Untold But Not Unrequited ~ Obi-Wan and Sabé

Missing Scenes

Post Attack of the Clones: Trying to Find the High Ground

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It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare. ~Mark Twain
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It all started off as a quiet evening out with Sabé's fellow handmaidens. It was to be a simple but civilized celebration to mark Dormé and Moteé's first year serving as Senator Amidala's handmaiden to be exact. Saché had spent hours of planning to ensure none of this would interrupt our duties or Padmé's schedule and in the end had settled on this particular day. While they had already celebrated earlier in the day with their mistress Saché felt it would be less formal to have just the handmaidens out for a nice dinner and she hoped to watch a live performance of one of Naboo's greatest composers at the Gala Hall.

However with such a range of age differences there comes a very different ideal of proper entertainment. Or at least Sabé tried to tell herself as they headed to the transports that will take the them away from the great Gala Halls to the last place in the universe Sabé wanted to be; the entertainment clubs. Saché though calm in outward appearances is wounded by the fact the younger maidens weren't as keen on watching a live performance as she had hoped. She was hiding it well but her emotions were very loud to Sabé despite the fact she wasn't trained to pick up on them. The former decoy couldn't help but feel bad for her friend and annoyed at the younger handmaiden's for their lack of tact in turning her offer down. Rabé and Eirtaé weren't too impressed with this change of plans either and had long since politely departed their company once the dinner had drawn to a close. The only reason Sabé was even here was because Saché was there. And even she was only here because she feared for the safety of Dormé and Moteé just as much as Sabé did. The entertainment clubs were hardly a place for proper young ladies and the seedy regions they were headed too did little to calm her concerns.

But Moteé claimed she knew this place was safe and wasn’t like the other places that seem to litter the lower regions of Coruscant. Unfortunately Sabé's instincts said otherwise and Saché’s concerned expression only served to confirm her thoughts. Obi-Wan’s words about the levels that are dangerously close to the surface being filled with the lowest forms of villainy caused her hand to instinctively slip to her hidden laser pistol. But despite the Jedi Master's obvious wisdom they were still roaming through the dark streets in simple but elegant gowns that disguise them from their true duties and positions.

“Easy prey that’s all we are here.”

Saché whispered to Sabé in obvious concern to which she nodded. That's a summery of my thoughts Sabé mused darkly to herself as she couldn't help but desperately wish she had her swords with her, but that too would be only encouraging trouble. Fortunately she thought I still have my laser pistol hidden on me. But even this force of habit was denied her as upon entering the club Sabé found herself being rudely frisked without warning much to her insult and soon without her only weapon.

Its standard procedures Moteé explained to an arguing Saché who was demanding to have her pistol returned to her. But they soon learnt they would have their weapons returned to them upon departure or they were told. While Sabe remained silent on the matter it left her feeling not only out of place, but defenseless too. Her instincts already on edge by this entire situation was practically screaming its warning but she chose to ignore it in her need to protect her younger sisters. As they entered the unknown entertainment club (the sign is written in a language she didn't understand) Sabé almost felt her lungs burn with each breath she took as it was so smoky. Her eyes too watered and reacted to the thick air, but to her surprise the younger handmaidens did not seem bothered by this at all. If anything they were all eager to explore this dungy place and soon approached the bar where one can purchase their drinks. For a moment she was almost tempted to join them but somehow she doubted they'd have decent Vita water nevermind tea.

So instead she decided to wait for them along with Saché who like herself let her eyes wander the packed club. The music was dark and pulsating just as the dance floors were filled with questionable sorts, behaving in a less than civilized manner. Sabé had only been here a whole of five minutes and already every pore in her body was screaming to leave.

“Alright I’ve seen enough, let’s get out of here and go somewhere presentable.”

Saché practically screamed to her over the loud thrum of music. Shaking her head slightly she denied Saché's request informing her that even if they were to leave the others wouldn't and there would be no one to keep watch over them. While they were all fully trained to hold their own in troubled situations only the two older handmaiden's had the experience to back it up. On top of that they were only ones left of the small group that was entirely sober. Sabé could only hope and pray that within the standard hour they could convince them to go somewhere else, but something tells told it wouldn't be that easy.

The girls soon join them once more and now Sabé find herself following them to a rather large table where others were seated. Moteé and Dormé were familiar the small group but neither Saché nor Sabé recognized them. Taking a seat between Saché and Moteé Sabé tried to pretend like she wasn't as on edge as she felt just as she tried to ignore the fact that the danger she sensed all around her was almost suffocating.

Time moved to a crawl as Sabé felt her skin crawl to the sight of her normally poised and almost shy colleagues openly flirt with their male ‘friends’ between discussions with their female friends. Saché however didn't bother trying to hide her disdain of the situation and Sabé found herself unable to blame her for it.

Time passed as it always does and after a few fruitless attempts to have a conversation with Saché (for the noise drowned out their voices) they both decided to try to clear their thoughts and enter a variant of meditation. However with all the noise and their need to play impromptu security very little meditation was done. Finally after glancing to her chronometer for the millionth time Sabé decided it is time for them to depart. However before she had a chance to express this thought out loud Saché cried out in shock. Looking quickly to her friend Sabé found herself staring in shock as Saché rose to her feet suddenly and slapped a man’s face.

“How dare you! Have you no manners sir!?”

The older handmaiden exclaimed her cheeks bright red and her eyes flashing in fury. If this had drawn any attention from the younger girls it doesn’t show as they were both rather cozy now with the gentlemen who were seated here before they had arrived. The man however was less than pleased by Saché’s outburst and moved to grab her arm. But Saché was quicker and soon slammed her fist into his jaw before moving to get her fellow handmaiden’s attentions.

“That’s it now I’ve really had enough, we’re gone!”

She stated in firm demanding tones. The younger girls had other intentions it would seem and they began to argue relentlessly. Even worse came the fact their male ‘friends’ were in agreement adding fuel to their fire.

“Saché’s right, it is getting late we should be returning home soon.”

Sabe stated trying to be as diplomatic as possible but to no avail leaving her once more wishing that she had Obi-Wan’s skills for negotiation or Padmé’s way with words. Alas she didn't and so she struggled to convince these foolish girls that remaining here with these strangers (or their ‘friends’ as they call them) was not a good idea at all. However Sabé soon learnt that words proved useless. But in the end it really didn't matter as Saché renowned for her temper decided that ‘aggressive negotiations’ were in order. Firmly grabbing Moteé by the arm, Saché hoisted her to her feet before promptly turning to Dormé who was wise enough to rise to her feet before being her mentor made her.

However their gentlemen friends unaware of Saché’s legendary fury decided now was the time to play ‘heroes with no fear’. Sabé inwardly sighed wanting nothing more than to go home as this night was awful enough as it was without having to resort to violence as a means to end it.

“Who in the blazes do you think you are?”

Moteé's companion exclaimed as he attempted to use his height to intimidate Saché. His friend soon joined him as the foolish man Saché slapped decided to approach as well. Such men ganging up on women, gods give me strength lest I lose my composure and bring shame to my mistress and inadvertently Obi-Wan Sabé thought in frustration to herself.

“That’s quite enough. Saché, Moteé and Dormé I believe it is time we left.”

She then said in cool tones but it was too late. Saché’s was beyond redemption and folding her arms in reply she only shirked off Sabé's attempt to draw her away. Dormé and Moteé on the other hand giggle watching on. Giving them a firm look Sabé reminded herself that they are definitely going to have a little talk about this evening in the morning when they are in a more sober state of mind.

“No, I don’t think so. I think these fellows need a lesson in manners-“

“Saché for gods sakes don’t be a fool. Lets go you’re duties are done here, now lets go home.”

The men laughed taunting Saché further as they threw insults about her height and wanting her to teach them a ‘lesson’ in manners. Sabé might be naïve but even she knew they aren’t referring to the same sort of manners that her friend had in mind. Curling a lip in disgust Saché then slammed her boot hard against one of the men’s knee cap as he was about to touch her, before swinging a fist at the second man’s face. Now it is Sabé's turn to make aggressive negotiations as she firmly grab Saché's arm and practically dragged her to the exit. However it would seem she wasn't the only one eager for their departure and soon the securities of this place were leading them out. Sabé promptly remembered their weapons and asked for their laser pistols back, they gave it to them but not until they were outside.

It was safe to say they would not be welcome back anytime soon. Even safer to say neither of the older handmaidens would ever be returning here either, nor would Dormé or Moteé if they had any say about it. Never in my life had Sabé ever been as disappointed in her fellow handmaidens as she was then. If only I hadn't been so foolish as to agree to this madness in the first place she inwardly chastised herself.

While the younger handmaidens chatted and giggled amongst themselves the journey home was a silent one for Sabé who was too shamed to speak and Saché who was too furious for words. Until this evening Sabé had never set foot into an entertainment club before, neither had Saché she discovered later. But she soon surmised that if 'entertainment clubs' were all like this, she really didn't think she was missing anything by avoiding them.

Yet despite their arrival back to the Senator’s quarters Sabé was hardly in any d to remain there. Her thoughts were too troubled and shamed to relax, but with the Dojo now closed she was at a loss as to where to go to meditate and clear her thoughts. While Sabé knew she could meditate or quietly train in the meditation chambers of the handmaiden quarters she didn't wish to set eyes on her fellow sisters lest she not be able to hide her true thoughts from them. So instead she waited for her colleague's to slip off to their rooms before quietly heading to the security tunnels that will lead her out of the Senatorial buildings. From there she headed quietly to the Jedi temple praying that by some miracle of the gods that the Garden of a Thousand Fountains will not be closed at this late hour.

To her immense relief they weren't.

As she set foot into the temple her thoughts instantly returned to Obi-Wan. Sabé wistfully let herself imagine that he was awake and could sense her presence here. It’s a foolish thought she knew but it is a comforting one all the same. After all she knew he was still healing from the terrible wounds he suffered from his mission on Queyta and even if he wasn't she wouldn’t dare attempt to bother him at this hour. But even from this distance Sabé could feel his Force signature albeit very weakly and it helped calm some of her troubled thoughts. She hoped he was resting well and that he was warm, although she imagined he was probably used to the coolness of this place. Still it didn’t stop her from bringing a blanket for him back when he was still too weak to move around much. Looking back now she hoped he didn't get chastised for having a personal belonging in his quarters or worse that they would regard it as a sign of attachment. The thought of this simple gesture bringing dishonor to his good name concerned her but she forced herself not to dwell on it as Sabé was certain Obi-Wan would have said something if he was troubled by this possibility as well.

The thought pulled Sabé out of her thoughts as she realized she had now entered the regions of the gardens she had nicknamed ‘Little Naboo’. Even when she wasn't paying heed to her surroundings it would seem her feet know where she wanted to be. It's too bad Obi-Wan can't be here to share this moment she mused all the while feeling a little relieved that he wasn't. She wouldn’t want to trouble him with her concerns and shame over the events of the evening. But now was not the time to dwell on the past and so she forced herself to clear her thoughts and silently begin to meditate remembering his words of wisdom as she did so. If she were to be able to move on she would need to let go, and so she begin the struggling journey to do just that. Hopefully by morning I will have reached some semblance of peace and gods willing maybe I will be able to find a way to keep Saché from strangling Moteé and Dormé in the process. Sabé thought darkly before forcing herself to try and find her center once more.

The night air wasn't too chilly and it felt good to breathe it in, refreshing. Obi-Wan was finally getting his strength up again and despite the late hour, he couldn't stand being in the Temple's stale rooms. Even opening the window wasn't enough, he just feel he needed to get out.

And it was now, breathing in the lush scents of the gardens, where he always felt the most at peace, that he was able to clear his head and his thoughts. Being off active duty did have its unpleasantries, but as his thoughts drifted to Sabé, he had to admit there were not-so-unpleasant aspects as well.

He was surprised that he sensed her presence so late within the Gardens. Her signature was too strong to write off as wishful thinking. He wondered what could have brought her here this evening, but hoped he wouldn't interupt her if she were meditating.

He followed her signature, a small smile growing on his face as he recalled the last time they had been there together...the first time they had kissed.

When he came upon her, she was sitting on a ledge looking quite pensive and felt as though she were struggling with something. He daren't speak to jar her from her meditation, so he merely sat next to her, joining her meditation.

It was odd really, now that he took a moment to think on it. The first stirrings in the Force that he had readily been able to distinguish upon recovery had been her feelings.

Sabé continued her attempts to clear her thoughts and soon found it wasn't nearly as easy to let go as she'd care to admit. But she had to try even if she knew and felt that she was in the right to dwell on it further like this was hardly the proper thing to do.

Yet as she made her repeated attempts to find her center Sabé found her thoughts repeatedly drifting to the growing Force signature of Obi-Wan. At first she believed it to be just her imagination or at best Obi-Wan perhaps moving from his quarters to meditate in the meditation chambers.

But with this thought came others, of a far more pleasant moment shared and it caused her cheeks to warm. She was almost in the exact spot where they had shared their first kiss. While it brought a smile to her lips Sabé tried not to dwell upon it too much reminding herself that while their emotions to each other were sacred, duty would always and must always come first.

However just as she was burying these thoughts and finding some semblence of her center Sabé found herself unable to ignore the powerful Force signature of Obi-Wan's presense. He was near, very near to be exact but she didn't realize that he was in actuality in the gardens as well. But even so it helped calm her thoughts and while she still struggled it gave her a new sense of determination until finally after what felt like an eternity she was able to find her center. Satisfied and relieved Sabé took the chance to surface and upon opening her eyes soon discovered the reason for her new sense of peace and determination.

Blushing crimson in surprise at the unexpected company Sabé remained silent waiting for him to draw out of his meditations. But despite the surprise she was more than a little overjoyed to have discovered her wishful thinking had become a reality. It was so good to see her dear friend again and it brought her much joy to note the obvious signs that he healing that were becoming increasingly apparent with their every visit. She wanted to reach out to take his hand but hesitated fearing this too might jar him from his meditative state of mind.

'It's soothing, isn't it,' he murmured after a moment without opening his eyes, for he had sensed her stirring. His expression was light as he slowly merged from his own meditation easily.

When Obi-Wan opened his eyes, he smiled softly at her. It had been awhile since he was last in her presence. After Arxia spoke with him about how frequent Sabé's visits were, Sabé seemed to have been rather busy, so he never ended up having to speak to her about it which was a relief. For the last thing he ever wanted was to cause her dishonour or pain.

Studying her without even realising he was, he remarked, 'I've been coming here quite often these past few days. It's been nice to be able to get outside.'

He thought of how often Anakin and Sabé both had been visiting him during his recovery, but now Anakin was off on a solo mission. He had been surprised to hear the news which his young Padawan had so eagerly relayed him and had a feeling that: 'I think Anakin will be knighted soon.'

Being quite proud of his Padawan, he didn't put two and two together that this meant he would be deemed a Jedi Master soon as well.

Sabé smiled gently as she glanced to Obi-Wan noting his eye are still closed.

"It is now..."

She said softly feeling so grateful to see her friend again. His mere presense made even the worst of the nights events not seem to troubling.

As he opened his eyes her smile turned shy as she realized she had been staring at him. But his gentle smile eased her concerns just as his watchful gaze warmed her cheeks. But at his words her expression turned to hopeful joy, but was also a little sheepish.

"That's wonderful Obi-Wan. Its a definate sign that you're well on your way to being fully back to health.

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit you as often as I'd like but...well my schedule has pretty much returned to normal, which means I have little time for such moments like this unfortunately."

She admitted wistfully before falling silent as she watched him for a moment noting inwardly that he did look alot better than she last time she saw him. While part of her wished they could have more moments like this together the greater part of her was more grateful that Obi-Wan was on the mend and feeling much better.

But before she could continue down this train of thought he spoke once more causing her to furrow her brow in curiousity. Sabé knew Anakin had been sent on a mission on his own, as she had been informed of this when Padmé admitted she was both excited and nervous for him. Sabé truthfully was more relieved that she wouldn't have to see his face around the Senator's quarters for a time. Although she promptly tried to see things from a better light as such thoughts were hardly becoming.

Yet Obi-Wan's words surprised her a little as she could hardly imagine the imputant Padawan ever becoming a knight. He just seemed so immature to her and hardly had an understanding of what being a Knight would imply. But she didn't know him lik eObi-Wan did and trusted that her friend knew better of these things than she ever would.

However this thought soon faded as another took its place. If Anakin was to become a knight...

"Doesn't that mean you will become a Jedi Master then?"

Sabé hesistated wondering if she had the right idea and it caused her cheeks to warm further.

"I'm not very familiar with how the Order handles such matters but if I recall correctly when a Padawan reaches Knighthood doesn't that mean his/her mentor becomes a Jedi Master?"

She asked shyly.

Obi-Wan noted her blush as she bowed her head shyly before looking back at him, explaining how her schedule was in fact back to normal again. This pleased him as he knew she had suffered an illness as well, though not having connected it was in any way do to him. He was glad to know that he wouldn't have had to speak to her about the visit having caused a stir within the Temple because there really was no reason to.

His thoughts turned to Anakin as pride of his Padawan's achievments filtered in. It was hard to believe that the boy was now on his own mission, direct from the Council...but he couldn't be more pleased. Part of him worried for him, but he was confident he would pass this trial and come home safely.

Sabé's question made his whole face glow with slight embarrassment. 'I--well--' He looked to the ground momentarily. 'Yes, I suppose it does...that's usually how it works if you've successfully trained a Padawan. But the title still has to be conferred on the Knight, if that makes sense...'

Sabé felt bad she wasn't able to visit Obi-Wan more often but knew he would understand. Such was the demands of duty and though she cherished their moments together she'd much rather he be in fully health and not be able to see him as much as she'd like than the other way around.

As her thoughts turned to the fact Obi-Wan was on the verge of becoming a Jedi Master Sabé couldn't help but note his slight embarrassment and felt a bit sheepish for making him feel awkward. She was so proud of him however and couldn't help herself from confirming her thoughts. If anyone had earned such a sacred title it was Obi-Wan. But she didnt' want to make him feel anymore awkward and so she didn't give in to the temptation to take his hand and give a squeeze. So instead she focussed her thoughts on his words and tried to ignore her feelings. Although this did little to hide the pride and joy she felt at the possibility that was certain to come to pass and soon.

"I think I understand."

She admitted before adding with a growing smile.

"I have little doubt that it will be long before your Padawan gains the title of Knight and you the well earned title of Master. If you'll forgive me for being so bold I must admit I can't think of another more worthy of such a title."

But her expression turned more soft and understanding as another thought occured to her. While if she was in Obi-Wan's position she might have felt relieved she knew this would hardly be the case for her dear friend and couldn't help but feel her heart go out to him once more. She wished there could be some way to help ease the pain of transition for him but was unsure how to go about it so instead she remained silent on the matter.

There were only a handleful of people who could affect Obi-Wan deeply, to the point of causing him to visually display his emotions without evening meaning to. Most of the time he was able to keep a cool, professional exterior similiar to that of Senator Amidala and her handmaidens. It was surprising how many similiarties their were between those in different forms of selfless duty. But Sabé had always had a knack for pinpointing just the right things to say or do that would encourage him to display emotion.

He sensed her delight at the possibility that he would soon be a Jedi Master and it was very humbling to say the least. And as always, she was incredibly thoughtful and polite in her admission which further humbled him for having received a compliment from a lady such as her. 'Thank you,' he replied graciously.

As the silence seemed to grow serious, he decided he ought to also thank her for everything she had done for him while he was unable to do much for himself. 'Without your help, it would have been most difficult readjusting to this slower pace as I recover. I hope you know just how much I've appreciated your time and your company...'

He paused for a moment before adding, 'I noticed in the last batch of datacards, aside from the assortment of newsbites, there was a story of the Old Guard. I found its contents to be fascinating. It reminded me of some of the stories I had heard about the Ancient Jedi, but of course the Nabooan tale was much more epic....'

Obi-Wan had always enjoyed her tales of Nabooan culture and she had mentioned the Old Guard quite a few times since he first met her in comparison to the Jedi. 'From what I gathered from the story, I figured the two of them shared a Force bond. It's a very rare thing for those who are force sensitive, let alone two people who aren't...or at least I assumed from the story.'

He continued, 'She hadn't met a member of the Old Guard before, but had dreamt of it, so I suppose she could have been. But it was a shame that she fell in love with him and they weren't able to be together because of cirstumstances since, I recall you mentioning not too long ago how family is harmony to the Naboo...I wonder what sort of message this myth is supposed to convey...'

Almost as soon as Sabé spoke her thoughts outloud she felt sheepish for doing so. She hoped she didn't make him feel awkward or worst sounded like she was trying to give favors. She wasn't one who spoke words if she didn't mean them and she hoped he understood this as well. However at his gracious reply she knew instantly that he understood and wasn't bothered by her blatant honesty.

Her cheeks warmed slight as she gave a gentle smile.

"Your welcome but really I was only stating the truth thats all."

She admitted shyly before a silence feel between them once more. However before it had a chance to grow too serious or too awkward Obi-Wan broke the silence with all the grace that only he could do. His words immediately caught Sabé's attention and it soon became her turn to bow her head in humble gratitude.

She hardly thought she was doing anything that helpful and in truth alwasy felt a little guilty that she wasn't able to do more. But his words touched her deeply and felt her cheeks once more warming to his kind words. Glancing back up at him she gave a shy smile as she couldn't help but look a little sheepish.

"I never realized but I'm glad I was able to help in some small way. I just wish I could be able to do more."

She admitted shyly before he continued causing her eyes to dance as she was glad he enjoyed the story she had recorded. Sabé knew he was fascinated by her people's culture and was grateful to be able to share a piece of it with him like this. However as he began to speak of the tale her expression turned from pleased to confused to shocked and embarrassed realization.

This definately was not the legend she had in mind. In fact it was anything but the legend of the Old Gaurd. Oh great gods...that's no Naboo legend! That's my private journal entry after our walk in the botanical gardens! Oh gods please tell me this isn't really happening!

But it was and her features went pale before flushing the exact shade of crimson it did when she stumbled on him in the shower years ago. Biting her lip she glanced away her hand fluttering to her mouth as the old instincts of fight or flight swiftly kicked in.

However she was no longer the young immature decoy of years ago and so Sabé resisted the urge to run even though it was so tempting. But despite her attempts to keep at least some semblence of a poised and calm expression Sabé knew her burning cheeks would give her away. Yet despite her desire to apologize profusely and quickly explain it was all a mistake the words wouldn't come. As alwasy words just seemed to evade her when she was beyond embarrassed and this moment was no exception.

"...I...that..."

She started to speak but fell silent only to start to speak again and fall silent once more. Inwardly she prayed that by some miracle she could just dissappear, or better yet that Obi-Wan would conviently forget he ever stumbled onto her rambling thoughts about her feelings for him.

Furrowing her brow she sighed deeply as her eyes fell to her hands for she didnt' dare look at him now. Not after this embarrassing discovery.

Unaware for the moment that this was in fact anything but a story of the Old Guard, nor that the gardens spoke of in the tale were none other than the botanical gardens they had explored not that long ago. As he did not make the connection, he continued speaking about the story.

'...The fact they were able to communicate without words, that they didn't need to...' He noticed her shock and utter embarrassment. He furrowed his brow a moment, thinking he might have somehow offended her for speaking of the story, but her actions were not like that.

'...and yet she knew how he felt about her--' he said before his mouth dropped open and his eyes widened in realisation.

'Oh...' Obi-Wan closed his mouth which despite himself was forming a smile. His eyes too fell to the ground, embarrassed, but the surprise was far from unpleasant. It was obvious she hadn't meant for him to stumble upon it, but he couldn't say he wished he hadn't.

'I--' he began, unsure what to say and falling silent for a moment though gaining the confidence to look back at her.

Sabé already knew what he was going to say even before he said it as she had written it all before. But even so it didn't stop her from listening and the more he spoke the more redder her face became or so it felt.

Oh gods please just open up the ground and bury me. I can't believe I just did something this foolish! She inwardly thought feeling even her ears burning as though on fire. Just as she was about to give in and muster the courage to stop him and explain what he had really found Obi-Wan paused in midsentence. Instantly she glanced up feeling concious of herself and growing even more so as she noted his eyes widening upon the realization.

Instantly her eyes fell to her hands as she bit her lip and once more wished desperately she had her blade with her so she could play with her ribbon. She coudl see from the corner of her eyes that he was smiling although looking just as embarrassed as she felt.

"...I'm sorry that wasn't the...well...I..."

She didnt' dare glance back to him although Sabé could feel his eyes settling on her after a moment. This was by far the most embarrassing moment she had experienced in years and was barely second to the incident on Queen Amidala's ship. But try as she might the words still wouldn't come and Sabé could only thank the gods he was gracious enough not to tease her for her foolishness.

"...That wasn't exactly the story I meant to share with you...I'm terribly sorry about that."

She finally admitted after having finally found her nerve to swallow her humilation and shame. However despite this moment of bravery she couldn't quite muster the nerve to look at him for she feared if she did she might lose her nerve and run off.

Once he comprehended the true meaning behind the 'tale' and that it was in fact a personal journal entry, his shock gave way to a humble acceptance, though feeling bad about having run across something that was meant to remain private.

'I'm sorry--' he began at the same time as she did.

But there had been nothing in the contents of the chip that were dishonourable and everything was so carefully treated it was hard for one not to think it was a tale as she had said.

Her extreme embarrassment made him feel bad, but what was done was done, and ultimately: 'It merely voiced what we already knew,' he said reassuringly, taking her hand. 'No harm's been done.

'And I did like hearing your version story...'

His apology made her cheeks grow even more warm though a shy smile crept into her features. They always had a habit of apologizing for matters they couldn't help. It wasn't his fault he accidently stumbled onto her journal after all she did mislabel it.

But his gentle reassurance warmed her heart and helped erase the worst of her embarrassment. As his hand slipped into hers Sabe finally found the nerve to glance to him as her shy smile did little to hide her sheepish expression.

"I'm at least relieved to know my 'tale' didn't completely bore you or worse come across as inappropriate."

She admitted shyly once more grateful for his gracious reassurances and the fact he didn't tease her about it. As she spoke she let her thumb gently roll over his hand as she felt herself growing a little more relaxed.

'Far from it,' he replied, unable to prevent his smile from widening just slightest bit at the sight of hers. He felt Sabé relaxing a little and this assured him that having taken her hand had not been inappropriate.

'I just feel bad that I cannot offer you the opportunity to read my version since it would be only fair, but I'm afraid I'm not a very talented storyteller anyway.'

The wind picked up a bit and as she hadn't a cloak with her, he removed his to wrap it around her shoulders. He had a penchant for not worry about his own health as thoughts of Sabé's well-being outweighed his own.

Sabé looked visibly relieved at his reassurances. Her eyes danced in gentle curiousity and amusement at his admittance for not having similiar thoughts recorded.

"You're a far better storyteller than you give yourself credit for Obi-Wan. Personally I could listen to you tell story's for hours and never grow tired of them."

She said shyly as her cheeks warmed once more. It was the truth as when he did vaguely speak of previous missions or 'adventures' it always had Sabé intrigued and eager to hear more. To her they were the material of legends and if that wasn't enough his Coruscanti accent gave it an air of silent authority that only added to the mystic of the 'tale' spoken.

The wind began to pick up and Sabé instinctivally shiver wishing she would have brought a cloak. But as if reading her thoughts Obi-Wan removed his and gently wrapped it around her shoulders. However Sabé didn't feel comfortable about wearing his cloak when she knew fully well that he wasn't exactly at full health himself. Furrowing her brow she decided to go for a comprimise as she knew fully well that attempting to argue the matter would only encourage his stubborn but noble need to put everyone else first before himself.

"Thank you.

But if its alright with you I'd rather you share this with me. You're healing after all and I'd feel awful if you caught a chill."

Sabé said shyly as she moved a little closer with the intent to slip part of the cloak around his shoulders as she offered a sheepish smile. Had this been a more public place or even during the busy hours of the day she might not have felt brave enough to do such a bold action. But the hour was later and the gardens empty and so she took the chance and hoped it wouldn't offend him in anyway.

As always, her compliments were taken to heart and his eyes fell as he humbly received it. He still felt that she was the surperior storyteller, for even the banter between the handmaidens which she was able to share with him were mst amusing.

When he moved to offer her his cloak, he hadn't expected her to move closer to him, let alone suggest they share it. His eyes grew wide momentarily, but he saw nothing wrong with the suggestion, nor did he even consider it inappropriate. Obi-Wan took the opposite end from her, but found it was a bit too narrow.

'Er--' he began as he too moved closer.

'It might work better if--'

He slipped an arm around her waist tenatively, looking her in the eye to make sure he hadn't crossed any invisible lines.

It had been quite a few months since he was last this close to her and he found he was definitely the warmer for it.

Sabé blushed deeply as she noted his surprise and instantly feared she had crossed the line. Looking apologetic she was about to apologise and explain that she didn't mean to offend him but soon he was trying to find a way for them to share the cloak and was slipping closer.

Her cheeks warmed further as he spoke once more but it was her heart that sang when his arm slipped around her waist. Her eyes met his and though she was blushing, the small smile that played on her lips and the shy love found in her eyes said all she couldn't hope to express.

While the cold wind caused the temprature of the gardens to cool considerably Sabé felt only warmth as she paused hesitating before taking the chance as she rested her head on Obi-Wan's shoulder.

He was assured that no lines had been crossed when she rested her head on his shoulder. There were no words to express how much this slight gesture meant to him. Despite their inability to verbally confirm what their souls had always known, times like these would be forever embedded deep within his memory.

'Warmer?' he asked softly.

He felt nothing inappropriate about their position. It only carried a sense of rightness that he had yet to experience without her by his side though he doubted he ever would.

Obi-Wan then began to wonder how this chance meeting came about, not that he minded.

A smile played gently on her lips as Sabé soon realized to her relief that her risk was well taken. This moment just felt completely perfect to her and Sabé was unable to resist a contented sigh. For even without a single word being shared, so much was being said and it left her feeling both humbled and blessed to be able to experience such a moment.

At Obi-Wan's gentle question Sabé's shy smile widened slightly as her eyes softened. Nodding slightly in reply she cast him a glance and gently asked.

"Are you? Warmer I mean."

She quickly added as her cheeks warmed once more. While she appriciated being so near to him she hoped that he wasn't cold either. For in his still healing state his body she feared his body might need more warmth than either the cloak or herself could give.

The sound of her soft, contented sigh warmed his heart. It expressed what he felt as well: harmony And he felt himself relax as well.

He watched the wind dancing through the shrubberies just before turning to catch her glance.

'Yes,' he replied simply before adding, 'In fact this is probably the warmest I have ever been in this cloak.' Obi-Wan offered her the smile he never knew was reserved just for her.

Again the temptation to kiss her as he had only a scant few months ago toyed with him, but sitting here like this was already more than he could have dreamt for.

Peace couldn't possible define this moment enough for Sabé. Harmony even seemed almost didn't suffice but came close. In silence she could only stare ahead to the plants around them watching as they danced in the wind.

But when he asked if she was warm Sabé couldn't help but feel concerned for him. She hoped Obi-Wan didn't feel obligated to remain here for her sake. She knew his health wasn't quite up to par yet and was concerned it was still too cold for him despite the shared cloak. She was going to ask him if he wanted to return indoors but his gentle and sincere reply eased her concerns. Just as his hidden smile made her hear swell.

Bowing her head slightly Sabé felt a little shy but touched at his words.

"I just don't want you to feel obligated to remain here for my sake if you're cold."

She admitted gently wanting him to know she was alright if he felt the need to return inside. For while he gave the distinct impression this wasn't a problem Sabé couldn't help but express her concerns for his healing condition.

However soon another sense of a comfortable silence fell between them and this time Sabé found her thoughts drifting back to another moment shared here. It made her cheeks warm as she couldn't help but feel a little wistful at the memory. Yet even so she knew better than to let such thoughts formulate into temptation for this moment was already a wonderful blessing. To do so would only bring disgrace to both Obi-Wan's and her own codes of honor. So with this in mind Sabé's promptly buried the memory and just allowed herself to enjoy the beauty of the moment and appriciate the fact she was able to share it with such wonderful company.

scene list