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| - When they arrived on Naboo, Nalanda removed the cloak she had worn on the freighter and assumed her senatorial garb. While it was merely an elaborate headpiece with matching shoulder pads, she looked entirely different even though she was wearing the same dress. As they crossed the plaza in front of the palace, Nalanda related her history. She had been raised in a prominent Naboo family, her father and mother in quite influential circles so going into public service was somewhat expected of her. Continuing it though wasn't, as most Naboo retired in their twenties. “When the Queen asked me to serve as senator I couldn’t refuse her,” Nalanda told them. “Though I did think that I would have a family of my own by now.” “The Republic needs you, Senator,” Padmé said as they climbed the steps, “perhaps that’s one of the reasons you’ve been so popular with the wrong sort of people lately.” “Perhaps.” Nalanda agreed with a grin. The Throne Room in the palace brought back memories for Padmé as she watched Queen Jamilla hold court. Everywhere echoed instances of her last visit, particular when she had seen someone else sitting where Jamilla sat. Someone who had no place there at all. “It all depends if the Trade Federation has joined forces with the Separatists,” Nalanda explained to the queen. “And they have taken no steps to reduce their droid army?” Jamilla inquired. “There are…rumours suggesting that,” Nalanda reluctantly replied. “If I may interject, your Highness,” Padmé said, “the Jedi have not been permitted to make any investigations because it will affect the economy.” “It is unthinkable,” Sio Bibble declared, “that after three trials in the Supreme Court Nute Gunray is still Viceroy of the Trade Federation. I fear the Senate will be powerless to stop him.” “We must keep faith,” Jamilla declared, serene in her black and white garments, “not only in those attending the summit but in the Republic itself. The day that we do not believe in democracy is the day we lose it.” “Let’s pray that day never comes,” Nalanda returned, getting to her feet to fall in step behind the Queen. Later that afternoon they boarded a speeder bus that would taken them north, but not all the way. At their destination they took another bus and finally a boat that took them down a wide river shaded with trees. Anakin didn’t mind, the more he saw of Naboo the more he liked. Ten years ago he never would have imagined this much water could be possible. As the sun was setting they rounded a headland and Nalanda’s family villa came into view. It was right above the water with arching windows of multi-coloured glass, beyond were manicured gardens and beyond that dense forest. A kind, care-worn housekeeper met them at the dock. She smiled at Padmé and Anakin as she collected the bags and took them inside. “I used to come here every summer,” Nalanda said, strolling along the deck and looking into the water. She wore her hair loose but for a band behind her ears and a free-flowing gown that changed from a cream to a beige. “I don’t come as often now of course, and mostly it’s just to be alone.” “It beautiful,” Padmé said, and she meant it. From where they were they could see the open ocean, and just to the left was a sandbar with an island at the end. “I'm not sure if I like it best now or in the winter,” Nalanda turned and smiled at them. “You can only get here by air then, the waves come up so high it covers the windows.” Anakin didn’t say anything, he stepped closer to Padmé as she and Nalanda talked. The atmosphere, the surroundings…it was affecting him more than he realised it would, particularly seeing the light of the setting sun on Padmé. The gold and red outlining her curves, highlighting her eyes and hair… “There!” Nalanda pointed to the shadow of a large bird flying towards the setting sun. “Goff birds, aren’t they?” Padmé asked. “Yes.” Nalanda gave Anakin a significant look. “The first time I saw your Master he was on the back of one of these.” “Really?” Anakin's surprise seemed genuine. “He hasn’t told you?” Nalanda asked. “No,” Anakin replied, then smiled. “Of course, it’s not a story that Master Obi-Wan would choose to tell. He hates flying.” They all laughed, watching the shadows get smaller. That evening they ate on the terrace with the doors open and the air with the smell of the sea. The food was heightened by the atmosphere, yet they could have been eating ration bars on an ice world for all Anakin cared. He was more interested in watching Padmé as she talked to the senator. “I have only the slightest of memories of my parents,” she confessed, slicing the fruit they had been served for dessert. “All Jedi are identified at birth so I’ve never known my family, and it’s not encouraged.” She glanced at Anakin with a smile. “There are exceptions of course.” Yes, that’s what I am,” Anakin said sarcastically with a smile. “An exception.” Then when Padmé wasn’t looking he used the Force to steal the fruit of her plate. “Anakin!” She tired to spear the fruit out of the air with her fork but it was too late, it was beyond her reach and sailing into Anakin’s mouth. “What would Obi-Wan be saying if he saw you do that?” “He would be very grumpy,” Anakin replied through his mouthful. “As he should be,” Padmé replied curtly. They stared at each other for a few moments and then broke into laughter. “What was wrong with that anyway?” Nalanda asked when it had subsided. “The Force is not a key you use to open every door you find,” replied Padmé seriously. “Or that is at least what Master Nju told me at least three times each lightsaber training class.” She glanced sideways at Anakin. “Somehow I think you missed that lesson, or else it went over your head.” “Like this?” Anakin moved his fingers and aimed a piece of fruit at her. It was meant to sail over her head but when Padmé stood up it hit her nose. “Right,” Padmé picked up the rest of her dessert and aimed it at Anakin, who deflected it with the Force so it splattered Nalanda. “You asked for it,” the senator laughed, picking up the rest of her dessert. The food fight was on.
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