Jedi Council Forums - Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi- COMPLETED!! 03/02

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » The Saga »

Locked Topic | Read Only Topic | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 » - ~~Previous~~ | Next | Reload

Author	Topic: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi- COMPLETED!! 03/02
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:14pm Subject: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi- COMPLETED!! 03/02 - Date Edited: 3/2/04 9:22pm (41 edits total) Edited By: Sache8
	For reference, the original posting of this story may be found here. Hello everyone. For those of you who have read Shadows of a Past Long Forgotten, and/or are currently reading Why Love Was Forbidden in the Old Jedi Order, I recently got whacked over the head quite vehemently by this plot bunny... which was to write the prequel-era side of those stories If you have NOT been reading those stories... that's okay, you'll be able to follow anyway It has been thus far an intriguing undertaking, as several of the required characters, events, and even props have been pre-prescribed and must be adapted into a story otherwise of my own making. Be advised: this series, of which this story is the first, will be an eventual Sabé/Obi, which is really weird, because... while I like Sabé/Obi well enough, I never had any especially particular interest in them, and never thought I'd actually write one. But life is so very strange, is it not? Be also advised: The government of Naboo is just a tad bit different than you'll remember from TPM and especially AotC. But that's what makes writing AU so fun. Hope you enjoy! ~Saché -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:18pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi - Date Edited: 10/26/03 7:26pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Sache8
	Dance With the Stars Prologue Not all Royal Handmaidens were reared for life in court. Both tradition and wisdom held that these special assistants to the Royal house be chosen from all walks of life, encompassing a broad range of talent. Those chosen who had not grown up in the aristocracy were trained in the appropriate mannerisms and rituals of court life. At once elegant, refined, and discreet, the handmaidens served their queens and princesses with poise, and dignity. In Amidala’s throne room they sat, a class all their own, in places distinct yet unobtrusive. They watched with open eyes and ears, cataloguing everything that took place. Each in her seat bore herself like an echo of the queen herself: timeless, regal, and observant. The handmaidens were well trained. One, however, had never required training to begin with. Princess Sabé Naberrie, face hidden in the shadow of her yellow cowl, kept her features properly impassive. Though her heart was bursting with pride, she did not let it show. Arms draped gracefully on the sides of her chair, head held high, she sat as straight and tall as her small stature would allow. The pose required no concentration on her part. She had been born a Royal Princess of Naboo, and had been sitting like this since the time she had understood speech. In a different world, it might well have been her sitting on the throne. But this was not such a world, and neither would she wish it so. The people had chosen correctly. Her twin sister was clearly far more capable as an executive leader than Sabé. The Naboo were very wise to have perceived this. Although the law of the Naboo outlined clearly that any citizen twelve years of age or older was eligible to run for the monarchy, the Naberrie dynasty had now lasted nearly three hundred years. There were minor factions, of course, that opposed such a long-lasting influence, but their small numbers had never really made much of an impact. This was attributable to the fact that the Naberries, with a few exceptions, had nearly always lived up to the faith granted them by their steadfast people. And now Padmé has done it again, Sabé reflected. Perhaps more greatly than any before her. No, she realized, she did not envy her sister. Not in the slightest. She could imagine the terrible weight of doubt and indecision that must have pulled at the Queen all these past few months. Sabé did not feel capable of withstanding so much pressure. Padmé had made some hard decisions, and sacrificed much, but she had neither forgotten nor betrayed her people, and that was everything. Yes, perhaps the Great Time of Peace is finally over, Sabé thought as she watched the scene before her eyes. But peace comes in many visages. Walking slowly and regally across the cool inlaid marble of the throne room floor towards the queen was a proud Gungan ambassador. Sabé had been learning much about Gungans lately. A subject in which she was, for once, just as ignorant as all her fellow handmaidens. This Gungan was slim like Jar-Jar Binks and Captain Tarpals, but her rubbery skin was a mottled blend of gray and cream, with tinges of blue in the creases around her eyes and hands. Sabé thought that perhaps this Gungan was considered a beauty among her own people; her coloring was very handsome in Sabé’s eyes. But of course she did not know for certain. There was so much that nobody knew about the very people with whom they shared this beautiful world. Thanks to Amidala, or Padmé, as Sabé knew her, they would now have the opportunity to learn. And friendships would be forged that should have been made long ago. Pride had been left too long unchecked, and now the Naboo and Gungan both would learn humility and respect. Kessa Shanbo, as the Gungan was named, had come to Theed to be the first Ambassador to the Naboo. She would live in the city, in a special Embassy for which even now the plans were being drawn. It would be along the river, near the water the Gungan people loved so dearly. Sabé could no longer prevent a huge grin of pride to escape onto her features, and she was glad that everyone’s attention was too captivated for anyone to notice. Everyone except Rabé of course, who somehow managed to catch Sabé’s eye and raise a bemused eyebrow. Sabé rolled her eyes slightly and turned her attention back to the ceremony, not wanting to miss a moment. Kessa Shanbo had reached the dias and was bowing respectfully at the waist in homage to the Queen. Soon the first formal treaties of peace would be brought forth and signed as a lasting covenant between the two great races. What a triumph! The Trade Federation had sought to bring this world to its knees, but through the trial it had emerged even stronger than before. So much has changed, she thought. So many of us have changed, and myself most of all, I think. She had been to strange and exciting places. She had witnessed many ground-breaking moments, and made dear and long-lasting friends. It was such a story, and it began quite some time before Amidala even sat upon her throne… ~~~~~~ Part One Nine months earlier* Princess Sabé stood defiantly outside an ornately decorated door. On the other side of the door was her mother, Queen Leiandra Naberrie of the Naboo. In this room the Queen conducted her day-to-day business affairs. Often times, these duties included dealing with her four children. Sabé wore a flowing gown of sky-blue, a long silver sash wrapped decoratively around the waist in a complicated criss-cross pattern. Long, shining dark hair was pulled back up high off her face and bound in a roped braid that fell all the way down her back. Silver jewlry in delicate filigree decorated her her neck and wrists. The effect would have been altogether lovely, had it not been for the sour expression on her face. Her lips were pressed into a tight line, and her dark eyes were narrowed and smoldering. “I don’t know where you get your stubbornness from, maati,” came a warm tenor voice from behind her. Her father was walking almost casually up the corridor towards her. Armand Maoline, the Prince Consort of Naboo, was not a tall man. But he nevertheless exuded a quiet air of confidence and command. He stopped next to Sabé, and rested his hand on the latch of the door as he looked at her. Sabé snorted softly. “Why from my mother of course,” she replied tartly. “You don’t even know why you’re in trouble, do you?” he asked. A hint of bemused condescension teased in his tone, and Sabé’s eyes flashed dangerously. She did not reply. Her father gave her a meaningful glance, and reached out and squeezed her shoulder encouragingly. “Your mother and I will see you shortly.” He opened the door a small crack and slipped through. A loud sigh escaped her lips as the door clicked shut again behind him. She was tempted to pace, but held her feet still; she was too proud to make such a weak display of anxiety. So she stood and waited, staring straight ahead and focusing her eyes on nothing at all. At long last, the door opened again. “The Queen will see you now, Princess,” said the herald quietly. Sabé gave him a look of derision as she passed through the door. Immediately she regretted such a childish act. She couldn’t fault the poor man for doing his job, after all. But when Sabé was angry it seemed to her as if the whole world took the side of the Queen. Except perhaps Padmé, who was adept at remaining neutral. The antechamber of the Queen’s throne room was one of Sabé’s favorite rooms in the palace. It shared the same tall windows as its neighbor, but was cozier by far. Bookshelves were tastefully placed against the walls, and two chairs sat before the desk of the Queen. Winter morning sunlight streamed in through the windows, belying the chill in the air outside. Queen Leiandra sat at her desk signing a stack of documents. She did not look up as Sabé approached her. Prince Armand stood calmly behind his wife, his hands clasped behind his back. “Sit down,” commanded the Queen. Her tone was quiet, but unyielding. Sabé sat. She noted that the chairs provided were just uncomfortable enough so that a person sitting in them would not be quite able to fully relax. Not that anyone would be able to, if facing Sabé’s mother as she was now. Sabé kept her face stony, gritting her teeth and forcing herself to be patient. They were playing a game, she knew. Leiandra was testing Sabé, to see how long she could hold her temper. Sabé was determined to win. Sitting next to the window was her mother’s chief handmaiden, Eullie Thwain, who also happened to be Sabé’s etiquette instructor. Eullie had been a nursemaid to all four of the Naberrie children growing up. She was nearly as stern as their mother. Eullie did not look pleased. At long last, the stack of papers reached its end, and an assistant gathered them up deftly and practically fled the room, giving a short bow as he did so. Sabé did not blame him. Were she in his shoes, she would flee as well. As it was, she would have to sit it out. Leiandra laid down her pen and folded her hands upon the desk, finally raising her gaze to look regally upon her daughter. “We received an interesting visit this morning,” her mother began. Sabé winced. The use of the Royal ‘we’ was not a good sign. Since her father had still been returning from Keren until the past hour, Sabé knew that Leiandra was not referring to herself and her husband collectively. “A visit,” continued her mother, “from one Ard Nenshall.” Sabé’s blood seemed to both freeze and drain from her face in the same moment. She concentrated on keeping emotion from her features, but her knuckles were white as she clenched the armrests of her chair. She could not think of anything to say, so she waited for her mother to continue. “It seems our Princess Sabé has grossly offended the son of Master Nenshall, who was a tutor for her Royal Higness until yesterday.” Sabé wondered idly how Baird’s father had learned what had happened. Or rather, who had been the one to tell him. Her actions had not exactly been discreet, but Baird was much too reserved to have tattled on her. It had to have reached his father by some other means. The Queen stood up, and turned her back on Sabé, gazing out the window as she spoke. “You cannot get by with sitting in silence forever, Sabé,” she said. “Tell me what happened.” A smart retort died halfway in Sabé’s mouth as her father caught her eye and shook his head very slightly. This was no light matter. She pursed her lips. Perhaps it was time to concede a little. Truth be told, the story was rather an embarrassing one. She suspected her mother knew this very well, which was why Sabé was being forced to repeat it aloud. She searched vainly for a glossy way to begin, but came up with nothing. In that case, she decided, best to get it over with as soon as possible. “Master Nenshall,” she began stiffly, “the younger, that is, was my civics tutor. I have in recent months come to very much…” she hesitated, trying to choose the best word, “…admire him.” A hint of pink tinged her cheeks, and she rushed on, knowing that her father was already laughing behind his regulated features. “Knowing yesterday was his last day of employ here at the palace, I took the opportunity to ask him if he would be my escort at Banquet this evening.” “And did he take your full meaning?” the Queen prompted. “Yes.” “And then what happened?” “I…,” she swallowed, “that is, he politely turned me down.” Her voice trailed off as she spoke, making the last words come out as a mumble, and she averted her eyes. “Ah yes, interesting choice of words,” Leiandra commented. “He politely turned you down, you say? And how did you then behave?” The pink spots in Sabé’s cheeks became flames. She stared at the floor as she spoke. Each word was torture. “I got angry at him,” she said. “I raised my voice. I called him a ruffian and smashed his datapad. Then I slapped him and walked away.” The antechamber was filled with cold silence for many long moments. Finally, the Queen turned from the window. “Is this how a Princess of Theed behaves?” she demanded. Her voice was steel. “I should not have expected this of you, Sabé. I am most seriously displeased.” Leiandra was steadily becoming more mother than queen. She had dropped all pretense of royal address now. “What can you possibly have to say for yourself?” “Nothing, madam,” said Sabé through teeth that were once again gritted. “I should imagine not. Your behavior was irresponsible, childish, and not to mention the most selfish thing I’ve heard in many years.” “I’m not the selfish one!” Sabé burst out angrily. “He was the one who strung me along. Always smiling at me and talking to me and singling me out. What was I supposed to think? Lousy boor,” she spat. “Sabé Vána,” her father said sharply, in warning. “Oh I don’t know,” Leiandra said sarcastically. “The thought might have crossed your mind that he was simply being courteous to you out of respect for your position. As for singling you out, I don’t suppose you thought that maybe the fact that he was supposed to be tutoring you in Civics had something to do with it!” Sabé bit her lip, suddenly shamed. When her mother put it that way, it did seem foolish of her to have been so blindly confident in her own presumptions. She sighed and looked away. Leiandra echoed her daughter’s sigh. Then she walked over to Sabé and raised her chin, meeting her eyes. “Oh my girl,” she said, her voice now much sadder and softer. “I love you very much, but you must realize that being a Princess does not give everything over to your disposal. It might be an overused saying, my dear, but believe it or not, the world does not revolve around you.” This quiet chiding made Sabé feel sullen again. She swallowed and made no comment. Leiandra sighed again and walked over to her desk. “Your father and I have agreed to send you to Oxon tomorrow. You will be offering your assistance on the plantation at Naestral’s Grove. With the spring approaching, they will be preparing for the annual groundbreaking. It will be good for you to get away from palace life for awhile.” “But what about the Mai Alai festival?!” Sabé protested. “They celebrate Mai Alai in Oxon,” answered the Queen swiftly, using a tone of voice that warned against any further objections. Leandra looked up and noted the crestfallen look on her daughter’s face. Then, for the first time since the interview had begun, the Queen of the Naboo smiled, her eyes displaying the warmth and good humor that held fast the loyalty of her people. She exchanged smiles with her husband and walked back to her daughter, wrapping her in an embrace. “Don’t take it too personally Sabé,” she said. “You would have gone away at some point anyway. You know that. Now is just as good a time as any.” Sabé nodded. “Yes mama,” she said with a shaky breath. “Now I want you to go shopping for a new datapad to replace the one you robbed Master Nenshall of. Preferably one that will be an improvement for him. I won’t make you visit him, although I should, but I do want you to write a formal apology and send it today with the datapad. After that you may do what you like until the banquet.” Sabé turned to leave, relieved to finally be free. As she reached for the handle of the door, her mother called, “Oh, and Sabé?” Sabé looked back over her shoulder. Her mother smiled. “Happy birthday.” Sabé finally managed a smile of her own. “Thanks, mama.” ~~~~*~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:25pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	~~~~~ I am fourteen years old today. Fourteen, and so is Padmé.* Despite the lingering effects of her bad mood, Sabé could not help but feel satisfied at the thought. She’d always been eager to be grown up. Her thirteenth birthday had been a milestone, and the fourteenth promised to be even more fulfilling. If only Baird Nenshall had accepted her offer of being an escort, she would have been perfectly content in looking forward to this evening. Her pride had been gravely wounded when he had turned her down. Even his mortification and flustered apologies had been little comfort. He hadn’t meant to give her any false impressions, he’d said. He was flattered by her offer but he was already seeing someone. No doubt she’s tall, blond, and eighteen, Sabé thought with a scowl. She paused next to a tall window and studied her faint reflection. Gods, but she hated being so short! She turned away from her reflection and continued down the corridor. Sabé’s musings were presently interrupted by a short flash of white and blue that dashed out from the nearest pillar and plowed headlong straight into her. “Ooomph!” she cried, and then reached down to peel away a small pair of arms that were clasped tightly around her. “Good morning, Richard,” she said blandly. Eight-year-old Prince Richard Naberrie grinned up at his middle sister brightly. “Mornin!” he replied cheerfully. “We’ve been waiting for you for a long time!” “A whole fifteen minutes,” came another voice with a laugh. Sabé’s younger sister Claria was also stepping out from behind the pillar. “Sabé, did you really smash Master Nenshall’s datapad?” “And good morning to Claria too,” said Sabé wryly, still trying to detach Richard from her lower body. “Who told you?” she added, rolling her eyes. At this, Richard found incentive to finally pull away from her, still grinning. “Rabé told us,” he said gleefully. “Awww Rabé, you snitch!” Sabé whined under her breath. As youngest handmaiden to the Queen, Rabé Voss had actually been present for the incident in question. She was only a year older than Sabé, and the two had become very close since the handmaiden’s appointment. But Rabé had a weakness for spreading gossip. Sabé only hoped in this case that she had been able to restrain herself after divulging to the youngest members of the Royal family. In the end though, she realized, it was really made little difference. Rabé had not been the only witness. It had only been a matter of time. Claria was giggling behind her hand. Sabé tried to favor her sister with a glare, but was eventually forced to give up a smile herself. It was difficult to stay angry when face to face with Claria’s sunny personality, though Force knew that Sabé always tried. “Well,” said Claria finally, “the worst is over.” She indicated her head toward the direction of their mother’s antechamber. “Yes,” Sabé emphatically agreed. The trio began walking towards the staircase at the end of the corridor, where Sabé had been heading before the interruption. Sabé amused herself by watching her brother. Despite being only eight years old, with all the excessive energy typically associated with that age, Richard was still a prince. His hands were clasped behind his back as they walked. His head was cocked proudly and he looked every inch a miniature version of his father. Sabé wondered if he was even aware he was doing it. Probably not, for he was always outwardly complaining about not getting to be like other boys. “Where is Padmé?” Sabé asked as they descended the stairs to the second level of the palace. Claria’s eyes twinkled. “Studying,” she replied. “On her birthday?!” Sabé exclaimed. Then she shook her head sadly. “Perfect Padmé,” she muttered. Claria giggled again. “Yes, perfect Padmé.” “Well,” said Sabé defiantly, squaring her shoulders, “you won’t find me near a book today. Besides, I don’t have that much of a choice.” She laughed bitterly. “I get to go datapad shopping! What joy is mine.” She turned suddenly to her sister. “Hey, as long as I have to go out, we might as well make a real shopping day out of it. What do you think? Maybe we can sneak Rabé out of duty to come with us.” “Mmmn…” said Claria longingly, “I wish I could, but I have clavaria this afternoon.” “You can’t skip clavaria for your sister’s birthday?” Sabé asked grumpily. “I like clavaria lessons,” protested Claria stubbornly, and Sabé sighed. “I’ll go with you, Sabé,” said Richard helpfully. He was hopping down two steps at a time, his small face intent on his task. “If you’re getting Master Nenshall a new datapad, then I’d better make sure you get one that he can use to play Smashball 6000.” Sabé choked on a snort. “You mean so that Master Nenshall can play Smashball 6000 or so that you can play it on the way home in the speeder?” Still three steps from the bottom, Richard drew himself up as tall as possible and put an indignant look on his face. “That’s silly,” he said. “It’s rude to open a gift before you give it to someone.” “Sabé does it all the time,” said Claria brightly. Sabé scowled. “Only with music,” she said defensively. Richard jumped the last three stairs to the second level with a thud and turned triumphantly to face his sisters. “Master Nenshall likes holo-games,” he said with a smirk. “He showed me all the hidden secrets for Bounty Hunter.” “Oh brother. Baird Nenshall would like something so juvenile as holo-games,” said Sabé, sticking her nose pertly in the air with a sniff. “That’s funny,” replied Claria, “at this time yesterday I’m sure it would have been one of his most charming traits.” “Oh who asked you anyway?” Claria grinned. Sabé reached out and scruffed her brother’s hair. “Okay Richard, I guess it’s me and you then. Let’s go find Rabé, I need to give her piece of my mind anyway.” Sabé made sure that her formal apology was written before they set out on their shopping trip. It was a highly tedious and embarrassing task, and took quite a long time to write when one took into account its finished length. By the time she’d finished, Rabé was off duty and they headed out with Richard into the city proper of Theed. Much of the afternoon’s conversation centered around what Rabé called ‘The Princess Spurned’ scene from the previous day. “You know,” said Rabé as they wandered among racks of brocade skirts, “the look on your face was really quite hilarious.” Sabé chose to ignore this. “Did you know he was seeing anyone?” she asked instead, staring at a heavy blue skirt without really seeing it. Rabé walked around the rack and leaned in conspiratorially. “Not at the time,” she said in a low voice. “But I have since managed to learn a few things.” “Oh, really?” replied Sabé eagerly. “Do please tell.” “You won’t believe this,” Rabé continued, then paused dramatically. “Well?” Sabé prodded with a flash of annoyance. Rabé did love an audience. “He’s been dating Careyen for three months!” Sabé gasped. “No way!” “Yes way.” Both girls jumped and looked down. Richard’s face peeped up between them. His big brown eyes glittered proudly. “I saw them kissing in his office one day when I was early for my lesson.” “Richard!” Sabé whined annoyingly, “why didn’t you tell us?” Her brother gave her a withering look that was disturbingly condescending for someone so young. “First of all, how was I supposed to know you liked him? You never tell me anything. Plus, I wasn’t about to torture poor Master Nenshall and Careyen by telling Rabé about it. The whole palace would have known by the time we all went to bed!” Richard jumped back slightly with a laugh to miss the light-hearted blow that the handmaiden aimed at his head. He held up an expensive-looking wrist chrono. “Can I buy this?” “No,” said Sabé sharply, snatching it out of his hand and laying it on a nearby table. “You’re supposed to be looking for a birthday present for Padmé.” Her shopping spirits were now considerably dampened. Careyen was yet another of Leiandra’s handmaidens, a gentle and sweet girl, and very pretty. Tall, blond, and eighteen, Sabé realized grumpily. Rabé rolled her eyes. “Well I’m done shopping,” she said. “You’re in one of your moods again. Anyway,” she paused and looked at her own wrist-chrono, “I’ve only got four hours left to do my hair for banquet. Let’s get the datapad and go home.” Sabé nodded glumly, and tried to focus her attention on having a pleasant time. It would help if she could somehow take a good dose of Claria’s personality. But she was Sabé, not Claria. It wasn’t as if she wasn’t well-accustomed to being cranky. ~~~~*~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:28pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	~~~~~ Resplendent in white, Sabé stood in the center of the Grand Banquet Hall later that evening, waiting for Padmé and studying an elaborately woven tapestry which hung above the large double doors. The craftsmanship of the weaver was second to none, and the bright threads told one of the most famous legends in Naboo history. Pictured in the tapestry were two figures, both female, standing in the winter’s snow. The first was tall and regal. She wore white robes and no cloak, though she did have a small scarf and kerchief around her shoulders and over her dark hair. This was Elsinoré, the first Queen of Naboo. The other figure was a small child, about Richard’s age, gazing up at the woman in wonderment. Her small hand was extended to receive something from the Lady’s hand, which appeared to be a brilliant white jewel. Sabé knew, however, that it was no jewel, but a representation of one of the planet’s most cherished treasures, the Snow Star. As a member of the Royal family, Sabé had seen the Snow Star many times. In reality, it was only an old meteorite, and Sabé thought it quaint of everyone to make such a fuss over it. But even she had to admit it was breathtakingly beautiful, its natural shape like a piece of art lovingly crafted by knowledgeable hands. The girl in the tapestry was called Alwé. An ancient figure of whom historical accounts varied, but one thing at least was known. She was the first Naberrie. “That tapestry was woven by the sister of King Jubal for his coronation,” said a quiet voice beside her. Sabé did not need to turn her head to know her mother was now standing next to her. “She wove it as a reminder. So that despite all our success and accomplishments, we would not forget where we came from.” Sabé nodded thoughtfully. A thoughtful gift, on many levels. Alwé the Matriarch had been from a family of poor weavers. Through both the weaving itself, and the story it represented, the tapestry was indeed a strong symbol of their house. Every year at Firstfall, the first week of winter, it was hung here in the banquet hall. When Mai Alai came and heralded the beginning of summer, the tapestry would be taken away again. “Why do we still fawn over the Snow Star?” asked Sabé suddenly. “Does anyone really* believe that the spirit of Queen Elisnoré visited a little girl? I mean, sure it’s a lovely legend and strong tradition, but people behave as if they actually believe in such things. We’re smart, we know better than that.” The queen was silent for a very long time, and when Sabé finally looked closely at her mother’s face she was surprised to see mingled there a look of slight distress and sadness. “Do you no longer believe, Sabé Vana?” she asked quietly. “When you were little it was your favorite story.” “Exactly. My favorite story. I’m sure some of it has basis in fact, mother, but such things simply do not happen.” Leiandra reached over and pulled a straying hair back into place beneath Sabé’s small crown. “My dear,” she said awkwardly, “I am so proud of how well you do in school. Your intelligence and quick thinking are truly blessings for you, and they will take you a long way. But do not be blinded by your own knowledge. A wise person acknowledges the possibility that there will always be things beyond their understanding. Some things cannot be learned in a book, or mastered through study.” Sabé felt strangely lost as her mother spoke, as if Leiandra knew some great secret in which Sabé could not take part, because she, Sabé, was blocking her own way. Leiandra perhaps perceived this, because she smiled and continued. “I have read a little of the Jedi ways,” she told Sabé. “You cannot explain the things they do with science, my dear. And yet their skills and way are accepted and admired. Think about it.” “The legend of the Snow Star speaks of a prophecy,” said Sabé blandly. Leiandra nodded. “Yes, it fortells of the savior of Naboo.” “But I do not believe in prophecies,” insisted Sabé stubbornly. Her mother smiled again. “I don’t know what to say to you. Except that truth cannot be changed, whether it is believed or not. It simply is.” She reached over and gently kissed Sabé on the forehead. “I believe it is time to receive guests. Your sister just came in.” She began walking toward the head table leaving a confused and unsettled daughter in her wake. Sabé’s musings were interrupted by a soft tap on her shoulder. “Naboo calling Sabé,” came a quiet teasing voice. She blinked and turned a smile on her twin sister, enveloping her in a huge hug. “It’s about time you showed up.” Padmé shrugged with a playful smile. “University entrance exams aren’t very considerate when it comes to birthdays, I’m afraid. They demand just as much attention as on other days.” “So much needless stress,” chided Sabé in a mocking voice. “When you could have graduated next year with all the rest of us and gone to the University then.” “You won’t so cheerful next year when your turn to study rolls around.” Sabé snorted softly. “Don’t be so sure. I almost envy you. While you go off to the halls of higher learning to be taught how to govern the whole of Naboo, I’ll be in Oxon learning how to… plant plombs.” “They’re already planted Sabé, you have to learn how to take care of them,” Padmé teased. “Oh whatever.” “Besides, you’ll probably also being taught how to oversee the plantation. It’s no small matter. Almost like a little world in itself.” “I know, Padmé,” said Sabé in a voice of mock-exasperation. “Besides, I’m sure you’ll see lots of handsome, well-built farm workers while you’re there. But none of them look like Baird Nenshall, so I doubt you’d notice.” Padmé had to duck quickly with a laughing shriek as her sister lunged after her. “Oh, now you’ve done it Padmé!” she called as Padmé dashed to the other side of the chamber, still laughing. “You can’t run very far…” “Girls!” The twins both stopped and looked at their father, who had just walked in the room with Richard and Claria in tow. He looked highly amused but steadfast. “I thought you were turning fourteen, not eleven.” “Hey, I resent that, papa,” Claria piped up as she walked gracefully over to her seat and pulled it away from the table. “Forgive me my dear. I always forget that you are not already eighteen years old.” Armand smiled fondly at his youngest daughter, who beamed proudly at his praise. “Now these two, on the other hand…” he laughed as he looked at the twins, shook his head and did not finish the statement. “But in all seriousness, it is time to put on our Royal faces. The guests are coming.” Padmé laughed sympathetically. Sabé knew that Padmé shared their father’s distaste for certain aspects of political life, mostly centered around the many false fronts that people put on in social settings such as this. It pained Armand to have to share his daughters’ birthday with political maneuverings. Sabé herself did not mind as much as Padmé, even though Padmé was the better of the two at playing the games. But Sabé was fond of society, and deeply interested in its many comings and goings. Her trouble was not keeping herself detached enough to see beyond it sometimes. Her volatile temper wasn’t much of help either. The family took their places at the head table, with Padmé and Sabé sitting in the center as the guests of honor. When they were ready, the servants opened the doors and the herald announced the guests of the banquet as they entered. Dinner was actually quite enjoyable. Despite the presence of so many people, Sabé got a chance to really sit and talk with her sister, something she hadn’t had an opportunity to properly for several weeks. Their mutual lives kept getting busier and busier, and Sabé found this very lonely at times. She felt a twinge of pained sadness of the thought of leaving Theed and leaving Padmé. Her twin was her anchor. Steady Padmé was able to keep wild Sabé in balance far more effectively than anything or anyone else, including their mother. What sort of disasters would she cause if left unchecked? Late that evening, when the last guest had paid their respects, and Sabé’s cheeks hurt from prolonged fake smiling, the family was finally alone again. “And now presents for my twin flowers,” said Prince Armand proudly as they sat down in a far more cozy sitting room. As he spoke, he pulled two boxes from behind his back and handed them to the girls. “From your mother and I. Happy birthday, girls.” Sabé accepted the gift eagerly. Her father was notoriously talented with gifts, and Claria’s assistance over the years had made him even better. She was perplexed, though, at the item that fell out of the box onto her lap. “What is it?” she asked, bewildered, as she picked it up. “It’s a seashell!” said Claria eagerly. “From Mon Calamari. Isn’t it pretty?” Sabé was fascinated in spite of herself. Naboo had no major oceans, and she had never seen anything like this. It was hard and strong, and yet graceful, with lines that made it appear delicate. “Hold it to your ear,” instructed Richard with a smile of anticipation. Curious, Sabé did so. She smiled when she noted the soft whisper of air that ran past her ear. “It’s the sound of the ocean,” her brother said knowingly. “Nonsense,” said Sabé. “It’s the sound of the air channeling through the shell to my ear.” Richard wrinkled his nose. “It sounds like the ocean to me.” “You’ve never heard the ocean before.” Leiandra chuckled. “Maybe someday soon.” “This is really beautiful,” Sabé said to her parents. “Thank-you.” “You’re welcome love,” replied her mother. “Okay Padmé, open yours,” Prince Armand prompted. Padmé’s gift was also from off-world. It was an amazing stand-alone wood carving of a beautiful flower Sabé suddenly very much wished she could see in real life. The wood had been stained with various dyes, bringing hints of what the flower must look like. “It’s a syren flower,” supplied Armand helpfully. “The carving is from Kashyyk. The syren is one of the most deadly plants in the whole of the galaxy. And as you can see one of the most beautiful as well. Much of the culture of the wookies centers around it.” “This is incredible,” Padmé whispered in an amazed voice as she traced her finger along a wooden petal. “I bet Palo would like this.” Sabé rolled her eyes, and hoped Padmé didn’t see. Palo was Padmé’s artist friend. Sabé personally thought he was stuck-up and annoying, but then, the feeling was mutual on his part. She tried not to mention it that much though. She knew that Padmé had a huge crush on him, though he hardly deserved it. “Well girls,” said Leiandra, and Sabé was amused to see a very un-queenlike yawn escape her mother’s lips, “we are very proud of you both, as is the case every year. But even proud mother’s need to sleep. It has been a very long day.” Padmé laughed and got to her feet, carefully setting the syren carving on a nearby end table. “Goodnight, mama,” she said, wrapping her arms around Leiandra. Sabé was quick to follow. She closed her eyes as she hugged her mother, breathing in the comforting scent she associated with love, security, and her entire childhood. Goodnights were made among all the family members, and at long last Sabé was left alone in her bed, staring up at the ceiling and wondering what changes the coming year would bring. ~~~~~*~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:33pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	~~~~~~ The edgy heat of a late spring sun beat down on Sabé’s head as she paused to suck on her sore fingers. A wide-brimmed hat protected her fair neck from the worst of the sun’s effects, but it was still excessively warm. Naestral’s Grove was the largest farm on all of Naboo, famous not only for the superior plombs that grew in its orchards, but also for various products derived from the plombs such as jellies, candies, and wine. The wealthy Daris family held controlling interest in the plantation, which was advantageous for Naboo. Kosoc Daris was a prominent ambassador offworld, and he used his influence to create strong export ties for not only Naestral’s Grove, but other farmers and merchants of Naboo as well. Oxon was the regional seat of this section of Naboo, about a third way around the planet east of Theed, and further towards the south. Which explained the nearly tropical heat to be found at this point in the spring. The area was prominently agriculture, its rich soil nearly black it was so full of life. While many other farmers in the area had taken advantage of heavy droid labor in recent centuries, the Daris family would not stand for it. Though considerably more expensive, they had always stubbornly clung to manual labor. Even today, Kosoc Daris insisted that jobs would always be available at Naestral’s Grove as long as people needed them. It was perhaps for this reason that the Daris family had long represented the Oxon region in parliament, just as the Naberrie’s had always represented Naboo on the throne. The family’s oldest daughter, Maia was currently serving that position. Sabé knew her very well, and at this moment, bitterly wished she were with Maia in Theed instead of here at Naestral’s Grove. Plombs were a beautiful, delicious, refreshing fruit. Dark purple and extremely juicy, it was a matter of pride for noble girls to eat them without staining either their skin or their clothing. The skin of the plomb was covered in tiny, delicate, fuzzy hair, which was soft and delightful to the touch. At least at first. But after several hours of hand-picking plombs, the fuzz began to irritate the skin, the fine hairs causing itchiness, and picking them was a very refined form of torture. Which was exactly why Sabé had been send out to the high orchards today with strict instructions that she was to pick plombs for five straight hours with no gloves. She scowled darkly and sucked harder on her tender, purple-stained finger. Yesterday she and the house’s other daughter, Camille, had exploded into a very vocal and eventually physical argument that had been brewing steadily over the course of Sabé’s residence here, and today they were both* paying the consequences. Where Maia Daris was open, bright, smart, and friendly, her younger sister Camille was just a plain spoiled brat, in Sabé’s opinion. She wasn’t nearly as pretty as her sister either, and had always tried too hard to fit in with the other girls in court. Sabé always found her blustering to be very tedious when she came to Naboo. On her home turf, however, Camille was far more formidable an opponent, and had clearly taken supreme pleasure at Naestral’s Grove being chosen as the locale for Sabé’s public humbling. While not ever actually doing anything overt, her smirks at Sabé when the adults weren’t looking, as well as her refusal to help Sabé when she struggled with her ignorance of plantation ways, had gotten under the Princess’s skin and finally reached a boiling point last night. She’d confronted Camille, demanding loudly in less than Princess-like terms what her problem was. Things had gone downhill from there. Sabé glanced over her shoulder where Camille was also dutifully picking plombs. She buried a small seed of guilt deep into her resentment, trying her best to eradicate it. The fact that Camille had not really been responsible for the fight hadn’t escaped Sabé, but then she would remember Camille’s behavior that had induced her own anger, and any feelings of guilt quickly subsided. Camille had been very careful to avoid meeting Sabé’s eye today, and true to form, she now gave no indication that she knew Sabé was watching her. Four of their required five hours were already passed, but the fifth would be agony. Not only were Sabé’s fingers raw and suffering, but her back and shoulders ached, and the heat of the sun seemed to be sapping all strength directly from her veins. Sabé may have gotten off more lightly in different circumstances. The steward of the plantation, a very gentlemanly and kind man, was obviously very sensitive to the status of his important guest. Sabé knew that he might have treated her less rigidly, but there were unfortunately two factors working against her in this case. The first was that the fellow subject of her punishment was the daughter of the house. She had grossly offended her hosts, and that was not right for anyone, no matter what their station. The second was that Sabé had not come to Naestral’s Grove alone. Her mother had sent Eullie with her. The chief handmaiden was one of the few people outside Sabé’s immediate family who could successfully detach herself from Sabé’s position. The fact that Sabé was a Princess mattered very little to Eullie, at least when it came to disciplining her. Although secretly disappointed by her mother’s action, she had to acknowledge Leiandra’s wisdom in sending Eullie to the plantation to be Sabé’s watchdog. With Eullie there to constantly assure the steward that he would not offend the Crown by punishing its Princess, the man seemed much more easily able to do it. And the heavens knew that Sabé often times required much punishing. She sighed heavily, and reached up to massage her right shoulder, taking no care for the plain brown workdress she wore. The ugly thing was already covered in multiple purple stains. Then she turned back to her work. Sabé desperately longed for Theed, and the clean, cool marble halls of the palace. Very little about Naestral’s Grove had been enjoyable. A third of her time was spent in study, for her lessons could not go neglected during her time in Oxon. The rest of the time was divided between manual labor and tagging along after the steward, learning the business and supervisory aspects of running such an extensive corporation. That at least was interesting to her, as business and economics were by far her best subjects in school. But picking plombs… if she never saw a plomb again in her life she would be only too happy. If the point of sending her to Naestral’s Grove was to make her appreciate more her pampered life in Theed, then she acknowledged it openly. She rather thought that having admitted as much, she should be able to return home. But somehow she had a feeling that this was not quite the change that would satisfy her mother and father. The only bright spot in the whole experience was Rory Daris, the brother of Maia and Camille, and legal heir of the whole estate. He was younger than Maia, but she had already abdicated her title in favor of devoting all her time to her political career in Theed. Rory was handsome and charming, and had been playfully flirting with Sabé ever since her arrival. They’d even shared a few light, enjoyable kisses among the trees on occasion. They both knew the relationship was nothing serious. She had a feeling that they were both mostly just bored. But it was a pleasant distraction among all the tediousness of her new life. Sabé wiped beads of sweat off her brow with the scratchy sleeve of her dress and focused on her most recent letter from Padmé to distract her from her suffering. Dear Sabé Thank-you ever so much for your last letter. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time of it, but just remember, you’re now already halfway done. Three more months and you’ll come back to us, and I will enjoy a good laugh over your brown nose, my dear sister. I’m sure you look quite becoming with a little color in your skin, despite all your protests. University life is very demanding. I have not had a chance to make many friends yet, as I'm still trying to adjust to a schedule that allows me to get all this bookwork done in a timely manner. Sabé chuckled to herself. No doubt Padmé was doing three times the amount of ‘bookwork’ than was actually necessary, but she knew her sister geared almost everything she did toward her eventual appointment as Queen of Naboo. Padmé was the rare scholar who embraced her education as a genuine opportunity, rather than something that must be endured. If she studied something that did not end up on an examination, she did not mourn the time she used up in learning it. I got a chance to see Claria yesterday. She came to campus with some treats and some books I’d requested from the Royal libraries for my research. It was so good to see her. Although I see everyone more than you, of course, it is still strange and lonely to live a life apart from the family. I’m almost sure she’s gotten taller. Which reminds me, do you have any ideas for a birthday gift for her coming up soon? Sabé had been a bit surprised upon reading the letter when she realized that Claria’s birthday was nearly upon them. She would be twelve, which was generally acknowledged as the age of accountability on Naboo. When you were twelve you could vote, drive a speeder, and get a job. And in the case of the Royal family, be eligible to run for office, though Sabé doubted Claria had any such aspirations. Everyone recognized that Padmé Amidala had been destined for the throne since her childhood. So the question of a gift for Claria was very important. It would most likely be presented to her at her coming out party, which would be one of the main social events of the year. And which, Sabé realized, she would certainly be called home for. The thought was a boost to her spirits. I really wish you were here with me, Sabé. You and that photographic memory of yours. Last week I took an exam that asked me to list the chief exports of Bimmissari, and all I could do was stare at the exam thinking, ‘Sabé would know this.’ Sabé smiled. Pure iren ore and textiles, she thought to herself with satisfaction. Someday she would like to be an ambassador, like Lord Daris. She knew she was exceptionally well suited for it. Much of the remainder of Padmé’s letter also focused on various aspects of her scholastic life, which Sabé read with respectful interest but less than fascination. She could not imagine why Padmé always assumed Sabé shared her passion for learning, but all Sabé’s efforts to convince her otherwise had never born fruit. So now she was well-versed in humoring her sister. The letter concluded by asking Sabé to extend Padmé’s wishes to the Daris family. She planned to extend this greeting to Rory, not to Camille, as they were currently the only two members of the family actually in residence. Tonight she was going to take a very long hot bath to ease the soreness of her shoulders and nurse her wounded dignity. Then perhaps she'd read a book or watch a holo… The sound of frantic footsteps rushing down the orchard lane toward the two girls distracted Sabé from her planning. She adjusted the heaving basket on her hip and turned to see young Metty, the steward’s assistant, rushing towards them as quickly as his short legs would allow. His round, youthful face was flushed with exertion, and when he stopped, he had to take a moment to catch his breath before he was able to speak. “Princess,” he gasped, looking wild-eyed at Sabé, “you have to come back to the house right away. Slightly confused, she cocked her head. “We still have three quarters of an hour…” The boy shook his head insistently, interrupting her before she’d finished the words. “Not anymore. You need to go home.” A cold fear inexplicably washed over her body. “What is it?” she asked, almost fearfully. The boy’s eyes were wide and frightened. “The queen has been assassinated,” he whispered hoarsely. Sabé looked over at Camille Daris and knew that the horrified shock on Camille’s face was surely echoed on her own ninefold. Another wave of coldness rushed over her. The world seemed to whirl and slip beneath her feet, as a veil of darkness slipped over her eyes, and she tumbled to the ground in a faint. ~~~~*~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:36pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi - Date Edited: 8/9/03 11:17am (1 edits total) Edited By: Sache8
	~~~~~ A selected fleet of armored speeders escorted Sabé along the final approaches to Theed palace. Security was at a heightened level she’d never before witnessed in her lifetime. Alone in the back seat of an unobtrusive gray vehicle, Sabé retreated deeper into her dark hooded cloak, feeling lonely and very cold, despite the warm and sunny sunshine just outside. This last stretch of road keeping her apart from the remainder of her family seemed longer by far than had the rest of her journey combined. She had not yet cried. Throughout the endless evening of frantic packing at Naestral’s Grove, through the equally endless night of sleepless shock, through the mundane journey in the back of this lonely speeder, not once had she cried. She felt as if she could not be allowed such a luxury until she surrounded herself with some sort of comfort. Instead she had retreated into silence, saying little or nothing to those around her. A detached portion of her mind idly wondered if this behavior was causing any worry on the part of Eullie, who had faithfully monitored Sabé throughout the long night and evening. But she did not care. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. How did this happen? And why?* There had not been an assassination among the Naboo aristocracy for many, many years. Perhaps they had become accustomed to the peace of their planet. Perhaps they had naively assumed that such violence could not possibly harm quiet Naboo. At long last, the speeder came to a smooth halt in front of the private family gates on the northern wing of the palace. For a moment Sabé held her motionless pose, staring straight ahead with her hands folded neatly in her lap. Part of her was eager to run inside, find her family, cling on to them tightly, and never let them go again. But another part of her wanted to remain in this speeder forever; it was as if she were under a spell. Maybe, just maybe all the past day had been a nightmare she would wake up from at any moment. But if she went inside, she would no longer be able to hide from reality. The door of the speeder opened suddenly to her left, and she gave a little start. “My lady,” prompted the guard quietly. Sabé stared at him a moment, then the haze around her finally seemed to dissipate, and she nodded quickly. She gave him her hand, and he assisted her out the door. Padmé was already waiting on the stone steps. Her beautiful features looked heavy and careworn, as if she had aged forty years overnight. A burst of adrenaline rushed through Sabé at the sight of her, and she lifted her skirts and ran up the stairs to hold her sister. “Oh Sabé!” cried Padmé in a shaky voice when they’d pulled apart. Her beautiful dark eyes were ruddy and swollen; clearly she had already succumbed to tears. “I’m so glad you’re here. We need you desperately.” Padmé said nothing else, only took Sabé’s arm in her hand and led her up the remaining stairs and through the doors. Sabé’s stony defenses were already beginning to crumble, as she looked at the familiar surroundings of her childhood home. She wished desperately that this moment were the last time she’d been in this hallway, rather than this moment. Her mother had hugged her goodbye and told her to behave herself. Down abandoned corridors and lifeless rooms they walked steadily, heading for a destination Sabé wasn’t sure she wanted to reach. Everything seemed almost haunted and surreal. Places she’d grown up loving seemed to her almost sinister now, as if they taunted her with memories that now would never be anything more. She turned her eyes away from the shadows in the corners and hid her face beneath her cloak again. It was a relief to finally emerge into a fully lit room, which at least bespoke that life still continued. Guards and servants milled about, talking in low murmuring voices. Sabé spied several members of parliament gathered there as well. Padmé led her straight through everyone towards a door in the back of the room. Sabé could feel their looks of sympathy and sadness falling upon her as she passed, but she could not bring herself to look at anyone. Padmé quickly ushered her through the back door and closed it neatly behind her, letting out a long breath as she did so. She seemed to have relaxed a little. Sabé took this as a cue and pushed back her hood. Turning, she saw the rest of her family was already gathered there. Richard was the first her eyes fell upon. He was dressed in a simple suit of plain, dark gray cloth. In the surrounding chaos of the day, someone had clearly overlooked attending to his hair, for his dark brown curls were wild and unruly. His usually rosy face was pale and tired, and upon seeing his sister he let out a small sob and ran to her as fast as his short legs would allow. Sabé was on her knees in an instant, arms outstretched and ready to receive him. She buried her head in his chest as he sobbed against her. After a moment, she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. Reluctantly, she let her brother go and stood to embrace Claria as well. Where Padmé’s entire face seemed to have aged, Claria’s had not. Her features were still as calm and composed as ever. Only her brown eyes betrayed her grief. They seemed even larger than usual, and filled her whole face with sorrow. At long last, Sabé turned to her father. He smiled sadly at her and beckoned. She did not run, but walked purposefully towards him, allowing him to envelop her in his arms. He reached down and kissed her head affectionately. “It’s good to have you home, my little maati,” he whispered. Surrounded by her family to give her strength, she finally asked the question she had not dared to ask until now. “What happened?” Armand Maloine walked over her over to a nearby settee and drew his daughter down beside him, taking her hand. The other children gathered around as well, and Sabé drew Richard into her lap. She took comfort in his dependence, even though he really was getting a bit big for this sort of thing. “It was yesterday morning,” her father said weakly. Each word came out rather reluctantly. And before he even continued, Sabé knew without a doubt that he had been there. “You mother and I were walking in the eastern garden here, as we do every morning this time of year. I always treasured that time alone with her, without ceremony or any public maneuvering to keep us apart. Now I wish I had not been so foolish. Such a predictable, routine behavior. If only we had gone somewhere different every day. If only… But your mother loved that garden.” Claria reached over and squeezed his shoulder affectionately, and he reached up and grasped her small hand. “A sniper took her down. The guards have traced his location to the roof of the parliament building. Not ridiculously far, but farther than they’ve ever made security sweeps for.” He released Claria’s hand and ran his hand through his hair. “I called for help and the guards were already spurred into action, but…we never had a chance. She was already fading.” “But she was still alive? Did she say anything?” Sabé asked eagerly. Armand nodded slowly. “You’re mother always knew what to say. She told me she loved me. ‘Tell Padmé to be strong,’ she said, ‘and do not let fear creep into the Crown of Naboo. Tell Sabé that pride is not always an ill quality, and that her pride will eventually find its proper place in her life. To Claria… keep her instrument’s strings always in tune and never stop singing. And Richard…’” here their father reached out and touched his son’s cheek with tears in his eyes. “ ‘To my baby, be good for your mama, and mind your sisters. Learn from your father, and let your smile infect the universe.’” Sabé smiled sadly at these last words, and marveled how their mother had known exactly what all of them had needed to hear. Padmé would be anxious for advice, and Claria for something true to life and close to home. Richard would be eager to know how his mother expected him to behave. And Sabé… Sabé would want assurance that her mother still loved her, despite all the problems she had caused over the years. “I know she was very proud of you all, as I am. She died there in the garden with me.” “What of the investigation?” Sabé asked urgently. “Have they made any headway in catching the culprit?” Armand shook his head sadly. “Not yet, though they’ve been working on the problem nonstop since yesterday. They’ve investigated her wounds and determined the kind of weapon it was that the sniper was using. That could be perhaps a starting point.” He sighed heavily. “And what will happen to the Crown?” Sabé asked curiously. She knew of course that it would at some point go to her sister, but she wasn’t sure what would happen in the interim. “Apparently I am in charge for now,” her father said wearily. “We will need to organize a fast-paced election. He looked at his two oldest daughters. You will both be expected to run, and Governer Bibble has agreed to run as well. He is a distant cousin, you know.” “Why?” Sabé asked, suddenly rather annoyed. “We all know Padmé is going to win. Why bother having an election at all? Just crown her and be done with it.” “We are a democracy, Sabé,” her sister supplied quietly. “We must continue to function as one, despite how our traditions might have swayed things.” Sabé still thought it rather ridiculous, but she knew that arguing the point would be fruitless. She nodded and got to her feet shakily. “You must be tired,” Claria suddenly said with concern. “Richard, run and fetch Rabé. Tell her to get a hot bath and a meal ready for Sabé. Hurry!” Richard looked relieved to have something to do, and he nodded eagerly, turning on his heel and hurrying from the room. “Tomorrow we will prepare your mother for the temple,” Armand said to his daughters. “The funeral will be just after nightfall. I must now go fulfill my duties to these people who have come to pay their respects.” He already looked weary at the prospect, but nevertheless determined. The three girls nodded mutely and watched their father walk away. “Come on,” said Claria. “Let’s get you settled.” That night, after everyone was finally settled in his or her beds, and Sabé was left alone with the darkness, her tears fell fast and hot into her pillow. ~~~~~~ It was late in the afternoon the following day when two sisters stood alone in the viewing room with their mother’s body. The door had just been closed to the public, who had come in masses over the course of the day to pay their respects to their beloved ruler. As the servants made final preparations for the funeral, Sabé and Claria waited with Leiandra, desiring to steal one last moment with their mother’s beautiful face. Claria gently stroked her hair. “It’s the only part of her that still feels the same,” she said quietly. And it was true. The body on the pedestal was cold and stiff, not like their mother in life at all. But her hair was still soft. Sabé looked silently on as her sister stood there. Eventually, she sensed that Claria needed to cry, and she turned to gaze out the window, giving her sister a small measure of privacy. Only once did she turn to see the tears drop silently from the young Princess’s eyes to fall silently on the gown of the Queen. Sabé felt as if she were intruding, somehow. Claria hated for anyone to see her cry, because, Sabé knew, she always felt that it was selfish of her to indulge in tears when others might need her support. After a moment, the quiet sniffling had ceased. “Sabé,” Claria’s voice suddenly spoke, “look at this.” Sabé turned curiously, wondering at the note of surprise in her sister’s voice, so alien amidst all the silent grimness of the palace that day. “Did no one think to retrieve this?” Claria had asked softly, almost half to herself. “What is it?” She stepped up to the bier to stand beside her sister. Claria’s elegant finger reached out and gently pulled something from beneath the front of her mother’s gown. A chain, in delicate white gold, with a stunning blue stone dangling at the end. The stone was flecked with spots of voilet-colored fire. Sabé gasped. “They must not have known,” she said quietly. Not many people had been aware Leiandra’s intentions for this particular piece of jewelry… “You see this, Sabé? It’s my forget-me-not. Your father gave this to me the night he said he loved me. It was a long time ago.” “It’s pretty, mama. Can I have it someday?” “No darling. It is for Richard.” “But why Richard?” “Because, my dear, he will need to give a forget-me-not when he falls in love someday.” “But I might fall in love too.” “Yes, but then it will be up to your young man to give you a forget-me-not.” “I hope it is as pretty as that one. Do they always look the same?” “No. Everyone looks different. But every one is special. Now go to sleep, dearest.” A bittersweet smile played along Sabé’s lips. That conversation had taken place a long time ago, when she was still very small, and just after Richard’s birth. Richard himself had never been told about the necklace. He knew the Naboo traditions, of course, that giving such a gift to a young lady was a sign of serious commitment, practically an engagement gift. But he did not know about this one intended for him. It was to have been a surprise. With a shaky breath, Claria reached behind her mother’s cold neck and unfastened the clasp. “We must keep this for him,” she said resolutely, “until the time comes.” It was comforting, in a way, that they had discovered the forget-me-not. Certainly the fact that the keepsake had been nearly overlooked in the frantic funeral preparations was a rather alarming thought, but there was no harm done now. And both girls took pleasure in the thought of giving it to their brother one day. It would be like one last special gift for him on that day. An unexpected touch from his mother. Not only that, but the thought of Richard falling in love almost made her laugh aloud. He was still such a child. As dusk fell, the Queen’s body was taken to the Royal Temple, on the farthest edges of the palace. They walked silently over the bridge to the temple, the family in a line, followed by Leiandra’s closest friends and companions, and respected members of parliament and the Queen’s counsel. The guests took their places along the walls of the temple expectantly. As she waited for the body to arrive, Sabé glanced out the high window to her left, at the brightest of Naboo’s moons shining full and beautiful in the summer sky. She took in the sound of the waterfall beneath them, and she idly picked out her mother’s favorite constellation in the sky above. It was a beautiful night. Finally the queen’s handmaidens, shrouded in cloaks of dark, shimmering blue, crossed the bridge with Leiandra’s body. Many argued that the task should have been performed by men, who were stronger, but Eullie would hear nothing of it. Above all else it was the duty of the handmaidens to serve their queen. They served her in life; they would serve her in death as well. Sabé knew it was the chief handmaiden that led the small, somber procession, a candle in hand, and the other four carried the coffin, Rabé was among them. Sabé had seen very little of her friend since her return to the palace, except once in passing in the corridor. Rabé had seemed to want to say something, but had also seemed to sense Sabé’s desire to be alone and had continued on her way with only a small sympathetic gaze sent Sabé’s way. Sabé made a mental note to have a talk with her friend soon. The body was laid upon the stone bier in the center of the small temple, and the handmaidens stepped back as Eullie passed her candle to the Prince Consort. Armand stepped forward and cleared his throat hoarsely. “The rulers of old placed their stars in the sky to guide the younger generations,” he began quietly. “From Elisnoré to Celdari, from Simonen to Naestral, the great kings and queens of the past watch over us and guide the Naboo still. We commend the spirit of Marné Leiandra Maloine Naberrie to join them there. Dance with the stars, Leiandra my love, dance with the stars.” With a shaking hand, he held the flame of the candle to the sleeve of the Queen’s gown. Although Sabé knew in her head that the figure before her was not really Leiandra at all, only something that would soon be decaying matter, a small part of her still wanted to scream out in protest. No! Do not take my mother away from me!* But she was already gone. Sabé’s eyes glistened as the flames began to eat away at the Queen’s beautiful dress. Only an hour ago, she had been carefully covered in scented incense and flammable oils, which would make the accelerate the burning process. Sabé hated cremations, personally preferring the traditions of the southern hemisphere, where the people buried their dead beneath the earth. But so it had always been. This was the way things were done in Theed. The small family of the Queen stood next to one another, keeping close for comfort, and Sabé studied them each in turn. There was a contrast in the expressions of Padmé and their father. Sabé’s twin gazed on their mother’s burning body almost impassively, but there was a hint of anxiety still showing through her smooth features. Sabé knew that her mind was heavy with the future of Naboo. And where Padmé Amidala’s mind rested nearly completely on the future, Armand Maloine’s was clearly dwelling completely on the past. His noble, handsome face was wistful and longing as he watched the image of his wife’s beauty being consumed Richard was the only one still crying, though he bore himself straight and proud despite the silent tears making their way down his cheeks. Claria, like Sabé, was watching the smoke climb its way into the heavens. She caught Sabé’s eye and gave her a small, sad smile. Flames jumped and sparked, sending pieces of ash up to mingle with the stars. Pieces of Leiandra. Dance with the stars, mama. Sabé thought, and suddenly she felt peaceful. It was such a beautiful night. Dance with the stars. End Part One ~~~~~~~~~*~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:41pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	~~~~~~~~~~ Part Two Sabé had only encountered Hugh Panaka two or three times when he served under Queen Leiandra. Now she wished it had just stayed that way. From her seat in a large stuffed chair she glared across the room at the new chief of security. “We keep Rabé,” she said darkly. “With all due respect, Your Highness, the handmaiden positions are not popularity contests. I am reluctant to retain this girl simply because she happens to be your friend.” Sabé’s eyes flew open wide with anger. A lashing retort was forming in her head, but Padmé must have sensed trouble brewing, because she quickly intervened. “Rabé Voss was chosen as handmaiden long before she became friends with Princess Sabé,” she said calmly. “She has strong ties to the moor districts in the western hemisphere, and her input on that area has been useful to the Queen in the past. She also fulfills your physical requirements, Captain.” It is so much easier for her to act queen-like from up there,* Sabé mused as she smirked at Panaka in triumph. At the moment, Padmé was perched atop a squat stool, her arms outstretched at her sides. The conference room they were gathered in seemed to have transformed into some kind of ancient jeweled forest. Bolts of bright cloth and fragments of trimming draped over almost every standing surface. Sabé had the feeling that so many frills were making Panaka feel like a whisperkit caught in the jaws of a coola clawfish. As Sabé had predicted, the election had been little more than a formality. Sabé herself had actually taken five percent of the votes, but since the event had been a world-wide holiday, she suspected those votes must have been cast by people still hung-over from the previous night’s pleasantries. She could think of no other plausible reason why someone would want her to be queen over Padmé. Another ten percent of the votes had gone to Governor Bibble. It was evident from surveyed voters that many of those who had voted in favor of the Governor were concerned that Padmé was still too young for the job. Padmé was taking these concerns very much to heart. “I need to create a very strong image to the people,” she said to Sabé the morning after the election. “Something to keep their attention off my age and inexperience.” Padmé had therefore decided to model herself after the great Queen Celdari, who had been the first to rule after the time of the Great Suffering. This plan involved excessive face paint and an even more excessive wardrobe, which explained why Padmé was now to be found in the middle of a gown fitting while her sister and chief of security argued over handmaiden appointments. With coronation only two weeks away, both the gown and the handmaidens had become a top priority. The Duchess Rothschild had recommended her cousin for the job of dressmaker. After a few minutes studying samples of the lady’s work, both Sabé and Padmé had highly approved the choice. Her name was Danae Trillium, and she was nothing less than an artist. She was currently finishing the hem of Padmé’s coronation gown, which would then be complete. White or bright red were the colors typically worn by sovereigns for their coronations. However, given the special circumstances surrounding Padmé’s own appointment, the new queen had requested something a bit more somber. Sabé paused a moment to admire the full effect. The gown itself consisted of two basic components, the underdress and the overdress. The fabric of the outerdress was heavy brocade, tightly woven and very stiff, in a dark shade of forest green. It was shot through with silver threads that flashed in the sun as she walked. A very high and – in Sabé’s opinion- garish collar came up around Padmé’s head, trimmed along the edges by shining beads. The outerdress fit around Padmé almost like a long, tight coat, which was left open in the front to display the soft grey underdress beneath. Amidala’s new official crest was embroidered on the bodice of the underdress in shining thread, and the skirt fell away in soft cascades like ripples all the way to the ground. In all that get-up, Sabé could hardly recognize her sister at all. She seemed beautiful, distant, regal and imposing. But this was, of course, the desired affect. And many other such gowns were also being designed and constructed for the Queen’s benefit. “So, we now have two girls chosen,” said Panaka curtly, drawing Sabé’s attention reluctantly back to the task at hand. “Rabé Voss and Yané val Argon. We still could probably use a girl from Theed proper. I recommend the Lady Eirtaé Bakuro.” Sabé let out a small sarcastic laugh. “No,” she said firmly, and continued scanning names from her list. “And what, my I ask, is her Highness’s objection?” Sabé opened her mouth, and then closed it with a frown, trying desperately to think of a good reason. Curses on Panaka, why couldn’t he just accept what she said? The fact of the matter was, she just didn’t like Eirtaé Bakuro. Granted, the same could be said for pretty much half her peers in the noble circles. She wasn’t very good at making friends. Sabé was still pondering how to slip through Panaka’s trap of a question when Padmé piped in again. “Add Lady Bakuro to your list, Captain,” she said. “She knows more about Naboo etiquette than anyone else I’ve ever spoken to. And the social customs of several other worlds besides. I was going to suggest her myself.” Sabé shot a look of disgruntled venom at her sister. Padmé only stared above Sabé’s head as if she did not see, and Sabé sighed inwardly. This queen thing was going to take a whole lot of getting used to. She gritted her teeth. “Fine,” she said. “Eirtaé Bakuro.” “I beg your pardon, my lady,” spoke up Danae Trillium quietly from the floor. All three heads turned in the direction of her voice. “Yes, what is it Madame Trillium?” asked Padmé politely. The seamstress held three pins in her hand, which she seemed to have momentarily forgotten. “Would you be at all interested in any other local girls for the job?” Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant. Panaka leaned forward. “You have someone in mind, madame?” The woman nodded slowly. “She’s not a noble, mind you. She’s common, as I am. Saché Drianna is her name. She lives down the street from me. A very dependable young lady, she just turned thirteen. You won’t find anyone so responsible nor level-headed. Very good at keeping things organized too. Sometimes she helps me in my shop. Other times she watches my son for me.” “How old is your son?” “He’s seven, my lady. And very active. He loves it when Saché comes to see him. I think he gets lonely sometimes. There aren’t really any other children on our street his age.” “I take it then that he has no brothers or sisters?” Danae paused, and swallowed. Somehow, Sabé realized, Padmé had unknowingly stumbled upon something sensitive. “He has one younger sister,” the dressmaker finally said, very quietly. “She’s on Coruscant. I haven’t seen her since she was six months old.” “Is she with family?” Danae shook her head quickly. “No, she’s training to be a Jedi.” Sabé blinked in momentary shock and looked at Panaka. He too looked surprised. If Padmé experienced a similar reaction, she did not let it show. “That is very interesting, Madame Trillium. I take it she was tested as a baby?” “Please, you can call me Danae. Yes, the Jedi said she had very strong potential. We refused them at first, but they kept insisting that it would be dangerous if she were not properly trained. A Jedi Master named Ki-Adi-Mundi even came all the way from the capital to tell us he had a prompting from the Force insisting that Helaine’s training as a Jedi was crucial to the future of the galaxy. The way they talked…” suddenly Danae’s voice was ragged, and she was obviously trying to hold back tears, “it frightened us, you know? We agreed to let her go, but there isn’t a day goes by that I don’t…” here she stopped and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It was quiet for a moment before Padmé spoke up again. “No one has the right to judge your decision, Madame Trillium,” she said in a very formal tone, “not until they themselves must endure it.” “Thank-you, my lady,” whispered Danae softly. Padmé looked over at Panaka. “Captain, I would like you to add this Saché to your list as well.” “Very well, Your Highness. That brings the list to four. Assuming they all accept, we still need one more. Preferably a choice for decoy.” Sabé opened her mouth to comment, but was interrupted by the door opening. In strode her father, looking remarkably better than he had in the last few weeks. “Good mor-,” he began in greeting, but stopped short as he nearly tripped over a bolt of purple-printed cloth. He picked up a feather from a nearby end table and flourished it with a bemused smile. “This is still the east conference room, isn’t it?” Padmé laughed. “Yes, papa. Good morning.” Armand walked over and gazed up at his oldest daughter with a proud smile. “Padmé, my dear, you look incredible.” Sabé coughed significantly, and the Prince Regent turned his head. “Oh, good morning maati,” he said. “You look just like yourself, as always.” He winked. Sabé sniffed. “I’m going to take that as a good thing.” She turned back to Panaka. “Wouldn’t Rabé be a good choice for decoy? In the make-up I’m sure she’d look very much like the Queen.” “Yes she would- until she opened her mouth. Not to say anything against Handmaiden Rabé’s accent of course, it’s very lovely. But it is also highly distinguishable, and difficult to disguise.” Sabé frowned and chewed on the end of her pointer, disgruntled. When the man was right, he was right. “Decoy?” said Prince Armand in confusion. “What’s this about a decoy?” “A suggestion of Captain Panaka’s, papa,” said Padmé. “He has lingering concerns over the effectiveness of our security since…” she did not finish the thought, but continued past it. “As I am adopting the regalia of Queen Celdari for the duration of my reign, it will be very convenient for one of my handmaidens to act as decoy, should the need arise. I myself am firmly against the idea, but have agreed to at least hire a girl who could fill the part.” “Ah,” said their father. “An interesting proposal.” As he spoke, Sabé had an amazing thought, something she was amazed she hadn’t thought of before. She sat up suddenly very straight in her chair, a look of revelation on her face. “I’ve got it! Captain, it’s perfect!” She turned to look at her father, her dark eyes very bright. He must have been able to read her mind, because suddenly his face paled. “Sabé,” he choked out, “no, I won’t allow…” But she refused to hear him. Instead she jumped off chair and stood beside Padmé. “I will be the decoy, Captain. I will be the fifth handmaiden. Who else could possibly look or sound more like Padmé? And I know all the political things she knows, too! Well, most of it anyway.” Panaka looked as if he wanted to reply, but he was quickly cut short. “Absolutely not,” said Armand fiercely, raising his voice with authority. Sabé swallowed, and turned to glare at him. “Why not?” she demanded. “I have little choice in Padmé being queen,” he said stiffly. “But do you think I want both my daughters in danger? I lost your mother, and I’m expected to set the both of you open the pedestal that killed her?” He turned and stalked to the window. Silence like a thick fog filled the room for several long, tense moments. Danae’s hands still clenched the hem of Padmé’s dress, and she looked uncomfortable at being present for such a strained family moment. Panaka seemed to be discreetly studying the chemical structure of the varnish on his shoes, so intently was he staring at them. When none of the members of the Naberrie family showed any sign of breaking the silence, however, he at last spoke up. “Madame Trillium,” he said hesitantly, “how does this Saché look in appearance? Do you think she could possibly pass for the Queen?” “I do not know, sir,” said Danae, speaking very quietly, as if afraid of her own voice. “They are about the same size, but I’m not sure how her features would appear with the make-up.” “Well, she would have a Theed accent. That’s a start. In the meantime, we can finish deciding on our fifth girl.” “No need,” came the mournful sound of Armand’s voice from where he still stood at the window. He turned, and his face was pained. “Sabé is right. She is the best choice. For Padmé’s protection she is the best choice. For the good of Naboo, but not for the good of me.” He walked across the room, heading for the door. “Papa…” Sabé called after him, but he did not stop. She sighed, and Padmé reached down her hand to squeeze one of her shoulders comfortingly. Panaka looked both uncomfortable and relieved, if that was possible. “Very well then. It is decided,” he said. “Madame Trillium, I would ask that you repeat what you have learned here today to no one. The fact that her Highness even has a decoy is highly sensitive information.” Danae nodded. “Of course.” “Well I am going to contact these three young ladies about taking the handmaiden job. Princess Sabé, if you would be so kind as to inform Miss Voss that she will be remaining with us, should she so choose.” “Yes, Captain.” When Panaka had gone, Sabé read the list over once more. “Rabé, Yané, Eirtaé, Saché, Sabé,” she read off clearly. Then she laughed. “Anyone from outside reading this list would think the Naboo have no imagination.” Presently, Danae stood up and stepped back, a smile of triumph on her pretty features. “There!” she said brightly. “Finished.” The Princess and the dressmaker admired the Queen-elect on her small pedestal. Padmé looked amazing. “All hail the Queen,” whispered Sabé with a smile. ~~~~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:46pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi - Date Edited: 11/6/03 1:17pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Sache8
	~~~~~ They invaded Sabé’s world like a vibrant whirlwind of energy and color: three additions to the palace, in the form of the three newest handmaidens. It was evident from the outset that Rabé took great pleasure in her sudden status as the most senior handmaiden. It really had been quite a change for her. Under Leiandra she had been the youngest and most inexperienced. Sabé, on the other hand, felt a bit awkward in her new role. While many of the same skills were useful to both a princess and a handmaiden, the status was completely different. And it went without saying that if she was to fulfill her new duties to Padmé, she must on some levels detach herself from her role as Princess of Theed. She must be subservient, and blend in with her fellow handmaidens. Blending in had never been Sabé’s strong point. But her stubbornness turned out to be an asset to her in this case. So determined was she to uplift her father’s confidence that she found it much easier to quell certain habits of hers, such as her flaring temper, than might otherwise have been possible. The handmaidens were stationed in chambers adjacent to the Queen’s. After resigning with the highest of honors, Eullie, Carayen, and the remainder of Leiandra’s handmaidens had moved to different apartments in Theed, or gone home to their respective areas of the planet. Since returning from a long-overdue visit with her parents, Rabé had been living there alone for awhile, amidst the flurry surrounding the election and the pre-coronation frenzy. Now the other three girls had joined her, and though part of Sabé thought it might have been appropriate for her to join them also, she decided in the end to remain in her old apartments next to Padmé’s until her sister was crowned. The two only had so much time remaining to be simply sisters. Today they would also become Queen and handmaiden, and then she would fully immerse herself in her duty. For now they stood alone in Padmé’s chambers, stealing a quiet moment. They were due to meet with the family, the other handmaidens, and the guards out in the hallway in just under ten minutes. From there, they would proceed to the Parliament hall where Padmé would be sworn in as Amidala, Queen of the Naboo. The silence between the sisters was full, but not awkward. It seemed they were dwelling on both past memories the uncertain future. Padmé seemed especially reflective. She had not said a word as Sabé had helped her into her gown, nor while she applied the face paint, nor while she did the elaborate hairstyle. Sabé had insisted on being allowed to do all these jobs herself, the first time. Now the soon-to-be Queen stood in the middle of the room, gazing at a portrait of the family that hung beside her bed. “Can I really do this, Sabé?” she whispered at last. “It wasn’t supposed to have been this way. I should have finished school, I should have had more time…” Standing at her sister’s side, Sabé took Padmé’s hand in her own and held it to her breast, meeting her eyes. “You were born for this,” she said firmly. “That much I know. You must be strong for us all. Strong for Naboo. And I will help you, in any way I possibly can.” Padmé nodded gravely, and squeezed Sabé’s hand in return. Both sisters turned their head at a small resounding knock on the door. “Who is it?” Sabé called. “Your father,” came a familiar voice. The sisters’ eyes met and they both smiled. “Come in,” Sabé called back happily. Prince Armand poked his head in the room with a smile before entering completely. “I have something for you,” he said, addressing his oldest daughter. As he spoke, he reached into his vest and pulled out a long gray box. Padmé extended her hand to receive it, a curious expression on her now porcelain features. She pulled out an amulet consisting of a blood-red stone on a long golden chain. While not exactly beautiful, it was nonetheless striking. “That’s a karatine,” commented Sabé curiously. “You find those all over the place down south.” She wondered why her father was making a gift of it in this manner. Karatines were hardly worth much compared to other stones. “Exactly. As queen, Padmé will have many expensive jewels and such. This is a remembrance. The karatine is simple and beautiful. And also common. It will bring you good fortune. I dug this one up myself as a boy on the Maloine lands years ago. Do not forget your heritage.” Sabé felt a small pang. The conversation was eerily reminiscent of the one she’d had with her mother the night before she’d left for Oxon as they’d studied the tapestry of Alwé and the Snow Star. “I will not forget, papa,” said Padmé assuredly. “What did you get me?” Sabé asked brightly. Her father raised his eyebrows. “When you become Queen, maati, then you can wear the karatine too,” he said, eyes twinkling. Sabé sniffed. “Fine,” she said. “I see how it is.” Armand laughed, and put his arm around her shoulders. “This is your sister’s day,” he said. “We’re going to be paying lots of attention to her all day. Do you think you can handle that?” Sabé cocked her head, as if gravely considering the implications of his question. Finally, she nodded slowly. “I think I can,” she said. Both Padmé and Armand laughed, but the moment was all too soon interrupted by another knock on the door. This time it was Richard who peeked his head in. “So Padmé, do you want to be crowned today or tomorrow? Let’s go already.” ~~~~~~ Claria’s presentation to society was the first official social function of Amidala’s reign. Though the family still deeply mourned the loss of their beloved mother, they were at last beginning to feel the reemergence of anticipation in their lives. Sabé was watching the galactic news in the bedroom that she shared with Saché, when the door burst open on her. “Hey Sabé,” greeted Yané val Argon. With wisps of light brown hair flying loosely about her face, the youngest handmaiden seemed slightly disoriented. Her eyes darted around the bedroom quickly for a moment. “Blast,” she said. “What’s wrong?” Sabé asked. Her attention was still half-captured by the news broadcast. She was on the watch for something in particular. “I was hoping Saché would be here,” said Yané. She walked over to the bed across from Sabé and sat down with an exaggerated sigh. “I can’t find Amidala’s green slippers for the Coming Out tonight, and Saché always knows where everything is.” Sabé replied with a knowing nod. It was true, her roommate was the absolute neatest person that she’d ever met in her life. “She went to pick up the gift that Amidala bought for Princess Claria.” It still felt strange to call Padmé by her Royal name, but she’d been constantly practicing since the coronation. “She should be back soon.” “Oh, okay. I’ll just go finish getting the rest of the things together. Do you know what…?” “Shhh!” Sabé suddenly urged her chatty companion. She held up a hand, and Yané’s lips closed quickly and obediently together. Sabé narrowed her eyes at the holocast, determined not to miss a word. “The Chancellor refused to comment on the Act’s passing. Not surprising, given that his negative opinion towards the proposal has been well-documented over the course of its legislation,” said the Bothan anchor. “One of his supporters, however, - Senator Palpatine of Naboo- answered questions after the session had adjourned.” Sabé smiled in satisfaction, as the newsreel flipped to a scene on the steps outside the Galactic Senate Hall. Padmé had been in contact with Senator Palpatine the previous evening and he had expressed his concerns over the proposed bill being set forth before the Senate. Sabé had been following events very closely. “Senator, what do you feel will be the outcome of this new Act?” “My position on this matter is well-known. Any benefits to be garnered through these trade taxes will be short-term only, and ultimately a detriment to the Republic.” As always, Senator Palpatine radiated cool professionalism and a cultured, intelligent air. “These taxes will slowly choke the life out of commerce within our borders. Anyone who cannot see that is blinded by some selfish motive, and unlike some of my colleagues, I’m not afraid to say it.” A flurry of astonished questions rose up to meet him at these words, but he waved them away as he continued down the stairs, accompanied by his entourage. “Palpatine’s comment has bristled the fur of many opposing Senators, several of whom were able to speak with us…” Rolling her eyes, Sabé flipped off the holo with a small groan. She put her head in her hand, and closed her eyes. “I take it this is bad?” Yané asked her quietly. Sabé nodded. “Palpatine is right. It’s foolish to place taxes on trade within* the borders of an entity like the Republic. It benefits no one in the long run. The tax money will boost the Republic economy for a short while, but eventually everyone will be forced to raise prices, and things just slide back down again. And to make it worse…” she shook her head in frustration. “To make it worse, this isn’t some little surface-skimming tax we’re talking about. The percentages are absolutely ridiculous. I don’t doubt we’ll be hearing a lot of upheaval from the Trade Federation and its cronies in the news here shortly.” Yané bit her lip, her hazel eyes filled with sudden worry and doubt. “I guess I should pay attention more,” she finally said. Sabé put on her best diplomatic smile. She liked Yané well enough, but sometimes her cheerful naiveté could be a little trying. She sometimes half-suspected the girl had gotten the handmaiden job chiefly to be a purely optimistic influence on the Queen. Nothing seemed to phase her for long. Yané seemed to live in her own little world, but then in Sabé’s experience, computer people were often that way. Her technical expertise was actually the real reason Yané had been hired. “Well,” Sabé said finally, “I doubt we’ll feel any direct effects here for awhile yet.” This seemed to immediately cheer the girl, who smiled and quickly stood up. “That pesky ball gown needs pressing,” she said brightly, smiling. “Guess I’d better get to it.” Then she breezed out of the room as suddenly as she had arrived, leaving Sabé feeling slightly overwhelmed. How could someone be so totally positive all the time? The closest person she could think of was Claria, but Claria did not let her optimism carry her to a point of blind excess. The thought of Claria made all trade taxation worries evaporate speedily from Sabé’s head. Tonight was her younger sister’s coming out, and in honor of the occasion, Sabé was off duty and would be attending as Princess of Theed. She planned to dance and laugh, and do her best face the fact that her mother would not be there to laugh with them. With a luxurious sigh, she stood and walked over to the vanity, pulling her hair out of its long braid as she walked. The day off, her first since Padmé’s appointment, had been delicious thus far. She had slept in, and sat watching the holo in her nightdress all morning. But now it was finally time to get moving. When she was about halfway done brushing out her long, shining hair, she was met with yet another interruption, this time in the form of her roommate, accompanied by Rabé. “You mean you’ve never seen a Gungan?” Rabé was asking Saché incredulously. “I admit I’ve never spoken with one, but we see them all the time in the moors.” Both girls were carrying several small bundles. Saché had clearly just returned from her shopping expedition. Saché shrugged as she set her bundles carefully down on her bed, one at a time. “I don’t get outside the city very much. And the Gungans like to hide in their swamps. It’s their way, I suppose. Good afternoon, Sabé.” “Good afternoon. Yané was looking for you just now.” Saché let out a small smile and nodded. “Yes, she already found me.” She lifted her handbag from her shoulders and set it on the bed next to the packages. “I’ll go get those slippers for her.” Rabé had already made herself comfortable on Sabé’s bed by the time Saché was gone. She lay on her stomach, and let her legs in the air behind her. “So what are you up to this afternoon, Princess?” “Being lazy. And watching the holo news. They passed the tax bill.” Rabé’s pert nose wrinkled. “Yeah, I heard.” “So how come you were talking about Gungans?” So distant and imposing were the neighbors of the Naboo, that Sabé sometimes went a very long time without even thinking of their existence. She was naturally and deeply wary of a species that wanted to keep itself so secluded. It seemed an odd conversation for two Royal handmaidens to be having. Rabé shrugged. “There was a Gungan that showed up in the market today. I was asking Saché if she heard people talking about it while she was there.” “A Gungan, really?” Sabé was very surprised. It had been several years since any of the reclusive amphibians had been seen in around the capital, let alone in the city proper. “Why?” “I have no idea. The rumors are sketchy. He didn’t buy anything, apparently.” “Still… a Gungan in Theed. Amidala will be highly interested to hear this.” “Oh, she was very interested to hear it. I told her hours ago.” Rabé laughed at the frown that crossed Sabé’s face at these words. “You’ve been asleep half the day. I didn’t say it was fresh news.” Amused by the fact that her friend seriously considered half-a-day-old news to be truly old, Sabé smiled. “Well,” she said, setting her brush on the vanity, “I guess I’m just out of it then. How did you hear about the trade tax? I only just finally heard the results on the holo.” “Mmmn. Senator Palpatine contacted Her Majesty first thing this morning when I was on duty. I was there for their conversation.” “What did they say?” Rabé exhaled loudly, and leaned a little straighter on her arms, wrinkling her nose again. While not particularly fond of political conversation, she was nonetheless capable with it, and Sabé could always depend on her to keep things straight. While her gossiping tendencies tended to be wearying, they also meant that Rabé had a keep sense of detail. She noticed everything. This was another trait that made her very valuable to the Queen. “Not much. Palpatine told her the results of the voting, obviously. The proponents won by about seventy-five percent, of which he was very disappointed. A small margin, he said, might have been able to be countered through new laws, but now the situation is all the more difficult.” “Did he give the Queen any advice?” “Nothing much.” Rabé shrugged. “What can she do, really?” “Encourage more internal trading…” said Sabé slowly, in concentration. “But I’m not sure how well that will fly with the Naboo. We have an unusually high export market here.” “Which is why the Queen is particularly worried about how this will effect us,” Rabé commented, and Sabé nodded in agreement. Just then Saché walked briskly back through the door. “What a day!” she exclaimed in a breathy voice. “The market was absolutely insane, with that Gungan showing up this morning. I picked up the Queen’s gift, and yours, Princess,” she said, addressing Padmé. Rabé shifted her head to one hand and tilted it to look at Sabé with an amused smile. “She made you go pick up her present too?” she asked in a teasing voice, and a wink at Sabé. “She was going out anyway,” Sabé commented, rolling her eyes. “Don’t you let her push you around, Saché,” Rabé said, ignoring Sabé and speaking to the younger handmaiden. “She’s just lazy.” Saché only smiled as she picked up the largest package from the stack on her bed. “That’s okay. It was very convenient for me. I got a chance to chat with Madame Trillium.” She handed the package to Sabé, who accepted it eagerly. “Well,” Sabé commented when she’d retrieved its contents, “Claria can’t complain about me opening this, because I need to open it to get it ready.” The gift was a small, delicately decorated blue box, inlaid with small strips of shiny, swirl-patterned marble. Inside the box was a place for holo-slides, and Sabé went quickly to her top desk drawer, for a data chip she’d made that contained a carefully compiled collection of family holos. She placed it in the slot with a box, and waited for it to upload with a satisfied smile. She had seen the box at the dressmaker’s shop a week before the coronation and had determined that such a beautiful keepsake would be perfect for Claria. The collection of holos was, of course, a large part of the gift’s value as well. “Danae said there’s no charge for the holo-box,” continued Saché as she retrieved her yellow handmaiden gown from the closet. “She said consider it a professional courtesy for all the business the Queen has brought her.” “That was very kind.” “What is Padmé… I mean Amidala’s gift for Claria?” asked Rabé curiously, causing Sabé to smile fiendishly at her friend’s slip. Rabé stuck out her tongue. “Oooh, it’s so beautiful!” exclaimed Saché with a happy sigh. “It’s already wrapped though, so I can’t open it to show you, but you’ll see soon enough. It’s a valadrett.” “A valadrett?” Rabé asked, clearly confused. “A instrument,” said Sabé. “A little reed flute. Native to this region, mostly. The storytellers like to use it a lot. I think Claria got frustrated that she couldn’t take the clavaria with her wherever she went.” “Oh great,” said Rabé, rolling her eyes, and turning over on her back to look up at the other two handmaidens standing over her. “So now she can show us up on the valadrett as well as the clavaria.” Saché laughed and Sabé smiled. “Well, she doesn’t know how to play it yet. The lessons are going to be just as much part of the gift as the instrument.” Saché pulled her hair out of its band and shook out her thick, dark hair. “I’ve got to get dressed,” she sighed. “I’m on duty tonight. Eirtaé’s probably wondering where I’ve gotten to. I told her I’d take over a little early for her so she could have extra time to get ready.” Inwardly, Sabé scowled, wishing that Eirtaé had been on duty for the party itself, and either Saché or Rabé were not. Though she supposed it would make little difference. She would have avoided the blond either way. “Tell Eirtaé Bakuro she can just hold her tusk-cats,” Sabé said loftily. “It’s not as if an extra hour curling her hair will make her sour face look any better.” Saché gave her an odd look and continued getting dressed with no reply. “Give Eirtaé a break,” said Rabé, sitting up and swinging her legs over the bed. “If you were in her shoes, you would have asked for the same favor, and you know it. Honestly, I’ve never seen two people so determined to dislike each other as you two.” “Why do you always take her side?” Sabé asked, slightly miffed. “It’s not as if…” Rabé cut her off with a hand. “Princess, please. I really don’t feel like doing this right now. I’m gonna go get dressed too. See you later, Saché.” “Bye,” called Saché uncertainly, her eyes darting to Sabé as she spoke. Sabé exhaled sharply, and did her best to let her annoyance bleed out with the sigh. She suddenly felt very embarrassed. Eyeing Saché, she walked over to the closet and flung it open, doing her best to create a distraction from the suddenly awkward mood. “So, what do you think I should wear tonight?” ~~~~~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 9:53pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	~~~~~ “Do you dance, Princess Sabé?” With a smile, Sabé turned her head at the sound of a warm baritone voice whispering conspiratorially in her ear. “You know I do, Jon Bakuro,” she answered pertly. “Well then?” prompted the tall, handsome boy leaning over her. He took her hand and raised her off her chair, where she’d been sitting watching Claria open birthday gifts. “I’m supposed to stay and watch,” she protested, but not too insistently. Claria was nearly finished with gifts now, and she’d long finished with the family offerings. Sabé had been very pleased with her reaction to the holo-box. “If you really wanted to stay,” said Jon with a knowing smile, “you wouldn’t have let me get this far away.” Sabé laughed. Indeed, he was already taking her hands into position for beginning the dance. As the music began, the older boy began guiding her expertly across the floor. “I think you’re going to make your cousin angry with me.” “Eirtaé?” he said laughing. “Why should she care? The quarrel is between you two. It’s not a family feud. Besides, I have a much different bone to pick with you.” “Oh?” asked Sabé as he spun her around. “And what’s that?” Jon’s features took on a look of mock hurt and disappointment. “Why were you smashing datapads with Baird Nenshall? I thought I was the only one you smashed datapads for.” He stuck out his bottom lip in a pout, and his eyes looked mournful. Sabé punched him lightly with the hand resting on his shoulder. “Even after I’ve been away for three months and been wrapped up in an election and a new job, even after everything that’s happened since then, you just had to bring that up, didn’t you?” He laughed. “I’m just hurt, Princess. I never wanted anyone else to share your heart.” She rolled her eyes. “Oh, brother. I’d hate to see how you handle competition over a girl you were actually serious about.” Sabé’s relationship with Jon Bakuro was one of endless lighthearted teasing. There had always been a flirtatious edge to it all. They were both masters at that art. Sabé was pretty sure that Jon could lay claim to half the young female hearts in this ballroom, and surprisingly she was not among them. While she found him very handsome and charming, she’d never had any serious attachment to him in that way. “When I ever find someone worthy of my, um…seriousness, I’ll be sure to let you know first,” said Jon with another wink. “You’d better get on the roll. You’re almost eighteen. Practically an old man.” “I know, I know. High time I settled down and started making more little Bakuros.” “As long as none of the rest of them are like Eirtaé, that’s fine by me.” Jon laughed again. “Aw, she’s not so bad once you get used to her. Just like you.” Sabé glared at him. “So why are you here anyway? Where’s your father?” “Oh, he couldn’t come. Sent me to do his dirty work for him. Pay respects to the nobles, you know. Including his own family,” he added with a wry chuckle. “And if I can hook up a few more connections for off world sales while I’m in Theed, I’m sure he won’t complain.” Despite considerable wealth and a connection to the House Bakuro, Jon’s immediate family actually had no formal title of their own. His father was a prominent merchant in Kaserta. He’d become a good friend to the three Naberrie princesses when visiting court with his cousin many years ago. Since then, his father had made many business ties in Theed, and he’d been seen in the noble circles more and more frequently. “If you want to make inquiries about off world dealings, I’d recommend an interview with Governer Bibble, if you can catch him. It looks like he’s getting ready to make an exit.” Jon craned his neck to the edge of the ballroom. “Ah, I see,” he said. “Well, I hate to cut the dance short, but would you favor me with your company while I try to catch him?” Sabé gave a clipped, haughty laugh. “Oh, I see where your priorities really lie, Jon Bakuro. Okay, fine then.” Jon led her off the dance floor by the hand, but dropped it as soon as they’d once again mingled with the standing crowd. He seemed suddenly awkward, and he put his hands in his pockets as they walked. Sabé looked at him curiously. “Is something wrong?” He frowned. “I just wanted to say how sorry I was about your mother, Sabé. And please tell Padmé – I mean Amidala- I said so too. I already got to talk to Claria earlier tonight, but I wanted to tell you in person.” Sabé nodded without saying anything. She’d been accepting many such apologies lately, and thought she’d gotten used to it. But coming from an old, trusted friend like Jon, it was much harder. They reached the corridor outside, still in silence. Once outside, they looked up and down, but Governer Bibble was nowhere to be seen. Jon sighed, and then laughed. “Well, I’d pretend to be disappointed, but I really didn’t feel like mixing business with pleasure tonight anyway. I’ll visit him in his office tomorrow.” “Anyway, don’t family duties take precedence over corporate?” Sabé added with a nod down the corridor to their right. Eirtaé and Saché were walking steadily towards them. When they got close enough, Eirtaé put a hand on Saché’s arm to pause their conversation, and smiled. Then she broke forward and rushed to her cousin. “Jon! I didn’t get a chance to talk to you earlier,” said the blond girl, breaking off a warm embrace to gaze at her cousin fondly. “Heya ‘Taé,” he said. “I didn’t want to pester you. Quite the socialite, aren’t you, little cousin?” Eirtaé glanced at Sabé, put on a strained smile, and nodded. Sabé reluctantly returned it. Jon glanced between the two of them with an exasperated expression, and Sabé searched frantically for some way to alleviate the tension. “Saché, aren’t you on duty?” The quiet handmaiden pushed back the hood of her maroon cloak slightly and nodded. “Her Majesty asked me to show Lord Bamelick to the guest quarters. He was tired and he wished to retire early.” “Jon, this is Saché Drianna. Saché, this is my cousin Jon Bakuro.” said Eirtaé politely. Sabé fought back a slight frustration at herself for neglecting the duty of introductions. It rankled her that Eirtaé had remembered before she had. “A pleasure to meet you, my lady,” said Jon cordially, with a perfect bow. “Oh, I’m not a lady,” said Saché quickly, with a slight blush. “I live here in Theed. In Larben Street.” She studied Jon a minute, then took a breath as if she wanted to say something, but quickly stopped herself. Then she smiled and averted her eyes. “What’s wrong?” he asked her curiously. “Oh, nothing, it’s just…um…” Then, to the surprise of all, she reached up and pulled his lapel straight, which had gotten rumpled when Eirtaé had hugged him. “Your vest is… crooked.” Jon blinked for a moment, and then he, Sabé, and Eirtaé burst out laughing at the same time. Saché faced turned a shade comparable with her cloak. Sabé and Eirtaé met each other eyes, and abruptly stopped laughing, both suddenly awkward about actually sharing an almost friendly moment together. But Jon kept laughing heartily. “Well, you certainly have a noble lady’s sense of style.” Though obviously still mortified, Saché seemed to find some courage somewhere because she looked up and met his gaze squarely. “Forgive my boldness, my Lord. It’s just that it would have pestered me the rest of the evening.” “Well, I’m afraid I must return your sentiments and tell you most emphatically that I am not a lord.” Saché looked confused. “But, Eirtaé…” she began, glancing quickly at her fellow handmaiden. “We don’t talk about his side of the family much,” said Eirtaé, sticking her nose in the air. “They live in Kaserta, for crying out loud.” Her eyes glittered mischievously. “I’m not worthy to stand in your presence, cousin,” said Jon in a bland monotone. Then he addressed Saché again. “No, I’m afraid the Bakuro title does not extend as far as me. But don’t worry,” he added with a wink, “I don’t lose sleep over it.” “Come on, Jon,” Eirtaé said, rolling her eyes and taking him bye the elbow, “I’ll introduce you to the queen.” “Eirtaé, I already know the queen.” “No, you know Padmé. I’d be very much surprised if you know anyone like Amidala,” she replied, causing Saché to giggle. “Oh, very well. That is if Miss Saché approves of my appearance.” Saché nodded. “Yes, very much so.” Then realizing the double meaning of what she’d just said, her eyes flew open wide and she flushed with renewed embarrassment. It was Sabé’s turn to roll her eyes. She reached for Saché’s arm and began leading her away. “Come on, I’m taking you away before he makes you burst a blood vessel.” She glared at Jon when Saché couldn’t see, and he grinned. “Bye!” he called to their retreating backs. Saché’s face was in her hands. “I am so embarrassed,” she said, her voice muffled. “Jon Bakuro needs a leash sometimes. Don’t worry about it. You just walk with me until he’s done talking to the Queen, and then you can get back to attending her. I worry about her being left with Yané too long sometimes. She might forget where the Queen is sitting.” This remark caused Saché to emerge from behind her hands with a knowing smile. “Let’s go talk to Princess Claria. I haven’t gotten a chance to really say hello all day.” “I think that’s a good idea,” agreed Sabé knowingly, relieved that her friend was already recovering. They found Claria chatting pleasantly with Duchess Rothschild. The crowd gathered around her for opening gifts had dispersed, and the table was deserted. Her face brightened when she spotted the two girls, and she beckoned. “Good evening, Princess, Miss Drianna,” greeted the Duchess with respectful nods. “Good evening, Duchess,” returned Sabé politely. “I wanted to thank you for recommending Madame Trillium as the Queen’s dressmaker. As you can see by the results, she was a highly excellent choice.” “You’re perfectly welcome, Your Highness,” said the Duchess with a smile. “I knew Danae was just what the Queen would need. But if you’ll excuse me, I should find my husband and get him home. He has early business tomorrow, and if I don’t monitor him, he’d stay up all night.” “Goodnight Duchess,” said Claria, speaking for all three girls. “Thank-you for attending.” “You’re welcome, Princess Claria. Happy birthday.” “So what gift did you like best?” Sabé asked her sister after the Duchess had gone. “Apart from the valadrett lessons, of course.” Claria smiled sheepishly. “I liked your gift best after that. Though I haven’t looked at the holos yet. I have a feeling that would be better in private.” Her voice was quiet, and Sabé nodded. “Probably,” she added. “What did Saché get you?” she asked, turning to look at Saché. To her surprise, the younger girl’s attention was not on the conversation, but rather up next to the throne where Jon and Eirtaé were talking quite seriously with the Queen. Oh great, thought Sabé irritably, she likes him. She frowned, making a mental note to have a talk with Jon. It was all well and good if he wanted to go around charming young ladies, but she had a feeling he didn’t know how innocent Saché was. She wouldn’t be used to the court mannerisms as Sabé was. She wouldn’t know not to take him seriously. The conversation was presently interrupted when a young nobleman, undoubtedly at the behest of some prodding mother, came asking Claria to dance, leaving Saché and Sabé alone once more. Sabé idly noticed that much of the crowd was beginning disperse. Doubtless this dance would be among the last. Not one to be left standing for the last dance, Sabé pursed her lips and studied the room expertly. She spotted a group of her young gentleman friends trying to hide in a secluded corner, and dragged Saché determinedly in their direction. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s finish this night up with some real fun.” Tomorrow would be back to work. Another uneventful day on the job… ~~~~*~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 10:05pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	~~~~~ Sleep was elusive that night. It had often been so for Sabé of late. Many nights her thoughts were too full of still-fresh loss, and lying in bed she could not drown the grief with activity as she could during the day. At night she was bombarded by a thousand memories every second, and there was no where to hide, even if she’d wanted to. She was surprised by how much she missed Leiandra, or rather the manner* in which she missed her. The pangs of loss were just as deep as she would have expected, if not deeper. But she found herself surprisingly adrift without her mother. All her life, Sabé had fancied herself a capable and independent person, when in reality her mother had been a masterful guide in her young life. Her influence was paradoxically subtle and strong. So strong Sabé had hardly noticed it, yet so strong that she now felt floundering without it. Sabé now found herself closely observing her father, looking for similar tendencies. It did not surprise her that she found them in abundance. Her parents had been alike in all the most important ways. Saché’s quiet, even breathing filled the otherwise silent room. Sabé tossed from her side onto her back and looked at the slate gray sky preparing for the first breath of dawn. With a resigned sigh, she sat up and swung her legs over the bed. At this point, an hour’s sleep would make her feel more tired than just getting up now. For a moment she amused herself by staring at Saché’s sleeping form in the bed across the room. By the Force, she even sleeps neatly! Saché’s covers were barely disturbed, whereas Sabé’s had managed to weave themselves into some kind of complicated knot on in the middle of her bed. Padding silently to the closet, Sabé retrieved her most inconspicuous cloak and swung it up around her shoulders, drawing the hood closely around her face. For security purposes, the queen’s chambers, and the adjacent rooms of the handmaidens had no exterior access. Panaka had also encouraged the girls to avoid the outside as much as possible, especially the Queen and Sabé. With Leiandra’s murderer still at large, he was taking precautions against repeating the disaster. But Sabé felt suddenly suffocated. She needed to breathe the chilly air of a summer morning in Theed. She needed to clear her head from the cobwebs of memory, and get her mind ready for her day’s work. Fortunately for her, she knew the palace far better than some of the newer guards. She slipped outside with little trouble, and sighed with satisfaction. The sky had evolved from pale gray to the faintest of gold hues, and she drew in a large breath of air with smile. This particular balcony was very close to the waterfalls, and she imagined that perhaps she could feel some of the refreshing mist in the air around her. It was going to be a beautiful day. “Mornin’ Sabé,” came a small voice from behind her. Sabé jumped what felt like half a kilometer in the air, and turned around sharply. “Richard! Don’t do that to me!” “Did I scare you?” “Just a little.” “I’m sorry,” he said brightly. “I thought you saw me when you came out.” He was sitting cross-legged against the back wall of the pavilion in his nightclothes. His nose was pink from the chill and he shivered slightly. Sabé frowned and pulled her cloak off her shoulders. “Come here,” she said. He stood up and she wrapped the cloak around him. Then she touched his cheek. “You’re freezing. What are you doing out here?” “Aw, Sabé,” he said in exasperation. “I come out here lots of mornings. It’s still the end of summer, sort of. It takes a whole ten minutes for me to get warm once the sun comes up.” He folded his arms on the banister, and placed his head on his arms, staring out at the rolling green hillocks spreading out in the valley far below them. “So what are you doing out here?” “I couldn’t sleep,” she replied easily. “Figured I might as well catch a free moment before Padmé starts driving the slave-whip,” she added with a wink. Richard laughed. “Yeah, though I’m sure it’s not as bad as what you’d put her through if you were queen.” “I think I’m going to see that you get extra homework in Huttese for that remark,” Sabé gibed, nudging Richard playfully. “So did you dance with any pretty girls last night at the party?” The young prince wrinkled his nose and lifted his head off his arms. “Too many. What is it with those girls, anyway? They never shut up!” He batted his eyelashes and put on a high-pitched, simper. “Yes, Your Highness, no Your Highness, Do you like my dress, Your Highness?” Richard broke off and rolled his eyes, shaking his head. He went back to his previous meditative pose. “I like older girls better. Like Rabé and Saché. At least when they talk it means something.” “Well, it’s settled then. When you grow up, you can marry Rabé.” “I didn’t say I wanted to marry her!” Richard said, looking slightly alarmed. Sabé laughed again and scruffed his hair. “Oh, relax. I’m just teasing you. You can’t get married anyway, what would happen to me? I’d be lonely. Because you know someone will marry Padmé and Claria right away. They’re too perfect.” Richard cocked an eyebrow in a most disturbingly regal manner. “Are you saying I’m not perfect?” “Oh, no Your Highness,” Sabé said, putting on the high whiny voice that Richard had just been using. “You’re so perfect that nobody is worthy of marrying you.” Richard rolled his eyes. “Well, you are right about one thing.” “What’s that?” “You’re the least likely of my sisters to get a good husband.” Then he grinned wickedly and dashed off, the cloak floating forgotten to the ground, with Sabé chasing playfully at his heels. She quickly gave up and trailed off, content to wait till he rounded back to her, when she snatched him up and swung him around. “Ooomph!” she sighed as she set him quickly down again, “you are getting far too big. I think you’re going be unnaturally tall for a Naberrie.” They returned to the banister to admire the remainder of the sunrise. The sky was now full of mottled orange and scarlet. As Richard had so knowingly informed her, it did indeed grow much warmer after the first few moments after the sun crested. “Sabé?” Richard asked suddenly, and he pointed. “What’s that? It’s not a star.” Sabé followed the line of his finger and frowned, leaning out over the banister to better observe what she saw. “I don’t know,” she said curiously. “It’s awfully close, whatever it is. I didn’t know we had any ships that big in orbit.” She leaned back again. “But I wasn’t on duty yesterday, so I’m not quite up to date on the state of Naboo affairs.” “Look!” he cried. “There’s another one!” But Sabé’s quick, sharp eyes had already detected three more such anomalies. One of them, she was sure, had materialized directly in front of them. She took an inadvertent step backwards and swallowed. “Richard,” she said. “Let’s go back inside. Right now.” Her voice was shaky, but resolute. “What’s wrong?” he asked, immediately picking up on her apprehension. She took his hand and quickened her pace. She needed to talk to Panaka and Padmé right away. “I’m not sure.” By all accounts, a fleet of large ships had just emerged from hyperspace above the jewel that was Naboo. Sabé couldn’t think of any good reason why that would be. And she was inexplicably afraid. ~~~~~~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 10:09pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	~~~~~~ The atmosphere that had pervaded Theed Palace since the blockade had was of an intensity Sabé doubted it had seen in many years. It wasn’t panic, exactly, but rather like someone holding his or her breath before panicking actually commenced. Staff and residents alike rushed about trying to busy themselves with tasks, while at the same time accomplishing very little. With the exception of Amidala, of course. She had already been awake when Sabé had arrived back in the Royal quarters, just about the same time as Captain Panaka had arrived, a grim set to his features. Sabé had told her story, and Panaka had confirmed her concerns. There were fifteen capital starships orbiting Naboo, in addition to a varied but powerful fleet of smaller vehicles. “They’ve ordered all Naboo commercial, military, and civilian craft to land immediately.” Amidala had replied without hesitation. “If any resist tell them the Queen orders them to comply immediately. I’ll not have a bloodbath on my hands before I even get a chance to figure out what’s going on.” From there, the Queen had proceeded to security screening rooms where her analysts and technicians had shown her all the data they had collected and were still collecting, even while the Queen and her entourage were present. They watched with mounting trepidation as the starships systematically placed themselves in a strategic orbit around the planet. The Royal Cabinet had been immediately sent for, and Amidala had spent the last three hours in an intense high-security meeting with the Cabinet members and the leaders of Parliament. Captain Panaka, Sabé, and Eirtaé had been the only people present who were not government officials. Now they emerged from the meeting, and Sabé felt exhausted. This had not been a good day to preclude with a sleepless night. The tension was draining her, and she felt that surely adrenaline was now coursing through her veins in place of blood. It was certainly the only thing keeping her going. Amidala seemed to display no such weariness. “Captain, summon Rabé and Yané. I sent them on different duties, now I require their presence. I am going to my quarters to change. In an hour’s time, I will address the planet.” Panaka nodded and headed in the opposite direction, nodding to two of his Lieutenants to accompany the Queen to her quarters. Already he had his comlink in hand, no doubt hailing one of the two requested handmaidens. They found Saché pacing nervously alone in the common room of the Royal Chambers. She looked relieved when they entered. “Your Highness, Prince Armand would like to see you as soon as possible, and Princess Claria and Richard extend their concern as well.” Amidala nodded. “Thank you, Saché. Please go fetch my green gown. I need to address the planet.” “The coronation gown, my lady?” “Yes. I need people to be reminded of the promise I made that day.” Saché swallowed and nodded, then practically fled into the Queen’s bedchamber. The queen sat down with a weary sigh, and Eirtaé promptly began disassembling her cumbersome headdress while Sabé picked up the pacing that Saché had abandoned. “I do not understand this, Padmé,” she muttered. Catching the look on the Queen’s face, she rolled her eyes slightly and began again. “I do not understand this, Amidala. Why come to Naboo? Why?” She saw Saché struggling to bring the gown into the common room and walked briskly over to assist her. Eirtaé finally disengaged the headdress from the Queen’s hair and set it on the nearby end table. Then she promptly began undoing the buttons on the back of the Queen’s gown. “Does any injustice ever make sense to a reasonable person?” “Those are noble sentiments, my lady,” Sabé replied confidently, “but I must refute that in some cases the motives of wrongdoers are at least discernible, even if they do not make sense in the way you speak of. I know that Naboo is wealthy. And I know that we are pacifists. Perhaps we seem like easy prey, but there are other planets just as desirable. Just as conquerable. Especially for someone with the resources available to the Trade Federation. But what makes it all more confusing is the fact that the Nemoidians…” she broke off and huffed in frustration. “Yes?” prompted the Queen. “The Nemoidians are generally considered to be cowardly,” Eirtaé finished, nodding knowingly at Sabé, albeit rather stiffly. “They are not risk takers by nature.” “It makes no sense,” Sabé repeated, whispering this time. Rabé and Yané arrived together, looking outwardly calm, but still resolute. “Rabé, what news do you have for me?” “Rumors fly faster than réka in times like these, Majesty. I have plenty of news. The city is frightened, as is to be expected, but for now they hold their faith in you. I can see little evidence of any rioting or extortion yet. But silence from you for too long will not sit well with them. I suggest you say something, anything, about this situation very soon.” Amidala nodded thoughtfully. “Wise advice. I am indeed preparing to address our people very shortly. The Governor is likely already announcing it. “Pardon me, my lady,” Saché spoke up hesitantly as she drew the overdress off its stand, “but should not you make some attempt to contact the blockade? Find out what it is exactly that they want?” “No, Saché. I am prepared to use any weapon I have at my disposal, and right now that includes making them come to me first. They’ll not have the satisfaction of seeing me cower. Not now, not ever. No matter what happens.” Saché still seemed worried, but murmured, “Yes, my lady,” and continued with her work. “Do not fear,” continued Amidala more gently, “that you are the only one to be against this course of action, Saché. It was one of the things I debated over amongst the cabinet members, but I have made my decision. Speaking of the meeting…?” she turned her gaze to Yané, who still stood closest to the doorway, watching everything up till now with huge, silent, fearful eyes. Yané stepped forward. “You were not observed, my lady. I checked everything myself. To the best of my knowledge, nothing that was said in that room reached unfriendly ears. And nothing in this room, either.” “Well done, handmaiden.” Sabé found herself marveling at the two different Yané’s that seemed to be walking around in this twelve-year-old girl’s body. The first Yané was flighty, absentminded, and usually quite fun, if at times a little odd. The professional Yané, when given a chance to emerge, seemed strangely old and wise. This was because of her confidence in her work, Sabé knew. Panaka had mentioned that Yané was probably one of the most talented programming and technical minds in this sector of the galaxy. He regarded her being of appropriate age for a handmaiden position to be a huge boon to Amidala’s administration. Eirtaé now assisted Amidala out of her current gown, and Saché held up the gray underdress of the coronation gown. Saché began fastening the new gown closed. Together, the two handmaidens managed the entire process without smudging any of the makeup, which was quite a feat of dexterity. It always left Sabé impressed in spite of herself. “What I tell you is not to go beyond this room, at least not yet,” Amidala said as Saché continued to fasten her gown. “Not your families, not your closest friends. I will not even tell my family.” Rabé, Saché, and Yané all yielded grim nods, and the Queen continued. “It is clear that this blockade was put into effect as a protest on the part of the Nemoidian Trade Federation against the controversial Trade Tax Act passed yesterday by the Senate. I have made contact with Senator Palpatine, and he as assured me that he will keep our case at the focus of the Chancellor’s attention. This much I will tell the people. What they do not yet need to know right away are the potential economic problems presented if this blockade should be successful for any serious length of time.” She looked expectantly at Sabé. Pursing her lips, Sabé spoke up. “Naboo has a great many natural resources,” she began, “but for the last two centuries they have been heavily given over to exports, and at this point in time Naboo is not well-equipped to be self-sustaining. The southern hemisphere is in the end of winter, and most of our harvests have already been shipped away. Without imports, we will have a hard time of it, I’m afraid.” “Perhaps the choice of Naboo as a target makes better sense to you now, Handmaiden Sabé,” commented the Queen. “It is nothing but a circumstantial theory, of course, but a planet where a siege poses such a serious potential threat…” she trailed off, and seemed to dwell on the thought for a moment. Sabé bit her lip stubbornly. She wasn’t so sure. Padmé was right, that theory did make sense, but… something about the manner in which the ships had arrived was pestering her. She couldn’t put her finger on it, and it was starting to frustrate her. “If this crisis should for some reason last longer than two weeks, I shall be putting into effect a ration plan for the Naboo.” “I don’t understand,” said Yané uncertainly. “Forgive me, my lady, if I seem naïve here, but why should you have any reason to believe that the Senate should not resolve it immediately? I mean, this can’t be allowable, what they’re doing.” With Saché’s assistance, Amidala shrugged into the heavy green outerdress. “There is a slight difficulty,” she said stiffly. Her voice was cold, but the coldness was not directed at Yané. “According to Senator Palpatine, the Trade Federation’s actions are perfectly legal.” Yané’s jaw dropped, and Saché’s hands stopped as shock riddled her features. “What?” Yané asked, incredulously. “How?” Eirtaé rolled her eyes. “Palpatine explained it to us, and we accessed the records he indicated. Believe me, you don’t want the full explanation, but it is true.” Saché finished with the gown and stepped back from the Queen, swallowing hard. Her work was complete. “Rabé, my hair,” commanded Amidala. She seemed surreally calm, despite everything. Later that evening, Sabé slipped away to another part of the palace to visit her father and younger siblings. The frenzied undercurrent of panic was absent from the halls now. The people were quietly tucked away with their families. She saw no one as she walked but the guards who were on high alert that night all over the palace. They nodded to her respectfully as she passed, and she nodded back. She must show no fear. She represented Amidala, and for now that meant representing courage and pride. “ Tell Sabé that pride is not always an ill quality.” Her mother’s words rang through the halls and seemed to echo in the emptiness. She held her head even higher and continued walking. When she reached her father’s chambers, she was not surprised to find Claria and Richard there with him. They were gathered on the settee watching the holo. Armand was quick to rise and envelop her in a tight embrace upon her appearance. He started to speak, but Sabé cut him off when she noted that the holo was beginning to retransmit the broadcast of Padmé’s speech earlier that afternoon. “People of Naboo, at approximately 0815 this morning Theed time, our sovereignty was besieged by the forces of the Trade Federation. This seemingly unprovoked action on the part of the Trade Federation is both uncivilized and unacceptable. We know that your reaction will no doubt be one of fear and uncertainty, but rest assured that we are already taking steps to resolve this crisis. We have already made contact with Coruscant and our esteemed Senator Palpatine. He will not let they cry of Naboo go unheard. Until then, Naboo, we ask you to be courageous and resolute. Do not panic and do not fear. The Republic is a great and honorable institution. It will not allow the principles of freedom and justice to be so grossly abused.” Padmé’s confident words warmed Sabé’s heart, and for a moment she wished she did not know the full gravity of the situation. She wished she could be just like every other citizen… No you don’t, she chided herself. From your position you will be able to assist the Queen and aid Naboo. Stop acting like a frightened child! But I am a frightened child… She found the evening with her family members more difficult than she’d imagined. She gave them messages of reassurance from Padmé, who’d said she would visit them as soon as she could find a spare instant. Then she did her best to answer their probing questions with confidence. It was very hard, withholding from her family. She knew the only reason Padmé had insisted on it was so that the other handmaidens wouldn’t feel so bad about having to hide things from their families. But it was no less difficult. When she crawled into bed, she curled into a tight ball and buried herself under the covers, hoping to enshroud herself in darkness and forgetfulness. Maybe if she sat very still and stayed hidden, the looming ships in orbit would just… go away. Or she’d wake up from this obvious and disturbing nightmare. Despite all her worries, sleep was easier to come by that night. Forgetfulness did in fact enshroud her, even if it was only for a little while. ~~~~~~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 10:12pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	~~~~~~ Sabé’s brown eyes suddenly seemed as hard as duracrete as they bored darkly into Captain Panaka. “What is that?” Sabé asked warily, her eyes resting suspiciously on the object nestled in his palm. “It’s a blaster.” “I can see that. Why are you putting one in my hand?” Panaka did not immediately reply, but kept his face impassive as he handed another of the small, streamlined blasters to Rabé. She accepted it with less fussing than did Sabé, and her face was almost intrigued. She hefted the weapon with careful deliberation in her small hand, gauging the weight of it. “Come with me, ladies.” Panaka turned heel and began walking smartly towards the turbolift. Rabé sent a shrug Sabé’s way and began to follow him. Pursing her lips with annoyed reluctance, Sabé followed as well. The Captain took them down. Way down, in the subterranean levels of the palace, where even Sabé had rarely ever been. There were secret passages down here that she knew how to access, should the need arise, but further than that she had never given this underground very much thought. She was not exploratory by nature. Richard undoubtedly was very familiar with the meandering corridors down here though. Finally the small company emerged into a well-lit, long room with a low ceiling. Various types of weaponry neatly lined the walls. There was some kind of barrier set up on their end of the long room, and object at the other end that looked suspiciously like… “Panaka!” Sabé exclaimed curtly. “Would you please explain what is going on?” He did not look at her as he replied. Rather, he took a wicked-looking black blaster off the wall and began fiddling with buttons on its side. “Target practice, Princess. You need to learn how to shoot.” Sabé’s jaw dropped slightly, but she quickly closed it, not wanting to let him see how off-putting she found all this to be. Glowering, she stomped over to the barrier and laid the small silver blaster in her hand on a small ledge she found there. “No,” she said crossing her arms with a glare. “Naberries are pacifists.” Panaka seemed almost amused. He strode quickly but calmly over to her, his bearing so casual and confident that it made Sabé take an involuntary step back. “Princess,” he began, “do you want to continue your services as a handmaiden for this court?” “Yes,” she promptly replied, giving him her most regal expression. Her arms were still crossed. He gave a smug smile. “Good. As a handmaiden, you are answerable to me. And I say that unless you wish to submit your resignation, that you are going to learn how to shoot a blaster and maybe even how to hit something with it.” Sabé scowled and picked up the blaster again. “Does the Queen know about this?” Panaka gave her the benefit of another smug smile as he walked back over to his own weapon and picked it up again. “Yes. She had her first lesson yesterday, as a matter of fact. The Trade Federation has a massive droid army, Princess. I don’t know what all this will eventually come to, but I daresay that if you ever meet up with one of those droids, they won’t be so overcome by your Royalness that they forget to shoot.” Rabé seemed to be suddenly fighting the giggles at these words, and Sabé didn’t know who she wanted to glare at more: Panaka or Rabé. She settled for glaring at her blaster. “Where did you get this?” “From Theed Arms. They were custom made for the Queen and all you girls. Based on your measurements and other specifications, and weighted accordingly.” At these words, Rabé reached over and lifted Sabé’s blaster experimentally, then nodded. “You’re right. Hers is a little lighter than mine.” “So you’re saying that you had these weapons commissioned before the blockade?” Sabé prompted Panaka through slightly stiff lips. Panaka sighed wearily and turned to face her. “Highness,” he said wearily, “it is the job of the Queen to maintain the peace. She can afford to be as idealistic as she chooses, and that is because it is my job to oversee her safety. Or have you so quickly forgotten that less than seven months ago your mother was assassinated within the very walls of this palace?” Sabé’s mouth opened slightly to protest, but then she closed it again, realizing there was no way she could refute such a strong persuasion. She lowered her head. “Yes,” he continued, almost sadly, “I have been planning to teach you these skills all along. I’m sorry if it comes as a disappointment, but it is wiser to face reality in such a case as this. I have made my decision, and Her Majesty has been behind me completely.” Sabé made very little progress in shooting lessons that day. Her heart was still wounded and she was feeling too much resentment to the Captain to be properly focused. Once away from him for a few hours though, she was better able to digest his words, and try to take them to heart. As a result, she came to her successive lessons with determination, even if she was not exactly eager. She always trained with another handmaiden, sometimes two, and sometimes with Padmé. These new lessons, combined with the endless exhausting process of trying to discover information regarding the planet’s crisis, made the days fly by. Before Sabé was even aware of it, the invasion had reached its two-week point. “So it comes to this,” Amidala said gravely from her throne, “the Senate is still… discussing our situation.” Her slight emphasis on the word ‘discussing’ was laden with barely concealed contempt. “Do they show any indication of acknowledging the demands of the Trade Federation?” asked the Duke Tomen from his seat near the end of the cabinet members. The demands he referred to had been forwarded to the Naboo Queen by way of Senator Palpatine. The Trade Federation’s demands were chiefly with the Republic, giving no indication why they had chosen Naboo over any other planet for their little boycott. Viceroy Gunray still had not made any effort to contact Amidala, and she was still resolute in her decision not to initiate any such contact. “No, and nor would I expect them to,” Amidala replied. “Their demands are ridiculous, even when taking into account the equally unfair dictates of the Trade Tax Act itself.” “Which is why the idea of negotiation seems reasonable,” put in Maia Daris in her calm, collected way. Maia was present on behalf of her party as a representative of Parliament. Sabé admired Maia’s conduct through the crisis thus far. Lord Daris was still offplanet and now not able to come home to his children. This was definitely a strain on the family, especially since Maia would not be able to escape her civil duties to visit her brother and sister at Naestral’s Grove. “It is a classic bartering maneuver,” Maia continued. “Raise your demands higher than what you actually expect to receive, so that they may be lowered to something you still find acceptable.” “Yes, so it would seem,” agreed the Queen. “Perhaps negotiation would be a wise move for the Senate. As soon as they decide to take some action on our behalf.” Again, the thinly veiled exasperation crept into her tone. “As it is, I think it is clear that we will need to instill a ration program as a precautionary tactic for the time being. Senator Daris, I would like you to head a committee to design such a program. You will work with the Minister of Agriculture, and anyone else you deem worthy. I will also lend you the Handmaidens Sabé Naberrie and Saché Drianna to assist you.” Maia looked mildly surprised and just a little apprehensive. Sabé could understand her concerns. The idea of a ration program was very intimidating, taking the fear the planet suffered under to a whole new level. Nevertheless she nodded her head respectfully. “Yes, Your Majesty.” “Very well. I believe that is all the farther we may proceed today. Court is adjourned.” As one, the cabinet and representatives rose with the Queen and the handmaidens. Sabé and Eirtaé followed the Queen out of the room before the other courtiers dispersed. Amidala did not speak again until they’d reached the Royal quarters. “Sabé, find Saché and then meet up with Senator Daris. Doubtless she is already making preparations for the work I assigned her. It is our utmost priority at this moment. I have chosen both of you because you each have particularly useful skills to contribute to this project.” Sabé could see the Queen’s point. She herself had a strong tap on the economic pulse of Naboo, a pulse that had been slowly weakening over the last couple of weeks. Saché, well… all the other handmaidens already knew that Saché possessed unusual skills at compiling, cataloguing, and organizing any sort of task that would need such application. By this time, it was a point that the other handmaidens teased her mercilessly over, but only because she didn’t seem to mind. Amidala, however, never teased. She just wisely and increasingly used the useful skill to her own advantage. “Your Highness,” Sabé heard Eirtaé ask as she headed to the bedroom she shared with Saché, “how much longer will you wait now, before you take any new action?” Sabé paused at the door, wanting to catch the Queen’s reply. There was a long pause. “I don’t know,” the Queen said finally, and Sabé shivered. ~~~~~ -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Sache8 Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 3/15/03 10:21pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	Well, that's all for now folks. More posts in progress as we speak. I'm taking a one-month hiatus for homework and play, in which time I'm going to try and build up a nice bank of posts again -----signature----- Everything inside you knows there's more than what you've heard There's so much more than empty conversations filled with empty words You're on fire when He's near you; You're on fire when He speaks. You're on fire burning at these mysteries. ~ Switchfoot
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
DarthSnuggles1121 Registered: Apr '02	Date Posted: 3/16/03 8:05am Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	Weee! I caught up again! And just in time for the fun stuff, it would seem. You've done an amazing job with writing the handés' and Amidala's reactions to the invasion. And you're doing great with all the political stuff, actually making it interesting and all. Fantastic job, as always! Reading that gave me this incredible urge to watch TPM... -----signature----- "Logic is the beginning of wisdom, Valeris, not the end."
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Anyanka Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 3/16/03 11:27am Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi - Date Edited: 3/16/03 11:30am (1 edits total) Edited By: Anyanka
	Oh, I guess I missed a post over at the other board. More great build up to the invasion, Saché. I can't wait to read more. It'll be hard to survive a month though. Have a nice hiatus from the story! -----signature----- "I was being patient, but it took too long." --Anya
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Miana Kenobi Title: FLUFFY Mod • NSWFF/C&P • Pacific RSA Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 3/16/03 2:15pm Subject: RE: Dance With the Stars (TPM AU starring Sabé) Eventual Sabé/Obi
	Hehehe, Sache... I'm too lazy to repost anything. -----signature----- President of San Diego FanForce He tini nga whetu e ngaro I te kapua iti. Dyslexics of the world, UNTIE! Ask my friend Stan Lee about namedropping.
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 » - ~~Previous~~ | Next | Reload

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » The Saga »