Title: Desperately Wanting (Title of the Better Than Ezra so I love most..)
Author:  Sami        DestinyRage@AOL.com
Rating: PG-13 (So far, best comes at the end :P)
Characters: Queen Arshea of Hoth, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Yoda, Mace Windu, Adi
Gallia and miscellaneous other characters used by me...
Category: Some drama, slight humor, attempting at romance...
Disclaimer: No moneies for me, cause de ain’t mine.. only Arshea is.. and her
guardians.. ^_^
Summary: Queen Arshea of Hoth experiences a bit of trouble, and the Jedi
Council calls on an old friend for assistance....

“We fight. I don’t know why we fight, but we do.” A woman’s voice
announced with gentle intensity from the depths of the darkened room. A
silhouetted figure stood against an open window, a statue in the light of the
outside world. The breeze from the speeding vehicles made the silken drapes
wrap themselves around the silhouette, holding it there, perpetually. “There
are no reasons that I have been able to give that we fight. However, there is
something about having freedom taken away that make us come together, to take
it back.” The lush satiny voice trailed off. Almost as though waking from a
slumber, the slender body inched gracefully away from the window, loosening
the fake binds of the drapes. Coming to rest at a table, the woman pulled a
chair out, turned it around, propped her arms up on the back rest and
straddled the seat. A listener was already seated at the table, having been
paying close attention to what the voice was saying.

“There must be a main reason you fight, Your Majesty. I mean, please
don’t miss understand me, but it couldn’t be just for some unseen reason.
Could it?” The listener finally spoke, the sound filled with confusion. The
speaker leaned forward in her chair, her face coming into the only light that
was in the room. Pale skin held proportioned features, full lips, a small
nose, deep blue eyes, and the only accent was a thin silver tiara that came
to a point in line with her nose. Golden blonde hair was cut to her ears,
long strands hung around her face, framing it. “Her Majesty” crossed her
arms over the back of the chair, their well-muscled appearance would make any
person wonder what royalty like her truly did on their off time. Her hands
were soft, and yet they held scars from what would appear to be lightsaber
burns.

“As I had stated before, if there is a reason... I have yet to have found
it. Even what I hold dear could not find it for me, and nor would I expect it
to. We look for reasons, excuses and solutions only to find out that the one
thing we can come up with is that there are no solutions. We find that as
life continues, one must come to grips with that realization.” The speaker
proclaimed, tilting her head at the young girl a crossed from her. The girl,
much younger than the other, had wide naive eyes that would eventually betray
her. Her hair was the same color as the older woman’s and she was
built for work, much like the other. She thought the last sentence over a
moment before, nodding once steadily.

“Thank you, Queen Arshea. I will be sure to let those back on Hoth know
how you are doing. I appreciate you bringing me all the way here so that I
might finally see what life would be like here.” The young girl gestured
around her.

“You’re more than welcome, Deayria. Please be sure to inform Council
Member Tadrin that I should be back on Hoth soon. My business in Coruscant is
almost complete.” Queen Arshea of Hoth, nodded, standing so that she might
escort the young political applicant, Deayria, back to the transport. Deayria
jumped up quickly, bowing to the queen before walking toward the door.

“I will definitely let him know, I’m sure he will be looking forward to
your return.”

“Probably not, but I do plan on returning. I’ll be bringing my Guardians
back to Coruscant. There is a need for greater security around the Jedi
Council. With more Guardians around, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”
Arshea flashed a bright grin, and followed the young lady back to the landing
pad. Deairya giggled softly, covering her mouth with one hand.

“Do be careful, Your Majesty, we wouldn’t want anything to happen to
you. You’re doing so much, the people of Hoth are very proud.” Deayria
nodded, and bowed once more before heading up the loading ramp. The girl
turned, pausing to wave. Returning the gesture, Arshea’s back straightened,
as a flash of danger filled her skin and her eyes filled with flames. Before
any action could be made, she was thrown back against the ground hard, the
wind knocked from her. She struggled to quickly stand back up, her eyes still
clouded with a vision as she witnessed a fighter plane zip away, the missile
doors closing. Arshea’s eyes narrowed, the queen throwing out a bit of her
energy to draw back the vessel, only to make it jerk violently, but it was
further than her abilities would allow. A piece of the transport had taken a
slice out of her upper arm, making her a bit nauseous, but there didn’t
appear to be any other physical damage done to her. Walking over to what
remained of the transport, Arshea’s eyes became cold as the body of the young
girl lay still, unmoving with its eyes still open, her face shrouded with
terror. *Poor thing knew she was dying as she lay there,* Arshea thought to
herself, as her eyes welled with tears. To see someone so young die so
needlessly was disgusting. The platform was soon swarmed with witnesses’
vehicles and five of the queen’s own Guardian beasts, whose very presence
warranted danger. The creatures were bantha height but were feline shaped,
their bodies very furry and large wings spanned twice their length. One of
them, in particular, had a saddle and a silver band around its neck, making
it stand out from the others. It approached Arshea, nuzzling her to help ease
the already growing anger and sadness. The queen placed a hand on the
creature’s short snout, narrowing her eyes at the pile of debris.

“Time to talk to the Jedi, old friend. One of the young from Hoth is
dead, and that’s not proper, is it?” She hissed through gritted teeth,
obviously shaken and distraught as her eyes were cast to the ground. The
Guardian made a muffled growling noise through its nose and moved for Arshea
to mount the saddle. With a graceful jump, the queen was on its back and they
took flight, heading toward the Jedi Council ‘s chambers.

* * * * *

Council member Mace Windu made his way speedily into Yoda’s meditation
room, his face a still as stone, but the feeling of unrest settled upon him.

“Master Yoda, Queen Arshea’s political applicant’s transport was just
destroyed, killing not only the pilot and the small crew, but the applicant
as well. Arshea is here and is wounded, I have our people taking care of
her.” Yoda opened his eyes with a small shake of his head.

“Know who did it, do you?” Master Yoda inquired, squinting his eyes at
Master Windu, attempting to read through him.

“Not at this point no, but we already have people heading to the crash
site to extract any of the items necessary to finding out who did. Do you
believe the attack was toward Queen Arshea?” Windu sat on his meditation
cushion, crossing his legs. Yoda shook his head, his ears bobbing
ever-so-slightly.

“A plan in work, yes. Wanting her to take her vengeance, they do. Wanting
her to go to the Dark Side.”

“The Sith? But why her?” Windu appeared taken back, for the Sith had
never targeted one person in particular it was just the Jedi in general, and
Queen Arshea wasn’t even a Jedi. “If Queen Arshea doesn’t have the
midi-chlorian count in order for her to be considered a true Jedi, than how
can the Sith assume that she would turn from the Living Force to the Dark
Side? She doesn’t really follow one or the other. She somewhat follows the
Code, though she has no need to do so, but why her?”

“Undecided her fate, both sides she sees; clear the future is to her.”

“Arshea sees the future because she can experience both the side of the Li
ving Force and the Dark Side. Which in turn makes sense that she is as
valuable as you always knew she was; not only as a friend, but as an ally.” A
knock came to the door, making Mace tilt his head, reading who it is before
they entered.

“Master Windu, Master Yoda... forgive my intrusion but Master Obi-Wan
Kenobi and padawan Anakin Skywalker are here.” A male staff member said,
staying in the doorway.

“Is Master Kenobi aware of the incident with Queen Arshea, Ahnis?”
Master Windu asked.

“No, sir I don’t believe so.”

“Thank you, please go check on Her Majesty, I’m sure she’s not very
comfortable being confined in the conference room.”

“Of course, Master Windu. And of Master Kenobi?”

“He’ll find his way to us, soon enough.”

* * * * *

Ahnis headed away from the mediation chamber, and toward the conference
room where Arshea was being kept, when he crossed paths with Obi-Wan and
Anakin. It having been five years since the last time Arshea had seen the
two, they had only changed a small amount. Obi-Wan’s beard was coming in a
bit fuller, and Anakin was almost Obi-Wan’s height, with a soft, young
looking face. A female staff member approached Ahnis in a rush almost bumping
into the two Jedi.

“We're having trouble getting the bleeding in Queen Arshea’s arm to
stop. It is a rather deep wound and we had to fight with her in order to get
the piece of debris out.” The female staff member said, making Obi-Wan freeze
in his tracks and turn to face them. Ahnis spun the woman around and shook
his head, a stern look on his face.

“Now is not the time, Drenia, speak with me later.” He hissed, hoping he
hadn’t caught Obi-Wan’s attention.

“Pardon me, did you just say, ‘wound in Queen Arshea’s arm’? And if so,
I wish to inquire as to what happened?” Obi-Wan stated plainly, his demeanor
not allowing the fact that he was caught off guard show on his face, while
Anakin furrowed his brow, blatantly disturbed.

“Yes, I did,” The woman named, Drenia said, jerking away from Ahnis’
hold. “Her political applicant’s transport was blown up right in front of
her and she got hit--- Ow!” Ahnis pinched her, and turned her in front of him
again.

“I assure you, Master Kenobi, Queen Arshea is fine.” Both staff members
scrambled toward the conference room, swiftly. Watching them leave, Obi-Wan
thought a moment, before glancing to Anakin.

“I wish to find out exactly what happened. Let us go talk to the Council,
if their own staff members are caring for Arshea, then they are most likely
aware of what is going on. Then I will demand to see her, something is not
right in the Force, I can sense it. Can you?”

“It feels like guilt, someone feels guilty.” Anakin put in shrugging his
shoulders, not really sure about his answer. Obi-Wan debated carefully on the
tact to use on this matter. He was a bit concerned for Arshea, having not
seen her since the Battle of Naboo, but he didn’t like to appear too
concerned, he was always mindful of his emotions toward Arshea, they betrayed
him.

“Close enough.” Obi-Wan replied, making his way down the main hall.

* * * * *

Obi-Wan and Anakin emerged into the Council chamber, moving to stand in
its grand center. All the members were present, including Master Windu and
Master Yoda. Obi-Wan bowed, with Anakin following as the members nodded in
return.

“It is good to see you all again, and I was originally coming to catch up
on certain items that I had heard about in our travels, but there is one
item that interests me more, I heard of it downstairs. What is wrong with,
Queen Arshea and why was she in need of medical attention?” Obi-Wan’s voice
was calculated and clear, as he picked his words with care.

“It is also good to see you, Master Obi-Wan.” Mace Windu started, as he
linked his fingers together. “And as for Her Majesty, Queen Arshea, her
political applicant’s transport was destroyed by missiles fired from a
well-equipt speeder. Regretfully, the applicant did not survive and Queen
Arshea was caught by flying pieces of debris. She is, however, alive and
doing fine.”

“Has an investigation begun? Does the Council feel she needs protection?”

“An investigation has already begun, and the Council has yet to decide if
more security around Her Majesty is necessary. We feel that the bombing was
not directed at her, but as a preliminary effort.” Windu leaned back in his
seat, preparing himself to explain.

Obi-Wan said nothing, but was obviously confused as he looked to Master
Yoda, who took a deep breath, releasing it slowly before speaking.

“A measure to turn her, we believe.” Yoda said simply, before closing
his eyes.

“Turn her?”

“We believe the Sith may be behind the bombing in an attempt to get
Arshea to slip over the edge, and turn to the Dark Side. It wouldn’t be the
first time she has dabbled inside the Dark Side’s shroud.” Windu began
explaining, after Yoda’s cue. Obi-Wan’s mouth hung open in disbelief, having
not previously known that. He knew that Arshea was not careful with her
emotions as she should be, but then she wasn’t even a jedi. She never had to
abide by their rules, and yet, she regularly had.

“She has experienced both sides?” He asked softly, still not believing
the news. “I was not aware that it was possible to turn and then turn back.
Once turned, we were taught that, that was all. You were either, one or the
other. Never both.”

“It’s not likely for Jedi, but then again, Arshea is hardly a true Jedi.
Not only do the midi-chlorians allow Arshea to accomplish Force skills as the
other jedi, she is nevertheless, a Seer, of a sort. Due to her ability to go
from one side to the other, the future is not clouded to her as it is to us.
For we only see one side, but Arshea sees both.” Obi-Wan adjusted himself in
his stance, placing her hands on his hips, as he contemplated the
possibilities, before raising his chin tightly.

“And why did the Council find it appropriate to conceal this information
from my master and myself, five years ago? Her ability could have proved
useful to us in battle.”

“The Council was instructed by Queen Arshea not to avail her abilities
until there came a time it was necessary. This is that time, for it is
because of her ability that the Sith are now targeting her to turn.” Master
Windu advised, as he leaned forward in his seat. “It is also the Council’s
wish that you take over security for Her Majesty. The Sith will not give up
trying to turn her completely, we must remain aware of that.” Obi-Wan bowed
deeply, and almost mockingly.

“I will accept the assignment, not for the Council, but for my friendship
with the queen. Her protection not only means a lot to her allies, but to the
people of Hoth as well.” The jedi master wheeled around and exited the
chamber, his robes swaying behind him.

“Master, I hope this is going to be exciting. I’m weary of being stuck
on guard duty and watching people for hours.” Anakin exclaimed, shrugging his
shoulders in dislike.

“Don’t worry, my young apprentice. With Queen Arshea, it is hardly ever
boring.”

* * * * *

Arshea stood at the window clutching her arm strongly, her face revealing
more than she would like of the pain. The wrap looked awkward due to the
fight between herself and the two staff members as they attempted to put it
on. Her Guardian licked a paw quietly beside her, its large body almost
filling up the conference room for which they were escorted. Her eyes were
unreadable, focusing out the window, not appearing to be looking at anything
in particular. Her heart was in pain; she truly cared for that girl. *She’d
have done a fine job representing Hoth in the Senate,* Her other hand
clenched solidly into a fist, making her knuckles turn white.

“And what to do from here? What to do from here?” Arshea asked with
contempt. The creature raised its eyes to peer at her before going back to
grooming itself, deciding that she wasn’t speaking to it. The queen sighed,
shaking her head. “I’m getting to old for this, far too old. I’ve begun
seeing those I care for being slain and struck down. What will I do when I
have no one else to turn to? I’ll be standing alone...” The doors opened,
revealing Master Windu, Obi-Wan and Anakin. Arshea continued to stare out the
window as the Guardian began to growl loudly, the very resonance making the
floor below them shake.

“Steel Wings, silence please... I’m trying to concentrate.” Arshea
scolded, her voice steady and distant, but that was all it took for the great
beast to silence hastily. The three jedi paused momentarily, the room
appeared full of heavy emotions, making them look to each other. Taking a
step, they filed into the room.

“Your Majesty, I have two people that you haven’t seen in quite some
time. They have agreed to aid in the investigation and any necessary
security.” Master Windu stated, bowing to Arshea. The queen turned and noted
Master Windu then the others following him, her eyes fluttered softly. If she
was surprised, her face would never show it. She loosened her hand, allowing
blood to flow.

“Master Obi-Wan, it’s been five years since last we met,” She gave the
jedi master a partial smile, and moved her gaze to his charge. “ Anakin
Skywalker, it is a pleasure as always.” Her smile remained as she inclined
her head in greeting to the young man. “ Anakin has certainly grown into a
very tall young man. The last I remember you were still shorter than myself,
young padawan. Soon enough he will be taller than you, Master Obi-Wan.”
Obi-Wan smiled softly, nodding as he glanced from his padawan and back to the
queen. “I appreciate the offer, Master Obi-Wan, but your services will not be
needed. I’m sure you would be of much better use to the council in another
part of the universe. I do not fear for my safety, I have five Guardians all
together here with me, and I know that help is but a scream away.” She ges
tured partly to Master Windu.

“I understand, Queen Arshea. However I must insist, if it wasn’t a
direct order from the Council, I would be more than happy to let your fine
Guardians take the job. It would be good experience for my padawan, not to
mention, a much need break for myself.” Obi-Wan said earnestly, his eyes
scanning the woman, her face not revealing anything, and no probe he could
send would ever let him be aware of how she was feeling. Arshea thought,
resettling herself to survey out the window.

“I suppose there’s nothing I could say or do to get you to change your
mind?”

“I’m afraid not, this was a wish of the Council.”

“All right, then. I accept the assistance of your padawan and yourself,
Master Kenobi. I only fear that you will be very bored, Anakin. I don’t
expect many more exciting things to happen to me. They wouldn’t be foolish
enough to kill me, they want me alive.”

“ You are aware of the reason behind the attack?” Master Windu
questioned.

“Yes, I had a vision before the transport was destroyed of a great
explosion, ” Arshea cast her eyes to the floor, biting her lower lip. “For
following which, my political applicant was dead. I would have liked more
notice, but the only reason the vision came at all was because I had let my
guard down.” The queen spat out the last few words, not happy with the idea
that her guard could ever be down. She thought she knew better than to allow
that to happen.

“Do you plan on continuing your stay here in Coruscant then, Your
Majesty?” Master Windu asked, sensing the wish to flee from the woman. Arshea
shook her head, dropping her arms from their position crossed over her chest,
to down at her sides.

“I’m not sure, Master Windu.” She replied, her voice barely audible.

“I would like to find out more information.” Obi-Wan expressed, as his
eyes settled on the queen. Master Windu nodded and straightened his back with
smooth motion.

“I will have adjourning rooms set up here for the four of you, Guardian
included. It would be best if you were closest to allies, and friends. I will
have a member of the staff inform you when the rooms are ready.” Master Windu
bowed and left, the door closing behind him. Obi-Wan regarded Arshea for long
moments in silence, he caught himself feeling for her. The longer he watched
her, the more he felt his own emotions stirring within him. Standing slowly,
Obi-Wan turned on his heels and eyed Anakin. The young padawan had made his
way over to the Guardian, and was staying occupied by petting the beast.
Obi-Wan took a few steps, placing his hands in his sleeves, as he approached
Arshea.

“She would have made an excellent Senator,” Her voice was soft, and
sounded of exhaustion. “ I only hope I can find someone as talented as she
was. Otherwise, I’ll just have to continue to be Hoth’s only
representative.” The queen closed her eyes, as she attempted to stop them
from watering. “Their dying younger and younger, Obi-Wan, and for such
needless reasons.”

“Why did you not tell me of your ability, Arshea? If not me, than my
master at least. It could have proved helpful to us all on Naboo.” The jedi
leaned against the wall beside the window, his gentle gaze resting on her.
She took a very deep breath, and swallowed hard.

“Your master did know,” She began, recrossing her arms over her chest.
“I said nothing on Naboo because I try never to use my ability. It wouldn’t
have helped us there.” Her voice had not changed, and her face revealed her
distance from the memories. “My ability is not fool-proof, the future is
constantly changing. A vision can be one thing one moment, and something
completely different later. So I try very hard not to rely on them, if not
use them at all,” Arshea paused, and adjusted herself to face Obi-Wan. “Why
he did not tell you, I don’t know. Perhaps he thought it wasn’t important
for the situation.”

“The Council expressed your want to keep your ability under silence, why?”

“Because of things happening like this... Could you imagine my turning to
the Dark Side and not caring of my ability’s use? It would be catastrophic,
if not more so. Lives would be lost, many people would die and the Sith would
have reign over everything.” Arshea’s eyes met his own, as they stared at
each other. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, feeling nauseous from staring into them
for more then a moment. He resisted the urge to touch her, or hold her. He
wanted to do something to aid in bringing back the hope he once saw in her
eyes, for now her eyes are dark depths of sadness and hopelessness.

“Obi-Wan, I need to go home. I’m sure my people are beginning to wonder
if they still have a queen, I haven’t been there for almost six years now.”
Her voice was pleading as she caught his eyes one more time, and they matched
the sound of her voice to a tee. “Will you take me there? Get me away from
here... and back to where I should be? I would like to take the body of the
young girl back, personally. Please, Obi-Wan?” He placed one hand on his hip,
and used the other to smooth his beard. Looking to Anakin, who nodded
childishly wanting to go, Obi-Wan straightened his back.

“Allow me five days here, Anakin and I merely only set foot in Coruscant
a few hours ago. I do wish to see if we can not find out more information on
who destroyed the transport. The five days should give me time enough to find
out something. After that, my padawan and I will escort you back to your home
planet, Your Majesty. Fair enough?” Obi-Wan offered, holding out a hand.
Taking it gently, Arshea inclined her head.

“Fair enough, Master Kenobi, and thank you.” Her Majesty answered,
smiling softly. The feel of Obi-Wan’s hand was all the reassurance she needed
that not only would she be greatly protected, but well taken care of. The
doors opened and Ahnis appeared, a black eye making it hard to see. They
released each other’s hands and cast their eyes on the visitor.

“Your Majesty, Master Obi-Wan, Padawan Anakin... your rooms are ready.”
Ahnis quickly bowed and scurried away.

“He did not have that black eye earlier, did you do that to him?”
Obi-Wan gestured to Anakin to come before he made his way toward the door.
Arshea smiled sheepishly, with a nod.

“When they were attempting to bandage my arm, I wasn’t exactly making it
easy for them.” She tried to hold back a chuckle, as she patted her Guardians
back as it squeezed past them. Obi-Wan gave a full smile and shook his head.

“What have I gotten myself into this time?” Obi-Wan said, playfully,
letting down his jedi-knight guard.

* * * * *

Later on that night, Obi-Wan was making a round and stopped near Arshea’s
door. He tilted his head, getting a feeling that something was not right.
Pressing the call button, he waited for an answer, when none came he pressed
it again, asking if anyone was there. No one replied for a third and fourth
time, Obi-Wan overrode the password on the door and entered cautiously.

“Arshea, where are you?” Obi-Wan voiced rather calmly as he began to
search her rooms, only to find Drenia, making the bed. “Where is she?”
Shocked, Drenia’s hands began to shake so much she dropped all the sheets in
her hands.

“She’s not here.... she.. she said she was going to the Council practice
yard. The one that’s under glass, I swear I took nothing. Her Majesty wanted
me to have the sheets changed before she returned.” Obi-Wan placed a hand on
Drenia’s shoulder, shaking his head.

“Thank you, I must have a word with Her Majesty about advising me when
she goes somewhere.” Obi-Wan exited the room, returning to his own he grabbed
his cloak. Informing Anakin of where he was going, Anakin agreed to stay
where he was and meditate while Obi-Wan was gone.

Obi-Wan muttered to himself about keeping a closer eye on Arshea as he
approached a large colosseum-shaped crystalline building that lay in the
shadow of the Jedi Temple’s tower. Reaching the door, the jedi master pressed
a few keys and made his way into the enclosure. The expansive space was
covered with many different types of land formations, all created by the
hands of jedi workers, so they could train in all types of terrains. To the
right of the main entrance were the desert lands of a planet like Tatooine,
the swampy wetlands of Naboo and in the furthest corner the temperate forests
of Endor. To the left, were the ice lands of Hoth, the oceans of a distant
planet, the tropical forests of Naboo in the back corner and the rolling
hilled plains also of Naboo in the very center. Obi-Wan entered the plains
area, and found Arshea standing at the end of the plains, just before the
beginning of the two forests. Her body covered in a black, skin-tight body
suit with calf high boots and belt hanging around her waist, but no weapon
was visible.

“Arshea, I would appreciate you letting me know the next time you plan on
going outside of your quarters, I am the one ordered by the Council to
protect you.” Obi-Wan exclaimed, as he approached the center of the field.
Arshea did not respond, but stood there, almost lifeless with her arms
hanging limply at her sides. “Did you hear me?” Her form moved suddenly, and
she nodded.

“Yes, I heard you, my apologies.”

“So, what exactly are you doing here?” Obi-Wan inquired, as he surveyed
the enclosure, having never sparred or practiced in here, the atmosphere was
actually quite nice.

“I sometimes come here to think, but mostly to duel and spar. I tried to
find a partner to spar with, but not many of the jedi like to practice this
late in the evening. I will return to my rooms, and retire for the night.”
The queen’s voice was bland, and as lifeless as her form appeared.
Contemplating a moment, Obi-Wan gave a mental shrug.

“I’ll spar with you,” Obi-Wan proposed. “I have yet to spar here since
it was built. The experience should prove to be an interesting one.” He
pulled off his cloak, and tossed it aside onto a rock. He rolled back the
sleeves of his over robes and pulled out his lightsaber, turning it on. “Are
you going to get a weapon?”

“Don’t worry, I have mine.” Her voice was monotone, and without
feeling making Obi-Wan a bit uneasy, he had never seen her act that way
previously.

“Ladies first, the initial move is yours,”

“I’ve already made it-” Just as the sentence ended the vision of Arshea
in front of Obi-Wan disappeared and white colored lightsaber came down on him
from behind. Rotating quickly, the jedi master countered the attack and
pushed the queen off of him. Arshea went flying, and with a few of mid-air
twists she landed on her feet, crouched on a rock.

“Holographic images, you little cheat. Is this how you normally play?”
Obi-Wan asked with amusement in his voice, a smile curved the corner of his
mouth. She said nothing in reply and rushed him, making him set his feet
back, preparing for the blow. Arshea lunged at him and swung her lightsaber,
matching almost every counter exactly. The two hustled elegantly over the
plains area, the grass whipping around their legs. Both strived to get the
upper hand by kicking dirt and rocks at the other, but neither one was
successful. Finally, Arshea had backed Obi-Wan up to the tropical forest area
and recessed a moment, catching her breath. Quickly turning, Obi-Wan bolted
into the cover of the trees, leaving Arshea in her spot, laughing.

“Oh, Obi-Wan... running into the cover of the trees? If you think they
can hide you, you’re wrong...” Arshea shouted between puffs of air, as her
hands gripped her hips. Arshea hoofed it into the trees, beginning the search
for Obi-Wan. It didn’t take long before a lightsaber came out of nowhere from
behind a tree, meeting hers in a clash of electricity and the two began
their intricate dance again. The queen worked Obi-Wan toward the back corner
and the waterfall. The jedi knight jumped on top of the rocks surrounding the
pool that the waterfall filled, struggling to dodge Arshea’s swings. Turning
off his lightsaber, he dove backward into the water, disappearing under its
murky depths. Arshea smiled and turned on her hologram once more, making it
stand there, listening and searching, as she ran into the temperate forest
area, jumping a crossed the five foot wide river that separates the two
forests. Obi-Wan eventually emerged from behind Arshea, smiling softly as he
crouched, making his way toward her. He had never had this much fun in a spar
before, he would definitely have to spar with Arshea more often. Not only was
the arena wonderfully adequate, but so was his partner. She obviously watched
and sparred often enough to know all the jedi fighting moves he knew. He
lurched out at her and back her up to a tree, the lightsaber at her throat.

“It appears as though I won this one,” He said, breathing effortlessly.
She shook her head.

“Not exactly,” The hologram stepped forward and through the lightsaber
beam before disappearing. Obi-Wan cursed under his breath, having fallen for
the same trick twice. From a distance, Arshea’s voice rang out through the
arena. “Come and find me, Master Obi-Wan! I could be in the ice lands, or
perhaps the desert... no, I wouldn’t be in the desert. Maybe the swamp lands
or even the ocean! Or possibly even in the forest right in the other corner.
Who’s to say...?” Her voice sounded amused, about as amused as his. Pausing
a moment, Obi-Wan thought and noted his surroundings, trying to compile the
sound of Arshea’s voice and where it had come from. Regretfully, it echoed in
the great expansive of the arena, but deciding on the forest a crossed the
small river, Obi-Wan ran swiftly dodging trees and rock, before stopping in
front of the river. Digging in his heels, he leapt over it and landing
quietly, glancing around him. The white lightsaber suddenly came barreling
down on the jedi master, who was forced to retreat until his back hit a tree,
making him take a heavy breath. Arshea put her weight on the lightsaber’s
hilt and pressed her body upon Obi-Wan’s.

“So, who has who now?” She whispered, with a smile. Her face and lips
dangerously close to his. Obi-Wan grinned, seeing an opening he jerked his
foot, knocking Arshea’s legs from under her. Using his upper body he pressed
her to the ground. Following her, he aimed to pin her, but she continued to
evade him. Spinning her body, Arshea knocked Obi-Wan off of her, and with one
graceful movement from them both, the tip of each lightsaber came to rest
close to the other’s throat.

“The spar is a draw!!” A voice yelled from the distance, making both of
them shut off their lightsabers. It was Master Windu and Master Yoda, who had
been watching from the seats that surrounded the higher levels of the arena.
Arshea rolled and stood up, dusting herself off as she held out a hand to
Obi-Wan, excepting it the jedi eased himself up.

“Master Yoda, Master Windu... enjoy the entertainment?” She inclined her
head to the two.

“It was quite impressive, especially with the knowledge that Master
Obi-Wan had not previously sparred in this arena before you aided us in
creating it, Your Majesty.” Master Windu replied, with a hint of amusement on
his face.

“If you Masters will excuse me, I must refresh myself and retire for the
night. Good evening, Master Yoda, Master Windu... Master Kenobi.” She nodded
to each before beginning her walk back up to her room.

“Master Obi-Wan, enjoy the experience, did you?” Master Yoda asked,
looking him over carefully.

“It was quite a workout and definitely good for any jedi to experience. Y
ou mentioned that Arshea had something to do with the creation of the
arena.” Obi-Wan shifted toward Master Windu, who nodded.

“Yes, she and the people of Hoth gathered the money, as well as the
resources, bringing all the vegetation and supplies. All the Jedi Council had
to provide was the building. We got the good end of the bargain, so many
young jedi that train in here turn out to be the best because they experience
the atmospheres of other planets.”

“Practice here again, will you?” Master Yoda inquired, motioning to exit.

“Not without Arshea, but yes. There’s something about the way she spars
in these surroundings. It made practicing quite enjoyable, almost like a
child’s game. She is incredibly devious, using holograms of herself to betray
the mind.” Obi-Wan exclaimed, making Master Windu chuckle casually, shaking
his head.

“That is how she starts every sparring match, the next time you spar,
you’ll know. She never changes it, but sometimes the eyes just don’t know.
The hologram looks so real that it is hard to tell them a part from the real
one.” He replied.

“ Master Yoda, Master Windu... I wish to make sure Her Majesty made it to
her quarters. I bid you a good night, Masters.” Obi-Wan bowed and eased his
way to the main entrance, grabbing his cloak on the way out. Master Windu and
Master Yoda exchanged unsure glances, as they made their way out of the large
arena.

* * * * *

The week had past speedily, when Queen Arshea was in her room packing her
clothes into their cases. Steel Wings lay on her bed, stretched out as
sunlight glinted through the window. Arshea adjusted her dress sleeves to
make work a little easier, the long flowing sleeves got caught in the cases
as she closed them to much to let them hang. Her gown was low cut in the
front and cut high at the legs, revealing a lot of her soft peach colored
skin. Her back was completely covered, and the only bit of jewelry she wore
was the Hoth queen’s tiara. Placing the last few items in the cases, the
doors to her rooms opened.

“Your Majesty, Master Kenobi wishes to know if you are ready to
depart?”Ahnis inquired, poking his head into the doorway. His black eye
finally gone, but even after a number of apologies, he was still weary of the
woman.

“Yes, I am.. and these cases need to come with me. Is the body prepared
for travel?” Arshea asked, as she gestured to Steel Wings, who slid of the
bed and shook off his sleep.

“Yes, Your Majesty, Master Kenobi saw to the body himself.”

“He did? He didn’t have to, I just wanted to make sure it would travel
well, nothing more. No matter, you can toss those cases around as much as you
like, Ahnis. There’s nothing in them that can break, it is all clothing.”
Arshea exclaimed, as the staff member held the case hesitantly. Steel Wings
blew air at the man, before following his master out of the room. Arshea
emerged from the Temple’s exit to see Obi-Wan, Anakin, Master Yoda, Master
Windu, Master Adi Gallia and a few of the other council members, who had
gathered to see her off. A bit surprised, but working hard not to reveal it,
Arshea continued her graceful walk up to the ship. Obi-Wan raised a brow at
her, as she stepped in front of Master Windu, hugging him gently. She thanked
each Master Windu and Master Yoda, before curtsying to them all, and entering
the ship. Obi-Wan took note of the queen’s dress and shook his head,
attempting to ignore the emotions that came with looking at her once again.
The more time he spent with her, the harder it appeared to avoid them.

“Ahnis are the Guardians secure, with the obvious exception?”She asked.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Everything is set, you are ready to depart. Good
journey, Your Majesty. Until the next time, we meet, hopefully it will be
under better circumstances.” Ahnis smiled, and bowed, leaving the craft.
Steel Wings moved onto the ship and took its place in the back, where he
normally slept. Anakin made his way to the back with the other Guardian’s, he
seemed to really enjoy them, as much as they did him. Sitting in the co-pilot
seat, Arshea felt almost nervous about going back to Hoth. It had been so
long since she was there, she hoped her people still remembered who she was.
Obi-Wan boarded the craft and shut the doors, before settling himself in the
pilot seat and beginning pre-flight procedures, as the heavy humming of the
engine over took them. The craft began to rise and the landing gear came up
with a loud clank. Before she knew it, they were on there way out of the
clouds and into the star filled sky. Arshea focused out the window, taking s
low deep breaths as Obi-Wan kept himself occupied, checking systems data
and being sure they had ample gear for their stay in the ship, and off. He
froze for a moment, staring at Arshea as she remained in one position, like a
statue. Her lips pursed together as her mind wandered, her hands in her lap
and her back straight showing off her sophisticated aire. Obi-Wan continued
to watch her, mentally scolding himself for doing so. The rise and fall of
her chest, the soft flutter of her eyes and the way her hair accented her
face made him uneasy. Everything about her made him uneasy, which was the
problem. She shouldn’t be able to get to him so easily; he was a man trained
to handle situations of that magnitude, and yet somehow she has the ability
to make him unsteady.

“What is it you see, Arshea?” He interrupted the silence, hoping to rid
himself of his growing restlessness as he moved back to his seat. Not even
phased, Arshea continued to stare out the window.

“Not really anything,” She replied, barely moving. “It’s more something
to focus on in order to ignore everything else. An attempt to draw every part
of myself that is useful together, and push away every part that isn’t
useful. That is usually the time I have my visions, due to me focusing on my
mind, my spirit... everything around me... both the light and the dark. It’s
hard to explain, but that’s the only way I know how.” Obi-Wan understood,
but didn’t reply. “Not to mention, I know I’ll be home soon, and at this
point... that means more to me than any vision could ever hold.” With that,
she silenced again, gazing out the window as though there were something in
the stars that could answer her questions. Obi-Wan went back to checking the
computers, thinking over what she had said. Never realizing before that point
that it took so much for her to handle her visions. They were every part of
as the Living Force and the Code, are ever part of a jedi. With that, Obi-Wan
meditated on his thoughts and emotions.

Gradually a bright blue planet came into view of the ship, drawing Master
Obi-Wan from his chess game to begin their decent to the planet's surface.
Arshea had fallen asleep long ago, and Anakin was sleeping with the Guardians
while the small group made their way to the queen's home. The comlink unit of
the craft keyed in and a voice emerged.
“This is Hoth Base five-seven to approaching ship. Identify yourself and
relay your registration numbers.” The voice went quiet, as Obi-Wan replied.
“This is Hoth Royal Cruiser one-seventeen, on route to Hoth Ice Palace.
Registration numbers are nine, five, one, nine, two, eight, three.”
There was a pause for confirmation, before the voice came back.
“Welcome back, Your Majesty. It’s good to have you home. Landing
platform and hanger are clear, bring ‘er on in.” The voice stated, keying
off with a loud fuzzing noise. Obi-Wan set to work on the landing procedures,
pulling out the landing gear, and setting the engines to shut down. Landed,
he unbuckled himself, and placed a hand upon Arshea’s, squeezing it gently.
“Your Majesty, we’re here.” Arshea’s eyes opened slowly as she nodded,
sitting up. Obi-Wan tapped Anakin with his boot to wake his padawan, a piece
of luggage already in hand. Moments later, both master and apprentice exited
the craft with cases of items, as they removed them tediously. Standing,
Arshea straightened out her clothes and whistled for Steel Wings, the other
four Guardians gave a rough growl, stretching their wings. A small gathering
in the hanger clapped loudly and cheered, as her and the Guardians entered
the room. Hoth Council member Tadrin, a rather large man, rushed to her
immediately.
“It’s wonderful that you have returned, Your Majesty. And you even
brought a Jedi with you.” Tadrin’s voice was that of a jovial man, very full
of life and excitement.
“It’s good to be home, I am only saddened that the young girl would have
been my definite pick for political applicant in the Senate.” Arshea said
solemnly, her eyes filled with disappointment.
“No worries, Your Majesty, there will be others, I'm sure of it. You have
so much to get caught up on, for a time you will be quite busy. Who is your
friend?” Tadrin exclaimed as Obi-Wan sauntered up to them, holding out a
leather satchel. She nodded to him with a smile, taking it.
“This is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his padawan learner, Anakin
Skywalker. Obi-Wan, Anakin this is Gentrin Tadrin, the head of my royal
council.” The three exchanged greetings, before the queen continued. “Master
Obi-Wan was ordered by the Jedi Council to be my security, until they find
out what truly happened to the transport ship. They’ll be staying with us for
the duration, which I wish could be longer that a few weeks, but I fear
staying more than that. Our representation in the Senate is nothing as it is,
without my absence allowing them to step all over us.”
The group of people and beasts made their way into the depths of the ice
palace. Sunlight barely made it through the thick walls of ice, but electric
lights flickered everywhere, giving the palace an eerie glow. All of the
hallways were huge and spacious, making them all appear like bugs. Guardians
wandered freely through the halls and trotted up to Arshea when they saw her,
flicking their tails and roaring loudly. Obi-Wan took note of everything,
even going as far as probing Tadrin for thoughts. Satisfied for the moment,
he watched Anakin, who stayed close to Steel Wings and Arshea.
“Someone would surely stand up for Hoth, wouldn’t they? Or has it gotten
that bad in Coruscant?” Tadrin inquired, filing into the main conference room.
“It has gotten that bad, no one stands up for anyone else anymore. The Se
nate isn’t like it used to be, and I just don’t trust Chancellor Palpatine.
I truly do not, he’s the shiftiest one of them all.” Arshea set her satchel
down and slid it to Tadrin a crossed the table. “Those are all the
information and minutes from all the meetings I’ve been attending for the
past five years. An inch thick, those papers are and what a mess, but I must
be honest, Tadrin, I’m exhausted. I would like to go to my rooms and rest.
Please have the palace staff give Master Obi-Wan and his padawan the rooms
adjourning my own.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. I didn’t mean to bombard you with questions.
Go.. rest. You’ve all had a long flight, and I’m sure could use it.” Arshea
met Obi-Wan’s eyes with a soft smile before moving past him and out into the
hall, being followed by a pride of Guardians. Obi-Wan and Anakin were taken
to their rooms after firm orders from Tadrin that they be treated with the
utmost hospitality.
Surprisingly, the palace was comfortably warm compared to the
temperatures that dropped outside. Obi-Wan removed his cloak and draped it on
a chair, surveying their rooms. Two beds rested on either sides of grand
room, a bathing room was in the farthest corner and a large wood table
covered the remainder of the floor space. A couch and chairs were placed near
the main doors, and the floors were spotted with expensive rugs. The walls
were carved out of ice, and if the ice were clearer, he could see into
Arshea’s rooms. Nodding, Anakin plopped himself down onto a bed, still tired
from the flight. His master sat himself down upon a cushioned chair, throwing
his feet up on a stool, relaxing.
Ringing sung an hour later, drawing Obi-Wan from his comfortable seat as
he stretched stiffly. The doors opened and a group of female palace staff
members entered, carrying plates of food and jugs of refreshments.
“These were sent by, Her Majesty. She thought the two of you would be
hungry and thirsty.” One of the maiden bearers explained, setting a tray on
the table nearest Obi-Wan. All the trays were filled with soups, breads, me
ats and fruits, each a different smell wafting through the room. “You jedi
enjoy your meal, and Her Majesty will see you this evening.” The women left,
some of them giggling softly and covered their mouths, as the doors closed
behind them. Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged glances and shrugged, as they made
their way to the food. It smelled wonderful, and after they fed themselves,
Anakin took some of the rolls and dried fruits, placing them in a small case
for another time. Darkness had fallen for the icy walls had gone from a
lighter color blue to an almost black glossiness. With no word from Arshea,
Obi-Wan was getting anxious not being aware of her whereabouts made him
uneasy. A grated sigh shoved past his lips, expressing that he had given up
on waiting. He walked to the doors separating their rooms and opened them
using the code the staff had given him earlier.
Woven carpets, animal furs and large furniture were scattered around the
interior of the room, that in size rivaled the hanger where they landed the
ship. The people of Hoth obviously took great care of their queen while she
was home. The sound of falling water caught Obi-Wan’s attention as he moved
toward the source. The jedi’s eyes grew large at the site of a sizable pool
and waterfall with lilies lining the surface. The waterfall was constructed
of actual rock and brick that didn't appear to be from that region. Not only
did the people take care of her, but they spoiled her. Obi-Wan shifted
himself to sit on the pool’s edge, and set his elbows to rest on his knees as
he ran his fingers through his hair. Almost ready to go find Arshea, a splash
made him lunge off the rocky edge and wheel around. Her back to him, Arshea
slid from under the water, pulling her hair back. Body completely uncovered;
Obi-Wan froze, unsure of what to do or what to say. He thought he had seen
most of her skin with the dresses she wore, but this was all of it. His
breath caught in his chest, as he stared at her, the curve of her back
glistened from the streams of water. Her hands caressed the skin of her
sides, and slipped down over her small rounded buttocks. Turning to her side,
Arshea dragged her fingers over her tight thin waist and beautifully supple
breasts. She stepped out from under the waterfall, covering herself with a
towel. Unaware that Obi-Wan had entered her rooms, Arshea glanced up, gasping
and stumbling back, caught entirely off guard she inclined her head
curiously. In the course of her emergence from the waterfall, he had turned
around and closed his eyes, meditating. Attempting to steady his emotions,
the jedi failed miserably for the vision of her was burned into the back's
of his eyes.
“ I didn’t even hear you come in. The staff gave you the seven-zero-one
code, didn’t they?” Arshea’s voice was a bit shaken, but she was calm.
Obi-Wan sent a probe, hoping he could read a little of what she was thinking
and thankfully, she made her thoughts obvious. There was surprise, and
confusion. No anger, no embarrassment, no resent. He was relieved, but
shocked at the same time.
“Yes... that’s the code they gave me.” Obi-Wan stammered
ever-so-slightly, seeking to be calm and clear-minded. “When you didn’t make
contact with me this evening, I came to see if you had just went out of your
rooms or were asleep.”
“That code opens the doors, but it also shuts off the alarm that comes on
when people enter my rooms .” Arshea dashed behind a changing screen where
her clothing hung. “I didn’t realize it was so late, or I would have let you
know, Obi-Wan. Usually the staff comes in every few hours to inform me of my
necessary appearances. I guess they’re out of practice, I’m not used to
having to be places again. Once I relax in the pool, I rarely do much else.”
“Would you like me to leave, Your Majesty?” He asked, his back to the
screen as he covered his face with one hand, trying to hide his flushed skin.
“That won’t be necessary, I’m dressed now.” A dark blue gown clung to
her body and was one of the least revealing garments in her wardrobe. Her
neck was covered by a cuff that held up the dress, and her back was open, but
tasteful. Arshea sat down at a vanity mirror and dried her hair with the
towel so she could style it and put on her tiara.
“You look lovely...” Obi-Wan said softly, leaning against the pool, arms
crossed as he had composed himself, in disbelief that he had just said what
he did. Shocked a moment, Arshea gawked at him using the mirror, her brow
furrowed.
“Thank you,” She nodded once, bending to retrieve her shoes and shoulder
wrap. “ I have handmaidens to do this, but I wanted more care for my
Guardians than myself. So I send them to care for the beasts instead of the
queen. I’m so used to doing things on my own, I hate people waiting on me,
just like I hate extra security.” Arshea grinned, wanting to lighten the
mood. “ I must make an appearance to my council, and the meeting still has
one hour left, of its original three.” Obi-Wan couldn’t help but grin.
“I will be in my rooms if you need me, Your Majesty.” Obi-Wan bowed,
making his way to the exit. Arshea watched him go, and didn’t relax until his
doors were closed and he was gone. Releasing the last breath she held, the
queen focused on herself in the mirror. Her thoughts settling upon Obi-Wan,
as she adjusted her tiara to make it sit correctly on her forehead. Getting
up, Arshea left her shoulder wrap and left her rooms for the meeting.
Obi-Wan’s body loosened from its tension as the doors closed behind him.
He crawled to the table and sat down, rubbing his face with his hands. He was
already beginning to tell himself she was beautiful, but after that incident
he was decided. But how? The jedi stood with a rush after only a second of
being seated, starting to pace back and forth in the room. Anakin was gone on
a tour of the inner facilities with a few of the guards, leaving Obi-Wan to
his thoughts. However, Obi-Wan wished he had someone with him so that he
would not be left with his thoughts. He didn’t want to think, they all kept
shifting toward the same thing, her. He had seen beautiful women before, why
was this one so different? What made her more than any of the countless
others he'd seen? Finally, the jedi settled himself on his bed, legs crossed
and hands on his knees. Meditation. A situation like this called for a lot of
meditation. Even after Anakin had returned, eaten and gone to bed, Obi-Wan
was still meditating, uninterrupted.
The next day definitely ended up less exciting for Arshea, as she was
confined to a desk, in a small musty room filled with books. At about
mid-day, she put down her pen as her hand cramped up from signing a large
pile of paperwork, and shifted to the window, staring out over the expanse of
white. Tadrin leaned against the door jamb and shook his head, smiling.
“You’ll never get any of it done of you stop now.” He said softly,
amusement in his voice.
“Where are Obi-Wan and Anakin?” She inquired absently, not really
hearing what he said, her thoughts continuously focused on the prior evenings
events.
“They went for a tour of the outside perimeter and the compound with
Tarin, the youngest of Deairya’s brothers. They had the funeral last night,
the ground was soft enough to dig into and they didn't have time to call upon
you.” Tadrin explained, as he folded his hands in front of him. Arshea
nodded, regretful that she had missed the young girl’s funeral, but she hoped
to visit with the family soon.
“What of Tarin? Does he have any Senate ambition like his sister? They
had the same ideals, did they not?”
“I do believe so, Your Majesty, would you like him to be the applicant?”
“I would... especially if he will fight for Hoth as valiantly as his
sister would have.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I will have him come and speak with me, when they all
return.” Tadrin replied with a deep sigh and a chuckle. “If you don’t get
back to work, Your Majesty, you really won’t get done with those.” Arshea
sighed very deeply, remembering how much she hated paperwork. Slipping back
into her chair, she settled in for a while, starting to read a piece of paper.

* * * * *

Anakin pulled the reins back on the taun-taun and scanned the emptiness
that surrounded him. After a few hours of riding, everything looked the same,
nothing but blankets of white, small hills and a few outcroppings of
mountains. The creature under him made a moan-like noise and shook its body,
attempting to rid itself of some snow, if not the rider. Obi-Wan stopped
beside Anakin, following the direction in which he was stared, the master
found nothing but icy landscape.Their guide, Tarin, a young man with black
hair and green eyes of about Anakin’s age approached them. His creature's
loud honking calls sending ripples through the silence.
“Is it always this clear during the day?” Obi-Wan yelled over the sound
of the taun-taun.
“Actually, there’s usually no visibility at all.” Tarin said, putting a
hand on the muzzle of his beast. “Most of the time, we send out droids to
guide us, but you’re lucky that it is this clear today. Everyone thinks that
it’s because Her Majesty has returned, that the weather is clearer for her.
It’ll dampen and fog in a few days, you watch?”
“What is your main source of defense around the palace?” Obi-Wan
adjusted on the back of the taun-taun, and patted its neck.
“The temperatures, and the fact that an attack can only occur during the
day. The temperatures plummet far to much for there to be anything living out
here at night, with a few exceptions.”
“And what would those be?”
“The Guardians,”Anakin chimed in, receiving a scowl from Obi-Wan. “Her
Majesty told me that they are the only ones that can really bear a Hoth night
outdoors. And even then, they come back with something needing to be
amputated or adjusted.” Tarin nodded in agreement, smiling at Anakin.
“He’s right, them and the wampa creatures are the only ones that can
stand one Hoth night. Very rarely can they go through more than one. Humans
on the other hand, we can’t even take one. You’d die after the first ten
minutes outside with as heavy a coat as we are wearing now; I’ve seen it
happen.” Tarin exclaimed, as the taun-taun honked loudly again, and began to
fidget. The young man pulled a pair of distance binoculars and cursed. “We
better be getting back. The other line of defense is moving this way with a
few others of its clan.”
“The ‘other line of defense’?” Obi-Wan asked, interested.
“Yes, the wampa creatures.” He pointed and handed over the binoculars.
Looking through them, Obi-Wan saw the man-shaped beasts, but just barely.
Their white fur hiding them well against the snow, and there slow movements
making it hard to tell one from another. Tarin’s radio keyed up and he held
it to his ear as Obi-Wan gave the binoculars to Anakin. “It’s definitely
time to go in, an ice storm is on the way.” Tarin turned his beast around and
kicked it into full gallop after retrieving his binoculars. Anakin and
Obi-Wan followed suite as they all raced a crossed the ice and back into the
lower hanger of the palace. The heavy main hanger doors closed behind them,
blocking out the freezing wind that kicked up in their wake. The jedi removed
their riding gear and walked into the main hall, hearing yelling.

The two men sped around the corner to discover Arshea had a man cowering
at her feet , papers were sprawled everywhere and her finger pointed in the
man's face. Tadrin perched between them, arms crossed and a look of annoyance
on his face as he glanced from Arshea to the man.
“I will not be forced to sign any documentation that will ban the use of
our scientific findings in the academies! Our findings here are as valid as
those found in any other location.” Arshea tossed more papers at the man,
turning to Tadrin. “I’m not signing anymore documents, that’s your job not
mine. I come home to see my people and mourn the death of a friend very dear
to us, and all I do is sign paperwork. Enough! No more.” The queen stormed
down the hall and appeared to be returning to her rooms, not noticing that
Anakin and Obi-Wan had joined the gathering.
“What happened?” Anakin asked, picking the man up off the floor.
“Her Majesty was merely sitting there, signing papers when she came a
crossed this document that was going to prohibit the use of our scientific
findings here on Hoth, in the academies on other planets. Now I came up with
this one myself, and I thought the idea was a long shot, but I never thought
it would upset her like that.” The meek and insignificant man exclaimed as he
picked up his papers.
“Master Obi-Wan and Anakin, this is Tomeroy Malitai, he is Her Majesty’s
director of schooling and research on the council. Tomeroy, this is Jedi
Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his padawan learner.” Each nodded to the other, and
Tomeroy sighed.
“I hope Her Majesty isn’t too displeased with me. Our findings should be
more confidential in my opinion, and be made available to the right people.”
Tomeroy expressed sadly, before grumbling under his breath.
“I have a feeling that the queen wishes all the science here to be for
everyone, not just for those who can pay for it.” Tadrin spat lethally, as he
watch Tomeroy move away from them, grumbling more. “My apologies, jedi, but
he isn’t exactly the easiest to get along with. I do hope Queen Arshea is all
right, it appeared as though the document shook her up a great deal.”
“I’ll go find out, Tadrin. Anakin return to our rooms, and meditate over
this. I will question you of what you think, after I speak to Her Majesty.”
Obi-Wan followed Arshea’s track to her rooms only to find she wasn’t there.
He asked a handmaiden of her location, and she directed him to an upper
floor hanger, stating that the queen went there to think and watch ice storms.
Arshea braced herself against the wall of the hanger, her arms crossed
over her chest. Her reflection in the large glass window revealed her
feelings as her face held a solemn expression. Approaching her from behind,
Obi-Wan put his hands in his sleeves.
“Are you all right, Your Majesty?” His voice was smooth and calming,
attracting Arshea's attention as she tilted her head to look at him. She
sighed, thinking of her response.
“Did you know I used to come here when I would fall a part, as I did
earlier? I had them install glass under the hanger’s main doors so I could
watch ice storms. I loved them as a child, you could almost lose yourself in
them. Your very being feels like it gets picked up in the depths of the sleet
and ice, spinning uncontrollably.” Turning her eyes back to the glass, her
voice filled with sadness and yet contentment. Obi-Wan stared out past her,
attempting to see if he could witness what she had described. A chuckle
erupted from Arshea, making her cover her mouth with a hand as she drew his
attention back to her.
“What’s so humorous?” He inquired. She turned to lean her back on the
wall, facing him directly.
“Tomorrow would you be willing to do something with me? It would get me
away from my paperwork, as well as give you and Anakin a better view of the
area around the palace.” The queen’s eyes focused steadily upon Obi-Wan’s,
the jedi became uncomfortable.
“Of course, where you go, I must follow.” Obi-Wan explained, returning
his eyes to the ice storm. Arshea raised a brow, and grinned from the corner
of her mouth.
“I miss him,” She remembered absently. “I miss my father so much
sometimes. His strength and guidance were unmatched in Hoth. You remind me a
lot of him.” Obi-Wan's eyes shot back toward her with interest, listening
intently. “He was the only person that I can say I ever allowed help me. With
the exception of one other person of course. Master Yoda... he took me in
like a daughter, showed me what I needed to know to control my abilities and
kept me close. In a way too close...” Arshea sighed again, shaking her head.
“I’m sorry, I’m rambling... you’re supposed to stop me when I start doing
that.”
“My apologies, I enjoy listening to your insight. It is certainly
different than what we’re traditional trained to believe. We’re to be
mindful of our thoughts, but not to the point of following our emotions.”
“Number one reason why I never made a jedi... Not only am I a queen;
possession, but I have no emotional control... What I feel is what I
follow... the jedi tricks were just a plus.” She smiled, pushing herself from
the wall. “I believe I’m going to retire, meet me here in the morning, after
you receive your breakfast, and dress warmly,” Arshea exclaimed as she walked
past him to exit the hanger. “We won’t be staying in tomorrow.” Obi-Wan
remained there, crossing his arms he thought deeply, staring at the ice storm
while the hanger’s main doors fell, darkening the room.
The following morning, Anakin was up, dressed, and eating when Master
Obi-Wan awoke.
“Hungry, my young padawan?” He emerged from bed, running his fingers
through his hair. Standing, his body ached from the last few nights of heavy
meditation. His bare chest glowed in the light of the room, as he climbed
into his robes, wrapping himself. His breeches were all rumpled due to his
sleeping in them. He brushed them out tersely, but the wrinkled creases
refused to leave the fabric. With a small groan, he seated himself at the
table and began eating, glancing curiously to his padawan. Anakin stared
intently at Obi-Wan, eager to leave and meet Arshea. Obi-Wan took a bite of
bread and grinned minutely, being sure to chew it as slow as possible.
Finally, Anakin could take no more of the abuse.
“Come on, Master...” The young man complained, standing and beginning to
pace the room. Obi-Wan chuckled out right and stood up to retrieve his boots.
“All right, my padawan. All right. We’ll go.” He put them on and called
his cloak to him. Throwing it on, he grabbed his snow gear and went to the
exit, only to find Anakin racing down the hallway toward the upstairs hanger,
knocking staff members against the walls.
The hanger was empty, the ships left at the first sight of dawn for
morning rounds. Obi-Wan appeared in the large room, finding Anakin speaking
with Tarin, the young man from the previous day. Arshea conversed with one of
her pilots, her body covered in breeches and robes very similar to those worn
by jedi. Her boots were black and calf length, tight shoulders were draped in
a heavy cloak and her silver tiara glittered on her forehead. From the left
wing of the hanger, a roar sounded as three of the queen’s Guardians marched
in. Steel Wings in the lead, followed by two others. One was black, petite
and kind in appearance. The other brought up the rear and had a ivory white
coat. It's body was a few feet smaller than Steel Wings, but it looked far
more dangerous. They reached the small group of people, nuzzling those they
knew, warming the humans with their bodies. Obi-Wan stepped up behind Arshea
and nodded to the pilot.
“Are we all assembled, Your Majesty?” He asked, as she turned and smiled
at him.
“As a matter of fact, Master Obi-Wan we are. Anakin the white one is your
mount, he's Bone Dust and Obi-Wan, you get our dearest of Guardians; she's
Cloud Dancer.” Arshea gestured to the black one, that made her way over to
the jedi, rubbing up against him with a loud purr. Obi-Wan eyed the beast,
while it made quick work of him, covering him in loose fur. A following of
women joined them with saddles in hand, and began placing them on the backs
of the guardians, being sure to mind their large wings. The animals raised
their heads, and growled what sounded like a song, making the hanger hum.
“What is that?” Obi-Wan implored, watching the women place reins on the
creatures.
“The Guardians always sing before they go out for a flight. Especially
these three, they are the queen’s royal trio.” A maiden exclaimed, strapping
the saddle to Obi-Wan’s mount.
“What’s the reason behind it?”
“I don’t really know for sure, but Her Majesty told me once that they
ask for blessings from the gods of the skies before they will set to flight.”
The woman finished with the saddle and handed Obi-Wan the reins.
“Thank you,” He replied, looking to Arshea who had mounted her Guardian.
The jedi master put his foot in the stirrup and heaved himself in to the
saddle. It wasn’t uncomfortable, though it had appeared to be; the saddles
were made of a soft leather and wood. Cloud Dancer shifted about allowing him
the opportunity to get used to the feel. It was similar to riding a
taun-taun, but the Guardians were much larger in size. Anakin stroked Bone
Dust’s back causing him to shake his body, tossing the padawan around.
“Are we ready, jedi?” She asked, while Steel Wings made his way to the
hanger’s edge. Both of the men regarded the other, then nodded. “All right,
here we go.” She pulled down goggles over her eyes, and whistled loudly.
Steel Wings pushed himself off the edge and began a slow dive, wings fully
outstretched. The men barely had time to throw their goggles down over their
eyes before their mounts lunged themselves out the after Arshea. Obi-Wan
clutched hoarsely to the reins utterly unsettled, and Anakin shouted out a
thrilled yell, throwing his arms out to his sides. The Guardians plunged head
long at the ground, not straying nor seeming to be pulling up. The last
breathless moment, all three darted up and began their ascent into the sky.
The three flyers maneuvered elegantly through the clouds, kicking in the
wind, their wings beating slowly and yet carrying them speedily. Obi-Wan
glanced below them to find the ground was hardly in sight, the clouds had
over taken them. Anakin whooped and yelled, spinning in a barrel roll with
Bone Dust. Steel Wings legs moved in a trot, and bursting from a cloud bank
with a roar, he flitted his wings happily. Anakin's mount answered the call,
galloping to gain speed he leapt over Steel Wings. Obi-Wan was relieved that
Cloud Dancer was much more docile then the others, though he felt he was
missing out on the excitement. Digging Cloud Dancer with his heels, she
roared like the others and pumped her wings hard, charging in and out of the
clouds.
Coming to rest on the same level for a time, the three dodged each other
and clouds, weaving through the sky. The peace was remarkable, the feeling of
the Guardian under him and the heavy press of the wind, Obi-Wan was almost
content to stay in flight for a long time. An ear splitting whistle from
Arshea caught the attention of the two jedi. She gestured downward, another
whistle and Steel Wings stalled in mid-air, wheeling to the side he dove down
toward the surface. The other two Guardians spun in similar motions, flapping
their wings and rushing to keep up with their leader. Coming out from the
cover of the clouds, they hovered themselves a few feet above the ground. Ice
broke the small beams of sunlight into rainbows that projected over the
screen of white, while the group made their way around a tight bend and a
small gorge. A large herd of taun-taun came into view, and Arshea eyed
Anakin, motioning for him to herd them up. The padawan whooped happily again
and strode out front, chasing the taun-taun. Bone Dust roared, bumping the
animals with his body playfully and pushing them with his wings. The male
taun-taun honked a warning and the families of creatures scurried away from
the large feline-like mounts.
A rattling started in Steel Wing's chest, suggesting that they flown far
enough for the day. Arshea’s mount gave a muffled roar to the others to take
their positions on the either side of them, as they glided back toward the
hanger. Obi-Wan watched the landscape that began to look familiar, the ice
palace coming into view over the horizon. Anakin saw Tarin riding on the back
of his taun-taun heading in, and waved as his mount breezed over the land
bound rider. The Guardians sailed at the glacier wall that held the hanger,
when they jerked sharply, their claws grappled the ice, using the leverage to
push themselves into flight up the incline. Their riders bumped into their
backs, knocking the air slightly out of their lungs. They flew past the
hanger opening, flipped in the air and floated into the hanger for an easy
landing.
Anakin hurled himself off of his Guardian and hugged him around the neck,
yelling and cheering.
“That was amazing!! We need to do that everyday, Your Majesty! How could
you not do that every day?!” The apprentice's face was nothing but pure
happiness.
“Anakin!” Obi-Wan scolded. “Be mindful.” His master slipped off of
Cloud Dancer’s back, and stroked her nose, thanking her for a gentle ride.
The beast blew air out, and was lead off by the same women that were there
earlier. Anakin settled down, taking a breath.
“I’m sorry, but that was incredible. You can not stand there and tell me
it wasn’t, Master.”
“That was a thrilling experience, I agree, but don’t let your emotions
rule over your thoughts, my young padawan.” Obi-Wan’s face was momentarily
calm before a large grin lightened his demeanor. “I have never had as much
fun flying, as I had today. To be on the back of a Guardian is a whole new
world in comparison to that of a ship, or speeder.” Arshea strode up to them
and grinned, removing her goggles.
“So, I see you enjoyed yourself?” She exclaimed at Anakin, putting her
hands on her hips.
“Your Majesty, lunch is served in the main hall.” A woman interrupted
from the hanger’s doorway.
“Thank you, Diona.” Arshea replied, before getting a hurried hug from
Anakin. The young man released her and ran to dress for the meal, hoping to
avoid getting scolded again. Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes, reminding himself to
berate Anakin later. Arshea smiled, her eyes resting upon him as he looked
frazzled. He met her gaze and returned the expression despite himself,
leaning against the nearby wall.
“That was quite wonderful, Arshea, thank you. It feels like you’re free
of everything up there,” Crossing his arms with a rough sigh, he inhaled a
deep breath. “Why did you bring them in? It didn’t feel we were out very
long.”
“The Guardians get a rattle in their chests, I don’t know if you noticed
it coming from Cloud Dancer or not. When they exercise in our atmosphere like
they were, the high altitudes and thin air don’t allow them the oxygen they
need to continue flight. If we were out there any longer, each Guardian would
have just stopped and fallen to the ground, taking us with them.”
“Understandable, then...”
“That’s why when in Coruscant, or Naboo, I try to ride them when ever I
can. The atmospheres are thicker and even at high altitudes, they can stay up
and out for hours, if not days.” Arshea shrugged casually and focused her
eyes on him, trying to not chuckle. “Here, it appears as though Cloud Dancer
really liked you, she put her fur all over your clothes.” She handed Obi-Wan
a towel to remove the fur from his robes and came in close to help.
“She was very calm, relative to Steel Wings and.. Bone Dancer.” Obi-Wan
commented as he bent his body to brush off his sides, only to come around and
be face-to-face with her. Arshea's eyes danced with excitement meeting his,
she smiled ever-so softly with an incline of her head. An awkward pause
filled the space between them, that appeared to lessen with the seconds.
Their lips met tenderly at first, but the kiss deepened when she wrapped her
arms around him. The queen’s body relaxed against him in reaction to his
hands sliding up her back, working gently the flesh under her robes. Time
stopped, and for that instant the world didn't matter. Reality, however found
a way to shatter over them as Obi-Wan tore himself away, hitting his back on
the wall behind him. “My apologies, Your Majesty, if you will excuse me?” He
whisked past her swiftly, and made his way to his rooms, cursing himself the
entire way. Arshea froze there, staring out the hanger doors, her fingers
rested gently upon her lips.
"What happened there?" Her voice seemed to ooze from her lips as her body
had not yet gained full feeling back. Retrieving her breath, she crawled from
the hanger to her rooms, her mind not letting loose of the event.
Obi-Wan changed silently, while Anakin waited for him, emanating
happiness.
“Master, I truly hope we get the opportunity to fly on a Guardian again
before we leave here.”
“I’m sure we could arrange it, my padawan,” The jedi knight emerged
covered in clean clothes, and his boots were a bit cleaner. “Let us go.”

* * * * *

Obi-Wan and Anakin entered the main hall, and were surrounded by Council
members and palace staff, who greeted them warmly. Anakin began speaking with
Tarin, as Obi-Wan searched the sea of people for Arshea. A gong rang out,
pulling everyone’s attention toward the main entry way. Queen Arshea started
her decent into the group, a silvery white gown trailed behind her, while she
stepped with care. The tiara on her forehead seemed shinier than usual, and
she took on the aristocratic air like she was destined for it. Obi-Wan stared
at her, drawing his feelings into a ball and stuffing them into the back of
his mind as she greeted a few people. The assembly clapped and a swarm of
people surrounded her, welcoming her happily. Eventually, everyone spread out
to small tables as the food was served. Arshea sat a table in the room’s
center, Obi-Wan on her right and Counselor Tadrin on the other. The queen
picked at her food, eating very little but listened to the conversations. The
jedi discussed the Force with Tarin and a few other council members. After
about twenty minutes into dinner, the queen sighed and pushed her seat back,
looking to Tadrin.
“I’m going to retire for the evening, Tadrin.” She nodded to him, and
placed a hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. “Have a good night, Obi-Wan.” She made
her way to her rooms, with a following of handmaidens. He watched her leave,
a heavy feeling being left behind. Attempting to shake himself of it, Obi-Wan
went back to the conversation, picking up where he left off. Tadrin excused
himself and a small group of men went with him, hurriedly.
Arshea rounded a corner, having lost her handmaidens she allowed herself
to relax. Her arms crossed over her chest as what started with an minor pain
in her stomach got steadily worse. Face calm, the queen’s thoughts wandered
anxiously over the events of the past few days. A loud thud was heard from
the end of the hallway, making her look up, to find nothing there. Glancing
around curiously, she continued to return to her rooms. When the noise
occurred again, it was plain what was the cause of break in silence.
Droid destroyers rolled up and surrounded her, turning their blasters
on. Freezing, Arshea frantically surveyed around her as Tadrin emerged from
behind the destroyers.
“Oh, Your Majesty, what have you gotten yourself into this time?” He
asked sarcastically, his arms crossed over his chest and a devilish grin set
his mouth.
“Tadrin, what’s going on here?” She insisted, keeping her eye on the
destroyers.
“You see, Arshea, I got tired of ruling your planet for you, while you
claimed to be the only hope for Hoth in the Senate. I sent you countless
applicants and you barely picked a mere speck of a girl. I knew you would
pick her, so I had her ‘eliminated’.”
“What?” She breathed, her eyes narrowing. “You killed her? For what?!”
“You could have easily brought me there and had me run in the Senate, but
no! You were an idealist, and wanted the visions of the young, Bah! Not to
mention, I was too important to you here, well guess what, Your Majesty? If
I’m so important in ruling here, than I don’t need you to make the
decisions. I bought these lovely droids off the Trade Federation. Nicely
made, aren’t they?” Arshea shook her head, dropping her gaze to the floor.
“Quite, Tadrin, quite.” The queen drew her lightsaber and took a few of
them out before making her way down an adjourning hallway, blaster fire
following her.
Obi-Wan and Anakin’s heads jerked up and toward the exit as they jumped
and bolted out the door, lightsabers drawn.
“Master, there are destroyers here?” Anakin yelled, as they began to f
ire at the jedi. The padawan blocked the shots and returned them at the
droids, knocking two down, but five more emerged.
“The Trade Federation has no dealings with Hoth, Arshea wouldn’t have
it.” Obi-Wan guarded against the fire, returning the blasts. “Unless...” He
thought a moment, and slashed through one destroyer. “It’s Tadrin. We need
to get to Arshea.” The jedi made their way through the piles of debris, and
still firing droids.
Arshea sprinted down the hall, dodging the oncoming blaster fire. Reac
hing a crevice, she pressed a spot on the wall causing a door to open.
Diving in before it slammed shut behind her, Arshea rolled and recovered,
standing. The room was dark, but the silhouettes of ships could be made out.
She had escaped into another hanger, retracted her lightsaber and settled
against the wall. A swarm of pain doubled her over onto the floor forcing her
to hold her stomach. Panting, she tried to ignore it, but it was becoming
more than she could handle. Laughter struck up from behind the ships, as the
lights burst on, making her flinch. Tadrin became visible with more
destroyers at his heels.
“Are you in pain, Your Majesty?” Tadrin grinned, walking up to her
blaster aimed.
“What did you do?” She panted heavily now, groaning.
“Poisoned your food,” His voice sounding so matter-of-fact. “I figured
you’d put in a good fight, so I wanted to disable you some how.” He adjusted
the blaster to point directly at Arshea’s head as Obi-Wan and Anakin made
their way into the room.
“Arshea!” Obi-Wan shouted, seeing her but stopped in his tracks as he
saw Tadrin. “Let her go, Tadrin, you won’t escape.”
“Oh, Master jedi that’s just it. You can’t stop me, you see.. I have a
blaster pointed to her beautiful little head. What are you going to do?”
Anakin jerked, making his move he destroyed the droids at the left side of
the Counselor, while Obi-Wan took out the ones in the front, leaving Tadrin
and the blaster. Arshea groaned loudly, almost screaming, the pain continuing
to grow in her stomach. Tadrin put the tip of the blaster on her temple, as
she attempted to vomit. Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes, and tried to step slightly
forward. “Don’t move, jedi, you will regret it.” Anakin took a step forward,
and the blaster fired. Obi-Wan screamed, anguish filling every inch of the
room, but Arshea still sat there, moving, breathing. “What?!” A flash of
white light ripped through Tadrin, his face held the sudden look of horror.
The body fell away, revealing Her Majesty standing behind him, breathing
heavily. The main threat was over, and the queen cast her eyes to the jedi.
Falling to the side, Arshea groaned hoarsely, while her lightsaber tumbled to
the floor. Obi-Wan rushed to her, holding her head up while her body went
into spasm.
“What happened?” He asked, placing a hand on her forehead. “You are
still a devious one, you know that?”
“He poisoned me...” Her skin flashed hot and cold, as she lay there. He
picked her up in his arms and hurried her out of that hanger, and toward the
one that held their ship.
“We need to get you to Coruscant, I’m no healer.”
“We won’t make it,” She murmured, her body jerking violently.
“Yes, we will.” He yelled out orders and staff members ran to work,
within moments, the three Guardians, their luggage and the ship was ready to
go. Anakin trailed behind his master, gazing at Arshea with worry as he
helped load items into the ship. Tarin and Tomeroy gawked at Obi-Wan carrying
Arshea on board, from their place beside the loading platform. Laying her
down, he wrapped her in a blanket and pulled straps over her body, locking it
down. Moving to the front, he started the ship’s engines, as the two Hothians
boarded.
“I will remain, and make the decisions in her place. I never knew that
Tadrin would go mad like that, I never knew his plans. None of us did,
believe me, Master jedi.” Tomeroy expressed with sadness, as Obi-Wan turned,
giving him a cold stare.
“If you are staying, Counselor, get off my ship.” He hissed, turning
back to pre-flight procedures, listening to Arshea groan in the back, her
voice filled with torment. Tomeroy exited the vehicle and nodded to Tarin,
who threw his crate of clothes onto the ship, making Anakin furrow his brow.
“Master Obi-Wan, Counselor Tomeroy ordered me to join you. I am going to
be the Hothian Senator.” Tarin exclaimed, taking a seat in the back as the
doors closed. Obi-Wan never looked at him, as the ship began to lift and take
flight.
“All right, Tarin, welcome aboard.” His voice solemn, and his face
unreadable. The ship zipped off, flying as fast as it could to get her to
Coruscant.
Anakin watched over Arshea since they left, holding her hand, squeezing
it gently. Obi-Wan came to the back, ordering his padawan to take over
operating the ship while he saw to her. The padawan hustled into the pilot
seat, giving way to his master to take over. “We’re almost there, just hold
on, Arshea.” The queen couldn’t speak, it came out in a gurgled scream.
Moving into a fetal position, red hot pain flowed through every part of her.
He rested a hand on her forehead, rubbing his thumb on her temple soothingly.
She gasped sharply, her body tensed and held for a time before completely
relaxing; unable to give any more and her consciousness was stolen from her.
She breathed in little huffs, but she was not feeling the pain or the
discomfort. He stood with her, rubbing her cheek for what felt like an
eternity. He was hurt, and angry. No amount of jedi training had ever
prepared him for dealing with a person like her, and it never could have. Her
unpredictability and knack for getting into trouble is what made Arshea De
Madeline of Hoth a dear friend as any. He would never change her and nor
would he wish to attempt to change her.
“Master, we’re approaching..” Anakin announced, breaking the silence
that shrouded the ship. Obi-Wan hurried to the front and switched positions
with him, taking over the flying, as they entered Coruscant skies.

* * * * *

“It was not the Sith as was originally believed, Masters.” Obi-Wan’s
voice echoed through the Jedi Council chamber. Every council member was
present, and Anakin perched at his master’s side, head held high. “It was
Counselor Gentrin Tadrin of Hoth, the head of Her Majesty’s royal council. He
had plotted to put himself into the Senate. He put in an order to have the
young applicant killed to eliminate Queen Arshea’s choice for he knew she
would pick her. Tadrin wished to corrupt the Senate and bring in the Trade
Federation into Hoth. All of the paperwork was relayed to myself by one of
the other council members on the planet. Tomeroy Malitay is now the leading
council and sent a Senator with us, by the name of Tarin Octaton.” The
council members heeded the information, noting the intensity in Obi-Wan
Kenobi’s voice.
“And Her Majesty?” Master Windu inquired.
“I have yet to receive information on the condition of Queen Arshea,
however the last notice I received was that they were attempting to relieve
her body of the poison which Tadrin had administered.”
Almost as though prompted by the young jedi master’s words, Drenia, the
temple staff member appeared in the doorway.
“Masters, Her Majesty is awake, and doing well. The poison is gone.
Regretfully, she has nothing but rigorous training to look forward for quite
some time. Especially, if she wishes to get her body back to what it once
was.”
“Thank you, Drenia. That is good news.” Master Windu replied. The woman
bowed and exited the room, as all focus went back to the jedi in the center
of the room. “Master Obi-Wan, go to Arshea and make sure she is well. The
council is pleased to know the Sith was not involved, this time, but the
possibility of Her Majesty being turned has never been greater. She will
remain in Coruscant under the supervision of the Jedi Council, and you will
be able to return to the assignments designated to you, and your padawan.”
Obi-Wan and Anakin bowed deeply, understanding their dismissal, they left the
room.
“It is good news that she is well, Master. I am very pleased, I was
concerned for her.” Anakin stated plainly, his hands in his sleeves as they
road the elevator to the lower levels.
“She’s alive and still the queen of Hoth, my young padawan. It is
pleasing to know that she is well.” He voiced, his tone low and stern.

* * * * *

Queen Arshea leaned against the window of her room, deep in thought, as
she clutched the handle of a cane. The healers had given it to her to aid in
transporting herself for her body was still weak after only a few days of
being conscious. With a beep, her doors opened, revealing Master Obi-Wan.
“You’re up and about, that’s good to see.” His voice sounded a bit more
light-hearted then it had, he settled himself into a chair.
“I’m trying to do much more than this,” She gestured to herself. “ But
I grow tired far too quickly. So other than standing here, or moving from one
end of the room to the other I'm isolated.” Arshea explained drearily.
“The healers stated it would take at least a year before your body would
be up to what it used to be.” He reminded her as she sighed, nodding her head.
“I know, I know...” Her eyes closed tiredly as she paused, making it
seem that the effort to speak was farther than her body would allow. “I’m
having trouble ignoring the memories, and the kiss...” Obi-Wan straightened
his back, and cast his eyes down, not wanting her to see them.
“The memories will go away in time, Your Majesty.” His voice became
serious instantly.
“And the kiss? What will have happened to the two people that stood in
that hanger?” She was treading on dangerous ground and she knew it, but she
also knew he was trapped. He would answer the question, or leave.. either way
it would be answered.
“I can not answer that, Your Majesty, for the two people let their guard
down, and mistakes occurred.” Arshea merely nodded her head, having gotten
her answer.
“And so what will become of us then, Master Kenobi?”
“Friendship and brotherhood are the strongest bonds that jedi are allowed
to possess. In turn, I see ourselves having a grand friendship.” He eased
himself out of the chair, and bowed to Arshea. Turning to leave, Obi-Wan
froze abruptly as he looked down to find Arshea’s arms around his waist. He
maneuvered himself to face her, his eyes filled with surprise. Arshea hugged
him tenderly, resting her head against his chest, and tears fell upon his
robes. He returned the embrace, setting his chin upon her head and he rubbed
her back soothingly.
The sun was dropping behind the level of the buildings surrounding the
temple, leaving the room in darkness as the jedi comforted his friend, while
she openly wept. He felt close to her, closer than he ever had. She
understood, and yet continued to love him. Perhaps, one day when the rules
are set free, he could find it in himself to love her back.

End (6/6) feedback, now it's done.. ? DestinyRage@AOL.com??