|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Missing Scenes
Post Attack of the Clones: A Concern of Honour
On her way to the training room where she would meet up with her Padawan who was training with master Drallig, Asþaea spotted a woman exiting Master Kenobi’s quarters. She was a non-sensitive, Asþaea noted, and taking in her dress, concluded she was a politician or at lest involved somehow in politics. This made her curious, but even more so as she recalled Bene mentioning something about Master Kenobi’s visitations.
Asþaea knew the Jedi Master had undergone intensive care in the Jedi Temple’s medical ward for his last mission. She didn’t know the extent of his injuries, but figured no doubt he would be inactive for a while. Bene seemed to be of the mind that his female guest was somehow inappropriate, but having just witnessed the woman walk out and turn back to bow once more, smiling as she confidently bounced down the hallway that would take her to the lifts, Asþaea was unsure as to whether such visits were inappropriate. Upon hearing the rumours, she hadn’t put much credence to it, for she knew Master Kenobi to be such a loyal and just Jedi, a good teacher, and friend. He was a very wise and noble man, but there was a possibility that he didn’t register the effect he had on the politician friend of his. Asþaea was concerned for his honour and reputation and it was with this in mind that she diverted from her original path to retrieve her Padawan and walked straight over to the Jedi Master’s quarters.
Thinking perhaps Sabé had forgotten something, which she had only done once before, smiling a bit mischievously, Obi-Wan approached the door once more. His force sensitivity had gradually improved and when he registered that Sabé’s Force signature was still departing, his smile wore away. He opened the door to see Jedi Arxia standing there.
He invited her in and moved back to the chair he had just abandoned for it was still a challenge to remaining standing for long periods of time. ‘What can I do for you?’ he asked politely, curious as to her debating emotions.
Asþaea bowed to the Jedi Master and thanked him as he invited her in. She followed him over to the sitting area and took a seat on the couch. His prompt question made her doubt herself for a moment. This was already a sensitive topic. ‘I by no means intend to be rude by this suggestion, but… The woman who left here just a moment ago, she’s been spotted at the Temple by a large number of people quite frequently as of late, always visiting you and well, there have been rumours…’
Obi-Wan perked an eyebrow. ‘Rumours?’
‘Pertaining to the nature of your relationship with her,’ she added. ‘I mean no disrespect—and hold no credence to these rumours, but I thought you ought to be aware of them.’
Obi-Wan’s confused expression took on a surprised emotion. ‘I’ve been recovering from the virus and she’s an old friend. I don’t see what the problem is.’
Asþaea sighed. ‘Is it possible this woman reserves feelings for you that go beyond friendship? I would hate to think she might and even hope that anything could go beyond friendship with you for it would break her heart.’
Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, but closed it. Though no words had been spoken, no verbal acknowledgement, Obi-Wan knew, just as well as Sabé did that they were in love with each other and this love went beyond any mortal ties, nor even the Force bind which was in itself a rare thing. But Sabé and he knew their duties would always come first and that anything between them would be never be more than such visits as these.
‘Thank you for bringing this to my attention,’ he replied, trying to remain cool without sounding callous. ‘I was unaware others were so mindful of my visitors,’ he admitted, grinning and trying to remain optimistic, knowing he would have to let Sabé know about this and how awful she would feel thinking she had somehow wounded his honour. He would keep no secrets from her.
Asþaea was thankful the Jedi Master was not offended nor displeased by her audacious approach to the situation and delicate topic. ‘Thank you for understanding I was merely concerned about the woman’s heart and not about questioning your honour, which is far nobler than many,’ she said, rising to her feet once more. ‘Is there anything I can do for you before I depart?’
He shook his head. ‘No, thank you. I just hope you won’t take offence if I don’t see you to the door,’ Obi-Wan replied.
Asþaea smiled and bowed to the Jedi Master before departing. She was glad she had chosen to speak to him about this. He was right. The other Jedi ought to be focusing on more important things than whether one of their wisest masters was up to something inappropriate with an old friend. If anyone was up to something, it would be his apprentice, Skywalker, she mused.
After her visit with Obi-Wan Sabé departed for the transports that would take her home feeling light hearted and in good spirits. She was grateful that he was well on the mend and even more grateful for this rare opportunity to spend some time with him. However she was unaware of the fact that her visits had been causing a bit of a stir as to the innocent young woman she was just visiting an old friend. But upon her arrival back to the Handmaiden's quarters Sabé found herself in the presence of an amused looking Saché who watched her with arms folded and a proud smirk dancing on her lips.
“I’m almost scared to ask Saché but just what are you up to?”
Sabé asked with a wry smile recognizing the trademark look that Saché only wore when she was up to something or onto someone.
“Actually I was just about to ask you that.”
This caused the handmaiden to raise a brow in mild surprise.
“Oh? Well I’m up to nothing if that’s what you want to know.
“I just came back from visiting Obi-Wan that’s all. He’s well on the mend although I think it will be some time before he’s back to his old self again.”
Sabé explained casually as she moved to the kitchen to place the empty containers from their lunch into the sink before starting up the water. Saché grinned and followed her friend into the kitchen.
“So I’ve noticed.”
Saché added snickering as Sabé’s expression turned confused unsure why this is funny. But her friend wasn’t one to hold back and with a grin she continued.
“You know the others are beginning to think you’re friendship with Jedi Kenobi or as you call him Obi-Wan is starting to resemble the Senator’s and a certain other Jedi Padawan friendship.”
Sabé blinked as she glanced to Saché in surprise.
“I hardly think that is an appropriate assessment of the situation. If you were wounded or ill I’d visit you just as much as I’ve been visiting Obi-Wan. This applies to all of my ‘sisters’ surely you know that.
“I think you’ve been reading too many of Dormé's silly love stories if you ask me.”
She stated finally as she started to grow concerned for Obi-Wan’s good name. Sabé didn’t think she had done anything inappropriate but was loathed to think she could be unintentionally bringing him dishonor with her visits. Saché made a face and rolled her eyes which caused Sabé to grin obviously triumphant that she made her point.
“Great gods Sabé you know I don’t read that garbage because it kills brain cells!”
Saché pronounced in annoyance as Sabé laughed in reply before returning her attentions back to her dishes as she couldn’t resist teasing.
“Oh? And have you decided to enlighten Dormé of this little discovery?”
Saché groaned and shook her head.
“Of course all the time but you think it stops her? No. I tell you that girl’s obsession with that mush if going to drive me to madness!”
Sabé grinned as she shrugged.
“Well she’s your protégé now not mine so I wash my hands of all that.”
“Don’t remind me please…I tell you I have a whole new respect for Tamé and Jedi Kenobi now that I’ve foolishly agreed to train that girl. I don’t know where they get their patience but whatever it is I could sure use it.”
Sabé smiled at the mention of her former trainer and Obi-Wan. They were by far the most patient people she had ever encountered and it wasn’t the first time she had found herself wishing she could have even half of their calm. But the conversation soon drew to a close as Saché was approached by Rabé who informed her that the Senator required her presence.
Once alone Sabé found her thoughts returning to the words spoken earlier and she found herself growing concerned once more over how her visits were affecting Obi-Wan’s good name and honour. She didn’t’ think that she was doing anything suspicious but if it was drawing unnecessary attention or worse causing people to make parallels between them and Padmé’s relationship with Anakin then something had to be done. A rush of guilt flooded her thoughts as she sighed deeply to herself. If Obi-Wan’s good name became tarnished because of her actions Sabé wouldn’t be able to forgive herself and so with this thought in mind she decided perhaps it was best she cut back on her visits lest she cause anymore damage.
