Reunion

Naboo – a virtual paradise to inhabitants and visitors alike. The lush rolling hills, majestic mountains, and beautiful lakes made the landscape a treasure to behold. Few came to this planet leaving unfulfilled in some manner – whether it was their surroundings, the enjoyable Naboo people or the delicious foods that wafted out of the many bakery’s and restaurants – there was something for everyone.

Although today was vastly different for one particular Nubian. She had waited endlessly it seemed for her husband to return from the war – if only for a short time – and now her wish had been granted.

She nervously flitted around the Lake Country home that had provided her solace on numerous occasions. Padmé wanted everything to be perfect for the limited time she and Anakin would have together, which was so rare. She had already dismissed the staff; convincing them she would be safe without their presence and finished up the last touches before her husband arrived.

**********

Padmé glanced up at the chronometer on the wall as if willing the time to pass more quickly. Her heart was racing and she tried to calm herself – to no avail.

“I need some fresh air,” she told herself and walked outside. The tepid evening air brushed against her skin, softly caressing it, and teased the cascade of curls that covered her otherwise bare shoulders.  She casually approached the balustrade, her burgundy gown fluttering in the gentle wind, and leaned upon it, using her arms to balance herself. The sun had begun to set casting a breathtaking orange and red skyline and Padmé dreamily stared at the beautiful sight. Memories came back to her as she immersed herself in the scene before her. She recalled Anakin standing next to her as they witnessed the sunset together. His arms wrapped protectively around her, nuzzling her hair and whispering sweet words of endearment into her ear. She had found her paradise and it encompassed Anakin Skywalker – a path she wouldn’t have believed possible but, nonetheless, it had and she couldn’t have been happier. She thought back to her initial meeting on Tatooine so long ago. How he asked her if she were an angel and the memory made her giggle. He was such an innocent, loving child – ready to help strangers in need out of the kindness of his own heart.

“Has the war changed you, my love? Is your innocence gone? You have witnessed atrocities that I can only imagine and I long to comfort you and show you the universe still has beauty within it.” Padmé sighed and wrapped her arms around herself, but she ached for Anakin’s arms and the waiting was almost unbearable.

**********

Paddy glanced back at his anxious passenger and then continued to pilot the water speeder toward its destination. He remembered this man as the one who had accompanied Padmé Naberrie more than once to the resort and he appeared rather eager to reach it.

Anakin repeatedly fidgeted with his hands, his clothes, his hair – everything had to be perfect. The last person he wanted to disappoint was his beloved and if he could move the heavens just to make her happy he would graciously oblige. He should have been in her arms a standard hour ago but delays are unavoidable when you least expect them and in spite of trying to make his trip go any faster he could only push his starfighter so far past its limitations.

“You alright, son?” Paddy asked as he looked back at the Jedi again.

“Yes, thank you. Are we almost there?” Anakin politely inquired.

“We should be pulling up to the dock any moment.”

Anakin smiled for the first time since Paddy had picked him up in Theed.

**********

Padmé turned away from the railing to walk back into the resort’s main living area only to immediately stop. Her heart skipped a beat as she audibly gasped and she was surprised at how quickly her eyes began to sting, forming pools of tears. She felt paralyzed and couldn’t even get her feet to respond – it was as if she was stone and her body was incapable of movement. Although she had planned her greeting, now the words escaped her and she could only stand there with her mouth agape. Suddenly she began trembling, but it was not born of fear – rather of longing for something beyond your reach only to have it set before you.

“An-Ani,” she nearly choked trying to get the simple word out.

At that moment a storm could have swept through them both but they wouldn’t have noticed. The entire universe no longer existed except for the two star crossed lovers.

As the sky continued to darken, fireflies appeared and curiously flew around the two people who stood like statues on the balcony, enhancing their eyesight against the oncoming darkness.

“Angel,” Anakin hoarsely whispered. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her – she was more beautiful than he could remember and she literally took his breath away. He felt as if his heart would burst from his chest and his mouth went dry. He wanted to savor every moment with her and now seeing her again after so long…the depth of his love was undeniable.

It was as if time had chosen to play a cruel game on the couple – making their steps toward one another take eons versus seconds. But embrace they finally did and then the tears ran unchecked down their faces.

Anakin held his angel fiercely, afraid to let her go and let his dream shatter. Was he dreaming? Was she really in his arms? He had dreamt of this moment for so long – was it now real?

Padmé wrapped her arms tightly around her husband, her tears sliding past her lips and she could taste the salty residue. She couldn’t recall the last time she had cried – she had resolved to remain strong during his absence for the tears would gain her nothing. Little did she realize how wrong she had been to withhold her emotions and now she didn’t care. Anakin was here with her and nothing else mattered.

“I love you so much,” Anakin intensely stated. “How I have missed you.”

“You’re home, my love. I’ve waited until I thought I could wait no more and then still held on. I love you,” Padmé breathlessly told him.

Anakin pulled out of their embrace and placed his hands on her cheeks, staring into her eyes as she unwittingly took hold of his soul. He slowly brought his head closer to hers, his lips seeking hers and nearly melted when they met. Their mouths moved in perfect harmony with one another, desperate for each others taste upon their lips. Their tongues danced and played, eager to touch without inhibitions. Theirs was a kiss of true passion that many couples find elusive or tempered. But Padmé and Anakin had bonded together – soul mates that loved and nurtured each other through the happiest of times as well as the darkest moments.

A rare commodity indeed – to love so deeply and unconditionally.

“Enter my sanctuary, Jedi warrior,” Padmé pleaded, “and I’ll show you what pleasure can be.”

In one fluid movement, Anakin scooped up his wife into his strong, capable arms and easily carried her across the balcony and through the open double doors. “I’m all yours,” he grinned, his soft blue eyes betraying his utter submission.

Using the Force, Anakin closed the doors and let their shadows mimic their movements to the outside world. A moment later, the light was snuffed out and theirs was a private performance.

 

Finis