Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net) Title: When Destinies Meet, part 1: In the wake of discovery (#3312) Author: Malinwen Chapters: 19 Archive: Tolkien Category: Alternate Universe (AU) Description: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away... Naboo, a peaceful planet overrun by the Trade Federation. Middle Earth, a planet without technology and with a Darkness that has been awakened. What happens when these two worlds collide? Set in the timeline of 'The Phantom Menace' and 'The Hobbit'. SW/LOTR AU Crossover Part one of the series, complete. Published: 06 Feb 2007 Updated: 01 Sep 2007 Warnings: violence in later chapters, brief mention of adult Type: Action/adventure Characters: Arwen, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Amidala Chapter 1 - Prologue - In the Wake of Discovery Disclaimer: I own nothing from either Star Wars or the Lord of the Rings. I am making no profit whatsoever with this story, merely writting it for the pure fun of it. All the characters you do not recognise are mine, everything else belongs to George Lucas and J.R.R.Tolkien. Author's Note: This is a story in progress the idea for which I got when I should have listened in my final chemistry hour in last school year. Please, read and review! Comments are much appreciated! A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… WHEN DESTINIES MEET Part 1: In the wake of discovery Prologue\r\n\r\n It began with the colonisation of the Galaxy. Creatures rose from the waters. Very soon, the inteligence of some superior races began leading the world into a brighter future. They rose onto two feet, begun to use their hands, begun to think, invent, prosper. Families became tribes, tribes became races. Races begun to show signs of civilisation. They undertook harsh tests to discover what would bring them onto other planets. For they had evidence that they were not alone. With the discovery of the hyperdrive and similar things, the first deep-space cruisers were built, and expeditions sent across the vast space that they called 'the Galaxy'. It was discovered that systems built it, species of other kinds lived in them, and the number of planets soon became lost in kilometres of words. In 25 000 BBY the Galactic Republic was formed. It lasted onto year 1000 BBY. But that is another story. Our story tells about a small planet on the far edge of the Outer Rim teritories. So small, that it somehow got lost while making the galactic charts. Even the Jedi, the Guardians of Peace within the Galactic borders, know not of its existance. Lush and green it appears, with high mountains, deep lakes, roaring seas, and thriving peoples. The planet lies inbetween two others – perhaps that is why its name sounds so peculiar. But whoever named it had a good idea of what he was doing. Middle Earth. The home to Elves, humans, Dwarves, Hobbits, Ents, Wizards, Orcs, Goblins, Trolls and creatures you will never even begin to imagine. A planet by-pased by science, technology, hyper drives and the Republic itself. But something stirs within the Force; Yoda can feel it. A disturbing message has been sent. 'He who seeks shall never find, yet he who finds shall never seek.'\r\n\r\n The numbers of the Jedi are dwindling, the power to control the Force all but gone. And the Prophecy of the One seems less and less likely to come to pass. On the lush planet of Naboo in the middle of the Chommel Sector, King Veruna has been overrun. His seat of royalty has been given to Princess of Theed, now Queen Amidala, before named PadmĂ© Naberrie. The Force is strong with her. She will know what to do when the time comes. She looks up at the rising Sun from her rooms in the Theed Palace. And within the hidden realm of Imladris by the foot of the Misty Mountains, well within Middle Earth, Arwen UndĂłmiel, Evenstar of her people, said to be LĂşthien reborn, looks up into the sky as her sire's star gives way to the sailing boat of Arien. Two cultures, two people. One destiny. Walking in the wake of discovery.\r\n\r\n Chapter 2 - Chapter One - Crash Landing Author's Note: The Sindarin phrases are in italics. All the translations are added at the end of each chapter. Forgive any mistakes...I'm still learning! Chapter One The air was warm and full of the sweet fragrance of summer blooms; exotic birds were singing in the trees, each one trying to surpass the other in richness of melody and texture of their songs. From the softest 'tweets' to the loudest full-scale melodies, Imladris was thriving with life. Even the river Bruinen seemed to thrive with life; fish could be seen swimming in its crystal-clear waters, bouncing off rocks which had suddenly got into their way. A mother deer came out of the trees with two bambies following in her wake, glancing around to see if any enemy was near. There was none, so she boldly stepped into the open and lowered her head to the water, drinking the cool liquid, while her two youngsters explored the wetness that seemed so interesting. Suddenly the mother lifted her head again, her ears flicking atop her head. Something was drawing near; she could both hear and feel it. The soft chime of bells rang out through the summer's day, followed by the clip-clop of horse hooves upon the ground. The mother cried out and bolted in fright, the two youngsters following close behind, although not understanding what was to fear, for they were far too young still. In a few seconds, the glade by the Bruinen was empty, the chime of bells coming nearer. From out of the trees came two riders. First came a proud white stallion, confidantly making his way down into the glade. His dark eyes observed the scenery and he chewed upon the bit thoughtfully, as if thinking about how nice the day was. No speck of mud could be seen upon his bodice, the flawless white shinning like the newly-fallen snow upon winter days. Black was the bridle he sported, and black also was the saddle. A single golden flower had been embroided upon the blanket under the saddle. Golden were also the bells upon the briddle, chimming with each move the stallion made. His rider was a tall Elf; long was his hair that shone like molt gold in the summer sun, kept out of his face by warrior braids. He wore a tunic of sky-blue, golden threads sewn into it, and a pair of black leggings. His feet rested in soft, black leather boots. Keen blue eyes gazed from a beautifuly-crafted face, slightly tanned because of the days spent under the suns rays. Broad-shouldered he was, and a sight to behold, a deadly foe, of which the sword spoke of, resting in a black leather scabbard, tied to the saddle. Buta t the moment, the ellon was at leisure, one of his hands resting on his thigh, the other gently guiding his stallion. Following the blazing white stallion came a mare, equal in size to the horse before her, though darker in colour; her pelt had been died gray by Mother Nature, and soft amber orbs glanced around from time to time. Black was also the attire she wore, yet the briddle had been decorated with sets of flowers, and silver bells hung from it, chimming in a gentle soprano compared to those in front. A silver star had been embroided upon the blanket under the saddle. Gingerly she picked her way down into the glade, not nearly as confidant as the former, but that was due to the burden she carried. For upon her back sat a female Elf, quite the contrast to the male in front of her. Her hair was even longer, reaching past her waist in soft waves, coloured in the darkest shade of ebony one could ever imagine. Free from restraints it was, save from a simple circlet of white flowers that adorned it. She wore a simple riding gown in the colour of soft gray, the skirt seeming to melt with the pelt of her mount. The hem of the skirt had been weighed down a bit, to prevent it from lifting in-between gallop. The collar of the bodice was in a v-shape, but softened by the darker embroidery upon it. Long and bell-shaped were the sleeves, yet they did not constrict the rider. Her legs rested in high riding boots of black leather. Flawless was her skin, much paler than that of the ellon; beautifuly shaped her face was, calmness and serenity shining from it. Clear blue-gray eyes shone from under elegantly-arched eyebrows, and her lips were a soft shade of red. Glorfindel gently guided Asfaloth to a stop, and looked back at his charge, smiling. It had been his idea to go out for a ride, when he had arrived in lord Elrond's study earlier that afternoon, finding his daughter's nose burried in heaps of papers her father should have done himself. Thus, he had swiftly arranged for Erestor, Elrond's chief councillor, to come and end her choirs, and took Arwen out for a ride. He knew how much she really enjoyed the freedom her mare enabled her, even though she hid it from her father. Glorfindel was highly amused, really; Elrond had no idea how wild his daughter could really be. Then again, he had more trouble with her brothers, Elladan and Elrohir, the 'twin terrors of Imladris', so the senechal couldn't really blame him. But he had always had a soft spot for Arwen, and the young elleth always knew how to work her way just to her liking. When was the last time he had said no to her? Glorfindel couldn't even remember. Arwen led her mare alongside the white stallion and pulled her to a halt, returning Glorfindel's smile. "There now, I knew you only needed some fresh air. Look at the sparkle in your eyes! " he spoke in a teasing way. Arwen laughed, her voice cascading down the small falls of Bruinen nearby. "Of course, tiren, of course. You were right, as usual." She sent him a brilliant smile, that could have melted the ice upon Caradras, or so many ellyn thought. Her gaze turned to the glade they were in, and she asked in a curious voice: "Where are we? I do not recall this glade from adar's charts." Glorfindel sent her a conspiratory grin. "Ah, see, now that's what you do wrong. Have the gwanĂ»n taught you nothing? Never relly upon your father's charts, especially those that hang in his study. They are by far out-of-date." Arwen laughed once more, her mare shifting slightly underneath her. "Out-of-date! Adar would skin you alive had he heard that!" The senechal laughed then too, his laughter rumbling from deep in his throat. "I do believe you are right, tirnen-nin. But I only told you that because I am fairly confidant you wish me around yourself for a while more, thus, I have no fear of Elrond and his wrath. Though I admit, he can be insufferable when he is angry." His blue eyes sparkled with mirth. Arwen playfully poked him in the shoulder. "Very well, I will not. Cheeky ellon. Now, tell me of this glade." Glorfindel smiled, a far-of-look on his face. "Your father has kept this glade a secret for a long time; not even the gwanĂ»n know of it. For this is the place he used to come with your mother, to have some peace and solitude. I should know, I used to fill-in for him in those days, with Erestor feeling the urge to skin his liege-lord alive." His smile had turned into a sad one. "CelebrĂ­an loved the glade; she it was who lead the team of Elves that made a small gazebo here. The gazebo itself had been removed long ago, yet the glade is as beautiful as ever. Your father rarely comes down here anymore; he says the memories are too much to bear." Glorfindel removed his gaze from Arwen's face and looked away, while the daughter of Elrond pondered upon the newly-found information. The thorn of saddness at the mention of her mother's name was still deeply embeded into her heart, even though it had been centuries since the Silver Lady of Imladris had sailed. To have been shown a place her mother had found so much joy in was an honour and a gift she would treasure for all eternity. Her hand reached out to gently clasp Glorfindel's. The golden-haired ellon turned his attention back to his charge. "Hannon le," spoke the elleth, a sad smile upon her face, yet her words coming from the heart. Glorfindel smiled in response, placing his other hand across hers. "Nad dithen. Carnen an gwend." The moment of tranquility and friendship was broken abruptly, as the sound of what seemed like a wounded bird's cry pierced the air. Glorfindel's head snapped into the direction from whence the noise came, his hand immediately reaching for his sword. Arwen's eyes gazed across the glade, the cold hand of fear gripping her heart. The two Elven-mounts shifted underneath their charges, but were too well-trained to bolt and run off, thus they simply moved a little and voiced their disapproval of the situation with soft grunts and whuffles. The golden-haired senechal's blue eyes darted across the trees on the other side of the Bruinen. In that moment, something large and bright sped overhead, sending a strong ghush of wind in the Elves' direction, forcing their mounts to back away. The mare reared in fright, and Arwen battled to regain control of her horse. Glorfindel's hand shot out and he gripped the reins of the mare, pulling her back down, forcing her to calmness once more. The wind tousled the riders' hair, lifting dust from the ground and forcing the leaves to leave the branches of the trees around them. The sound of the wounded bird came again, and then there came a loud crashing noise, the sound of wood cracking and trees falling. Then, all was silent once more. Arwen lifted her head from behind her lifted arm, risking a peek at the glade. There seemed to be nothing wrong with it, apart from a few stray branches and heapes of leaves that had been torn from the branches. Her blue-gray eyes darted towards Glorfindel. The ellon sent a shrug her way, but by the rigid stance of his shoulders and the firm set of his jaw, she knew something was amis. True to her thoughts, Glorfindel turned both the horses around and swiftly made his way from the glade. "Are you sure it's safe?" asked the elleth softly. "Safer than sending you back alone," came the ellon's stiff reply, and Arwen fell silent. Slowly but steadily the horses picked their way among the fallen trees. Desolation was complete the more they neared what they knew to be a very-well known meadow in Imladris. The trees ended, and Arwen and Glorfindel entered the meadow. The elleth stiffled a gasp with a hand placed across her mouth, while the ellon pulled his sword from its scabbard with one fluid motion. There, in front of them, lay a large silver coloured..thing. Object. Something they knot what exactly it was. But it was large, elegantly shaped, glimmering in the sunlight, the rays of Arien bouncing off the metal surface. It had made a large row into the earth as it landed, but now it rested peacefully. Smoke rose from the nose of it. Arwen looked at Glorfindel; the seasoned warrior seemed at a loss of what to do. Then, a person climbed out of the object. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n TBC Tiren – my guardian GwanĂ»n – twins Adar – father Tirnen-nin – my guardee Hannon le – thank you Nad dithen. Carnen an gwend. – It is just a small thing. Done for friendship. Another author's note: I never really came across the title 'silver lady of Imladris', but Celebrian means 'silver queen', so I took some liberty in naming her as I did. Please read and review! Chapter 3 - Chapter Two - We're All Strangers Author's Note: This chapter is shorter, but it's basically the bridge between chapter one and three. Chapter three will be longer, I promise :) Chapter Two The sleek Nubian starship rested among the broken trees as if it were a large, wounded bird. Its silver pelt was covered with scratches and gashes, although none were too grave or too deep. The landing had at least been merciful, if not perfect. As if one could call it perfect. Inside the starship, SabĂ©, lead handmaiden and royal decoy to the Queen of Naboo, lifted her head, gingerly testing all her joints to see if anything was damaged. She had been lucky; by getting trapped under a fallen cupboard in the Queen's personal chambers she had avoided direct collision with the large bed that had slid to one side of the cruiser. Quickly SabĂ© scrambled out and stood, arms outstretched as to not lose ballance, for the ship was angled slightly, and the floors were made of a material that resembled ice quite a lot. Her brown eyes glanced around the rooms, trying do see if there was anyone else here. "Your Highness?" she called out, but was met with only an echo of her voice. The young girl shifted her weight carefully and slowly made her way to the doors of the chambers. Luckily, they were partly open, for the mechanism that guided them was out-of-order, and would need fixing. Nothing YanĂ© couldn't handle. But she needed to find her first. SabĂ© cursed slightly as one of her feet slipped and she hit her knee against the stone-hard floor. The royal decoy bit her lower lip and hoisted herself up again, coming out into the hallway. This was cleaner and tidier than the Queen's bedchamber; there was only one of the astrodroids in it. The poor thing had been turned upside-down amid the process of collision. SabĂ© slowly made her way to it and placed it back on its feet, giving it a pat on the metal head. She then looked around and tried to peer through the dim lighting in the hallway. "RabĂ©? EirtaĂ©? SachĂ©?" she called out, trying to locate any of her co-handmaidens. The Queen was also out of sight, and SabĂ© was worried. Then she heard something collide with the hanging doors to the refreshers, and a dishelved EirtaĂ© climbed out of it, her long blonde hair having fallen out from under the hood of her cloak. Relieved, SabĂ© quickly rushed to her friend's side and helped her out into the hallway. "Where are the others?" asked the tall handmaiden. SabĂ© shrugged her shoulders. "I have no idea. I've called their names several times, but have heard nothing in response. I am worried for the Queen." "Then let us find Panaka and see if we can locate Her Highness," responded EirtaĂ© firmly and made her way down the whole length of the hallway, SabĂ© following behind. There seeemd to be no one else upon the ship, which was strange and creepy. The two handmaidens located RabĂ© stuck between two large suitcases, and found SachĂ© and YanĂ© in the cockpit with Panaka. All of them seemed to be alright…but where was the Queen? "I'll climb out of the ship and see where we landed," suggested YanĂ©, and the others agreed, then spread out to locate their Queen. YanĂ©, the youngest of the handmaidens, slowly made her way to the exit of the cruiser. The main doors weren't working, and she had to go and locate the emergency exit. Luckily, this had remained untouched through the landing process, and she was able to climb out of the ship. Using her hands she hoisted herself up and readjusted her cloak around her, although she pushed the hood from her face. Brown eyes looked across the scenery with wonder; there were trees everywhere, tall trees, and lush green grass. She could hear water rushing across the rocks somewhere near their landing place, and the tweets of birds seemed like the sound of angels to her ears. The whole image seemed to perfect to be real, but it was as real as it could be, and YanĂ© didn't have time to guess if they had strayed into a dream or something else entirely. She had to figure out what was their current location and then try and contact Coruscant or Naboo. The sound of snorting met her ears and the young girl turned sharply, only to be met by a most peculiar sight: two riders, one male and one female, sat upon large four-legged creatures, watching the ship, and YanĂ© herself. The female had long black hair and was the most beautiful creature the young handmaiden had ever seen, and she was mesmerised by the sight. The male wasn't far behind in beauty either, although he sported long hair, like the female, which wasn't something you saw everyday on Naboo, though it was normal in other races. They didn't seem dangerous, so YanĂ© decided to find out who they were and where the Nabooan team had landed. Swiftly she descended onto the ground, thankful to feel solid earth under her feet again, and quickly walked to the pair. She stopped short, however, when she heard a strange sound, and found herself staring at the tip of what seemed to be a large version of a table-knife, or perhaps a metalised version of a lightsaber that the Jedi carried, though it didn't give out any light of its own. YanĂ© was at loss at what to do, and she was scared. The object seemed dangerous enough, but with the male holding it, who seemed capable enough to chop almost anything, the situation was more dangerous still. She was saved by the female, who stretched her hand and gently pushed the male's arm down, shaking her head and saying something in a language that was unknown to YanĂ©. She didn't really care, though, as the female looked at her then, and she was captivated by the brilliant blue-gray eyes that shone with the light of a thousand stars, and held a depth to them that she couldn't even begin to fanthom. Hesitantly, she smiled, feeling even more nervous than before, but to her relief, the woman smiled back warmly, and it sent a wave of reassurance through the young girl. There was suddenly noise from behind, and before YanĂ© could turn properly to see what was going on, she heard Panaka's voice: "YanĂ©! Get back, girl!" Then came the familiar sound of a blaster being readied and charged. She could see the male's eyes narrow, anger blazing within, but the female looked frightened. "Noooo!" cried the handmaiden and turned, but it was too late – Panaka had already shot, thinking that the male posed a threat to YanĂ©, completely missing the scene with the female. The distinguishing sound of a blaster rang through the air, and YanĂ© imagined she could see the flash of light as it travelled past her. With horror she watched as the white creature the male sat upon rose on its hind legs, trying to save its master; it failed, though not completely. The shot only grazed across the golden-haired male's left shoulder. He let out a cry of pain and anger, and tried to regain control over his mount. "Panaka you idiot!" cried YanĂ© and rushed forward, only to be met by the towering form of the white beast. The last thing she saw was a flash of silver as it bore down upon her, thinking she was a threat to its master, then she felt a soaring pain in her shoulder, and passed out. TBC Please read and review! Chapter 4 - Chapter Three - Enter, Your Highness! Chapter Three It had all transpired so fast that Arwen wasn't really sure what had truly happened. One moment she was smiling down at the young girl whom had climbed out of the silver beast that lay broken in front of them, and the next there came a sound of burning, and Asfaloth, Glorfindel's mount, reared and tried to save his master. The Evenstar of her people was frightened, but she would never show it to these newcomers. The hours that her father and Erestor had spent on teaching her proper behaviour in public had been too long, and were too well-imprinted into her that she would panic. But her mare wasn't as solid in her decisions as was her mistress; she was frightened, and the sight of Asfaloth bearing down upon the young girl who tried to help Glorfindel, not harm him in any way, didn't help either. She stood on her hind quarters, nickering in fright, her dial tossed high into the air. The sound of her frightened cries rose high and the birds flew away, having been frightened by it. Arwen pulled the reins back and dug her heels into her mare's flanks, trying to get her onto the ground again. Panaka stood mesmerised by the sight, but his blaster was ready, and he was now aiming at the female creature, whos beast seemed to have gone out of control. He was concerned for YanĂ©, who had been hit and now lay motionless under the feet of the white animal. The large beast had calmed by now, and his master tried to help the woman beside him, but that was nigh impossible with the child underneath. SabĂ© bore her eyes into Panaka. "Might I ask who gave you permission to shoot?" she barked, her voice sounding very-much as PadmĂ©'s. "I don't know how you've managed it, but you've made the situation even worse!" The captain of the guard shrugged helplessly, at a loss for words, while SabĂ© huffed with anger and set out to save YanĂ©, EirtaĂ© and RabĂ© following in her wake. SachĂ© was too frightened to even move. Arwen finally regained control over her mare and she relaxed slightly, blowing a strand of hair from her face and rubbing her mount's neck soothingly. Her blue-gray eyes rested on Glorfindel, who was at the moment experiencing immense pain. The wound on his left shoulder didn't seem deep, but the smell of burnt flesh was strong, and the daughter of Elrond knew her guardian was in pain, even though he didn't show it. The golden-haired warrior clenched his teeth; his left arm feelt completely useless. His blue eyes bore into the chidlren before him, apparently friends of the young girl whom Asfaloth had attacked. Glorfindel sighed as he saw the fear written across the girls' features, and looked at his charge. Sympathy was written across the fair Elf's features, and she had dismounted, making her way to the girl under Asfaloth's feet. The stallion huffed and tried to move, but Glorfindel kept him at bay. He would do only more damage, should he choose to move. SabĂ© backed away a bit when the dark-haired female dismounted and came forward, but relaxed when she saw the concern that was written across her features. Arwen knelt down, gently patting Asfaloth's chest to calm him, and took hold of YanĂ©. Carefully but swiftly she pulled her from underneath the stallion and placed her head onto her lap. There was a deep wound in the girl's shoulder, and the hoof had also grazed her cheek. There was at least one bone broken, if not more; Asfaloth's kick was a mighty one. Arwen was pretty sure the young girl had passed out because of the pain she had experienced. Her fingers pushed the torn and bloodied fabric away from the wound as she examined it carefully. RabĂ© and EirtaĂ© caught up with SabĂ©. "What is she doing?" whispered the blonde-haired handmaiden. SabĂ©, who was watching Arwen intently, answered impatiently: "She's trying to help YanĂ©." Panaka had also joined the group, accompanied by SachĂ©, who had tears in her eyes that begun to flow when she saw her friend in the position she was in. EirtaĂ© came to her and wrapped an arm round her shoulders in a comforting way. Glorfindel dismounted with a grunt, his face wrinkled with pain, and joined Arwen on the ground. But before he could even kneel down properly, he heard a clicking sound and Asfaloth snorting threatingly. Blue eyes met brown ones, and the Elf noticed the dark-skinned man was holding the same device that had wounded him before. Anger flashed across Glorfindel's features, but he remained where he was, knowing it would do him no good, should he rebel. He would probably get himself killed. Panaka's face was controled. "Stay right where you are," he spoke sternly. The tone of his voice woke SabĂ© from her reverie and she glanced towards Panaka sharply, eyes blazing. But the captain ignored her. Arwen looked up from the wounded YanĂ© and watched the scene that transpired between the two men present. She knew Glorfindel would do nothing stupid until someone threatened her well-being. But she could not tell what the black-skinned man, named Panaka, if she remembered correctly, would do. Her voice was soft and held a slight accent when she spoke, in fluid Westorn: "Put down your weapon, my lord. It will do you no good. You are on foreign teritory. Do you always enter foreign lands with weapons in your hands?" SabĂ© came to Panaka's side. "Listen to her, will you?" she spoke sharply. "You've done more harm than good already; and she's right, we're foreigners here, we should respect their customs." Panaka shook his head slowly. "For all we know, they could carry blasters, hidden within their robes. I am not taking any cha.." "Captain Panaka! Drop your weapon THIS INSTANT!" The clear, commanding voice rang through the air, and everyone turned. By the silver ship stood a woman, no taller than those already gathered around YanĂ©. She was clad in a rich black gown, embroided with gold, and a mighty tiara rested upon her head, ornamented with large black feathers. Her face was painted white, only her upper lip died red, with a scar on her lower one, and two beauty marks on her cheeks. Some of her dark brown hair had escaped from underneath the imposing headdress, and one could see that she had black stains all over her, due to smoke. Her brown eyes were aflare and she quickly made her way to the group. "Captain, I will not repeat myself. Drop your weapon." The handmaidens released a relieved sigh at the sight of their Queen, however dishelved she was. Amidala's eyes bore into Panaka's, and the man reluctantly put his blaster in the holder on his belt. The Queen of Naboo then turned her gaze to the tall golden-haired man in front of her, and the dark-haired woman who cradled YanĂ©'s head on her lap, wrapping a piece of fabric around the wound the young handmaiden sported. "I have no idea what had transpired here while I was still on my ship," spoke the monarch in a humbled tone, "but I deeply appologise, and beg you to forgive Panaka here." She looked at the man, who lowered his gaze. "We have had a rough few hours, and our nerves are on the edge," she continued, and looked back to the fair pair. Her brown gaze softened as she looked upon YanĂ©. "Will she be alright?" she asked quietly. Arwen looked up at the monarch, sympathy, yet confidance written across her fair features. "If we can get her to my father as fast as we can, she will be fine before the sun goes down," she replied in a soft voice that mesmerised the Queen. The young monarch smiled, and Arwen smiled back, understanding flowing between them in that one, simple gaze. Suddenly voices could be heard and the sound of hooves upon the ground. Glorfindel's head snapped into the direction the noise was coming from. The Queen of Naboo hid her fright behind her facial make-up, while Arwen gently placed YanĂ© on the ground and stood, wiping her hands into her dress, waiting to see who was to come. A group of riders thundered into the glade. All were clad in similar, shinning attire, made of body-armour and complete with a set of arrows, a bow and a longsword. Their hair waried from golden to black, but all sported it long, past their shoulders, held in place by warrior braids, similar to those Glorfindel wore. Their mounts were white or gray, snorting and pawning the ground as they were pulled to a halt. Two figures led their horses forward. So alike they were that Amidala and her group thought they were looking at a reflection. Tall they were, taller than the rest, black-haired and gray-eyed. Their bodies were tense and ready to spring into action, should it come to it. The expressions they wore were emotionless, yet a hint of danger was written in their clear eyes. Glorfindel stepped forth, and the riders cried out, seeing his wound. One of them dismounted and rushed to the tall golden-haired Elf, but Glorfindel dismissed him and pointed to the figure lying on the ground. The black-haired Elf looked then at Arwen, and Amidala noticed how similar their features were. Surely, they were related. The Elf-Princess stepped up to the Elf who was her brother, and they spoke together in hushed voices, Glorfindel speaking up from time to time. SabĂ© looked at the Queen; Amidala's face betrayed nothing and she remained calm and serene while they were being observed quietly by the group on horseback. Soon enough, Arwen returned, with the dark-haired man Amidala didn't know, and he gently lifted YanĂ© into his arms, doing it with such ease as if she weighed no more than a feather. Swiftly he carried her to one of the riders and placed her in his care. The blonde-haired warrior nodded his head at the words that were spoken and turned his mount around, urging him into a gallop, soon disappearing among the trees. The tall man returned to the female's side then, and Amidala knew it was time for speech. Indeed, he spoke out, his voice clear, holding a velvety texture to it. "Welcome, travellers, to Imladris, or Rivendell as it is called in the tounge of Men. I am Elrohir, son of Elrond. That behind me is my brother Elladan, and this is our sister Arwen, whom you have already met." Amidala looked at the female and smiled slightly. Arwen smiled back, then looked to her brother, who had not finished yet. "I do not know what has happened here, but your young friend is gravely wounded, as far as I could see and from what Arwen told me. I have sent her ahead to our father, who is the most reknown healer in all of Middle Earth. She will be alright." Behind him, Glorfindel was being helped onto Asfaloth and one of the gathered took the reins of the white stallion and lead him slowly into the trees. Elrohir continued. "Glorfindel shall also recover, although one of you shall have to answer to our father for the wound he carries." The Queen of Naboo glanced towards Panaka, but said nothing, instead responding to Elrohir. "Our thanks to you, kind sir, for taking care of YanĂ© so swiftly. Indeed, not even I know exactly what has happened here, for I had not entered the scene until after the shot had been fired. For that, I appologise, and if there is any way I can help with sir Glorfindel's recovery, name it, and I shall do so." Elrohir smiled; he could see this woman was the leader, and a born leader to the group. He placed a hand on his heart and inclined his head to her. "Until my father examines him, we know not what Glorfindel will need to recover," he responded. "But do not trouble yourselves; Glorfindel has seen worse wounds in his life. Come now! You are weary and in need of rest. Food and quarters are being prepared for you, and my father is no doubt anxious to meet the people from the silver bird." SachĂ© choked back a laugh, but was silenced by the Queen. The monarch nodded towards Elrohir and followed him slowly. Now would come the time when she would need all her skills to excuse the doings of her staff to the foreign lord. TBC Please read and review! Chapter 5 - Chapter Four - Welcome to Imladris! Author's note: SO sorry for not updating this sooner! But school is getting hectic. Hopefully, I'll get the next chapter up faster. Chapter Four The road to the city was not long; it appeared the Royal Cruiser had crashed not far from the main bridges that lead to the Last Homely House, as Amidala learned was the name of Lord Elrond's residence. The group had walked the way, and yet they did not reach the bridges awfully tired. Better said, they were refreshed, for the greenery and serenity around them seemed to calm their nerves. Their escort remained on horseback, except for Arwen and Elrohir, who had both decided to walk beside their guests, while Elladan remained close behind, his silver-pelted stallion snorting softly from time to time. Soon the trees ended and they entered a clearing. Before them was a sheer drop, and the sound of rushing water dulled any other. Elrohir beckoned to Amidala and the young monarch followed him slowly, cautiosly. The tall Elf pointed downwards, and the Queen peeked across the edge. The drop was deep, and below were rushing waters and razor-shapr rocks. Amidala held her breath and looked towards her guide, brown orbs large and full of mistrust. A grim smile was laid acros the fair Elf's features. "Fear not, penneth, for ye shall not journey downwards. It is in my intentions to bring you before my father unharmed. But know that the fall is long, and the ending painful." Amidala nodded, and they returned to the group. Elladan had already led his horse onto a narrow stone bridge, and its hooves echoed against it. Elrohir turned to the group. "We will cross in single file; do not fear the drop, for fear shall drive you over the edge. One of my warriors shall go before one of you foreigners, and one of my warriors shall follow. That way, you shall be secured, even if you trip." SabĂ© looked at the Queen, but Amidala simply nodded and decided to step onto the bridge as the first of her group. One of the warriors, who sported long silvery hair had dismounted and he smiled gently towards her, before stepping onto the bridge. The Queen of Naboo took a deep breath, then stepped after him, slowly making her way across. One by one they went, crossing the bridge and finally entering the realm of Elrond Peredhil, last of the Noldorin princes of old. Panaka gazed upwards in awe, and the handmaidens were similary disposed. The Queen hid her feelings behind the facial make-up, but she, too, was mesmerised by the sight. Elegant pillars rose up into the sky, supporting pathways that seemed to hang in mid-air. Archways led this way and that, and the stone underneath their feet had been polished to perfection. Intricate designs travelle across it, and Amidala could not make anything out. There seemed to be something written, but she could not read it. "It is written in the Tengwar alphabet, and in Quenya, the tounge of the High Elves," came suddenly a soft voice from beside her, and the Queen looked up at Arwen, who stood gazing over the stone pensively. "Fear not your enemies, for they shall use your fear. Rather, fear your friends, for they are likely to do you harm. It is an ancient saying among my kin; it had come to life soon after the first Kinslaying in Valinor. But come; my father is waiting." Indeed, as Amidala looked up she saw a tall Man upon the steps, flanked by two others. Regal he was in appearance, and very similar to his children, thus there could be no mistake that this was Lord Elrond. His black hair was held at bay by a silver circlet, and robes of deep crimson velvet drapped his figure. His gray eyes were ageless, yet deep as the deepest of pools, full of memories from long ago. They were eyes that saw what lay in the past, present, and what was to come in the future. Beside him stood a dark-haired man, similar to Elrond, although a few inches shorter. He was clad in deep violet robes, and his stance was stiff, his black eyes gazing at the foreigners with distrust. Erestor did not like foreigners, especially those who wounded any of his kin. But he respected his Lord's decisions, and followed them precisely. Arwen and Elrohir led Amidala and her staff before their father, and both Elves showed signs of respect. Signs of love and family devotion were kept for their private chambers, for protocol did not allow it. The siblings stepped aside, and were joined by Elladan. For a moment Elrond gazed at the group before him in silence, and then he spoke. His voice reminded Amidala of her father, and it brought her peace. It was deep and rich, with a hint of an accent, just as Arwen's was. "Allow me to welcome you into Imladris, my lords and ladies. I hope your stay shall be pleasant." The Queen of Naboo dropped into a deep curtsey, and her staff followed promptly. She turned her white-coloured face towards Elrond and replied with the same respect as he had showed her: "It is great honour to us all that we are here today. Albient our plans were different, we shall enjoy our stay, and we thank you for your hospitality. Our start was not smooth, but I am confidant that we will be able to overcome that." The Elflord watched the woman as she spoke. She was young, no more than fourteen years of age by the standards of Men, yet she was already leader of a nation. Strange were the cultures that resided across the borders of Imladris, but never had Elrond encountered one that placed a child upon the throne, that should belong to an adult. But he said naught of this, instead allowing a sad smile to linger upon his lips. "Ah yes, the misfortunate event in the glade. I will demand an explanation for that, even if Glorfindel shall recover within the day. He is a strong warrior, and I am confidant that he shall be on the training field within the week, if all goes well. However, I cannot say the same for your young friend." Amidala held her breath, and silenced SachĂ©'s yelp with a glare. Elrond watched the display before him, and extended his arm. The youngest of the handmaidens gazed up at him like a frightened lamb, and he could see she was on the edge of tears. "Come closer, child," he spoke in a soft voice, and SachĂ© could do nothing but comply, stiffling a sob and slowly ascending the steps to stand before the Lord. Elrond gazed into her brown eyes for a few moments without speaking; suddenly the young girl broke into tears before him, hiding her face in her hands. Panaka would have darted forth if Amidala had not stopped him. Gently, Elrond placed two fingers under SachĂ©'s chin and lifted her face to his own. The girl sniffled, but calmed herself a bit. "You care for your friend, yet you know one of your own friends has caused her injury." SachĂ© nodded weakly. Elrond turned and beckoned to someone. A tall woman with golden hair and a sombre expression, although graceful as Arwen, came forth and gently led SachĂ© away. The Lord turned back to the group. "The wound in your friend's shoulder goes deep; the hooves of Asfaloth are shood with shoes that carry drops of Mithril within them. They cut flesh and bone as if they were butter. Luckily, she was brought to me in time. She will recover, but I suspect that she will forever sport a scar, in memory of her foolish act to run under a raging stallion's hooves." Amidala lowered her gaze to the ground, as did everyone else. Elrond's voice had turned sharp as steel, but as he spoke again, it was again soft and serene. "I will not demand any explanations from you before tomorrow. You are weary, dirty, and your nerves cannot take much more. Erestor." The violet-clad Elf stepped forth and bowed courtly. "If you will follow me, quarters have been prepared for you." SabĂ© took her position by Amidala's side and they were led away, into the maze of corridors, walkiing until they would not have been able to find their way out on their own even if it meant saving their lives. Arwen and her brothers joined their father who walked briskly to the West Wing of the House, where the family quarters were situated. The male part of the children looked at their sister, but she simply shrugged. They followed Elrond into his private study in silence. The Lord took a seat behind his desk and rested his fingers against his temple. "There is more to these humans than meets the eye; their leader is not much younger than Estel was when he left to join his kin. It is a mistery to me how one so young can hold a position so high," came his weary voice. Elladan was the first to speak. "From what I have seen, she is a born leader. Apparently, they come from a culture far different than any we have known so far. Their attire is different from even the most regal gowns within the realm of Gondor. I do not think even the old Numenoreans wore such." Arwen stepped in. "Nay, they did not. These foreigners are different, but I feel a strong feeling of compassion towards them. Especially their leader. To be placed upon a throne as high as hers in her age, means that you have nothing of childhood." Elrond nodded and sighed. "Whatever shall transpire between us and them is decided by the Valar. Now, I must rest. The treatment for the child was tiring." His children nodded and left the rooms, returning to their own. Tomorrow would be a busy day, as well as tiring. TBC Peredhil - HalfElven, a name for Elrond after he chose to become one of the Eldar penneth - young one Please read and review! Chapter 6 - Chapter Five - TuinarĂ© Author's Note: Thanks to all my reviewers! I'm sorry for not getting an update up faster...>.< school has blogged me down, I fear. I should have chp 6 up soonish...hopefully. Also, a question of a language barrier has been asked: how would Elves communicate with PadmĂ©, since they spoke Westorn and PadmĂ© speaks 'basic', but Westorn isn't English? For the sake of this story, let's say that Westorn is English, and although heavily accented by the Eldar, they were able to communicate with the Nabooans. Fair enough? :) I'll remember this for next time and come up with a more reasonable explanation... Chapter Five The morning dawned bright and clear the next day. Spring had finally settled at the roots of the Misty Mountains, after what was the coldest winter in years, according to Erestor's notes. The Eldar of Imladris had been up and about ever since Arien had first appeared from beyond the horizon, guiding her boat which contained Laurelin's fruit onto the sky. Horses were brought out and watered and fed, combs ranked through their thick manes. Bells were placed upon their bridles, and the ellith adorned their locks with flowers of bright colours. Flowers adorned almost every part of the Last Homely House. Delicious aromas rose from the kitchens. When Arien had been sailing for about an hour, her boat was positioned right above the highest peak of the Misty Mountains. At that moment, a bell rang out throughout the House, and all voices joined into a song. From the deepest masculine to the soprano feminine, all of the Elves within the Valley sung a song of morning, of life and living and of birth. The horses nickered softly, prancing about as they were lead, cowered with flowers and perhaps carrying an elleth, towards a large meadow, placed strategically within the structure of the buildings. Bonfires had been set up, tables placed and chairs positioned for their Lord and his offspring and noble guests. There was Thranduil of the Woodland Realm of Mirkwood, accompanied by his son Legolas. Their flaxen hair shone in the light; Thranduil sported a circlet of spring flowers neatly woven around a band of gold. Legolas wore a silver one, also covered with flowers. There was also Cirdan the Shipwright, his white hair and beard outshinning everyone. His robes were of blue and silver, and the crest of Mithlond adorned his chest. Keeping the Elves of Imladris, Mirkwood and Mithlond company were fair Eldar, tall of stance and fair of face, their hair a shimmering golden or silver. There was their Lord Celeborn, upon who's hand rested the Lady Galadriel. Both were clad in white, the Lady sporting a circlet of golden elanor flowers, while the Lord's circlet had been made of white niphrendil. Accompanying them was Haldir the Marchwarden, and one of his brothers, Rumil, and many other LĂłrien Elves. The company gathered in the Last Homely House was now awaiting the arrival of the Lord of Imladris, last of the Noldo Princes in Middle Earth, and his family. PadmĂ© Amidala stood upon an archway that overlooked the glade, watching the colourful mixture of Elves singing, laughing and speaking to each other. They all seemed so fair and serene. Nothing seemed to disturb their world of peace and festival. SabĂ© stood beside her Queen, watching in awe. Both girls ( and all other handmaidens, as well as the guards) had been given Elvish clothes to wear, and Amidala was advised to forego her formal attire and make-up, to more easily blend in with everyone. The monarch could do nothing more than agree, really, since it was obvious to her that the white face would truly stand out amid so many healthy-coloured ones. "It seems we have landed just in time for a festival," spoke SabĂ© and looked to her friend. PadmĂ© nodded. "Seems so; I wonder what it is called? Look, they have flowers everywhere, even the men wear them. It must be a festival of life…" "It is called tuinarĂ© in the tounge of old, meaning spring-day. We celebrate it each year in honour of the coming spring and the leaving of winter. For winter resembles death, and spring symbolises life." Both girls turned around at the sound of the voice. Arwen smiled at them warmly, and offered each a hand. "Come, they are waiting for my father and us. You are the guests of honour this day, and shall be treated as such." PadmĂ© hesitated for a moment, remembering her earlier talk with Elrond. She had been summoned to the Lord even before the sun had risen, to speak about all that had transpired the previous day, and to try and explain from which world they came. It was obvious to Amidala that this culture knew nothing of the Republic nor any system within it, so she left the matter be, for their own safety. The planet was far too pure to become corrupted as many of the other planets were becoming. Smiling finally, the girls took Arwen's hands and she lead them down the stairs to where Elladan and Elrohir stood waiting. Each had two handmaidens on their arms; EirtaĂ© and RabĂ© were being escorted by Elladan, while SachĂ© and YanĂ© (who was, to the relief of all, feeling better and was allowed to attend the festival, although with her arm bound) were standing next to Elrohir. Arwen and her two friends joined them, and the group was soon joined by Panaka and the guards, followed closely by Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel. There was no sign of injury upon the golden-haired elflord, and he smiled and laughed with the others as if nothing had happened, but he eyed Panaka wearily, and stayed away from him throughout the Nabooans' stay in Imladris. When Elrond arrived he smiled and offered his hand to his daughter. SabĂ© was taken by Erestor while Glorfindel bowed and offered his arm to PadmĂ©, who took it shyly and with a blush on her cheeks. Lindir strung one single tune as the Lord and his daughter stepped from under the archway. All fell silent as the company made way into the glade. Mostly, the Eldar eyed the humans on the hands of the rulling group, but not in an evil ways, as PadmĂ© noted. Rather in curiosity. Then all eyes turned to Elrond as he lifted his hands. From his mouth flowed a beautiful song, the meaning of which neither PadmĂ© nor the others understood, but knew it to be important to all the gathered. A Elbereth Gilthoniel silivren penna mĂ­riel o menel aglar elenath! Na-chaered palan-dĂ­riel o galadhremmin ennorath, Fanuilos le linnathon nef aear, sĂ­ nef aearon!*\r\n\r\n As he finished, all voices rose into song and repeated the lyrics over again. The song, sung by the many voices, was haunting and sad, and PadmĂ© felt a pang of sadness. Then it ended, and all fell silent as Elrond spoke once again. "My friends! As every year, we gather today to honour the blossoming of spring, and its coming to the lands of our kin! Let the day be eventful and bright for all of you, and may our prayers for a rich harvest and a mild winter be answered by the Valar! Eglerio!" The Eldar broke into an applaude and cheered, then Lindir and the rest of the musicians struck up a lively tune, Elrond lead Arwen to their destined seats, and the feast began. Never before had PadmĂ© witnessed anything so alive and beautiful, yet also sad and in decay at the same time. It seemed to her that the Elves were saying farewell with their feast, although they actually cheered for life. There was nothing more beautiful than a couple dancing in the middle of the glade, or Lindir playing a sad slow tune upon his harp. EirtaĂ©, the only handmaiden who resembled the Eldar both in height and appearance, had soon been swept away into the middle where dancing took place. First by Glorfindel, then by the twins, and then she ceased counting. The rest of the handmaidens were also interesting to the Elves, and soon the two groups mingled and interacted as if they had been together forever. "Might I have the honour of this dance, my lady?" PadmĂ© jumped slightly, as she had completely moved away from all the action with her thoughts, thinking of home and the regal, stiff Nabooan parades and balls, only to look into a handsome, youthful face framed by pale silver hair. Her brown eyes turned large and a shade of pink crept onto her cheeks. She stole a glance at Arwen, unsure of herself. The dark-haired Elf smiled and nodded, making a 'go on' sign with her hand. Taking a breath, PadmĂ© smiled to the Elf. "The honour is mine, my lord." And she stood and took the offered hand, and found herself pulled into the river of dance, twisting and twirling with no real idea of the steps, but she soon found out that there were none. So long as one moved according to the music and to the rhythm, one could do all he wanted. "I'm PadmĂ© by the way," she spoke into her companion's ear when they twirled close together. The Elf grinned, showing her two rows of brilliant white teeth. "Rumil of LĂłrien." That was the last they spoke for a while. Arwen gazed at the dancers with a content smile on her face, sipping some wine. Her father was busy speaking to Erestor about something. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. Even her grandparents were dancing and laughing with the others. She could spy her brothers flirting with the tall blonde handmaided. But apparently, they had met their match, if one could judge by the shade of pink on Elladan's ears. "Lady Arwen, what a delight to see you in Imladris once more!" The voice brought her back from her musings and she smiled up at Thranduil. "Indeed, my King, it is nice to be home again. But tell me, how fares the Woodland Realm? I have heard talk about some sort of skirmish.." Thranduil waved his hand. "Hardly I could call it a skirmish; just a group of goblins thinking they were smarter than us. But come! Now is not the time for such talk; the music calls. Have you danced today? If not, I think I'll snatch my chance and try to bargain the first dance with the lovely Evenstar." Arwen laughed, a brilliant sound that filled all that heard it with warmth, and accepted the King's invitation, allowing him to lead her into the dance. All day the festivities went on, although the mechanics of Naboo had excused themselves earlier. Accompanied by a group of merry Elves, who were interested about this 'silver bird' of theirs they made their way to the Nubian cruiser and began works to repair it. Palpatine would not doubt be worried by now, and would have sent ships in search for them. Their goal was to fix the ship up and leave as soon as possible. Even though the Elves appeared cheerful, there was a dark, brooding feeling about, stiffening one's breathing. There was something amis, and they did not wish to be here to find out what it was. TBC *the Sindarin ode to Varda, kindler of the Stars. Here follows the English equivalent: O Elbereth Starkindler, white-glittering, sparkling like jewels, the glory of the starry host slants down. Having gazed far away from the tree-woven lands of Middle-earth, to thee, Everwhite, I will sing, on this side of the ocean, here on this side of the great ocean! TuinarĂ© - spring-day. I take credit for this, as I'm not sure that the Eldar actually had this...but, knowing their culture, they probably did. Please read and review! Chapter 7 - Chapter Six - Captain, to the ship! Author's Note: I'll be unable to update for a while, so I decided to post another chapter. Here is chapter six! It's a bit longer than the others, and hopefully you will like it. This is where things get interesting...from this point on, we step into the world of The Phantom Menace! Chapter Six Four months. It had been four months since the Nubian cruiser with Queen Amidala of Naboo and her staff had crash-landed upon Middle Earth. Four months of literally no communication with the Core, or Coruscant for that matter. Without the ability to send or receive messages, the Nabooans had been practically cut off from the rest of the Galaxy. Not that all of them minded; YanĂ© and SachĂ©, the youngest two of the handmaidens, were quite pleased to be able to get to know this foreign culture better. They were quick to learn, and picked up words of Elvish easily. After about three weeks, SachĂ© was able to converse in broken Sindarin. After one month, YanĂ© was fluid in the language. EirtaĂ© enjoyed being the centre of attention for once; with her tall, willowy figure and long flaxen hair with bright blue eyes, along with her good-mannered nature, she soon became quite a catch for the Elves of Imladris. Not to mention that Elrohir and Elladan had decided to be her personal escorts throughout Imladris and she couldn't make one step without at least one of them knowing what she was doing or where she was going. RabĂ© had formed a closer bond with Panaka, who wasn't very pleased that their stay here was becoming so long. SabĂ© had grown close to Erestor, and, to Elrond's and Glorfindel's utter amusement, the tight-mannered scribe and counsellor had softened considerably, and even allowed the young girl to help him with some of his paper work. PadmĂ© however seemed to be ignoring all the admiring looks she received from the Elves, and rather sticked to the company of Arwen or Galadriel. The Lady of LĂłrien was very pleased to find someone so young with manners and diplomacy so well-developed, and together they spent countless hours walking or sitting in the gardens of Imladris, talking about various topics on how to properly govern a nation. Arwen took PadmĂ© for long rides, teaching her how to ride a horse, or a 'mutant bantha form' as the monarch tended to call it, although it looked nothing like the banthas, to be sure. Inside the Valley, peace reigned on, harboured within by the power of Vilya and the wisdom of Elrond. Outside, they were preparing for a war. Gandalf the Gray had arrived, accompanied by thirteen Dwarves and one Hobbit. ThĂłrin Oakenshield and his company were beginning their quest to retrieve the gold and home lost to ThĂłrin's ancestors long ago. From the moment they arrived, Elrond had called his closest advisors and family to him. It was decided to keep the presence of the foreigners secret; thus Galadriel departed with PadmĂ© and her escort to LĂłrien, while Arwen remained behind and played hostess to their guests. In due time, Amidala and her staff were able to return to Imladris, where their mechanichs quickly resumed work on the cruiser, trying desperately to get it fixed. Luck seemed to be on their side for once, for the ship was beginning to show signs of improvement. They had no tools nor parts to repair it in whole, but they knew that it would be able to fly once the finishing touches to the hyperdrive and engines would be done. Later, on Coruscant or Naboo, they would have it repaired and redone completely, and Panaka made a note to remember that. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the silver cruiser was ready to depart. Repaired as best as the mechanics and astrodroids could manage, it proudly stood, although with bumps and curves all over its metal skin. That would have to wait for a more thorough repair some other time, in some other place. The time came when one morning PadmĂ© did not donn the light, pale-coloured elvish robes but was once again dressed in her formal Naboo wear. For the occasion, Elrond had gifted them with a feast of honour, and the evening passed with merriment and songs, although sadness lingered among the gathered. They had all grown attached to one another, and the departure would be a sad one, although Amidala had promised to return and visit as often as her position would allow her. The next day, SabĂ© and YanĂ© placed the white make-up on PadmĂ©'s face again and coloured her upper lip red, also making the Scar of Remembrance and the two beauty marks on her cheeks. RabĂ© brushed the Queen's hair until it shone, and once again proved that her imagination for elaborate hairstyles had not died; elegantly she twisted two knots out of the long locks and pinned them on top of PadmĂ©'s head, leaving one lock free. That she braided and twisted the braid around the knots. SachĂ© and EirtaĂ© had gone to the cruiser to fetch a gown for the Queen, and now helped to dress her. For the travel the chosen gown was of deep wine-red, with a thick green sash around the monarch's slender waist. Made out of velvet, it flowed and folded nicely, the Naboo regalia embroided upon it in green. The sleens flowed about her in many layers, as did the skirts, hiding her legs as was tradition. The outlook was completed by a golden tiara with the sovereign Naboo medal upon it, a reminder of who PadmĂ© was and the power she wielded. The handmaidens were clad in deep green cloaks with hoods pulled low over their faces. Elrond and his family, as well as all of Imladris was there to see them off. Amidala bowed low before the Elven-lord. "Hir-nin, you have been most gracious to offer us housing and food during our stay here. In the name of the Naboo I thank you, and hope to perhaps someday greet you in my own court, to return the favour." The Nabooans all bowed low. Elrond placed a hand across his heart. "Hiril-nin, you have offered me no other way to treat you. I did all I could. Hopefully, your stay here shall take a place in your heart and you shall remember the Valley of Imladris with fondness. No i Melain na le. Na-den pedim ad." PadmĂ© bowed her head and replied in flowing Sindarin. "No i Melain na le. Cuio mae. Navaer!" The formal parting was done; last minute embraces and stolen kisses were given and taken, then the Naboo company departed the Last Homely House. Arwen had offered to escort them for a while, then she would return home. Bitter were her feelings at the parting, yet she knew that all good things come to an end sometime. She stayed silent, riding besides PadmĂ©. The Queen stole glances at her friend from time to time, but did not speak, until they were over the narrow bridge and the haunting songs of farewell were left behind them. "Do not despair, Arwen. We shall meet again. Sooner than you think, I suppose." The Evenstar looked up with a smile, although sadness lingered in her wise gray eyes. "To soon, I fear." She said no more, and PadmĂ© did not press the matter. Little did she know that Arwen possessed the gift of foresight, a trait of her father, and that her words would come true all to soon. Panaka and two others strode into the glade where the Nubian cruiser rested. OliĂ© the pilot was already sitting in the cockpit, waiting for her Majesty to arrive and give the green light for lift-off. Arwen dismounted and embraced PadmĂ© tenderly. The Queen tried not to weep, but there was no mistaking that she was sad. Gently, the tall elleth placed a hand across her heart, then across PadmĂ©'s. But before she could speak, a whizzing sound shot pass them. Arwen jumped and pulled PadmĂ© down instantly. "Get down!" she cried, and covered her face. Arrows whizzed from everywhere, the sound dangerous and annoying alltogether. Panaka pulled out his blaster, the guards following suite. Something was among the trees. Tension hung upon the air, everyone could feel it. The black-skinned captain of the guard motioned to the handmaidens, who crawled towards the cruiser. Black shapes jumped from out of the trees. Arwen's eyes widened in fear and detest. "Yrch!" Amidala looked at her with a frightened, confused expression on her pale face. Arwen grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. "You must get onto the ship! Come now!" Amidala grabebd her skirts and ran as fast as she could. From out of nowhere Arwen pulled a sword and slashed across the throat of a creature that got to close to them. Black blood splattered over the front of her pale dress, staining it violently. The elleth spat at the gaining creatures and followed the Queen of Naboo. SabĂ© and RabĂ© had already reached the rampway, and had taken out their blasters, shooting at the advancing orcs. In mere moments, the peaceful glade became a field of masacre, with bodies, sometimes still twitching, lying everywhere. But more seemed to come from every direction. It seemed to be an invasion on Imladris. Arwen cut through the belly of another beast before she tripped over the hem of her gown and fell to the ground. A cursed escaped her and her beautiful face twisted into a grimace. Suddenly the weight of something was placed between her shoulderblades, disabling her to breathe. Stinking breath came close to her cheek. The Princess closed her eyes and snarled in distaste. "Ya don't like what ya smellin' is it now?" came a feline-like snarl from next to her. A hairy cheek rubbed against her own. Arwen felt ready to vomit her breakfast out. "Pretty things like yourself should remember to stay with their Fathers…pretty things like yourself usually end up like nice prizes for one such as Krugloh…" If possible, Arwen would have rolled her eyes, but the situation she was in was much, much worse. Her right hand slipped onto the blade of her sword and she could feel it pressing into her skin, a shapr pain coming from it. Suddenly the weight left her with a yelp, and the smell of burnt flesh filled the air. The dark-haired elleth looked up and saw Krugloh sprawled across the ground, limps twitching, but quite obviously dead. Looking up, she saw PadmĂ© with a blaster. The Queen grabbed her friend's hand. "Come on, to the ship! Captain, to the ship!" Her voice rang out in a commanding, calm tone. Arwen and the rest followed. The rampway was beginning to close when the two women were pulled up by the handmaidens. One orc got stuck between the closing doors, and was sliced in half. With 'eews' from the women, Panaka threw it out at the first chance he got. OliĂ© started the engines. The unlucky orcs that had begun climbing onto the silver ship slipped off as it lifted and slowly began to ascend into the air. In the meantime, Arwen was beginning to realise that she was leaving her homeworld and all she ever knew, and that her father still needed to be warned about the orc attack. She jumped to the doors, but was pulled back by Panaka and EirtaĂ©. She clawed and screamed, and even begged in the end. This was not what she had wanted. Not what she had planned. Her future lay in Middle Earth, in Imladris, with her father and brothers and people. She was their Evenstar, their Light, their guiding spirit, the only living memory of what they had lost to a mortal's love. She could not simply fly away to an unknown future! The Elf collapsed onto the floor after about an hour of struggle. Her face was damp with tears, gray eyes shimmering with them. She hid it in her hands and wept, wept her heart out. PadmĂ© knelt beside her friend and embraced her, holding her close. She knew exactly what it was like to leave her homeworld behind. The handmaidens ushered the staff to their work and helped Arwen to a room on the cruiser. After the tiresome events, the Elf fell asleep, tears streaming down her cheeks even as she slept, eyes wide open. Neither of the girls dared take away the sword she had clutched to her breast. PadmĂ©, too exhausted to do anything else but fall asleep, was helped outo f her formal attire and laid to rest. The handmaidens departed to their chambers as well. Soon, Middle Earth was but a speck behind them. Panaka stood beside OliĂ© in silence. The only noise was the sound of the machines in the cockpit and the engines humming below them. The stars became a thin white line as the cruiser made a jump to lightspeed. The jump took them mere moments, before they were thrown out of it in a more known region to Ric OliĂ©. The signal hummed. They were back in the known world. OliĂ© nodded to Panaka, who took up a microphone. "Coruscant, this is Captain Panaka of the J-Tpye 327 Nubian Royal Starship, chosen to transport Her Royal Highness Queen Amidala, recently elected ruler of Naboo. We don't know how long we've been out of reach, but we're alive with a damaged ship." The captain waited for a responce. Soon, there was a voice in the transmiter. "J-Type 327 Nubian Royal Starship, this is Coruscant Starship Command. We hear you loud and clear. Senator Palpatine and Chancellor Valorum have been worried for months. The searching parties sent out to find you were unsuccesful. Welcome back! Is there anything you would like to say to the Senator? He is worried for Queen Amidala's safety." Panaka thought for a moment before replying. "Affirmative, Coruscant Starship Command. We're setting our course for the Capital as we speak. Tell the Senator that Queen Amidala will be visiting him shortly." He paused before finishing. "And tell him that we're heavier by one Royal Counsellor. Captain Panaka of the J-Type 327 Nubian Royal Starship, over and out." TBC Hir-nin - my lord Hiril-nin - my lady No i Melain na le. Na-den pedim ad. - May the Valar be with you. Until we speak again. No i Melain na le. Cuio mae. Navaer. - May the Valar be with you. Live well. Farewell. Yrch! - Orcs! elleth - a female Elf Please read and review! Chapter 8 - Chapter Seven - You Assume Too Much Author's Note: And I'm baaack! *g* With a slightly longer chapter, and an introductional little thingie that tells a bit more about this story. I should have posted it in the Prologue, but I forgot. Heh. Anyway.. All the in-dept information about Naboo and the Trade Federation comes from http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page, which is a REALLY cool site. All the dialogue that you recognise from TPM (The Phantom Menace - we'll be using the short names from now on) belongs to George Lucas. The name 'Elana Oriana' belongs to me. Fandom: Alternate Universe/Lord of the Rings Rating: PG-13 Pairing: Queen Amidala/Anakin Skywalker, Arwen UndĂłmiel/Obi-Wan Kenobi Warning: My sincere appologies to those of you who simply adore the pairing of Arwen and Aragorn. To be truthful, I, too, am rather fond of them. But unfortunately my muses have turned against me the moment I saw the new trilogy of Star Wars. I had to try this. You may hate me if you wish..but those of you who cannot bear the thought of Arwen paired with anyone else but Aragorn, please, don't read further, as it will only upset you, I should think. Disclaimer: The names and places you recognise from the Lord of the Rings belong to J.R.R.Tolkien. The names and places, as well as machienery that you recognise from Star Wars belong to George Lucas. What you do not recognise from any of these fandoms belongs to me. I am making no profit out of this story. Chapter Seven – You assume too much It should have been a peaceful day upon the planet of Naboo. The sun had just risen, and the people were beginning their daily choirs. The baker could be seen standing in front of his shop with a content smile on his face; the constitution of his body prooved that he was well-off with his business. Across the street a middle-aged woman, the florist, had just put out some new, vibrant red flowers for display. Down the road you could see many other shop-owners opening their vares and beginning a new day. Children ran down the street; the bell of the school called to them. A tall man stood outside the school building, smiling at the youngsters as they cluttered into the classrooms. Parents were beginning their work, and the children would be studying all there was to know about painting, music, politics, history, and many other things for the rest of the morning. Birds flew across the sky, which was painted clear-blue. No cloud, not even a whisp was seen upon the vibrant colour. Even the sun seemed to be happy to shine that they. Above it all, above the city of Theed, rose the mighty palace of the Naboo sovereign rulers. Situated upon a large cliff, it overlooked the massive, beautiful city. It was centuries old. Everything upon it was hand-crafted, designed especially to entertain delegates from other systems, and to shine the love of the Nabooans for art and perfection. Its many towers rose high into the air; it was tradition with the Naboo Monarchs that each of the newly-elected rulers should add one tower to the palace complex, which meant that the building was expanding term after term, ruler after ruler. Right before it was the grand palace plaza, a wide and marble-pawed open space. It lead from the palace, winding under the Triumphal Arch and into the city of Theed. The Triumphal Arch acted as a border between the actual city and the Plaza; and as the sun shone down upon it, the many inscriptions gleamd and sparkled, and the sovereign Naboo medal could be seen by all who chose to look upon the arch that morning. To the other side of the palace there opened the palace courtyard, also known as the Grand Plaza. The sun gently brushed across the circular walking area, which also featured a shallow ditch with water flowing through it, crossed by many bridges. Fountains sparkled brightly in the sunlight, the sounds of water adding to the serenity of the moment. The sun's rays also touched the holographic freezes of Naboos finest philosophers and artists. It was, all in all, a beautiful, serene sight. Yes, it should have been a peaceful day. Unfortunately, however, it was not. The planet might have seemed peaceful, yet as the sun's rays moved back a bit, away from the actual greenery upon the ground, it touch the heavy gray metal of warships. Ship after ship surrounded the beautiful planet, creating an effective blockade. And, high above the capitol palace of Theed, rested a large command ship. It was as big as a city, large enough for a small nation to fit in. And upon it, Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Galactic Trade Federation, was commanding the blockade with glee and satisfaction. Following orders from Darth Sidious, he had placed the blockade around the small planet, and was now waiting for an audience with its ruler. As he had been told, Queen Amidala had but recently been elected. Thus, he presumed she was rather green and new to everything around rulling. She shouldn't really cause him any problems. Victory was within his grasp. Inside the palace, PadmĂ© Naberrie was sitting behind her dressing table in her spacious rooms. Her fingers tapped upon the wood impatiently, as she silently endured the process of getting ready for matters of state. RabĂ©, the only one of her handmaidens that was proficient in making the elaborate hairstyles for the Queen, was working fast and silent, running her comb through her mistress' long, dark tresses. SachĂ© and YanĂ© were adding finishing touches to the Queen's facial make-up. EirtaĂ© had laid out the golden headdress, carefully polishing the Jewel of Zenda. The vibrant crimson dress the Queen had chosen to wear for this day prooved even more her position as ruler of Naboo. SabĂ© finished polishing PadmĂ©'s nails, while RabĂ© and EirtaĂ© fixed the headdress in position. When the fourteen year old girl looked into the mirror, she was no longer PadmĂ© Naberrie, but Queen Amidala of Naboo. Her brown orbs gaze dat the reflections of her handmaidens in the mirror; they all wore yellow gowns with hoods covering their faces. All were identical, even EirtaĂ©, who was otherwise blonde and slightly taller than the rest. Amidala's gaze then travelled to the one figure that had not attended to her, one figure that did not wear the same attire as her handmaidens, and was a full three inches taller than all the other girls in the room. Instead of yellow, the colouring of her gown was pale cream-like. Instead of a hood and tight neckline, this particular gown sported a softly-shaped u-neckline. Delicate silver bands had been wrapped around the woman's forearms and around her wrist, overriding the traditional bell-shape of the sleeves and making them look regal and sophisticated. A single star-shaped gem was hooked to a silver chain that went around her neck. Long, ebon-coloured hair fell to her hips; the upper part of it had been braided, and the braid wrapped around her head like a crown, the rest falling freely. Serene gray eyes observed the young monarch, and her pale hands were clasped together in front of her. Arwen. Elana. "Do you believe the Viceroy when he speaks of acting upon orders from the Senate?" Amidala's voice floated across the room. It was directed to all the women in general, but even SabĂ©, chief-handmaiden and royal decoy, turned her brown gaze to Arwen. The Elf's face remained calm as ever. "I do not believe in anything Nute Gunray says; his voice is full of lies, with the hiss of a snake. He does not use what little brain he has, but rather allows others to think for him. Nute Gunray is but a puppet in the hands of a much stronger, and much more intelligent person. It is that person which we should fear, not the Viceroy." Silence fell across the room, disturbed only by the even, soft breathing of the seven women. Everyone contemplated what the Elf had just said. Arwen had adjusted to the life on Naboo rather well; after the event upon her own homeworld, she had been unintentionally pulled into the current of the Republic. PadmĂ© had not the heart to simply give the elleth a home in Theed and allow her to do what she pleased; her culture was far too diferent than that of Naboo, she would stand out too much. Thus, following what Panaka had told the Coruscant Commad Centre on their flight to the capital, Arwen had been given a new name, Elana Oriana, and a new title: member of the Royal Advisory Council to the Monarch of Naboo, with the subtitle 'minister of war', since that was the only open position available.. She had remained mostly hidden when the party had stayed upon Coruscant, but upon arrival to Naboo, she was able to relax more. The metal buildings of the caiptal suffocated the Elf, and she felt much better in the greenery of Theed. SabĂ© and EirtaĂ© took to tutoring the Elf in various aspects patiently, and within a few weeks, Arwen was a respected member of the Theed Court. Now, she was a valuable asset to Amidala, for the Elves could read the words of others far better than normal human beings, and she needed someone like that where Nute Gunray was involved. Most of the court thought Elana as one with high Force-sensitivity, but simply by-passed by the Jedi on their searches for new recruits. She was a full member of Her Highness' Staff. There came a knock on the door, and all the women stirred. SachĂ© opened the door to reveal Panaka. The dark-skinned man bowed to PadmĂ©. "We have had another transmission from Nute Gunray, Your Highness. It appears the Neimoidian will not give up until he is granted an audience with you." Amidala forced down the urge to roll her eyes and stood, turning to the captain slowly, appearing as one of the regal statues of old. Her voice was calm, yet cold. "If it is an audiance he wants, then let us grant him that. After you, Captain." The group made their way slowly to Theed's Throne Room, with Panaka leading and SabĂ© finishing the column. Arwen walked silently beside Amidala. "I wonder what he has to say to me," pondered the Queen aloud. "If he believes I shall simply sit back and watch him terorise my planet, he is mistaken. I have not been elected Queen to watch my people suffer. And this blockade is doing us no good." "Naboo relies heavily upon trade from outside," replied Arwen calmly, fixing one of her arm-bands, "that is what the Viceroy knows, and is effectively using against you. Tread cautiously, Your Highness; he may not be smart, but he is neither shallow nor weak. Naboo has no army to fight him off, should he choose to attack." Amidala nodded, digging her nails into her palms. In the throne room, governer Sio Bibble already sat, with the other members of the Royal Advisory Council. All of them had been called to audience: the Music Advisor, Hela Brandes, Hugo Eckener, the Chief Architect, the Education Advisor Lufta Shif, Master of Sciences Graf Zapalo, Horace Vancil, the Political and Economic Advisor, the Assistant Minister of Internal Affairs Ruto Graven, and Kyu Tane, the Minister of Culture. The problem of the Trade Federation Blockade belonged to all of Naboo, and each representative should add their own opinion to this particular council. When Queen Amidala entered the room they all stood and greeted her. The young monarch greeted them politely in return, then took her destined seat at her table, resting her hands upon the arms of her chair. The handmaidens took their own seats, two to each side of their ruler, while SabĂ© had been given a seat next to Arwen. Stern brown orbs gazed into the eyes of all the gathered. "I hope you all understand what we are dealing with," spoke the Queen in a regal, serious tone, "the Trade Federation has gone too far in their act against us. I have word that two of Chancellor Valorum's Ambassadors are on their way to negotiate the end of this blockade." Nods of agreement and murmurs followed those words. Amidala looked around the room. "Let us not keep Nute Gunray wait more than he can bare; Captain, connect me with the Trade Federation's command ship." Panaka bowed, and in a few moments, the blueish image of Nute Gunray and one of his aids came into view. Amidala's face remained a stoic white mask, when the smirk of the Viceroy filled the room: "At last we're getting results." The Queen's eyes bore into those of the Nemoidian. "You will not be pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy. Your trade boycot of our planet has ended." Amidala needn't have looked across to where Arwen sat to recognise the mock astonishment of the ignorant creature she was speaking to. "I was not aware of such a failure." "I have word that she Senate is finally voting on this blockade of yours," continued the Queen, ignoring the Viceroy, "I am also aware that the Chancellor's Ambassadors are with you now, and that you have been commanded to reach a settlement." The blueish image of the Viceroy spoke of a Nemoidian who knew quite well what the monarch spoke of, yet seemed confused. "I know nothing of any Ambassadors. You must be…mistaken." Amidala was surprised by the answer; what was going on in the Senate? Senator Palpatine had sent word that Chancellor Valorum had sent two of his Ambassadors to the Viceroy. Now it appeared they had not arrived. Who was lying, the Senate, or the Viceroy? She studied the Nemoidian ruler carefully, deciding upon a different tactic. "Beware Viceroy – the Federation has gone too far this time." Nute appeared to humble himself before the Queen; he was making her sick. "Your Highness, we would never do anything without the approval of the Senate." He seemed to be pleased with himself, and he added as a final touch: "You assume too much." The Queen didn't even flinch one eyebrow, but simply gazed at him for one silent moment. Her answer was short and cold: "We will see." The transmission was cut off, and Amidala took a deep breath. Her eyes searched out Arwen's. The Elf seemed to be in deep thought, but she met the Queen's gaze evenly. Finally, Amidala arched one eyebrow. "Well? Does he lie or not?" It was as if she had thrown a bone to the dogs. Everyone seemed to errupt into their own little speech, filling her mind with endless babbling and chit-chat, but none really told her anything she needed to know. A sigh escaped her lips and she rolled her eyes, looking at Panaka. The Captain's voice calmed the room, and everyone turned their attention once again upon their ruler. "I asked a simple question yet none of you gave me the simple answer I had hoped for," she commented quietly, before her eyes turned to Arwen once more. "Minister Elana, care to share your thoughts?" Everyone turned to look at the tall woman. Her gray eyes were calm, yet troubled. "I do not know, Your Highness. One of them is lying; but I cannot tell whether it is Gunray, or Senator Palpatine. I suggest we try and reach the Senator; he shall know what we ought to do." Murmurs of agreement followed, and at Amidala's nod, the transmission code for Coruscant, more specificly Palpatine's office, was dialed. Within a few moments, the image of the elderly Senator appeared on the holoprojector. "Queen Amidala, it is a delight to see you again. Might I be of some service?" Amidala smiled softly. "It is a delight to see you again as well, Senator. I am in a tough position right now; I have spoken with Viceroy Gunray about Chancellor Valorum's Ambassadors, but he claims that he knows nothing about them. Could you explain what is going on, please?" The face of the Senator seemed shocked. "How could that be true? I have assurances from the Chancellor...his Ambassaodrs did arrive. It must be the...get...negotiate..." Suddenly the holographic image began to fade and it became distorted. Everyone in the room gazed in shock as Palpatine's image suddenly disappeared. Amidala's voice rang clear and concerned: "Senator Palpatine?!" Her eyes turned to Panaka. "What's happening?" She had leaned forward in her seat; drops of sweat had formed upon her palms, she could feel it, cold and sticky. Something was utterly wrong. "Check the transmission generator.." came Panaka's voice. Arwen sat silently and unmoving, her gray eyes fixed upon the brown ones of the Queen. It will be alright, she spoke in her mind, there must be a reasonable explanation for this. Stay calm. Sio Bibble was in outrage. "A communications disruption could only mean one thing – invasion!" A shocked silence filled the room. Arwen turned her head to look at the eldely governer, her gray eyes pinning him in place. Amidala was slowly losing her patience. "The Federation would not DARE go that far!" Her eyes scanned the room. "We must continue to relly upon negotiations." Bibble practically jumped up and down in his seat. "Negotiation? We've lost all communication!" They all agreed vocally. "And where are the Chancellor's Ambassadors?" came his next sentence. His eyes bore into those of the new Minister of War. He did not really like the woman, she was strange. He dared her to answer his question, but she remained as silent as ever, only gazing back at him with those creepy gray eyes. Panaka stepped forward. "This is a dangerous situation, Your Highness. Our security volunteers will be no match against a battle-hardened Federation army." Everyone's eyes turned to the Queen. Amidala sat still and silent for a while, meeting the gaze of each and every one of her advisors, before stopping upon Sio Bibble. Her voice was low and serious. "I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war." TBC Please read and review! Chapter 9 - Chapter Eight - The Ambassadors Chapter Eight – The Ambassadors The hours were long, minutes crawling by slowly. It seemed time had stopped, ceasing its endless running, but simply staying still. There was no way to avoid the fact that Naboo was under attack. The peaceful planet had never done anything to provoke something akin to war. Always, they strived to live in peace and harmony. The rulers of Naboo kept everything in check from their palace in Theed, diplomacy their constant companion. And yet it seemed that diplomacy had abandoned them for now. Many of Naboo, especially in Theed, had chosen to wear maroon, the colour which in traditional Nabooan culture represents war. They called for an act of violence against the Trade Federation that was at the very moment invading their beautiful planet. Everything on Naboo was connected with colour, and each colour represented a meaning. White was the symbol of peace, green the one of rebirth, of a new beginning, maroon that of war, black the one of mourning and of loss, accompanied by gray and other duller colours. Yellow and orange were the colours of life and secretly for rebellion. Blue was the colour of energy, of wisdom and of spirit. Red was by tradition the colour of royalty. And by wearing maroon, the many clans in Theed suggested to Queen Amidala that her actions were too orthodox, and that she needed a more aggresive approach to rid Naboo of the danger it now faced. The sound of transporters reached the Grand Plaza, and some of the people remained upon the streets to see what was coming. Others fled to the safety of their homes. Numerous families sought shelter within the palace walls. Yet Panaka, as well as everyone else, knew that when the droid army arrives, there would be no place to hide. The large transporter ships of the droid army became visible, and the long columns of droids marched into the Grand Plaza, making their way towards the palace. In side the large building, Queen Amidala stood by the window, helplessly watching the droid army overtake Theed. Panaka had been right, and Amidala had known it all along – Naboo was no match for the droids. Behind the Queen, her handmaidens were rushing up and down the corridors. SabĂ© appeared then, dressed in formal Naboo regalia, a somber black gown with her face painted white. She was every inch the Queen as Amidala was. Arwen accompanied her to the actual Queen. "Your Highness, the situation grows more dangerous with each passing minute," spoke the disguised handmaiden. Amidala chose to remain silent, only her brown orbs reflecting the pain she felt and the emotions that surged through her body. Arwen chimmed in with her soft, tender tone. "My Queen, if the Viceroy finds you here, in this regalia, he shall make you sign the treaty. Nute Gunray is not known to be a man of peace and gentleness." With a sigh the Queen finally yielded, and allowed Arwen and SabĂ© to lead her to her chambers. EirtaĂ© swiftly undid RabĂ©'s handywork with the Queen's hair and safely packed the Jewel of Zenda with the headdress. SachĂ© and YanĂ© took of the Queen's robe, while RabĂ© undid her facial mask. Arwen produced a vibrant, flame-coloured gown which all other handmaidens, except SabĂ©, wore. Swiftly, the team of women dressed Amidala and hid her face behind the low-lying hood. Now, she was no longer Queen, but one of the handmaidens, PadmĂ©. "I must change as well," spoke Arwen. EirtaĂ© handed her a gown which was similar to those of the handmaidens, yet was more heavily dyed in red and golden. Arwen arched one slender eyebrow. SabĂ© shrugged. "You are royalty, and you definitely are not a handmaiden. Besides, you are close to the Queen, the closest of all her ministers. You have every right to wear red." The Elf chose not to answer her but quickly changed from cream to red. It stood as a striking contrast to her pale skin and gray eyes, which took on a more golden hue in response to the gown. Her hair was swiftly re-organised by RabĂ©, who now took a delicate hairpiece, a gift to Arwen from the Royal Advisory Council when she first arrived. It was designed in the fashion of leaves, crafted of gold, with brilliant golden jewels laid into it. The many jewels hung low from the actual headpiece. Arwen's ebony hair was placed so that none of it hung lower than the base of her neck. When Nute Gunray invaded the Palace of Theed, he was practically jumping with glee when his men brought the Queen of Naboo before him, along with her escort of five handmaidens, the governor and Minister of War. Panaka and four of the best guards were brought beside them soon after. Nute and his companion Rune were satisfied, and were chatting quite merrily as the group, surrounded by droids, was lead onto the Plaza. There, many of the people were being transported into camps. The sight of their captive Queen did little to ease the situation. Sio Bibble was in uproar. "How will you explain this invasion to the Senate?" he demanded. Nute chuckled menacingly. Arwen pierced him with her darkened glare, when he chose to look upon her. She was the only one of the women that did not seem so low-hearted, but rather stood proud and tall, her eyes glimmering in the sunlight in defiance, as well as were the Queen's. The Viceroy smiled pathetically towards Bibble. "The Naboo and the Federation will forge a treaty that will legitimize our occupation here. I've been assured it will be ratified by the Senate." The group of Nabooans all glared at the Viceroy. SabĂ©, disguised as Amidala, lifted her chin in disgust, brown eyes bearing down at the creature before her. "I will not cooperate." Her words were cold and flat, telling Nute that he was making a deal without one of the centerpieces. But the Viceroy seemed very asured with himself. He cackled joyfully, but the sound made a chill run down everybody's spine. "Now, now, your Highness. You are not going to like what we have in store for your people." Amidala shot Nute a menacing gaze. He continued with satisfaction. "In time, their suffering will persuade you to see our point of view. Commander. " He motioned to one of the droids, which stepped forth. Arwen could hardly believe the machine-thing could be called a commander. "Process them," were the final words of the Viceroy the group would hear for a while. The droid nodded towards his superior then motioned to one of his followers. "Take them to camp four." Thus, Panaka and the Queen, with their company, were roughly pushed into the direction of the camp, which was to be their home for as long as the Queen would remain defiant to the Viceroy's demands. And that, mused Panaka, would be quite a long time. Little did they know, however, that help was on its way. A little out of Theed, a senior member of the Jedi ranks, master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, had encountered a native Gungan Jar-Jar Binks, who took them to Otoh Gunga, the massive underwater Gungan city. Boss Nass, the leader of the Gungas, was kind enough to grant them transport out of the watery world. By the time Amidala and the others were having their little chat with the Viceroy, the Jedi and the Gungan had already arrived at Theed. Qui-Gon was not impressed by what he saw. He knew that the Queen needed to be taken to Coruscant, where she would be able to plead help for her people in the Galactic Senate. Obi-Wan trailed behind his tall Master in silence, as they made their way into Theed unnoticed, and observed the culture that was unfurled before his eyes. He was amazed, for it was beautiful, and his heart was torn with grief that someone would want to enslave it. But there was no time for that; Qui-Gon lead him and Jar Jar onto a walkway above the Plaza. Below them, a group of ten battle droids was escorting what seemed to be the leading body of Naboo. Only a look needed to be exchanged between Master and Apprentice. In the next moment, they used Force-inhanced jumps to land right in front of the droids and Queen Amidala. Two lightsabers flashed into life, the buzzing sound meant to wake fear in the hearts of Jedi Enemies. Even the droids knew, with their mechanical brains, that they were in for trouble. Blue and green flashed the lightsabers as they danced their way through the droids. They cleaved through them as if they were no more than butter. The battle, hardly called a battle, was over within moments. Qui-Gon took a breath and a satisfactional smile crossed his aging face. He looked at the group, seeing the young girls and the elderly man. His voice was slightly out of breath. "Your Highness, we are the Ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor." Obi-Wan clipped the hilt of his lightsaber onto his belt, when a sudded tug at his mind caused him to look up. The Force flowed freely between him and another person on the Plaza, sending a distinctive, clear signature within his soul. There was someone highly Force-sensitive here, and his soul called to that of Obi-Wan. Having learned not to meddle with the affairs of the Force as an infant, the Padawan simply allowed it to guide his gaze. Blue-green met gray, and time seemed to stop as the two Force signatures met, entvined, and realised, though their bearers did not know it yet, that they fit together as a key fits into a lock. TBC Please read and review! Chapter 10 - Chapter Nine: Her Royal Highness must flee Author's Note: Forgive the lateness of this chapter! But I had spring break and went on a trip to France, where I had not time to write, really, since we had to be entertained all the time! That's why this chapter is a little longer - to make amends! Chapter Nine – Her Royal Highness must escape "Your Highness, we are the Ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor." Qui-Gon's voice was reassuring and calm. Sio Bibble, however, did not find it amusing. "Your negotiations seem to have failed, Ambassador," he commented dryly, sarcasm dripping from his voice. It was clear to all that the Governer did not believe these two to be Ambassadors, due to the situation that was now upon Naboo, and mainly in Theed. The tall Jedi pierced Bibble with his shrewd gaze. "The negotiations never took place." That was a new point of view for everyone gathered. PadmĂ© stiffed down a gasp, while the other handmaidens simply stood, stunned by the Master's voice. SabĂ© forced herself to remain calm. If negotiations never took place, then it was obvious that Nute Gunray was doing this on his own hand, without the protection of the Galactic Senate! The handmaiden stiffed down the urge to turn and look to PadmĂ© for help, for the disguise should not be broken. It was her task not to do anything that the Queen would not do. Even though circumstances may be hard, she would play her role well. Qui-Gon then turned to the Queen herself, the imposing figure in a black gown, standing silently and quite serenly in front of her staff. For a brief moment, his green eyes met a pair of brown ones right above the Queen's right shoulder, and met fear, defiance and disbelief, before the gaze turned downwards. A sudden thought occured to him, but he stored it into his mind for later. Now was not the time. "Your Highness, we must make contact with the Republic," he continued, and met the Queen's gaze evenly. Even with the imposing headdress, she was still petite. Movement behind her alerted the Jedi and he turned his head to watch as a dark-skinned man in the uniform of the Royal Guard step forward. Qui-Gon inclined his head slightly in greeting. Panaka was happy that the Jedi had arrived, although he did not trust them as of yet. The Jedi were a completely different lot than any other specie he had met in his life. Besides, they took small children away from their families and loved ones. That was why Naboo had long ago decided that it would break one single Republic law: if a baby was found with a high midichlorian count, they would reduce it so the boy or girl would be useless to the Jedi. Rather than allowing the Jedi doing the measures, the Nabooans did them regulary themselves and made sure that only a small quarter of Force-sensitive children actually went to the Temple. Against the laws, but the people were happy. "They've knocked out all our communications," he said to the taller Jedi, while keeping an eye on the younger one as well. He did not like the way he met, and held, for quite some amount of time, the gaze of the Minister of War, before she lowered it herself. And the flush on her alabaster cheeks was something he wasn't too fond about either. Qui-Gon sensed there was more to this man that met the eye, but ignored it for the time being, and rather spoke about the matter most pressing. "Do you have transports?" Panaka turned his gaze back to the Jedi and nodded instantly. "In the main hangar." He motioned with his hand. "This way." The group moved off the Plaza finally. Everyone was happy that they were walking again. EirtaĂ© ushered YanĂ© and SachĂ© before her, while RabĂ© stayed close to PadmĂ©, who trailed behind SabĂ©-Amidala in silence. Arwen walked beside Sio Bibble, lost in thought. Her mind dwelled upon one single person – the young Jedi Padawan that was in that moment walking beside his master and following Panaka. It had been quite surprising to find his gaze upon her back in the Plaza, but more so, she had discovered that her own eyes had sought him out. And in the moment that their eyes had met, she felt something..a jolt of something deep within her soul, but it was gone just as quickly as it had come. That was when she had averted her gaze and looked at the golden embroidery upon one of her sleeves. Now, she was trying to come to a conclusion what had happened. She had been in the world for more than 3000 years, and nothing even remotely close to that tiny spark had ever stirred within the depths of her soul. The main hangar of Theed was underneath the palace, which meant they had to return to the place where they had been captured. Panaka knew all the secret ways of Naboo, and confidently lead them all through a serie of narrow pathways, before finally coming upon a side door to the hangar. He peeked around the corner, along with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. They could see the pilots sitting on the floor, guarded by droids. Large numbers of droids patrolled the hanar itself, and the trio just barely ducked out of sight as one came strolling by with it mechanical legs. Panaka shook his head, and looked at Qui-Gon: "There are too many of them." Qui-Gon gave him one of his calm smiles. "That won't be a problem." He turned to the Queen. "Your Highness, under these circumstances, I suggest you come to Coruscant with us." His words struck everyone gathered deep, for the Queen had never left Naboo ever since that crash flight months before. And she was not destined to leave anytime soon. To run away would mean to desert the people, and yet it would also mean to save her life. Amidala now faced a dillema in front of which many would have faltered and failed miserably. SabĂ©'s face was emotionless when she spoke. "Thank you Ambassador, but my place is with my people." PadmĂ© released a breath she did not know she had been holding, and congratulated SabĂ© in her mind. There was no way she would leave Naboo and its people, HER people, to Gunray. Qui-Gon was not happy with the answer. "They will kill you if you stay." Bibble shook his head. "They wouldn't dare!" His voice was that of outrage. Panaka offered an explanation to an annoyed Jedi Master: "They need her to sign the treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal. They can't afford to kill her." PadmĂ© shuddered. Sadly enough, it was true, and all women of the court knew it. The Jedi's voice was thoughtful and concerned: "The situation here is not what it seems to be. There is something else behind all this, Your Highness. There is no logic in the Federation's move here. My feelings tell me that they will destroy you." This was a completely new vision of Gunray, and one that no one of Naboo wished to imagion. Panaka looked at Amidala worriedly. SabĂ©'s heart hammered away in her chest, while the rest of the handmaidens and Arwen stood in silence, waiting for an answer rom the Queen. It was Sio Bibble who spoke first, however, in a pleading voice. "Please, Your Highness, reconsider. Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us. Senator Palpatine will need your help." Now SabĂ© was truly before a dillema, and one she did not like at the least. She wished that it were PadmĂ© who spoke with the men, not herself. At times like this, it took every ounce of self-discipline to maintain the regal appearance of Queen Amidala, and yet still think with a clear head and speak with a sharp voice. Panaka had to disagree with both Bibble and Qui-Gon. "Getting pas their blockade is impossible, Your Highness. Any attempt to escape will be dangerous." He had in mind the sleek Nubian starship, which had never been designed as a warship, but rather as an interpretation of Nabooan philosophy. It did have the latest technology and astrodroids, as well as the newest model of a hyperdrive, but no shooting equipment and much less very strong shields. Bibble was quick to counter the guard. "Your Highness, I will stay here and do what I can..They will have to retain the Council's Governors in order to maintain control. But you must leave." His blue eyes met hers, and he nodded. SabĂ© gulped and wished feverishly for something to happen so she would be able to step down from her role. Slowly and gracefully, she turned to look at EirtaĂ© and PadmĂ© who now stood right behind her, with Arwen standing alongside. "Either choice presents a great risk..to all of us.." she trailed off and waited for an answer from PadmĂ©. Their communication, when thus dressed, consisted of hidden riddles and enigmatic speeches. They trained all the time. For example, Amidala spoke about her concerns about the water levels in one of the minor cities during a council, and SabĂ© would know that she was thirsty, and bring her water. That way, everyone thought that the staff was extremely well-trained and could be ruled over. Arwen gently nudged PadmĂ© from behind, and the handmaiden spoke. "We are brave, Your Highness," and lowered her head. Arwen nodded, gray eyes meeting brown ones and sending a thought of reassurance. Qui-Gon, however, was getting impatient. "If you are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now." The Queen nodded. "Then I will plead our case before the Senate." She turned to look at Bibble. "Be careful, Governor." Then she moved, and three handmaidens, EirtaĂ©, RabĂ© and PadmĂ© followed her, along with Arwen. SachĂ© and YanĂ© would stay with Sio Bibble. Now the group had finally entered the hangar, and the droids noticed them immediately. Alarms could be heard in the distance, probably the Queen's disappearance had already been noticed. Qui-Gon took little heed of the droids and simply walked further, as if on a casual jog. Amidala was nervous, and kept looking left and right. Something was bound to happen soon. Arwen walked behind her, and took a glance forward, towards the Padawan. Over his shoulder there came suddenly the vision of one of the yellow fighters, turning slowly towards the exit. No one else seemed to notice it, thus Arwen remained silent, for she realised that she was having a vision. In the cockpit there sat a young boy, perhaps aged ten, with an astrodroid behin him. Together, they took off from the hangar, with laser beams following them, but missing completely. Then the hangar was empty and silent once more. Arwen looked ahead and tried not to think about the vision too much. They happened occasionally, these visions, and she had yet to discover the power to partly control them, for at the moment they simply came, unbidden and unlooked for. The elleth surpressed a sigh and focused on what was going on before her. Panaka had wisely suggested that the pilots should be freed, and Obi-Wan had set out to do so. There was something in the manner of his walk that made Arwen wonder, but she had little time. For suddenly a droid appeared before them all. "Where are you going?" came its mechanical voice. The Elf had to stiff back an urge to roll her eyes. These robots knew very little of what went on beside the orders they were given. They didn't have the brains for that. Qui-Gon seemed completely calm. "I am Ambassador for the Supreme Chancellor. I am taking these people to Coruscant." The machine before him seemed to be thinking. Arwen was getting nervous, but she fought the urge to cast glances to her sides. Finally, the droid came to his senses. "Uh..that does not fall in with orders..eh…you're under arrest!" Big news. This time, Arwen did roll her eyes. The idiocy still surprised her, even though she'd seen quite a lot of it by now. But the poor robot didn't have a chance to even lift his weapon properly – the Jedi was far too quick for him. In the blink of an eye his green lightsaber flashed as if from out of nowhere. The buzz was also heard from Obi-Wan's own saber, and together, the two Jedi began their assault upon the droids in the hangar, while the now freed pilots began racing in every direction. Ric OliĂ©, captain of the Nubian cruiser, was first to reach the ship, and he wasted no time at all, but quickly seated himsel into the cockpit and proceeded with ignition. SabĂ© lifted the heavy skirts of her gown and ran as fast as she could, with her handmaidens in their fiery gowns flanking her. Arwen came last, acting as rear-guard, as she had oft done in her plays with Elladan and Elrohir. But that time seemed so far away now that she did not stop to think about it. The slight heels of her shoes made clinking sounds as she sprinted towards the rampway. Midstride she nearly got shot by one of the lasers, but luckily she had enough wit to duck. In the next instant, a strong arm was around her waist, and she looked up to see Padawan Kenobi. He pulled her forward without a word, while deflecting stray laser shots with his saber. Together they ran up the rampway, and as the ship was already on the move, Qui-Gon joined them. The Master and Apprentice looked at each other. "This will be a bumpy ride," commented Obi-Wan, then looked at Arwen. She arched one elegant eyebrow, as if to ask 'What?'. He flashed her a grin, though she couldn't find anything amusing in their current situation. "Strap yourself in," he continued, then disappeared into the cockpit. The elleth glared after him. Strap herself in? Not in a million! And she promptly followed the Jedi to Ric. She and the pilot had become fast friends anyway. The cruiser got speed finally and managed to get into orbit. Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Arwen all stood behind the pilot as he maneuvered them out. Together they caught sight of the feared Blockade. They were soon joined by Panaka. And it was then that OliĂ© complained: "Our communications are still jammed!" "We need to get past the blockade," commented the elleth. Qui-Gon looked at her, but before he could ask, she offered an explanation: "Minister of War Elana Oriana. I am responsible for anything connected with battles." The Master seemed to like the answer, because he simply nodded and focused upon the blockade once more. Laser canons could be seen, and it was not long until laser shots began to hit the sleek cruiser. Its shields were no match against such power. Somehow, one shot got past the shield and hit the hyperdrive, as well as the power generator. Suddenly their shields were down, and alarms went up all over the ship. Arwen's lips became a thin line, and her gray eyes betrayed her fright. Qui-Gon placed a hand on her shoulder. Have faith. The Force will guide us. The voice inside her head was unexpected, but welcome, and she grasped that tiny beam of hope which she knew as much about as she did about the life of Hobbits. Her knuckles turned white as she waited, while astro-droids travelled onto the damaged area. One of them, R2-D2, was the most stubborn of all. When everyone else had been shot off, he remained, and transfered power, so their shields were back up. It was a small victory, but at least it meant they flew right through the blockade, and away, far away from Naboo. OliĂ© pushed some control buttons. "There's not enough power to getu s all the way to Coruscant..the hyperdrive is leaking." Qui-Gon lowered himself down to inspect some charts. Arwen noticed the main name: OUTER RIM. This would be interesting. "We'll have to land somewhere to refuel and repair the ship." Obi-Wan cut in: "Here Master. Tatooine. It's small, out of the way, poor..the Federation holds no power here." The elleth's head turned into the direction given, and she actually saw the planet on the charts, though she knew little about it except that it lay in the notorius Outer Rim. It seemed the Padawan knew more than just battle techniques. Panaka was suspicious. "How can you be sure?" Qui-Gon answered without looking at him: "It is controlled by the Hutts." This sent the captain of the Guard into an uproar: "The Hutts??" Obi-Wan turned to look at him. "It's risky, but we have no alternative." He looked to Arwen, as if asking her opinion. In the elleth's opinion, any place without Nute Gunray's presence was a good one. Until.. "You can't take Her Royal Highness there! The Hutts are gangsters..if they discover her.." Arwen cringed. She didn't want to think about it, really. Qui-Gon spoke in a stern voice: "..it will be no different than if we land on a system controlled by the Federation..except the Hutts aren't looking for her, which gives us an advantage." Panaka took a deep breath of frustration, and looked to Arwen for help. All men in the cockpit suddenly had eyes on her, and Arwen figured out that this would be the most important decision of her life. She took a deep breath and looked down, trying to calm her thoughts. It seemed to her that soothing waves came from the Evenstar pendant she wore, and she could fanthom her father speaking to her: Listen to you heart, child. When all esle fails..listen. It will guide you. Always. Gray eyes met the green of Qui-Gon. "We go to Tatooine." Panaka gave a yelp of frustration. Arwen looked at Ric. "Captain, proceed. Inform me when we are near." Before she exited the cockpit, she met Obi-Wan's gaze. Their eyes lingered for a moment, then she was gone in a flourish of red and golden. "To Tatooine it is then," commented OliĂ©. "Best take some rest, boys. This is going to be a long trip." TBC Please read and review! Chapter 11 - Chapter Ten - Tatooine A/N: this chapter is fairly short but it's a bridge between chp 9 and 11. Next one will be longer ;) Chapter Ten: Tatooine While Nute Gunray and his co-plotter Rune debated their next move with Darth Sidious, the sleek Nubian starship was making its way across the Galaxy with good speed, although they could not jump to lightspeed due to the damaged hyperdrive. The little astro-droid, which had managed to transfer power to the back-up generators, was brought before Queen Amidala. SabĂ© was seated upon a white throne in all her glory, with PadmĂ© and RabĂ© standing on her left and right, while EirtaĂ© stood beside the door to the throne room. Arwen had been given a chair at the bottom of the low stairs that lead to the throne. Panaka, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stepped forth, and between them was the blue astro-droid, dirty and full of galactic dust. Arwen's gaze met Obi-Wan's for a moment then she looked away, to the hands folded on her lap. A few strands of her ebon hair had escaped the delicate hairdress and now trailed free. Panaka began a congratulation speech for the little droid, but Arwen paid him little heed, rather trying to pull herself together. Each time the young Jedi entered the roo she suddenly felt uncomfortable and had little room to move and breathe, or so it seemed to her. She had to be serious – this as a crisis, and she was more than 3000 years old, while he was just into his twenties. Panaka's voice woke her from her musings: "..An extremely well put together little droid. Without a doubt, it saved the ship, and all our lives." Arwen lifted her gaze again, only to find Obi-Wan's blue-green eyes upon her, but she averted her own to look at the droid. SabĂ©, oblivious to what was going on in front of her, spoke with a smile upon her painted face: "It is to be commended…what is its number?" Panaka took a step forward and wiped some dust off the droid, while it let a series of whistles from inside its mechanical head. Arwen bit back a chuckle. "R2-D2, Your Highness," said the man and stepped away, while the droid moved closer upon the beckoning of the Queen. SabĂ© smiled brightly. "Thank you, R2-D2. PadmĂ©!" The sudden change of demenour woke the handmaidens and the one named PadmĂ© stepped forth, bowing before her Queen. "Clean this droid the best you can. It deserves our gratitude." As PadmĂ© bowed and met Arwen's gray gaze, SabĂ© turned her focus upon Panaka: "Continue, Captain." At once Arwen noticed the nervous glance the Captain of the Guard sent towards the two Jedi, and she knew this was about their direction case. She had informed both the real Queen and the decoy Queen of her decision to make for Tatooine almost as soon as it had been made. Thus, it would not come as a surprise. Qui-Gon was the one to speak: "Yor Highness, we are heading for a remote planet called Tatooine. It is a system far beyond the reach of the Trade Federation. There we will be able to make needed repairs, then travel on to Coruscant." SabĂ© exchanged a knowing glance with Arwen before looking back to the Jedi Master, but saying nothing. Panaka was the one to speak: "Your Highness, Tatooine is very dangerous. It's controlled by an alliance of gangs called the Hutts. I do not agree with the Jedi on this." Before anyone could say anything, Qui-Gon continued his speech: "You must trust my judgement, Your Highness." PadmĂ© sent a look in SabĂ©'s direction, before she followed R2-D2 out of the throne room. "I will see who I can trust once it is proven that Tatooine shall not harm me," spoke SabĂ©, and thus dismissed the three men. Only Obi-Wan cast a glance over his shoulder, directed at Arwen, who lowered her eyes once more. Then the door closed, and she regained the ability to breathe freely. Suddenly she felt very vulnerable and alone, and more than ever she wished for her father to be near her. Or her grandmother. The Lady of the Wood would most certainly know what was going on with her granddaughter at the moment. She was unaware of the glance SabĂ© sent her and a knowing smile. In the cockpit, quite some time later, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Panaka watched as a yellow planet came into view through the main window. "There it is," said the Padawan, "Tatooine." OliĂ© glanced at the trio, before taking a look back. "There's a settlement..a spaceport, I think." Qui-Gon ran his hand over his beard. "Land near the outskirts, we don't want to attract attention," he finally said, then left the cockpit. OliĂ© arched an eyebrow and looked at Obi-Wan, who offered him a shrug, then followed his Master out of the tiny space. The ship began its descent into the planetary orbit. Ric piloted it skillfully, maneuvering it away from the settlement well before they would have been detected, and heading for the desert, which was plentyfull on Tatooine, the planet of the Two Suns. When the ship landed Awen just finished braiding PadmĂ©'s hair into a delicate braided hairstyle, yet peasant enough to make her seem as a handmaiden, or farmer's daughter. Then she turned and left the Queen to give last minute instructions to SabĂ©, who would remain upon the cruiser with RabĂ©, EirtaĂ© and Arwen herself. The elleth made her way down the corridor towards where Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood, at the back of the ship. She came close just in time to hear the Master speak these words to his Padawan: "Don't let them send any transmissions. Be wary…I sense a disturbance in the Force." His Padawan nodded gravely. "I feel it also, Master." Then they exchanged a look, and Qui-Gon turned, meeting Arwen in the doorway. The elleth inclined her head and moved out of his way. The Jedi Master made his way down the corridor, knowing that he was leaving the ship in capable hands. Obi-Wan looked at Arwen, who watched the taller Jedi walk down the rampway, accompanied by Jar Jar Binks, a native Gungan they had brought along, and R2-D2. Not long after they were followed by Panaka and PadmĂ©, and Arwen smiled softly, knowing that the Queen would have her way even if Qui-Gon Jinn did not wish it to be so. Finally she turned and met Obi-Wan's gaze evenly. The Jedi Padawan stood, half-leaning upon the broken hyperdrive, his hands messy from the oil, and an oil stain upon his cheek. He quirked an eyebrow at her when her gaze lingered upon it. "What?" he asked in an almost amused voice. This Minister of War intrigued him. She gave him a shy smile. "You have a…stain upon your cheek." Another eyebrow was raised and he lifted his hand to wipe it away, but she topped him. Before he knew it her fingers had wrapped themselves around his wrist, gently stilling his hand. "If you have not noticed, you have oil stains here too. Don't. You'll make it worse," she spoke, amused, and took a handkerchief from the pocket of her gown. Tenderly, as a mother would she wiped the stain away. "There," she commented, "much better." Obi-Wan let out a chuckle, and she smiled. "I will be with the Queen should you require my assistance," she explained, "if you'll need anything, please, do not hesitate to ask. I am here to assist you in any way I can." The Padawan nodded and thus, her task done, she turned and walked away, back to SabĂ©. An dObi-Wan found that he wore the most stupid smile he had ever experienced in all his life. Please read and review! Chapter 12 - Chapter Eleven - The Elf and the Jedi Author's Note: SO sorry for the delay! RL came inbetween again...hopefully, the chapter is long enough for my readers! Chapter Eleven: The Elf and the Jedi With the actual Queen gone and SabĂ© deciding she could do with some rest, Arwen had retired to her own sleeping chamber as well. Due to the fact that she was not handmaiden to Amidala, she did not sleep in the same room as EirtaĂ©, RabĂ© and PadmĂ©, but ha dan accomodation of her own. It wasn't big, consisting only of a narrow bed, a corner for her trunk with clothes (specially designed trunks which prevented the gowns from tumbling around or getting wrinkles all over, even when turned upside-down), a table and a personal refresher. Which was the first thing that the elleth used as soon as she closed the slide door behind her. She allowed the water to run down her face as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. To an outsider, and even to PadmĂ©, the woman who looked back would be no different than any of her handmaidens – youthful, a slight colour to her pale cheeks, with knowledgable eyes. To an Elf, the image would be different – an Elf would see the light within the gray orbs diminished to a low sparkle, vitality gone from the skin, the shine of ebon hair lost into the dullness of the day. A tired, worn-out elleth would stand before any Elf who would care to look upon her. And that was what Arwen knew well. On Naboo, everything had been fine. Being one of the Noldo, and yet having Maia blood within her veins as well, she needed to see greenery and plants, feel the life around her, hear the birds chip upon the branches. In this spacevehicle, and more so, upon this planet where the only thing she could see was sand as far as her gaze could reach, her lifeline was growing short, her will to live diminishing with each moment that passed away. To Arwen, it seemed as if she was standing just outside her body, seeing the spirit slowly edging away, cord by cord making its way out of the physical prison. And she could not do anything about it. A sigh escaped her lips and she splashed some more water into her face. She had to remain strong. Fight this suffocating feeling of death all around her and stay alive long enough for the ship to reach Coruscant. Not that it would be any better there. But at least there were parks upon the planet, where trees yet lived and birds still sung. That was the place she would visit first, before attending to any duties PadmĂ© would assign her. Otherwise, she was afraid she would fade away. With another sigh she pulled away, drying her face and stepping back into her bedroom. Absent-mindedly one of her hands reached up to distangle the delicate hairpiece she wore, thus allowing the dark strands of her hair to tumble freely down her back once more. Placing the piece upon the table for the time being, her other hand reached out to lift a comb, and she ran it through her tresses, a contented voice escaping her, as she felt some of the tension within her loosen. Once her grooming period was over, the Elf stood once more and decided a bath would be nice. Turning her back to the door, she pushed the red and golden gown she wore from her shoulders, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her feet. Stepping out of it, and pinning her hair up again, Arwen stepped into the refresher. She had only been under the water for a few minutes when she heard a voice call her through her comlink, hidden in the folds of her dress on the floor. "Minister Elana, the Queen would wish to know your whereabouts. She would like to remind you to check on the Jedi Padawan from time to time." Arwen rolled her eyes and continued enjoying the feel of getting clean, but the voice didn't stop there. "Also, she would like to tell you to remain as close to him as possible. The Queen does not trust either of the Jedi. They should be kep tunder control. A delicate task, but you should have no problems." The elleth allowed a rather uncharacteristic noise to escape her. SabĂ© was right not to trust the older Jedi, Qui-Gon; but Obi-Wan would, and could not do anything without his master's consent. So she didn't know why anyone bothered. But still, an order was an order. And by the tone of EirtaĂ©'s voice, she knew she'd best report to the Queen soon. And find Obi-Wan as well. Drying herself off with a towel, Arwen stepped over the gown on the floor and opened her trunk. She pondered for a moment what to wear, then chose a vibrant purple-golden gown. The neckline had been cut low, dangerously so, but elegant golden pins kept it closed together, revealing no more skin than was proper. The sleeves were more relaxed and free, not constricted at the least, and the waist was pulled in slightly, while the skirt itself trailed behind. Packing the red gown away, Arwen clicked her comlink. "EirtaĂ©, I'm on my way to check on the Jedi now," she spoke, "report to the Queen." Then she turned the device off and took the first two strands of hair, pulling them back and braiding them swiftly, thus keeping the hair ou of her face, but still allowing it to fall free. Then she exited her room and walked slowly down the metal corridor. Where would she find the Padawan? With Panaka, probably. So, where was Panaka? While thinking where to find the Captain, Arwen stumbled upon something strange within the depths of her mind. If it would have been able to take physical form, it would have been a delicate cord. Tentinatevly, she explored it, and unconciously followed the thoughts that glowed from the cord itself. She walked down the corridor and turned right, then followed the rampway outside. Her shoes touched the sand and she looked up, seeing both Panaka and Obi-Wan outside. They seemed to be in conversation, but Arwen was more amazed to realize that the 'cord' began to glow and became stronger as she drew near. Suddenly, the Padawan turned around and their eyes met. Obi-Wan had felt a strange thing for a few moments, as if someone was caling him, searching for him. Strangely enough, he had been interested enough to reply, answering the calls and waiting to see what would happen. With the Force, nothing was impossible. Perhaps someone was trying to communicate with him through a mind connection. He even toyed with the thought that Master Yoda had stumbled down a strange mind path while trying to contact him, and was now seeking his way out. Unthinkable, but not impossible. But when the all grew stronger, he realised it was not Yoda, but a fairer voice, one that brought him much comfort and peace. And when it suddenly became so strong, he felt the presence of someone and turned around. Only to meet the gaze of Minister Elana, who stood inbetween the rampway and himself. She seemed confused about something as well, but the look was replaced by one of serenity, as he knew her to be. The elleth came to them both, and Panaka smiled upon seeing her. "Hello my lady, what can we do for you?" he spoke cheerfully, thus trying to hide the fact that his Queen was alone in Mos Espa, with a Jedi, a droid, and a Gungan. Not a pleasant thought. Arwen smiled. "I've come to see if either one of you requires anything, and to make sure Padawan Kenobi was properly accomodated upon the ship." At these words her gray eyes sought his blue-green ones again. Obi-Wan inclined his head. "At the moment I am satisfied with what I have; I shall probably sleep very little anyway," he replied smoothly, not wishing to cause the woman more trouble than was necessary. Although he noticed the pointed ears within the depths of ebon hair, and figured out that she wasn't a native Nabooan. Come to think of it, he couldn't think of a race who would be alike to her. He'd have to ask her about it. Arwen smiled some more. "Well, I have to make sure you have a bed. So, if you would follow me…" she trailed off and turned around, walking slowly back to the rampway. Obi-Wan arched an eyebrow and glanced at Panaka. The dark-skinned guard bit back a chuckle. "Best follow her without questioning," he replied in an amused voice, "the Minister is rumoured to be rather nasty if someone decides not to follow her words." The Jedi decided to politely ignore the remark and rather jog after the woman. Best to keep on her safe side. He caught up to her just before the rampway and there he slowed down, matching her speed of walk. Arwen smiled and glanced his way. Only now did he figure out that she stood almost at his height, being lower only about half an inch…and only because he wore boots. "I was wondering when you would join me," she commented in an amused tone, entering the ship once more. Obi-Wan shrugged. "Last minute instructions from the Captain." They looked at each other and a grin broke through Obi-Wan's stern demenour. Arwen laughed softly and lead the way through what seemed like a maze of corridors, but the Jedi realised it only seemed so with some useful tricks. Placing her hand on something, a door slid back, revealing a simple bedroom. She stopped and motioned inside. "This room is without an owner," she commented, "you are free to use it if you so choose. You'll need some rest while we're here. We could stay on this planet for a long time." Obi-Wan allowed a sigh to escape his lips. "Thank you, and as much as I want to disagree with you…I cannot. I have a feeling we'll be here for a while." The words meant more to Arwen that reached the eye, her facial expression had not changed a bit, though the Padawan felt a sudden wave of despair come from her, cut short suddenly and deftly. Confusing situation. He would have to converse with his master on this. The woman before him smiled gently. "Let us hope then that your master finds a way off Tatooine soon…" he nodded in response, entering the room and tossing off his cloak. The brown material landed in a heap upon the bed. As he sat down he had this feeling that someone wasn't too pleased with him. Looking up, he saw Elana, her arms crossed, standing in the doorway, a rather amused expression on her face. For the second time in their aquaintance, he raised his voice in question. "Now what?" And for the second time she chuckled, shaking her head. "You. Did you ever think that perhaps folding your cloak would help to keep it in better shape?" A slender eyebrow arched in silent challenge. Which Obi-Wan felt he had to answer. "I did, actually. Numerous times. Circumstances, however, proove that I simply don't care." At his words she laughed, a musical sound. The image that Obi-Wan got was that of tumbling gold, falling down a gentle slope into a velly of lush greenery. The woman then crossed the distance to the bed, took up his cloak and began folding it. He rolled his eyes and continued taking off his boots. "You're starting to act like a mother," he retorted, which sent her into a laugh once more. "Perhaps – seems you need someone to watch over you all the time! Without your master you seem rather disoriented." The Jedi snorted. "I beg your pardon, but I am completely capable of taking care of myself, thank you. The fact that master Qui-Gon has left me here alone to tend to the ship while he's gone prooves that much." Arwen gave hi man amused grin and tucked the neatly-folded cloak safely away. "I have to say I can scarcely believe you. To me it seems like you need a hand over your neck." Obi-Wan was about to protest, when the flare of anger died within him, as he met her gray orbs. They were sparkling with mirth, and the corners of her lips twicthed, betraying the fact that she was about to laugh out loud. She was teasing him! He threw his head back and laughed, and was accompanied by Elana's laughter as well. She wiped some tears away from her eyes. "I would have thought you'd see through my cover!" she exclaimed. Obi-Wan grinned impishly. "I may be a Jedi, but I'm not all-seeing! Yoda is. I'm on my way to that." "No doubt," she retorted and laughed again, before turning to exit the room. Obi-Wan followed her form and smiled in a friendly manner as she turned back to him. She gave him a smile then disappeared, her steps echoing down the hallway. TBC Please read and review! Chapter 13 - Chapter Twelve: Practise in the storm Author's Note: Again, SO sorry for the delay! But I had to finish the term...however, I am hoping to finish part one of these series by the end of July, or at least August, so bear with me please! And thanks to all my reviewers! Chapter Twelve: Practise in the storm All was quiet on the outskirts of Mos Espa. Not a single white cloud travelled across the sky, which was brightened by Tatooine's two suns. One lay slightly higher than the other, but that did not meant that it shone with any less energy. On the contrary, it seemed to burn with much more force because of the fact that it was farther away from the planet. The azure-coloured sky seemed like an endless mass, not a speck of another colour in sight. The rays of the sun poured down onto the san, heating it to boiling point. All around, images of distant lands, perhaps trees, rose from the ground, and yet they were no more than illusions, fractions of a tired, weary and thirsty mind. The very air shimmered with the heat, twinkling apparently with many colours. One such image rose from within the mists of sand, lifted by a raising wind. It was the image of a great silver starship, elegant in design. It rested against the yellow sand, sparkling white with the light upon it. Dark patches stained it, and it was upon its beak, the windows of the cockpit, the glass of which had been saved from the initial heat by cooling darker material, which also kept the cockpit remarkably cool. The ship itself was being cooled by its airsystem, and the inhabitants were happy that at least that remained intact after their escape from Naboo. SabĂ© stretched across her bed lazily, lying atop the covers in the undergown of her black dress, with her hair braided in one braid, and without the heavy facial make-up. It was decided that the Queen should retire, and thus the rest enabled the handmaiden to take off the many-layered, heavy gown, as well as hairdress. Make-up had been debatable, but in the end that was taken off as well, as it was discovered that SabĂ© was suffering severe heat waves underneath it. RabĂ© and EirtaĂ© sat upon a pair of chairs, with their hoods down, thus allowing more air to reach and cool their heated faces. Neither of the handmaidens liked Tatooine, for it had prooven to be a dreadful, impossibly hot planet. After a few moments of silence, it was SabĂ© that broke it. "I wish we were still in Imladris.." the only sounds that answered her were a soft whimper from RabĂ© and a melancholy sigh from EirtaĂ©. SabĂ© leaned upon her arms then and looked at her companions. "At least it was cooler there! And we had entertaining company.." RabĂ© nodded silently and with a weak smile, while EirtaĂ©'s gaze remained fixed upon her hands. The Royal Decoy decided she had enough energy to tease her friend. "Come now, EirtaĂ©, surely you admit you miss the place? And if not the place, then certainly you miss a particular Elf that had danced with you almost through the entire night.." Success! Searing red crossed the tall handmaiden's cheeks and she looked up with flaring eyes. "Silence youngster! You know nothing of what went on then!" SabĂ© smiled meekly. "On the contrary, I know that a certain Orophin was very interested with you and would not allow anyone near you so long as you graced his presence, and hung upon his every word…" A shriek broke her speech as EirtaĂ© found enough energy within her to launch towards her friend, and together they tumbled upon the bed, laughing and squealing. "Ow, EirtaĂ©, you have my hair!" "You're sitting on my gown, get off!" "I see I missed some fun." The voice chimmed from the door and all three handmaidens looked up to see a smiling Arwen at the door, leaning on the wall with her arms crossed. RabĂ© stood. "Thank the Force, Elana! I was thinking they'd kill themselves." SabĂ© and EirtaĂ© distangled themselves from one another and pouted. "Come on RabĂ©, don't spoil the fun!" Arwen laughed and shook her head, then entered the bedroom and closed the door behind her, which slid shut without so much as a creak. The elleth walked to the edge of the bed and sat down, while all three of the handmaidens gathered round her, their eyes glittering with the hope of getting some spicy news which they might giggle about. They were, in the end, teenage girls, grown-up too fast, and yet clinging to their years before adolescence. "Have you checked on the Jedi?" asked EirtaĂ©, thus speaking the mind of all three, basically, for neither of the handmaidens could deny the fact that they found Obi-wan Kenobi extremely hadsome. Arwen rolled her eyes and took her time correcting a stray lace upon her sleeve, while tension rose. "Last I saw of him, he was folding his cloak and tucking away his boots while he was preparing for a slight nap," she finally said and all three girls squealed in delight and began speaking about anything their over-imaginative mind could conjure. Arwen smiled over it all in an amused manner; she remembered well her own days of growing-up, when she had sat with some of her friends on the high terraces of Imladris, preferably near the trainig grounds, where Glorfindel and other ellyn trained for war. Those days were now long gone, but she remembered them with fondness. And she also remembered the fact that neither of the ellyn had managed to capture her heart, although she'd had a slight crush on the mighty Balrog slayer until she was about ninety years of age, almost an adult. That was when she realised she could not imagine spending an eternity with Glorfindel. Both she and the senechal had had quite a fair share of laughs on her account since then, all in good humor. Shaking out of her thoughts Arwen suddenly tensed, though none of the girls noticed it, too consumed they were with chit-chat. Something seemed wrong, though what, she could not tell. A steady feeling of unease crept into her soul, and the more she harkened to it, the less she could sit in silence and peace. Thus she rose suddenly and all three of the handmaidens looked up. Sending them a court smile, Arwen excused herself and hastened down the corridor. RabĂ© looked at her companions with an arched eyebrow. "Where do you think she's going?" EirtaĂ© shrugged, while SabĂ© smiled slyly. "Perhaps she's going to the Jedi again.." "SabĂ©!" came RabĂ©'s horrified voice, which sent the decoy into another fit of merry giggles, and it ended with a pillow fight. In the mean time, Arwen had made her way down the corridor, only to meet Panaka and Obi-Wan closing the rampway and sealing the ship. One eyebrow arched as she looked from one man to the other with the silent question in her gray eyes. Obi-Wan looked to Panaka who sighed heavily. "Sandstorm is about to hit in. I have not other alternative than to seal the ship. Hopefully, our friends were wise enough to seek shelter in town." With a court incline of his head, the captain excused himself and left for the cockpit to check with OliĂ©, leaving Arwen alone with Obi-Wan. The elleth shook her head and rubbed her temples. Not good. She feared for PadmĂ© – the Queen of Naboo was alone out there in the storm! If anything happened to her, Arwen would never forgive herself for allowing her to take leave of the ship in the first place. "Worry not, Qui-Gon would have made all of them stay in town," came a low, soothing voice, and she looked up to see Obi-Wan smiling gently. Arwen offered him a hesitant smile in response before closing her eyes again, her long lashes brushing against her ivory cheeks. "I fear for PadmĂ©. She is unused to these kind of situations." "Have no fear, my master shall not allow any harm come to her." His blue-green eyes watched her curiously, and for a moment Arwen feared that she had blown SabĂ©'s and PadmĂ©'s cover, but luckily, the question he gave her was none of the sort. "Might I ask where is the quietest and largest space of the ship?" Arwen lifted an eyebrow in question, but her mind was already searching for an answer. "At the moment that would have to be the storage rooms. Follow me." She turned on her heel, and for a moment the scent of her hair reached Obi-Wan, and he closed his eyes. It reminded him of fresh summer flowers on a mornng in May, somewhere far away from this drasted planet. Focusing once more upon the retreating figure, the tall Jedi followed his hostess down the winding corridor and down a set of steps. At the base she paused, and he realised that they had come to the storage rooms. Well basically it was only one larger room but divided with light barriers into more. Many were filled with trunks, but some were empty. "I hope this shall suit your needs," said the woman, and he nodded. "Might I be so bold to ask, however, as to why you will need them?" Obi-Wan smiled and unbuckled his lightsaber, whilst taking off his brown cloak with the other hand. "I need to practise and meditate for a while – it shall ease my feelings and relax my body, since I must be constantly on guard." At this her face brightened in the knowledge and she nodded, then turned to leave. But he could see she hesitated. "Would you mind if I watch you practise? I have never seen a Jedi work his way with a saber before," came then her silent, shy inquiry, and Obi-Wan was surprised to find that he was actually rather embarassed that she wished to view his practise session! But he could not deny her request, strangely so. "I would not mind at all," came his soft reply, and Arwen sent him a smile, before taking a seat at the base of the stairs, also closing the door above them both, thus ensuring them privacy. Obi-Wan took a deep breath and concentrated, before pushing the button which ignited his blue lightsaber. The blade glittered inches in front of him, and he could feel the heat radiate from it, the familiar heat which placed a smile upon his face. He closed his eyes and emptied his thoughts. He could not practise with his thoughts in a jumble. Then, he slowly began to move. Arwen watched, fascinated, by the fluid and graceful movements of the man before her, which reminded her very much of Glorfindel's own practise sessions, or that of her brothers. The buzzing sound of the blue blade soon became a welcomed one as her gray eyes followed the blue around the room. And in those quiet hours there seemed to come an understanding between Arwen and Obi-Wan, a silent message of friendship. She would remember that moment much later in her life when in need of peace, and he would always treasure it as an oasis for the serenity of his mind. After about an hour the Jedi paused, his breathing controlled, yet difficult a little, and he pushed the button again. The blue light disappeared. Blue-green eyes met gray ones, and then suddenly, a curious notion dawned upon Obi-Wan. "Would you like to try some moves?" he asked, not knowing why he did it – how could this woman possibly know how to wield a lightsaber? Most likely, the only knife she had held was a kitchen one. Arwen sat still for a moment, before her soft voice floated to his ears like a smooth, velvet caress. "If you will let me.." Obi-Wan nodded silently and beckoned to her, holding out the handle of his cherished weapon to her. The elleth stood and came to him, taking hold of the weapon gently, although as she did so, he could tell that she was no wholly unfamiliar with weaponry. He closed the distance between them and stepped behind her, guiding her hand into a position in which she may safely ignite the lightsaber without burning either herself or him. Her perfume was more than evident by then, and he needed to focus hard. "A lightsaber is the life of a Jedi," he heard himself speak, while suddenly focused upon the braid of her hair. "We build it ourselves, and watch over it all our lives. It is an elegant weapon, and often used to protect us in these dangerous times." Her head bobbed up and down in understanding. Gently, Obi-Wan placed his caloused hand across her own, marvelling at the silken touch of her skin, and pushed the button that brought the saber to life once more. Arwen marvelled at the lightness and elegance of the weapon, as well as the shivers that ran through her hands down her spine, and the warmth that radiated from the Jedi behind her. Obi-Wan slowly guided Arwen into a dance that was an easy practise session, and she responded to his moves fluidly, sometimes even before he could take the initiative. That caught him slightly off-guard but he continued none the less, and soon they were caught in the dance, two boides entwined, the Force floating all around them in the storage rooms, radiating through their bodies and tying the cord together, making it glow far more than before. They stopped suddenly, the session at the end. Arwen's heart had quickened its pace, although she did not know whether because of the session or because of the Jedi behind her. Lightly, uncounciously, she leaned into him, enjoying the feel of solid muscle against her back. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and breathed in her scent deeply. The moment was broken by Obi-Wan's comlink fluttering into life. The Jedi and the Elf sprang apart, the apprentice moving to his cloak and the elleth turning off the saber. Their eyes met and gazes held for a long moment, before Arwen turned around and walked back up the steps and disappeared into the ship. A soft groan escaped Obi-Wan, as he dug out his comlink and answered the call of his master. TBC Please read and review! Chapter 14 - Chapter Thirteen: Matters of State Author's Note: Once more I must appologise, but health came in the way! Though now we are swiftly moving to the end of TPM..and the end of the first book! Chapter Thirteen: Matters of state Tatooine was slowly becoming very boring and quite the annoying type of planet for the Nabooans on the Nubian cruiser, when, finally, PadmĂ© and Qui-Gon returned, with parts to get the ship started again. For the sake of remaining undiscovered, SabĂ© and PadmĂ© remained in their roles for now. It would have been hard to explain where one handmaiden disappeared to, since you could only hide so much on one ship. And it wasn't that big of a ship either. Arwen was quite happy that things were moving forward. Her lifeline was slowly growing ever shorter, the longer they stayed upon the desert planet. But she hid it well, and no one recognised her weariness to be that of perhaps being mortally-wounded, but simply the effect of climate and everyone deemed she would recover in the coolness of her room, or better yet, once they were off Tatooine. The elleth was thankful, for she was in no real mood of explaining why the sight of vast oceans of sand slowly kills her, moment by moment, and that she longs for nothing more than a breath of cool air and the feeling of wind on her cheeks. Qui-Gon had also brought someone else with him, though: a young boy, named Anakin Skywalker. He was eight years of age, but extremely clever and resourceful, which made him grow immediately in Arwen's eyes. Next to PadmĂ©, the kind elleth was the first person the young boy could relate to and talk without having to be more than he actually was. Arwen took immediate liking to him and the two became fast friends. She did not reveal it, though, but she had seen the boy before. Being the daughter of Elrond, she had been gifted with the Sight, and sometimes she had visions which predicted far more than she would wish. Anakin's face was not unknown to her, for she remembered him from a vision in the Naboo Hangar, but the only other thing she could remember was the fact that it was disturbing. Finally the crew were able to fire up the engines once more, and OliĂ© could take off, skillfully guiding the cruiser out of Tatooine's atmosphere and into orbit. Everyone seemed generally pleased, because they'd all grown weary of the planet. The only one displeased was Anakin; he had left his mother behind, and left for the unknown, large universe. Arwen took pity on him and sat with him for long hours of the night, talking about various things to keep hi sever-working mind occupied. It was during one of these talks, that she discovered the boy to be far more perceptive than she had thought. They sat together upon the bed in her chamber, pleasantly speaking about nothing in particular, actually commenting on how different the orbital temperatures were to those on Tatooine, when Anakin fell silent, his brow growing wrinkles, as he fell into deep thought. The elleth dipped her head to the side and her clear gray eyes watched him with interest, yet she was silent. His voice was small when he posed his question: "You're not from Naboo, are you?" The question caught her slightly off-guard, for she had certainly not expected it! For a moment, she was at loss what to answer, but like all the Eldar, she could read many hearts, and that of Anakin knew no shadow. Thus, a small, sad smile spread across her lips. "No, I am not. Your eyes see much more than there is, young Skywalker," she replied in a soft voice. And as Anakin looked into her eyes, he saw the thousand sparkles of the universe reflected within her gray depths, and suddenly the woman sitting opposite him seemed older…not in looks, no. He couldn't exactly describe it. There was something in her eyes that spoke so much…that she had seen far more than he ever would, ever could. Those wise gray eyes looked down to him and when he blinked, the stars were gone. "Your eyes…" he spoke, mistified, and extended her hand as if he wished to touch them, though he quickly recovered from his initial shock and withdrew it. Arwen smiled at him. "What about them?" she asked kindly, although she knew what he would tell her. The reaction of those who saw an Elf for the first time in their lives was always the same. Always, they commented upon the eyes, for an Elf's eyes are the mirror to his soul; they share all the knowledge he had gained up to that point. Arwen was well of 3000 years old then. The boy pondered his words carefully. "They shine with the starlight..although there is none in this cabin," he finally spoke truthfully, and he had hit the mark quite well. The elleth chuckled softly. "Indeed they do. Anakin, let me tell you something that I have told very few people – in fact only PadmĂ©, the Queen and the other Handmaidens. But you must promise not to tell anybody. This will be our little secret." The boy, eager to learn as much as he could about this kind, enchanting lady, who was overshadowed only by PadmĂ© in his eyes, nodded eagerly and crawled closer. Arwen seated him on her lap. "Let me tell you a story," she said and lifted her gaze to the wall, although her eyes held the images of what she was about to tell…for in her mind, she returned to Middle Earth, to the land she was born and raised in. "Far away, even farther than Tatooine, is a group of planets. That is perhaps the farthest point of the Outer Rim teritories. Three are the planets that are there; the names aren't as original as Tatooine or Naboo or Coruscant…but they serve their purpose. The first, and largest planet, is called Upper Earth. Its twin, the lowest, bears the name Lower Earth. And the middle planet, smallest and most fair, is called Middle Earth. And that is where I come from." "You come from a planet that's in the middle?" asked Anakin, absorbing the new information. Arwen smiled, absent-mindedly. "To you it seems so; to me, it is my home, the only planet that exists truly. I was born there, in the land under my father's rule, although I grew up in the land of my mother's kin. We know nothing of hyper speed, lightsabers or technology for that matter." "Your father rules a land? Then you're a princess!" exclaimed the boy and rose to look at her eyes. Arwen laughed tenderly; yes, for her people, she was the princess, descendant of LĂşthien, and the last in line for the Noldorin throne in Middle Earth. On Naboo, she was nobody. "Wait a minute," said Anakin then, and she focused her gaze on him once more. He seemed puzzled. "You don't know about technology? How do you live, then?" She smiled. "Technology isn't all, young Skywalker. We do not need it. Ours is the realm of water, sky, fire and earth. To some even metal. We live by the laws of the land, with nature, harkening to the calls of the spirits that surround us. Technology would be of no use in my world," she concluded, an amused smile appearing on her lips as she tried to envision Glorfindel handling a comlink. Anakin was far from satisfied. "Living from nature sounds pretty boring to me," he said, "don't you know speeders or anything? How do you have fun?" "We have fun differently, Anakin; instead of speeders we use horses – you use banthas. We play in nature, hiding and seeking each other, dance in the meadows, pick the early summer fruits, braid flowers in our hair, help the men run the choirs of te household," she told him, "and in the evenings we tell each other stories, and sing songs. Many a night I have sat beside my father and sung to him and the household." The boy's eyes turned large suddenly, sparkling with a silent wish. "Will you sing for me?" he asked in a pleading tone. Arwen smiled. "Make yourself comfortable," she whispered into his ear, and he did, nestling against her lap. The elleth smiled at him, tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, then, softly, her voice rose and embraced Anakin like silk, weaving a cocoone around him which kept him safe from harm. Arwen sang the song of Elbereth, in an understandable language first, then transfering to her native Sindarin and finishing with Quenya. She sang with all her heart; Elbereth probably could not hear her, but one never knew. Perhaps, by some hidden magic, her prayer would be harkened too. And as she went into Quenya, she felt Anakin's head grow heavy and lean against her upper arm. When she looked down, the boy was fast asleep. Smiling, she brought a blanket over and covered him, laying him gently on her bed, never ceasing to sing. And beside the door stood Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, listening, enchanted, to the song of the Elven-maid, having passed by just in time to hear it. Thus they travelled onward to Coruscant, where they were greated by Supreme Chancellor Valorum, Senator Palpatine and some other delegates from the Galactic Senate. SabĂ©, still posing as Queen Amidala, played her role nicely, while PadmĂ© kept an eye on both her, the other Handmaidens, and Anakin. The cheeky boy was on Coruscant for the first time, and he watched, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, at the numerous traffic within the air and the tall buildings that rose above the clouds. Arwen was unmoved by the sight, as she had been here before, but rather, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of cool wind upon her face as they took a taxi to the tall building where the Senators made their homes. Here, and only here, did PadmĂ© and SabĂ© get a chance to switch roles again, and it was decided that the handmaiden would remain behind, in their quarters, while Amidala conversed with Palpatine. RabĂ© and EirtaĂ© would accompany her, as well as would Arwen. For the occasion Amidala chose a regal gray gown, while the handmaidens donned heavy red cloaks. For Arwen, Amidala chose a gray gown as well, although far less elaborate and in a deeper shade. It had no sleeves, but embraced the figure softly, with a loose silver belt and an elegant shawl that was used to cover the hands and neck. RabĂ© pulled her hair swiftly into a heavy braid and plaited it around her head. Thus they went before Palpatine, to his suite, where Amidala took a seat, with EirtaĂ© and RabĂ© on either side of her, and Arwen inbetween them. Palpatine's words were grave, and the hearts of all those gathered were covered with fear of what may come. "The Republic is not what it once was. The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates who are only looking out for themselves and their home sytems. There is no interest in the common good...no civility, only politics...its disgusting. I must be frank, Your Majesty, there is little chance the Senate will act on the invasion," he sain in a fairly blunt way. Something in his voice made Arwen's eyes narrow and observe him carefully. The Queen met his gaze squarely: "Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope." Silently, the trio behind the Queen cheered for her small victory. Yet Palpatine remained unconvinced otherwise. "If I may say so, Your Majesty, the Chancellor has little real power...he is mired down by baseless accusations of corruption. A manufactured scandal surrounds him. The bureaucrats are in charge now." The words rang heavy in the ars of the gathered; Amidala had put high hopes to the Chancellor, and thus did Arwen as well. Even after seeing him she was convinced he was a stronger man than Palpatine said him to be. And yet, a shade of doubt had settled within their hearts. What if the Senator was right? "What options do we have?" asked Amidala calmly, yet in the way that she asked it she made it clear that she was slowly losing hope of gaining the Chancellor's help. Palpatine's answer was immediate: "Our best choice would be to push for the election of a stronger Supreme Chancellor. One who will take control of the bureaucrats, enforces the laws, and give us justice. You could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum." Amidala sat back in shock: "He has been our strongest supporter! Is there no other way?" Palpatine sighed heavily: "Our only other choice would be to submit a plea to the Courts.." The Handmaidens and Arwen stiffled a groan. The Courts were slower, far slower than the Senate! And if the Senate held no power over the Trade Federation, then the Courts had even less of it. Amidala voiced their thoughts in an icy voice: "The courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate. Our people are dying, Senator...more and more each day. We must do something quickly to stop the Federation." Palpatine smiled sadly: "To be realistic, Your Highness, I'd say we're going to have to accept Federation control for the time being." An outraged gasp came from RabĂ©, although none present acknowledged it, and she quickly stiffled her horror. The Queen turned a somber face towards the Senator: "That is something I cannot do." With that she rose and walked past him, dignified, Arwen and the Handmaidens in tow. The conversation was over. Their next stop was the Galactic Senate. Arwen's thoughts turned to Obi-Wan as the group made their way silently to the Queen's chambers. She scolded herself for allowing her thoughts to turn that way. This nonsense with the Jedi has to come to a stop – and fast! Best now, when he was at the Temple. The Queen threw her sash off onto the bed the moment the doors closed behind her. SabĂ© looked up with surprise. Without a word, the Queen disappeared to discard the rest of her gown and prepare for the meeting with the Senate. Arwen shook her head at the Handmaidens and followed the Queen. Not much is to be said about the time inbetween the two conversations, except the fact that Anakin came to say farewell – he was accepted into the Jedi Temple to begin his training. A good thing for the boy, although the girls were sad to see him go. Arwen gave him a piece of her discarded Imladris gown for remembrance. Then he was gone, and the group itself was on the way to the Senate. This time, everyone went, even Panaka. Amidala looked magnificent in the rich red and golden gown with the heavy black cloak cast over it all. The elaborate hairstyle made her seem a lot taller than she actually was, the facial make up hid her youth, and the Naboo sovereign medal upon her forehead reminded all of who she was and the power she wielded. The handmaidens wore dark turquoise petite gowns, covered with black cloaks, somber and silent. Arwen's gown had been carefully chosen by the Queen once more – striking contrast to her usual gowns, this one was in the define Naboo monarch style – a shade of deep wine-colour with intricate golden designs set upon it. It had two sets of sleeves, tight-fitting undersleeves heavy with golden threads, and heavy, but cut open at the elbo sleeves on top, with little or no golden design. Two sets of sleeves spoke of two different gowns – for indeed, it was a two-piece set. The lower one was heavy with golden, while the upper was almost without ornament, save for the Naboo emblem. Her hair had been elaborately done, parly up and partly down, held in place by the same piece she had worn with the other red dress on their flight. She felt constricted yet she lifted her chin proudly and faced the Senate without fear – for, as the daughter of Elrond, she was used to dealing with public. That which was said in the meating with the Senate is recorded elsewhere, perhaps somewhere within the chambers of Valorum himself. We do not need to repeat it here, the only thing we must know is that Amidala's last orthodox action to win the freedom of her people failed, and that she was refused by the Senate. But she did heed Palpatine's advice and called for the infamous 'vote of no confidence'. Thus, a new Chancellor would have to be elected. And among the candidates was also Palpatine, Senator of Naboo. But to Amidala, all of this meant little, for she had lost the battle, but the war was not over yet. She changed for the third time that day, choosing a somber black gown. Arwen alsotook off the heavy senatorial garb and donned a soft gray dress. The situation was far from brilliant, and none knew what was on the Queen's mind, when she spoke to Jar-Jar, the Gungan, by the window. When news came that Palpatine was probably the one who would replace Valorum on the seat of Supreme Chancellor, Amidala's only answer was silence, as she looked upon the old man that was her mentor. She stepped aside and moved to the door, her assistants following. Palpatine watched her in shock. At the door she turned to him. "Senator, this is your arena. I fear I must return to mine." And with that she was gone. The die had been cast, the pieces set. The Queen's heart was bent on only one goal: free her people from the Federation's grasp. And she could only do that if she was on Naboo. TBC Please read and review! Chapter 15 - Chapter Fourteen: Return to Naboo Author's Note: yay for quick update! *g* I decided to update this faster since I have it written ahead..only 5 or so chapters to go for book one! And special thanks to RilleElen who keeps pointing out the obvious things I should have noticed when writing...you rock!! *hugs* Chapter Fourteen: Return to Naboo The pieces set in motion, everyone's attention and nerves were up. Adrenaline surged through veins, decisions were made and speeches presented. By the time the Senate was well on the way of voting out a new Supreme Chancellor, Amidala and her staff were preparing to leave Coruscant and return to Naboo. No one laughed, and even smiles were rare – all knew that their mission was dangerous. Perhaps, they would not survive. Within the Queen's quarters the organised chaos of packing and transporting the luggage to the cruiser was well on the way, but Amidala seemed not to notice it as she stood in front of the mirror while SabĂ© and EirtaĂ© dressed her. RabĂ© was busy painting her face anew, reviving the white and making the red colour all the more vibrant. She passed the pallete to Arwen who stored it away, before turning around and moving to dress for herself as well. In striking contrast to the Queen, as usual, the handmaidens donned their flame-coloured gowns and pulled their hoods up. Her Royal Highness wore a deep purple travelling gown with her hair pulled up and a purple veil of the finest silk falling down her back. No skin shone from within the folds, except her face, which stood out striking white against all the other colours. Arwen took the red gown which she had worn on Naboo and during most of the journey and silently pulled it on, making sure each golden cord was where it should be. Her long black hair she pulled away, partly binding it to ensure it would not get in the way or fall into her face. But across her face came a shimmering golden veil, which EirtaĂ© suggested and the other three girls voiced a 'yes' to. The veil hid her face well, showing but the faintest shapes. The second part of the veil covered her hair and part of her back. Only her gray eyes looked out into the world with the same wisdom and care. When she looked into the mirror, the woman who looked back was no more the Elven Princess, but rather she resembled the women in Far Harad, the southern realms of Middle Earth farther even than Mordor itself. Those princesses wore similar attires which she now did. The only thing missing was a chimming golden necklase or belt, and she would be their perfect copy. She helped Amidala slip into the last bit of her gown, a velvet overcoat, and then hastily began putting what was unneeded into the last suitcase. Behind her, the handmaidens pulled shut the curtains on the windows. Arwen closed the piece of luggage; Amidala lifted her chin and stepped out of the room. In silence, the handmaidens fell behind, and last came Arwen, handing the suitcase to Panaka at the door. Night had blessed Coruscant with its power, although few upon the ground could see the stars that shimmered down upon them, for the skylines were far too packed and the buildings far too tall for them to see anything but the lights human-made. Though on the levels on which Amidala and her assistants traveled, the skylines were clearer, and some stars they could see. To Arwen, they had a soothing effect, for through them she could feel that Varda Elbereth had not yet deserted her. Unknown to the elleth, Varda's eyes could not reach her anymore, although her thoughts were with LĂşthien's descendant at all times. The taxi took them to the hangar in which their transport awaited – the sleek Nubian cruiser rested in peace, it seemed, yet Ric OliĂ© and his team had already cleaned its engines and checked the hyperdrive. As soon as their Queen would be safely on board, they would take off. Arwen's gray eyes, adjusting to the fading light faster than anyone else's, noticed four other shapes standing beside the cruiser. Deep within her soul, the silken cord, sensing its mate, began to shine with a soft and tender light. And the mate, sensing its call, shone out as well, answering with a melody ancient in time, yet freshly new to them both. Obi-Wan turned his head, unknowing exactly why, and his eyes fell upon the group of Amidala, heading for the cruiser. His thoughts and misthoughts on the case of little Anakin were momentarily forgotten, as he smiled, counting the women that walked so proudly and with such strength, his green-blue eyes lingering upon a particulary exotic form. Even though her face had been hidden behind a veil, he could recognise those eyes anywhere. The Padawan had thought that the separation of them both would ease the emotions that flowed through his soul, and that he would have enough time to clear his thoughts and would manage to look at her with an easy heart. Yet the slightest image of her face, the interesting shine in her eyes as he explained the lifeforce of the Jedi would not let him sleep. Qui-Gon noticed his Padawan's unrest, yet thought nothing more of it than misgivings on the fact that his master would soon take on another Padawan, the boy Skywalker. How beyond the truth that was! For to Obi-Wan, the emotions he felt as his eyes saw the Minister once more, were forbidden, forbidden by no less than the Jedi Code itself. The emotions had a name. Love. Could it possibly be that his heart had betrayed him, that Siri Tachi was so easily forgotten? The relationship between the two Padawans was far warmer than normal, and yet never had he felt anything as he did now. In those gray depths he lost himself, voice failing him and the feeling of complete idiocy came to his mind. For he felt like a young boy when in her presence. One look from those eyes and all he said seemed foolish even to his own ears, and his soul felt naked and bare before that gaze. It had only gotten worse, especially now when he saw her again. Although at least he had the privilege to see her, if nothing else. And then she turned to look at him, and for a moment, time seemed to stop, as two hearts beat as one. Arwen had thought it only to be a passing fancy. Many had tried to claim her hand during the years, in Imladris and LĂłrien alike, and yet they had all failed. For the daughter of Elrond would yield her heart to none, who was unworthy. Many were those who had been heartbroken, among them, it was said, were also Galdor of the Havens, CĂ­rdan's firstborn, and Haldir, the Marchwarden of LĂłrien, Celeborn's right hand. Her brothers used to joke that she would die an old maid; if she waits for a 'prince on a white horse', they had said, she had waisted two already. Some even thought Glorfindel to secretly love her, yet that, as they both knew, was as true as Gandalf eating his hat. Because of the list, and the fact that her heart had taken a liking to no one, it surprised Arwen even more to find that, apparently, the young Padawan had more to him than met the eye. She saw many things upon his road, although dark it was, and she could not see pass that darkness. And the blue-green eyes made her heart miss a beat each time she looked at them. Could it possibly be that she was falling in love with Obi-Wan? Arwen knew of the cost that would have to be paid, should she choose him in the end – the parting from her family and kin, and even her homeworld. But love, some said, wears many faces. Sometimes it comes along loudly and with great pomp; yet other times, more likely, it creeps slowly along the road, coming upon you when least you wish or expect it. And once it does, its grip never lessens. The moment passed silently, and Arwen looked away, towards the rampway heading into the cruiser. Obi-Wan focused upon the Queen as she conversed with his Master. Accompanied by the happy shrieks of the Gungan Jar-Jar the group boarded. OliĂ© pressed some buttons and the rampway began to lift. He pressed one more, and he felt the engines burst to life. With skill, brought to him in years of flying, he directed the cruiser to the exit, and then, slowly, the silver form left the hangar and flew into orbit. Soon, Coruscant was nothing more than a large light-sewn planet, far behind them. As soon as everyone was settled, and the cruiser set to light speed, Amidala called a meeting in the throne room. Sitting upon the marble throne in her dark gown and painted face, she looked older, far older than her fourteen years. SabĂ© and RabĂ© stood behind their Queen in silence, while EirtaĂ© faced them at the door. Arwen had missed the exact beginning of the meeting and quietly fell in line next to Obi-Wan. The pair did not exchange looks, yet both were well aware of the other. Panaka was worried for his Queen's safety. "The moment we land, the Federation will arrest you, and force you to sign the treaty," he told the young monarch, meaning every word. She looked back at him with a cool expression. Qui-Gon seconed Panaka: "I agree…I am not sure what you hope to accomplish by this." 'This' being the return to Naboo, as they all new. Arwen looked from one to the other, gray eyes moving swiftly, before meeting PadmĂ©'s gaze once more. Underneath the veil, she smiled slightly. Amidala's voice gae no argument, yet was passive: "I am going to take back what's ours." Panaka looked doutful: "There are only twelve of us, Your Highness," he voiced his fear, "we have no army." Again, the Jedi Master could only agree: "I cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness; I can only protect you." But Amidala knew that long before he spoke. Her eyes travelled to the Gungan that stood beside Arwen and Obi-Wan. "Jar-Jar Binks!" her voice called out to him clearly. The Master and Captain turned around in surprise. Obi-Wan turned his head to the side, as did Arwen. All eyes were upon the Gungan who, not knowing what was suddenly going on, looked frightened. "Mesa, Your Highness?" Amidala gave hi man encouraging nod and beckoned him forward. Her voice was grave, yet within it she held a plan: "Yes. I need your help." Obi-Wan's eyebrow arched and he looked to Arwen, who seemed genuinely surprised. "You know of this move?" he asked softly. She turned her gaze upon him, and within her gray eyes were reflected the same feelings he felt. "Absolutely not." Both turned back to the conversation at hand. Amidala looked questioningly to the Gungan. "You said to me, on Coruscant, that your people will not give up without a fight." The Gungan nodded, still not knowing where this conversation was leading: "A-ha." Amidala smiled then, her first smile from the meeting in the Senate. She turned to Panaka: "That answers your question about an army, Captain." The dark-skinned man was left speechless and he could only nod. Qui-Gon had his doubts: "A Gungan army? They stand no chance against the droids." Amidala gave him what Arwen thought to be a pitiful look: "I do not mean to attack Theed head on." Qui-Gon's eyebrows arched. "And your plan is…?" The Queen elegantly turned her face away and softly said something to RabĂ©, indicating that the meeting was over. Left in the dark with what the Queen was about to do, Arwen felt there was no need to tarry around the throne room, thus she excused herself and retired to her chambers. But she could not sleep; whether it was because of the journey, or because the Jedi were around, she could not tell. Thus she rose, in the late hours of what she thought was night, and decided to stretch her legs. She wore only a thin nightgown, but wrapped a shawl around her upper body, and silently opened the door to her chamber. The hallway was empty and dark. Her Elven senses had no trouble finding their way, and thus she slowly walked to the 'food room' as was the playful nickname to the cruiser's small kitchen. She could see that the pilots had already had their share of energy-boost, but she desired only water. Perhaps thirst was what kept her awake. As she was pouring the water, Arwen got the distinct feeling that someone was coming. She had no idea how she knew or how she knew the person was coming exactly here – but she turned rapidly, her black hair tumbling wildly down her shoulders, and peered into the darkness of the hallway. "Who walks there?" she asked softly, surprised at the dryness of her throat. Maybe she was thirsty after all. The tall form of Qui-Gon's Padawan broke free of the darkness and stepped into the light. Arwen relaxed visibly and shot hi man annoyed glance. "You frightened me." Obi-Wan lifted his hands in surrender. "Forgive me – it was not my intention." He watched her as she poured herself some water, then poured another cup and offered it to him. He smiled and took it gratefully. "Thank you – you cannot sleep either?" She shook her head. "Sleep elludes me – as if I was bewitched somehow." Thougtfully she sipped her water, and for the first time, Obi-Wan got to see the Minister out of her regal robes of state. He had to admit that the sight was pleasing. She looked far more approachable, far softer in demenaur..and far more beautiful. "How did you know someone was coming?" he asked, trying to remember if he made any noise, which was unlikely. She shrugged, and the shawl moved a bit, exposing some of her shoulder. "I have no idea. I simply knew. Woman instinct?" she added playfully and looked at him from over her cup. He chuckled. "If you say so." They fell into silence once more, each concentrating on his own thoughts. It was Obi-Wan who broke the silence again. "You are not from Naboo." Odd, how history seems to repeat itself. Arwen looked up and wondered why it was that she heard that statement for the second time in but a short while. Somehow, she was giving her true identity away, yet she had no idea how or why. All the while, she tried to be as true to the Minister of Naboo guise as possible. Perhaps she was over-doing it? She gave Obi-Wan a sad smile, much alike to the one she had given Anakin in answer to the same sentence, and turned away. "No, I am not." She half expected him to shower her with other questions, but luckily, he let the matter be, and soon silence settled between them once more, broken occassionaly by the soft hum of the motors, or the sipping of water. Comfortable in his presence, Arwen turned to place the cup away, or perhaps to pour herself some more water – she honestly had no idea. But in the process of doing so, her shawl slipped even lower, coming to rest against the crook of her arms, exposing her bare shoulders and the thin straps of her nightgown. Her arm moved to put it back to its place, but another beat her to it. She felt the warmth of his hand as he gently tugged at the shawl and pulled it back up, resting his palm gently against her shoulder. It seemed to her, and to him as well, though neither showed it, that sparks began to dance between the touch of skin against skin, as his fingers accidentally brushed against her shoulder in the process of re-fitting her shawl. The elleth turned her head to look at him, and found him close – too close. Barely an inch away from her lips; she could feel his breath, and the blue-green eyes bore themselves into hers. Neither moved for a long time. Then, just as she was about to lean forth, he stepped away, breaking contact and leaving her with the sudden feeling of emptiness. Slowly, step after step, he moved backwards, away from the woman that had bewitched him, eyes never leaving hers, fearing to do so. She was lovely, standing there, with her shawl partly slipping down once more, her eyes large and her cheeks beging to be caressed. Yet Obi-Wan knew that, should he pursue this, he was lost. And so were his dreams of becoming a Jedi. That was why he could not pursue this matter any further. He turned on his heel and was ready to leave the kitchen, when her soft voice floated to him: "What do you fear, Obi-Wan?" He stopped in his tracks. He saught an answer. His voice was low when he finally spoke: "Being pushed away." And with those words, he disappeared into the darkness. Arwen watched the doorway for a long time, before finally tearing her gaze away and focusing on the cup once more. What had almost come to pass frightened her, yet at the same time beckoned to her as nothing else in her life ever did. She sensed that the door to this path was creaked open, light shinning through. She had but to grasp the handle and open it fully…but upon stepping through, she could never go back. A soft sigh escaped her and she pulled on her shawl with annoyance, pulling it closer around herself. The kitchen suddenly seemed very cold and very, very empty. Soft footsteps alerted her to another presence and she wondered how many surprises she would get that night – one was quite enough. With another sigh she turned around – and fell directly into Obi-Wan's arms. She lifted her hands to steady herself, resting them upon his shoulders. Their eyes met, but before she could say anything, anything at all, he lowered his head and his lips brushed across hers. In that moment she knew she was lost, that the door had been opened, and the path taken. To where it lead, however, she could not tell. The kiss ended swiftly, being no more than a faint merging of lips. She got a glimpse of blue-green eyes once more, then, the Padawan disappeared as silently as he had returned. Leaving behind a very bewildered and very, very confused Arwen. As he walked to his bedchamber, Obi-Wan's thoughts were spinning, the commotion inside him complete. He should have been stronger – but something pulled him to the woman, whisperings on the Force. And he had only followed them, hadn't he? He hadn't exactly done anything wrong…the Force flowed through him as vibrantly as he had never felt it do before. A smile tuggedt at his lips. Maybe this wouldn't turno ut so bad after all. TBC Please read and review! Chapter 16 - Chapter Fifteen: Battle For Naboo Author's Note: I'm back with the promised chapter! Longest in all the story I think...hopefully you'll forgive the horrid delay. Chapter Fifteen: Battle for Naboo The events of the previous sleepless night were momentarily pushed aside, but not forgotten; Arwen rose from her bed early, although she could not exactly tell how she knew it was morning. Time seemed to stop while travelling through space and time. Slowly and with great care she eased the garments she would wear from now on over her head, her mind clouded in thought. PadmĂ© had hoped it would not come to war during her reign, yet still she had battlegarbs designed for both herself and her handmaidens. Arwen was no handmaiden, thus her own attire was slightly different than theirs. Coloured in maroon as well, it fit her body snugly and perfectly. The elleth had been there the day of the designing, and thus managed to interwine Elvish designs with the Naboo ones. The undergarment was made of one piece, tigh-fitting and giving no room for anything else. High boots rose to her knees, with an extra blaster-holster strapped to her left one, while in the right lay, concealed, a long knife. Over this came a coat, falling to the ground, yet not quite touching it. It was closed all the way down the front, giving the impression that she actually wore a dress, yet in movement it was seen that there was a split from her belt to the ground. The sleeves were alike to her riding dress at home, split open at the elbows. A belt came round her waist with a blaster, and her hair was carefully braided. When next she looked into the mirror in her room, Arwen was surprised to see her own reflection; a serene, yet determined Elf-maid gazed back at her, her gray eyes large and steadfast, her figure carved perfectly into the attire. Regal she looked now that it seemed to be a gown, yet deadly she was as well. Back home, in Imladris, Elrond had insisted that even his daughter should learn the ways of war, from politics to actual martial arts, and adapting her fighting style to the one Nabooans had was not a problem. She had no trouble slicing an orc's throat wide open, thus she was certain that killing a thing that was not even alive, merely a machine such as the vehicle she was in now, would proove unchallenging. There was another thing that sent clouds over her thoughts. How long had it been since last she saw her father or brothers, or even grandmother for that matter? All the time she played with the possibility that she would not have returned to Imladris to greet the retun of her brothers. If she had stayed in LĂłrien, as advised by her father, she would not be here now. And yet, if she had stayed in Middle Earth, she would not have met PadmĂ©, or the handmaidens…and Obi-Wan. As if in answer to her thoughts, there came a silent knock to her door. She did not have to look at it or open it to know who was on the other side. She did not know how she knew. She just did. "Enter," she spoke softly, her eyes fixed still upon her reflection. The door slid open and the Jedi Padawan entered the compartment, closing the barrier behind him. His blue-green eyes glanced over to the woman who procuded such a torrent of feelings within him, and he was struck numb by her appearance. True, he knew her to be beautiful beyond comparison, yet in this particular garment, that gave way every curve of her body, the way she titled her head as if admiring something in the mirror…he shook his head. No. He was stronger than that. A whisper surrounded him, however, a whisper which he knew to be that of the Force, and it seemed to be coming from her, calling him. Resisting the urge that vibrated within his head. Obi-Wan stood silent and simply admired the beautiful woman and decided to see what went on in her mind. A Jedi could enter one's mind and control it. It was a difficult task, yet once mastered, it was a dangerous weapon to use. Focusing, he gently reached out with his mind, probbing to see what lay within that beautifully-crafted head…and met a barrier stronger than steel and brick walls. He bumped into it suddenly and for a moment did not realise what it was, until he began to travel around it, to perhaps find a weakness, or hole. But this must be said: even Helm's Deep has one weakness, and it is a mighty fortress of Men. But in Arwen's mind barrier, there was none. Years she had spent under tutolage of her grandmother, the Lady Galadriel of LĂłrien, wisest of all Elves yet living in Middle Earth. For Sauron wishes ever to gain entrance to minds of those closest to Elrond. Even upon the elleth's own mind did he jump in haste, yet was rejected, numerous times. Thus Obi-Wan figured out that he would not penetrate into the maiden's mind, and withdrew, observing her face to see whether or not she had detected another presence. Slowly she turned her head, the swan-like neck ellegantly twisting. A shudder ran through Obi-Wan then; for in those endless gray eyes he saw not his reflection, but the Doom that seem to hang heavily above the head of the lady, and that was the Choice. He did not understand all that he saw in that brief moment before her eyes went dim once more, yet his soul was tainted with the sadness and grace that was UndĂłmiel. 'There is no one who can enter my mind without me permitting it,' her voice suddenly floated within his own thoughts, yet Elana had never parted her lips. The Padawan's gaze narrowed slightly, and he searched his mind for the intruder, yet apart from faint glimpses of a shimmering light, he could not catch it. Blue-green eyes met gray. 'How can you speak within my mind yet I cannot find you?' he asked, unsure if she would allow the conversation to continue on mind level. To an onlooker, they would seem like statues of old, unmoving, unblinking, holding each other's gazes, standing tall and straight. Her lips turned upwards slightly, yet the smile was not a happy one. 'I can avoid being detected if I wish – I cannot intrude a mind without being found. Yet you shall have to do better to catch me, Padawan.' An amused wave washed over his mind. Taking the hint, and trying harder this time, Obi-Wan closed out all other thoughts and sought. There it was, suddenly appearing before him, a shimmering light, so ellusive, so tender, that he dared not touch it. Yet he was drawn forward – but as he almost connected with it, it ran suddenly, disappearing into the mists of his mind. 'I cannot catch you..' he whispered, 'neither can I know how you invaded my mind through my barriers.' Laughter floated to him, golden laughter, and the white light shimmered once more. He could imagine it shinning before his very eyes. 'Mellon-nin, as I said, I can enter one's mind without problem, although I must admit your barriers were quite a challenge. Yet you have many holes still, and through one I slipped.' 'Melou…what?' A confused cloud washed away from him. 'What did you say? And what do you mean by holes? Master Qui-Gon said my mind is one of the toughest to enter.' Again he acted by impulse and defended himself with ardency. This time her lips turned into a true smile. 'I said 'mellon-nin'. It means 'my friend' in my native tounge. And do not jump so rashly at spoken words, Padawan. Your Master may have his own opinion. I have my personal one, and that is that your barriers need great improvement.' Laughter followed and Obi-Wan decided he couldn't be angry or irritated by her, not really. Instead, he posed his next question, as she was apparently in an answering mood. 'Why such walls around your mind? Surely none would wish to see what you hide within.' Grave was her glance then, and her smile faded. 'Did you not yourself wish to enter my mind? There is great evil where I come from. The one behind it seeks information by reading minds. I am close to some of the most important people in the side opposite him, I have vital information in my mind which cannot be revealed. Many times He has tried to conquer in the battles we fought, yet he cannot succeed. Not yet. The doors to my secrets are closed.' He was silent for a while, digesting the information she shared with him. Her eyes never left his face, studying its proportions, as he studied her own. When next she spoke, using her real voice, it was soft and whispered into the room. "Do you really wish to see what is on my mind?" The Jedi looked deep into the maiden's eyes, and saw a weariness there that he had previously not noticed, and a compassion rose within him, and he nodded, although his voice was lost. "Very well." She met his gaze once more, and this time, she allowed the shimmering white light to be his guide. He followed it straight to the wall, where he waited. Nothing happened. Gently, as if pushing open a door, he sought an opening, and suddenly he fell into the mists of her mind, as if the rampway had been lowered while he was leaning upon it. …He saw her standing, a little girl, in a garden of beautiful flowers and tall trees. She turned around, as if facing him, and her face lit up with a brilliant smile. Ada! She called and ran forward… …torpedoed away through the labyrinth, he saw her now as a young maiden, untried by life, laughing and singing with many more of her kin. All had the same long hair and flawless complexions, yet she outshone them all. Her voice called out to her brothers, and they came, twin warriors of old, laughing and joking with them all… …grief such as he had never exprienced before surged through him, around him, pulling him into a torrent full of tears, screams, clawing and bitting. She stood there, Elana, tall and straight, a grown woman now, yet her lovely face was pale and tears filled her eyes. She had lost one most beloved. And in the background the Sea sung its endless song… …she sat astride a mighty four-legged creature, and galloped across the plains, her cloak and hair billowing around her. Behind she could hear clash of metal and screams of her guards and the foul beasts that were called orcs. Golden trees rose before her and as she raced underneath their branches she could feel relief floating through her. She was safe… …gray eyes turned to look at him now, as she sat beside a tall woman with long golden hair and wise sapphire eyes. She did not smile anymore, happiness had been left behind with her youth. War was upon them. Voices murmured around her, a plan was formed, he knew the numbers and positions, yet they meant nothing to him. She was not to return home for a while… …when she did there was happiness in the house, and her father was overjoyed. But now she would be forbidden to travel back to the golden trees and the golden lady, for the passages have been closed down, too dangerous. He saw her with a tall flaxen-haired warrior, riding through the trees. He saw PadmĂ© and her meet for the first time. And he felt her anguish at being torn from her homeworld and taken to a foreign planet… Suddenly he saw her, a beacon of white light standing in the mids of al the turmoil that was in her mind. Clad in a colour he could not name, yet seem to have all the colours of the world within, her long black hair unbound, eyes crystal clear and skin healthy. And in her eyes, a power so great, so mystifying and yet filled with such electric force, that he could not bear to look upon her. Obi-Wan stumbled backwards and broke the mind connection rougher than he would have wished. But to see her revealed in all her glory was too much, even for a Jedi. He doubted even Master Yoda could withstand such purity and power. One arm shot out to steady himself while he covered his eyes with the other, trying to calm himself down, to push away all the feelings he had felt. There was ice upon the surface, yes, but underneath there was a river of fire and torment. Arwen watched him with a sad expression upon her face, yet she did not move. In fact, she looked paler and wearier if that was possible. "You have seen how I truly am," her voice echoed in his ears, "in that form shall I walk in the lands of my forefathers, unhindered, unchallenged, until the Second Song and the breaking of the world. If I choose that fate – otherwise, I shall diminish, and fall into the twilight, and even the twilight shall be unable to feed my power, and eventually I shall fail, and wither away, like a dead leaf that falls from a tree in autumn." Only now did Obi-Wan dare to look at her once more, and she seemed smaller somewhat, more vulnerable. Acting upon impulse, he stood and crossed the distance between them, and pulled her into his arms. For a moment, time stopped as her head was lowered upon his shoulder, the only sign of her acceptance of the situation, yet the wave of heartbreaking sadness that floated through her tore Obi-Wan's heart in two. But each moment must past, and so did this one as well, for a voice called to Obi-Wan through the comlink he carried, and they both recognised it as that of OliĂ©, the pilot. Without a word they parted, and as the Jedi's strong back disappeared out of sight, Arwen's heart was stabbed with a knife, for in that instant she saw her future, and it lay far away from her family, the father she loved and the brothers she adored. Arwen followed after Obi-Wan after a few minutes composing herself, but was intercepted by EirtaĂ© on the way. The blonde handmaiden was clad in the maroon fighting dress of Naboo, yet her face was troubled. The Elf sensed something was amiss. Without a word, the tall girl pulled Arwen alongside her, and into the Queen's chambers. Once inside, Arwen immediatelly took a look at the situation: RabĂ© was adding some finishing touches to SabĂ©'s Queen make-up, as she would be the decoy once more, so there was no problem there. PadmĂ©, however, was standing beside the wall with her back to it, silent and pale. Gingerly, the tall Elf stepped past the other two and looked into the brown eyes of her friend. "PadmĂ©," she spoke softly, and the girl's eyes became once more focused. A faint smile she granted her black-haired friend. "I see the dress fits," she commented, and Arwen nodded. "That is not why I am here. I sense great turmoil within you, child – what is wrong?" Silence fell upon the room as everyone there waited for their Queen to answer. First came a sigh, and then her clear, sad voice: "We are not a people of war, Minister. I fear this may be the last battle Naboo will fight." Arwen shook her head. "I highly doubt it. Your path does end on Naboo, but not yet." PadmĂ© looked up, yet Arwen would say no more. She could not reveal to her friend that she had seen a coffin that night, pulled through the streets of Naboo with all honour, and that the person within the coffin was none other than PadmĂ© herself, beautiful yet with a cold, dead heart. There was no time for further speech, however, as the Nubian cruiser suddenly dived and sped off through Naboo's orbit, then turning horizontal again and landing in the swamps. Rocked and with legs of jelly, the members of PadmĂ©'s staff, plus young Anakin, the two Jedi and the Gungan Jar-Jar exited the cruiser and looked around. PadmĂ©'s plan was to seek out the Gungans, offer them peace and allegiance, and convinve them to fight for their cause. It was not the most brilliant plan ever, but it was the only chance they had. Thus they set out to find the ellusive Gungans, and instead of meeting them in their underwater city, which Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had visited during their previous stay on Naboo, they found it empty. But Jar-Jar told them not to worry, and took them to the secret place where Boss Nass and his people hid in time of crisis. Apart from the fact that PadmĂ© had to reveal her identity to ensure the union of the Nabooans and Gungans, the conversation in itself went smoothly. However, Arwen had to second the concerns of the Jedi about the plan Amidala had constructed in her mind. It was a dangerous thing, sending Gungans out to fight, while they would try and sneak into the palace unnoticed. First chance she got, Arwen told PadmĂ© exactly what she thought about the plan. "PadmĂ©, if you consider me your friend, hear me," she spoke, and the urgency in her voice stopped the Queen's musings and steps. Arwen's face was grave. "Even if you win this battle, I fear great loss shall wash over us," she continued, "my mind has shrunk back because of the evil that spreads from the palace in Theed. There is more within those halls than the Viceroy. An evil much stronger than you, than me, has taken residence there. I cannot say who can defeat it." PadmĂ© frowned: "An evil?" Arwen's eyes became glazed suddenly, and her voice sounded strangely hollow: "There is none who can withstand the power of the Twin Blade. Golden eyes haunt the corridors. Darkness follows his steps. His face is both shadow and flame." PadmĂ©'s eyes were doubtfull, she had never seen her friend in the state she was in now. Arwen shuddered and closed her eyes. When she reopened them, they were norma lonce more, yet weary and sad. She shook her head and ran a hand across her fair brow. "Forget what I have said. It may have no meaning." Still having her doubts, the Queen agreed, and allowed Arwen to walk away. The elleth placed a hand across her heart and atuned her senses to the chim of nature around her. The vision she had this time was far clearer than any before, and far sharper. She saw the man with horns, his face painted red and black, golden eyes gleaming at her. The dark cloak he wore resembled those of the Nine, the Black Riders of Sauron, yet this was no ghost or spirit, but a man of flesh and blood. A touch on her shoulder woke her and she turned her head, half-expecting to see Obi-Wan. Instead, she met the clear eyes of his Master Qui-Gon. She felt his mind press against her barriers, yet she would not allow him entrance as she had done with Obi-Wan. What had transpired between them was for no one else to know. Thus the doors to her mind remained closed, and the Jedi ceased trying to enter. "I sense something troubles you," spoke the elder man, and the elleth allowed a sigh to escape her lips. "Nothing. Everything. I blame it on the battle at hand, for the state that I am it." The master smiled thoughtfully. "The Queen tells me you speak of an evil within the palace. Tell me, how can the Minister of Naboo know of such evil, when she has spent all her time with the Queen on Coruscant?" Arwen lifted her steel gray eyes to Qui-Gon's. She knew what he was implying too, and she stood her ground. "Master Jinn, with all respect to you and Padawan Kenobi, you greatly insult me with what you say. I would gladly give my life away for Amidala if it came to it. So do not assume that I keep correspondence with the Viceroy or anyone else from the palace. What I know comes from a different source." Qui-Gon was about to answer, when Amidala called to all and signalled the move out. The Master was greatly intrigued with the woman who occupied the thoughts of his Padawan. He made a note to speak with her as soon as possible. Little did he know that he would never get that chance… Swiftly and silently the groups moved into Theed, which was empty of almost all droid soldiers, because the army had been drawn out by the Gungans. Now it was up to Amidala and her crew to enter the palace and capture Nute Gunray. As shadows they moved through the hidden paths that lead them deep into the palace, actually right underneath it, into the royal hangar. They had to free the pilots so their fighters could take out the droid command ship high in orbit. Only then would the droid army be defeated. By now alarms were ringing all through Theed, and Nute Gunray was alerted, as was Darth Maul, the hideus creature which Arwen had seen in her vision. Like a hawk flies upon its pray he descended through the palace and towards the hangar. Meanwhile, in the mentioned area, a battle was already taking place – the droids that were guarding the fighters were being take care off, and the fighters were taking off into the sky, to fight the droid command ship. Arwen had not yet taken out her blaster, instead she hovered near Amidala and directed her away from the incoming laser beams. However, she soon had to reach for her weapon as well, and a few well-aimed blasts were enough to send any droid away from Amidala. The battle was short, yet darkness had swept low upon them, and a fear gripped Arwen's heart. A fear that came true far too soon: the monster of her vision suddenly appeared before them, and a shudder ran through her, but she remained firm and returned the beast's yellow glare with a glare of her own. Maul was intrigued to see so many women alongside the Jedi. One caught his gaze in particular: tall, strong-willed, with the perfect body and would provide quite the entertainment, he was certain. So he sent her a feline grin, and was delighted to see a death-sending gaze in return. Oh, he would have fun with that one, no doubt. But first, he had to take care of the two imbeciles before him. Oh he had heard much about Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi from his own master, and he was delighted because he'd been given the chance to actually eliminate them. PadmĂ©'s voice, calling to her to take the longer road to the throne room, woke the Elf and she turned on her heel to follow her Queen. Yet she could not leave without a final look over her shoulder, one that did not go unnoticed by Maul, and he also notice dObi-Wan return the gaze, before focusing once more on the Sith Lord. 'Oh, brilliant, young love! Even better to kill the pair off…' were the thoughts in Maul's head as he ignited his staff-saber with another grin. Arwen raced along the corridors following PadmĂ©, though partly her thoughts rested on Obi-Wan, thus she didn't really notice all the droids that she took down, or even the fact that the climb to the throne room was getting longer and longer. "Elana, this way!" called Panaka suddenly, and she turned her head to see him disappear through a window. Following swiftly, she joined him, PadmĂ© and a few others on the wide shelf. Using their blasters, which had rope mechanisms attached to them, they easily climbed all the way up to the level of the throne room. But, once there, they figured out the road was still long. By now Arwen had both her blaster and the knife in her hand. The knife was a special knife, not just metal, which would only intensify the electricity that powered the droids. It was covered with an electricity-deflecting material. Thus she now stood, the Princess of Elves, her right hand holding the blaster and shooting periodically, while her left hand swooped down on the unsuspecting droids, cutting through their wiring in elegant moves. She literally danced through the enemy lines, deflecting blows, though not quite super-successful, as her overcoat was torn on some parts, and the skin on her arms had been burnt, as well as a part of skin on her leg. That did not stop her, however, and she would have lunged against the droid-decas as well, if it were not for PadmĂ© who ordered everyone to cease fighting. Thus, with blazing eyes and a tight jaw, Arwen followed the rest of the group into the throne room, meeting Nute Gunray in person. She sneered at him when he came her way, and would have jumped at his ugly face if she weren't as high-manered as she was. There was seemingly no escape, or so they thought – for both PadmĂ© and Arwen forgot about one person: SabĂ©, while SabĂ© did not forget about them. She stormed into the throne room and drew the droids away, as Nute thought her to be the actual Queen, and Arwen cheered inwardly. The real Amidala was soon the victorious one in the room, and in orbit, Anakin destroyed the droid command ship, saving the Gungans on the ground. But in that moment time seemed to stop for Arwen as her heart lurched suddenly and her soul screamed with a pain she had not known since her mother had sailed. But it was not her own pain. Her gaue travelled through stone and flesh, and she saw Qui-Gon fall to the blade of Darth Maul. She felt Obi-Wan's rage, and pain, and the turmoil within him. Tears began to fall down her pale cheeks. "Ai Elbereth…protect him." And Varda answered her prayer. TBC Please read and review! Chapter 17 - Chapter Sixteen - Aftermath Author's Note: This chapter is slightly shorter than the previous one, but it is basically a bridge between 15 and 17. The next one will be longer. At this point I am at loss how many chapters are there to the end, but no more than 4, that is certain. Slowly, book 1 is coming to a close. Chapter Sixteen: Aftermath The palace in Theed was silent, for the majority of the Naboo forces had yet to reach it. Upon the green fields outside of the capital, the Gungans cheered their victory over the droid army and were now disassembling the mechanical vehicles of their enemies, and the enemies themselves. Boss Nass was in high spirits, and his booming voice echoed over the land loud and clear. Jar-Jar laughed and hoped about, sticking his tounge out at the still forms of the droids, kicking them here and there. There was no doubt in his mind that the Jedi-bosses had done their job well, and theirs was the victory. Amidala embraced SabĂ© in the palace, and the two girls laughed with all their hearts, for the battle was over, it was done, and now the only thing left for them was to free the people from the camps and restore life to Theed once more. The handmaidens and royal guard cheered and laughed. But one of them was not there to share victory with them. A silent and swift shadow raced through the corridors of the palace. She ran fast, as if the very hounds of Melkor were behind her, tracing her steps and barring their teeth to take her within their foul mouths. She rounded a corner and sprinted down a flight of stairs to the lower levels, her maroon cloak billowing behind her, the speed at which she ran producing a wind that tugged at her sleeves. Her black hair had become partly undone from its braid, and flapped against her with ardency. The heels of her boots made a hollow sound in the empty corridors as she raced against time and hope. Arwen did not stop to catch her breath. She literally flew into the hangar underneath the palace, then turned swiftly and her long legs carried her down another corridor. In front of her, red fields disappeared. The battle had been fought beside the power generator that stood behind all power sources in Theed. Her heart lurched. She did not even realise that tears flew freely down her cheeks as she urged te last amount of her energy to speed up and run directly into the narrow path that lead to the reactor. She could hear the buzzing sound of lightsabers, which had grown all-too familiar to her ears. Before she could enter the main reactor chamber, a swishing sound came from behind her, and she knew that the red energy field had closed. The next moment she stood right before the reactor, but inbetween herself and the people within stood the energy field. Her breath came in short pants, as she tried to regain her strength. What she saw tore at her heart and made her cry out loud. Qui-Gon lay sprawled across the floor, the saber-wound visible even from a distance. There was no hope that he would survive. Perhaps, if she had come sooner, or even if she could have taken him to her father Elrond, then he would have stood a chance. But not now. And Maul, to her horror, sent Obi-Wan over the edge of the reactor in that very moment. "Aldaro!" she cried, her plea reaching the ears of both the Jedi and the Sith. Maul, upon hearing the fair voice filled with dismay, turned around to see the stunning creature which he had planned on making his own after the fight. The feline grin once more crossed his face, and he swooped his staff-saber low, just barely missing Obi-Wan's fingers, which desperately clung to the wall. And Obi-Wan heard her as well, and sensed the swirl of emotions radiating from both her and the creature above him. His mind turned to his master's lightsaber, which he knew lay right beside the fallen Jedi. Never before had he called anything to him. Arwen's tear-stained face turned from Maul to where she knew Obi-Wan hung. 'Elbereth if ever I was in your favour,' she prayed feverishly, hoping that the energy field would disappear soon and she would be able to storm into the reactor chamber, 'spare him. Never did I wish for anything….yet now I do. Spare him!' "Spare him!" she called aloud to the monster of Darkness, who only laughed, a horrifying, maniacal laugh. But then the unimaginable happened. The lightsaber that by then rested peacefully beside Qui-Gon, moved, and suddenly Obi-Wan appeared upon the rampway, and the weapon flew to his hand. Too stunned to even move, Maul met his fate, as the Jedi Padawan cut clean through his mid-section. Without another word the Sith Apprentice fell into the abyss where the reactor lay. Relief flooded through the Elf and she lowered her gaze so that Obi-Wan could not see her cheeks. She could hear him race to his Master's side, and her heart went to him, but the red field did not wish to disappear! And then she heard the sound which she had hoped never to hear: the animal-like howl of pain that came from Obi-Wan, as the soul of Qui-Gon passed away from this world and into the next. The elleth looked up once more, and finally, the red energy field pulled back, allowing her to step into the reactor chamber. As if in a dream she neared the weeping Jedi, remembering then her own pain at the knowledge of her mother's attack, and at CelebrĂ­an's passing. "Hiro ho hĂ®dh ab’wanath," she whispered into the silence that was cut only by Obi-Wan's grieved sounds. A silent prayer was all she could offer to the fallen, though she wished she could do much more. In very little time she had come to cherish the presence that Obi-Wan meant in her life, and thus she cherished those who were dear to him as well. She knelt by his side, and reached out her arms to him. Gently, she distangled the Padawan from his Master, allowing Qui-Gon's body to slip onto he floor again, as she pulled Obi-Wan to her. In an urge of emotions, she wrapped her arms around him and brought him close, as a mother would do to a frightened child, and he clung to her, weeping his heart out, his face burring in her shoulder. And she began to softly sing in Sindarin, the song coming from her heart and tenderly embracing all three of those in the reactor chamber… "Estel pĂŞl, non ardhon dĂ» TrĂ® nĂşath dannol ed rĂ®n a lĂ» Avo bedo ve tellin sĂ­ nan methen Felias ‘lain, nallar agevedetham Hodathach sĂ­ min rainc nĂ­n, losto Man pellich cened, buin rain amar? Amman en gwael ‘lain nallar? Ithil ‘ael eria athan Aear I chĂ®r tellin a choled le na mar Sui cheled geleb nadath thiathar Calad buin nen, cĂ®r thind gwannar Nan annĂ»n…" The Elf's voice faded into nothing, and she also noted that the Jedi in her arms had ceased weeping, but now rested his head silently against her. She could feel his warm breath on her neck. Her own tears had long since ceased falling, her heartbeat returning to normal rate. Tenderly she turned her head slightly and her lips planted a butterfly kiss atop Obi-Wan's head. He did not stirr, and she did not mind. Gently she rested her cheek on his tousled hair, closing her eyes, willing some of the serenity that she had found within her soul during her long years in Middle Earth to go to him, to comfort him. She dared not probe his mind to see what lay within, for in this moment he needed peace and solitude above all. Thus she resolved to simply holding him and waiting for him to make the first move. After what seemed as eternity, Obi-Wan moved. She felt his hands, which had lain limply around her waist since then, grip her firmly, the warmth of his skin travelling through the thin layer of clothing she wore. He lifted his head, but kept his face close to her, skin touching skin. When she opened her eyes, he was watching her, yet light had faded from those blue-green orbs, a light which she had grown accustomed too. They rested their foreheads together and held onto each other. "He was like a father to me…" came then his voice, pained and low. Awen traced a line across his cheek tenderly. "He would have wanted you to move on and take his place," she whispered softly. A broken sigh escaped the Jedi's lips and he looked at her with a weary and grieved expression. "Have you ever lost someone close to you?" he asked bitterly, and was granted a sad smile in return. "Oh Obi-Wan, I have seen more grief than you can ever imagine," she murmured, "my own mother has passed away, although that was long ago. I have seen death, and have felt the loss. I know what ails you…do not close away now, Padawan. Let me help heal your hurt." Her gray eyes pleaded him to hear her, to listen, to not allow grief eat away on his mind. She could sense there was great danger behind the grief, and the anger, although she did not know why. To her relief, it seemed he did in fact hear her, or something similar. His lips saught hers in the most natural of ways, as he kissed her, clinging to her, the ray of hope amid his confused and darkened mind. And she allowed him to hold her, to crush her against him, allowed him to deepen the kiss, for he needed to express his pent-up emotions in some form of action, and this was the least harmless one of all. Even after the kiss had ended, they did not break their embrace, but rather they held onto one another, giving each other strength and faith for the days to come. When Amidala entered the hangar in search for the Jedi and her Minister of War, Arwen and Obi-Wan were there, pale yet composed. Qui-Gon's body had been covered with his cloak and Obi-Wan carried him. The Queen placed ahand over her lips to prevent a gasp from escaping, and a tear fell down her porcelaine cheek. "Obi-Wan, I am so sorry," she spoke, and the Padawan lowered his head. "I would like to request he be burried in Jedi tradition," he spoke softly, and the Queen nodded. "Yes, any way you wish. Captain, show Padawan Kenobi the way." Panaka stepped forward and motioned to the Jedi, who followed him without looking back. Arwen in the meantime embraced PadmĂ© and tried to smile. "You had me worried when you ran off like that," commented the Queen of Naboo, and the Elf shrugged slightly. "I was needed elsewhere. But I think matters of state need your attention." "Yes, quite some things have pilled up," replied Amidala and the pair made their way back to the throne room. "I need to contact Senator Palpatine and also the Jedi Council," continued the Queen as she took seat upon her throne, with Arwen standing in front of her. Her handmaidens were busying themselves with taking away droid remnants. "I suppose Master Yoda would like to know what exactly happened…Obi-Wan is not in a state to contact the Council." "I believe it is so, yes," answered the Minister, while she typed in the co-ordinates for Coruscant into the holographic machine. "At least we won the battle," floated the Queen's voice to her. Arwen had to smile. TBC Please read and review! Sindarin phrases: Aldaro! - No, stop! Hiro ho hĂ®dh ab’wanath, - May he find peace in death. The song is the Sindarin equivalent of 'Into the West', which has been translated by Tara. Hope fades into the world of night Shadows falling out of memory and time Don’t say we have come now to the end White shores are calling You and I will meet again And you’ll be here, in my arms, just sleeping What can you see on the horizon Why do the white gulls call Across the sea, a pale moon rises The ships have come to carry you home And all will turn to silver glass A light on the water, grey ships pass Into the West... Chapter 18 - Chapter Seventeen - One funeral and a wedding Author's Note: Well after much thinking, rethinkg and editing and writing, I came to the conclusion that perhaps I could bring this story to an end, eh? This is the final chapter before the epilogue, and I will pos the epilogue at the end of this week, as school starts for me again on Monday and well, I want to have this wrapped up before that :) Also, I've checked with the guidelines for ratings and thus the rating stays the same as it was, although there is mention of a heated scene. Only mention, though, so there's nothing icky anywhere. Just so you know. Chapter Seventeen - One Funeral And A Wedding Slowly the funeral pyre caught fire as the torch was placed upon it. The flames travelled painfully slow at first, as if resisting the given material to burn…as if they did not wish to devour he who lay upon his final bed. There was silence in the great round building as fire finally caught itself among the wood and began to lick the body of Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Against all odds, Obi-Wan had pulled himself together enough to contact the Jedi Council himself. As it so happens, Yoda already knew of the passing of one of his Jedi friends, but the details of the mission were unknown to him. The day before he had arrived to Naboo, alongside Master Windu, who was his right hand. Together they now stood, at the back of the building, watching as flames licked the body of their friend and comrade in battle. Qui-Gon had always been a free spirirt, defying the Council many times, yet he was a Jedi nonetheless, and his loss was painful. Queen Amidala, in her royal robes of deep purple that almost seemed black, pursed her lips together in order for her face to remain a stoic facade. She had disagreed with Master Jinnon numerous occassions, but he had been her protector and had mentored her in some ways, making her more experienced and wise. Beside her was Obi-Wan, the hood of his cloak pulled over his face in grief. Just moments before he had spoken to High Master Yoda, and had convinced him that young Skywalker needed to be trained in the ways of the Jedi. He himself would be his Master, having been knighted now that his Master was dead. The boy in question sat atop a high wall within the room, which set apart the level of the pyre with the second row, and sorrow was written upon his youthful face. Qui-Gon had believed in him, and his mark had been placed upon Skywalker's soul, to remain there forever. Arwen stood in the second row with the rest of the Ministers, her form hidden underneath a heavy black velvet gown. A veil had been pulled over her face, for she wished for the privacy to grieve alone, not with all eyes upon her. More clearly than anyone else she could sense the grief that Obi-Wan was in, even though he was strong, and did not show it. He would pull himself together, even without her help, yet something pulled her to him, and apparently, him to her. The Elf clasped her hands together in front and averted her gaze from the flames, looking to the ground. Much later, when all the flames had died out and everyone else had retired, she returned, knowing that the Knight had not yet left the side of his Master's final bed. And indeed she found Obi-Wan within, standing before the pyre, his eyes unseeing. Gently she placed a hand on his shoulder, stirring himfr om his reverie. He looked at her and she smiled sadly, having removed the veil and now standing only in her heavy gown. A sigh escaped the Jedi as he turned to look back to where his Master had lain. "He would have opposed the feelings that run through me," he spoke into the silence that stretched between them. Arwen lowered her eyes. She knew of one other person who would have agreed with Qui-Gon. "So would someone else I know," she responded softly and looked back up, "but what does your heart tell you?" "A Jedi should never follow the course his heart wishes for him to take," spoke Obi-Wan solemnly, "for it is against the Code. And yet…" he trailed off and was silent for a long time. "And yet the Force speaks to me in whispers…telling me it will be alright," he continued after a while and looked to Arwen again. She held his gaze calmly. "Whatever you wish to do…it is upon you to do it," she finally said, "the Force may guide you, but you are the only one who can make things come to pass." She looked at him and he nodded, although it seemed that he wasn't quite happy with that point of view. He did, however, know what the Force whispered to him, and the call of something that lay hidden in Elana's soul was strong. He had been resisting it for long – but how much longer could he? And did it matter? One night…he had heard rumours that some Jedi did on occassion slip away from the Temple for more…ahem, down-to-earth pleasures, but never actually heard anyone confirm it. Attachments were forbidden. But if he would feel better after this one night…what harm could it be? He felt Elana's hand slip off his shoulder, and noticed her turn away and slowly exit the building. Pushing all rational and irrational thought aside, Obi-Wan followed her. And she knew he did, but gave away no intention of speeding up her walk. Instead she seemed to drift along the corridors of Theed palace, and he followed some space behind, as if bewitched by some sort of ghost. And maybe she just happened to be one… The Minister stopped before her own quarters and entered, but did not shut the door behind her. Slowly he followed, and he felt as if he entered a dream. The room of Minister Elana was different than any other in the palace. The wall had been pulled down, and instead ellegant archs were created, and long curtains hung down to the floor. There were no doors, simply the garden beyon the room. She took off the heavy over-cloak of her gown and turned to him. Something in her gray eyes made him step closer to her, sheding his heavy cloak on the way. The door clicked to lock mode behind him. None of them knew exactly when their embrace began, but next they were aware of each other, his hands had deftly undid the laces of her gown and pushed it downwards, following the path of the silken material. It took some more time for her to get rid of his own clothes, for a Jedi's attire was made of most likely two or three layers, which could be quite vexing. They stumbled onto the bed, which resulted in a groan that came from Arwen as her back hit something uncomfortably hard, and which was followed by heaps of chuckling from both her and Obi-Wan. After that, it was a long time before anyone of them spoke a thing. And as he claimed her to be his own, tears ran down Arwen's pale cheeks, tears which he kissed away, but did not fully understand their meaning. For to an Elf, the merging of bodies meant the merging of souls, and the merging of souls meant eternal bonding for both involved. In other words, by allowing Obi-Wan one night, she had condemed herself to a lifetime bound to a mortal man, which would undoubtedly mean her death, and separation from her family and friends. You see, when two Elves wish to be wed, they exchange silver rings in sign of their betrothal, and the period of waiting lasts one year, during which they get to know each other better, and to get to know their families. After the one year period they are wed, exchanging formal vows in front of their families, but the actual bonding takes place later. When their souls, their fĂ«ar join, they become one, and cannot be separated, even by death. For when one dies, the other shall either wither away, or sail to the Undying lands to wait for the other part of his or her soul. In dire circumstances, such formal ceremonies need not be followed, and simply the unison of souls is present. Which was exactly what happened between Arwen and Obi-Wan, although the young Knight knew nothing of this. But his companion, now wife, did, and as he fell asleep beside her, finally in a peaceful slumber, she gently distangled herself from his tender embrace and rose. For the remaining part of the night, she sat in the garden outside her room, her eyes turned to the starts that shone over Theed, her mind far away, back home in Middle Earth. It would all mean nothing if she would be able to stay on Naboo, or Coruscant. But PadmĂ© had already said that perhaps returning to her family wouldn't be such a problem now that the droid army had been destroyed. Thus she would leave for Middle Earth as soon as the victory celebrations would be over. How she would be able to tell her father what had transpired, she had no idea. The next day dawned bright and clear, perfect for the victory celebrations. Arwen had risen early, and she and Obi-Wan had parted in silence, neither of them speaking about what had happened during the previous night. The Elf found the palace in uproar as every single member of Queen Amidala's staff strived to reach perfection of their tasks before the parade would begin. Clad in a simple green robe she made her way to Amidala's personal chambers, where more chaos ruled. RabĂ© was desperately trying to make the Queen's hairstyle work, EirtaĂ© was fixing the overcloaks of SachĂ© and YanĂ©, and SabĂ© was just finishing Amidala's make-up when Arwen walked in. The Queen saw her reflection in the mirror and smiled, motioning for her to come closer, and the elleth did, with an equally pleased smale upon her own face. "Today is a wonderful day," commented the young monarch as she turned to the mirror again and allowed RabĂ© to toil onward, "I am expecting Boss Nass to be punctual; this shall be a parade Naboo has never had before!" "I am certain it will be so," replied Arwen, amused, "because I cannot remember one victory parade in Naboo history which involves a Jedi, a small Jedi Padawan, a fourteen-year-old Queen and a heap of Gungans." They all laughed, their laughter echoing down the corridors of the palace. Finally RabĂ© was done and Amidala could stand up, while the handmaidens placed the last and most vital part of her attire upon her – a cloak full of petal leaves. The petals came from a flower that grew near PadmĂ©'s home village and only bloomed once every eighty or so years. It was a special flower, and this was a special occassion. This time, Amidala had chosen a simple silver tiara instead of her usual golden crowns, and with a smile at her handmaidens and her Minister of War, she exited the chamber to face a new day. Sio Bible waited for them outside the palace, and greeted his Queen underneath the shades of the pillars. Amidala granted him a perfect smile and, composed and regal, stepped out into the light, into the cheering of her people, who greeted her warmly and as their personal saviour. When she opened her arms as if she was going to embrace them, loud roars errupetd all over the Plaza, ibbons were thrown into the air, flower petals floated from above. Amidala laughed and her people laughed with her. Then there was a loud trumpet-call, and suddenly all of the Plaza seemed to burst into life as the Gungans brought in their parade. Musicians such as Nabooans never knew exited came first, followed by the special Guard of Boss Nass, which rode mighty two-legged creatures. Upon a specially-adorned one sat Jar-Jar Binks, waving and smiling to the people. Behind came a large animal which none knew where it came from, and Boss Nass sat atop it. Sio Bible smield at the sight, and took a shimmering white globe from a carved wooden box. Amidala glanced across her shoulder to look at Anakin, who sported a new hairstyle as a Jedi Padawan, and smiled. Then she looked over her handmaidens who smiled at her from unerneath their cloaks. Her Ministers beamed proudly at her, and her people cheered. Boss Nass dismounted and came up the steps, followed by Binks. Amidala came forward and took the globe from her governor, presenting it with a large smile to the Gungan leader. He, in turn, took it from her with a bow, before lifting it high into the air, and his voice was heard afar: "Peace!" The Plaza cheered, and Amidala laughed, her heart soraing with happiness. People applauded, flowers were thrown at their feet. Peace had indeed been restored upon Naboo. The Queen extended her arm to the Gungan Leader then, and he took it with more grace than one would have thought him capable off, and then the palace of Theed opened its doors to everyone who wished to celebrate alongside their Queen. Amidala's staff had truly outdone themselves; the large first floor of the Palace had been transformed into a banquet hall, because the formal one was too small to accomodate all the people gathered. Tables and chairs had been placed within, a large dance floor had been made and polished to perfection, the emblem of Naboo, embroided upon large tapestries or banners hung from the ceiling. Flowers had been brought from every corner of the planet, and the smell of food drifted across the air. A band of musicians, which had previously only played on concerts meant for the Queen's ears, struck up a lively tune as the nations began to mix and delight in the variety of activities Amidala had provided them. There were various games, for both young and old alike, from pinning the tail to a bantha, to catching sall fruits from PadmĂ©'s hometown with your teeth. Master Yoda, in an exeptionally bright mood, had been persuaded to entertain them all with stories of his youth and later on, both he and Master Windu entertained the children by making objects fly. Dancing was also included, and everyone, including the Queen, had a good laugh when Boss Nass twirled on the danceloor. The Gungans mixed and mingled with the rest of the gathered, and Jar-Jar was even able to persuade PadmĂ© into a dance with him, although he ended up tripping over his own feet and landing in a cake that earned him a grudge from one of the cooks. In general, everyone had a good time, though. Arwen was persuaded to dance numerous times, by Bible, Jar-Jar, and some other individuals. Amidala also made her sing, which was a treat to everyone. But it was only when Obi-Wan approached her that Arwen's heart sang and they twirled in a lively dance. It appeared the musicians weren't tired just yet. Both Knight and Minister laughed as they danced, and their amusement was even higher when they saw Master Yoda speaking to Jar-Jar, although they knew not what exactly the topi cof speech was. When the moon rose high over the palace, Arwen and Obi-Wan escaped the banquet and entered the royal gardens. A part of them had been fashioned as a labyrinth, and that's where they set their feet too, although they walked in silence, content with simply being in each other's company. It was Arwen who spoke first. "I am leaving tomorrow. The Queen has entrusted master OliĂ© to take me home safely." Obi-Wan looked down at his feet, and was silent for a long time before speaking. "Do you think you shall ever return to the Center?" "I cannot promise anything," came her soft reply, "I have been away from home for long. And where I come from, we do not use crusiers or X-wings or anything of the like. We are a culture of peace and harmony, but very little technology." Unconciously, their hands met and fingers entvined, as they moved further away from the music that drifted from the Palace. They stopped under the shade of a mighty willow-like tree, and only there did they meet each other's gaze. Obi-Wan took both of her hands in his. "There is…much I do not understand," he said softly, "much I would wish to explore further. But that is impossible. However…will you grant me the answer to one question?" She nodded, and he asked: "What are you?" Her smile was sad when she replied: "An Elf." Silence then once more stretch between them. There was so much the Jedi Knight wanted to tell this woman before him, yet he lacked the skill in words. And she in turn wished to tell him much as well…but her heart failed her, and she remained silent. In the end a sigh escaped Obi-Wan's lips as he realised he would have to part with Elana, for she would need to rest in order to leave Theed tomorrow. Thus he offered her his arm and she took it after a moment of hesitation. Together they walked, slowly, to her rooms, at the doors of which they stopped, neither of them wishing to continue. "Thank you," said the Jedi softly, finally, "for everything." She smiled and lifted her hand to tenderly caress his cheek, but said nothing. Instead, she reached behind her neck and unclasped the chain which hung there, and which Obi-Wan had noticed before, but never asked about. Upon it rested a star-shaped pendant. She took his hand and placed the necklace within his grasp, and he closed his fingers gently around it. "Something to remember me by," she whispered and looked into his eyes, "and when the darkness corners you, and you have no light, this will give you hope." Speechles, Obi-Wan pulled her to him and their lips met in one final kiss. "Your name," he whispered against her lips, "what is your name?" "Arwen," she replied. Then she pulled away and entered her chambers, closing the door shut behind her. Inside, she rested her back against it and closed her eyes, fighting back tears of sorrow, while she listened to his dying footsteps as he went in search of his own room. This was it then – her fate was sealed, and this was the end. She brushed away a tear that had escaped from behind her eyelids, and pushed herself away from the door. This time tomorrow, she would most likely see her family again. This time tomorrow, her fate would be sealed once and forever. At the bitterness of the realization, she fell upon the bed and wept. TBC in the Epilogue Please read and review! Chapter 19 - Epilogue - Our paths shall cross again Author's NOte. Well folks, school starts again on Monday, so am posting the final chapter in this part now. I have yet to begin on part two, but hey, this saga was planned in four parts, so worry not, part two will come around soon ;) Epilogue – Our Paths Shall Cross Again It was very early in the morning when Arwen stood in the central starport of Naboo, watching as OliĂ© spoke with Panaka. Amidala stood beside her and was silent, as were the handmaidens which stood behind the pair. Panaka came to the group of women, and his face was sad: "Lady Elana, OliĂ© is ready. When you have said goodbye…" Arwen nodded and sent the dark-skinned captain a reassuring smile, before turning to her friends. All of them so young…yet all of them had experienced war and knew the perils that lay behind each and every battle. PadmĂ© stood on tiptoe as she embraced her Minister of War, who had become far more than just that. She furiously blinked some tears away. "Promise me you will keep this on you at all times," she whispered and handed the elleth a comlink. "Hopefully nothing will transpire in which I shall need your assistance…but one never knows." "I promise," whispered Arwen in return and tucked the comlink within a pocket of her robe safely. Then she said goodbye from each handmaiden in turn, as well as Panaka, before stepping away, to board the ship. OliĂ© fired the engines. Amidala called out after her friend: "You are always welcome here…keep a journal, I will want to know everything that went on while we were separated!" Arwen turned around and smiled, before waving and quickly ascending into the ship. The rampway was lifted, and the vehicle turned its nose to the sky. Arwen strapped herself onto the seat beside OliĂ© and sighed. Ric looked at her with a sad smile. "You know, we may not see each other again…" The Elf's eyes were focused on the three brown-clad forms of the Jedi as they crossed the path to enter a ship of their own. When she closed her eyes she thought she saw herself and Obi-Wan…but Obi-Wan was older, sporting a beard, and much wiser. Hen she opened her eyes again, the ship was lifting into orbit. She looked at Ric with a smile. "Oh, I believe that our paths shall cross again…" FIN Thank you to all my readers and to those of you who shared your thoughts with me. I'll keep those in mind while writing part 2. TBC in When Destinies Meet, part two: Hidden Liasons ------------------------------------------------------------------ Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net) on Sun Nov 15, 2026 12:53 am