(Video; UN: amidala)

[politicallyinclined]

(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.

Comments

[politicallyinclined]

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?

[bright_moon]

[ 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. ]

[politicallyinclined]

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.)

[bright_moon]

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.

[politicallyinclined]

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.

[bright_moon]

[ 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?

[politicallyinclined]

(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.

[bright_moon]

[ 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.

[politicallyinclined]

(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.

[bright_moon]

[ 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?

[politicallyinclined]

[Her heart had weakened suddenly and then given out. The fact that he can sense that proves his skill, really, and she grips his hands gently, glad for the contact. Knowing she is alive helps - it gives her hope.]

Luke and Leia. [She smiles shakily, eyes unfocused as she remembers their tiny faces.] A boy and a girl. A dear friend of mine took them into his care; I trust he will see them to a good home.

[Or homes. Two might be better, though that hurts to think about.]

I don't know what happened. I wanted to stay with them, but my heart...gave out. Then I was here.