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Missing Scenes
Pre Revenge of the Sith: One Spark to Birth an Inferno
She never thought she would ever find herself openly hating someone. No. Strongly disliking is more the appropriate word she muses darkly. Hate is too powerful even in this state of absolute agitation. But in the presence of a rather angry Anakin Skywalker it takes all Sabe’s willpower not to personally throw him out of the Senator’s quarters, Jedi or not.
“What are you doing here?”
The Jedi knight states as he emerges from Padme's bedroom his eyes boring into Sabe who stands at a table in the Senator's living quarters about to make preparations for the Senator’s morning meetings. Glancing up from the series of data pads and notes set on the table, Sabe raises a brow slightly in reply.
“Excuse me?”
Why is he here? She inwardly grouses having believed Anakin wouldn’t be arriving to Coruscant for at least another day. But with that thought a tinge of hope is felt, perhaps his former master arrived early as well. It had been only too long since she had last spoke to Obi-Wan and though she tried to deny it Sabe missed his presence more then she’d care to admit. But duty always came first and she respected him all the more for it.
Unlike the angry Jedi standing before me the former decoy thinks trying to hide the scowl of disgust that threatens to reveal itself.
“I thought we had an agreement that you and the others would leave us in peace when I’m on Coruscant.”
He states bluntly as Sabe tries not to clench and unclench her hands a sign that her patience is already beginning to wear thin.
“If I had been alerted of your early arrival I wouldn’t be here right now. After all I do keep my word.”
She adds noting his eyes narrowing as he instantly picks up on her hidden jab. It was no secret that the Jedi knight and the handmaiden held a certain amount of disdain for each other. In truth they tolerated each other’s presence out of respect for Padme who only wished that they could get along.
“Padme doesn’t need your assistance. Now get out.”
Frowning Sabe’s eyes shift to the slightly parted door down the hall that is Padme’s room. The sound of the shower running dashes her hopes that her friend would come and rescue her from the child that is her husband.
“Anakin, I am only doing my job, give me a few minutes and I will be gone.”
She states as calmly as she can while telling herself that she would not let him win by losing her temper. But the answer does little to satisfy the agitate man before her as he scowls.
“Hurry up then! I don’t have all day. It’s bad enough I can only see Padme once in an eternity without you and the rest of her knock off clones interrupting our time together.”
Her patience worn thin already, suddenly reaches its limit with this retort. The data crystal in her hand drops to the table in a clatter as her eyes spark with fire.
“Knock off clones?”
She stammers in barely controlled shock and rage as Anakin curls a lip in disgust.
“That is what you are after all. You spend all your time trying to look, act and talk like Padme. You trail and follow her footsteps like a living shadow, always trying to be something you’ll never be worthy of becoming.”
Sabe’s expression turns stormy as she glares at him no longer trying to hide her disdain.
“Oh, like you with the Jedi?”
She states her voice filled with malice. That hit home Sabe noted in her rage as she picks up a flicker of fear and what could have been pain in Anakin’s eyes before it was replaced with barely controlled fury.
“You did not just say that.”
He states quietly in dangerous tones, but Sabe is past the point of caring.
“What if I did? What are you going to do about it? Strike me down? I am unarmed it wouldn’t be hard.”
She openly mocks while pretending to be innocent.
“Oh but that’s right, the Jedi order doesn’t permit attacking unarmed foes. But then again it’s not like you could be bothered to follow the Jedi’s code. Of course not, you’re the ”Chosen One” and are above such things as honor or loyalty.”
She taunts neither noticing nor caring that the Jedi’s grip over his volatile emotions is rapidly eroding. Or the fact that the base of the chair which rests beneath his clenched hands has long since cracked and snapped under the iron grip.
“Shut up!”
He growls loudly as Sabe suddenly finds her arms pinned in the vice like grip of Anakin’s hands. She tries not to cry out as she feels the metal of his artificial hand gripping so tightly on her arm that beads of blood begins to form as it pierces her skin. Instincts take over and soon she has her hands around his neck as she tries to cut off his air supply. But his vice like grip worsens causing blood to trickle down both arms and forcing her attack to weaken as the pain becomes overwhelming. If her actions had any affect on the furious warrior it didn’t show. Clenching her teeth she tries to hide her pain placing her focus on anything but her arms; however the only thing that now drives her forward is the need to win this battle. She would not appear weak, certainly not in front of him.
“You are nothing but a selfish, spoiled, little prat!”
She hisses too angry to register the danger of the situation as the Jedi knight leans in staring her down his voice deadly and unnatural.
“You’re little self-righteous act isn’t going to work on me, Sabe…”
“ANAKIN!? SABE! THAT IS ENOUGH!”
Padme’s voice cries out in obvious shock and horror as she rushes forward to stop them from literally coming to blows. Anakin at the sound of his wife’s voice is momentarily distracted as he releases his grip from Sabe’s arms. The handmaiden however is not, as the rush of fury and anger seems to crescendo in her thoughts.
Her thoughts once a picture of calm is now a raging blind inferno. Every pore in her body wanted him to pay. To make him suffer for betraying the Order he swore to serve, for betraying his master Obi-Wan, for making Padme silently suffer from both fear and loneliness at Anakin’s absence, while he pretended to be a loyal Jedi knight. She wanted him to know that being the Chosen One didn’t make him a god who could do what ever he wanted without paying the price of his actions.
But a this all passed through her mind, time seems to slow to a crawl as Sabe feels as though she is watching her arm move of its own accord. With jaw set and veins filled with molten lava or so it feels Sabe’s eyes narrow to slits as she slams her clenched fist full force into Anakin’s set jaw. The shock is evident on the Jedi’s face as he staggers back in dismay. I caught him off guard her mind seems to say through the rush of rage and the thought causes her to smile victoriously.
Revenge can indeed be sweet.
It was good to be home, Obi-Wan mused. Only the day before, he and Anakin had been standing ankle-deep in the melted spring water on the Arkanian tundra. It was downright freezing compared to Coruscant. How many hours had they been standing out there anyway? Even after a hot bath, he still felt a little frost-bitten
Former Jedi Serifa Altunen faced the legendary Jedi off, declaring, 'The Council has lost its way. I serve my people! Not the Jedi or the Council or the Galactic Senate!'
Obi-Wan was proud of Anakin who stood her down saying, 'You've sworn an oath to the Jedi Order.'
'If every Jedi was able to choose which orders they want to follow, then it won't be long before we are all lost,' Obi-Wan added, backing up his former apprentice.
'I do not feel lost. It is the Jedi Order that has strayed from the right path,' the former Jedi retorted.
Anakin was unable to prevent anger seeping into his voice as he informed her, 'By diving our forces, the Separatists will win.'
'Why do you want to win?' Altunen asked him. When Skywalker failed to respond, she remarked, 'Perhaps you should examine your path as well, Skywalker.' Defying them, the former Jedi mounted her hoversled and sped off.
'Well that didn't go very well,' Obi-Wan remarked derisively.
As they headed back to their ships. 'Does she have any real influence on the Arkanian government?'
'If she comes before the politicians saying she renounces the Jedi Order and recommends Arkania declare itself to be a neutral party in the war, she would carry weight.'
Things could have gone worse.
The least thing Obi-Wan expected upon waking up this morning was a message from Master Windu, requesting his presence. The most shocking thing was that most everyone on the Council was there waiting for him.
And then the news hit him: he was asked to join them. Despite his slight feelings of unworthiness, he graciously accepted the offer.
Now as he went about his way to pay a visit to his old friend and former padawan, knowing Anakin was in the senator's chamber, he couldn't help feeling elated by the news. Qui-Gon would be pleased, he thought of his old master, a glimmer of nostalgia in his eyes.
He recalled his master saying, 'You are a much wiser man than I am, I forsee you will become a great Jedi Knight'
Obi-Wan smiled.
Another turn around a corner and he was in the hallway of Senator Amidala's quarters. Something was not right. His smile faded.
A bad feeling washed over him as he approached. Anger, frustration...satisfaction... It was looming and felt destructive.
His first thought was to use the Force to configure the lock so he could bypass the security device with aid of his comlink. But the threat passed as if it hadn't existed. This left him wondering what in the blazes was going on in there, but instead of barging in, he rang the bell.
Anakin stares at Sabe in obvious shock and surprise though there is another emotion that lingers to which Sabe in her rush of triumph doesn't notice.
The Jedi knight looks as though he is about to say something but no words come. Sabe on the other hand just casts him a dark but proud look as she retorts sharply.
"While the code of honor that I serve does not permit the cowardess of fighting the unarmed, it does not say anything about self defence Jedi Skywalker. For unlike you I do know the meaning of proper loyalty and honor and you would do well to learn from it."
Anakin's eyes instantly turn fiery once more the initial shock and shame of his actions instantly forgotten to her taunts.
"Handmaiden Nabish that is enough!"
The words sharply spoke and with formal title has about the same effect on Sabe as her punch did on the Jedi scowling before her. Stiffening she nods slightly the fury beginning to drain from her blood.
From the entrance the door chimes and Sabe inwardly winces noting the blood on the sleeves of her dress. Her jaw sets as she purposely avoids looking at either Padme or Anakin for a moment. One to hide her shame the other to hide her fury.
"Lady Sabe if you please, the door?"
Padme's voice is clipped and queen like leaving no question about who is in charge and ever the dutiful maiden Sabe bows politely.
"As you wish Senator."
She says in painfully polite tones before quietly departing for the door as she strains to hear the soft discussion in the main quarters. Sensing the familar hum she inwardly prays it won't be Obi-Wan though she already knows without question it is none other.
Though normally she would be happy to see him in this particular moment she felt far too shamed to share in his presence. But the door parts and the Jedi Master stands before her as Sabe's expression remains painfully stoic.
"Jedi Kenobi."
She greets with hands placed deftly behind back to hide evidence of recent battle.
"I will alert the Senator of your presence."
She says brisquely trying to bury the growing shame that fills her thoughts. If only he could have come before all this happened she thinks miserably.
The familiar sense of Sabé's Force signature increased in vibration as she neared the door, he could sense it. The door slid open and Obi-Wan uncrossed his arms, as he entered.
'Lady Sabé,' he replied, greeting her in turn.
The emotions coming from her didn't seem to register properly. Her quip about alerting the senator didn't make sense as it was obvious he wanted to speak with Anakin. She knew right well, as did he, that Anakin would be here. After all in the public eye, the pair were good friends.
He looked at her peculiarly. 'What's going on?' he asked, his tone concerned and a bit worried.
Her expression turns dark as she stiffens slightly shaking her head at his words.
"You have come at a bad time Jedi Kenobi."
She says softly before quietly before briefly leaving once more careful to hide the marks. Clearing her thoughts she returns to the couple in the next room wanting to be anywhere else but in the storm she is returning to.
"M'Lady Jedi Kenobi is here."
She states in formal tones purposely ignoring Anakin for the moment as Padme glances to Anakin who also looks as unsettled as Sabe feels.
"I'll be right back."
The Jedi knight says quietly as Padme takes his hand and gives it a squeeze causing Sabe to stiffen slightly. She was never comfortable with their displays of affection for it reminded her of Anakin's defiance to the Jedi Order and code. But then buried deep down perhaps it also served to remind her of her own wistful dreams that she knew that will never and can never come to pass. Unlike Anakin and Padme, she would not falter in her duties or loyalties and neither would the one who even now holds her heart.
Anakin approaches his master and though he offers a smile one that could be reminiscant of relief there is an obvious hint of guilt in his eyes amongst other emotions.
Obi-Wan stood near the doorway as Sabé turned on her heels and walked away. He took in the broken chair, and noticed it looked as though it had been broken by hand.
A strong, mechanical hand.
In a split second, something clicked. 'Bad time indeed,' he mused to himself.
Anakin appeared from the back room, looking guilty. 'Testing the strength of that hand again?' he asked his former padawan, knowing there was indeed something up and he would get to the bottom of this. What's going on here, Anakin?
Anakin shrugs slightly trying to play it light immediately knowing he is under close scrutiny of his master. If only he could have shown up later he inwardly thinks.
"...You know how it is..."
He says though it sounds weak even to his own ears. He suddenly wishes Padme was near her presence always soothed the turmoil within and right now there was too much turmoil for him to even want to try and make sense of. Sure Sabe pushed his buttons but his actions...He buries his thoughts deep into a hole as best he can all the while trying to turn attention away from himself.
"I thought the meeting wasn't until this afternoon, has something changed master?"
Sabe meanwhile still in the next room tries not to pace as Padme attempts to hear her side of the story.
"I'd rather not discuss it M'Lady"
She remarks softly as Padme frowns.
"Sabe there is no need to use titles. Please from one friend to another, what exactly happened?"
Sabe shakes her head her eyes turning accusing as she glances to the next room where she hears Anakin trying to cover his tracks.
Disgraceful, spoiled brat she thinks miserably as she finds herself struggling to regain some semblance of control over her agitation.
Obi-Wan refolded his arms at Anakin's dismissal of the situation. The attitude would not fly with him. 'No, I actually stopped by to--'
In the middle of his statement, he felt the extreme turmoil in the next room, emmanating from Sabé.
He stopped short and asked him directly, 'What's happened here, Anakin?' He knew his former padawan wouldn't lie to him.
He almost thought he would be able to dodge the matter even for but a short time. Enough time to sort things out make sense of what went wrong anything.
But his thoughts stop short as he feels a powerful surge of emotions coming from Sabe as well though it is far more guarded then what his master is experiencing for her walls are strong. Almost as soon as he senses the handmaidens rush of emotions along with Padme's heavy concern Anakin catches ObiWan's remarks. Closing his eyes he takes a deep breath, if there was a single sentence the Knight hated to hear coming from his friend and mentor this would be it. It always meant he was in trouble of some sort and this time he is certain of it.
"...We...I..."
He sighs deeply.
"There was a fight, master."
He admits quietly feeling his cheeks burn. Obi-Wan was the last person he wanted to discuss this matter with. Though he was his master and mentor there were times Anakin couldn't help but feel as though the Jedi knight didn't understand or couldn't understand him. He knew without question this would certainly be one of those moments.
Sabe remains silent listening to the Master and his former Padawan speak her thoughts still dark as she narrows her eyes just daring Anakin to sth talk his way out of it. While his apologies and watery eyes may work on Padme she is certain they will not work on Obi-Wan...But then another part of her reminds, you too were no better in this battle, provoking him to such anger.
A soft sigh escapes her lips as she glances to Padme.
"THis is just as much my fault as it is his."
she admits feeling shame slipping into her mind.
"I behaved just as poorly as he did."
Padme studies her as she furrows her brow.
"Just what exactly did you do then?"
Sabe can only shake her head she'd rather not speak of the matter further at least not yet.
'A fight? What sort of fight?' Obi-Wan's growing concern was no longer masked.
When Senator Amidala and Sabé appeared from the other room, Sabé spoke up and he turned his attention to her, listening.
He did not approve of the tone the senator was using with Sabé, but remained silent. Looking between his old apprentice and the woman he respected and admired as the members of the Jedi Council, he was baffled.
The senator was just as clueless about the situation as he was apparently. 'Would someone care to explain?' He felt like he was speaking to younglings and here they were all in their thirties, decades from being children.
He looked to Sabé and then to Anakin. Certainly it couldn't be that serious...
There was only one other point in her life Sabe could remember feeling to embarrassed and that was the incident that occured ten years before. Once more though as desperatly as she may wish for the ground to open and swallow her whole nothing happens and she must face the facts. Here she is 31 years old and is now being talked down to as though she were still training with her old teacher Tame to become a handmaiden. Embaressment didn't even begin to cover it.
Taking a deep breath she forces her thoughts clear and prays that Obi-Wan will not notice the blood stains on the arms of her shirt. Still careful to remain in poised position to cover evidence she tries not to look at either Padme or Anakin and more so Obi-Wan. With eyes to the floor she catches the younger Jedi voice as he vaguelly explains the situation.
"...We had a bit of a verbal spar... "
Thats putting it mildly she thinks in dark tones as she can't help but glance back in surprise. So he's going to admit it after all. But noting the swelling that is beginning to form on his lip she realizes she has some admittance to do herself.
"...That turned into 'aggressive negotiations'..."
She admits feeling very much like a ten year old caught fighting the school bully. Which was embaressingly close to the truth.
"Minus the weapons of course."
She quickly adds lest Obi-Wan's imagination runs away with him. Her eyes quickly shift to Padme's noting the Senator's gaze has now fallen to her hidden arms. Though she remains silent for the moment there is obvious concern in her eyes. Sabe sighs casting her attentions at the floor again feeling more then a little shamed for her actions. Such behavior and over what? I can't believe I've reduced myself to this...Standing here being chastized by my best friend and Obi-Wan along with Anakin of all people. Unbelievable and I'm how old? More shame burns her cheeks as she comprehends that in this moment she really did behave just as bad as Obi-Wan's former Padawan. A greater insult she couldn't think of in that moment.
'I trust the issue has been sorted out then,' he said plainly, looking to Anakin.
Obi-Wan's gaze fell on Sabé when he felt her shame increasing. He noted she was hiding her hands. He was well aware she could handle herself in a sparring match, but Anakin-- Anakin was fierce when provoked, something he'd always warned him about but seemed to have under control. That didn't lessen his concern. He decided to ask him about it indirectly later.
Instead of questioning further, he would drop it.
Dismissing the argument, Obi-Wan said, 'I just came by to let you know the meeting's been postponed until later this evening, as the Council is intiating a new member this afternoon.'
Anakin eyes purposely avoid Sabe's direction all the while his former masters as he nods slightly about as eager to discuss this matter with him as Sabe does.
She too nods slightly in reply also avoiding his direction.
At his next remarks Anakin turns curious but remains silent for the moment expecting Obi-Wan to explain further. Sabe however isn't as patient as she politely asks the question she is certain is weighing on everyone's mind.
"To whom has this honor been granted?"
'Oh,' said Obi-Wan when asked. He smiled slightly, glancing to the floor as he said. 'The Council have asked me to join them and I've accepted.'
Anakin's eyes light up as a proud smile crosses his features.
"Thats wonderful!"
He exclaims as Padme beams obviously proud of him as well. Sabe smiles her instincts tempting her to embrace him but her control reigns true as instead she bows slightly.
"I agree. Congratulations, Master Obi-Wan! You certainly deserve this honor!"
Though her words weren't intended to be harsh or mean Anakin eyes drifted to her as he feels a tinge of agitation and jealousy misreading the remarks as a silent stab at him.
'Thank you,' he replied respectfully, still unbelieving that he'd been granted such an honour. He hadn't come to the senator's quarters for recognition of any sort, so he felt humbled by their congratulatory remarks.
Returning to the message he originally came to deliver, he informed Anakin, 'You're expected at 18:30,' and moved to leave, trusting the two of them would not come to blows.
Anakin nods slightly as he recieves the message given. He is still happy for his master but the inner turmoil still lingers as he suddenly finds himself wishing that by some miracle Obi-Wan would take Sabe with him lest he be left alone with the pious witch.
Sabe however takes this as her queue to leave as well as she decides she'd rather not be anywhere near Anakin if she can't help it.
"Senator, I would like permission to depart as well. I have completed the preparations for the meetings and am needed at the Dojo for tutoring."
Padme casts her a sad look but in the end she nods to which Sabe bows deeply inwardly sighing in relief before turning to Obi-Wan and Anakin though careful to avoid the younger Jedi's expression and hide her wounds as she bows slightly preparing to leave herself.
"Once more Master Obi-Wan you have my congratulations."
She says with a kind smile. Then glancing between them her expression turns stoic though her eyes grow hard as she picks up Anakin's glare.
"Gentlemen it was a pleasure."
Which in a sense was the truth as things did turn out far better once Obi-Wan arrived.
When Sabé stated she was going to the dojo, he thought about saying he would go along with her, but decided to suggest it once they were out of the senator's confining chambers.
Obi-Wan palmed the door open and exited, but waited for Sabé.
Once the door slid shut behind them, he asked, 'May I accompany you to the dojo?' After all, he had a few hours before his initiation...and perhaps she wanted to speak of the confrontation with Anakin....
She exited shortly after taking a deep breath lost in her thoughts for a moment before snapping out of her thoughts as she realizes Obi-Wan is waiting for her. Instantly arms are behind her back once more as she tries to hide the heat in her cheeks.
She pauses feeling embaressed at his presence as the memory of her actions makes her feel so foolish and childish once more. But his question is kind and unassuming once more offering peace that she knew she did not deserve. Not after her horrid display of immaturity earlier.
"...I would like that. If you have time that is."
She says not surprised he saw through her sad excuse to get away. Although it was true she did have handmaiden inniates to train it wouldn't be for at least a couple of hours. But she did want to blow off some steam and in truth was grateful for the company.
Glancing to the floor she feels her cheeks now going completely on fire as she sighs deeply.
"I'm terribly sorry. I never meant to ruin your moment. I really am proud of you though Obi-Wan I can't think of another more worthy to be on the Council. The Jedi Order will benefit greatly from your wisdom and insight."
She says in all sincerity as she studies him for a moment a proud smile creeping into her features.
He headed for the lifts that would take them to the level the dojo was on.
Obi-Wan was a bit surprised at her sincere, flattering remarks he still was uncomfortable at receiving, especially from someone he admired.
'Thank you,' he said, only then seeing that she hadn't used formal titles and they were in the middle of a hallway. Empty or not, this wasn't like her to slip up.
However, heat rose in his cheeks at her words, but he wasn't the only one blushing, he noticed. He also noticed, as they stepped into the lift that she was still keeping her hand out of sight, something she normally didn't do.
'When are the handmaidens in training expected to arrive?' he asked offhandedly.
Almost as soon as she spoke she realized her mistake and visibly pales from it. How could I have just said that? Furrowing her brow she tries to calm her distracted thoughts. Burying them deep in her concious she steps into the turbo lift as she offers a sheepish smile noting his awkwardness.
"Your welcome. Master Kenobi, there is nothing to be ashamed about I am only stating the truth."
She says careful this time of title though she can't help but find his shy acceptance to her compliments endearing. Such humility she muses, another trait your former padawan would do well to learn.
At his question she glances away as she politely responds feeling a little shamed by her obvious stretching of the truth earlier.
"They don't arrive for another couple of hours...I just needed, I needed some space to blow off some steam."
She says quietly glancing away.
As usual, her words warmed his heart, though he was quite aware of her sudden shift to formalities. Obi-Wan looked over at her as the lift moved.
He sensed her shame, which caused him to wonder, but then she explained. 'Sometimes avoidance is a good way to regain balance,' he replied thoughtfully.
A slight smirk of ages past crept onto his features as he added, 'And sometimes a good sparring match is a good way to vent frustrations.' A hint of mischievousness sparked in his eyes.
She smiles slightly before turning a bit serious once more.
"Sometimes. But one can't always run away from their problems. In the end we all must face the truth."
She sighs deeply at the thought before his next words and smirk causes her eyes to dance with excitement and anticipation.
"Are you challenging me Master Kenobi?"
She ask unable to hide her own grin.
He saw the fire of excitement in her eyes.
'Challenge? You?' he replied, his smirk widening. 'Never.'
Obi-Wan folded his arms, chuckling. 'All right, maybe, but only if you promise not to beat me too harshly before my initiation.'
She smiles at his words noting his smirk as for a moment the agitation and pain of the past events suddenly seems a million miles away.
Raising a brow slightly as he chuckles she offers him a mischivious smile as she goes along with his joke, pretending to be dissipointed.
"Oh very well then!"
She laughs at the thought.
"Though I imagine it will be more like the other way around.
So same rules as before?"
She says about to fold her arms only to stop herself as she remains poised still. The lift stopped on the floor they wanted and he stepped off.
Obi-Wan recalled the rule about not using the Force. 'Only if you promise to adhere to the rules as well, my lady.' His tone was gravely serious, but he waited for the the right moment to wink at her as they started down the hallway for the dojo.
Quietly she follows him ensuite before casting him a sharp glance at his stern words as she balks at him folding her arms unconciously in reply.
"I didn't mean to break the rules, not conciously...But you already know..."
She catches his wink and feels her cheek warms as she forces herself not to playfully push him for his teasing.
"...Brat..."
She mutters though she is smirking in reply. Somehow with him near everything just seem to fall into place and for this she is grateful.
'Sure you didn't,' he tossed back at her.
That's when she crossed her arms and he saw the marks on her hands. He made a note of this, but waited until they were in the training room to ask her about it.
'You're injured,' he observed, clearly concerned, but not assuming.
She is about to make a face and tease him about conviently 'forgetting' to keep to the rules himself when she saw his eyes fall to her arms. Blushing furiously and only too concious of the stains on the sleaves she swiftly slips them behind her back as she stare ahead in silence till they enter the training room.
At his statement and observation she glances away the memory of the events replaying in her mind.
"Agressive negotiations...You know how they can be."
She simply states trying to offer a slight smile though her eyes tell another story as they fill with shame and embaressment. She then moves quietly to her locker to grab her blades feeling to ashamed of herself to bother looking at him.
When she avoided his glance and moved away, it caused greater concern to wash over him. He followed her over to where the blades were kept, but instead of reaching for one, he reached out for her arm.
'Anakin,' he stated plainly, partially unbelieving as he examined the marks closely. Blood!
'Sabé,' he asked seriously, 'how did this happen?'
She moved to grab her blades when she feels his hand suddenly on her arm instinctivally she jerks away her eyes flashing before calming down as she stares at Obi-Wan inwardly reminding herself to get some control over herself.
At his simple statement she glances away burying the fury his name invokes and the shame that her own actions of that situation encourages.
"...We just lost our tempers. He spouted off some remarks, I spouted off some back and well...you can imagine."
She says uncomfortably.
Her anger was disconcerting to say the least. 'That gives him no right to do this to you.'
The thought flashed into his head. What if Anakin did this to the senator? Would she merely let it happen?
'Sabé...' he said, trying to get her to look him in the eye.
She continues to avoid his glance as she frowns deeply.
"What is done is done and it wasn't like I didn't repay the favor."
She states quietly feeling her cheeks warm with shame as she realizes that even now she finds smug satisfaction at the shocked expression on Anakins face as her fist found his jaw.
But her thoughts instantly turn darker as once more she finds herself thinking of Padme. Sabe could hold her own, but Padme could be blinded by her feelings for Anakin. Which Sabe feared would make her far too forgiving should his anger be unleashed against her.
She hears her name and it returns her attentions to Obi-Wan as she studies him warily now. He too cared far too much for Anakin in her opinion but she couldn't hold it against him. He practically raised the boy as though he was his own brother.
"...I can hold my own Obi-Wan. It's...Nevermind."
She shakes her head deciding it's best she leaves him out of this train of thought. She would alert the handmaidens of the matter and create a security detail of a different sort.
He knew she must have really pushed the right buttons for Anakin to do something like this.
'And what of Padmé when you and her handmaidens leave her alone with him? I know you can "hold your own", but when someone is blinded by love they don't see things clearly...'
He worried for her, but also for the senator and wondered what cross words had been exchanged between the two of them that could possibly have provoked him to do this to her.
Then he recalled. 'Just how did you repay the favour?' he asked curiously.
Her expression turns volatile as he speaks his thoughts about leaving Anakin alone with Padme and the danger it could present.
"Master Kenobi I will not let anything happen to the Senator. Your former padawan may not take the oaths and duties he swears by seriously, but I do. I assure you I will have this matter tended to whether he likes it or not.
If he so much as lays a finger on her the wrong way I will hunt him down and kill him myself. Jedi or not."
She is about to turn away when another thought occurs to her though she is still angry her eyes flicker in sadness.
"I know you are his mentor and best friend but if it comes to it I'm sorry but I will not back down on my oath."
Finally regaining some semblance of control Sabe finally catches his remarks as she sighs deeply the color returning to her cheeks with a vengeance.
"...I tried to choke him...But that didn't work too well...So I kind of...I punched him in the face."
She admit feeling every bit of a ten year old once more about to be scolded by her sparring teacher.
'I did not mean to suggest that you could not protect the senator,' Obi-Wan said apologetically.
Then she said she punched Anakin! 'You punched him?' he gasped, unbelieving. Anakin. A Jedi Knight.
Obi-Wan couldn't help, but laugh at this. It took a moment for him to recover enough to say, 'I would have paid to see that. It's not every day Anakin is bested in a fight.'
He probably didn't know his own strength, Obi-Wan figured. Surely he hadn't meant to draw blood. He didn't realise he was so used to making excuses on Anakin's behalf that they were starting to weigh on his own good judgement when it came to him.
She sighs at his apology the fire of her temper now quite simmered down by his words.
"...I'm sorry, the days events has left me on edge."
She admits before Obi-Wan's laughter at her admittance to punching Anakin leaves her more then a little stunned and perhaps just a tiny bit proud. Well at least I made you smile she inwardly muses deciding this day wasn't going to be too bad after all.
"I was furious and he was momentarily distracted and so I reacted without thinking."
She offers shyly though a wry smirk crosses her features as he admits he would have paid to witness the sight.
"I imagine that was a once in a lifetime experience. Although one has to admit it's not a bad shot for a "knock-off clone"."
She says dryly still licking the wounds of that remark.
His chuckled subsided as he took in what she said. 'Knock-off clone?' Certainly she wasn't referring to the clone troopers.
He shot her a confused look, while grabbing a blade, testing it in his hand. Finding a one he liked the balance of (though they were certainly heavier and awkward compared to a lightsaber), he tossed his cloak to the floor.
She raises a brow before getting an evil smirk as she grabs her blades.
"Yes apparently I'm a "knock off clone" didn't you know? Although all things considering one would figure Anakin would be more then happy to be surrounded by a "harem" of Padme's."
She then makes a face as she shakes her head and moves into position.
"Although frankly I'd rather not have my name associated with either the word Harem or if you'll forgive me your former Padawan."
Turning serious she straps the smaller blade to her back before drawing the main blade from it's sheath.
The comment about 'a harem of Padmés' caught Obi-Wan off-guard. There was a time when he hadn't been able to tell the handmaidens apart, aside from the blonde one when they were unveiled or uncloaked, but he hadn't ever associated her as being like Padme...not even remotely.
Aside from the same hair colour, Sabé looked nothing like the senator. She towered over her. 'If it's any consolation, I don't think you look like her at all.' Her body type was different as well, she was more slender yet muscular from her occupation and the workout training young girls to be handmaidens must entail.
Although he didn't like her tone when it came to his former apprentice and friend, he understood that everyone has their bad days and when those buttons are pressed, well, she deserved to let off a little steam. Even it meant punching someone in the face.
He put up a hand, swearing, 'No using the Force, I promise.'
At his words the edge of Sabe's d instantly melts as her cheeks warm. Suddenly concious of her appearance she glances to her blade before glancing to him shyly as she offers a soft smile.
"Thank you."
Though she is only too happy to serve the Senator and act as her handmaiden there were times when Sabe wondered if that was all people saw her as. The silent decoy of Padme. Though she knew better then to think that Obi-Wan held such views of her there were times when her esteem was worn thin when she'd briefly wonder. However hearing his confirmation that he didn't in any way see her as anyone else but Sabe left the former decoy feeling a bit more touched by his words then she'd care to admit.
At his final remarks she casts him a wry grin as she nods.
"Good! I hate to think you only beat me because you cheated!"
She laughs before turning a little sheepish.
"Though youll have to forgive me as I'm not sure if or when i'm tapping into it myself..."
'I will take that under consideration, my lady,' he said with a hint of teasing to his voice. He prepared himself a few paces away and did a mock salute, mimicking the one she had done last time.
Her laughter filled him so that he felt as though he had wings. Untouchable, well, at least by her sword.
Sabé was always light on her feet and one needed to watch carefully when her slight form could easily trick you and go in the opposite direction. Without the Force as his guide, he had to pay extra special attention to her body movements.
She grins feeling relaxed and less embaressed at the fact he isn't angry at her lack of ability to guard herself over such things. To his mock salute she laughs shaking her head.
"Now your just teasing me!"
Her eyes sparkle and she can't help but enjoy his teasing as she moves into position her attentions turning serious but relaxed once more. Sparring with Obi-Wan had long since been a bit of a hidden daydream of hers over the years but since then it had become a reality Sabe found it was even better then she had hoped.
If anything or anyone could put her back into a good d it was him. His presence radiated peace although in this instant it also radiated a sense of anticipation as she decides to take the bait and make the first move. Deftly she swings the blade with ease falling into the familar footsteps of her fighting style only this time with a hint of some movements she may have picked up from the last time they sparred.
Her attack was easily parried and he retreated, stepping back in order to make an attack of his own.
It was as if this was the only proper way the two of them to dance, the two of them moving together as if choreographed, their footsteps falling in a similiar pattern.
Though the aid of the Force was against the rules, his movements weren't as slow or impeded as they had been the last time they had sparred.
Obi-Wan was more consciously aware that in order to perform his best, he would study his opponent. Just the slightest hitch of her shoulder would alert him to her next move...unless she feigned it. His mind was working overtime without the Force, calculating distance, speed, whilst keeping an eye on that shoulder...
They were perfectly balanced, their footwork flowing together continuously. Retreat, advance, fast advance, long retreat, half retreat, jump advance, retreat, advance, lunge... while their swords met, clashing together to provide an percussion accompaniment.
He truly felt he could spend hours here with her, though he knew that would never be.
Obi-Wan's eyes left her shoulder to look into her eyes, breaking concentration for only a fraction of a second. Her eyes were not fierce in her attack, but concentrated.
She noticed a definate improvement from the last time they sparred. He was deft and quick on his feet despite his lack of use of the Force and it impressed her. Quickly she too parrys his attack her eyes completely focused on him as Sabe falls into step that both compliments and challenges the Jedi's own.
Between the sound of the blades making contact and the barely audible sound of their feet touching the ground Sabe finds herself promptly getting caught up in the rush of this clever battle. She loved the way it felt to weild the blade to feel the brush of air as she would barely dodge Obi-Wan's strike or how she could almost feel his breathe against her skin when he drew close enough to catch her blade in the middle of her attack. Though her arms stil hurt it was easily ignored in the rush of their electric dance of blades.
She catches his brief glance and soon moves to take advantage of it. With a few small swift but agile actions she makes her attack as a hint of a smile plays on her features.
If only i could make time stop she inwardly muses never wanting this to ending and yet knowing that at some point will.
The fraction of a second lull left him vulnerable and she got him. 'A touch,' he confessed, though he was smiling.
He took a few steps back so they could begin again. 'You're quite distracting, you know that?' he quipped, his breathing rapid as he did a quick-advance lung combination.
'Unfair advantage!'
She beams having actually caught the Jedi master off guard as she can't help but laugh softly shaking head as she too steps back.
"Quit teasing me Master Kenobi, I know you're better then that!"
She teases before his remarks causes her to raise a brow slightly as her cheeks warm.
"Oh no I'm doing it again aren't I?"
She asks mistaking his remarks to be him monitoring her subconcious use of the force.
"How to I refrain? I dont even know when I'm doing it."
She says apologetically.
'You have no control over it,' he replied, coming at her again with a quick jump advance, their swords clashing together.
'But even if you did,' he said over the striking metal, 'I wouldn't want you to change.'
After a few more exchanges, she somehow got his sword tangled up in hers. They were standing quite closely, he felt her warm breath on his neck, sending shivers down his spine. Catching his own breath, he didn't speak, but looked into her eyes.
She frowns slightly not too pleased by this response as she suddenly feels concious of herself. But the thought passes quickly as Sabe finds herself once more moving instinctivally to meet his blade as the clanging of their blades focuses her thoughts causing her to smile in anticipation.
She furrows a brow as he admits he'd rather she didn't change.
"Why not? Would I be that useless if I did resist it?"
She asks moving to parry and then strike again finding herself slipping into the familar, intricate dance once more. But as the intensity of their spar increased so did the details of their movements until Sabe suddenly found her blade neatly tangled in the Jedi masters own blade.
And then everything went from intence to electric once more. She could feel his breath against her cheek and hear the silent siren call of his deep gaze that beckoned her to return them.
Frozen she finds herself returning his silent stare feeling exposed, vulnerable and anticipating all at the same time. Sabe doesn't dare say a word, doesn't dare to look away. It would be so easy to lean in, to close the distance, but she doesn't dare for fear it would somehow offend him. He was a member of the council now and she wouldn't dare even think about doing anything that would endanger his new title.
And at the meeting of their blades, their proximity, Obi-Wan thought, And am I useless if I don't resist it? He was never one to be able to silence his thoughts which currently jumped from one tangent to the next at hyperspeed.
The Council, my duty, her duty, our last kiss, the Code, chastising Anakin, betrayal, path to the Dark Side, this isn't evil, sworn oaths, her eyes...
Wanting to drop the borrowed sword and take her in his arms and yet afraid to--
Fear. Now that was something he knew for a fact led to darkness. This was a fear he needed to overcome.
She could feel the emotions coming off of him in waves and it Sabe soon realized it was very simular and yet so different from her own. But it is the underlying fear felt that brings Sabe back to reality.
How can I possibly chastize Anakin and Padme's relationship when here I am contemplating simular thoughts? She thinks in concern and shame. Here I claim to follow a path of honor and duty meanwhile my actions are anything but honorable.
Stepping back Sabe glances away her cheeks suddenly on fire as her heart sinks in shame. How close she had come to making Obi-Wan lose his honor and break his loyalty to the Order to which he had dedicated his life to.
Closing her eyes briefly she frowns before opening them once more as she studies him sadly.
"Please forgive me. That was completely unwarrented and hardly becoming of me."
With that she politely sheaths her blade deciding it is just best she let it go lest she lose her thoughts once more.
'Forgive you?'
Her words stunned him as she backed away, sheathing her sword.
'My lady, if anyone should be asking for forgiveness, it is I.'
He moved to sheath his blade in kind before turning to face her once more. 'I have been holding onto fears that are unwarranted. They've been eating away at me when I should be letting them go.'
She moves to return her blade to her locker but pauses at his words as she glances back to him in mild confusion. Offering him a sad smile Sabe shakes her head slightly.
"You have no reason to apologize and after my display of poor manners I don't blame you for being fearful."
She says softly her eye glancing to her hands now.
"I have no intention of ever placing you in a position where you must comprimise your honor or loyalty."
Her eyes meet his as she speaks with new found fervance.
"You have my word and my oath."
Poor manners? Obi-Wan certainly didn't think so. She was by far the most courteous person he knew. She was looking at her hands and he noticed once again the dried blood.
With the sword placed back in the storage compartment, he was free to touch her cheek as their eyes met. You have never asked anything of me that could compromise my honour nor my loyalty, my dear friend, he thought, looking on her with renewed admiration.
'And you have mine,' he replied with matching fervency.
At his touch her attentions return to him though her cheeks soon flush as she struggles within not to be so drawn to the peaceful aura and calm that exudes from it. Her eyes studies his and Sabe can't help but feel humbled by the admiration that she witnesses in his gaze.
She smiles to his words as she gingerly touches his cheek and bows slightly.
"I have no doubt about that Obi-Wan. A greater and more noble man I have never known."
