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Missing Scenes
Post Attack of the Clones: Four Months After Geonosis
Words caught in Anakin's throat, the dread washing over him in undiluted waves as Master Windu and he rushed to the crashed starfighter. Anakin couldn't sense his master's signature and was right near panicking.
Why can't I sense him? Why can't I sense him?
Master Windu helped him open the cockpit and remove the unconscious Kenobi. He was clutching the antidote in his hand and Windu retrieved it, heading straight to the Council with the container.
Anakin, meanwhile, stayed with his master while the droids scanned him in the medical ward. They told him he was barely alive and still infected with the toxin. Anakin didn't know what to do, but was so thankful that Obi-Wan was still alive.
After multiple treatments of bacta immersion and having a round antidote injections, Obi-Wan finally regained consciousness. As soon as he woke, rounds of questions were fired at him from the Council. He reported to the best of his ability, though he was still struggling to remain conscious. The mission on Queyta was deemed a success because he retrieved the toxin samples, but so many noble Jedi had lost their lives on that mission. He was the only one to survive and just barely.
The Confederacy might have lost their bioweapon, but they had claimed the lives of so many in the process.
Not to mention his second confrontation with Dooku's apprentice, Asaji Ventress.
Soon the questions ended and he hoped he had answered satisfactorly, though in truth it was more a matter of if he had made any sense in his report. The drugs in his system were not aiding in his ability to communicate let alone remain conscious. He soon fell back into a disturbed sleep.
Sabé would never forget when it started. It occured in the dark hours of night and while the first time she experienced this powerful sensation of danger came from no where this was far worse. It felt as though parts of her soul was corroding away while her instincts were screaming of danger and dread. It was overwhelming to say the least and almost as soon as she woke up to this powerful sensation Sabé was soon dressed and heading off to the Dojo. While there wasn't much in the way of traditional Naboo temples Sabé was able to go to the small meditation garden of the Dojo and meditate. But the feeling only grew worse instead of better and Sabé found herself almost feeling ill because of it.
She didn't know what do, or where to go but she knew somehow this had something to do with Obi-Wan. She couldn't say what caused it and was terrified all the more because of it. For the entire day she went through the motions of her duties her thoughts elsewhere and filled with concern for her dearest friend. She hoped desperatly the feeling would weaken but instead it grew progressivally worse. Until between her nerves, the knots in her stomach from the growing dread and the terrifying feeling that a piece of her soul was dying Sabé found herself being ill in the fresher later in the day.
But no sign of relief was in sight and the feelings continued to worsen until Sabé could no longer focus on her duties and had to retire for the day pre-maturely. While the feeling didn't lighten and in fact remained just as powerful Sabé forced herself to continue her work though she was becoming some cause of concern to her mistress who noticed that her normally poised Principle Handmaiden had become listless. She wouldn't eat, if the light peering from her quarters and the smell of burning candles was any testiment she wasn't sleeping much either. It was as though she were eroding before Padmé's very eyes.
However Sabé when questioned could only truthfully answer that she wasn't well and didn't know why. Even the doctors (to whom Sabé was forced upon Padmé's concerned orders to visit) couldn't find anything wrong with her. But the former decoy knew of only one cause and it was a thought that led her to spend more than one evening weeping in the sanctuary of her shower. Yet as before there was no word on Obi-Wan or his latest mission which only added to her fears. He was dying her heart warned her and though she tried to dispel this belief deep down she knew her instincts were right.
But on this day some frightening news came to pass as Anakin briefly came by her mistress quarters to visit her a few days later than expected. While Sabé normally would have been appriciative of his absense she saw this too as a bad omen. For Anakin was not one to think of anyone but himself and for something to intrupt his 'secret' visits with his wife was cause for concern indeed. While Padmé feared for his safety Sabé had a sinking feeling this was more about Obi-Wan than his wayward Padawan. As she feared this proved to be the case as the first words out of Anakin's mouth the followed his apology was that Obi-Wan had been fatally wounded and had been infected by the toxin Sabé also feared might still be in his blood. While he was currently healing his condition was critical and had he not arrived sooner to the Temple it was certain he would have died.
Time moved a crawl as she heard these words and it took all her willpower not to drop the datapadd that was resting her violently shaking hands in the next room.
'Oh gods...'
She breathed before placing the padd onto the table and approaching a startled looking Padmé.
"M'lady if my duties are completed here I would like to request permission to depart for the evening."
Her voice wavered and she looked ashen but still she managed some semblance of control as Padmé furrowed her brow and asked if she was alright. She could only nod and make her request a second time. It was granted and as soon as she left the Senator's quarters she was rushing down the hall and racing to the nearest transport that would take her to the medical ward in the Jedi Temple.
To Obi-Wan, time seemed to either crawl by or go at hyperspeed depending on its d. He wasn't sure what day it was or what hour it was when he woke, finding himself still in the medical wing and the taste of bacta in mouth.
Of all the unpleasantries, bacta had to be the worse...
Although Obi-Wan was not aware of just how close to death he had been and that he ought to be thankful for this 'unpleasantry'.
The medical droids were quick to hover around him when they detected he was awake, telling him to lie still. It was only then that he noted dryly that even if he wanted to, he wouldn't be able to get far at all on his own anyway.
At least there weren't any Council members around trying to get him to answer more questions.
He stared at the ceiling and exhaled. Ouch... He made a mental note not to take such a deep breath next time.
Sabé rushed out of the transport and swiftly entered the temple only to realize with added horror that she couldn't feel or sense Obi-Wan's force signature. It was more than a little disconcerting as normally she would have been able to sense it by now even if it was faint and distant. But there was nothing. Her hand fluttered to her mouth as she stifled back a whimper before continuing onward reminding herself she had to maintain some semblance of composure for others would be watching.
Rushing through the halls half walking and half running Sabé paused only to learn of the location of the medical ward. But as she entered she swiftly greeted by medical droids who informed her that the Jedi Knight she sought was in critical condition and therefore was not permitted visitors save for his Padawan and the members of the high council. However she had come too far to pay heed to droids and could only shake her head and politely but briskly apologize to them. They tried to stop her but she was too quick and too desperate to be held back and soon bursted into Obi-Wan's room in an entrance that would have even put Anakin to shame.
At the sight that greeted her Sabé could only bite her lip and whimper before glancing away as she forced herself not to break down into tears. With a shakey breath she regained her control and moved to his side with a mixture of emotions riddled on her pale face. Of them the most noticible being utter relief at him being alive, concern and fear at his condition as well as the unspoken and silent love felt for him. Yet even all of this was laced with some sheepishness upon realizing how she must look having just barged into his room without any warning or hesistation.
She tried to piece together her thoughts her feelings but to no avail leaving her unable to properly form a thought.
"Obi-Wan..."
Sabé quietly whispered his name as all of her thoughts and emotions went into that simple statement while as her fingers gingerly reached to take his hand into hers.
Obi-Wan hadn't realised he had drifted off to sleep again. He didn't know if it was the medication or if it was because of the wounds he had incurred from the battle, memories of which were still vague. He did recall the Dark Jedi apprentice who offered her hand to him, which he refused. She vowed she would kill him next time.
He wasn't aware of the full extent of his injuries or the infection. He didn't know he had crash-landed on the Jedi Temple's platform. And now he was unsure if he was awake or not. Surely it was a dream, for he could have sworn her heard her voice. 'Sabé..?'
But if she were truly there, standing next to him and holding his hand, then he ought to be able to feel her Force signature at blaring degrees. But right now, it didn't even register in the faintest and as he blinked his eyes open, turning his head just slightly to see her, her blurry face coming slowly into focus, he was confused. 'Why can't I sense you?' he asked her, his voice thick.
He attempted to squeeze her hand to test that feeling, but he could only give a slight twitch of a squeeze. 'You're real,' he murmured, not aware that he wouldn't be making sense to anyone else.
Sabé fell silent upon speaking Obi-Wan's name as words could no longer come to her without the temptation of tears. So instead she chose a more silent means of communication as she gently stroked his limp hand with hers as her eyes never left his painfully still form. She studied him in silence looking for signs of his breathing patterns though she knew if something wasn't right she wouldn't be able to know it as she was no healer. But for all intents and purposes his breathing appeared steady, though light as watched the gentle rise and fall of his chest.
This was but a small comfort, but it was comfort all the same and she sighed softly in relief at it.
Closing her eyes Sabé bit her lip wishing she had sword or rather its ribbon by her side to help calm her fears, but in her panicked departure it was long left behind. Bowing her head she tried desperatly to find her center but this too would not give her any peace and so she gave up trying. It was painful to see Obi-Wan like this looking so painfully still and fragile. To know that there was nothing she could do to help his situation that only healers and medicine could benefit him or so she believed.
My dearest friend how it grieves me to see you like this. She thought sadly to herself feeling as though her heart was bleeding even now at the sight of him. He is alive she reminded herself there is hope yet. As if sensing her thoughts the broken Jedi before spoke her name and instantly pulled Sabé from her thoughts. A sad smile crept into her features as she studied him.
"...I'm here."
She said softly before quickly glancing away again as she blinked away unshed tears. But she promptly returned her attentions to him once she regained control of her emotions once again. In doing so she caught sight of him moving his head slightly as he blinked trying to focus on her. Between his words and his attempts to try and focus on her Sabé feared that the last of her self control would melt away. She wanted so desperately to pull him close to her, to hold him and tell him that she would not leave until he was healed. That she wished she could have been able to come sooner, that she'd do anything if it meant that he would recover from these wounds. But to do so would only cause more damage than good and so she refrained.
Instead she could only bow her head at his question and shake it slightly. Sabé couldn't say why even now with him beside her that she couldn't read his signature. It was as though it was muffled or hidden from her thoughts. It was frightening to say the least, but in the end she could only guess this had something to do with the medicines given for his wounds or perhaps even the antidote.
"...I don't know, maybe it is the medicines?"
She gently offered knowing it wasn't much but hoping that perhaps it would help ease his confusion and concerns. It was then that Sabé felt his hand twitch marking his attempt to squeeze hers and swiftly she closed to her eyes feeling the lump that rested in her throat growing that much larger as she caught his murmured reply.
Oh gods don't let me falter, he needs me to be to strong she inwardly prayed as she opened her eyes once more. Reaching out with her free hand she gently stroked his cheek as if to clarify for him that she was without question real and not a figment of his imagination.
"Yes...Im very real."
She softly whispered as her eyes wavered. While being unable to read Obi-Wan's Force signature was frightening enough for her, Sabé could only guess the effect it was having Obi-Wan. The thought made her heart tighten in pain as she imagined how disorientating, nevermind disconcerting this had to be for him. To be unable to read or even sense the life essense that was as much a part of him as the air he breathed had to be horrific to say the least. If only there could be a way for me to help him with this further Sabé thought sadly wishing desperatly that there could be something more that she could do to ease his pain and help him heal.
Had Obi-Wan been able to register her signature and her emotions, he would have felt guilty for all that he put her through unintentionally. The last thing he wanted in the galaxy was for her to suffer. But as he was unaware, he could only smile at her, thankful she was there and real, that she wasn't in his head.
He didn't know what his condition was because no one would say anything. Or if they had, he was too out of it to comprehend, but by the look on Anakin's face, and now Sabé's, he was beginning to think that it wasn't the medicines that were causing him to be unable to sense things.
'I'm very glad to see you,' he said, not willing to believe he was that ill, despite how much his body protested.
It was true though. To be able to see her face, hear her voice, touch her hand, even if only for a moment, filled his heart with joy.
Little did they know that in a small way, just the simple visitation of his dearest old friend would be the catalyst to his recovery, not the technology nor the even the antidote from the toxin that he fought for.
'How are you? How have you been?' he asked, his soft eyes full of loving concern and curiousity. She looked so sad.
Sabé tried to return his smile as best she could but the sadness in her eyes was too obvious to belie her true feelings. She was utterly relieved to know he was alive, that he was healing but it hurt her to see him like this, so frail and weak. Lowering herself so she was resting on her knees Sabé continued to gently do half circles with her thumb against his cheek. She didn't dare try to sit on the edge of the bed lest the movement hurt him further.
But at his words Sabé could no longer resist as she bit her lip and bowed her head slightly lest he catch sight of her watering eyes. Pulling herself together once more she gingerly and very carefully leaned over and gave him a gentle and delicate hug.
"My gods Obi-Wan...You have no idea how happy I am to see that you are alive."
She whispered softly before drawing back lest she hurt him in her ginger embrace. Her one hand returned to his cheek, while the other returned to the hand nearest to her as she gently did half circles once more.
At his question and the curiousity and concern the reflected in his blue eyes Sabé could only shake her head as she laughed softly in sad disbelief.
"Nevermind me Obi-Wan, its you that you should be worried about. By the gods your the only person I know who can wake up in medical center, severely wounded only to be more concerned that your visitors are okay."
She paused as she sighed softly realizing he probably doesn't even register how bad off he really is.
"I'm fine. Better now that I know you're in good hands and are healing. You're the one I'm far more concerned about."
She admitted softly her eyes still filled with concern and love as she continued to touch his cheek and hand.
"I..."
Her voice faltered as she quickly glanced away feeling the knot in her throat growing worse.
"I was worried...gods Obi-Wan...I came as soon as I heard you were here...I overheard Anakin telling Padmé what happened..."
She fell silence no longer trusting herself not to break down and weep. He is safe now and is healing I have nothing to fear anymore she told herself repeatedly as she tried to calm her nerves.
"...I'm just so happy your alive."
She whispered finally.
Even without the aid of the Force, Obi-Wan could tell there was something wrong. The touch of her hand on his cheek usually wasn't so cold. Or perhaps he was cold? He couldn't tell.
Then Sabé's head brushed over his chest as she moved to embrace him and was frustrated with himself for not being able to hug her back. To see you're alive? So that's--
When she pulled back, he studied her eyes carefully, knowing the truth would be there. Certainly it isn't that bad...and I've had a round of shots to defeat the biotoxin...and they certainly wouldn't allow visitors if I was still infected... This was nothing a little rest wouldn't fix...But her eyes...
The slip in her voice revealed her true emotions. She had been so worried about him. He noticed now that she was near tears and he had never seen her cry. She was so strong...stubborn and strong...
'I'm sorry that I made you worry; it was never my intent,' he replied, feeling awful to have caused her anxiety. 'The information you provided months ago...if it weren't for you I never would have found the samples.'
Sabé felt his eyes studying her intently and it brought some small relief that it was more focussed this time then when he initially watched her. But the admittance was hard and the normally hardened former decoy found her once powerful emotional restraints crumbling. But she demanded herself to be strong, not to falter before him. She had to be strong for his sake as hard as it was in that moment.
But his words pulled her out of her thoughts and made her heart ache that much more as Sabé shook her head her eyes turning sad and guilty. That was the last thing she ever wanted was for him to feel guilty because she was worried for him.
"Oh no Obi-Wan please don't feel bad. I'm just so relieved you're healing now. What matters is that you're safe and in good hands."
She said softly as she continued to touch his cheek gently trying to ignore how unnaturally warm it felt against her palm as she furrowed her brow to his words. Bowing her head Sabé fell silent as she couldn't help but wonder now if she hadn't given him that information if he would be in this situation at all. Sabé instantly felt a rush of guilt at the thought knowing that it was selfish to bear to think such things. For if he hadn't gone on this mission, millions would have died from the virus. Reminding herself of this fact helped Sabé put things into perspective, though it did little to ease her sorrow upon seeing the effects this mission had on her old friend.
"I'm glad I was able to help in some small way...I just wish I could have done more...could do more."
She admitted softly as she studied his frail looking form wishing that she knew how to heal the way the Jedi did. Or at the very least knew how of some way to ease his suffering. But this too evaded her and so Sabé found herself hoping that somehow in some small way her presense her could act as a small distraction to keep his mind off his weakened state.
Though the pair were unaware of the fact, their souls were conversing, finding strength in the other, and for Obi-Wan in particular, the adamant refusal of death.
He knew her well enough to tell from her expression and her eyes that she was feeling guilty and still extremely sad. Could it be that even without the possibility of contamination that he was still infected? That it had passed through so roughly that he was now...dying? Certainly not! he thought.
No, no, I will not, not yet. I have duties to perform. I have Anakin to train...he's not been knighted yet. He needs me and I will not fail him. I won't give in; that's the easy path.
As if she possessed some kind of healing power, at the touch of her hand against his cheek once more, he felt the icy touch fading to a warmer sensation, though it was probably due to the fact the heat from his skin was heating hers as well. He didn't know that though, and his thoughts turned once more to Sabé.
Ultimately, his heart sang out that he didn't want to leave her. Dearest Lady Sabé, his old friend, the woman he loved. He wondered how she got in here without escort, though he knew she had her ways. Perhaps since Anakin informed Padmé, he had allowed her access? But none of that mattered, for she was here now and he selfishly hoped he would see more of her while he was out of commission. He knew it was unlikely as her schedule was just as busy as his.
'I wish I could feel your presence as I used to,' he admitted. 'Your presence is so soothing.' He closed his eyes, trying once more to reach out to her, but it was wearing him out, so he content himself with the feel of their entwined hands and the touch of her other hand caressing his cheek.
Once his eyes closed, it took quite an effort to open them again, but the temptation of seeing her again was high enough to persuade his lids open again.
Sabé forced herself not to dwell on the darker realities of the situation. She could not, would not let herself believe he was dying. That his life even now despite all the technology given was hanging by threads. That even the slightest tipping of the scales of fate could end it all. She closed her eyes briefly to bury the dark thoughts that threatened to surface and overwhelm her. He will live because his destiny has not yet been fulfilled her heart whispered and neither has yours.
Though she did not hear the soft spoken words of her heart Sabé still clung to the hope that he would fully heal and return to how she once knew him to be. She continued to touch his cheek gently unsure if this gesture was helping any but hoping desperatly it would sooth his doubts that she was but a figment of his imagination.
Upon hearing his gentle words Sabé fought back a whimper as she tried to fight back her emotions and offer a comforting look. She didn't know why it was that he couldn't sense her, or that she was unable to sense him for that matter. But it made her heart ache that much more for him as she wished there could be some way that she could touch his thoughts. However she was not trained for such things and so once more she was helpless to ease his suffering in this fashion as well.
"I'm sorry I wish there was something I could do...But I am here Obi-Wan and I'm not going anywhere."
She whispered softly as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze before continuing to let her thumb roll over his hand. For a moment Sabé thought perhaps Obi-Wan had slipped into sleep or worse but she would not let herself believe that. It hurt too much to do so.
Bowing her head Sabé did not stop her gentle administrations though unconciously she hoped against hope that he was but resting nothing more. As though sensing her fears he opened his eyes and she offered a relieved smile though she softly spoke.
"If you want to rest, I'll understand. I just hope you won't mind if I stay here awhile.
I won't say a word. I just..."
The words evaded her once more, as the knot in her throat and the lingering sorrow within her grew. She feared deep down that if she left he would slip away in her absense. Though Sabé knew that if it was his time to depart this world, than nothing she could do would stop it. But her heart needed to believe that in some small way she was helping him and so she remained knowing however that should he request she depart she would without question or hesitation.
Even with the sadness weighing on her, and the anxieties that caused restless sleep, Sabé was beautiful. Her eyes still shone with tears and he wanted nothing more than to take her into his arms and tell her everything would be all right even though he wasn't even sure what exactly was wrong.
When her accented voice mentioned rest, he smiled, thinking she made it sound so inviting.
He knew though, when she expressed the desire to stay, that she meant she thought she might be intruding, which was far from the case. In truth, he never wanted to be parted from her, as inappropriate as that revelation was.
'I would love,' he said slowly, 'if you could tell me about your homeworld... Though I might just rest my eyes for a little while, I would like to hear your voice...'
Sabé once more fought back the tears as he smiled. She wished she could just take him into her arms and hold him as he slept. To be able to kiss his brow and tell him that the worst was over that she would not leave till he was healed. That she never wished to leave. But these were selfish wishes and Sabé knew it would not do to think upon things that could not be or so she believed.
As he slowly spoke Sabé's eyes softened as she gave him a loving smile. Sabé knew in that moment that he could have asked the world of her and she would not hesitate to try and make it so. But his request was far more humble and she was more than happy to do what she could grant his wish.
"Alright. You just rest your eyes and I will tell you all about my home."
She said softly unaware that in truth her home no longer resided in the beautiful lands of Naboo but in the heart of the wounded man before her. So quietly she began speaking of the hills she used to play on and the trees she would climb. How the lakes and waterfalls reminded her of the Temple gardens and beautiful flowers that would bloom in summer and the more hard to find blossoms that would grow in the winter. She spoke of snow and icicles and how she loved how horefrost would grow on the windows of her home. How her mother would tell her it was the winter spirits drawing on the glass. She spoke of the frogs and snakes that would live by the waters and how she used to try and take them home.
Even though she knew he was probably sleeping the thought of sharing the memories her homeworld with him helped calm a little of her fears and gave her a sense of hope. Perhaps when he was well enough and gods willing maybe one day she would be able to show him these things in person. But for now she could only hope that perhaps her words at the very least would aid in giving him a peaceful rest filled with sweet dreams.
With Sabé's lilting voice echoing memories and descriptive depictions of Naboo, Obi-Wan fell into a peaceful sleep.
He could see the gardens, the grass, the trees, the nlight shining and Sabé walking towards the spot he was seated at...
As much as he enjoyed spending what little time he could with Padmé, Anakin was still extremely worried about his Master. He could tell Padmé was getting a little frustrated with him as he was so distracted.
Heading back to the Temple in the wee hours of the morning, Anakin went straight to the medical ward to check on Obi-Wan.
What he found upon admitance was not at all what he expected. 'What is she doing here?!' he demanded from the stupid droids. 'Why did you let her in?'
As the droids were useless, he went straight over to her, in a threatening though hissing whispered tone, 'Just what do you think you're doing?! You're not allowed to be here!'
Sabé quietly continued to speak of her homeworld some time further until the exhaustion of the sleepless days before her discovery of Obi-Wan's critical sitaution finally caught up with her. Resting her head near the edges of the bed's mattress Sabé had unintentionally drifted into sleep her one hand now resting beneath her head while the other remain holding Obi-Wan's lightly.
But while her rest wasn't exactly comfortable it was certainly the most peacefulshe had since the she first awoke to the dreaded sensation that something was wrong with Obi-Wan. However this came to an abrupt end to the sharp hissing in her ear or so it felt. Her eyes snapped open in shock as Sabé instantly lifted her head and straightened to the annoyingly familiar voice.
Whirling around she quickly rose to her feet and glared to the agitated Padawan.
"I beg your pardons? On whose authority?"
Sabé replied in quietly but chilling tones. He was definately the last face she expected or wanted to see at this hour of morning.
What did she think she was doing? And was she...sleeping?! And what was with her holding his hand, anyway? Who gave her permission to be here?
Anakin was livid. Certainly this handmaiden wasn't of any use to him, could only do him harm by staying here...
The way she stood, dropping her hands to her sides, glaring at him as if he was the one who wasn't supposed to be there... It was almost creepy to say the least.
He would have lied and said the Council's but he knew Obi-Wan would not approve of that. 'He's in critical condition,' he countered. 'Can't you see that? Surely the medical droids would have informed you...'
Anakin was fully aware his argument was weak, but it was the truth and it was all he had. He wanted to protect Obi-Wan so that he would heal faster and get back to training him, not leave as Master Qui-Gon had.
Something snapped within Sabé as her eyes sparked in anger. Just who did he think he was!? Yes he might be the Chosen One but he had no right or power to tell her to leave. Obi-Wan was as much his friend as hers. His reply was weak to say the least and she frowned deeply obviously not impressed as she folded her arms.
"Yes I'm more than well aware of that. I was there after all when you told Lady Padmé that Obi-Wan was in critical condition."
She hissed softly in reply unaware in her frustration that she had used Anakin's Master's forename instead of his titles.
"Besides I hardly think my presence is going to worsen his condition. Like yourself I am just as concerned for his wellbeing."
Anakin resisted the urge to scratch the back of his neck at her response. He hadn't noticed she was present when he informed Padmé.
He did, however, take note that she was referring to him by his forename and not the titles required by her occupational status. However, she was quick to add bitingly that she wasn't doing him any harm by staying, to which he didn't have a comeback prepared.
'You should let him rest,' he said, though he himself had popped in to visit and no right debating about it.
Sabé resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his reply. What do you think I was doing before you barged in? She inwardly thought in frustration.
"I was till you arrived."
She snapped back quietly wishing he would just leave but knowing that she had no right to make such demands when he had every right to be here as well.
Anakin didn't know what to say to that. He looked past her where his master was lying on the bed and it tore at him, though he didn't realise that she was feeling it too, though not readily able to manage the onslaught of pain and suffering as Anakin was slowly learning how to deal with.
'Well--' he began, not sure where he was going with that.
He folded his arms, pouting. 'You have no idea what he's been through or how he's feeling so I doubt you could be of any use.'
Sabé stood her ground waiting, expecting even for an onslaught of strong words and a demand that she leave his Master's side. But instead she found herself staring in disbelief to the pouting Padawan before her. For a moment she couldn't speak. What sort of idiot has my bestfriend married? She thought in utter dismay to his weak beginning.
But as he folded his arms and continued Sabé's dismay turned to fiery anger once more. She didn't dare breath a word of the strange feelings that she had experienced over the past days nor of the sensation that part of her very soul was dying. Though she knew she couldn't possibly comprehend the suffering Obi-Wan had gone through she could only imagine and it hurt her deeply to know there was nothing she could do help. But hearing his obnoxious Padawan stating she was of no use to Obi-Wan was the final straw.
"No I don't Anakin and for that I'm sorry.
But I hardly see you doing anything to help his situation either. So I'd stop while I was still ahead if I were you.
And spare me the pouting because that nonsense might work on Padmé but it certainly won't work on me."
She said in quiet but fiery tones through gritted teeth.
In his dreamlike state, Obi-Wan felt Sabé's hand slipping away from his at a distance, as though she were leaving him. Naboo's garden's darkened and he felt disconcerted.
The rowing Padawan and handmaiden slowly drew him from this unconscious realm, but it was in fact a medical droid's surgical needle jabbing his thigh that woke him up completely.
He mumbled incoherantly at first as he regained consciousness. 'S-sabé?'
Anakin hadn't a clue as to everything she had been through, suffering far worse than he had, but that didn't mean he wasn't aware of her tone off voice. He had come to loathe that voice and her mention of Padmé nearly set him off...
However, he sensed Obi-Wan's return to the world of the living and chastized himself for having woken him up, not realising he had been given an injection of some kind which was the true reason for awakening.
'Master?' he whispered, but to his response, he could have sworn he heard.... No. No Way. He wasn't just asking for Sabé Nabish, was he? Why did that seem so wrong to him?
This just made him pout further.
Sabé's temper instantly dissappeared as she heard Obi-Wan mumble her name. Suddenly the annoying Padawan she was arguing with no longer mattered. Ignoring his presence Sabé swiftly moved to his side her eyes filling with concern as she feared perhaps she had woken him up from her sharp words with Anakin. But from the corner of her eyes she caught sight of the droid that was still holding a needle and Sabé realized much to her relief this was most likely the cause.
"I'm here."
Sabé said softly wanting to hold his hand to gently touch his cheek but overly aware of the fact his Padawan was watching on.
With his eyes still closed and the dreams giving way to reality, Obi-Wan was unaware that Anakin and Sabé were both truly there.
It wasn't until he heard her voice close by, that it was confirmed she was there, but it didn't make sense. 'I cannot feel your hand anymore,' he admitted, his expression growing sad and concerned.
His final words were quite muffled so that it would only be picked up to one very close to him. 'Don't...want to leave...you.'
Anakin wanted to do something. He hated feeling helpless and knowing he was unable to do anything was extremely frustrating for him. He was also not one to be able to sit or stand still for very long, so he was demanding answers from the medical droids when Obi-Wan mumbled something further.
Then he was commed by Master Windu and told him he would be right there. Hoepfully he could get some lightsaber training in today, something to get his mind off his master's recovery.
Tossing a look of disapproval at Sabé, he exited the medical ward. At least if Padmé asked, he would tell her where her handmaiden was.
Sabé watched him intently wishing desperately that Anakin would just dissappear but she knew deep down he had every right to be here as she did. That he was just as concerned as she was for Obi-Wan's well being. But it was hard to have to keep up appearances especially upon hearing his words and seeing his expression so sad and concerned. Bowing her head she could no longer resist and gently placed a hand on his hand as she gently let her thumb roll over the palm. Inwardly she knew Anakin was witness to this and felt a rush of fierceness at the thought of him possibly using this moment to ruin Obi-Wan's good name. They had done nothing wrong, just as she knew that she was only trying ot comfort Obi-Wan, to remind him that she was near despite the fact he could no longer feel her through the force.
I dare you to even try and use this moment against him Anakin she inwardly thought knowing Obi-Wan's padawan was in no position to cast judgement over their friendship.
But to Obi-Wan's barely audible words Sabé snapped out of her guarded thoughts. Almost as soon as she heard his words she realized the meaning behind them and it caused her heart to sink as she forced herself to ignore the promptly returning knot in her throat. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze she softly spoke in equally hushed tones.
"It's alright, no one is going anywhere."
When he felt Sabé's hand slip back into his, relief washed over him. For a moment, a brief moment, he had considered the possibility that he was in fact becoming one with the Force, that he was slowly entering the realm on intangibility.
When she squeezed his hand, he squeezed back as hard as he could, confident in her words.
He wasn't sure if it was the injection or lethargy, but Obi-Wan found himself slipping back into unconsciousness.
Obi-Wan started getting used to Sabé's visits, though he was unaware what time it was or how many days had passed. The long hours between visits seemed to lengthen when he was on the road to recovery. The more hours he spent awake without her there dragged on endlessly.
Resting his eyes from the blaring light of the medical ward, he soon felt a familiar, soft, warm hand slip into his. A smile grew on his face as he opened his eyes once more. 'I nearly sensed you coming this time.'
He brought her hand to his lips.
Sabé felt hope pour over her as his hand lightly squeezed hers. But almost as soon as he did Sabé saw his breathing grow slow and steady marking his descent into peaceful rest. For sometime she continued to watch him in silence before finally registering her surroundings and realizing that Anakin had left though she couldn't quite remember him leaving for her thoughts were far too focussed on the healing Jedi before her. But once she registered that she was alone Sabé once again gently stroked his cheek as she began to speak of Naboo once more. This time she spoke of the ancient tales taught to her as a child about the Old Gaurd and the warrior maidens unaware that in their own way they too were living out a legend of their own.
But eventually her duties called and it was with much reluctance Sabé found herself withdrawing though with the promise of returning as soon as possible.
As she had promised herself and Obi-Wan Sabé returned as often as she could feeling herself growing less troubled and worn just as Jedi she visited was healing as well. While she never once paused to consider the real reasons for her shattered state, Sabé was immensely grateful to be able to visit Obi-Wan as often as she could. Since her forced visit to the doctor just before her discovery of Obi-Wan's critical condition Padmé had ensured her working schedule was lightened. For though the doctor couldn't find anything to mark Sabé's strange illness it was surmised that the Principle handmaiden was probably suffering from exhaustion. However Sabé didn't bother to tell her mistress of this little fact and it wasn't until Padmé intercepted a follow up message from the doctor two days ago pertaining to Sabé's condition that Sabé found herself on a forced leave of absense for a couple of days at the order of her concerned best friend and mistress.
But in truth it was a bit of a relief as it meant she could check up on Obi-Wan more often and so her days off were most happily spent in the medical ward of the Jedi temple with a certain healing Knight. However today marked the return to her duties although on a far lighter schedule than she was used to though it didn't stop Sabé from coming here to visit all the same to check up on her old friend.
As she entered she smiled and soon quietly joined his side as Sabé gently slipped her hand into his. Almost immediately she was rewarded witha smile as his eyes opened. Her own smile widened as she bowed her head in greeting before giving his hand a gentle squeeze to his words. His words gave her a rush of hope fro while she couldn't still sense his signature the fact he could almost pick up hers meant he was on the mend. As he brought her hand to his lips she blushed and turned a bit shy before softly replying.
"Thats wonderful to hear! You're looking a bit better as well, you regaining some colour in your cheeks once more."
She continued as she reached out to touch his cheek with her free hand her eyes now softening.
Since Sabé hadn't mentioned anything about her own troubles, that she had been overcome with more than just dread because of his illness, he was pleased as always to see her. As he was still unable to read her Force signature until she was practically standing next to the bed, he wasn't able to sense her shift in d either. Had he known it was due to his illness and injuries he sustained, he would have felt so unbelievably guilty.
But as it was, she appeared so happy to see him, he couldn't help beaming. He felt much better today and the medical droids reported the toxin was completely out of his system, they were just keeping him for observation. They needed monitor his vital systems. After the observation period ended, he would be expected to come in for regular checkups to see how his recovery was going.
As her hand caressed his cheek, he couldn't help but lean slightly into her palm. 'I think they're getting sick of me,' he said, referring to the droids, 'since I'm to be kicked out of here within the next few days. I heard them talking amongst themselves,' he joked. 'They're planning a coup...'
He chuckled, but then sobered, asking, 'How are you?' She wasn't nearly as worried-looking as she had been those first few visits he remembered, but appearance can be deceiving.
Now that he was sleeping at more regular hours, he was able to tell that her visiting times were decreasing, though he very much appreciated each spare moment he got with her.
Sabé as always was more than happy to be able to share what time she had with Obi-Wan. With each visit she was able to see visible improvement in Obi-Wan's condition and it gave her much hope and joy.
Though she still could not feel his Force signature she had faith in time it would return, however once more her concerns were more with Obi-Wan's healing in this matter as well. For while she would love to be able to sense his presence through the Force it was not of vital importance in the same sense it was for him. To her the Force was more of an entity much like the gods of Naboo, intangible, foreign not meant to be understood and kept at a distance. For Obi-Wan she knew the Force was far more personal. It was the very air he breathed and the life blood that flowed through his veins.
As she gently touched his cheek she felt him lean into it and smiled gently in reply. At his words she laughed softly as she shook her head as she couldn't resist playing along.
"In that case I suggest we steal away to safer territory somewhere where you would be properly tended to by a group of lovely handmaidens, without fear of coups or droids jabbing needles into you when you're trying to rest."
She said with a wink before adding in more serious tones.
"I'm so glad to hear they consider you well enough to return home. Although I hope your Masters go easy on you at least. I hate to think they'd make you return to the front lines before you've fully recovered."
Sabé remarked as her eyes flickered in concern as she remembered how they discovered that Obi-Wan was still infected with a bio-weapon that almost killed him during a previous mission. It was more than a little troubling to say the least and it left Sabé feeling more protective than usual of her dear friend.
But her expression soon turned sheepish as she blushed slightly upon realizing she was going to miss these visits. She knew it was selfish to think such things, but at the same time she was so grateful for their time together even if it was under less than perfect circumstances.
However at Obi-Wan's more serious question Sabé couldn't help smile once more as her eyes turned a bit wistful.
"I'm doing fine. Better now that I know you're well on you're way to recovery. I just wish I was able to spend more time with you thats all, but you know how it is."
She said gently giving his hand a squeeze, deciding against telling him about the strange feelings and the illness that occured before she learnt of his critical condition. She didn't want to worry him needlessly and she was feeling much better now. For despite all the evidence that suggested otherwise Sabé still believed the strange sickness and sensations felt were more due ot her need to get worked up over her gut instincts than anything beyond it.
Suddenly she remembered the items that rested in the sachel on her hip and soon Sabé slipped her hand from his cheek to open it as she blushed. Over the past few days she had tried to leave different things to keep Obi-Wan pre-occupied during their time apart or as she once teased to give him something better to look at than these four walls and the droids. It wasn't much generally data padds with tales she thought he might enjoy or holo-vids of the news to keep him up to date and music discs to help him relax (as she wasn't sure if in his current state he would be able to meditate).
"I brought some more things to help pass the time. I hope you don't mind, I know this isn't something I imagine you're normally used to and if you'd rather I didn't I won't be hurt...I just thought you know makes healing a bit more bearable."
She said sheepishly as she inwardly feared that perhaps Obi-Wan tolerated this gesture so as not to hurt her feelings. But upon emptying her sack she couldn't resist offering a mischevious grin as she glanced over her shoulder to ensure none of the droids or healers were around before remarking softly.
"I know its frowned upon to bring outside food in here but I couldn't resist bringing a couple of your favorite pastries. Couldn't find away around sneaking in tea though, I hope you don't mind."
She said as she removed a small container containing the pastries in question and some napkins to go with it.
'Oh that's a tempting offer, but I'm not sure how keen the Council would be on that idea,' he said, tossing her a wink at her suggestion.
When she solemnly replied she was much better knowing he was recovering, the thought briefly filtered into the back of his head, making a note of it, but not fully aware of just what it all entailed. 'I'm thankful for the time you've given me.' He smiled back at her.
When he noticed her playing with her satchel, he wondered what in the blazes she'd brought with her this time. It was always something new and he quite liked the surprises. 'Mind? Gracious, no!' he replied. 'What else is there for me to do besides stare at the lighting fixtures?
At her mischievous grinned, he wondered what she had up her sleeve, but his conjectures were far inferior to the truth. His mouth dropped open when she revealed the pasteries, wondering if she had fixed them herself and this thought made his heart flutter. 'Oh,' he said, perfectly delighted, 'this is too much. You didn't have to do this. Thank you.'
Lucky for him, he didn't know just how red his cheeks were at that moment. And it had nothing to do with the atmosphere controls in the medical ward, nor the infection that he was beating out of his system.
Sabé giggled to his reply and wink as she grinned grateful to see that he was in good enough spirits to be able to make jokes. Unable to resist she teased back as she waved a hand going along with the joke.
"I'm sure they wouldn't mind; after all it would be like being on a diplomatic mission of sorts. After all Senator Amidala is a representitive to the Naboo so its plausible."
She said while trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably as she giggled. But turning more serious Sabé caught Obi-Wan's smile and words and felt her heart warm. Her smile turned shy as she shook her head slightly.
"The pleasure was all mine. Unfortunately my days off have since come to an end, so I'm slowly returning to my duties as per usual. Although you can count on me being here or wherever you are healing as often as I can get away with it."
She said earnestly wishing she could have more time to spend with her dear friend as she had in these past few days but knowing this was no longer possible. But soon she remembered the items of her sachel and quickly removed them before blushing deeply at his reassurances that the trinkets she brought for him to enjoy wasn't as useless as she feared.
"Oh I'm glad - that you don't mind me doing this I mean."
She said sheepishly as she removed some more data padds with tales he might enjoy and another music disc for him to enjoy and a news holovid she picked up. But soon her expression turned mischevious and quietly she offered him the container with the pasteries once she felt it was safe to do so.
At his words Sabé couldn't help but look a little sheepish as her cheeks promptly turned as red as his in that moment.
"I wouldn't thank me until you've tried them first. I just thought perhaps you might want something abit more edible than med food. Although some might argue that my cooking makes med food taste like gourmet."
She joked feeling a little concious of her cooking before noting his cheeks looked as warm as hers felt. She furrowed her brow slightly but soon realized it was more due to his shy acceptance to her gift than a growing fever and the thought made her blush further as she turned a bit shy herself.
'But it looks wonderful, Sabé,' he said, his eyes still wide in amazement. He hadn't seen such a pastry since they were on the Nubian cruiser and she as decoy had found some hidden away.
He felt a bit guilty that he didn't have anything to offer her in return. She had spent so much time finding music or new vids for him to occupy his time and now she had made baked goods...it was almost too much, but he wasn't complaining.
When she mentioned that she had had time off, it struck a chord with him. Had she taken time off because of him as well? Or was it something else? She didn't look ill, so he put that to the back of his thoughts and focused on the delicious pastry. 'You're going to have to eat one too,' he said, 'if you want to of course.' He thought it would be rude to just eat in front of her.
She tried to be careful not to speak of the reasons for her time off from her duties so as not to worry him needlessly. Figuring that she had done a careful enough job not to elaborate Sabé remained unaware that he was growing curious about it. After all it wasn't her intention to make him worry or feel guilty becuase she had worked herself up into such a wreck over her gut instincts pertaining to his safety. But to his compliments Sabé blushed further feeling concious of herself and yet touched by his words.
"Well I just hope they taste as good as they look."
She said sheepishly before blushing further at his invitation to share the pastries with him.
"They were meant for you to enjoy Obi-Wan, you can't be giving them all away!"
She remarked before giving him a wink as her eyes sparkled in mischief as she couldn't resist teasing.
"Unless this is your sneaky way of getting out of having to eat my sweets."
But she knew in reality he probably just felt uncomfortable eating in front of her and so in the end she relented not wishing to embarrass him further.
"Alright I'll have one but thats it the rest is for you!"
Sabé stated kindly but firmly as she took one from the container and as well as a napkin.
'I'm sure they will,' he replied.
'What--' he began when she started saying he was just trying to get rid of them. Had he been more attuned to her Force signature, he would have been able to tell straightaway that she was only teasing, so he had to read it in her features.
'Oh,' he added shyly when seeing that she was only joking, and this caused him to blush further.
Had it been Anakin, he might've said something jokingly about making sure he wasn't being poisoned, but Obi-Wan on the other hand graciously accepted her kind gift and ate one of the pastries slowly. As he hadn't had much in the way of proper food aside from what the medical ward allowed him, it was a welcomed taste indeed.
'This is delicious,' he told her, though he wasn't able to finish the whole thing. It would take some getting used to in order to eat as much as he had been able prior to the illness. He hoped she wouldn't take offense and that he had truthfully really liked it.
Sabé giggled noting his surprise to her teasing but soon softened at his shy realization.
"I was only teasing."
She admitted shyly feeling a little guilty for making him blush further. But at his compliment it was her turn to blush deeply as she bowed her head slightly in gratitude and thanked him shyly.
"I'm glad you enjoy it. I was so worried that it wouldn't turn out."
Sabé said gently not minding at all that he wasn't able to finish the pastry. In truth she was just relieved he had even gained enough of an appetite to even enjoy sweets as this too was another concern of hers.
Upon finishing her pastry Sabé went on to share some of the events that had occured to her in her absense. It wasn't anything of great seriousness just funny moments she wanted to share with her dear friend that she thought would be amusing. Most pertaining to the childish banter between Saché and Soren as well as a prank that was later played on Moteé by Ellé involving a rubber spider being left on one of her robes in her closet.
Her stories were always so amusing. Though he would answer her queries about his own 'adventures' with Anakin he never found nearly as much humour in them as he did hers.
He recalled that Moteé and Ellé were the young handmaidens. Were they still in training? He couldn't be sure.
'Ah, that was a sneaky thing to do...reminds me of when Anakin was younger... Did you know he hid one of my socks? On purpose. I looked all over for the blasted thing and it was under my pillow! The entire time, he was watching from the other room and just laughed his head off...'
Obi-Wan chuckled at the memory, although he would never admit it was his favourite pair of socks.
Sabé laughed as she went on the explain just how horrified Moteé was at the sight of the spider. Only to have Saché later tease her about because Spiders weren't even native to Coruscant after all and she should have known better.
At Obi-Wan's story Sabé couldn't help but grin and giggle as she shook her head. The handmaiden was hardly surprised to learn that even then Anakin was a holy terror. Though she felt bad for poor Obi-Wan who had become the unwitting victim of his Padawan's humour the story was rather amusing all the same.
"What a little brat!"
She exclaimed between laughter before adding with a mischievious grin.
"So did you ever find a way to repay the favor?"
Sabé couldn't help but ask as her thoughts briefly returned to Moteé who claimed she was going to plot a way to get back at Ellé for her spider prank.
At her assessment of Anakin's behaviousr, his eyes widened but then her laughter subsided to a mischievous tone which amused him.
'I--well, no I didn't...' he remarked. 'I hadn't thought of it like that to be honest.' Even as light-hearted as the situation had been, to 'get back' at someone was a form of revenge which was something he couldn't condone, nor was it something that he had even considered. It just didn't automatically come to mind for him. 'I wouldn't know where to begin.'
Sabé raised a brow as she stared at him in disbelief for a moment. But after a moments pause she promptly came to the conclusion that in reality it wasn't really in Obi-Wan's nature to 'return favors'. Which was too bad in her opinion as Anakin deserved it on so many levels. But at the same time it made her respect him that much more for his purehearted nature.
But unable to resist she gave him a 'bratty' grin as she winked.
"Well if I were in your situation I would have waited till he least expected it and hid his utility belt myself."
She said giggling before admitting albiet sheepishly.
"Although I won't lie, I only discovered the 'art' of pranks from having it played on me too many times before by Saché who is the queen of such things might I add.
She's a menace to say the least and I've long since learnt to lock the doors to my quarters when I know she's in one of her mischevious ds lest I find things misplaced or worse 'surprises' waiting for me on my pillow or in my sachel."
Sabé said unable to resist laughing as she remembered some of her friend's more amusing pranks.
'Or perhaps stolen his lightsaber?' he added, cottoning on, though in reality it was more to get a rise from her than to actually consider pulling a stunt like that.
'I beg to differ,' he said, in regards to Lady Saché being the queen, 'for unless I'm mistaken you've pulled quite a few on me yourself, unless "dares" don't count?'
Her further comments about what had been done to her made him feel defensive of her at first, but her laughter reminded him it was 'all in good fun' and not meant to be taken seriously. He vaguely wondered if the senator was just as gifted with prnks and if that had rubbed off on Anakin when he was but an impressionable youngling. Somehow, he doubted it. Anakin was just like that by nature.
Sabé eyes widened as he spoke of stolen lightsabers and dares quickly she tried to sputter out a reply but didn't manage to get much out.
"Thats different!"
She stammered as her cheeks lit up on fire causing her to glow a bright red as she winced and glanced to her hands.
"....That never happened...."
She muttered trying to bury the memories it encouraged and desperately wishing the ground would swallow her whole once more.
But in the end the d lightened as Sabé decided to share some of the pranks pulled on her by the infamous Saché. Also she couldn't resist mentioning of how Saché pranked Captain Typho on his first day on the job and how it began the 'Saché/Soren wars' as the handmaidens called it.
Seeing her embarrassment about the lightsaber issue, he immediately felt bad for having mentioned it. 'I'm sorry, I was only trying to understand the concept of "pranking",' he mumbled as she was muttering about how she just wanted the event to be erased from their memories.
Obi-Wan felt quite differently about such encounters, that it was rather dear to him, despite the slight embarassment on both sides. It was the marker of the begining of their lifelong friendship, albeit uncomfortable and confusing at times, there had been a reason for all of it.
But these thoughts soon worked their way to the back of his head as she began recalling a few other pranks. The one that most amused him was the one Lady Saché played on poor Captain Typho's first day. 'That's priceless,' he guffawed. 'That poor man!' He could even picture the look on the captain's face which only made him laugh harder.
However, the laughter wasn't about to last too long, for his chest began to ache and he coughed a bit, all the while apologising for breaking off from the pain.
Sabé's cheeks still crimson at the memory of the 'prank gone sour' could only shake her head at his mumbled reply. She felt bad for making him feel bad and yet the entire topic was something that never ceased to embarrass her to no end. Her fellow handmaidens upon hearing of this incident from Rabé and Eirtaé had yet to let her live it down and Sabé wondered if they ever would. Still she didn't want him to feel bad after all she knew he was only teasing and it wasn't his fault that her sisters even now all these years later still tease her about it.
"...It's okay. Its not your fault, its just a little embarrassing for me thats all...A well learnt reminder why one should think before they act..."
She remarked sheepishly before the d turned lighter. Sabé having discovered that Obi-Wan found her tales of pranks amusing she couldn't resist sharing more until she told of her favorite one about Saché pranking poor Soren on his first day.
Sabé couldn't help but admit she rather liked the way Obi-Wan looked when he laughed. So relaxed, content and happy it caused her eyes to soften though she was laughing along with him but it soon faded to concern as he coughed. Blushing deeply Sabé placed a hand to his arm as she furrowed her brow feeling bad for inadvertantly causing him pain when all she wanted was to amuse him.
"Are you okay Obi-Wan?"
She asked quickly her expression filled with concern before shaking her head at his apology.
"Oh no this is all my fault! I'm terribly sorry, I should have been more sensitive about your wounds."
Sabé said gently feeling awful for not being more considerate.
Though his chest ached a bit from laughing so hard, he was still smiling after the cough was supressed. 'No, no,' he assured her, 'it's fine, really.'
He laid his other hand over Sabé's which rested on his arm. Wanting to allay her concern, Obi-Wan added, 'It's certainly helped lighten my d. I just haven't laughed so hard in a long while.'
And it was true, he was feeling so much better today and he couldn't help but think it had much to do with Sabé's visits. She looked better as well, not nearly as worn out or anxious as she had been those first few times he could recalll. It did all sort of blend together for him.
'So the pranks just moved on to verbal sparring then?' he asked, in regards to Lady Saché and Captain Typho.
Sabé continued to study Obi-Wan for a moment her eyes flickering in concern though he tried to ease her fears.
"Are you sure?"
She asked softly as she lightly rubbed his arm before feeling his hand slip over hers which brought a small smile to her lips. Just as his words touched her heart. It was the least she could do and Sabé bowed her head slightly in humble reply.
"I'm glad my stories were able to amuse you a little."
She said shyly as she felt her cheeks warm a little. Sabé was happy to see him smiling once more and this too helped allievate any linger fears. At his question she gave a wry grin as she nodded.
"More or less although I know Saché has tried to play tricks on him before but he's caught on quickly and almost always catches her in the act. Which of course only leads to more verbal wars between them."
Sabé chuckled at the thought before she leaned in slightly and remarked softly with a raised brow and an amused look.
"Although between the two of us I'm beginning to wonder if they actually enjoy fighting! They do it so much and over the most nonsensical things as well!"
'Always,' he replied, meeting her eyes once she finally lifted her head once more. He could have sworn he saw a sparkle in her dark eyes.
Obi-Wan kept his hand resting atop hers as she went on to explain the odd relationship of Captain Typho and Lady Saché. 'It's certainly a queer way to form a friendship, I must say. I didn't think they could stand each other,' he admitted.'
But of course he hadn't spent nearly as much time with Lady Saché as Sabé had, so he could only vaguely perceive from an outsiders point of view, which led him to the conclusion that she very much disliked the poor security captain.
At Obi-Wan's words Sabé laughed as she nodded in agreement.
"I know I've tried for some time to figure it out and I've yet to make any sense of it. Yet when they're not fighting, which isn't often they do really work well together. Which is too bad because they really suit each other if you ask me. I mean they compliment each other well that is when they're not going out of their way to annoy the other"
Sabé concluded with a wry smile before adding as she chuckled.
"Of course don't ever tell them I said that. I made the mistake once before and good heavens you should have heard Saché I thought she was going to punch me she was so angry!"
She teased as she gently made half circles over his hand with her thumb.
'You have my word that this won't leave the room,' he replied, grinning. 'I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of Lady Saché's wrath.'
Obi-Wan recalled a time a few months ago when Anakin and he were first assigned to protect the senator when Lady Saché was nearly ripping holes in the arm rests in her rage over something Anakin had said or done, he couldn't recall exactly what, but, blast, had she ever been angry!
He selfishly enjoyed the feel of her hand, recalling the time they spent together before his latest mission, walking in the botanical gardens. He also recalled his realisation and this brought courage and hope to him that he would soon regain full health.
Sabé laughed softly in reply to Obi-Wan's words.
"Oh she would never be angry with you. If anything she'd just blatantly deny it and go on a tirade about how Captain Typho gives her grey hairs from the stress he causes."
She added with a wink before turning more pensive as she found her thoughts turning to simpler times. Sabé couldn't help but wonder if or when they would be able to have a chance to visit the gardens of the Temple. She couldn't help but turn a little wistful at the thought as she rather enjoyed the walks in 'little Naboo' as she had come to nickname it.
Furrowing her brow slightly she fell silent for a moment long before turning a little shy as she decided she'd take the chance and make the offer.
"I was wondering if perhaps when you're feeling a little better you'd like to join me for a walk in the gardens? It wouldn't have to be long and it would only be when you're well enough to do so."
She blushed feeling a little bold for asking such a question, and even more so upon remembering that the discovery of her feelings for Obi-Wan had occured in a botonical garden, just as it was in little Naboo where they shared their first kiss. It was almost as though the gardens had become a place where their more sacred memories were held and this thought though warmed her cheeks, also warmed her heart.
'Never?' he asked with a raised eyebrow. 'I don't think I'll test that theory though.' He grinned.
When a silence fell between them, it was never awkward. He never felt as though he needed to speak up to interrupt the silence. It was odd not being able to clearly sense her Force signature, but now that he had a chance to view the world as non-sensitive people always did, it was a new experience for him. For now, he felt that merely being in her presence was in itself soothing. And he was surprised that he still felt that spark between them, even though he couldn't feel it magnified through the Force. There was no doubt in his mind that she felt it too.
And it was odd, but heartening that she seemed to be of the same mind as him, thinking about the gardens. At her offer, he replied almost too eagerly that, 'I'd love to.'
Catching her warming cheeks and finding his too were colouring, he added, 'When I'm better...and if you're able to, of course...'
Sabé giggled at his words before falling silent just enjoying the comfortable peace it encouraged. She wondered how Obi-Wan recovery through the Force was progressing. She could only imagine how hard it must be not being able to really sense other peoples signature or the life energy of his surroundings. But if Obi-Wan's expression was any attest to his emotions he probably was making the most of the situation and learning what he could from it. After all he wasn't one to wallow in self-pity or be melancholy for long, it was just one of many traits she loved about him.
Sabé continued to gently rub his palm with her thumb enjoying the peaceful sensation it encouraged and emotions she now finally understood. But at her shy invitation to join her for a walk when he was well enough Sabé couldn't help but smile sweetly at his quick reply. It was reassuring to know he didn't mind or found her words to be too bold. Noting his blush and his stammered reply she couldn't help but touch his cheek lightly as she squeezed his hand that rested over hers with her thumb. Sabé wanted to reassure Obi-Wan that she was flattered by his reply and was already looking forward to when they would be able to do such things once more.
"I'm looking forward to it already."
She said gently as her eyes shone.
There was also no doubt that he would soon recover enough to make such a journey with her. He had always found serenity in the gardens, especially the part of the Garden of a Thousand Fountains which so reminded him of Naboo. His wounds would mend, his immune system would heal, and soon enough, they would be able to return there together.
Part of him knew he oughtn't indulge in this; the feel of her hand on his cheek was like a healer's touch. But, oh, his soul basked in it and this too was an essential part of his healing though he was unaware of it.
Obi-Wan matched her gaze, full of the reverence he held for her as well as the unspoken love he had carried for her for much longer than he had consciously admitted to himself.
