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Topic:
Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Completed 5/29
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
4/28 5:56am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 4/26
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"But if you do not follow your heart, Palo," she said softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, "won't you be dishonoring yourself?"
Despite her simplistic reasoning, Palo couldn't help but smile at the young woman standing before him. Over the last few weeks, they had formed a fast friendship, one that was obviously growing much closer. Palo reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Padmé's face, but much to his own surprise, his hand lingered there, softly fingering the mass of silken curls. Palo stared down at her, feeling as if he was truly seeing her for the first time.
"You are a rare creature, Padmé," he whispered. In his words, there was a new curiosity, a hint of yearning. And as Padmé returned his gaze, Palo saw that same hint of longing shining in her dark eyes.
Beautiful!  I love getting this glimpse into their lives before the movies. 
-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
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divapilot
Registered:
Nov '05
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Date Posted:
4/28 8:15am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 4/26
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"But if you do not follow your heart, Palo," she said softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, "won't you be dishonoring yourself?"
Those words will take on a newer meaning when she meets Anakin, won't they? I love how you've set the prologue for the romance that will win Padme's heart in the end. Palo seems like a wonderful, caring man; Padmé had something to do with that.
Anakin took her love and clung to it in fear, but Padmé's love for Palo was a gift given and appreciated. You can see how she gives of her heart so freely to both men, but their reactions are different. For both, she convinces them that they are more than they believe themselves capable of being.
Lovely. I like the flashbacks.
-----signature-----
 Never tell me the odds. AKL
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Gina
Registered:
Jun '03
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Date Posted:
5/6 4:47am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 4/26
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randomangel22
Palo wasn't happy in the political arena, and Padme knew it. She was a smart girl. LOL!
Thanks for reading!
nabooqueen2008
It is sad to think of her early life and how much promise she had. 
Thank you for your kind words!
KELIA
It's never easy to go against your family's wishes. But sometimes you just have to follow your heart. 
Glad you're enjoying the story!
VaderLVR64
Thank you! 
divapilot
I think you summed up the two relationships perfectly!
Thanks for following the story. Glad you're enjoying it so far!
-----signature-----
A long time ago in a house far away, there was a mother who was strong in the ways of the Force.
She "forced" her sons to clean their room, she "forced" her sons to behave.
- Part of a story written by my 9 yr. old sons I found while cleaning their desks
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Gina
Registered:
Jun '03
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Date Posted:
5/7 4:55am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/7
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Part 3: Turnings
Even then, we both knew that moment was a turning point…
We began to long for free moments so that we could spend time together walking through the courtyard, sitting beneath the stars talking about everything and nothing until the mandatory curfew forced our goodnights. It was the same way we had always spent our time together up until that particular moment.
But after that moment, it felt different somehow.
Weary in both body and mind, I exhale in frustration, staring up into the darkness that surrounds me. I long for sleep, but the shock of learning of her passing is still too new, too painful. And the ghosts of the past will not be silenced this evening. Beside me in our bed, my Arianna stirs in her sleep with a soft sigh. I turn onto my side, my arm encircling her waist as I move closer to her.
My love for my wife is deep and abiding, one that has been nurtured by time and trials. She is my life and my inspiration. With her, my life is complete. Yet a life is a compilation of all our days, and I know I would not be the man I am today were it not for the friendship of that young girl. And even now, older and hopefully wiser, I still cannot stop the smile that fills my face as I remember that first rush of young love.
Over the weeks that had followed, I found myself thinking about Padmé more with each passing day – the smell of her hair, the way her smile and laughter stirred something within me that could at once make me feel like both the ruler of worlds and a bumbling fool unable to even speak. I can still remember the emptiness I felt when we were apart, the way I anxiously awaited the time when we could be together again, even if only for a few moments.
I was in love. Young love, of course, the sort that is exciting for its newness but shy and reluctant in its inexperience. The sort of young love, I note with an ironic chuckle, that often causes embarrassed laughter and sighs of nostalgic longing when thought back upon later in life with the benefit of years and maturity.
But regardless of its youth and immaturity, it was love, nonetheless.
And I could tell by the slight blush that always seemed to color her cheeks when we were together, the way her gaze would dip shyly before she spoke words of endearment, that I wasn't alone in my feelings.
*********
"Palo," she whispered breathlessly, her eyes glistening, threatening to spill forth tears. "It's…I don't know what to say."
"Just say you like it," he said, laughing in an effort to hide the somersaults his stomach was performing as he awaited her opinion.
Padmé shook her head as she stared down at the sketch in her hand. "I don't like it," she said, causing Palo's heart to momentarily stop its beating. "I love it. It's the most wonderful gift I've ever received."
Palo looked at her with confusion for a moment, but then his face broke into a wide grin as her words began to sink into his mind.
"It's the way I remember you, that first time we met when you came and sat beside me at the fountain," Palo explained, feeling suddenly shy and unsure of himself. "Tomorrow is the closing ceremony for the session, and I don't know… I just…wanted to give you something…so you wouldn't forget me."
Wringing his hands in nervous excitement, he stared down at the portrait Padmé held in her hands, wondering if she had noticed the way he varied his stroke and medium to try to recreate the way the sunlight captured the highlights in her hair or the way he had tried to evoke the honesty and passion that always seemed to shine in her eyes.
She took his hand, and he felt the trembling of her own fingertips as they brushed against his.
"Thank you," she whispered.
The actual words of the sentiment were simple and commonplace, but it was the gratitude and emotion in her eyes that assured him of all he needed to know. His heart thundering in his chest, Palo placed his hand under her chin, gently lifting her face. He saw a flicker of fear and uncertainty in her eyes as his hand moved to cradle her neck. He felt her pulse quicken beneath his fingertips as his thumb gently stroked her cheek. He lowered his face as he pulled her closer, his own nervousness and the thrill of anticipation causing him to pause, their lips only a heartbeat apart.
He heard her breath catch in her throat, felt her tremble. He pressed his lips to hers, gently at first, as he awaited her permission. Soon he felt her return his kiss, the tender touch of her lips tentative and uncertain, yet no less intoxicating. Emboldened by her response, he deepened the kiss, his other hand slipping about her waist to hold her in his embrace. Her confidence growing, she matched his ardor with her own. He felt her hands press against his chest, his skin blazing to life beneath her touch. He gasped sharply as one delicate hand slowly moved upward along his body to rest at the nape of his neck where her trembling fingers became entwined in his dark hair.
It was at once excitement and contentment, as if this was where they belonged. She tasted of the sweetest nectar, the purest waters. His head was spinning, and he held her closer to anchor him amidst the whirlwind. Her body was soft, warm.
And he never wanted to let go.
-----signature-----
A long time ago in a house far away, there was a mother who was strong in the ways of the Force.
She "forced" her sons to clean their room, she "forced" her sons to behave.
- Part of a story written by my 9 yr. old sons I found while cleaning their desks
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
5/7 6:05am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/7
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So bittersweet!
I was in love. Young love, of course, the sort that is exciting for its newness but shy and reluctant in its inexperience. The sort of young love, I note with an ironic chuckle, that often causes embarrassed laughter and sighs of nostalgic longing when thought back upon later in life with the benefit of years and maturity.
But regardless of its youth and immaturity, it was love, nonetheless.
Simply gorgeous, as always.
-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
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randomangel22
Registered:
Feb '06
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Date Posted:
5/7 8:02am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/7
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Young love is so great!
Palo's right about always remembering that first crush or love you had. 
Great post and thanks for the PM!
-----signature-----
I think the worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades...or a game of fake heart attack. --Demetri Martin
Yeah that would suck now wouldn't it?
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divapilot
Registered:
Nov '05
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Date Posted:
5/7 11:06am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/7
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Lovely. You've really caught that magic of first love. How fortunate that they had each other to show how wonderful love can be! And that kiss.. aw...
-----signature-----
Never tell me the odds. AKL
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JediMasterRev
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
5/8 9:14am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/7
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I absolutely adore this. I love the sweetness you've given to Palo's recollections of Padme. Not quite the monster in your other fics  . This is so wonderfully done. The tenderness you give literally springs off the page. Excellent, as always!
-----signature-----
"This above all, to thine own self be true." Polonius, Hamlet, Act I, Scene III For the Love of the Queen: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24151408/p1/?0 The Naboo Chronicles: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18644312/?162
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KELIA
Title: Fan Fiction Moderator
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
5/9 4:16am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/7
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I loved that Palo still has fond memories of is love for Padme even now, after his marriage.
There's never anything quite like that first, young love.
His flashback to giving her the sketch was just beautiful
Great update
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slow_dawn
Registered:
Apr '06
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Date Posted:
5/12 3:35am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/7
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Loved the updates. I really enjoy your writing. It always seems so real and beautiful. This fic is just another reason why you're one of my favourite authors on the boards!
-----signature-----
O, Life! That persistent struggle which rises slowly with with the warmth of dawn but fades quickly in the twilight of dusk! The Tragedy of Anakin Skywalker??? The Vig Challenge Board - http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/28176650/p1
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Gina
Registered:
Jun '03
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Date Posted:
5/20 11:57am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/7
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VaderLVR64
Thanks, K!
randomangel22
Yes, it's often something we look back on with both fondness but also a bit of laughter.  Glad you enjoyed the update.
divapilot
Thank you very much!
JediMasterRev
Hi there! Yeah, I thought it was time to give Palo a break by making him the good guy for a change.
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it!
KELIA
I think she meant so much to him (in this fic) because she helped give him the courage to pursue the life he wanted. And he's grateful to her for that.
Glad you're enjoying the story!
slow_dawn
Wow! Thank you! I'm flattered by your kind words.
Here's the next update.
Part 4: Partings
I always wondered if it had been her first kiss...
I suspected that it was, but I dared not ask. Perhaps it was out of respect for her privacy. Or perhaps, and I suspect this is closer to the truth if I am honest with myself, it was because I didn't want to know the answer. There is an odd sort of satisfaction in believing that I had been her first kiss, the man with whom she had chosen to share this rite of passage. And it is an illusion I wasn't anxious to have shattered.
Women may call that insufferable male pride, and perhaps they are correct. But even the most arrogant male can suffer from being a sentimental old fool from time to time. And I like to believe that, just as the friendship we had shared was special, the kiss we shared that night had been something special to her, as well.
That night, we promised to keep in touch, to visit, to talk to each other as much as possible. Yet despite our vow, I think that somewhere deep inside, we both knew our time together was drawing to a close.
Yet with every ending, there comes a new beginning.
We kept our promise for awhile, faithfully exchanged holos and correspondence. But as typically happens with young love, these exchanges lessened in frequency over time, and we soon drifted apart as beings often do. My last flimsi to her contained only a brief message, but it was a message I was eager to send. Even after all these years, I still remember the words.
My Dearest Padmé,
Thanks to you, I found the courage to face my father. I am going to be an artist.
Her response was a simple one, yet it touched my heart in a way that I will never forget. For it came from the heart of that young girl I remember from our first meeting at the walls of a fountain.
My Dearest Palo,
You have always been an artist. It has always been inside you. And now, you will show it to the galaxy.
I followed her career in politics with great interest, as did every other resident of this bountiful planet. She contributed much to our world, and her leadership endeared her to our people. Her success in the political realm did not surprise me, however. Her heart was pure, her spirit a shining star against a sea of black space, and I had always known that she would have a far-reaching impact in this galaxy.
I just never imagined that star would fade so quickly, so unexpectedly.
-----signature-----
A long time ago in a house far away, there was a mother who was strong in the ways of the Force.
She "forced" her sons to clean their room, she "forced" her sons to behave.
- Part of a story written by my 9 yr. old sons I found while cleaning their desks
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
5/20 12:05pm
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/20
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Absolutely gorgeous!
My Dearest Padmé,
Thanks to you, I found the courage to face my father. I am going to be an artist.
Her response was a simple one, yet it touched my heart in a way that I will never forget. For it came from the heart of that young girl I remember from our first meeting at the walls of a fountain.
My Dearest Palo,
You have always been an artist. It has always been inside you. And now, you will show it to the galaxy.
That was stunning, my friend.
-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
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randomangel22
Registered:
Feb '06
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Date Posted:
5/20 2:08pm
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/20
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That's the problem with young, distant love...it fades over time. 
Well, at least Palo got the courage to face his father and become what he wanted to become.
Great post and thanks for the PM!
-----signature-----
I think the worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades...or a game of fake heart attack. --Demetri Martin
Yeah that would suck now wouldn't it?
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divapilot
Registered:
Nov '05
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Date Posted:
5/21 10:26am
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/20
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Her heart was pure, her spirit a shining star against a sea of black space...
Beautiful image, that.
Nice update. Wistful, yet warm in the memories. She had that effect on people; to make them become what they never realized they could be -- or that they already were.
-----signature-----
Never tell me the odds. AKL
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nabooqueen2008
Registered:
Jan '08
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Date Posted:
5/21 1:10pm
Subject:
RE: Portrait of a Lady ~ A Padmé Short Story - Updated 5/20
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Beautiful!
Palo's feelings....beautiful!
~nabooqueen~
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