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Missing Scenes
Post Phantom Menace: Tokens of Friendship
Naboo Royal Palace
Obi-Wan was officially a Jedi Knight as he stood there at the Naboo parade, next to his new apprentice, Anakin Skywalker. The boy wasn't sure what to make of it all. He'd been granted a master and given a chance for a new life, the life he'd always dreamt of. Obi-Wan was not at all surprised when the boy fell straight to sleep that evening after supper.
Slipping out of their immense quarters in the royal palace, Obi-Wan took a meditative walk and shortly found himself outside. It was peaceful here and thoughts of the master he had lost just a few days ago seemed to hurt less. It was cool, but not bitingly cold as he walked. He thought of how he had gone against what Master Yoda said in training Anakin, but he owed it to Qui-Gon. His dying wish was for Obi-Wan to train him. And the boy seemed eager enough.
His thoughts drifted to happier thoughts, recalling the time he had found the queen, the decoy queen outside of the starship, caught up in her own thoughts. He wondered about her, Sabé. She was so young, yet was willing to sacrifice herself for her queen. He wondered if he'd ever be able to see her again.
The day was beyond eventful and though she was happy that it was
drawing to a close she was also saddened by it. She knew without
question it would be no doubt the last time her path crossed with the
young Jedi Padawan.
The mere thought of him causes her cheeks to warm and her heart to race. With the memory of their kiss still lingering her thoughts Sabe felt it would be wise to find some time alone to clear her thoughts, to prepare for the inevitable parting and seperation.
Though the celebrations continued the air was somber for her as she stepped outside taking in a deep gulp of fresh air letting it clear her thoughts as she does so.
Then glancing around quickly sensing as though no one was near she sighs deeply and slips off her shoes grateful to be able to feel the grass beneath her toes as she wriggles them. Something about being barefoot always calmed her nerves and brought her peace, though it wasn't as nearly as nice as the Padawan's presence it would have to do. At the thought of Obi-WAn she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She hoped desperatly that he was alright, that the sorrow of his mentors passing still isn't consuming him as much as the last time she saw him. if only she knew how to help him through the worse of it. But she knew it wasn't possible and so she tried her best not to dwell on it too much for it saddened her.
With this thought in mind she meanders quietly alone with shoes in hand when Sabe suddenly feels the familar hum in her thoughts. Her eyes widen slightly at the reconition and as she casually passed around a large series of bushes her eyes settled on the thoughtful form of the former Padawan. Smiling sadly she is torn between doing the appropriate thing and leaving him to his thoughts or giving in and quietly approaching. Unfortunately for her the realization of how she looks with shoes in hand and bare toes in grass doesn't occur to her.
The slight vibration through the Force shoook Obi-Wan from his
thoughts. He still needed to get that under control: focusing on where
he was and what he was doing instead of the past or the future.
If it wasn't for her Force signature, he thought it could have been any one of the queen's handmaidens, but as it was...
He watched her, walking barefoot through the grass, but stopped when she saw him. Obi-Wan was pleased to see her though. 'I didn't think I'd get a chance to see you again before we leave,' he said upon approach. He looked at his own feet sheepishly.
She had been so brave, wearing the queen's battle uniform and headdress into battle and he'd never had the chance to tell her that. Surely she knew already anyway. She deserved more than congratulations for her efforts, but her duties didn't receive recognition. The thought hit him that it was sort of like the Jedi, in a way.
She blushes at his words as she briefly glances away before returning her attentions to him as she offers a shy smile.
"I admit I wasn't expecting to see you either. But I am grateful all the same."
Noting his eyes falling to his feet she suddenly realizes she is without her shoes and blushing deeply she drops them from her fingers and quickly slips them on once more.
"Sorry...I always find it relaxing to feel the grass under my feet."
She mutters mistaking his sheepish gaze is more to do with her unprofessional appearance then shy nature.
She wants to ask him how he is fairing. Where his next mission will be what will happen to the young Skywalker boy. But in truth these aren't the real questions she wants to ask, but she knows there are just some things that aren't meant to be said. She had to let go, there was no other way around it. He was a Jedi and she a handmaiden. Both serving duties that would not permit their pathes to cross again. Both holding loyalties that did not give way to attachments or comprimises.
The thought fills her with both pride and sadness. He had been through so much and yet he remained strong and clearheaded through it all. Even in mourning he was able to see beyond the present and this only added to her respect for him. He was strong, stronger then she'd ever would have imagined and inwardly she hopes one day she too will be able to embrace and have such strength of character and heart.
However at this thought her mind takes another turn of direction as she notices he is lacking his braid. Tilting her head slightly Sabe offers a curious and gentle smile.
"You are missing your braid. Does this mean you have become a knight?"
She asks remembering what little was told to her of the Jedi's innitiations.
Obi-Wan didn't even think much of her naked feet until she mentioned she liked the feel of the grass. 'I haven't ever tried it,' he admitted with a slight smile.
He sensed without trying that she wanted something, what exactly that something was he wasn't sure, but he sensed it nonetheless.
'Yes,' he answered. 'It's part of the initiation ceremony. I am a Jedi Knight now, though I didn't go through the trials.'
He sat down on one of the stone seating fixtures and slipped off his boots, testing the feel of the grass between his toes tenatively. 'This is rather nice,' he remarked casually. 'Softer than I would have thought.'
Her sheepish expression relaxes and for a moment she finds herself once more admiring the Jedi knight before her.
"You should it is quite soothing."
She says moving to join him as she takes a seat as well casting him a proud smile to his words as she bows slightly.
"Congratulations Jedi Knight Kenobi. I cannot think of another more deserving of such a title then yourself."
She glances to her hands briefly.
"You remind me of the old legends spoken here. You know the tales of the Old Guard who used to protect the Naboo from invaders."
She says casting him a thoughtful smile before grinning as he removes his shoes before she does the same herself relaxing further.
"It is isn't it?"
She remarks to his comments of the grass before turning curious once more.
"So what exactly do these trials entail?"
Her congratulatory remarks caused a blush to rise in his cheeks, though he dismissed it. 'I'm not even sure what the trials entail exactly. I've heard different stories from friends of mine who went through them. I think they're a bit different for each person.'
He shrugged, brushing his feet over the grass.
'Master Yoda said that since I defeated a Sith Lord, the trials weren't necessary,' he said, while looking at the ground. It felt cool and a bit damp, but soft. 'Anakin is my padawan now. I don't know if I'm ready to be a taking on an apprenctice, but I promised--' He couldn't say his former master's name.
He grew silent and focused on the grass once more. It was then he noticed how close she was sitting and his eyes crawled up the side of her figure. It was an odd feeling, but part of him didn't want to leave in the morning.
She furrows her brow thoughtfully.
"So these trials are more of a personal thing then a generic test to which all must pass."
She says finding the thought pleasing to her. It certainly made such matters a bit more fair to say the least she muses before going silent as he explains himself further. Her heart both swells with pride at his accomplishment and aches for his loss. What a time this must be for him she thinks to herself as he falls silent. She wants to reach out to offer some sort of comfort but is not sure if that would be considered appropriate.
"I do not think they would have given you this responsibility if they weren't certain that you were ready for it.
Although I don’t blame you for being a bit overwhelmed, you have been through so much over such a short period of time.”
She says softly before turning pensive as she rubs her toes in the grass finding it soothing as her thoughts turn to him though she is unaware of his gaze.
To have lost a mentor only to become one himself; what that must be like she could only imagine and the thought fills her with even more respect for him only now it is underlying with concern as well. May the gods watch over you and give you strength in the coming days my dear friend, she inwardly wishes.
It is only then she begins to register the nearness of his presence though she hesitates before casting him a brief glance back her eyes unconciously putting his image to memory.
He nodded thoughtfully at her Jedi trial query and listened to her kind words. It helped to know that someone else had faith in him. He needed all the encouragement he could get at this point.
Obi-Wan met her gaze, remembering the time they'd played a stare-down game and it brought a smile to his face.
He didn't want her to forget him. He knew he wouldn't forget her. He felt like he wanted to give her something...something for her to remember him by. But the Jedi didn't have many possessions. He didn't have anything of value.
Then inspiration hit him. 'I know it's not much, well, it's not very--' He cleared his throat. He paused to remove something from a pounch on his belt. 'I'd like for you to have it.' He handed her the braid which had been cut for ceremonial purposes and looked to her, unsure what she would make of the gesture.
She meets his gaze and returns his smile though she looks a bit shy as she does so. She wishes this moment could linger or that there could be a way to prolong the inevitable. But she knows it is not meant to be and so she tries to make the most of what she can. Studying him for a moment longer she tries to put his image to her memory to put all of it to memory so she could cherish it always.
As he quietly speak she furrows her brow slightly curious to know the meaning of his words as she tilts her head slightly in reply. Watching him as he removes a small pouch from his belt her expression turns more curious to that of awe as he presents her the small braid.
Her cheeks warm as he offers it to her. Though she knew little of the Jedi and their ways she knew enough to know this was no small matter and it moves her deeply. Offering a shy smile she bows her head slightly feeling a little unworthy to accept such a noble gift.
"This is quite an honor. Are you sure you want to give this to me? I know of it's importance to your culture I do no wish you to part with something that means to much to you"
She says shyly.
He nervously scratched the back of his neck as she bowed her head, figuring she thought it wasn't a very good gift. Obi-Wan couldn't tell at first if what she was saying was to be polite, but her eyes told him she was being truthful; he felt it.
'It marks a rite of passage,' he said, having no longer any need for it, 'which requires acts of bravery. I want to give this to you, something of significance, for your courage under the most dangerous of circumstances. You held your own and served your queen well.'
He hoped the queen had at least thanked her for her services, even if such a recognition is not expected nor required. 'To let you know that I admire you, Sabé, and I hope you won't forget me.'
Her eyes sparkle as he explains the ritual being that of a rites of passage the thought and tradition is obviously intriguing, reminding her once more of the ancient legends of old. However at his compliment her cheeks flush as she is visibly humbled by his words. Glancing to her hands she smiles shyly before glancing back up at him.
"I wouldn't say I was couragous in any way, I was only doing my duty after all. But thank you Obi-Wan. Such a compliment should never be taken lightly, especially when given from one who has shown true bravery."
His final remarks causes her heart to both sink and soar. It reminded her that he had to leave but it also served to reveal his respect and admiration for her which alone filled her with humble joy. Even without the gentle token resting in her hand Sabe knew she would never forget the Jedi Knight by her side. Gingerly she holds the braid enjoying the feel of it's texture against her fingers as she inwardly tries to think of something to offer that would not offend the Jedi belief in maintaining no attachments.
An idea occurs to her and gently placing the brain on her lap she moves a hand deftly to a hidden pocket on her dress before removing a small item that appears as a rather detailed brooch. Upon closer examination it becomes reconizable as a small clasp that is used to attach a sword's sheath to ones belt. Or in this case a dagger. Though it is hardly ornate it is very well crafted and reveals the symbol of Naboo's royal house. Marking the bearer as being someone who serves the royality.
Offering it to him shyly she lowers her eyes a though fearful he may find offence in it.
"I know Jedi do not keep much personal belongings. But it is something you will always need, for your lightsaber that is."
She hesitates debating if he'll laugh at her for sharing this or not but in the end she takes a chance anyways.
"...The mark of the royal house is actually made up of two symbols that were commonly worn by the old guard back in the ancient times. It's exact translation isn't quite clear but if taken directly it represents 'courage through peace'. "
Her cheeks warm almost to a crimson now as she shyly replies.
"So I thought...well...I thought you should have it, because it suits you and the Order you serve...and well so you won't forget me either."
She adds while slipping it into his hands.
It was a shame that they might not be able to develop this friendship as they mayn't ever see each other again.
But Obi-Wan didn't think so. For as hard as it was to focus on the Living Force, he could easily slip into possibilities of the future, though he was wise enough not to trust such images. He saw her on Coruscant with an entourage of youger handmaidens. She did not look at him as he passed by as she was focused on the girls, possibly training them? Obi-Wan wasn't sure.
He snapped out of the vision when she slipped the device into his hands. He turned it over to examine it. But then he felt perhaps she had given it to him out of a gift-giving custom of the Nabooans instead of for any ulterior meaning--which might mean that she thought little of his own gift. 'I did not expect to receive anything in return... Are you certain you will not be needing this?'
And upon his last remark, he realised they were both in the same position, which caused a blush to rise in his cheeks. They both wanted to give each other something to remember the other by because they were both quite fond of each other.
His words causes her to look a little crestfallen as she fears perhaps he believes it is beneath him to accept such a token. Biting her lip she shakes her head slightly glancing away briefly before returning his gaze as her eyes softens.
"...That isn't why I'm offering this to you."
She says trying not to take offence at his words but feeling a little deflated by them all the same.
"I just would like to give you something to remember me by as well...That is if you want...I mean, I understand such things can be considered forbidden. But...I'd really like you to have it, that is if it isn't considered a dishonor to accept such a gift."
Her cheeks light up on fire as she realizes suddenly that she is rattling on and promptly goes silent. Glancing to the small braid in her lap she gently holds it once more hoping he still accepts the gift despite her horrid explanation.
And Obi-Wan realised once again that he had made a grave cultural error. 'No, it's not forbidden exactly. It's not a dishonour; it's lovely. I, er, well I suppose I'm not used to receiving gifts.' He tried to explain so that she wouldn't take offense and found himself looking at his bare feet again.
He finally looked back at her as he said, 'Thank you,' knowing he would cherish it and think on her.
She smiles at his words her eyes remaining gentle as she understands he isn’t so much different then she is. Both so shy and afraid of offending the other because so little is known about each other. If only it didn’t have to be so she inwardly thinks to herself as Sabe finds her fingers once more going over the small braid resting in her hands. But it is the will of fate and I will not question it.
Then with new found bravery she didn’t know she ever hand she gently reaches out and takes his hand in hers as she casts him a kind smile as if to say ‘I understand and I am alright with it.’ What exactly she is accepting she can’t entirely say for sure but she wants him to feel at ease, for him to know she is comfortable with the present and at ease with what the future may hold. Despite how she wishes it could be different.
Obi-Wan was surprised to find her hand touching his, but that surprise was not unpleasant, nor unwanted. Her hand felt so soft and sth under his own calloused hand. He couldn't help but look down at their entwined hands, marvelling at the compassionate understanding that seemed to resonate from it.
It was as if in that moment they made a silent pact that no matter what happened in the future, wherever their lives might take them, that they would remember there was at least one other person out there in the galaxy who understood them.
His eyes left their hands and looked to her, a small but sincere and grateful smile on his face.
She feels her cheeks warming once more as the decoy catches his gaze turning to their intertwining fingers but not about to draw her hand away. For his touch is soothing and she rather likes the feel of his calloused palm against her own sth skin. It suited him somehow the harden edge of his skin and how gentle it was at the sametime.
Closing her eyes Sabe promises herself that no matter what is to come she would never forget the young man by her side. But with this promise comes the realization that despite her wish to remain detached for the sake of duty to her queen, part of her would always remain with the young Jedi knight. She knew that though nothing could come to pass between them, he understood how she felt and that he knew she respected his duties, just as he respected her own.
A gentle but warm smile crosses her features at the thought and as she glances over to him it widens slight upon noting he is watching her with a simular expression his face.
"I am so glad, to have met you Obi-Wan."
She says softly meaning every word of it and much more.
At her words, Obi-Wan found himself unable to speak. It was a small gesture, their tokens and the words spoken were far from extravagant, but that made increased the significance tenfold.
He looked down at their hands again and ran his thumb over the top of hers in a semicircular manner.
The nlight was high now, causing irreverant shadows to be cast on the lawn. He wondered if he would ever have a chance to come back here. It was truly beautiful. So was Sabé.
