All comments are screened, anon will never be enabled, but all crit is taken seriously and put to work, I promise you. Thank you for taking the time to give me some input.

( There is a garden in front of House 46. Padmé has worked on it diligently, spending time each day tending to the flowers. There are days that she might spend too much time on them, actually, but everyone needs an escape and gardening is one of hers. )

My mother taught me how to build a garden. She said it was like a small world of its own.

( She buries her hands in the soil, letting it sift through her fingers. While some might view the soil as dirty, Padmé only sees life. Without a proper foundation, nothing can thrive. )

When I entered politics, I approached it with my heart and eyes open. Logic is absolutely necessary when representing or leading any group, yet I've found that empathy is also vital. If you cannot connect with those that need your guidance or protection, how can you give them advice or produce laws that better their lives?

( Pushing the soil around a trio of flower stems, she ensures the plants are steady. Their roots are taking hold and running deep. )

Each of us have different roots and our leaves and blooms are unique. I'd like to celebrate that by ensuring every voice is heard.

( Raising her eyes, her hair bound in a thick braid over one shoulder, she smiles faintly. )

What was your world like? What do you remember best about it?

( Private to Anakin. )

( There is no way she can hide her joy. Despite the palpable tension between Anakin and Ahsoka, she can't help but beam. )

Ani, both of our children are here. You can get to know Leia like you have Luke.

( It isn't what she dreamed, but she isn't about to turn away a blessing. )

What do you say to a family dinner?

( / )

Does anyone know delicious recipes? I think I'd like to learn how to cook.

( And be domestic. Goodness, what is happening to the Senator of Naboo? )

I remember my mother making me big meals every time I visited home. ( Her voice is downright wistful. ) It was one of the reasons I loved seeing her. Maybe there is some truth in the heart and stomach being connected.

( Padmé's sorrow has lessened. There is even a tentative smile on her face as she addresses Luceti. )

I don't wish to cause pain - and if I do so unknowingly, I ask that you forgive me - but I have often wondered if it is natural to love another so deeply that it leaves your reason in stunned silence? Anakin and Obi-Wan can attest to my long career in politics and, yet, all of that pales to what I was given as a wife and mother.

( She never sought romance - at least nothing that lasted - but it found her all the same. )

I never envisioned myself putting everything aside for one person. I was certain my prowess lay in serving the people. But now I see -

Fate finds us all.

( Her abundant hair is gathered into a simple, elegant ponytail. The dark curls spill down her back, coming to a stop right below her waist. )

Regardless, I am a politician still. I make a request to you, Luceti residents, that might seem strange. It is my belief that everyone in this village should be armed in some manner. Lessons can be given by those with more experience as schedules permit.

( It frightens her to imagine anyone going into another Draft with only their bare hands to protect them. )

Protection is no guarantee and even the young can become victims to sudden violence. I have seen it happen before.

( Far too many times and on far too many planets. )

Let us make a stand and protect ourselves. Make no mistake, even in peaceful times, Luceti is a dangerous place.

( Padmé begins the feed by sitting in plain view of her journal, wearing dark colors. It's only proper for those in mourning. However she chooses not to wear black because that would mean the end of all hope. For her, there is always a flame in the darkness - one simply needs to find it. )

I am grieved over the losses in battle. To fight without knowing the reason and to be sacrificed cruelly is unforgivable, yet there is nothing we can do to retaliate.

( Not yet. There are roads that might lead to that possibility someday. )

Welcome those who fought and died home and mourn for those lost to us. But remember that tomorrow is a new day filled with fresh discoveries. We will smile and laugh again.

( Private to Anakin, Luke & Obi-Wan. )

( Padmé is looking more than a little frazzled. Her room is less than tidy and she is on her hands and knees when the video begins. )

My kitten… ( It's a small thing in the face of other concerns, but perhaps this is the straw that breaks the camel's back. ) Talia… She's missing.

Usually she returns for meals, but not today. ( She turns away from her journal, wipes the unwelcome tears from her cheeks and rises. Every bit of her body is tense. ) If something has happened to her…

( Is it her fate to be unable to protect anyone she cares about? )

( / )

( Once that private feed comes to an end, Padmé manages to appear far more controlled. She shows everyone who might be watching a picture of her cat before she begins. )

I'm searching for this kitten. Her name is Talia and she hasn't eaten since…yesterday. ( Not healthy food at any rate. ) Should you see her, please alert me? My name is Padmé and she is…special to me.

( Considering Luke gave her to her. )

What ever you do, do not harm her. She might be frightened. ( And frightened kittens might have their claws out and ready. ) Just bring her back to me safely. I will find some way to reward you.

( A pause while she sets her mind to other matters. She takes a seat, her posture perfect. )

Since my arrival in Luceti, I have adopted the role of observer. However I believe it is time for me to lend my expertise in the village's politics. For those of you who are aware of such functions, I should like to speak with you at your earliest convenience.

While piecing together a defense of some kind is promising, we need laws and governing bodies to ensure the best protection possible. Furthermore, we should be setting aside food, medical supplies and water in case something catastrophic happens in the future. To expect things to continue as they are is foolish. We have no guarantees; our very presence in this village is a mystery.

I welcome your opinions on the matter. The majority must choose how they wish to proceed.

( This video shows a table covered in page after page of...notes? Some of them are written in completely alien languages. Even the letters are strange and ornate - almost like forms of calligraphy. Padmé is sitting before said notes, a pen in hand and her hair unbound around her shoulders and down her back. )

It's of great importance to leave records of our time in this village. I have written what I know in as many languages as I recall. I wish I could leave a more lasting transmission, but I do not wish to burden a droid. Should he have a chance to return to his home, I want him to do so without hesitation.

( If she gives R2D2 a video to keep, he might refuse to leave - if that's at all possible. She doesn't want him leaving Luke's side. )

This is, of course, merely preparation for when my time to return comes. Leaving things to the last minute is not proper.

( She rises and organizes the papers. )

I encourage everyone to do likewise. The information you can offer others - even after your time - is invaluable.

( Padmé has been adjusting to day to day life and trying to heal. It's frightfully easy to forget what occurred before her arrival - and she has let herself forget - yet quiet moments bring certain thoughts and feelings into plain view. This morning has been particularly hard on her and she rose early and took a walk to clear her mind and lessen the ache of her heart.

She pauses by a garden and smiles, faintly, at the blooms, recalling her own home on Naboo. There had been a garden there, a lake, plenty of walks, plenty of laughter and love...

Is she really only 27? She feels so much older. But it doesn't do her any good to focus on that, so instead she pulls out her journal. )

Does a cure for nightmares exist? I feel like I'm having them even in the daytime.

( It's difficult for her to reveal her weakness; she knows she can overcome this...right? )

I wouldn't ask if they hadn't become bothersome. I am quite capable of caring for myself, but without adequate rest...

( As well as the fear that she might be bothering Anakin and Luke... )

I fear I cannot think clearly.

( In complete opposition of her last entry on the network, Padmé is dressed plainly. Her hair is gathered into a simple bun and the only addition to her white shirt and pants are her wings, of course, which are as brilliant white as always. She steps out onto one of the Luceti streets, heading for the forest at a quick stride. )

I am doing what I can to strengthen myself, but there is only so much that I can teach myself. I had tutors of all sorts when I was in office. They taught me how to defend myself and I haven't forgotten those lessons. Still, it would be easier if I had someone to work with.

( She stops in front of one tree, which has something like a dummy hanging from it. )

The sensitivity in my wings doesn't go away, but I'm getting used to it. ( As she talks, she wraps what look like bandages around her knuckles. She then proceeds to hit, kick, punch, dodge and do everything in her power to pretend the dummy is an enemy that she must evade at all costs. ) This is...a...good...stress release!

( Only when she has worn herself out does she step back and brush the stray strands of hair out of her eyes. )

I know there's a gym, but I like being...outside. ( Taking a deep breath and moving to lean her back against the tree trunk, Padmé looks up at the sky. ) I've always liked being outside.

( Padmé is in the midst of Bubble Land, looking quite different. She frowns down at the stamp on her hand before addressing her journal. )

This is certainly a strange side effect. ( Her voice is more powerful and far less affectionate than it becomes in the future. Er...the present. ) Is this supposed to remind me of my past? For what purpose?

It is a sham of the past and nothing more. ( Especially considering the...name tag?...she had been given. ) I will not play such foolish games.

( Turning, journal still in hand, she reveals the rest of her ornate costume. There are far too many memories and stresses attached to this garb. She closes her eyes wearily. )

Luke? Leia? Anakin? Have you been transported too? ( She hopes they have been left alone. For their sake. )

( A young woman with long, curly brown hair strewn with small white blooms appears on the screen. She has two bright white wings, which make the sapphire blue of her clothing seem darker somehow. Her head is bowed and there are silent tears rolling down her cheeks. )

I must have fallen asleep. ( She brings a hand to her face, lightly touching a tear. ) It was more than that.

( That very same hand travels down and touches her stomach. Her eyes widen and she gasps. )

I had them; I named them. Does Obi-Wan have them? What about... ( Fear is something she visibly fights. She refuses to let it conquer her. ) Anakin. Does he know? Has he seen them?

He should. ( Unless... ) Would he - ( Hurt them too? ) No!

( Padmé leans her back against a tree, glancing numbly at her wings. This isn't the time to fall apart. She needs to get it together. )

My name is Padmé Amidala. I am a Senator of Naboo. Are there any Jedi here? They are amongst the few I know I can trust.

On a less important note - ( Because it needs to be asked. ) Why do I have wings?