things she ought not to.

He folded his arms in front of him and looked out the window where she had been gazing earlier. He wondered if the various colours in his dream were an association of some sort of significance. Certainly. But whatever it was, it was elsewhere, elusive...

He would much rather focus on pleasant things, like Sabé's company, but--the thought catches him--

'May I ask you a question? It's not got anything to do with Anakin,' he said, for he didn't think it had anything to do with him.

She glances over to him and sighs deeply her eyes turning apologetic.

"But you should know and that is the worst part about all this."

She says softly before going silent torn between enjoy his peace that always seems to radiate off of him and the fact she doesn't deserve it, not after this.

So she withdraws in herself trying to nuetralize her thoughts as best she can while wishing desperately there was some way around the matter.

As he stares out the window she finds herself studying his features for a moment before promptly glancing away as memories of the previous day begins to creep in. Now is most certainly not the time for such things she chastizes herself before folding her own arms as it is her turn to stare ahead before Obiwan's question distracts her.

"Certainly."

She says simply offering a slight smile as though to encourage him to speak his thoughts.

nstead of asking his question straightaway, he continued looking out the window as he said, 'Qui-Gon almost didn't choose me to be his padawan. I was duelling another student when he happend by the arena. He thought my final winning offensive tactic was too fierce, thought I was too dangerous to be trained. I was only twelve at the time.

'The Jedi sent me to Bandomeer, a mining colony, where I was to work as a ploughman for AgriCorps.' He looked to her as he admitted, 'I could have been a farmer.

'It was truly the will of the Force that brought Qui-Gon to Bandomeer, or else things would have been very different indeed.'

Still, he would be caught up in the war, only this way he was armed with decades of training. 'Do you ever wonder what your life would have been like had you not gone into service for the queen of Naboo?'

Sabe studies him as Obi-Wan quietly begins to explains his thoughts. She never knew this about him and she can't help but feel a little touched that he is able to open up to her like this.

Her expression turns gentle as she finds herself growing pensive. She could never imagine Obi-Wan being harsh or fierce. Everything about the man exuded peace and solace. Yet at the sametime she could never imagine him being a farmer either. He just was too...noble to be anything but a knight.

"It is because you were meant for greater things then that Obi-Wan. You're too noble for such a quiet life."

She admits finally as she offers a kind smile before growing serious at his question. She had thought about it often over the years, but only because of his brash admittance that she should have been trained as a Jedi. That her people were committing a great crime for hiding their children from the Order.

"I used to, more often actually then I'd care to admit."

She says softly as her attentions return to the window.

"I remember you once chastized me, for poking fun of you saying that I was your padawan. You said I should have been someone's padawan. I never wanted to follow that path and I thank the gods that I didn't but sometimes I do wonder what life would have been like if I was forced to walk that path."

She suddenly goes silent not wanting to admit her fears openly but feeling safe enough in his presence to do so.

"But I fear if I had...I wouldn't have made it."

She glances to him looking almost pained and more then a little ashamed.

"I'm too fierce as you say. My job permits me to be this without causing complications. I guess I fear I'd enjoy the hunt too much to be worthy of such a path. There is just too much conflict within me. Sometimes I want justice too much to be healthy as I was once told."

She admits thinking of Padme's words reminding her that there must always be room for mercy and forgiveness for people change and not all actions are done out of evil.

From anyone else, the words might have easily been brushed off, but when she called him noble, he felt his cheeks redden with unusual warmth which increased when she mentioned his remark all those years ago about her being someone's padawan.

He could visualise her with a Jedi tunic, lightsaber attached to her belt, her hair tied up with a few strands threatening to come loose, much like her expression which held a battle fierceness to it. But he also saw the scars of war on her brow and temple. Battle-hardened and still as selfless as she was now.

Obi-Wan returned his thoughts to the present. 'I think you would have made a fine Jedi,' he said sincerely, smiling at her. He couldn't help the stray thought that liasions between Jedi are less frowned upon that those with others.

Obi-Wan's smile faded as he finally began to grasp the meaning of these emotions and his past visions. 'He's commited to her, hasn't he,' he said as more of a statement than a question. It was piecing together now slowly but surely.

She notices his cheeks turning red and it takes all of her will power not to reach out and touch them. Her eyes sparkle as she can't help but smile. If only the universe was filled with men like yourself she inwardly muses. But drawing back fro her thoughts she catches his words and feels her own cheeks lighting on fire as she glances away looking sheepish.

"I don't know if I'm worthy of such a compliment."

She admits finally remembering how she inadvertantly helped Anakin betray his master and the Council asit once more brings her sorrow. As if reading her thoughts Obi-Wan states the truth of the situation and Sabe closes her eyes in reply fighting back the waves of shame and sadness that pours over her now. Nodding weakly she clutches the railing near to the window tightly trying to force back the urge to promptly leave or worse weep. She didnt' dare look at him now, not after this.

"...I'm sorry."

She quietly whispers struggling against her emotions.

"...I fear I have committed a great dishonor, because I choose to follow duty, instead of my instincts. The shame is mine and mine alone."

'Yours?' he replied, confused by her attestment.

How could this be?

'If Anakin has decided to--' Obi-Wan couldn't say betray, though the word briefly entered his head, 'go against the Code, I cannot see how this is your fault.'

He felt the sorrow pouring over him. The sorrow that she had come to dishonour. She was the last person in the galaxy he would think could possibly. What have you done?

She nods weakly once more forcing her eyes open as she stares ahead with a firm but visibly troubled and more then a little shamed.

But at his confused explanation and defence of her name she bites her lip as she closes her eyes bowing her head slightly.

"...No, you don't understand. I was asked to..."

She hesitates as she thinks in horror, now not only have I betrayed you ,I am about to betray my dearest friend. Will this ever end?

"...The Senator asked me to have the priest from our local temple join them on Naboo...I should have said no. I should have fought her on the matter. But...I was torn."

She admits clenching her eyes shut all the more harder lest the tears that collect slip out.

"...It is my duty to serve my lady in every way. But this...I want to be happy for her Obi-Wan i truly do she deserves this, this joy. But not like this, not when it's come to pass through dishonesty and disloyalty."

She sighes deeply after a moment of silence.

"And now I have betrayed you both."

Now the tears come and she quickly moves away lest he sees them falling. I brought htis shame on myself I have no one blame for it she thinks miserably.

Obi-Wan took in her revelation calmly, scratching his beard absentmindedly as he processed the information. Then her sorrow reached its peak and he couldn't bare it.

'You did your sworn duty, Sabé,' he finally said. 'They would have done this with or without your help and if the priest wasn't able to leave Coruscant, it would have been someone else or on a different day.'

He walked over to stand in front of her. 'Anakin wears his emotions on his sleeve. I would have found out upon his return.' Though it hurt that Anakin would do this after all of the years he'd spent training him, he could not hold a grudge against him nor would he feel right about telling the Council.

'Please,' he said, touching her shoulder, 'don't let this eat away at you. What's done is done. There's nothing for it now.'

The last thing he wanted was her to feel such sorrow and guilt, warranted or not. 'I will do what I can to assure their secret is kept safe.'

She turns away, struggling with her thoughts trying to regain control of her emotions, to blink back the tears that had already fallen. She can only imagine what Obi-Wan thought of her now and the thought threatens to unleash more unwanted tears. I have just betrayed my best friend, my duties to the Senator and now Obi-Wan and all I can think about is that he will never speak to me again. How weak have I become?

The Jedi were taught at a young age to master their emotions, if only i could have learnt to master my own she in thinks darkly as she promptly wipes away her tears. Once more staring ahead her back is turned to the Jedi Knight when his words gently draws her from her thoughts.

She knows somewhere in the depths of her concious that he is right in his thinking. But the guilt is strong along with the sorrow as she softly speaks.

"...But I should have fought it. I shouldn't have agreed to help. Even if my actions wouldn't have changed anything, I would have at least known that I didn't stand by and do nothing."

She sighs deeply her brow deeply furrow as she continues to stare ahead, until he moves quietly in front of her. Though she tries to look away feeling another rush of shame pouring in her thoughts Obi-Wan's words draws Sabe back to his attention as her eyes studies his sadly.

"I'm sorry but I don't think he intends to tell you."

She says quietly misreading his remarks as she sighs glancing down at her hands. She wants to speak her doubts, express her fears but as she feels his hand on her shoulder they seem to subside a little. Nodding weakly at his words Sabe sighs deeply knowing once more he is right. Despite what she may feel, there is little that can be done now. No matter how much she wants to change it.

At his final words Sabe glances back to Obi-Wan, her eyes filling with concern. She wants to embrace him to offer some sort of comfort for the pain she has no doubt that he must feel in this moment. But she doesn't feel worthy of it and so refrains choosing instead to gently grasp his arm as she looks into his eyes her expression filled with sadness and guilt.

"But to do so would mean you will have to betray your own oath to the Order. Are you so certain this is what you want?"

She asks feeling bad for placing him in this position and yet knowing it is too late now for it to be any different. I already made my decision and now must carry that shame with me she thinks, I don't want you to have to do the same.

Anakin wouldn't have to tell me, Sabé, he thought.

Obi-Wan did not remove his hand from her shoulder as he said, 'Then it is a burden we shall both have to bear.' His voice low, but sturdy.

There was no doubt in Obi-Wan's mind that Grand Master of the Jedi Order, Yoda, would already know of Anakin's marriage. So long as it was public knowledge, it would probably be all right. Anakin wasn't the first, nor would he be the last to do something of this nature

His hand moved to where tears clung on her cheek and wiped them away, drawing calming thoughts from within him, hoping it would help make it easier to come to terms with it all, for the both of them. It was much easier to think clearly about things when at peace.

She closes her eyes as she bows her head to his quiet and solomn words obviously touched by his sacrifice.

"You don't need to do this, though I am touched by your actions. Such nobility is a rare thing to find these days. I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to know you."

She says gently as she glances back up at him as a smile creeps into her features as he wipes away her tears. She feels her nerves beginning to calm though she guesses he has much to do with it Sabe finds herself not really bothered by this fact. Peace for even but a moment is a welcomed relief for her troubled thoughts.

She wants to embrace him, to hold him and bask in the gentle peace his presence offers but she hesistates fearful that such an action would be considered far too inappropriate. Especially after the conversation that ensued. Instead she takes another calculated risk and lightly touches his cheek hoping somehow in her untrained ways that she could return some of the calm he has so kindly shared with her.

'It is easier to share a burden than to carry it alone.'

The light brushing of her fingertips on his cheek sent instant sends sharp sensations of desire to be closer, though at this point he couldn't tell if it was from her or his own desires, but he kept it at bay.

Their conversation seemed to have quelled the actions they fought to supress.

'I am grateful to know you, Sabé.' It felt much better now that he had been able to get to the bottom of Anakin's mysterious feelings. If it hadn't been for Sabé and how Obi-Wan felt about her, he wouldn't have understood...

But no, he would not ask Sabé to marry him. He would not break his oath nor ask it of her. What was the point of having such rules if one didn't adhere to them? It was about honour and duty. Though they would agree to keep their friends' secret, their honour would not faulter.

Obi-Wan leant forward to rest his forehead against hers.

What they shared, the peace he felt in her presence, he wanted it to be more, but it would not be right to ask such a sacrifice. He would sacrifice his own happiness for other people, for that was the Jedi way. And he was thankful that she understood this.

His words are gentle and say so much more then either could possibly speak. Nodding slightly, Sabe feels her heart swell and break at the same time. She understood the situation knowing that this wasn't the only burden they would share in silence.

"Then it will be an honor to share it with you."

She whispers quietly casting him a sad smile as she knows he understands only too well the weight of her words. She feels his emotions mingled with her own and can't help but feel another rush of pride at his restraint and the reason for his decision. He is everything she could have ever dreamed in a man and yet he would always remain out of her reach, just as she would remain out of his touch as well. Though it hurt it also brought her some small joy to know that she was given this oppertunity to let this proud knight so noble and honorable hold her heart, even if only at a distance.

As he rests his forehead against hers Sabe silently closes her eyes and smiles forcing herself to ignore the throb of her heart.

"I will never forget these moments, Thank you for them."

She says in barely audible tones wishing she could express her thoughts further but too fearful of what she may say should she try to put them to words. Sometimes less is more and in moments such as this it is probably for the best.

Her murmur I will never forget caused a knot to catch in his throat. He closed his eyes, basking in everything that was quintessentially her.

He twirled a stray piece of her hair through his fingers, marvelling at its softness.

This was something he couldn't put a name to, let alone describe. Moments like these would last him a lifetime.

There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but the words would not come to his lips, he merely felt and received her feelings and that in and of itself seemed to surpass what any words might have been spoken.

Sabé, Sabé... Her name would become his new mantra.

Time once more seems to stand still and Sabe finds herself loathed to even more lest the moment be lost. She feels his fingers slipping through a strand of hair and it causes a soft sight to escape her lips.

The feelings exchanged says more then she knows either could ever say and it is these emotions felt that she too cherishes, holding close to her heart. A memory that would serve to help her through many of the dark hours that are to come.