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Missing Scenes
Post Revenge of the Sith: Rescue
Hatred, vengeance, it reeked as the ship he was piloting drew nearer to Theed. Obi-Wan could see such destruction, the palace from afar, everything looked like it had been through the crucible. Fires still raged as his ship prepared to dock. It was a lucky thing he didn't have the Jedi Starfighter and that he could easily pose as an offworlder no one recognised.
But once out of the ship, and following Sabé's Force signature, he was stifled by the pain. He clutched a fist to his heart as he heard, or presumed he heard, her whisper through the Force.
Obi-Wan...
Surely it couldn't have been her voice for she hadn't learnt to use the Force in this way, but it was unmistakeably her voice. Her voice...and she, he knew it, she was dying.
Despite himself, Obi-Wan would not let her cross so easily to the all-encompassing Force. He still needed her. No, that was selfish of him. The Alliance needed her. All the people striving against the Emperor needed the courageous woman who was nearly dead right now, whom he hadn't been able to protect... This strikingly reminded him of the time he had walked in on Anakin facing her off with a lightsaber. And it hit him. Anakin had snuck his way out of that. He had been the one to... Obi-Wan shook his head, for the thought was unbearable. He had been on that ship with them! He could have prevented that.
Anakin. he thought, upon sensing his former padawan. Vader, he corrected himself.
Obi-Wan was paralyzed with dread, but forced himself onward. He knew where she was, it was only a matter of whether he would be able to get there in time...
As he neared the imperial stronghold, armoured clone troopers attempted to stop him, but instead of resorting to violence, he cast mindtricks on them, finding they were easily persuaded into thinking whatever he would have them think. He made a note of it, but was more focused on the task ahead.
Vader was leaving. So much the better, he surmised, loath to face him again, especially with Sabé so close to--but no, she would pull through, he had faith in her. Hold on, my love, he whispered, not knowing whether or not she could hear him in return. He stole through the hallways, undetectable to the clones that were easily thrown off.
The room wasn't even locked, he noted and saw footprints, large heavy footprints, red with blood. He knew before even entering the room whose blood it was, but it did not prepare him for the site that lay before him upon entering. 'Sabé! Sabé, oh my darling,' he said, falling to his knees next to her, soaking his cloak in her blood. There was so much blood. But she was alive, of only just.
He wished beyond all hope that he was more skilled at the healing arts, but he would do what he could for her, to at least close her wounds as best he could, before taking her to some medical facility, certainly someone was lenient to the Alliance. He cleared his thoughts, his hand covering the largest wound on her head, as he began a healing trance.
Completely oblivious to what was going on around him, he failed to notice the former handmaiden of Amidala, Lady Saché entering and leaving once more. Nor did he notice a small medical team wearing clothing not Imperial-issued were surrounding them. Just before losing consciousness himself from straining to heal her, Obi-Wan broke the trance, seeing stars for a moment. He gripped his head, breathing slowly. The assembled medical droids and humans seemed to have been working around him for a good while. And now that his hand was out of the way they set to fixing her head wound. Obi-Wan wasn't able to tear his eyes away from Sabé's face. She's going to make it, he told himself. She's going to pull through for them, for me, for us... And then he himself passed out from utter exhaustion.
When Obi-Wan awoke, he was in a sanitized, stark white room, alone. He felt Sabé was nearby and alive, but it did little good since he was stuck here. He tried the door, but it was locked. He ignited his lightsaber to start slicing through it, but was cut short when it abruptly opened.
It was like floating in a dream that wasn't a dream. She laid limp on the ground but she couldn't feel anything. She was cold and so tired yet something was keeping her from fully embracing the peaceful lull of darkness.
Punishment her weakened thoughts whispered. You killed him and now you are entering the realms of chaos. The curse you passed to Anakin is now the curse you will carry for an eternity. You spilled innocent blood, you destroyed the one joy that you could call your own just as he did.
The thought filled her with such sorrow that she would have sobbed had it been possible. But despite the torment of her shattered soul a soft voice seemed to float from somewhere far away. A single ray of hope that both confused and shamed her for the joy it instantly brought to her heart.
...hold on...my love...
She wanted desperately to believe it was him, that her knight was alive, that he was speaking to her but she knew better and the thought filled her with new sorrow. I have failed you my love...Please forgive me, I am not worthy I know that now she inwardly wept before all coherant thought slipped away as the sorrow silenced her.
Sache moved quickly through the halls. She was loathed to keep up the act in fact it made her sick to think she had to wear the uniform of her enemy but an order is an order and she would not back down on her duties to the Alliance no matter how much it bothered her. While she always enjoyed the arts of diguise and anything related to the theatre this was one act that always left her feeling tarnished and unclean.
Upon hearing that Lord Vader had been called away to speak to the Grand Moff concerning the tactical retalliation of the attack Sache immediately moved to the interagation cells. She could only imagine what happened between the former Principle Handmaiden and the Dark Lord himself. From what little experience she had of him the one thing she learnt was that he was vicious. It was as though he revelled in the pain of others and that alone made her fearful for Sabe.
Yet as she stepped appraoched the cell's door her eyes fell onto the bloody footprints leading away and her heart sanked. She was too late. Swiftly she tore the door open and gasped at the macabre sight that greeted her.
Obi-Wan was bent over the battered and bloodied form and was lost in a trance of which she had to assume was pertained to healing. Blood covered his cloak adn most of the floor and parts of the cell's wall. Her hand fluttered to her mouth as for a moment she was rendered speachless. She had seen much violence in her short time serving as part of the Emperor's intelligence but this went far beyond that. It took all her strength not to burst into tears. Had it not been for the registration that the Jedi was trying to heal what appeared to be a lifeless Sabe she would have broke down. But if he was healing her it meant there was still hope and soon she quickly left to get more medical help to intervine and hopefully repair the damage caused.
As Sabe swam in the darkness of her sorrow she felt as though she was drowning and though some part of her demanded she resist she could not. She had killed Obi-Wan and therefore deserved whatever hell awaited her. But then something unexpected began to happen.
A slow warmth began to pour over Sabe as though a blanket was being placed on her shoulders. It was subtle at first but soon the warmth grew and with it came waves of peace that despite her attempts to resist continued to pour over her. She didn't feel as though she was deserving and as such she tried to block it. But the force behind it would not give up and finally after much resistance she just let it pour over her like warm rain watching in awed silence as it seemed to wash away her pain and sadness until all that remained was the gentle heaven that reminded her so much of Obi-Wan's presence and embrace.
'Master Kenobi,' said Typho. 'It's good to see you again.'
Obi-Wan took in the uniform and was more than a little suspicious though Typho's greeting was sincere, he felt. 'Where's Lady Sabé?'
'Next door,' he said. 'You slept the day away, come on.'
Obi-Wan followed and was only trusting of the former captain and bodyguard because he had let him keep his Jedi weapon. He saw Sabé then who looked better now that they had cleaned and dressed her wounds, but she was still unconscious.
'She's been in and out over the past few hours. Saché and I have taken shifts waking her up so she doesn't fall in too deep. I'm afraid that's all we can do. It's up to you now. We're heading out on the next transport.'
Obi-Wan bowed to the Alliance spy. 'Thank you. And please give my thanks to Lady Saché.'
'I will,' Typho responded, reaching out to shake the Jedi Master's hand. 'Good luck.'
'May the Force be with, my friend,' Obi-Wan said as Typho nodded and jogged down the hallway.
He approached the bed, knowing they would need to leave soon before anyone discovered they were here. It did not register with him that Vader had left very quickly upon sensing his former master, nor that it would be simple, easy really, to fend off imperial troops with mindtricks and a lightsaber. His priority was Sabé’s safety and getting her home, to Tatooine was their best option. Knowing his ship was some ways away, he hoisted her into his arms and walked out of the imperial building. There were clone troopers all over, but he walked straight through their ranks as if he were merely the wind and not a battle-worn Jedi Master carrying his beloved in his arms.
They made it to the ship without hassle and he started up the engines, taking off, leaving war-torn Naboo behind them.
Luckily the ship passed through imperial space easily since they still weren’t extremely organised nor was this ship threatening by any means. In a few hours time, they were back on Tatooine and he laid her in his bed before returning the ship to Mr. Darklighter’s acquaintance, thanking the both of them profusely before returning to his hut.
He did not sleep. He barely ate much of anything. Hours passed and his concern deepened. She still hadn’t awoken much more than to blink her eyes and close them again. He changed and redressed her wounds, constantly monitoring her for rise in temperature. If I am selfishly holding you here and it is only bringing you pain, I am so sorry…I should let you move on. It’s not fair to you. I’m sorry…
Sache watched her friend in silence her expression troubled and yet relieved. Sabe had made it past the critical point of her healing with no small thanks to the Jedi Master who had used all his energy to mend the worst of the damage inflicted. Had he not been there to aid her friend it was certain she wouldnt have even made it to the infirmary nevermind to this point.
But even so it wasn't easy to standby helpless and watch. Sabe for the most part was unconcious save for when Soren and herself had taken turns keeping watch over her and waking her up periodically to keep her from slipping into a coma. Even in those moment it was almost too much to bear for Sabe's response to their gentle stirrings were varied and traumatic.
Some times she would be lost in some sort of dream murmuring apologizes before quietly sobbing while other times she would panic in fear believing she was still in the nightmare cell with Darth Vader himself. It was hard to watch as her behavior was so unlike what she had come to expect from the normally steely-edged woman.
However there was one moment that seemed to offer her a small token of hope. Though this too was heartwrenching it marked the fact Sabe had briefly been coherant and aware of her surroundings. She could still hear the woman's weak voice asking in faltering tones why she was helping her. Sache wasn't startled so much by the question as the fact she had remembered the past enough to ask about it. She wasn't sure if her words would be remembered but she couldn't miss the chance and briefly explained she too served on the same side. If it brought her old friend any relief it was hard to say for she soon slipped into unconciousness after her explanation.
But as luck would have it she was now promptly called away to tend to the final preparations before they departed on the next transport to their new destination and mission. Though she couldn't shake away the guilt Sache was able to find some solace in the fact that the Empire didn't regain the lost blueprints, that Sabe was well on her way to recovery and for the moment both Soren and her true loyalities weren't comprimised. In the end the Alliance would make it to see another day and that was all that mattered.
---
Sabe drifted between dreams and lost memories. She couldn't be sure what was real and what was imagined anymore. Sometimes she awoke and thought she was in the interagation cell with Anakin or Lord Vader as he was known now, other times she thought she was alone in the darkness with only her pain to comfort her over the loss of Obi-Wan. Those moments were the most hard to recover from and she dreaded them the most. Then of course there was a brief moment when she saw her old friend Sache. She couldn't remember why but for some reason she thought the fellow handmaiden was a traitor. Then again she thought much the same of the former Captain she once knew as well. Confused she tried to find out why and was told they were on the same side. Same side of what she couldn't quite remember either, though she hoped it would come to her.
Yet through the mists of dreams and the brief awakenings Sabe could feel a familiar hum lingering. She wanted to believe it was the Jedi Master but she couldn't quite make herself for fear of learning it was but her imagination, a cruel trick played by a broken soul desperate to cling onto a jewel it was not worthy to hold. Yet the feeling remained despite her attempts to ignore it and push it away. Sometimes it was so powerful it almost seemed to wrap itself around her like a warm blanket, much as it did when she was drowning in the darkness. Other times it was so weak she couldn't even tell if it ever there to begin with.
But for now it was strong powerfully so and for the moment she basked in it not knowing where it was coming from or rather whom. Though she knew it wasn't possible or believed it not to be Sabe imagined that it was Obi-Wan's signature. That by some miracle he had forgiven her and was now watching over her making sure she was alright.
Her body once limp, pale and brutally damaged was now showing signs of definate life and healing. Though she had yet to fully awaken to the skilled eyes of a healer there were many subtle signs beginning to show that would mark her eventual awakening. But to a tired Jedi Master who was too overcome concern and stress over the healing handmaiden it would take alot more then a growing heartbeat that was becoming stronger by the minute and the colour returning to her cheeks to mark improvement. However her body and mind were not concious of this fact or the effect its silence was having on the ever attentive Obi-Wan as it remained unmoving in its internal vigil of hidden recovery.
That is until in the late hours of night when Sabe's mind and body finally deemed itself ready to awaken and become fully aware of it's surroundings. Her eyes fluttered open suddenly and with it came the dull ache that made the former decoy wonder if her entire body had become one giant bruise. With the worst of this bruise seeming to reside over her brow and temple which throbbed violently even now.
A soft whimper escaped her lips as she gingerly turned her head slightly to learn of her surroundings. It wasn't familiar, yet it was. She reconized the basic shape of the room to mark the fact she could be somewhere close to home. But in that moment she couldn't quite register where home was anymore. She sensed the powerful and familiar hum that could only belong to one and was instantly filled with sorrow. Sabe couldn't remember exactly what had happened but she knew she had hurt Obi-Wan somehow. She thought she might have even killed him, but his signature so near and so powerful it casted doubts on such thoughts. But while this should have given her hope all Sabe felt was shame and guilt.
What had I done? She inwardly feared the memories of the strange dream now just out of reach, though the remorse felt was real enough to almost paralize her for a moment. But eventually she managed to calm herself long enough for her hand to weakly move to her side as if by some miracle she'd find the blade resting there and with it her precious ribbon. But it wasn't and her heart sank as the memories of finding her slaughtered family began to filter her thoughts. Which only followed after by sketchy images of the destroyed temple, of bloodied walls in a small metal cell and the death of a Jedi Master being stabbed by the very lightsaber a man he once called his brother had once wielded.
No longer able to hold back the pain the former decoy very slowly and gingerly curled into a small ball. Had she been strong enough she would have slipped away to the fresher but she wasnt and believing herself to be alone for the moment she collapsed into quiet tears. Mourning the loss of her family, of Naboo, of all the innocent lives murdered and ultimately for failing the one who held her heart - though she could not remember why.
Eventually giving over to exhaustion, Obi-Wan collapsed on his couch, not knowing how many hours or in fact days it had been since he slept. But the sleep was fitful because his concern for Sabé prevented him from sleeping too long. When he awoke, he moved to the kitchen for a glass of juice, figuring he would try once again to get her some nourishment.
Each time he roused her, she seemed to look straight through him. She did, however, feel strong to him, if only the slightest bit.
When he walked into his bedroom, he saw she had moved and was now curled up into a ball. He felt her unleashing waves of sorrow, which he attributed to the fall of Naboo to the Empire and the thousands of lives that had already been sacrificed in the process. He heard her quiet sobs and though uplifted at the knowledge she was conscious and recovering, his heart was breaking for her. He wished he could take away her pain, that he could have prevented the tragedies which had befallen her people.
‘Sabé,’ he whispered, returning to the chair he had placed at the bedside. He hesitated to touch her as if by doing so she would shatter into a thousand pieces.
Finally deciding that finding out whether she had succumbed to fever was more important than his reservations, he reached out to lay a hand on the uninjured portion of her brow. There was no fever. He exhaled slowly, gazing at her with concern, regretting that he was unable to do anything to help her.
To attempt another healing trance might prove detrimental to her natural healing process since he was not very talented at the healing arts, nor was it a speciality of his. He was also so drained himself that he would not be able to control the power and could overwhelm and damage her.
He could, however, radiate calm, hoping to aid in stopping her tears. He could count the amount of times she had shed tears in his presence on one hand. The sight of which had a profound affect on him.
Peace, he strained to send her. ‘You’re safe now…’ he told her, knowing it would do little to ease her conscience.
Obi-Wan found he was too tired to be of much use using the Force in that way. Instead, he used words. He recalled aloud the Solstice festivities, describing it in colourful detail, not knowing if she was able to make sense of any of it, but hoping that by recalling the warm, comforting emotions such memories evokes, she would find some semblance of the peace he was unable to send her via the Force.
The pain of the loss was overwhelming and quietly she sobbed ignoring the powerful hum that seemed to sing in her thoughts. She wasn't worthy to be witness of such peace, to even bask in it from a distance and this only served to add to her pain. Though her body ached in protest to her position she didn't dare move for it was silent punishment for her failure. I deserve this, all of this she inwardly mourned. He is dead now, and it is all my fault! Yet even now she could quite wrap her mind the how or why but the feeling was so real it just didn't seem possible that it was all but a dream.
But then a soft voice broke through her pained walls, a whisper that just seemed too real to be imagined. She didn't respond reminding herself of the other moments when she believed he was near only to be reminded of his bleeding form.
"...Please don't do this..."
She whispered to herself begging her thoughts to give her some solace from the torment that was his memory.
But even this was shattered as she felt someone's hand gently touching the exposed and unwounded part of her brow. At first she didn't let herself respond, convinced it was her mind playing tricks on her even now. Tormenting her with images of their Solstice shared, as his soft voice explained each moment in perfect detail causing her heart to shatter as she continued to weep silently as she desperately wished she could return to that sacred moment in time when the universe was perfect.
But in the back of her mind a small voice begged her to take the chance to open her eyes and meet her fate. To embrace what she had to, for being lost in the past would serve the present and the future no purpose. So as painful as it was her now blood shot eyes slowly opened though she expected the voice to stop and the peaceful calm of the powerful hum felt to fade away like the passing of a cool breeze. But at the sight that greeted her Sabe instinctivally recoiled back in shame and horror. Instantly she regretted this action as she cried out in response to the painful jolts that rip through her body, another reminder of the damage recieved. Yet despite this she doesn't relax her body now tense as she shrank back to the other side of the small bed.
"...By the gods..."
She barely whispered as more tears began to fall still unsure if this was a dream or reality.
"...Please leave...I have done enough damage already...I do not wish to shame you with my presence..."
Sabe continued to whisper softly pain etched on her features before attempting to move away further but unable to do so as the pain threatened to render her unconcious. So instead she attempted to move the blankets around her using it as a means of shelter or hiding.
"...I failed you...I tried to kill him...But I..."
The words melted away into another torrent of tears as the dream though still just out of memory left enough imagery for her to still see his limp and bloodied form. To see the life fading from his blue eyes as he whispered her name one last time.
"...Obi-Wan...I'm so sorry..."
Despite her request, he could not bring himself to leave. She was shocked and frightened. He didn’t blame her though he couldn’t fathom what she had gone through and wished he could be a source of solace for her.
What kind of torture had she endured? She wasn’t saying much that made any sense to him. Certainly the head wound wasn’t helping matters.
‘The Alliance is still intact and the blueprints weren’t found by the Empire,’ he informed her, hoping that news would reassure her. ‘You’ve succeeded, Sabé.’
He wanted to shush her, to tell her to save her strength, but did not want to appear rude.
As he thought of the best course of action, he tiredly ran his hands over his face, exhaling. If he wasn’t so tired, he would have had an easier time blocking her pain that threatened to rip him apart as well.
He reached for the glass of juice which he had brought in with him. It was the fruit and blue milk combination which he had learnt to make from Sabé. ‘Do you think you might be able to sit up a bit and have a drink?’ he asked softly. His eyes never left hers.
His gentle words slowly pulled her from her tears as Sabe lowered the blanket slightly her eyes now filled with confusion. Somewhere in her thoughts she registered this was good news, though it took some moments to realize why that was. Yet despite his gentle promise that she had succeeded Sabe couldn't make herself beleive it. Shaking her head weakly in reply, she tried to turn away in sorrow and shame. But the wounds inflicted was still too painful and the rush of blood and pain made her almost faint and so she promptly she went still once more as her eyes looked away for fear that she would break down again at the sight of his pained blue eyes.
"...No...You don't understand...I failed you..."
She bit her lip as her eyes turned desperate as the images of his lifeless form dissappearing danced behind her eyes forcing her to suck back a deep breath of air.
"...I...I thought I...killed you..."
She choked out softly as once more her eyes filled with tears.
"...But you...are okay...You are alive..."
The words were filled with both sorrow brought on by what she had believed she had done and carefully laid hope that perhaps it was all but a dream.
"...I can't remember...But I saw...I saw you fall to his blade..."
She started before she closed her eyes and correct herself with a soft sob.
"...to my blade...I never wanted that to happen...I...I think I was trying to end him...To destroy the monster..."
She sucked in another deep but shakey breathe before she opened her eyes upon catching his gentle words and noticing the juice prepared.
She never realized how thirsty she was until her eyes settled onto the mixture in his hands. Suddenly she realized how parched her throat was and yet even so she was hesitant once more feeling guilty that despite all she had done he would still be so kind to her.
Her eyes fell at the sight and she quietly shook her head in reply as she decided to forego the temptation. Tightening the blankets around her Sabe sighed sadly as she couldn't help but ask.
"...Why?...Why are you helping me?...After what I had done...I don't deserve this...I..."
Her voice faltered now as unwittingly she had come to understand but an inkling of what Obi-Wan had felt on the fateful night she had first fallen asleep in his arms.
"...I don't deserve your kindness...I am not...worthy of you..."
She murmured as more tears trickled down her cheek as she tried once more to turn away but to no avail.
She mumbled something about having killed him or had thought she killed him, but he attributed this to the torture she had endured. Her broken form clutching desperately at the sheets.
He refused to acknowledge her words of regret, knowing it was because she was so courageous and self-abasing. Each new tear shed was like an icicle piercing his heart.
'I'm helping you because I love you, Sabé. I want you to get better so we can be married and be happy together.'
Please allow me to repay you for the kindness and understanding you have always shown me...the absolute peace and clarity I am only able to obtain when in your presence, he thought.
'Please,' he said, offering the beverage to her once more. 'For me, please.'
His words as gentle as they are, seem to wound the former handmaiden further as she could only stare at him in sad disbelief her mouth opening briefly as though to reply before closing it as no words seemed to come. At his profession of love she lowered her eyes once more feeling unworthy to hear such beautiful words of hope and love directed at her.
Even after all she had done or thought she had done he still loved her and wanting nothing more then for her to share the future with him. It was almost too overwhelming to hear and quietly she attempted to shrink further under the blankets. How desperately she wanted to hear it and yet how unworthy she felt for wanting to hear it. Had she become the very thing she despised? Was she truly no different then the almighty fallen one?
"you...don't mean that..."
She softly whispered from the mound of blankets as she suddenly felt very alone. Instinctivally her hands moved to the place where her blades would normally rest having forgotten for a moment they wouldn't be there, the need for the comforting ribbon's touch almost unbearable now. But it wasn't there for in truth a far greater comfort now was watching her saddly while gently trying to offer her the juice she knew her body thirsted for.
Finally Sabe mustered enough courage to lift her eyes and look at him once more. The pain she saw in his eyes was piercing and inwardly she felt another rush of guilt as she knew she was the cause of his sorrow. I truly am not worthy of your love...How I wish I was, but if this small gesture will ebb some of your sadness my dearest knight then I will do as you ask. She quietly thought before slowly painfully inching back as she gingerly reached out to take the juice from his hands.
She still couldn't register how it was that he is still alive or even where exactly she was but as she began to drink the oddly refreshing mixture she found her thoughts clearing a little. Though she still felt tremendous guilt over the strange images and memories Sabe found her curiousity beginning to return once more. Yet even so she was hesitant to ask still feeling terribly shy and rather beneath the Jedi Master before her.
Had he been more attune to the Force and not so weary, he would have registered her guilt and feelings of unworthiness.
'You...don't mean that...'
Of course he meant it! Obi-Wan didn't understand why she would say such a thing. Did she not return those feelings anymore? What did she want from him? What could he possibly do for her? Did she still want him to leave?
Thankfully she took the glass and tenativley sipped the beverage. He hoped strength would return to her soon.
He wanted to question whether she had changed her mind, but knew it was not the time to task her mind for such a selfish cause. For now, he would do whatever she asked.
Obi-Wan bowed his head for a moment before raising it to look at her once more.
As she sipped the drink she became silent inwardly grateful and still feeling unworthy of this small kind gesture. Yet she accepted it feeling somehow but accepting it she would soften the sorrow that lingered in his eyes. Yet if anything her actions only seemed to worsen it of so it appeared as he lowered his head for a moment.
She slinked back slightly mistaking his confusion for dissappointment at the memories that seemed out of reach in her still fractured thoughts. If only my head would stop hurting long enough for me to think she thought miserably wishing somehow there could be some way she could speak to him. To try and find a way to even remotely remedy the wounds she had inflicted on him.
But as his eyes once more found hers Sabe's heart sank. The confusion and sorrow was evident and though she knew it shouldn't have surprised her it hurt all the same.
"...I...never wanted to harm you...to hurt you...I am so sorry..."
She murmured as her eyes fell to her half finished glass.
"If...you wish me...never to see you again...I will not argue...After all I have done to you...It is the very least...I can do..."
She closed her eyes fighting back the tears that threaten to fall once more as she quietly continued.
"I know...it's hard to believe...but...I am so relieved that...you are okay...that the horrible wounds..."
Her voice wavered before she fell silent briefly as the blurry images of the strange dream grew a little clearer in her thoughts providing her with more questions then answers. Though for the moment the need to explain her horrid actions seemed to override her pained curiousity.
"...you must understand...I was trying...to kill him...but everytime I...seemed to attack...it was you I...wounded...until I..."
She bit her lip struggling to maintain her calm but failing as her hand slid to her mouth as she forced herself to take deep breathes.
"...I thought...I killed you..."
Her eyes slowly forced their way back to him as she remarked in shamed tones.
"...Yet you are alive...thank the gods...but I dont...understand...why have you brought me here, to this strange place?...after all i did to you...you should cast me away...I don't deserve this..."
He listened to her, surprised at her words, but figuring she must have been drugged. What she was saying...thinking she had killed him... What in the blazes did Vader do to you?
'Sabé, I'm here. You have never hurt me. You didn't kill me. These must be mindtricks that he did to you. I only arrived in time to see you--'
He stopped short, trying to get the image out of his head. 'You were in such bad shape...' He swallowed hard. The thought pained him. 'I would never, never cast you away, Sabé.'
Obi-Wan reached over to lightly rest a hand on her waist, as he added, 'Never think that, please...'
His words hit her hard as it filled Sabe with both confusion and hope. Had it all been a nightmare? But the pain that even now pulsated through her broken body reminded Sabe that some of it had indeed been real. But as she studied him closely it she began to realize that he was indeed serious. She never did harm him, never did kill him. All the times she had felt the comforting warmth wrapped around her thoughts along with the familiar hum wasn't her imagination at all. It had been him all along.
Her eyes widened as he explained what had happened her heart instantly aching at the sight of pain that now reflected in his features as he struggled to bury the memories of the past. Yet as he continued Sabe couldn't help but feel a wave of relief pour over her. It was a dream she inwardly told herself. I never hurt him, I never harmed him at all, he's alright and safe.
Though despite her joy the nagging guilt still lingered though she couldn't quite say why. It was as though her mind was trying to tell her something but in her wounded state it was hard to make sense what it could have been. So for the moment she buried the nagging doubts and embraced the wonderful truth that had just revealed itself.
Closing her eyes for a moment a hint of a smile began to creep into her features as she softly whispered in reply.
"...oh by the gods...It was just a dream?...I never hurt you after all?..."
It was only then that the rest of his words sank in as she felt his hand gently touch her waist. Sabe exhaled slowly feeling suddenly as though a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Gingerly she placed the glass onto the small table by the bed, before painstakenly moving towards Obi-Wan. The wounds she felt no longer mattered, nor did the horrid dream that still lingered nagging within, he was safe and well and for the moment within reach, but not close enough.
But this was but a small problem to be rectified, one she knew she could do even in this broken condition. And so Sabe neared him as best she could all the while trying to hide the pain that even now still pulsated through her. Upon reaching the bed's edge she gave a shakey but relieved sigh as she gently rested her head on his lap no longer able to resist being apart from him any longer. He was here and now she was at peace.
When she moved to put the glass on the table, he was ready to help just in case she was still too weak to do so, but she had no difficulty and was soon moving towards him. She lay her head in his lap and he felt the relief washing over her.
He carefully brushed her hair from her eyes, looking down at her. There were no words to express how this simple gesture made him feel.
Everything would be all right. He was sure of it now. They had each other and that is all that mattered.
After awhile, he figured this was not a very comfortable position for her. In a swift, yet easy movement, he lifted her slightly, with care, and slid next to her in the bed. This way she could lay her head on his chest without worrying about knocking the part which was wounded. He kissed her just next to the bandaged portion of her forehead and soon drifted off to the most peaceful rest he had had since the last time she was in his arms.
As soon as she felt her head against his lap Sabe found the exhaustion returning with a vengeance. Yet even so she was reluctant to slip into rest wanting to enjoy his presence for as long as she can. A peaceful smile played on her features as she felt his fingers brushing the hair from her eyes.
But soon the sleep was too much to resist and Sabe found herself drifting into a light sleep only to stir slightly as she felt a pair of strong arms lift up her gently up and rest her fully onto the bed. Then as if things couldn't become any more wonderful he quietly joined her permitting her rest on his chest to which she only too happily complied drifting almost immediately into a deep and peaceful sleep.
It only only hours later that she finally begins to stir feeling the pulsating pain of her wounds once more but still too cozy in her current situation to pay it much heed. It had seemed like an eternity since she was last in his arms and after the horrible nightmares Sabe was loathed to part ways from one who now held her and so she silently nuzzled against him quietly slipping an arm over his shoulder as she once more finds herself watching him as he slept.
Obi-Wan was not sure how long he slept, but whether an hour or ten, he felt so much more rejuvinated and alive than he had in ages. What's more, when he roused and opened his eyes drowsily, he saw her watching him. She was still here, in his arms, and it brought a smile to his sleepy face.
'How are you feeling?' he asked, wondering what, if anything, he could do to aid her recovery. He then thought of obtaining a painkill shots to lessen the aches in her body and prohibit inflamation. He would do that today. But then the thought struck him that purchasing herbs in town meant leaving her here alone. Not that she wasn't capable or that he didn't trust her, but the fact she was still so fragile if anything should happen while he was gone, he would never forgive himself. At the same time, forcing her to live with unnecessary pain was cruel. He would use the Force to run swiftly, fetch the painkill shots and return. He sorted it all out in his head.
It was then he noticed he had been methodically stroking her hair and abruptly stopped, for concern that it was hurting her.
She smiled upon noticing him stir her expression gentle and at peace as she moved her hand to touch his cheek gently in greeting.
"You look alot better today..."
She murmured softly before his question caused her to blush slightly as she bowed her head. She didn't want to trouble him with her own fears and pain. He already had done so much for her, taken such risks and given his exhausted appearance of only hours ago, as well as his personality it was safe to say he had worn himself ragged past the point of exhaustion. It was humbling and touching at the same time reminding her of just how deep the meaning those three simple words he had spoken the night before meant to him. But then he was never one to speak such powerful things unless he was certain he could carry the weight they beared to the fullest.
Then again she wasn't one who spoke such things in jest or lightly either.
But in reply to his question she bowed her head slightly as she offered a shy smile.
"I am feeling much better now, thanks to you."
For while the pain still lingered Sabe knew she would be able to endure it and happily no less, so long as he was near. She fell silent then rather enjoying his gentle touch as he played with her hair as between that, his peaceful presence and her cozy position she was more then a little content.
But then that is until he decided to stop. She didn't want to appear rude but at the same time she rather enjoyed the simple gesture and was perplexed as he suddenly refrained. Glancing up at him Sabe casted a curious glance as she tried to furrow her brow before wincing as she was promptly reminded why that wasn't such a good idea after all.
"Is something wrong?"
She asked softly wondering if perhaps he stopped so suddenly because he remembered something or realized something wasn't right.
Did he? He felt better. He knew it was in fact because she was here with him and everything was going to be fine. Looking down at her where she lay, seeing her happy face, despite the bandages, it made his heart soar. He merely smiled at her softly as he continued methodically stroking her hair.
He was glad indeed that she said she was feeling better, but did not believe it had anything to do with him. If only he could do more.
When Obi-Wan realised what he was doing and abruptly stopped stroking her hair, she asked him if everything was all right. 'I didn't realise I was--I just didn't want to hurt you,' he admitted. He then felt a sharp jab of pain. 'I'm sorry,' he said automatically, though not realising it was in fact due to her attempting to furrow her brow.
'I thought I would head to Mos Eisley today to get some painkillers for you. I'm afraid my medpac doesn't contain any,' he said. 'I also need to get some more bacta patches and bandages.'
Sabe gave a contented sigh at his smile pleased to see he was also in far better spirits but her expression soon softened as he apologized fearing that his gentle touch was hurting her. Nothing you ever do hurts me, if anythign it only heals. She inwardly thought as she touched his cheek offering a sweet smile as she shook her head slightly.
"Actually I found it to be very soothing not painful."
But at her wince to her furrowing brow he automatically apologize and she couldn't help but giggle softly as she gingerly leaned forward and kissed his brow.
"You worry too much, you have nothing to apologize for."
She sighed softly her eyes falling as she turns more serious.
"I should be the the one doign the apologizing. You have done so much for me and I haven't even had the decency to thank you for it.
If it wasn't for you Obi-Wan, it's safe to say I wouldn't have made it out alive.
I owe you my life and I don't think I'll ever be able to fully repay for you that."
She said softly before falling silent a moment longer before he quietly explained that he would be returning to Mos Eisley to get medicinal's for her wounds. Instantly at his words her eyes turned pleading. My wounds can't be that bad she inwardly paniced. In truth the last thing in the universe she wanted was to be left alone with the nightmares and the memories that were within reach but just out of touch.
"...My wounds aren't that bad. I'm sure a little rest is all I really need."
She admitted quickly but quietly all the while trying to ignore the pulsating throb of her wounded skull amongst her many other wounds.
"Please don't go...Not yet..."
She finally pleaded unable to resist any longer.
His cheeks flushes as her petal soft lips met his brow. At her kind words he thought, Just being here with me is more than enough. He did not voice this at the chance she might ever want to leave him, not wanting her to feel she had to do so out of obligation.
Sabé's fear and reluctance to let him go caused him to feel wanted, but also concerned for her. If she had a chance to exmine her wounds, she would know that it was essential for him to go and obtain the supplies he mentioned.
However, he plead that he not leave just yet was irresistable. He resumed stroking her hair. 'Not for a little while.'
She saw his cheeks warm to her simple gesture and felt her own flush slightly. Even after all this time and knowing how he felt for her Sabe couldn't help but feel a little sheepish whenever she took the chance to commit what she considered to be such a bold action.
Though his words marked he would not be so easily dissuaded Sabe took comfort in the fact he wouldn't be leaving just yet. As such she soon found herself in the comfort of his arms once more completely contented as he played with her hair. Though she couldn't be certain how bad her wounds really were she knew she was in good hands and had little doubt that soon she would be back on her feet one agian. But at that though her eyes widen as she remembered her mission that she never had a chance to complete.
"...Obi-Wan...I am sorry to ask this of you but there is something I was hoping you could do for me..."
She paused her thoughts still scrambled as she tried to remember whom the information was meant to be transfered to and just what that information was to begin with. But try as she might she couldn't remember just what it was and with a frustrated sigh she gingerly reached for her wounded temple only to draw her hand back not wishing to worry Obi-Wan further.
"There is something I know I'm supposed to transfer...I just can't remember what that was...Or to whom it was supposed to go to..."
She said softly before briefly falling silent as she closed her eyes and lightly let her fingers slip to his shoulders.
"Hopefully it will come back to me and soon."
She murmured.
"I know it's important and I can't be sure how time sensitive it is."
'Anything,' he whispered in response to her request.
'Don't strain yourself,' he said, noting her resistance to touch her wounded head. 'If you remember, I will do as you ask. But first and foremost, you need to get better.'
You've already done so much for the Alliance already, my love. You need to relax and to heal to serve them best.
While he admired her dedication to each duty she undertook and every mission she went on, he knew that in order to perform well, she would need to be fully healed.
