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(Video; UN: amidala)

(She is pale and resolved; this is not a woman who is unaccustomed to strife.)

This seems the quickest way to go about my search. (And since her physical stamina hasn't completely returned.) I am Padmé Amidala, Senator of Naboo. Am I known to anyone present?

(She wants to be known. She doesn't want to be known. She wants a friend. She doesn't want anyone to touch her.)

It's not terribly important. (But it is.) Of course we can get to know one another. If you wish to speak, I will listen.

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[ Xingchen studies her, a little worried by what he sees. ]

I am sorry, but I do not know that name.

[ He offers a gentle smile now though. ]

But I would be happy to get to know you. I am Xiao Xingchen.

(He is right in being worried. Very little is holding Padmé in one piece.)

That isn't your fault. You needn't apologize.

(She reflects that smile, grateful for it.)

Xiao Xingchen. I am honored to make your acquaintance. Please, call me Padmé.

[ He lifts his hands and cups them, bowing just a little to her with that gentle smile. ]

The honor is mine, Padme. [ Even if using just one name and no honorific feels weird, if that's what she wants to be called, of course he'll call her that. ]

I don't have much, but if you are hungry, I would be happy to share the stew I have with you.

(If this man is as gentle as he seems, she will want to befriend him. A white owl lands on her shoulder, blinking peacefully.)

I like your voice. You strike me as very kind.

(The offer warms her heart even more.)

My appetite isn't quite...right. But I would like to know you better if you are willing? I have two birds with me. I hope they won't frighten you.

[ His gaze drops shyly, but his smile grows. ]

I try to be.

[ But her admission about her appetite worries him all over again, and his gaze returns to her even as his little black sable peeks at the owl on her shoulder. ]

There is no requirement you need to fill to get to know me. I would be happy to meet with you. Any animal is welcome. Lady Xiu will not harm them.

(Lady Xiu! Padmé can just see that dark little face and her gaze softens.)

It comes to you naturally.

(Something about him reminds her of the Jedi. He feels safe.)

Veruna and Milla will cause her no harm, I'm sure. They have been very gentle with me.

(Milla comes into view, perched on the back of Padmé's chair. Veruna is the white owl, named for one of the moons circling Naboo.)

Where should I meet you?

[ Xiu scampers up to settle across Xingchen's shoulders and he turns his head enough to nuzzle her sweet face before returning his attention to Padme. ]

I am glad they are gentle with you. These familiars, they seem only to want to help us.

Have you reached Camelot yet? I still live in one of the inns offered to those like us. But there is a lovely little garden not far away, it makes a nice place to walk.

(Veruna shuffles closer to the side of Padmé's face, clearly wanting a similar nuzzle. How can she say no?)

One of them is a familiar. The other...Veruna... (She strokes his white feathers.) ...was a happy surprise. They were giving away such wonderful creatures and he chose me.

Milla is my familiar. (And she owes the pretty Peko-Peko a great deal already.) Yes, I am in Camelot, and a walk sounds lovely. I could use the exercise.

[ Exactly! Who can resist giving nuzzles? He smiles at the sweet sight. ]

I am glad you found each other.

[ He tells her the name of the inn he's been staying in. ] We could meet outside and I show you where it is? I am just finishing up stew for the next couple meals for everyone here, and can be just outside in an incense-stick's time.

Don't rush yourself. I can wait for you. My friends will like being outside and watching them is peaceful.

(Milla keeps an eye on Veruna, though Padmé accepts that they are independent creatures. If they fly away to enjoy the wilds of Camelot, so be it.)

I will be there soon. Thank you for being so kind.

(She carries the birds outside before helping them into the air. Both of them are on the smaller side, so carrying them is much easier. Her hair is partially braided - to keep it away from her face - and she is wearing this outfit (sans hair accessories). Once arriving at the inn, she takes a moment to just breathe.)

[ He only smiles and bows his head in answer.

When Padme and her feathery friends arrive, they'll find Xiu waiting alone. The little sable peers up at them before chittering.

Xingchen is a few minutes before stepping outside, wearing his usual white cultivator robes. Somehow just as pristine as if he hasn't worked a day in his life. He smiles warmly when he sees her and cups his hands before him though doesn't bow this time. His sword is settled at his back, a comfortable weight. ]

Thank you for coming.

(Xiu receives an immediate smile. Padmé kneels down and holds out her hand carefully.)

Hello, Lady Xiu. Thank you for waiting for us.

(When Xingchen joins them, she stands up straight, trying her best to look...whole. Compared to Xingchen, Padmé is small, but she quickly decides that she likes him even better in person. There is a pleasant aura about him that makes it easier to think and be.)

I had a wonderful welcome. Your Lady Xiu is as noble and graceful as they come.

[ Xiu sniffs at her hand before deciding she likes her and nuzzles her hand.

Xingchen studies Padme, still just as quietly concerned by what he sees as on the small screen. Her attempt to appear perfectly fine isn't even noticed. The new ability to heal itches to nudge her energies right, but he holds it back. Her sweet words about Xiu make him smile though and he casts a fond look at his familiar. ]

She is a very warm creature. I am glad she came out to meet you.

(A genuine smile curls her lips and she rubs her fingers against Xiu's soft cheeks.

Then she faces Xingchen and finds herself feeling...a kinship. It's the sort of calm she felt around Jedi. Even when the galaxy was in chaos, being near them made her feel sane.)

What does she like to eat?

(Padmé can keep treats on hand for her. Milla, the brightly feathered Peko-Peko, sings down at them from her perch on the inn.)

Ah... Milla says hello.

[ Xiu scampers back to climb up Xingchen, reclaiming her favorite perch on his shoulders. Once in place, Xingchen rests one hand at his back, standing straight, yet not seeming uncomfortable with the proper pose. ]

She loves honey and anything covered in it.

[ The singing overhead makes him look up, then smile in hello. ]

Hello Milla, it is an honor to meet you.

I can't blame her. Honey is delicious.

(Padmé walks closer to the pair, her posture just as proper as his own. Slouching would never be allowed from a queen or a senator.)

Milla is a species from my home planet. She is a Peko-Peko. I was surprised to see her.

(She smiles and holds out her arm.)

Shall we walk through the garden?

[ Xingchen turns back to her, smile softening as he listens to her. He likes her voice, so calming and kind. ]

She reminds me of a peacock, or a golden pheasant. She is lovely.

[ He nods and takes her arm, resting her hand in the crook of his elbow before leading the way. Xiu squirms around so she can sniff at Pandme's hair. ]

Are those birds from your world? (If they have bright plumage, she would love to see them. It's amusing how often her various outfits - as queen especially - reflected the colors of birds.

Padmé gives his arm a gentle squeeze, peeking up with a grin when she feels the pressure against her hair. Xiu might not escape a little kiss.)

They are. The females have more muted plumage, but are no less beautiful than their male counterparts, who have bold coloring.

[ He stifles a giggle when Xiu abandons his shoulders entirely to wiggle over to Padme, butting her head gently against the woman's cheek in silent demand for kisses. ]

Xiu likes you.

The males are the ones who initiate mating. It makes sense that they should be colorfully arrayed. The females only have to be good mothers.

(The thought brings her to a place she would rather not go. Xiu distracts her and Padmé is only too happy to kiss the darling.)

I like her and you, Xiao Xingchen, and I will tell you the truth since I believe it will be safe with you.

I gave birth shortly before I was dropped into that lake.

[ Fortunately for privacy's sake, they step into the garden just as she tells him that. He draws in a sharp breath, brow furrowing in intense worry, and he gently guides her to a bench he remembers as Xiu does her very best to cheer her up. ]

I have some skill with healing. Would you let me check on you?

(Another healer had been kind enough to see to her when she first walked onto the shore. But it's...difficult. Padmé is certain if she could just be with her twins, she would feel right again.)

I don't mean to fatigue you. I'm not in immediate danger, but I wouldn't say no to a healer's assessment.

[ He immediately shakes his head, gently, and encourages her to sit before kneeling before her. Xiu returns to his shoulders, ready to offer her guidance. ]

I don't mind. It would be my honor to help you. Just sit, Xiu and I will help your energies.

(She sits without further argument, giving a weak smile to little Xiu. Padmé has a soft spot for hard workers.)

Thank you. (While she isn't sure what healing entails, she trusts it.) My twins were born healthy. I was able to see them and name them.

[ Black fur seems to blur as she shares her energy with Xingchen, and he rests his hands lightly on Padme's hand and stomach as he focuses on sending healing energy, first of all, into a body exhausted from childbirth.

But there's something else, isn't there? Something with her heart. He encourages it to strengthen, too before gently, slowly withdrawing. He takes both her hands though, just to hold. ]

Your heart...aches for them. I'm sorry they were taken from you...What are their names?

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politicallyinclined - 2021-10-23 19:54 (UTC) - Expand

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