Whispers in the Dark

By Arriss

Chapter I – A Joining of Souls – Part I

A thunderclap reverberated in her ears as Sakoya gazed wistfully out of the expansive window to the ominous weather outside. The rain was pouring down and as a result, she felt absolutely miserable. “This is NOT the way I had planned my wedding day,” she decried.

 Leia tried to offer some kind of encouragement. “It’ll clear up by this afternoon. Just you watch.”

“Yes,” Sola added, “these rainstorms are normal for this time of the year.”

Padmé interjected with a chuckle. “I don’t think you could keep Obi-Wan from the altar, no matter how the weather tried to intervene.”

Sakoya turned toward her handmaidens. She suddenly looked as if she would burst into tears. “Does this mean my marriage is doomed? Is this an omen of things to come?”

Padmé walked over to the jittery bride and hugged her. “Ssshhh, don’t worry. Today is a joyous occasion and a little rain won’t hinder that.”

Leia and Sola exchanged glances as they watched Padmé confidently stroll over to Sakoya. As she finished putting on her dress, Sola thought back to her own wedding and how nervous she had been.

“She’ll be okay,” Sola whispered to Leia, grinning.

“If anyone can calm her, my mother can,” Leia whispered back. I wonder what I’ll be like on my own wedding day? she silently mused.

“A little rain?” Sakoya asked incredulously as she turned around and faced the discouraging weather. “That doesn’t look so ‘little’ to me. It could turn into a flood.”

“Hrmph,” Padmé offered through a veiled giggle. “No,” she continued, her voice light and playful, “I don’t think you’ll get out of this that easily.”

Sakoya turned back toward her friend, a look of surprise on her face. “What do you mean?” she asked innocently.

Padmé’s warm smile lit up her face, radiating her beauty even more. “My dear, you’re nervous – that’s perfectly normal for a bride.”

Swallowing audibly, Sakoya stammered, “I-I’m…not…nervous… Oh Force, I’m petrified! Will I be a good wife? Will I, am I, worthy of such a magnificent man? What if I’m not good enough for him?” Tears began to trickle down her cheeks. “What if I disappoint him? What if the Council changes their mind and reneges their blessing? What if –”

Padmé interrupted Sakoya by holding a finger up to the bride’s lips. “Ssshhh,” she cooed soothingly. “You have nothing to fear. Obi-Wan loves you with all of his heart and I don’t think you could truly disappoint him. You will learn that for a marriage to be successful each partner must carry the responsibilities equally – from the mundane to the most vital. After today, you and Ben will be one – don’t allow a series of ‘what ifs’ to cloud that.”

Sakoya looked at her dearest friend and offered her a shy smile. “You’re right,” she agreed with a nod as she simultaneously took a deep breath.

“There, that’s better. Now, dry your eyes and let’s finish primping you.”

Sakoya hugged Padmé tightly. “I chose wisely when I asked you to stand beside me at my wedding.”

“Of course you did,” Padmé stated with a wink. “Come…we ladies need to make sure we take your bridegroom’s breath away more than you already have.”

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Earlier that day…

After explaining what he proposed to do, Anakin explicitly requested complete solace for his task, much to his twins chagrin.

“Let us help, Dad,” Luke protested.

“With the three of us, we could be done in no time,” Leia added.

“Thank you, but no. I want to do this for Obi-Wan as much as Sakoya. I owe them…”

Anakin walked into the grove with a large basket of white and yellow flowers. He stood in the middle of the trees, set the basket down by his feet, and then stretched his arms out wide. Closing his eyes and setting his mind and body at ease; he slowly turned in a circle and then journeyed into the Living Force.

Albeit gradually, a multitude of tree branches began to bend, as if the wind begged them to, but there was no such element present to cast the culpability upon. Then a smile stretched across Anakin’s lips as he heard the murmurs of the living greenery whispering in his ears. They had chosen to accept his request and formed an arch that covered the length of the grove – their branches and leaves stretching across to intermingle with their brethren and create a wondrous canopy.

“One last task,” he said to himself. Shifting his concentration to the basket at his feet, Anakin sent forth the flowers into the intertwined branches above him – and the effect was beautiful to behold. When the Jedi opened his eyes at last, he couldn’t help smiling at the sight before him.

“Thank you,” he humbly said and bowed before leaving the decorative grove.

__________________________________*****__________________________________

Late afternoon was approaching when the rain finally ceased and the sun thrust its warming rays back into the forefront. Outside, Jobal was attending to the last few touches for the ceremony and had sent Ruwee, Ryoo, and Pooja to check various little details. Additionally, she asked C-3PO to dry all the chairs [which he grudgingly did, in spite of protests that his valuable services could be useful elsewhere] while she inspected the flower arrangements that circled the blessed altar. The different floral scents blended together beautifully and caused a smile to light up her face. Alana, the village florist, and Jobal’s friend had done well, as usual. She couldn’t help but be impressed at how her friend could arrange the most glorious flowers and create aromas that captivated the senses.

Nodding absently, Jobal’s mind continued to mill around all the details of the fast approaching nuptials. In the time spent with her extended family since their arrival on Naboo a year ago, she had come to know Sakoya Jade very well and thought of her as another daughter. When Jobal had inquired about Sakoya’s parents attending the wedding, the fiery-haired Jedi had said they wouldn’t be able to. “They’re not among the living anymore,” she had said. Jobal had subtlety pressed but Sakoya steadfastly refused to discuss the subject further.

Jobal’s gaze floated around the grove of trees and fell upon the magnificent display that her son-in-law, Anakin Skywalker, had created. He had deemed it a ‘labor of love’ for two people that meant so much to him and he felt he couldn’t deny the bride’s request for her wedding. Although, he went above and beyond her request for an arch that would extend the length of the aisle they would walk.

As Jobal stared at the trees, she was amazed at how beautiful it had turned out as she stepped down from the altar and walked into the middle of it. Her head slowly trailed up the ivy-laden trunks to the glorious flowers her son-in-law had added. She was thankful that the deluge of rain hadn’t been able to spoil the exquisite setting.

“It’s so lovely,” she sighed.

“Yes, quite a unique way to accommodate Sakoya’s request for an arch,” Ruwee commented as he came up behind his wife and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You look absolutely beautiful, my dearest,” he added and kissed her lightly on the neck.

“Oh, you…” She swatted at him playfully. “How is the groom holding up?”

Ruwee chuckled. “All I can say is that I’m glad Anakin is in there instead of me.”

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“Obi-Wan! Stop pacing!” Anakin growled.

Obi-Wan ignored his best friend and continued his relentless pacing.

“You’re going to wear a hole in the floor and then you’ll have to deal with Padmé.”

Acting as if he were deaf, Obi-Wan still continued his restless walk.

Anakin thought a moment and a sly smile graced his lips. “If you’re so nervous maybe I should go tell Sakoya that you can’t go through with it.”

That got the Jedi Master’s attention as he immediately stopped and turned around, his Jedi robes flaring out from the abrupt movement. He glowered at his best friend. “You’d never make it to the door,” he snarled.

Anakin tilted his head to the side, displaying a sinister glare. “Oh…really?”

“Don’t even think of it!” Obi-Wan stated evenly.

“I plastered your face to the ceiling once. I can do it again,” Anakin commented with a smirk as his mind recalled their ‘mock Force battle’ so long ago. 1

Obi-Wan stood motionless until a small smile formed on his lips and then he burst out laughing. “Yes, I remember that well.”

Anakin laughed with his friend and nodded in agreement. “So do I. We made a mess of the ready room and Padmé caught us.”

“Yes, but it was a grand time,” Obi-Wan managed in between bouts of laughter.

“Much like the mud fight we had.”

Obi-Wan chortled then began to laugh hysterically. “Our arrival on Dagobah, yes, I remember. Pelting you with mud was one of my glorious achievements.” 2

“Really?” Anakin displayed a look of amusement tinged with mischievousness. “I’d challenge you to a rematch since the weather is so ideal for such a spectacle, but I’d like to live another day.”

“Not to mention sleeping in a warm bed and not a couch…or worse,” Obi-Wan remarked with a smirk.

Anakin winked and nodded before glancing at the chronometer hanging on the wall and noticed the time. Looking back at his lifelong friend, he asked, “Are you ready to meet your bride?”

The laughter began to dwindle as Obi-Wan composed himself and then looked at his dear friend. The time had come and the waiting would soon be over. Quietly, he replied, “Yes, I am.”

__________________________________*****__________________________________

Sakoya preened in the floor length mirror, admiring the beautiful wedding gown she wore.

“Is that really me?” she asked to no one in particular.

Padmé came up behind her friend and placed one hand on each of Sakoya’s shoulders. “Yes, dear, it is.”

Sakoya took a deep breath and blushed as she stared at the masterpiece that had been created for her. How it hugged her waist, enhancing her lithe form. The entire bodice was made from the softest fabric Sakoya had ever felt and she was in awe at how her hand simply glided across it. From the front, the bodice dipped to a small ‘V’ at her chest and again, although more pronounced, at her waist. There it joined the sheer fabric overlay that covered the remainder of the dress and trailed to the floor, flowing outward in soft sweeps. In line with the bodice and draping enticingly down her arms were simulated sleeves, made of the same sheer material, and resembled a ripple effect. A thin strap over each shoulder held the ivory colored dress in place in addition to the lacing of the bodice down Sakoya’s back.

She simply looked [and felt] scintillating.

 

1  Alliance Ch11

2  Alliance Ch3

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Chapter I – A Joining of Souls – Part II – The Wedding

The musicians had been assembled, the Nubian Holy Man waited at the altar, and the guests were now seated, waiting patiently for the ceremony to begin.

 

The tune of melodious music began to permeate throughout the grove as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin and Luke Skywalker, and Bail Organa filtered in and took their respective places to the right of the altar. The attendee’s suddenly became mystically quiet with the exception of the soothing music as they waited for the signal heralding the bride’s arrival.

Moments later, Leia Skywalker, and Sola Naberrie, beautiful in their flowing, pale mint gowns, slowly strolled up the aisle. Along the way, each of them lightly scattered red rose petals and then they too took their rightful places to the left of the altar.

Obi-Wan witnessed Anakin scowl at the sight of Leia winking at Han who was in attendance as a guest and, through the Force, ordered him to restrain himself.

*I promise I won’t make a spectacle of myself during the ceremony,* Anakin mentally assured his friend then silently grumbled to himself, Afterward, however…

Agonizing minutes passed, making Obi-Wan tense as he waited for his bride. He slipped into the Force, hoping to calm himself when Padmé Skywalker suddenly appeared and began to walk up the aisle. Dazzling in her gown, which was a slightly different hue than the other ladies and denoted her role in the ceremony, Anakin couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

*You’re so beautiful,* Anakin mentally told his wife.

*Thank you, my love,* she returned with a twinkle in her eye. 

Just before Padmé took her place as the Matron of Honor, she glanced at her old friend and smiled brightly. “She’s ready for you,” she whispered to Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.

 

The music changed tone and became livelier and triumphant as the guests came to their feet. A brief moment later, Ruwee Naberrie turned the corner with the bride securely attached to his arm.

“Take a deep breath,” he whispered to her. “You’ll be fine.”

Sakoya did as Ruwee bade her and reached into the Force to help soothe her nervousness. Within seconds, her face became less tight and her tense body relaxed.

“Much better. Ready now?” Ruwee asked with a smile.

“Yes,” she meekly answered.

Securely holding her bouquet of vibrant flowers in her moist hands, Sakoya and Ruwee walked up the aisle and toward the life altering choice she was about to embark upon.

 

“She looks radiant,” Anakin whispered to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan’s breath was caught in his throat at the incredible sight of his beloved. All he could muster was a nod in agreement to his friend’s comment.

 

Lost in her own thoughts, Sakoya blindly walked beside Ruwee, her eyes never straying from the man waiting for her at the altar. He was resplendent in his Jedi robes and the emotion he was radiating…she breathed in sharply, not from pain but joy. She fought to stifle the tears that threatened to overcome her as the love she felt for this man burst to the surface. Oh, Force…am I worthy?

 

Ruwee and Sakoya stopped at the base of the altar and waited for the Holy Man to pose his question.

“Do you, Ruwee Naberrie, present this woman for the lifemate rite?”

“Yes, I do,” he answered.

The Holy Man slowly nodded and said, “You do her honor.”

Ruwee turned toward Sakoya, whom he too considered a daughter, and lightly kissed her forehead. “Be at peace, love has found you – treasure it always,” he softly uttered then removed her arm from his own and turned to take his seat beside his wife in the front row.

Sakoya glanced at the people who had taken her into their lives and accepted her as a part of their family and smiled lovingly at them. She took one last calming breath then walked up the few steps that separated her from her future.

 

“Greetings family and friends. Please, be seated,” Arguleran began, standing in front of the idyllic couple. “On this day of joyous celebration we unite two souls into one. Love is a gift that teaches us acceptance and forgiveness, but it also surrounds each of us and cradles us in its glory. Today, two special people will begin their odyssey not as individuals, but as a couple as they stand side by side before us. May their path be blessed.

The will of the Force has brought you together; Jedi to Jedi, man to woman. I call upon Eriana, the divine Lady of aspiration and bearer of love. I ask you to witness the bonding of this couple and bless them in their new life together. Fill their minds and hearts with your grace. In your name we pray.” He paused briefly in silent prayer as the heads of everyone dipped in acceptance of his words.

The Holy Man continued, “I call upon Lord Kiritan, the purveyor of wisdom and guidance. I ask you to witness the bonding of this couple and bless them in their new life together. Fill their minds and hearts with your grace. In your name we pray.” As before, the guests bowed their heads in reverence.

Arguleran placed his hands out in front of him, his palms upward and waited for Obi-Wan and Sakoya to place their left hand into his proffered ones and loudly proclaimed, “If there is any among you who would challenge this union, speak now.”

The assemblage remained quiet and composed, save for one person.

Xar’ek Tinsir squirmed in his seat, debating on whether to speak up or remain quiet. He thought he had gotten over Sakoya long ago, but seeing her again…stirred his heart. Their mission to retrieve the Imperial shuttle reminded him of how he had fallen for her in the past. He began to open his mouth to utter the most dreadful words when he stopped himself. I-I can’t. She would never forgive me. As much as I want to stop this… As much as I want to be with her… 3

Since no objections had been voiced, the Holy Man continued. “Do you, Sakoya Jade, acknowledge before the Lord and Lady that this joining is of your own free will? That you will love and honor Obi-Wan Kenobi, forsaking all others, until separated by death?”

“Upon my oath, I will,” Sakoya softly replied as she turned her head to gaze into the emerald pools of her beloved.

 “Do you, Obi-Wan Kenobi, acknowledge before the Lord and Lady that this joining is of your own free will? That you will love and honor Sakoya Jade, forsaking all others, until separated by death?”

Obi-Wan felt his heart skip a beat as he realized his dreams were no longer dreams, but a joyous reality. “Upon my oath, I will,” he answered huskily.

“Obi-Wan and Sakoya would like to exchange their own vows as well.” The Holy Man slowly nodded to Obi-Wan, giving him the cue to speak.

Obi-Wan’s throat felt as dry as a Tatooine desert and he attempted to clear it before he spoke. Sensing his friend’s distress, Anakin guided a reinforcing wave from the Force toward the groom that would allow him to be more at ease.

*Thank you,* Obi-Wan mentally linked to Anakin. Taking a deep breath, the Jedi Master then began to recite the words he had committed to memory. “My dearest Sakoya, from the first time I saw you, I knew I had stumbled upon someone special. You stirred something within me – something I couldn’t quite fathom, but it left me wanting more. Your spirit and independence inspired me, but it was your smile and charm that captivated and held me. You habitually visited my dreams, and taught me that loving someone can open a new world – waiting to be explored. I want to explore the universe with you at my side, Sakoya. You are my precious, mon aimé, and I will treasure you past the end of time. 

Sakoya could barely contain her tears of happiness as she took a deep breath and smiled brightly. The sparkle in her eyes as unmistakable as the love in her heart. “Obi-Wan, my beloved,” she began, “at our first meeting, you took my breath away. I know it may sound strange but I felt I already knew you and wanted nothing more than to be at your side. I never truly felt alive until our paths crossed and I cherish each moment we share together. I never considered that I could love again until you proved to me that it was possible. The happiness you have brought into my life…I thank the Force for placing me on the path to you. Mon aimé, you are my soul and I will treasure you past the end of time.”

Once Sakoya finished, Arguleran then stated, “Before the Lord Kiritan, Lady Eriana, and these witnesses, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Sakoya Jade have sworn their vows to one another.” Placing Sakoya’s hand into Obi-Wan’s, Arguleran removed the silver cord that he had draped around his neck and wrapped the cord gently around the joined hands of the couple and proclaimed, “The sanctity of this cord will bind this couple to the vows that they have each made. However, this binding is not tied and is only enforced by both of their wills. Henceforth, you are bound Heart to Heart, Soul to Soul, Body to Body. You have received your blessings from the Lord and Lady – be at peace.”

With a bright smile, the Holy Man removed the silver cord and happily said, “May I present Mister and Missus Kenobi.”

Obi-Wan slowly brought his hand up to Sakoya’s face and brushed a stray curl away. “Missus Kenobi,” he whispered as his hand cupped her chin and they leaned into each other. A cheer erupted from the guests as the newlyweds lips met in an amorous kiss.

3  Alliance Ch12

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