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Missing Scenes
Post Attack of the Clones: Making New Discoveries and Visiting Old Friends
Sabé glanced briefly over her shoulder as Saché quietly moved to prepare some tea for their mistress who was about due to return shortly from the latest meetings. Sabé herself had already long since collected what she needed from the handmaiden quarters and was preparing to depart shortly to the Jedi Temple to visit Obi-Wan who was still on the mend from his near death experience. He had finally been permitted to leave the medical center and return to his quarters the day before and Sabé thought he would be eager to enjoy real food instead of the edible articles known to be served in Med centers. But before she left for the transports Sabé wanted to make sure everything was in order for Padmé before departing for the afternoon. It was here that she stumbled onto Saché who had returned early from some security meeting or verbal battle with Captain Typho as the rest of the girls aptly nicknamed it. Technically it normally would be Sabé herself who would have been attending the meeting but since her mysterious illness Padmé had been admament on ensuring her friend recovered first before returning to full duty.
Sabé though grateful for the time it gave her to spend Obi-Wan was not one who parted from her duties easily and was soon making a 'nuisance of herself' as Eirtaé teased by trying to other peoples work. So in the end Sabé found the subtle approach was the better course of action and was now currently trying to 'subtle' in her cross-checking of her mistresses itinerary.
"Sabé you can stop pretending like you're not going over the intinerary when I know you are. Everything is as it should be, I made sure myself."
Saché called out to her friend teasingly as Sabé's cheeks instantly burned at the realization she had been caught.
"I can't help it, old habits die hard."
She muttered softly as she moved to the kitchen to join her friend while shifting her sachel slightly so it wouldn't catch on the hilt of her blades. Saché on the other hand was too busy staring at something in the refrigeration unit with a look that was a cross between disgust, fear and curiousity.
"...Uh...I know this isn't my place to ask but when was the last time the CT-10 cleaned out the chiller?"
Sabé could only shrug and shake her head. This wasn't something she paid much attention to personally although now she was curious as Saché's expression was intriguing to say the least.
"Why? What did you find?"
Figuring it couldn't be anything too serious as Padmé was always particular when it came to cleanliness in the kitchen. But upon peering into the refrigeration unit Sabé eyes instantly settled on the sight that greeted her and could only blink. Whatever it was, it certainly wasn't normal, nevermind edible.
"Yuck. It's disgusting whatever it is! Who knows maybe its been here so long it actually gained sentience."
Saché said with a wry grin though it was obvious to Sabé that she was only half joking. Raising a brow Sabé couldn't help but laugh as Saché gingerly took the spoon in her hand and poked at the container that held the mysterious blue liquid in it.
"What do you suppose it was at one time? Keyword here being was. If I didn't know any better I'd swear it used to be milk. It has the same consistancy anyways."
Saché continued, as she poked at the container once more, before finally pulling it out of the refrigeration unit to study it more closely. Sabé just rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Saché if that was indeed milk, its definately gone bad. I'd just dump it out if I were you instead of keeping it for scientific study."
Saché however wasn't about to be deterred as she opened the container and took a sniff only to make a face of contorted repulsion.
"Holy good gods my nosehairs are burning off!! This isn't milk Sabé, its jet fuel!"
Sabé couldn't help but wince herself as the powerful scent wafted to her nose.
"Saché it smells awful! Please dump it out before Padmé stumbles on it and get sick!"
Saché snickered and proceeded to pour some into a glass before glancing to her friend with a raised brow. Sabé's knowing fully well what her friend was up to and not wanting any part of it just shook her head in disgust.
"I dare you to take a sip."
"Not a chance!"
Sabé said stepping back before turning to leave for fear the smell would seep into her sachel and ruin the ingredients needed for Obi-Wan's lunch.
"Why don't you try? Seeing you're the one who is so keen about exploring this new "phenomenon"."
Sabé retorted as her friend made a face and poked out her tongue pretending to gag. But Sabé couldn't resist a grin as she decided to turn the tables on her friend once more.
"Oh come now Saché I know you're just dying to try it. I bet if Captain Typho dared you to you would just to silence him."
Sabé teased as Saché curled a lip in disgust.
"Oh he would too, just to be a beast."
But Sabé decided she had about enough of this experimentation and moved to grab her cloak in the next room now fully prepared to leave. However upon hearing Saché in the next room spitting out the liquid she apparently just had to test, Sabé couldn't help but rush back to the kitchen in shock and concern.
"Saché what is wrong with you? Why would you try to drink something when you don't even know what it is!?"
Saché had already grabbed another glass and was promptly rincing her mouth repeatedly with water, before finally crying out in digust.
"Oh gods Sabé this stuff really is poison! I'm dumping it!"
"I should hope so! Please tell me you didn't swallow any of that!"
Sabé said in obvious concern as Saché just shook her head much to Sabé's relief while pouring the entire container of blue milk down the drain. But at the sound of the door being palmed open down the hall both handmaiden's eyes widen.
"Oh no! Padmé's back hurry help me clean up this mess!"
Saché whispered in concern as her eyes fell to the splattered mess of blue liquid that now decorated the counter. Sabé didn't respond and only nodded as she moved to grab a cloth to clean up the mess made by her friend as they both began to clean up the sink.
Padmé however completely unaware the diabolical that had just occured in her absense casually walked into the kitchen to see if some tea was made. However upon catching her handmaidens red handed cleaning up some spilled blue milk she could only pause in curiousity.
"What happened?"
She asked simply as Dormé moved passed to set the already prepared tea pot and tea cups onto a tray though not before she cast her fellow sisters a curious glance. Sabé and Saché both bowed in greeting but looked too guilty to be able to deny the obvious.
"I um...found something that shouldn't have been in the chiller and...well-"
Saché began as Sabé quietly stepped in to protect her friends pride.
"Its my fault, there was something that had gone bad in refrigeration unit, and I went to pour it out-"
"You poured it out!?"
Padmé exclaimed in shock as Sabé and Saché both nodded completely confused by the look of dissappointed horror that was evident on their mistress face.
"But M'lady the liquid - milk, whatever it was, had gone bad. It had turned blue and smelled...well it smelled quite, off..."
Saché explained as if Padmé herself couldn't smell it herself for the stench seemed to hang in the air like an entity or so it felt to the two girls who were right by the empty container. The senator on the other hand gave a frustrated sigh as she placed a hand to her forehead obviously trying to calm herself.
"Saché, Sabé need I remind you the reason why we have droids do our cleaning is because they know what to throw out and what not to."
Padmé chastized softly before continuing in controlled but still frustrated tones.
"That liquid you just poured out is called blue milk and is native to Tatooine. It's supposed to smell and look like that. It's not easy to come by to say the least, and so I ask that in the future you both be mindful of this should you happen to stumble on it again."
Sabé nodded feeling terribly guilty upon realizing her mistake and she didn't need to glance to Saché to know she felt much the same. Although her friend was obviously just as shocked by the revelation although more ignorant to the real reason for the blue milk than Sabé was.
"My apologizes M'Lady it will not happen again."
Sabé said softly as Saché nodded before adding in obvious surprise.
"If you'll forgive me for asking Padmé but...You actually drink that "milk"?"
Sabé said nothing as she doubted it was Padmé who enjoyed it but rather a certain annoying Jedi Padawan. Padmé just raised a brow slightly as she offered a wry grin.
"I admit its an acquired taste, but its quite healthy, you should try it sometime."
The senator said as Saché could only wince as Sabé bit her tongue and returned to cleaning the last of the mess so as not to succumb to giggles as she heard Saché mutter under her breath to her.
"Not a word Sabé Nabish!"
But soon the senator was distracted by an incoming message in the next room and excused herself leaving the handmaidens briefly. Upon completing the clean up Sabé followed Saché and Dormé into the next room before politely departing ways with her sisters and her mistress. Once she stepped out into the halls of the Senatoral quarters she couldn't help but grin to herself. While she felt awful about the loss of the rare albiet disgusting blue milk Sabé couldn't help but feel some small satisfaction at untinentionally getting 'even' with the snobbish Jedi Padawan for his behavior towards her when he found her watching over Obi-Wan back in the Med center a few days before.
But the thought of the healing Jedi knight caused her thoughts to soften as any satisfaction over getting even with Anakin soon faded for she knew Obi-Wan would be dissappointed at her need for 'revenge' against his Padawan. However soon her thoughts took a lighter turn as she found herself eager to see her friend again. This too became evident in her actions as footsteps picked up in pace as she headed towards the transports that would lead her to the Jedi Temple where her friend remained healing.
Upon returning to his quarters, the length of time he had been in the medical ward finally sunk in. The doctor explained to Master Windu and him that he would be out of commission for a few months minimum and Obi-Wan was given strict orders to rest and not push himself too hard. Unlike his apprentice, Obi-Wan would take the advice of the medical team and his superiors, following their instructions to a tee.
He would begin a regiment of daily rehabilitation including massage therapy and exercises to regain his strength and coordination. He was also instructed to resume meditation to reconnect with the Living Force which had nearly taken him away.
Obi-Wan knew it would take time to heal and he wasn't about to rush through it. He knew it would only be detrimental to his recovery to attempt to do things he wasn't ready for. However, it was a frustrating venture.
Straining himself to walk the way from the Medical Ward to his quarters was not something he minded so much. He didn't mind that he was exhausted by the end and fell straight to sleep. Quickly tyring wasn't something that frustrated him. His reconnection with the Living Force was the more frustrating. While he knew his body would recover fully in time, it was much more difficult to get used to his weakness with the Force.
It was during his meditation that he realised just how close to death he had come, for it was never this difficult to merely connect, closing his eyes and reaching out.
The ride to the Jedi temple seemed like an eternity for the handmaiden and Sabé practically ran off the transport upon its arrival to her destination. But she was mindful of the ingredients resting in her sachel and not wanting the contents to spill from their containers Sabé instead walked at a brisk pace.
Upon entering the great walls of the Jedi Temple Sabé tried to keep her mental walls up all the while hoping to find the signature of Obi-Wan which still remained elusive to her. Furrowing her brow she reminded herself that this in time would repair that in reality he was healing, that it was only her lack of experience and training that kept her out of touch. Still it left her concerned for Obi-Wan and Sabé was eager see her old friend to ensure he was recovering well and perhaps offer a little support in what way she could.
Though unaware of the stares that she attracted as she headed down the halls of the dormitory Sabé soon found the quarters she sought. Quietly activating the chime before waiting patiently for a reply Sabé inwardly found herself fearing that perhaps Obi-Wan was napping and she was possibly intrupting him and yet too eager to see him to turn away now.
It took a moment to break from his trance at the sound of the doorchime and then he slowly made his way over to the door, his breath a bit jagged though he tried to regulate it before opening it. It was Sabé and he was overjoyed that he had sensed her, even though it had been merely through the metallic door instead of sensing her arrival at the Temple as he had been able to before.
'Lady Sabé,' he said, conscious to use her proper title as his voice carried through the hallway, 'what a pleasant surprise,' he said.
Though he wouldn't admit it aloud, he thought she looked perfectly radiant in her deep aquamarine-coloured gown. 'Please, come in.' Obi-Wan bowed his head slightly more to avert his eyes than give her proper respect and this made him feel a bit guilty though he quickly pushed it away as he gestured for her to enter.
Sabé bowed to him as he opened the door her eyes dancing in joy though she looked a little apologetic as she politely spoke.
"Jedi Kenobi, I hope I haven't intrupted you in anyway. I thought I'd come by and see how you were feeling."
She blushed slightly at his gaze but thought nothing of it as he bowed his head in greeting. At his gesture to enter she bowed briefly once more and shyly stepped inside. Once more turning her attentions to him Sabé offered a kind smile before she furrowed her brow as she noted that he was trying to regulate his breathing. It troubled her but she didn't want Obi-Wan to feel concious of himself and so she remained silent on the matter.
"I uh...I was wondering if you wouldn't mind too much if I made you some lunch. I just thought you might be interested in some real food."
She sheepishly admitted as she motioned to her sachel hoping he wouldn't take offence at her invitation as she shyly added.
"I also brought some fresh Paonga tea leaves thought you might like some tea as well. Taht is if your alright with that I don't mean to barge in and start taking control of your kitchen or anything I just thought..."
She fell silent then realizing she was starting to babble once more.
'Interrupting? No, not at all; you're always welcome here,' he said, not even realising how such a phrase could be taken by others.
When she bowed and entered, the door slid shut behind her and he found his eyes once more upon her. This time he wasn't as aware of it as before. Sabé offered to cook for him and he couldn't refuse her, not that he had any intention of doing so...
He was too busy taking in her presence, both visually and with the Force--the ability which was slowly but surely returning to him--, that he didn't take in everything she was saying, though musical as it sounded coming from her lips with her lilting accent.
'Oh I er--no, if you want to. I mean I hadn't even thought-- That would be wonderful,' he finally spat out. It took a bit of an extra effort on his part, both with his growing shyness and the toll it took from his illness.
Sabé looked relieved at his words and was completely unaware of how this could be regarded in a less than innocent light. To her it was just another gesture of friendship and it both touched and humbled her as well. She gave a kind smile as she thanked him upon entering before sheepishly catching herself as she found herself babbling on about her cooking and how she didnt' want to offend him.
Falling silent she gave him an apologetic smile before noting his dazed albiet blissful expression. The expression he wore left her blushing as his appearance was entirely endearing and yet a little concerned that perhaps he was lightheaded and needed to sit. Placing a hand on his arm she was about to ask if he was okay but he stammered out a reply and Sabé blushed deeply happy she hadn't offended him and yet noting he was still weakened by his wounds.
"It would be an honor Obi-Wan. So you just have a seat and relax and I'll start some lunch."
She said with a gentle smile.
Under normal circumstances, he would have protested that he would help with the preparations, but her gentle smile and kind suggestion left him feeling that it would be all right if he didn't this time.
'OK,' he replied, moving to take a seat on the nearby couch where he would be able to watch as she moved about the kitchen though able to recline his recovering body.
A small smile grew on his face when he realised the joy he felt was not his alone.
Sabé remained near by his side as he moved to sit on a nearby couch as though availing herself should he need any assistance. Unable to resist she moved to prop one of the pillows so he could rest his head properly against it before noting with some dissappointment that there was no throw blanket. Of course this was to be expected given the Jedi preference for a spartan setting, although she made a mental note to herself to bring one for him the next time she visited. After all it was a bit chilly here and she didn't want him to catch a chill.
Once she was certain he was comfortable Sabé slipped off to the kitchen and began to empty the contents of her sachel before moving to prepare some tea. As she started to open the containers which held the ingredients for Runyip stew Sabé moved into a position where it would be easier to talk to Obi-Wan as she worked.
"I have to ask, have you ever heard of a liquid called blue milk? "
Sabé began as her eyes danced in amusement. She wanted to share the events that happened just before she arrived her but wanting to pique his interest first.
Not given to arrogance or pride, Obi-Wan was unafraid to reveal his weakness and was thankful she remained by his side, lightly grasping her arm as he lowered himself onto the couch. Thanking her, he then noted just how his muscles ached as it had been an effort to attend the door. But instead of focusing on the negative, he thought it was an improvement from yesterday.
Obi-Wan was surpirised at just how many things were able to fit into her satchel as she withdrew a multitude of items from it.
'Blue milk?' he asked. 'Yes, I've heard about it. Often Anakin complaining that it's difficult to find on most planets. It's native to Tatooine, I think. I've never tried it before, but he's swears it's the best. I personally think it sounds revolting...'
Sabé was grateful that Obi-Wan didn't feel the need to show off or try to hide his injuries. While most would find this a sign of weakness Sabé knew first hand what could happen if one got too cocky and tried to over exurt themselves. It was a small gesture in truth but one that spoke well of his wisdom and it earned him even more of her already vast respect for him.
She bowed to his gratitude and gave a kind smile before gently touching his cheek as she remarked softly.
"I promise I won't take long."
With that she moved to the kitchen and began to remove the items from her sachel. At his reply she peeked her head out of the opening as she grinned and laughed at his final words.
"I admit until today I have never heard of this gross mixture but Saché found some in Padmé's refridgeration unit and mistook it for possible sentient life.
Sabé said with a grin as she began to cut up some vegetables.
"You should have seen her Obi-Wan! She was poking at the container scared it was going to bite her."
She said between giggles before continuing.
"Of course we had no idea what it was but Saché got into her head to try and smell it. My goodness Obi-Wan! You should smell it! It was awful! Like engine fuel but worse! To top it off the smell just lingers in the air like an entity I have never experienced anything like it before!"
She exclaimed shaking her head before pausing as the tea kettle hummed marking the water was boiling. Moving to the other side of the kitchen she poured the water into a Tea pot and prepared the last of the tea before moving to set into the living room where Obi-Wan rested. Unable to resist she continued as if she hadn't paused finding her 'story' too amusing not to share.
"So then Saché decides her experimentation isn't quite over yet and just has to try a sip - but not before she tried to get me to take a drink first which I refused.
Although I admit I was teasing her about it saying that if Soren dared her to she would which probably didn't help any."
Sabé shook her head at the thought as she set the tea down before placing the cups on the table as well.
"Scared me senseless to say the least as I thought she had just poisoned herself the way she was going on about it after."
She added before hearing a click in the kitchen marking the machine used to prepare the vegetables was ready. Rising to her feet moved back towards the kitchen for a moment before glancing back to him.
"So of course we dumped it out thinking whatever it was it definately had gone sour. And wouldn't you know it Padmé comes home and finds us trying to hide the evidence. To say she wasn't impressed was putting it mildly."
She remarked sheepishly as her cheeks warmed at the memory.
"I can only imagine how Anakin is going to react upon learning that Saché and myself emptied out his jug of blue milk but how were we to know?
Anything that smells and tastes that bad shouldn't be considered edible if you ask me. But apparently there are those who disagree."
Sabé concluded with a soft laugh as she emptied the vegetables into the machine and activated it before returning from the kitchen to pour Obi-Wan some tea.
Though it was frustrating that his mind was perfectly fine whilst his body protested as it tired easily, Obi-Wan convinced himself to let Sabé take care of him. He knew she didn't have to do so, but she wanted to and he wasn't about to refuse her.
Though she said she wouldn't take long, he wouldn't have protested should she take all the time she wanted. He just didn't want to keep her from her duties, but reminded himself that not only was she a considerate woman, she also knew her priorities and it was not his place to object.
At her remark that Lady Saché believed the blue liquid to be sentient life, he chuckled, 'I don't blame her!' For though he hadn't ever seen it before, the descriptions from Anakin left little to the imagination. 'I would have been watching to see if it would move on its own.'
When Sabé mentioned 'Soren' it took him a moment before realising that was in fact Captain Typho's name, or at least he assumed from the mention of dares and teasing. Obi-Wan hadn't ever been properly introduced to the captain and only worked with him a few times on purely professional terms.
Her description of the senator's return and ultimate displeasure put a picture in his mind of Lady Saché and Sabé looking like two criminals trying to hide the evidence of their crimes and couldn't help snickering. Her remark about Anakin's potential reaction, however, brought him displeasure which he strove to be rid of. Anakin ought to be thankful of even the thought that the senator, his wife, had thought to acquire some for him and not be disappointed that it was no longer there.
When Sabé returned to his side, he moved to pour tea for the two of them, but his reflexes were slowed and she got to it first.
'Well Anakin ought to be grateful at the thought of such a kind gesture on the senator's part. Though if given the option, I think I would stick with Paogna tea.' He grinned.
Sabé was grateful to Obi-Wan to be permitted this chance to help and did not hesistate to try and make his recovery as gentle and stressless as possible. But while many would regard this as a sign of her affections Sabé saw it as nothing more than an old friend helping another out.
She grinned to Obi-Wan's remarks and laughed at his replies about watching Blue milk closely to see if it moved.
"Thats almost exactly what Saché was saying too. She was scared to touch it at first in case it would try and bite her!"
She exclaimed before returning to pour him some of the prepared tea. Noting his attempts to pour the tea Sabé just offered a gentle smile as she filled the cups before moving to give his hand a light squeeze.
"It's alright. Please let me do this Obi-Wan."
Sabé said gently wanting him to know this was something she took great pride in doing. That while she knew she lacked the professionalism of a healer she wanted to do everythign in her power to help him recover. Even if it was only to make tea and lunch.
But his reply about Anakin's reaction brought back a wry grin as she laughed softly.
"I just hope his gratitude to Padmé outweighs his annoyance with us. Although I can honestly plead innocence this time."
She giggled as he spoke of prefering tea and nodded in firm agreement.
"Agreed. How anyone can drink that milk nevermind enjoy it no less is beyond my understanding!"
Obi-Wan withdrew his hand as she poured the tea, his eyes dancing briefly along her profile. Her assurances that she wanted to help out reassured him that he wasn't imposing.
This was something he wouldn't mind getting used to: her company. Though it was a selfish thought, he couldn't help indulging just the slightest. For he had been exposed to a toxin, yet he had found the antidote. He completed the mission successfully and though he suffered physically, the reward was far more than he could have ever hoped for.
'Besides, there are all sorts of antioxidents in tea. I've forgotten, but I think you mentioned healing properties of Paogna tea...' Obi-Wan tried ot recall what she had said over ten years ago, but it escaped him.
Sabé smiled gently hoping her reassurances would help him relax a little. It was touching to know that even in this weakened state his thoughts were always one others. Yet at the same time it almost made her want to shake her head and remind him that this was something she felt blessed to be able to do.
At his kind words Sabé raised a brow in surprise she hadn't expected him to remember. For it was something she spoke of in passing back when she was still but a decoy.
"I dont' know if I'd place too much credence in that although my mother swears by it."
Sabé said with a smile as she offered him a cup her fingers carefully placed so he could grab it without burning them. Glancing back to the kitchen she apologized and quietly rose to her feet and slipped off to check on the preparing stew. It still had some time to cook and so soon she returned and took a seat as she explained.
"It's going to be a bit for the stew, so in the meantime..."
She raised her tea glass and grinned offering him a wink.
"Heres to fresh tea, being on the mend and listening to prattling handmaidens who mean well."
When she spoke of her mother, he wondered more about Sabé's childhood, growing up on Naboo. It must have been nice and part of him longed to return for a vist though he didn't attach that desire to the desire to see Sabé and to connect with her by learning more of her culture and heritage.
Obi-Wan gratefully took the cup of tea from her, thanking her softly before blowing on it to cool it off a bit.
He chuckled at her toast, raising his cup as well. 'And heres to more afternoons like this in such pleasant company.' He then took a sip of the warm tea which tasted wonderful.
Obi-Wan then set the cup on the table carefully, for his reflexes still weren't up to par. 'Since your mother swears by Paogna tea she must have good taste. What is she like?' For though he asked, he did not realise that she had talked much of her home and her family while he was unconscious.
Sabé grinned at his words as she held her tea cup a moment longer before sipping on it.
"Now that is something worth making a toast to."
She said in friendly tones before turning pensive at his words. While she had already spoke of her family before Sabé was well aware that at the time he wasn't concious or even aware of her words. She didn't mind though and in truth was happy to share the details of her family once more. For in some ways it felt as though by speaking about her family to Obi-Wan she was in a distant sort of way introducing him to them.
Even so his question made her a little wistful and Sabé pondered this for a moment longer. It had been some time since she was able to visit her family but it didn't mean they were no less close. In truth there was a part of her that wished there could be a way for them to meet Obi-Wan for she imagined they would have liked him very much.
"My mother loves all sorts of tea but Paogna is her favorite! I think it’s a trait that’s rubbed off on me I admit.
I think you both would get along well. She's not nearly as closed minded about the Jedi as most Naboo are, and was more than happy to learn I had gotten over much of my own prejudices after we met all those years ago."
Sabé smiled at the thought before she continued.
"She is very musically inclined and loves to craft instruments out of wood. My sister Leesol is much the same actually. They are both just naturally gifted when it comes to music not to mention they are wonderful story tellers.
I used to love listening to my mother speak of the legends of the Old Guard and of the tales of the gods. It used to always fascinate me as a child, although at the time I never realized that my life in some ways would emulate them in a very vague sort of fashion."
She remarked as her eyes seemed to sparkle as she studied him for a moment longer as she remembered how so many of the tales pertained to Warrior maidens fighting along sight the Old Guard or Knights. Although inwardly she couldn't help but wonder if there ever was a Knight as noble as the one who now rested in front of her.
But before she had a chance to continue another chime was heard and Sabé rose to her feet as she grinned.
"I hope you're hungry as it would seem the stew is ready."
Obi-Wan listened intently as she spoke of her mother and sister. The Naboo were a fascinating people, he found, similiar to the Alderaanians he knew loving the arts.
At the mention of prejudices, he had to admit that he was quite glad he hadn't made a bad impression on her, for he had, on that occassion and many others, been representative of the Jedi Order. This desire was also to make a good impression on her as well, subconscious as it was at the time.
He entertained the thought of what it would be like to meet her family, to get to know them as he knew her.
As a Jedi he hadn't grown up to learn of myths and legends, only truths and facts, so to hear of Old Guard and Warrior Maidens was intriguing to say the least.
But most of all, he enjoyed the way Sabé's eyes lit up as she spoke of such things. Though she stated her mother and sister were wonderful storytellers, he thought she was brilliant herself.
'Starved,' he replied after the chime sounded. 'Like you said before, the hospital food left much to be desired.'
Sabé smiled as she spoke of her family inwardly wishing there could be some way for them to meet but knowing better to ponder such thoughts. But while she normally would have felt sheepish for 'prattling on' as Eirtaé would tease one look at Obi-Wan erased her concerns that she was boring him.
Yet at the same time it once more just made her curious to know what life was like for him growing up in the Temple. But before she had a chance to ask the chime sounded and lunch was ready to be served. Rising to her feet Sabé caught Obi-Wan's words and laughed softly.
"I just hope this turns out to be a sound improvement then."
She replied with a smile before slipping off to the kitchen to grab some bowls and utensils. Once the lunch was prepared she returned to set them on the table along with two glasses of juice before taking a seat once more as she looked a little shy.
"I doubt this is going to be nearly as good as the stew you made me back on Padmé's ship but I hope this comes close."
She said sheepishly.
'Ah well if the smell is any indication, you've surpassed what little skills I had in throwing something together on the queen's ship,' he said, grinning. 'It smells delicious.
'Then again, it could just be that I haven't eaten anything proper for ages...' he joked, tossing her a wink.
Obi-Wan was glad she didn't think anything of them using the smaller table as it was closer to the couch he was already quite comfortable on, instead of the larger one near the kitchen area. This was he wouldn't have to get up and to be honest, it was probably for the best. After eating he would have more energy.
Sabé blushed to his words as she shook her head and waved a hand slightly.
"Goodness the fact you were able to even make something that good with what little you had to work with only speaks volumes of your skills Obi-Wan."
But at his teasing she laughed as poked out her tongue slightly in reply as she teased back.
"Oh you're such a brat!"
She then adjusted the smaller table so that it would be a little closer to him and therefore less awkward for him to try and eat. All the while being mindful of the tea and the stew. Once she was certain everythign was as it should be she drew her chair up and sat down once more and prepared to eat.
When she stuck her tongue out at him, he shook his head. 'How very elegant, Miss Former Decoy Queen,' he said, though he was bright red.
The fact she took note of every little thing, such as moving the table slightly closer was incredibly endearing to him. Even such minor things were not overlooked by her. She was also incredibly graceful as she so and had he realised how he was looking at her, he would have chided himself to be more mindful lest he be considered rude.
The stew was just as good as it looked and he found his appetite was improving. This was also encouraging to him, for with an improved appetite, his body would have more enegery and they could take that walk in the gardens which they had spoken about when he was still the in medical ward.
Sabé turned crimson at his teasing. However she noted he was just as bright red which eased some of her concerns as Sabé realized he was just reacting to her teasing.
"I am very elegant when I want to be I have you know!"
She replied pretending to be snobbish but failing miserably as she began to laugh softly before turning more serious as she moved the table a little closer to him before beginning returning to her seat and beginning to eat. She was relieved to find the stew tasted better than she feared although it was nothing by comparison to the stew she had in the ship all those years ago.
As she ate Sabé was mindful though in a subtle way of Obi-Wan's healing condition. While his health had improved drastically since she first saw him back in the hospital Sabé wanted to make sure to help him in anyway she could to aid in his recovery.
His appetite was improving she noted and this brought her a sense of encouragement. It was definately a good sign though she knew it would still be some time before he was fully healed. But for the moment it was enough and she was also relieved to note the cool air of the room wasn't giving him a chill at least from what she could tell. She hoped the tea would have help warm him a little, or at the very least the stew itself. Although she inwardly surmised he was probably used to the cool atmosphere but one could never be certain.
The realization she was monitoring his body language caused Sabé to blush as her eyes fell to her tea suddenly. It was an instinctive trait she always used when working with Padmé and she hadn't realized she was now doing it with Obi-Wan. While she was aware of her affections for him now she felt concious of herself for being so overly attentive in her observations and inwardly hoped she hadn't made him uncomfortable with her studious gaze.
As he ate, he found himself studying her, though not aware that Sabé was studying him in return. It wasn't until she blushed and suddenly seemed to find her cup of tea interesting that he tore his eyes away, also staring into his mug of tea, thinking his gaze had been intimidating or rude.
But she was not embarrassed, at least she didn't project such a feeling...no, she didn't want him to feel uncomfortable...
Obi-Wan surprised himself when he saw that he was able to register her feelings once more. This meal truly was in more ways than he had thought like their meal on that Nubian cruiser.
I am most grateful and will always be indebted to you...'
'To earn the respect of a lady such as yourself means a great deal to me,'
That was when he had first been able to register her emotions, when he was becoming more attuned to her as if she were his padawan...a connection which at the time he could not rationalise nor place.
He at that moment wanted to reach out to her, to touch her, hold her and these thoughts did not bring him any shame.
Obi-Wan noticed one hand was in her lap and the other wrapped around her teacup whose depths she was visually seeking.
'Do you remember our first "competition"?' he asked purposely vague.
Sabé felt sheepish for her realization that she was studying him closely. It wasn't something intentional and yet at the same time it was almost instinctive, second nature even. Sabé couldn't explain it but words weren't always necessary. It was as though they were communicating through their souls, speaking volumes without letting single word pass through their lips. Yet it wasn't something she could quite comprehend and it left her concious of her self some times and a little awkward as though fearing she might make Obi-Wan uncomfortable by devulging into this strange silent understanding.
With this thought in mind she studied her tea for a moment longer. But even as her cheeks warmed Sabé slowly began to realize, perhaps even sense that Obi-Wan wasn't uncomfortable about her studious gaze, then again she wasn't of his either.
At his question she returned her gaze to him as Sabé couldn't resist a shy smile. The memories came back swiftly and her expression turned nostalgic as she nodded in reply.
"How could I ever forget."
Sabé gently replied as she found herself once more studying his blue orbs without quite registering that once more was watching him closely.
He smiled as she acknowledged it. 'Well I thought since I'm not up for a spar with blades just yet, we could resume our first duel,' he said a bit mischievously as his eyes held hers.
Obi-Wan wasn't sure she knew what he was refering to yet and this made him feel even more excited about 'out-duelling' on this one though it wasn't fair if she didn't even know the rules.
Even so, it was all in good fun...
He couldn't prevent the mischievous smile from broadening at the thought.
Sabé raised a brow in curiousity. Our first duel? she thought to herself as she vaguelly wondered if perhaps he was refering to the staring contest they had back on Tatooine. Her eyes danced in amusement at the thought as a smile crept into her features.
"Just what are you up to Obi-Wan?"
She said in obvious amusement deciding she wasn't about to lose his gaze just in case. His mischievous smile seemed to confirm her words and she couldn't help but return his mischievous smile as she remembered how their last staring contest ended.
'Up to?' he replied, still grinning. 'I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about, Sabé.'
Obi-Wan's gaze on her never faltered, but felt she was cottoning on to his plan of attack.
Sabé eyes narrowed as she pretended to be suspicious. If this was indeed the sort of 'spar' she thought it was Sabé was determined not to lose. Her smile widened as she continued to hold his gaze unable to resist laughing in amusement to his words.
"Oh? Is that so? Then why the mischievious grin Mr. I'm-not-up-to-anything?"
Sabé teased as her eyes danced with amusement.
At her remark, his normal reaction would be to bow his head in embarrassment, but this was 'war' and he was not about to let her get the upperhand.
Obi-Wan continued to match her gaze instead, tilting his head slightly to the side. He remembered how he had so brazenly tickled whom he thought to be a queen at the time.
But there had been something about, something more courageous and noble about her, something he couldn't quite put his finger on back then that caught his attention...something from within calling out to him.
Sabé noted his reaction and furrowed her brow her expression turning knowing.
"Fine then be that way but I'll have you know I'm onto you!"
She continued to tease all the while trying to be serious but unable to resist a grin. Inwardly she remembered the last time they played this game and how she had in a most unqueenly manner tugged his Padawan braid. At the time she couldn't say what possessed her to do such a thing. But now looking back the mystery just seemed so clear, there was a hidden connection between them that neither could see or understand one that only their spirits could fathom while their conscious remained blissfully unaware.
The thought crossed his mind, but he knew he could not perform such a stunt so deftly as he could back then. But as he was still recovering such a feat would have to wait.
'Well you're going to have to be creative with your distractions since I haven't got my padawan braid anyone,' he replied, chuckling at the thought. 'I wonder whatever happened to it.'
Obi-Wan allowed his hand to rove towards her, aiming for her hand. He wasn't trying to tickle her, for he was not moving fast enough. Still holding her gaze, he hoped to merely take up her hand.
Sabé gave him an amused grin at his words though careful not to let her gaze falter from his.
"Oh I'm sure I can find other ways around that."
Sabé teased before falling silent as from the corner of her eyes she saw his hand moving towards her. Instinctivally she wanted to back away thinking he was going to tickle her knees but the movement was too careful. Her heart raced though she kept her gaze steady to his as her hand moved of its own accord in hopes that they bearing similiar thoughts.
Even so this was a 'spar' of sorts and Sabé wasn't about to back down or lose; not if she could help it anyways. Her eyes danced with mischief as she decided for the moment to ignore her heart's desire and moved her approaching hand away from his. Instead she moved quickly to ruffle his hair as she laughed though still careful to hold his gaze.
Without his heighted sense of perception through the Force, Obi-Wan was unable to predict her movements nor react quickly to prevent attack, but he soon found his hair being ruffled playfully by the woman. This sort of suprise was somethign unknown to him. Though the lack of prediction or anticipation via the Force was a loss, he couldn't help but think it was also freeing.
Having no sense that anything was headed his way, he reacted as most nonsensitve people would, albeit a bit slower since he was still recovering. He gasped and his hand moved to his hair. In that second, he looked up, breaking eye contact with her and thus losing the 'battle'.
Obi-Wan was no longer thinking about the game. In fact, he was thinking that though he knew he would fully regain his Force sensitiviy, that it wouldn't be so bad living in this world of surprises. Especially where Sabé was concerned.
Sabé beamed upon realizing Obi-Wan had glanced up at his hair and laughed outloud.
"Aha!! I fooled you!"
She announced proudly unable to resist tousling his hair a little more though blushing as his hand slipped to his hair causing her to briefly touch his in the process. Once more the familiar spark was registered by Sabé who now aware of its meaning couldn't help but turn a little shy as she moved to rest her hand on the edge of her chair. Part of her was tempted to slip her fingers into his but the bravado felt moments ago was lost and Sabé found herself a little shy once more.
Something remarkable happened.
He felt that spark between them, like an acknowledgement of their souls conversing. 'So that hasn't gone,' he remarked aloud though it was more to himself.
Had he been able to sense her shyness through the Force, he would have marked it instead of continuing to marvel at actually having been taken offguard and the fact their connection was not just Force-bound. 'Remarkable.'
Without registering her hesitation, he took up her hand in both of his, outlining the slight lines on her soft palm. Turning it over in his hand, he still felt it. And it still made him want to draw her into his arms, hold her, kiss her...things he knew he shouldn't want, but ever since he gave in to it just the once, the desire had never been stronger. He knew to deny it was to deny his very soul, but he would content himself with this. He sqeezed her hand, meeting her eyes once more.
Sabé cast him a slightly curious look to his words. She couldn't be sure what exactly he meant by this revelation. But her mind was sharp and soon she registered it had to have pertained to the Force and his relationship with it.
"It is returning?"
She softly asked finding hope in his revelation knowing this too was a powerful sign that he was healing both physically and now spiritually.But her questions swiftly fell silent as Sabé felt his hands wrap around hand as they gently outlined the lines of her palm causing her heart to swell, race and skip a beat all at once. Bowing her head shyly she gave him a gentle smile feeling her cheeks warm further as she saw his eyes meet hers once more.
She squeezed his hand at the same time he squeezed hers and her smile widened. Once more she found words were no longer necessary between them, even without the Force Obi-Wan always seemed to understand. Sabé could see it in his blue orbs for they seemed to reflect her feelings and thoughts even more perfectly than any verbal statement could ever describe. It was moments like this that SAbé found herself having to resist the urge to draw him near, to embrace him or worse voice the feelings she held within.
But this was neither the time nor the place and while her feelings for him were now known to her Sabé would not let them interfere with her duties or tarnish his honour and good name. So with this in mind she buried the temptations and choose instead to enjoy what little they could share between them. Leaving her to once more put his features to memory and this precious moment shared between them to heart.
He didn't respond to her question at first, as he was consumed with marvelling at this unexpected revelation...that their bond was far greater than he had ever thought possible. It was a little bit scary, but thrilling at the same time. And when they squeezed each other's hands at the same time, he knew she was aware of what he was amazed by. He met her dark eyes which shared in the deep affection, respect and understanding.
If only there were no boundaries to be concerned with.
But as he once more looked into her eyes, he knew the only true boundaries had already broken down as they learnt more about each other, for their souls conversed without any regard for mortal oaths or binding rules. To have found such a person in this lifetime was more than he could have ever hoped or dreamt for, and the time spent with her would do so much more for his weakened state. As he healed his soul's joy would only multiply with her by his side, far better than any medicine could provide.
His silence didn't trouble Sabé who found that within it held so much more than words. His eyes held within them all the mysteries she wanted to solve but didn't dare rush, for the answers she had come to learn revealed themselves in good time.
Obi-Wan understood this as well and it was just one of many reasons why Sabé had come to love him. There was something between them that went far beyond the basic emotions of love and though Sabé couldn't fully understand just what it was or what it all could mean she was grateful for it all the same. It was as though she had recieved an unexpected gift, an answered wish that was never conciously asked, but granted none the less. The thought warmed her heart and Sabé found herself growing a little shy for it both humbled and gave her much joy to have been blessed with someone so dear to her.
