Chapter Four

"My guard and I will be back within a week." Denali heard from the hallway, her back leaning against the wall and her arms folded. She couldn't keep the smirk off of her face. She was going home again after all of this crazy drama with the Order, home to Alderaan where her brother and little friend were safe.

Ever since she had left the Order, she had felt happier than she had in ages. The nervous weight that was constantly on her shoulders had evaporated into thin air. All the rules and responsibilities of the Jedi were gone and done with, replaced with less stressful ones. For once in years, she didn't need to be afraid of showing someone that she cared about them. She could talk and joke around with Padme as much as she wanted to and not have to worry about the Council thinking she was childish. Denali could do whatever she wanted whenever she wanted, eat any kind of food she'd like, and spend time with the people she chose.

Saying that she was happy would've been an enormous understatement.

Now the former Jedi master was standing outside Senator Amidala's office in the Senate building, wearing a very comfy- yet attractive- outfit that not only made her feel good and rebellious of the Order, but also showed the significance of her new job. The Nabooian emblem resided in black on a white cloth that wrapped around her left forearm. That way, when her brother saw her, he'd immediately know that she already had aquired a form of honest work.

The Senators walking down the hall from one place to the next would glance at her from the corners of their eyes. Denali knew that it would definitely be a shock to the Senators to find out that the famous 'Jedi Master Denali Bleway' was up and running for guard duty so quickly after leaving the Order. She would watch their eyes and sense their shock, then jealousy at the sight of the Nabooian emblem on her arm. The faint words 'If only I had known first...' and 'That dang Amidala always gets the good Jedi protection' could easily be sensed from across the hall and a feeling of pride lifted up within Denali. 

Earlier that morning, she had been worried that the Senators would judge her for being kicked out of the Order, or that she had left so easily. But instead of negativity, all she could feel was the jealousy of them all over the fact that they hadn't gotten to her first when it came to protection employment. 

"And don't forget to contact the Senator from Kashyyyk and tell them that I will definitely be attending his honorary banquet next month. The Wookiees definitely have a way of making people feel welcome to their home. And that the chocolate dessert they prepared last year was to die for!" Padme said as she stepped out of her office, one of her assistants following closely behind.

Chewie. 

A pang of agony zapped Denali's heart as she thought of how miserable he must be as Windu's newest apprentice. That poor boy. That poor poor boy.

"Yes, Senator." Padme's assistant told her, made sure that Padme had nothing else to say to her, gave a small bow, then rushed back into her office. Padme had a satisfied smile on her face as she turned her head over to look at Denali. Her eyes widened at the sight of her new look.

"Gracious, Denali. Is that a new look you're going for?" Padme asked her. Denali suddenly felt very self-conscious again about her outfit and the blood rushed to her cheeks in embarassment.

"Poodoo," she muttered under her breath. "I knew I shouldn't have worn these pants with this top." Padme laughed at her words and reassuringly placed her hand on the older woman's shoulder. 

"No, I didn't mean that you look bad." Padme explained and the two began walking out to the exit of the Senate building. "You look amazing and dangerous, something that is definitely a needed quality when it comes to my guards. But..." Padme leaned in closer to her ear so no one else could hear what she said next. "...I'm not sure your husband would like it. It reveals your curves a little too much for someone who is married."

"Considering the fact that my husband hasn't spoken to me in a week, I don't think his opinion on my clothing matters at the moment." Denali replied back.

It was true. The last time Denali had spoken with her husband was literally seven days ago when he had gone to the Temple due to 'Jedi Business'. He told her that he'd be right back as soon as everything was cleared up, but that obviously hadn't happened. Back when she was in the Order, it was easy for her to keep tabs on Obi-Wan and for him to keep tabs on her, that way they always knew where each other was. But now that they were farther apart, it wasn't as simple as asking someone where Master Kenobi had been assigned to last.

She wasn't used to not knowing, but Denali knew she'd have to get over it. After all, Padme had been married to Anakin long enough that she was acustomed to the unawareness of her spouse's wherabouts. If Padme could do it, so could she.

But that didn't mean she wasn't going to be mad at Obi-Wan for not coming back.

"That's a very..." Padme thought for a moment to find the right words to use. "Interesting idea and way to look at the subject." Denali shrugged.

"I'm not used to this life-style yet. He'll just have to grow up and deal with it." Denali replied. Padme laughed in an amused fashion, but lifted one hand up to her mouth in an attempt to hide her giggles from the other nearby Senators. Denali understood why. They were aware that they definitely were already a subject that would be talked about constantly amongst the representatives long after they left Corosaunt. No need to draw more attention to themselves with by stirring curiosity as to what they were laughing about.

The two of them walked through the doorway, down the stone steps, and straight towards Padme's ship that she used to travel on small unimportant missions, even though this was definitely important to Denali. She shook her head as she followed Padme up the silver ship's ramp. Obi-Wan was something she didn't want to focus on right now.

What she really cared about was seeing Boba and her brother again.