Live Journal FeedWell 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 fëar 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 Padmé 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. Rabé was desperately trying to make the Queen's hairstyle work, Eirtaé was fixing the overcloaks of Saché and Yané, and Sabé 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 Rabé 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 Rabé 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 Padmé'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 Padmé'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 Padmé 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 Olié 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
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