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Missing Scenes
Post Revenge of the Sith: A Chat With Mrs Darklighter
The bustle of Mos Eisley was at its height when Sabé slipped away to speak with one of her contacts. After seeing about getting her security system replaced, Obi-Wan found himself perusing various booths filled with knickknacks from various places across Tatooine.
Obi-Wan consciously keept his hood up so as not to attract the wrong sort of attention. It was still going to take awhile for him to get used to sneaking around all the time. He was not accustomed to deception even of the minor kind.
He spotted a young human couple, poor farmers by the sight of them, but they were happy. The woman presented the man with some sort of device. It looked like a part of a speeder. He heard the man exclaiming in joy but insisting it was too expensive. The woman assured him it was well worth saving up for; it was something he'd wanted and it was his birthday after all. The scene was touching and Obi-Wan turned away, continuing down the street.
His thoughts drifted as he made his way through the market, turning back to his thoughts the night before. The danger of losing her had driven him to race over to her home in the middle of the night. Such an attachment was strictly forbidden according to the Jedi Code. The Council wouldn't approve. They would say he was falling... Despite the fact there wasn't a Council any longer, the thought of him betraying what the Jedi stood for was causing conflicting feelings.
This debate was causing him unrest. He kept going back and forth over this, despite what they had said to each other the night before. He knew he was in love with her. There was no way around it and she in turn loved him back.
Sabé only encouraged pure, honest, positive emotions in him. She encouraged him to be a better person. She would not interfere in his duties and neither would he interfere in hers. They understood each other. How could such a devotion be a bad thing?
Their relationship was nothing like that of Anakin and Padmé. He would never turn to the Dark Side even if she chose to marry another man nor would he would become jealous or possessive. Obi-Wan only wanted her to be happy. And if the Force willed it that they should part once more, he would accept it.
Obi-Wan paused at one of the stands, his thoughts shifted once more, but this time back to the present.
The day was bright but not overly warm at least by Tatooine standards marking the transition from the arid season to the cool but very slightly more humid season. She hoped for the Vapor farmer's who were scattered across the planet this would be a fruitful time of year for them all. The drought of the past couple of years had been trying even for the best of them and her heart went out to all who even now were struggling to survive.
However even this fact could to little to put a damper on her mood. For she had just seen her newly born grandson and like her husband was as proud a grandparent as any would be. Baby Biggs has long since already stolen the old couples heart's and both were only too happy to spend as much time with their grandson as they could. Celia loved children and had always wanted many of her own and as such was blessed with two sons. Her husband too was rather fond of kids and was absolutely thrilled upon learning he was to become a grandfather.
Lost in these happy thoughts the old couple continued their work as they chatted and exchanged teasing banter each other as they always did. That is until Celia caught sight of the familiar hooded man. Casting a glance back to her husband she can't help but grin.
"Wouldn't you know it? It's Sefa's sweetheart!"
The older man glanced up and chuckled knowing how much his wife fancied Sefa and how happy she was to learn the younger woman was courting.
"Oh you mean Ben don't you?"
He remarks trying to locate the hooded form in the crowds as Celia folds her arms casting him an amused look.
"Of course I'm talking about Ben who else did you think I was refering to?"
He just shrugged offering a wry grin marking the fact he is once more teasing her.
Obi-Wan wondered how much time had passed since Sabé went off to meet her contact. It felt like it had been hours, but then again, he reminded himself, it always felt like that when he was first parted from her. And when they were together, time seemed to fly by. It was always too short and they often were called away on duty. This time it was no different. She had a job to do and he would not get in the way of that.
At the same time, he couldn't help but miss her.
He was about to turn back, when he lifted his head just enough to catch sight of the Darklighters who were chatting away across the street.
The older woman having caught his attention couldn't resist a kind smile as she bowed her head to him in a distant greeting. She in truth wanted to approach to ask him how he was doing, to learn if he had some better success in his "crops" and to wish him well with his reunion with Sefa.
The thought of the two causes her to smile. She knew without question they were very much in love though it left her wondering why he hadn't taken the oppertunity to make her his bride. After all she always believed that one should embrace the moment and live life to the fullest, for life on a planet as harsh as this one could be short and full of hardships leaving little joy to embrace. So when fate permitted it to surface she firmly believe it had to be enjoyed to the fullest.
"It's such a shame he hasn't proposed to her yet."
She mused outloud as her husband raises a brow casting her a knowing glance.
"PErhaps he's not ready to."
He remarked shaking his head as he instantly picked up on his wife's misty eyed expression.
"Oh don't be silly you saw the way they look at each other. They are meant to be I can feel it in my bones. He just needs a push in the right direction if you ask me."
"Which I didn't."
The old man teased as she gives him a playful swat laughing.
"Well too bad you're getting my opinion anyways, whether you like it or not you terrible scoundrel!"
But the older woman turned a bit more serious as she studied Obi-Wan for a moment longer nodding as she remarked quietly to herself.
"Yes, I definatly think he just needs the right encouragement thats all."
Her husband shakes his head in reply as he offers a wry grin.
"I want nothing to do with whatever it is you're up to Celia. I'm telling you right now i'm washing my hands of all this. Frankly I think you're just going to embaress the poor man."
She gives him a 'let me be the judge of that' look as she folds her arms leaving him to put his hands up in the air as he wanders to the back of the shop.
"Just don't say i didn't tell you so!"
He remarked as it is her turn to shake her head as she remarks softly to herself as she bides her time and hopes he will at some point arrive to their shop.
"We'll see about that."
Obi-Wan's thoughts drifted once again, this time to memories of his former master, mostly chiding him for not keeping his thoughts in the here and now.
'But Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future,' observed Obi-Wan.
'But not at the expense of the moment.
The moment, Obi-Wan mused as he walked past the Darklighters. I'd certainly like to live in the moment more often with Sabé around...
He did not hear any of what Mrs. Darklighter was saying, which was probably a good thing.
The older woman noted Obi-Wan passing by and is unable to resist calling to him. After all this just felt too coincidential not to be brought on by fate.
"Hello Ben! I'm surprised not to see Sefa with you. She told me yesterday that she would be meeting you here about this time. Has something come up?"
She asks politely all the while inwardly a little grateful the younger woman wasn't by his side. Another sign for sure that this conversation was without question meant to occur. Although despite this she did hope Sefa's delay wasn't because of trouble but rather a prolonging of other business. She did after all come to regard the younger woman as the daughter she never had and wanted nothing more then her happiness. Which in truth was the main driving force behind what weighs on her mind now.
Obi-Wan greeted the woman pleasantly and when she casually mentioned Sabé, he couldn't help the colour rising in his cheeks.
'Oh, well, she had a few errands--' he explained, unsure just how much Mrs. Darklighter knew of "Sefa's" other occupation, nor was he about to reveal anything.
'I'll be catching up with her soon,' he added, though he wasn't sure why he was telling Mrs. Darklighter this, but smiling at the thought of seeing Sabé soon.
She noticed his blush and couldn't help but cast him a knowing smile. If he thought he wasn't being obvious he obviously doesn't know a mother's instinct she mused inwardly as she nodded at his words.
"I know she was looking forward to meeting you here upon completing of her errands. From the moment she arrived till she left for the day she wouldn't stop talking about you.
She is a fine young woman dear, if I were you I'd do the smart thing and marry the girl before another suitor comes and steals her heart away.
To be honest I'm surprised at you for not having done so yet!"
She exclaims with a smile noting his joy at her words about Sefa joining him soon.
A fine woman indeed, he thought. Although that is an understatement.
Then came the words "marry her". The elder lady's forwardness shouldn't have been such a shock to him, but Obi-Wan stood there gaping at her for a good while, unable to speak. His mouth opened, but no words came out and was promptly shut.
How could she possibly--she can't read my mind. What--another suitor? Was there another man she was currently seeing? But even if she was, that was her prerogative. Wait, why should that matter to me? It's not as if she would consent to--and even if--and such a proposition--
Haven't done so already? What does she mean by that? We've only just--well we haven't actually, but then why does it matter? And she thinks we ought to...Did Sabé say something to this woman about us?
Breathe... His mind was set to hyperdrive and he knew he needed to relax. Sabé... He continued to gape at the older woman, his eyes wide. Breathe...
Finally after what seemed like ages, he coughed slightly, 'I didn't--I mean we haven't-- Did she mention-- I should probably...go...'
The older woman quickly noted his shock and couldn't help but feel a little apologetic. Lightly she pats his hand as she remarks with a kind smile.
"There's no need to be shy dear, I'm just an old woman who only means to help that is all."
She says chuckling softly before adding as her eyes sparkle.
"You need not worry I haven't said anything to her I'm only commenting on what I've observed and offering a small piece of wisdom.
Life is too short to let such your fears get in the way of your feelings. You love her I can see it, just as she loves you. All I'm saying is you should enjoy this while you can, you never know when it will all slip away."
She remarks in more serious tones as she inwardly hoped he would understand that in truth she only wanted to see them both happy.
Mrs. Darklighter's words spoke to him and he nodded in response, not realising that in doing so, he was confirming what she had suspected. No, what she already knows, he reminded himself.
'I apologise for coming off abruptly, Mrs. Darklighter,' Obi-Wan said. Dare he risk it? No, he couldn't. 'I am just not comfortable discussing such things... I'm sure you can understand.'
But then she added the part about fear. It was true, much of what he was holding back was out of fear. But fear of what? Certainly it wasn't fear of the Council's disapproval since it no longer existed. Fear that she would reject him? No, he would accept that.
Then what was holdng him back?
It was not too long after he had left Mrs. Darklighter to continue on to the place nearby that he would be meeting Sabé at when he stopped midstride and turned around.
He went back over to her, asking in a quiet voice, 'Er...how does one go about asking someone to marry them?'
She nodded slightly in understanding casting him a kind but serious expression.
"It's alright dear I understand how this must be for you. I just hope that no matter what you do in the end, that you at least pay a little heed to my words. For both of your sakes.
Just consider it free advice from one who has seen much over their years."
She adds with a friendly smile before bowing slightly as he turns to walk away. Sighing softly to herself she shakes her head. She couldn't understand why he was so nervous or awkward about something that should be the obvious course of action for them both. But just as she is about to turn away and return to her duties she catches sight of 'Ben' nearing the front table. Approaching she furrows her brow curiously unsure what had caused him to return this time.
But at his softly spoken question she practically beams as she gives his arm a squeeze before replying in equally quiet tones.
"Well that my dear is really up to you. However I might suggest you try it when the moment is right, you know when everything around you is peaceful and you two can talk it over. I know she likes to star-gaze she has mentioned it before that it helps clear her thoughts. Perhaps you should try then."
Mrs. Darklighter certainly knew her stuff. Well, that was to be expected. Obi-Wan knew that advice from an elder was not to be wasted and at her suggestion of stargazing, he wondered if indeed Sabé had mentioned something to the old woman, even if indirectly.
He recalled Sabé had spoken of stargazing and he had said something in reply about it being for primitive cultures. Now, upon reflection, he felt quite terrible for revealling his ignorance in the matter. He hadn't ever thought of it as a peaceful, nor romantic activity.
'Thank you,' he said, unable to prevent himself from smiling at the thought. He bowed his head as the blush refused to leave then met her eyes. 'I have to admit I was thinking of it. I appreciate your advice and it will not go to waste.'
He then bowed to Mrs. Darklighter before setting off once more.
The older woman just smiled kindly her eyes dancing in joy as she nodded to him in understanding.
"Your most very welcome dear, now you hurry off as I do believe I see Sefa coming right now!"
She remarked her eyes turning to the crowd where Sabe's form has come into view her eyes looking watchful and perhaps a little guarded. Though she appeared to be just casually shopping to one who knew her it is obvious she is looking for someone.
And upon catching sight of that someone she can't help but smile and move swiftly to meet him. However despite her joy it is obvious that she had something one her mind.
Obi-Wan risked lifting his hood enough to glance through the crowd, drawing ever closer to that familiar, sweet hum that was Sabé's Force signature. It now registered with him that it had always felt like a hug: warm and comforting.
After speaking with Mrs. Darklighter about things he had certainly never voiced, he was smiling secretly to himself, but it broadened when he saw her. Once they were facing each other, he wanted to give her a kiss hello, but took up her hand instead. 'Good afternoon, Sefa,' he said, giving it a kiss.
He thought to ask how her meeting went, but withheld the question, knowing it was not approapriate to discuss such matters in public...unless it was cloaked in code as she and her handmaidens used to communicate. Though not well-versed, he was now competant enough in it to ask if everything had gone all right.
She tried to bury her thoughts about the meeting she had earlier. The words of her contact even now still sends chills down her spine. She knew her last mission though successful in some ways as a complete failure in others. She had only herself to blame for her lack of reaction time and poor escape. So bent on revenge and broken in despair she wasn't thinking clearly and now because of it she had placed her family at risk.
How could I have been so foolish! She inwardly frets before catching sight of Obi-Wan just as she feels his signature humming in her thoughts. Instantly it calms her troubled thoughts and she moves quickly to join him as a smile fills her expression. Even though they had been apart for but a short period of time already she missed him.
As she approached she practically beamed to his greeting before bowing slightly as he kissed her hand.
"Good Afternoon Ben."
At his subtle gestures and guarded remarks Sabe gave his hand a squeeze feeling a rush of joy at his use of the old codes. But at the same time it caused her to feel another shiver of concern at the memories of the discussion spoken and what it would certainly entail. She would have to leave and soon. Time was no longer on her side and Sabe knew if she did not act quickly her sister and her family as well as her parents would be in grave danger.
But not wanting to ruind this rare moment with him she replied accordingly saying it went well, a bit longer then expected.
"So have you had enough shopping for one day? Or do you still want to look around?"
She asked before waving to Mr. Darklighter who had finally emerged from his 'hiding' place in the back to give his wife a break from her duties.
Obi-Wan felt a buried fear pulsing from Sabé, but didn't dare to ask just yet. 'It's getting too hot out here for much more shopping,' he surmised. 'Unless of course you needed to get something? I've already had the security on your door fixed.' He still felt bad about bursting in on her like that.
Obi-Wan watched Mr. Darklighter wave back to Sabé a bit sheepishly before heading over to his wife. He could almost tell that Mr. Darklighter hadn't condoned his wife's assertive speech, but Obi-Wan was rather thankful for it. She had pointed out that it was in fact fear holding him back.
Well perhaps some evening when it feels right, like she said, I will just pose the question and see how it goes. No harm in that.... Yes, he figured it would just be a natural thing and whether she chose to accept the offer or not, he would follow her lead.
She shook her head at his words before casting him a surprised but grateful smile.
"Oh my goodness you didn't have to do that! I was going to take care of it tonight you know...but thank you I do appriciate it."
She said before noting his slightly sheepish look sa she raised a brow but said nothing of it. If he wanted to speak of the matter she was certain he would. But for the moment her afternoon was free and hopefully so was his and so she couldn't resist.
"I don't suppose you'd be interested in helping me prepare for the Solistice this afternoon would you? I did manage to find somethings I thought we may need."
'I'd be delighted,' Obi-Wan replied heartily. 'Just let me know what you'd like for me to do.' It was a thrill just to be by her side and the thought of the Solstice preperations brought more ideas as far as how he'd possibly go about asking her...
They made their way through the marketplace, weaving through the odd vendor and finally reaching the edge of the city where her home was.
She grinned in reply as she nodded.
"Wonderful! It's really quite easy for the most part anyways I'll show you how to do things as we go along! I think you will like it!"
She said excitedly already anticipating how it will all turn out and more then a little pleased to be able to share this moment with him.
As they arrived to her home she felt a wave of memories returning once more as she bit her lip. She didn't want to think about the trouble that was certain to arrive to her family but she knew eventually she would have to prepare and soon. AS she palmed the door she casted him a casual glance.
"I hope you don't mind but I have to make a quick message. It pertains to my lastest mission you understand and after that I'm yours."
She said offering a smile as they entered the small home.
