Of Love and War Book 1: Dawn of a New Life

Chapter 12: Taking Back Naboo

Zelina crowded close to Obi-Wan's side as they were lead into the sacred place that the Gungans had gathered, unable to help but feel intimidated by all of the creatures around them. Obi-Wan kept a reassuring hand on her shoulder, letting her hide in the folds of his robes. Anakin was in front of Obi-Wan, most likely playing the braver of the two of them.

"Your honor! Queen Amidala of the Naboo!" one of the Gungans that mounted the strange creatures announced as they all filed into a large clearing. Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Zelina, and Anakin all stood off to the Queen's side.

Jar Jar nervously mumbled out an address to a rather...large Gungan that stood on a huge tree root as he overlooked them. She couldn't hear Jar Jar from her spot in Obi-Wan's robe since he spoke so quietly, but she definitely heard the booming voice of the Gungan leader, even if the only thing she understood that the large Gungan said was Jar Jar's name. Her trouble understanding the Gungans was becoming a problem when it came to knowing what was going on.

She was relieved when someone she could actually understand started speaking. The Queen's voice easily carried around the small clearing.

"I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo. I come before you in peace."

"Ah, Naboo... Yousa bring the mechanics. Yousa all gone bad," the Gungan leader said. Zelina still struggled to understand him, but at least she understood most of what he said.

"We have searched you out because we wish to form an alliance—" the Queen started. However, Zelina was shocked when she saw Padme step forward, cutting off her Queen.

"Your honor..." she said, stepping in front of the Queen.

"Whosa dis?" the Gungan leader said, obviously annoyed. Zelina was just confused. What was Padme doing?

"I am Queen Amidala," Padme said firmly.

"What?" Zelina said, perhaps a little too loudly. Anakin's head whipped around towards Padme, utter shock and even perhaps a little betrayal playing out across his face. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon smirked, apparently having realized this the entire time. Obi-Wan rocked back on his heels as Qui-Gon smiled a little at him, squeezing Zelina's shoulder.

"This is my decoy, my protection, my loyal bodyguard. I am sorry for my deception but it was necessary to protect myself," Padme continued. Anakin seemed to be in denial at what he was seeing, shaking his head and glancing at Zelina as if to ask if she'd known about this. She simply shook her head and continued to watch Padme intently.

"All though we do not always agree your honor, our two great societies have always lived in peace," she continued.

"Ah..." said the Gungan leader, clasping his hands in front of him as Padme continued.

"The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. If we do not act quickly all will be lost forever. I ask you to help us...no, I beg you to help us," Padme pleaded, getting down on her knee. Zelina glanced around hastily following as everyone else also got on their knee. "We are your humble servants."

Well I don't know about that, I mean, I don't like the idea of being a servant again, Zelina couldn't help but think. However, she stayed in her kneeling position like everyone else.

"Our fate is in your hands," Padme finished.

There was a few moments of silence before the Gungan leader started to laugh. "Yousa no tinka you greater dan da Gungans? Meesa lika dis...Maybe we start...being friends."

It seemed their group let out a collective sigh of relief, and Zelina saw several people, including Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon share smiles at the acceptance of the Queen's plea for help.