Archive: M_A, SWAL and my home page:
http://members.tripod.com/~AiR_WSW/Athea.html
Category: AU, Qui-Gon is not dead.
Warnings: none to speak of except for the very ending of TPM
Summary: Queen Amidala learns a little more about the Force.
I had a headache of galactic proportions and I forced myself
to sit still, listening with the small part of my brain not on
fire with the pain to the trade representative of the Jardani.
I was in formal dress today, albeit a moderated version of what
I'd worn earlier in my reign. The invasion had trashed some of
the nonsense the ruling Queens had had to put up with in the
past.
Idly, I wondered what my mother would have thought about the
divided skirt I had on under my formal robe. Probably she'd
exclaim how improper it was, all the time plotting how to have
one made for herself. Sometimes I missed her with all my heart
and then there were times I could barely remember what it felt
like to be hugged by her strong arms. It seemed more like ten
years then only one since her death.
Oh, thank goodness, he's winding down. I smiled
graciously at the tall, brisk figure with the shiny bald head.
Which, of course, reminded me of Qui-Gon's luxurious locks and
the way I'd last seen them. And was yet another reminder that I
needed to check on Anakin, who was keeping him company while
Obi-Wan finished up on Coruscant after his master's
funeral.
Suddenly, I couldn't stand one more platitude. I wasn't
picking up any deception, just a love of his own voice. "Thank
you, Ambassador Yuri. I shall take your words into
consideration. I look forward to speaking with you again. At a
later date. Councillor Bahrens will go over some of the finer
details with you now."
A little abrupt perhaps but my old mentor handled it
beautifully. They both bowed themselves out and left me to push
the heavy wig off my head and into Padme's hands. "Oof! There
has to be a way to lighten that headress up. It keeps giving me
a headache."
"I will investigate, Your Highness." With one hand she held
the wig while her other offered me the cool cloth that would
wipe off the heavy makeup that disguised the true me. It felt
wonderful to scrub my face and remove all traces of Her Royal
Highness.
Leaving the heavy outer robe on the throne, I stepped down and
shook out my divided skirt. Rolling my head back and forth, I
pulled out the comm link from my pocket. "General Panaka."
"Yes, Your Highness." His deep voice calmed some of the
tension.
"I need an escort for my afternoon walk, General. Young Anakin
has been alone with R2-D2 for long enough. I'm afraid I've been
neglecting him."
"Nonsense, Your Highness. He's happy tinkering with the little
droid and you've been busy with the Jardani delegation."
"Well, negotiations are over for the day and I need to get out
and breathe some fresh air."
"On my way."
"Padme, will you please tidy up for me?" I rubbed my temples
to try and relieve more of the steady pounding. "I'll be back
in an hour or two. Maybe, the scent of the renette flowers will
ease this headache. Mother always used to swear by them."
She dimpled and handed me a small square of linen. Wondering,
I brought it to my nose and recognized the familiar scent that
always reminded me of my mother. For a moment, I heard her soft
voice telling me that everything would be all right. Since
Qui-Gon's rebirth, I'd felt her closer to me than ever before.
"Thank you, Padme." I hugged her and watched a blush bloom on
her cheek. "What would I do without you?"
She just shook her head shyly and continued folding my
presentation robe for the journey to my private apartments. I
headed for the guards at the other end of the room but the
grand double doors opened before I could reach them. My general
entered and bowed when he saw me.
"Let's go out the side door, General Panaka. Maybe I can avoid
some of those parasites, I mean, the lords who are waiting in
the anterooms." I couldn't quite catch my tongue in time and
didn't need to look to see the tiny shake of the dark head.
"Your Highness has had enough of diplomacy today?" He walked
at my side down the back stairs and through the door hidden
behind the large tapestry. It looked ancient but boasted the
latest in microtechnology in the lock that was keyed to just a
few.
Waiting until we were outside, I sighed and raised the linen
to my nose. Inhaling deeply, I felt the tension slip a little
further away. "I know there's a lot to do to bring us back to
pre-invasion status, Pan. And I have seen the damage and heard
the stories from the survivors. But most of those who are
loudest in their protestations of need are the least hurt!"
His hand gently pressed against my shoulder. It was the only
touch he would allow himself, I'd discovered when I became
queen. "I know, Dala. But it will take time for them to realize
that the world no longer revolves around them or the old
conventions."
I chuckled, his words defusing my unspoken desire to punch out
a few of the more fawning courtiers. "What I really need are a
few good projects that will take them away from the Capitol and
put them to work helping to rebuild."
"It may be better to keep them here where we can watch them.
Unless you want the rebuilding to mirror the past." He looked
down sideways at me with a small smile creasing his eyes. Eyes
that never lied to me.
I thought about what he had said, fitting it in to the complex
puzzle that was my kingdom. What best to do for my people? The
old days were gone forever but most of them seemed unaware of
that. Not their fault really, I know how tempted I was to cling
to my memories of the past when Mother died and they proclaimed
me Queen. It would have been safer to give in to the Trade
Federation.
But my family had always been fighters and I would be damned
if I let the past obscure the future we could build out of the
war. "All right, Pan. I see what you mean. Better they torment
me than their people. At least, I have guards to keep the worst
of them away."
"True, Dala. And loyal retainers who will keep them at bay
while you take care of the rest of your people."
We shared a smile and finished our walk through the gardens to
the small lake that bordered the palace grounds to the east.
Another pair of guards came into view at the foot of the plank
bridge that arched gently out over the still waters to the
island off shore.
Gungan guards, tall and gangly in their brand new royal
uniforms. I smiled at them and wondered again what my mother
would have thought. So many changes, so quickly. The General
stopped to speak to them while I continued over the bridge
towards the shimmering dome of opalescent energy that covered
the whole island.
Another present from the Gungan. Once they understood that I
needed a safe place where Obi-Wan could go to meditate and
teach young Anakin the ways of the Jedi, they had created the
energy shield that would block all intrusions from without. Of
course, we'd moved Qui-Gon here before we'd left for Coruscant
and his . . . funeral.
I still shuddered every time I recalled seeing his effigy
burn. I'd been on pins and needles the whole time, wondering if
someone would figure out that the body was not the Jedi
warrior but one of the pilots who'd crashed and burned during
the last battle. But Master Yoda had handled it all
beautifully.
And Obi-Wan had been rock solid in all his dealings with the
other Jedi, deferring to his elders and allowing just a hint of
the anguish he'd felt at his master's death to seep out from
his calm facade. I know how much he'd hated to leave Qui-Gon
still healing from his wound but he'd just nodded at the plan
devised by Master Yoda and General Panaka.
We'd been back for almost two days now and I know how much I
wanted to have the young Jedi return. Qui-Gon was slowly
regaining his strength and teaching Anakin some of the basics
he would need for his Jedi training. The Jedi Council had
decreed that Obi-Wan and Anakin could train here on Naboo for
the first few months of Ani's apprenticeship.
Trying to hide my smile at that thought, I wondered if that
would be long enough for a proper honeymoon. I was pretty sure
that they had done no more than kiss and touch before Obi-Wan
had had to leave. I already had several schemes ready to occupy
Anakin's attention so his masters could have some time alone
with each other.
I passed through the tall grasses and into the grove of trees
that ringed the island. What the shield didn't obscure, the
tall growth did. It was cool beneath the dark green leaves that
hung from the light gray branches of the kolla trees. Laughter
sounded from up ahead and I picked up my pace.
I came through the trees into the moss covered glade where the
small cottage stood, dappled with sunlight through the
filtering branches of the deep purple foliage of the fuuring
pines. Ani and Qui-Gon were playing with a small red ball that
bounced back and forth between them. But their hands were laced
in their laps and I could feel the ripples in the air each time
the ball flew from one side to the other.
//Welcome, Dala. Come and join us.//
"Dala!" Anakin bounced to his feet and ran to hug me.
I loved his exuberant hugs for their whole heartedness. He had
no hidden agendas nor did he want anything from me but my
affection. Something I enjoyed giving to the little tow head
who was so adaptable to the catastrophic changes in his life. I
buried a stray thought deep so he wouldn't catch it.
"Have you been practising with the Force, Ani?" I teased him.
"Yeah! It's fun to move things with my mind. But it's hard to
concentrate sometimes." He smiled and frowned at the same time.
//Practice will help, Ani.// Qui-Gon patted the seat beside
him and shifted over to make room for us.
I sat by his side while Anakin squeezed in between us.
"Practice makes perfect was what my mother always told me.
Especially, right before something really boring had to be
done."
"But this isn't boring, Dala. It's neat!" And he threw the
ball up into the air and focused all his energy on the glowing
red globe. It hovered there as if pasted to the air and I
exchanged a smile with the Jedi who looked so much less fragile
then when I'd last seen him the day before.
//The meals you've had sent out have been delicious. Although
I wonder just how big an appetite they think one small boy must
have.//
"I told them that he was a finicky eater and had to be tempted
to eat at all." I grinned at the memory of my sigh and drooping
mouth which had galvanized the cooks into competing for the
right to be the one who succeeded in getting the little hero to
eat.
His chuckle sounded loud in the still air and it surprised
both of us so much that Ani lost his concentration and dropped
the ball. "Master!"
"Slowly . . . it . . . comes . . . back." The husky voice was
not the gentle melodious one I remembered but good to hear just
the same. //I will keep practicing, Ani but so must you.//
"Yes, Sir." He grinned and went to pick up the ball from where
it had rolled almost into the renette bushes.
//You have a headache, Dala.// His large hand brushed at my
temple when I nodded. One long finger pressed gently then moved
down to the base of my neck and ghosted across the skin until
it found a sore spot. He pressed gently and pain flared up into
my skull.
Gritting my teeth hard, I endured until the ache eased and
warmth took its place. "I need you to teach me that. It always
works and I seem to be getting more headaches than ever
before."
//The decisions you must make would give Master Yoda a
headache.// Qui-Gon joked quietly. //This is a simple pressure
point that even the young learn at the Temple.//
"Can you teach me to take away the pain?" Anakin leaned
against his master's knee, the ball forgotten on the ground
near R2-D2. "I want to learn everything."
//Everything . . . will take a little while.// Qui-Gon ruffled
the fair hair of his new apprentice. //But for now, I think
this is an excellent place to start your healing lessons.
Center yourself . . ./ The air rippled around us and I felt a
pull from the trees that had nothing to do with healing and
everything to do with love. //Obi-Wan.//
I found myself on my feet, holding on to Anakin's shoulders
when the newest Jedi Knight strode into view. His eyes were
riveted on Qui-Gon, standing tall with the sun glinting off the
golden aura that still surrounded his body. Four more steps and
he was on one knee before his old master.
"Qui-Gon." The name was spoken with a fervor that spoke
volumes.
"Obi-Wan." His name was sighed no louder than the breeze that
ghosted through the clearing but we all heard it like a shout
of joy.
I had to blink my eyes hard to keep the tears from
overflowing. This joyful moment made me want to cry for some
reason and I found myself hugging young Anakin with both arms.
A little sniff reminded me that he was still missing the person
he loved most in the world and I made another mental note to
check with Panaka on our little project.
He stood gracefully in his full robes and turned slightly
towards me. "Amidala, I left your general with the . . .
package that you were bargaining for. Ric Olie sends his
compliments and hopes that you will be pleased with his trade."
The blue eyes were mischievous and I felt a surge of delight
that something had so obviously gone right.
"Well, since the present is for Ani, I think he and I had
better go and see Pan. I'll have Padme leave your dinner on
this side of the bridge. Don't forget it or my cooks will be
crushed. They've been tempting Anakin with all sorts of
delicacies since you've been gone." I looked down into curious
blue eyes. "Run ahead, Ani. I think you'll like this surprise."
He looked up at his two teachers. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
Obi-Wan smiled and knelt down to Ani's level. "Perhaps the day
after would be better. I think your surprise will take up your
time until then."
Ani giggled. "And you and Qui-Gon want to be alone. I can take
a hint."
//Imp. We shall make you work very hard when you return.// The
tall Jedi bent and returned the strangling hug that his
apprentice gave both of them. //Go and see your surprise, Ani.
We'll be fine.//
"Okay. Take care of each other." And he scampered off down the
path with R2-D2 in pursuit.
"We'll keep him busy until you send word that you're ready to
join the world again." I was having a hard time not blushing at
the feelings that were leaking through the Force in all
directions. "Just tell the guards if you need anything."
Starting off with a wave of my hand, I hurried and caught up
with the small droid with the funny sense of humor. At the bend
of the path, I was caught between two scenes of unsurpassed
emotion. Ani was running as hard as he could to the slight
figure who stood by Panaka with her arms outstretched in
welcome.
I owed Captain Olie more than I could possibly repay for
finding a way to free Shmi Skywalker. More than anything in the
world, I wished I could once again feel my mother's arms around
me. Drinking in the sight with tear filled eyes, I saw Ani held
close in Shmi's embrace. His head was buried between her
breasts and her cheek rested on the fair hair she'd probably
never thought to feel again.
Pulling the scrap of linen from my pocket, I hastily blew my
nose before I could lose all control and disgrace myself in
public. Promising myself a good cry before I fell asleep
tonight, I looked back over my shoulder in time to see Qui-Gon
cup his former Padawan's cheek in one hand. The golden glow
surrounded them both now and Obi-Wan turned just enough to
brush his lips against his former master's palm.
All the emotions resounding through the Force were
bewildering. The heartfelt joy was paramount on both sides but
the escalating sensuality behind me flowed through the currents
straight to me. I'd never felt anything like it before and it
reminded me of a conversation I'd had with my mother on my
twelfth birthday. The one about love and sex and what was
expected of a queen.
'Did you love papa? Or did you have to marry him because of
Naboo?' I'd asked her straight out because she'd never lied to
me and I really needed to know.
'I was lucky, Dala. I had to marry him but once I met him, I
loved him dearly. And he felt the same way. It's why I never
remarried after he was killed in that foolish accident. No one
else could compare. That's what I wish for you, little one.
Love beyond measure.' She hugged me close and we talked for
hours that night.
And what I was seeing and feeling from the two men behind me
was the best illustration of just such a love as she'd
described to me. Tenderness . . . passion . . . joy . . . all
flowed about the glade in ever increasing circles. I caught my
breath as Qui-Gon slowly bent to Obi-Wan's upturned face,
almost hearing the sizzle as their lips met.
Shaking myself hard and turning resolutely away, I tapped
R2-D2 on his shiny silver dome. "Come on, R2, it's time we gave
them a little privacy."
"Beep, beep, br-r-upt." He suggested.
"I couldn't have said it better myself. Let's go plan a party
to welcome Anakin's mother to Naboo." And I walked towards the
couple that needed me, leaving the Jedi to their own party.
If that kiss was any indication, I was a little too young to
know how they intended to celebrate. Eyeing General Panaka
casually, I smiled to myself. But in fourteen months I would be
sixteen and reach my majority. By then, I'd be ready to do a
little exploring of my own. This could be a very interesting
learning experience for all of us.
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