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IT WAS ONE THING TO trust another person with one's life, but something else entirely to place the life of a Senator in the hands of the Jedi.Elli hadn't laid eyes on some of the Jedi council for many years, and had wished the need would never arise again. Yet again, she was asking for help. Help to protect Padmé, help to do what she could not. Her stomach churned as Obi-Wan told them of the events the night before.
Elli wished she could have reached out a hand to Anakin. She longed for the warmth of another soul, the comfort that only skin on skin could bring. But the council would frown upon such an interaction, so she stayed still and quiet.
Master Yoda thought about what Obi-Wan had told them of the attack on Padmé's life. "Track down this bounty hunter, you must, Obi-Wan," he said.
"Most importantly," Master Windu chimed in, "find out who he's working for."
"What about Seantor Amidala?" Anakin glanced towards Elli at Obi-Wan's words, but she didn't move an inch. Calm, collected, cracking. She couldn't let them see her faults - not at a time like this. "She will still need protecting."
Elli held back her tears, her heart sinking low in her chest. After everything she had done the night before, they still did not trust her. How was she ever going to prove herself to them? Had the Battle of Naboo not been enough? Had she not sacrificed enough?
Yoda nodded towards Anakin. "Handle that, your Padawan will."
Glancing at Anakin, Elli searched his face for some kind of movement - a sign. He had feelings for Padmé. Perhaps the council didn't know it, but Elli did. Would he be able to control himself around Padmé? Would he be able to accept it could never be?
And yet, Elli's mind wandered. She thought about having her best friend by her side again - about keeping him close, tugging him towards her heart, tying them together with string. She couldn't help feeling lighter at the thought. And if the council thought they only needed to send a Padawan, perhaps they thought she was strong enough after all.
"Anakin," said Windu, drawing Elli's attention. "Escort the Senator back to her home planet of Naboo. She'll be safe there. And don't use registered transport. Travel as refugees."
"She won't like that." All eyes fell to Elli, and she couldn't help feeling like every one of them were searching her for something - looking to break her apart, pull at every last limb. She pushed the thought aside, thinking only of Padmé. "Padmé has led the opposition and won't want to leave before the end. Surely you must have some compassion for her plight?"
