Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2004 21:26:01 -0800 (PST)
From: Convergence <convergenceone@yahoo.com>
Subject: "The Lavender Ceremony"

The Lavender Ceremony

by S. Sandoval.

(ff, Padme/Dorme)

Star Wars, Padme Amidala, Dorme, Anakin Skywalker, The Clone Wars, Naboo,
Theed City, The Trade Federation, Nexu, Nubian Shuttle, Reek, Gungans,
Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Force, and Captian Typho are all owned completly by
Lucasfilm Productions, with distribution help from 20th Century Fox, are
are used here with that complete knowledge.

This story takes place just shortly before the events that occur at the end
of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

This is my second attempt at a piece of slash fan fiction. It turned out
longer than I expected, but I'm really proud of it, and I hope you all like
it. Comments would be appreciated very much by all readers at
convergenceone@yahoo.com

I.

	Padme Amidala's mind and heart were both heavy as her transport
descended through the upper atmosphere of Naboo. Stepping up from her desk
in her private quarters, she padded barefoot across the room to the large
viewport along the wall. Tapping the button, the screen raised slowly
giving her a view of her home planet. At this point, Naboo filled her view,
a gleaming blue green orb. A faint reddish glow began to appear as the
atmosphere sped by, but the Nubian's shields were top notch, and prevented
the heat of friction from obscuring the view.
	Usually, this was the moment that she treasured the most; Returning
home, and waiting until the very end to look out the viewport. Seeing her
home planet so close up made her realize just how important it was to her
that this is where she was from. Growing up there, amongst the lush forests
and crafted architecture, she felt as if nothing could ever go wrong. But
Padme grew up quicker than most girls, and therefore, she also found out
the real truth much quicker than most. For while Naboo was indeed a
peaceful haven, the dangers and turmoil of the outside galaxy was something
that was too strong to keep out.
	This she learned when she was elected Queen in her early teens, as
the mantle of royalty instantly made her aware of all that swirled around
what she thought was a perfect world; The Trade Federation and their unfair
trade practices strangling the life out of planets in the outer rim was
only the beginning, for when they blockaded Naboo in an effort to force the
senate into lessening the taxes that had been placed on them, the invasion
proved to be worst thing she had ever lived though.
	Although this was nearly ten years ago, Padme is still haunted by
memories of her people suffering during the invasion, both the humans she
grew up knowing, and the Gungans, who finally revealed themselves to be
both peace loving creatures, and brave warriors. She was haunted by those
that had to die during the resistance, many of whom were loyal servants of
the royal family for decades.
	These memories only served to be a foundation for Padme from that
point forward. As she grew into being a beautiful woman, leaving royalty
behind for the robes of a politician, she devoted every moment of her life
into doing whatever she could to prevent the loss of life anywhere in the
Galaxy, but especially on Naboo.
	But today, what once soothed her in the past, refuses to give her
comfort. Shutting the viewscreen, Padme walked back across the room to
gather up her things. She gathered the documents and holofiles about the
recent battle on Geonosis and her experiences there together, placing them
in a large black case. As she slipped her delicate feet back into her
shoes, the intercom clicked on. A voice softly intoned from the bridge.
	"Senator Amidala, we are beginning landing procedures."
	"Thank you, Captain. Are we able to land at my alternate
coordinates?"
	"Yes, ma'am. We are diverting to the landing platform at Syendeed
Gate, as per your request."
	"Excellent, Captain. I'm proceeding to airlock 2. You are clear to
redock at Theed City as soon as I disembark."
	"Roger that, Senator."
	Captain Typho's irritation at just dropping her off here deep in
the country was evident in the tone of his voice. But this was something
that had to be done alone.
	Padme left her quarters and made her way to the airlock. The
transport was mostly empty except for her and her minimal crew. Due to the
assassination attempts on her, her profile has been kept low recently, and
while she believed that the Trade Federation's attempts to have her killed
were over now that the war has begun, her advisors felt differently, and
insisted that just about any journey anywhere would be done so
secretly. Which was fine with her. Deep down, Padme knew that secrecy was
about to become a regular way of life for her.
	As she reached the airlock, she gripped the handles alongside the
bulkhead, steadying herself for the landing. Minutes later, the ship rocked
ever so slowly with a soft thump. Then, all was still, except for the
humming of the engines. She tapped the control panel and the ramp opened
and extended, instantly flooding the passageway with bright springtime
sunlight, and the sweet smell of the grass. As she prepared to exit,
Captain Typho's voice once again crackled though the intercom.
	"Senator Amidala, I must reiterate that I do not agree with your
decision. You must let us leave some guards with you. What if..."
	Padme cut him off.
	"Captain Typho, I appreciate your concern, but I will be fine here
for the time being. Trust me." She spoke the last two words in the pointed,
but still calm tone of voice that she knew worked on him whenever she
wanted to bend the rules he was duty bound to enforce.
	"Very well, Senator. But I'll be waiting for your pickup time. And
I do mean waiting." He concluded in the same grim, but still caring tone he
used when he knew his was capitulating on his own terms.
	Padme walked down the ramp and onto the landing platform, carved
from the finest stone. The day was crisp and cool in the early morning
hours, and a light breeze blew across the green plain, gently rustling
Padme's brown hair around her neck and face. Across the platform was a
small hanger containing several land speeders, and next to that was a
modest home on the edge of a crystal blue lake. Mountains and waterfalls
surrounded on almost all sides. The location at Syendeed Gate belonged to
her family for years. Isolated and private, it was a retreat she didn't
visit too much during her years as Queen, preferring instead to be closer
to her people when necessary. But now, at this moment, she was glad it was
here. This was where she needed to be. With the flame of war just beginning
to break out across the galaxy, she knew there were more important placed
for her to be than here, but right now, she just needed to be by
herself. But yet, not entirely by herself.
	As Padme cleared the platform, her transport, gleaming in the
sunlight, lifted off quietly and once overhead, took off powerfully over
the mountains, back toward Theed City. She was halfway up the walkway when
the ornate doors opened and Dorme, her handmaiden, emerged quickly.
	"Oh M'lady! I'm so glad you are here. I was so worried when I heard
news from Geonosis. I had no idea where you were." Dorme threw her arms
around Padme, and Padme responded to the embrace warmly. Dorme had been one
of her most loyal friends all through her life, and was needed now by her
more than ever.
	"It's Ok, Dorme. I'm allright. Just tired though. It's been a
pretty hectic couple of days, as you can imagine."
	"Yes I can. Here, let me help you with your things. Let's get you
inside so we can talk."
	"Sounds fantastic."
	Dorme took Padme's case from her and the two walked towards the
lake house again.
	"How much longer have you been here. I hope you haven't been
waiting long," said Padme, knowing that the invitation to the Syendeed home
was on such short notice.
	"Oh no, m'lady. Once I got word that you wanted to meet me here, I
boarded the first transport. Frankly, if you don't mind me saying so, I've
always wanted to come here. It's so beautiful. So...private and serene."
	"Yes, that it is. What's the condition like inside. I know the
place hasn't been used in a while."
	"Things were a bit musty when I showed up. Nothing some open
windows couldn't handle. The cabinets were a bit empty too, but I figured
so much, so I was sure to bring some food with me on my
transport. Actually, I was just about to start breakfast."
	"Excellent. That sounds fantastic."
	They entered the house, and indeed the sweet smell of the outdoors
was here as well. Walking into the kitchen together, Dorme set the case
down and went back to the counter, where some vegetables had been
chopped. She picked up a knife and gestured with it to Padme, "Now you run
upstairs and get cleaned up, breakfast isn't quite ready yet. Now move!
Scoot!"
	Padme smiled as she turned to walk the stairs to her bedroom. Dorme
had been by her side since the early days of her reign as queen. Only a few
years older than Padme, she had been a constant source of comfort and
resilience in times of turmoil. Times like these.

II.

Padme reached her room and quietly shut her door behind her. She knew the
room should have smelled of dust from so much disuse, but Dorme must have
been harder at work than she let on. The windows were indeed wide open, and
the room felt positively alive with warmth, almost as if she had been
staying there for years.
	A quick walk over to a second door activated the automatic light
for her private bathroom. The furnishings here, as in the rest of the
house, showed the same care to detail as the rest of the architecture the
Naboo was prized for. The bathroom was tiled with Gran Stones that
shimmered a greenish white when the light hit them right. A large tub,
rounded and curved inside for maximum comfort, sat against the wall,
begging to be filled. Padme was more than willing to oblige.
	She walked over to it and turned the knobs. Crystal blue water
poured from the spout, cold at first, but soon steaming with heat. After
activating the stopper, she walked away and began disrobing. Piece by piece
her cumbersome garments began falling to the floor. Although she no longer
had to wear such elaborate clothes now that she was no longer a queen, her
Naboo heritage still taught her that her way of dress had much to say about
how she was as a person. But, how to feel with them gone? Standing in front
of the mirror, only in her bra and panties, with her skin pale in the
light, she felt uncomfortable and alone.
	Reaching behind herself she unlatched her bra, which immediately
folded forward over her breasts. As a queen, her clothing was designed in a
way that purposefully obscured her age and gender. Often, her chest was
bound so tight, it was all she could do during important state meetings to
keep from yanking at her bodice in an unladylike manner, something that
Dorme had been quite adamant about her not doing in those early days.
	She lowered her panties down to the floor and stepped free of
them. She had been avoiding this next part for a long time, but it could no
longer be ignored. Looking temporarily at her naked body; Her pert young
breasts had grown larger over the last few years of her teens, and they
stood out from her torso proudly. The muscles on her abdominals were
defined just enough for two perfect lines of definition, one on each side
of her bellybutton, trailing down toward her hips, where a triangle of dark
hair awaited.
	Sighing to herself, Padme finally did it; She turned around slowly
and looked over her shoulder to see her back in the mirror. Her first
boyfriend had once told her she had the most beautiful back of any woman in
the universe. He said it while they laid on the beaches of Therok Province
the one summer they spent together. At the time she acted like she found it
embarrassing, but in reality, it was the most wonderful and unique things
anyone had ever said to her, and it was something she still held dear to
this day.
	But now, on that back that Palo once considered the most beautiful,
there were three large scars that ran diagonally across the middle. They
weren't as prominent as they were a few days ago, which was a miracle
considering what they looked like two weeks ago, after the Nexu slashed her
with his claws in the Geonosian execution arena. It was pain she had never
felt before, and at the time it took her all she had to remain standing on
the pylon she was using to stay off the ground. Just after its claws sliced
through her, her vision grew blurred and her head grew woozy. For a split
second, she could clearly imagine herself passing out and falling straight
down into the Nexu's waiting jaws. Only one thing snapped her out of
it. Anakin.
	She clearly remembered seeing him across the arena fighting for his
life against the Reek, handling it with all the calm of his Jedi trainer,
Obi-wan Kenobi. Watching Anakin calmly using the Force to control the beast
long enough to jump on top of it made her realize how much was on the line,
and how much she had to fight for. She loved him, after all.
	And wasn't that love the reason she was here, away from all prying
eyes, and away from all commitments? She heard the water valve shut off as
the water finished filling the tub. Padme turned and grabbed a towel, which
she placed on a rack nearby. Stepping over the edge of the tub, she lowered
one slender leg into the water, then the other. She sat down in the tub
slowly, sighing as the hot water surrounded her. Taking a washrag from the
nearby stand, she lowered it into the water and then took it out and draped
it across her face, relishing the feel of the hot water on her face.
	No longer able to run away from the thoughts of recent events, they
washed over her like the water she reclined in.
	Just after the battle of Geonosis, things seemed to move at
accelerated speed. It didn't take long before word began to spread on the
various Holonet services about the battle and how it transpired. Services
loyal to the Republic tended to call it a brave victory over treacherous
Separatist forces. While those more independent, and especially those who
belonged to the systems a part of the Separatists, proclaimed it as a
deplorable act of violence against a political movement that had no plans
to start a war, making special note of the Republic's use of Clones in the
battle, claiming it was an act of empire building, since the Republic
hadn't had a central army in thousands of years.
	As word spread, it didn't take long before reports of small
skirmishes began to filter in. The more the Republic sent in clones to
pacify these flashpoints, the larger they grew. Soon, offensive stratagems
were launched, counterstrikes followed, and as of last week, talk of these
events as "conflicts" or "disputes" were no more. This was war. And it was
spreading.
	With the traditional spacelanes no longer entirely safe, at least
not without clone escort, it took a lot of wrangling for Padme to authorize
this trip, and even more cajoling to arrive at the lake house without
guards. But, now that the Military Creation Act had already been enacted by
Chancellor Palpatine, Padme felt sure that the assassination attempts made
on her were over. Her role in the debates was over now, only war remained.
	Sinking deeper into the water, letting it creep up to her chin, her
thoughts dwelt on Anakin; On their first meeting in that junk dealer's shop
on Tattooine; On their reuniting just a month ago on Coruscuant, where she
saw that he was no longer a boy, but a man. As he escorted her to Naboo as
her protector, she knew deep down she needed him. Part of her was scared at
what his gaze meant, that penetrating gaze that seemed to bore down all the
way through her. She had never seen any man look at her like that, and the
feeling, as much as she claimed it made her uncomfortable, in reality made
her feel alive in ways she hadn't felt in years.
	But such things couldn't be so easy. Anakin was a Jedi, and a
Padawan learner, no less. For a Jedi to love required the highest level of
commitment to both the Jedi Order, as well as their partner. But for a
Padawan, one who still had so much left to learn, such things were
forbidden. Padme knew this, and to a larger degree than she would ever
admit, she agreed with it. For while she did love Anakin, she also knew
that he wasn't perfect. She could see the hurt and the pain inside of him
just as easily as he could control the thoughts of weaker minded
beings. She knew his training was difficult for him, and that the death of
his mother and the subsequent confrontation with the Tusken Raiders was
tearing him apart inside.
	But in spite of all that was stacked against them in their
relationship, she would risk all for him. And in a way, she already had.
	Just shortly after the battle of Geonosis, back on Coruscant,
Anakin came to her quarters in the Senatorial Palace. It was a night quiet
on the brink of war, and they fell into each others arms in private. They
kissed for what seemed like hours, with Padme realizing as she lost herself
in his passionate kisses, that she would do anything for him. She only
hoped that she could ease his pain, that her kiss and her touch could make
the fear and the anger fade into nothingness.
	And then, just shortly before the break of dawn, he proposed to
her. And without a second thought as to the consequences, she
accepted. Quick plans were made, with Padme agreeing to return to Naboo,
and Anakin promising to follow a few days later, as to not arouse
suspicions. This was to be a secret wedding, a relationship forged in
secret, not just to protect themselves, but to protect their careers, and
their families.
	And as much as Padme tried to block out the nagging fears she
continued to feel about the impending marring, she knew there was one last
concern that had to be dealt with. But unlike the wedding, she knew that it
was something that she could not do alone; Something which required her
return to Naboo.

III.

	"The Ceremony? You mean, the Lavender Ceremony?"
	Dorme's eyes grew wide and her hand went up over her mouth in a
gesture of surprise. They were sitting in the house's day room on the first
floor, on a large, soft couch. Padme's hair was still damp from her bath,
and her skin still glistened with the Bayonna Oil she used
afterwards. Words seemed to be caught in Dorme's throat. Padme was
instantly sorry she ever spoke of the Ceremony, but she knew it was too
late. She tried hard to explain to her handmaiden.
	"Oh Dorme, I just...., well. It's the only thing I can't just
ignore. I love Anakin, and I want to be his wife. So much so that I'm
willing to sacrifice everything to do so. I'm willing to risk his life as a
Jedi, my political career, my family, everything!" Padme's eyes were full
of tears now, but she continued.
	"But The Ceremony," Padme paused, trying to find the words. "Every
girl born on Naboo dreams of the Ceremony. I can't get married without
going through it. It just wouldn't seem real somehow. I mean, my God, how
selfish is that, Dorme? Don't you think I know how ridiculous it is that
I'm about to be married in secret to a man who isn't allowed to love, a man
who is about to head straight into a war? And here I am worried about a
stupid wedding ceremony!"
	Tears were now streaming their way down Padme's cheeks in silvery
runners. Dorme placed her hand on hers and leaned in close.
	"Padme, The Lavender Ceremony is something that is passed down from
woman to woman before she gets married. We talk of it from the moment a
girl reaches for her first pretty dress. It's a part of our culture. Of
what we are as women of Naboo.  If marrying Anakin is what you feel you
must do, than as your handmaiden, I will stand by you, and not tell a
soul. And as a woman, a woman who had been by you since you were Queen and
who regards you as her best friend, I am honored that you want me to
administer the ceremony."
	"So you will than?"
	"Oh Padme, of course. With your word, it is done."
	Padme's heart swelled with love for Dorme. They threw their arms
around each other, laughing and crying at the same time. The room seemed to
dance with the afternoon sunlight.
	"So what do I do know? I mean, well...do you and I....," stammered
Padme, as the enormity of what they were about to do began to hit her. The
weight of it all suddenly felt as staggering as the thoughts of her
marriage to Anakin. Dorme answered her back, as calmly as ever, as she
always did in time of crises.
	"The only thing you have to do is relax. The Ceremony is a natural
act. You only have to be here, and you'll know what to do. You'll wonder
why you were ever nervous."
	Padme tried to cover her feelings, although she knew that Dorme
could easily see through her. "I'm not nervous, I just don't know what you
have to do on such short notice."
	"First of all, yes you are nervous, I can see it in you. In your
hands, and in your beautiful brown eyes. And second, every woman on Naboo
knows that someday she might be asked to administer The Ceremony,
especially a handmaiden for a former Queen. So you don't have to worry
about me. I've been prepared for this for a long time now."
	Padme's heart swelled when she thought of Dorme dreaming of this
the same way she had been. "So, what do I do," Padme said with heart racing
fast in her chest.
	"As I said. Just be here. Tonight, in your bedroom, in five
hours. You won't see me until then."
	"OK."
	They rose from the couch, hugged each other tight, and then left
towards separate rooms, practically floating.

IV.

	Nights on Naboo are some of the most beautiful in the galaxy. Padme
always believed this, and although she had been many places during her
tenure as a Senator, she had yet to be proven otherwise. Here, in her
lakehouse away from all, and away from the organized hustle of Theed City,
she looked out her bedroom window and was comforted to see what she could
only see here, especially not on Coruscant, where activity was constant; A
night as quiet as space, with only the faint rustle of breeze; And a night
dark blue under the moonlight. She was truly alone.
	Padme stopped herself on this train of thought. She wasn't
alone. Tomorrow, she was going to be married to the man she loved, and she
would never be alone again. And tonight, she had Dorme, and The Ceremony.
	She checked her chronodial like she had every minute on the minute
for the last hour. The time was approaching. The lights in her room were
dimmed to the rosy glow of candlelight, and the temperature set just warm
enough to counter the slightly chilly night outside.
	Padme took yet another look at herself in the mirror. She wished
Dorme had told her more about what to do to get ready. She had dressed
herself in a long, flowing, sundress, with her delicate shoulders exposed
as slight ribbons of fabric arched over them. Her hair was curled
meticulously, and done up in two small buns, one on each side of her head,
with the rest of her hair escaping in twirls over her forehead, and down
her back. She hoped she looked the way she needed to.
	And then, there was a knock at the door. Padme almost jumped out of
her shoes when she heard it, too startled to react properly.
	With her voice almost strangled with nervousness, she managed to
choked out a response.
	The door opened and Dorme walked in slowly, shutting it behind
her. She was dressed in a long robe, not that similar from what Anakin
wore. It was closed around her, obscuring her from the neck down, with a
hood up over her head. In the light, Padme could only see the glint of her
big eyes, and the rosy glow of her cheeks and her lips.
	Dorme almost gasped. "Oh my.....Padme. You look beautiful."
	"I didn't know what to wear. I just thought I should...well, look
good for you."
	"You look wonderful, m'lady. More so than I could have ever
imagined."
	Padme smiled. "I'm not sure about the specifics of The Ceremony,
but I think tonight....I'm the one who's supposed to call you `m'lady.'"
	They both broke into wide smiles that warmed the room up even
more. And with that, the tension and nervousness seemed to evaporate in the
night. Dorme was pleased. Deep down, she knew Padme was more ready for this
than she knew. It was time.
	"Padme, step over here to me." Dorme walked to the center of the
room, next to the large couch set in a recessed section of the
floor. Somewhat taken aback by the sudden tone of formality, Padme
stiffened slightly, but she still recognized the need for it. This was the
beginning of it, of what she had been waiting for for so long.
	Padme, her body surround by flowing fabric, seemed to float across
the room. She stepped into the reclining pit with Dorme, and stood in front
of her. She had known her handmaiden for years, but never had she felt this
way around her. Never had she felt so, small, so vulnerable, so naked.
	Dorme looked into Padme's eyes intently. While she had only hours
to prepare for The Ceremony, she found this first part, the reading of the
Intent, all too easy. She had it memorized as soon as Padme was no longer
Queen, as soon as she saw how beautiful a woman she had grown into under
the heavy robes and thick facepaint. She began the Intent.
	"From the age of civilization, women on Naboo hold the ultimate
secret in our hands. For it is in our hands that our culture has defined
itself. It is from us that life flows, and only our hands have the ability
to hold it all. And now, on the eve of your wedding, it is time for you to
learn how to hold yourself, so that you may be a cup, a vessel for your
mate. So that you too, like all Naboo women, can make yourself the vessel
for his needs, and the owner of your own."
	Having completed the only part of the Ceremony that was scripted,
Dorme looked into Padme's eyes once more. She was trembling. Dorme reached
out and took Padme's delicate hands into her own.
	"It is time now."
	Dorme lifted Padme's hand her to lips, where she placed a tender
kiss on her palm.
	"What do I do?" Padme said, barley able to contain her trembling.
	"Let's just sit down. You'll know what to do."
	Dorme led Padme to the couch, and sat down after her. The fabric
was a dark red, and soft and yielding to their bodies. Dorme lowered her
hood, revealing her beautiful face. Padme sighed uncontrollably, unable to
repress the way her best friend was making her feel.
	"Kiss me," Dorme said.
	Those words were like a command to Padme, who was more accustomed
to giving orders than receiving them. But upon her handmaiden's words,
Padme felt what the Ceremony meant. She felt the need to be there for
Dorme, to be with her, to love her in a way that she had never thought of
before this moment.
	Padme leaned forward, closed her eyes, and kissed Dorme. Their lips
met, soft on soft, and the sensation overcame them both. Their lips had
only moved against each other for the briefest moment before they
simultaneously moaned into each other's eager mouths after which Padme fell
instinctively into Dorme's arms. They embraced each other, with Padme
tilting her head up submissively to accept more of Dorme's kiss. They were
astonished at the softness of their kisses, and the sweet smell of their
skin that was almost inescapable as the tips of their noses rubbed against
each other. They continued kissing for what seemed like an eternity. Dorme
reached up and undid the buns in Padme's hair while they kissed, her hair
spilling down over them both.
	Padme wrapped her arms around her, and drew her close. Before this,
she had only kissed two other people, Palo and, of course, Anakin. But
this...this was more wonderful than she had ever expected. Now, losing
herself in Dorme's kisses, she wondered why she was ever afraid at all.
	Finally, like two swimmers coming up for air, they broke their
kiss, although they remained in each others arms. Looking into each other's
eyes, they smiled, and laughed softly.
	"Oh Dorme, I never thought it would be like this."
	"It's just the beginning. The Ceremony has just started. Frankly,
I'm looking forward to teaching you tonight. That's what the Ceremony is
about, teaching you what you need to know to please your husband, and also
how to find your own pleasure."
	Pleasure. That word sent a slight chill through Padme's body. At
24, she was a virgin, and had yet to experience any form of sexual
pleasure. She considered herself a passionate person, and she knew she had
much love to give. But pleasure? The pleasure that lies from having a lover
between her thighs, inside of her? That she had yet to explore. Dorme,
confessing that this Ceremony was all about pleasure, made time stop still
with her words.
	Dorme, taking the initiative, and relishing it, reached out and
placed her hand on the clasps of Padme's bodice, her eyes twinkling. "May
I?"
	"Oh yes...," Padme responded, pausing slightly before finishing,
"M'lady."
	Upon hearing Padme refer to her as she did, Dorme's heart began
thumping in her chest, and she felt herself grow wet inside with the
prospect of what was about to happen. Tonight, she was Padme's husband. She
was the one who would teach Padme, a powerful senator, a woman proud and
strong in her convictions, the meaning of love, and reduce her into the
core of her womanhood, the essence of passion and pleasure underneath the
everyday facade of civility she, as well as all people, present to others.
	Dorme undid the clasps, one by one, from just under Padme's arm, to
just above her waist. She reached into the gap and removed it, revealing
Padme's naked, trembling torso. Padme instinctively reached her hands up to
cover her naked breasts. Dorme stopped her.
	"No, no. No hiding tonight. Not from me."
	Padme lowered her hands back down, and Dorme reached out to cup
Padme's young breasts in her hands. The senator closed her eyes and leaned
back against the cushion to enjoy the feeling of Dorme's soft, soft hands
roaming and gently squeezing. It sent an electric tingle through her chest
and down into the pit of her stomach. The feelings continued and Padme
relished them, seemingly lost, until a sudden shock of new sensations
traveled through her. The feeling was wet, and warm on her breast.
	She opened her eyes to find Dorme leaned forward, with her mouth
and soft lips wrapped around the nipple of her right breast. Dorme reached
up with her hands and cupped the breast, making it fuller against her face,
and drawing it farther into her mouth, where her gentle sucking continued.
	Padme couldn't take her eyes away from the sight of Dorme at her
breast. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Before this
night, her breasts were simply anatomical features. But now, with her
beloved handmaiden taking pleasurable nourishment from them, she realized
what her breasts were capable of, how they could give pleasure like milk to
a lover who needs it, and how she could receive pleasure from being the one
who gives it to that lover. She felt like...a vessel.
	Upon this realization, Padme's need for more overtook her. She
lifted Dorme from her breast and brought her back up to her lips. They
kissed with a ferocity that surprised Dorme herself, as Padme almost threw
her handmaiden back onto the couch and climbed on top of her. Dorme was
amazed at just how little it took to bring the animal out of her lover.
	On top, Padme kissed Dorme so hard they could feel their teeth
though their lips. Their tongues darted in and out of each other
mouths. Padme could feel hands gripping her breasts firmly as they kissed
harder and harder. She felt the space between her legs soaked, and soon
uncontrollably found herself grinding her hips into Dorme's. The hands that
were on her breasts migrated to her hips, helping her movements. Padme no
longer had control over herself, she was living on pure instinct, moving
her hips the way a woman would to please her husband.
	And then she felt it.
	Underneath her, against the thin layer of her panties, she felt
something hard pushing against her wet entrance. At once she knew what it
was, but she couldn't believe it. Looking at Dorme with eyes begging for an
explanation, she asked.
	"Is that the....you know?"
	"The Phaylyx. Yes it is."
	Suddenly, the enormity of what that meant, began to hit her. When
this ceremony was about kissing and touching another woman, that was one
thing. But the Phaylyx was something completely different. Something
completely different indeed. While Padme knew of the Ceremony (every girl
was told about it growing up, although not in too much detail) she had
heard of the Phaylyx in whispers. Now grown up, she considered that part of
the Ceremony legend to be a myth. She was wrong.
	Padme climbed off of Dorme and moved back to the other side of the
couch. Every instinct told her to cover her breasts, but the part of her
that was still very much surging with passion left them hang free.
	"May I...see it?" Padme stammered nervously.
	"Of course, my love. It is after all, for you."
	Dorme stood up from the couch and undid the sash around her
waist. The robe fell open to reveal she was wearing a simple brown tunic
wrapped tight around her. She undid the clasp and it as well fell open
revealing her breasts, which were fuller than Padme's. They seemed to hang
just slightly lower, with darker skin that looked intoxicatingly
smooth. Her nipples were erect, and Padme found her mouth watering just
looking at them. Dorme lowered her skirt to the floor first, revealing
slender tanned legs. Her white panties bulging at the crotch. Padme was
almost frightened. She couldn't believe this was really happening.
	Dorme stuck her thumbs in her panties, which she lowered to the
floor. When she stood back upright after doing so, Padme saw it; The
Phaylyx.
	Standing out from between Dorme's thighs was a penis. It bobbed
slightly as she stood; hard and inviting. Padme knew it wasn't real, at
least not flesh and blood. She knew it was part of the ceremony, that it
was constructed of the same droid technology that gave Anakin his
replacement arm. She knew that underneath its skin were servos and wires
that made it move. But yet, it seems to be real. Padme tried not to stare,
but she couldn't ignore the fact that it didn't look like it was being
worn. It looked like it was a part of its wearer.
	"How did...I mean...can you feel with it?"
	"Yes Padme, I can feel with it just fine."
	"What does it feel like."
	Dorme thought about this for a second. The ceremonial appendage had
only been attached to her for a matter of hours, and until the ceremony
started, she couldn't really feel it at all. But now, with it erect and
pointing at her love, she felt it glowing with warmth as it unfurled from
her, almost aching to be touched.
	"It feels wonderful."
	"But how did you find it. I mean, how did you get it so quickly?"
Dorme cut her off with a wave.
	"These are questions you don't need to know the answers to right
now. All you need to know is a loyal handmaiden is ready for this many
years before her Mistress knows she is ready. How it works is not important
either. This is something you will find out when you administer the
ceremony to someone you love someday. Now, tell me what you want."
	The directness of the question startled Padme, plunging her back
into the almost woozy delirium of the Ceremony. She looked at Dorme's penis
and spoke the only thought that occupied her desires, "I want it in my
mouth."
	"Oh Padme, it is yours."
	Dorme stepped forward to Padme, who was still sitting, naked from
the waist up. She stepped until the silken head of her cock was in front of
Padme's soft face. Padme leaned forward and opened her mouth ever so
slightly, before opening wider and taking it into her mouth. The sudden
flood of sensation was almost too much for Dorme, as her cock began
transmitting sensation into her body. The Phaylyx was indeed a construction
of robotics, but of an ancient design known only to Naboo women, who have
passed knowledge of it down through the ages. It was attached to her via
temporary genetic patches of nerves that connected it to her own genitals,
and skin grafts to make it appear as it if was a part of her.
	As Padme's mouth surrounded her cock, she felt the true power of
the appendage as it sent bolts of pleasure through her body. She never
imagined that Padme would adapt to her own needs so quickly. The image of
seeing a former queen sucking uncontrollably on her penis made the feelings
even more intense.
	Padme was lost, but in a sense, found, in her pleasure. The penis
was hot to the taste of her tongue, with skin that felt soft to the
immediate touch, but hard, so wonderfully hard, underneath. As she bobbed
her head back and forth, she could hear Dorme sighing in pleasure. The
sound made her even more hot as she moaned softly with the penis in her
mouth. For Dorme, it was like someone struck a nerve in her deepest
being. The sensations were overwhelming, and she could feel something
building up within her. It was the climax. She had been warned of this, and
she knew that it was something meant for later in the ceremony. But the
feeling, the inevitable surging sensation radiating from deep in her new
penis as Padme sucked on it as if she was possessed, was too much.
	Before it was too late, Dorme placed her hands on Padme's head, her
hair almost instantly intertwining within her fingers. She pulled back
slightly.
	"Oh Padme, stop!"
	Padme opened her mouth and removed herself from Dorme's cock. Her
eyes flickered with the slightest trace of disappointment.
	"What's wrong. Did I do something wrong?"
	"No my darling. If anything, you were doing exactly what you should
be doing; Losing yourself in your desires. It made me want to lose
myself. That's the problem, we shouldn't progress too quickly. The ceremony
has an order, and a purpose. And now I feel you are ready for the next
step."
	"I am?" Padme said, the look of excitement returning to her
eyes. Her skin was flush with color. "What would that step be?"
	Dorme simply looked across the room. Padme instantly knew what she
was looking at.
	"The bed?"
	"Yes. The bed. It is time. Are you ready?"
	"Oh God yes. I want you. I cant explain how I feel any other way."
	"You don't need to. I'm feeling the same way."
	Never breaking their gaze from each other, they walked, Padme
backwards, towards the large, king sized bed in the corner of the
room. Soon they were standing by it, and for a second, Padme felt the
apprehension rising up in her again. This was her bed. The place where she
slept, where she dreamt of peace on her planet and in the galaxy, where she
dreamt of Anakin. And now, half naked in front of the only woman she's ever
kissed, a woman whose ceremonial phallus had been in her mouth, it all
started her to hit her all over again, what this meant.
	Dorme could sense this and took control, as the handmaiden
should. She stepped back ever so slightly.
	"Take the rest of your dress off." She said this in a firm,
commanding way that she had never before used when talking to Padme.
	"Yes, M'lady."
	Padme reached down and undid the hip clasp for her dress. It fell
to the floor quickly with a soft swoosh of fabric.
	"And now the panties."
	"Yes, M'lady." Padme answered in the submissive without a trace of
knowing irony. At this moment, she spoke as she truly was no longer a
senator, but a willing lover ready to be held, kissed, positioned, and yes,
penetrated, by her lover.
	Padme lowered her panties to the floor. Dorme almost couldn't
believe how beautiful she was. The sight of her perfect young body, skin so
milky white, was almost enough to make her look away for fear of losing
control. Maybe it was the ceremony, most definitely it was the Phaylyx
between her legs; Whatever it was, she knew the power of this moment was
about to take over.
	"Get on the bed, Padme. It's my turn to please you now."
	Padme pulled the blanket and sheets down and started to get in.
	"No, no. Not in bed. I said, on the bed," Dorme said, correcting
gently. "You'll need your legs free."
	The sweet mystery of those words and what they meant made her
tremble again. Padme laid on top of the covers, her skin seeming all the
more white against the red sheets. Dorme walked to the foot of the bed,
where she took in a second to drink in the sight of Padme's naked body,
before climbing onto the bed catlike. With her head propped up slightly on
pillows, Padme watched Dorme do this, her breasts hanging down beautifully,
her waist leading into her hips.
	Dorme moved halfway up until her face was inches away from Padme's
vagina. Dorme could feel the heat coming from it, and a scent as sweet as
the Naboo breeze. She looked up the length of Padme's torso from this
position, noting her flat, toned stomach trembling slightly; her breasts,
heavy enough to press back on herself as she was on her back, but firm with
youth enough to remain luscious and full at the same time. Their eyes
locked in this position for just a moment, like two lovers gazing across an
endless expanse. Dorme instantly wanted to kiss her sweet lips again, but
the ceremony demanded that another set of lips take precedence.
	Dorme closed her eyes and lowered her head between Padme's thighs,
her lips and face coming into contact with Padme's vagina. The sheer warmth
of the flesh consumed her as she reached out with her tongue once, twice,
three times until she found the wet, sweet folds of flesh inside Padme. The
taste was delicious, and instantly Dorme's need for Padme's taste became a
hunger. Dorme wrapped her arms around Padme's slender thighs, locking them
in position as she buried her face in Padme's warmth.
	Padme's back arched as the pleasure overtook her. To her, the
sensation was simply indescribable; Dorme's soft, wet tongue probing her in
a place where she had never been touched before.
	Dorme licked and nibbled everywhere she could, around the edges and
inside, every so often, flicking her tongue across Padme's hard
clitoris. Every time she did so, Padme responded with a gasp, almost a
squeak. The sound, passionate, but almost deliciously cute, made Dorme
continue even harder. And as she did, Padme's wetness began to
increase. Dorme suddenly wanted it all over her, she pushed her face deeper
and deeper into her lover's wetness, licking and licking. One of Padme's
hands gripped the sheets so hard her knuckles turned white, while the other
softly pounded the mattress.
	"Oh, Dorme......Ohhhhhhh," she gasped.
	Dorme released herself from Padme's vagina with a wet smack, her
face almost dripping with her love. She felt it. With every step, Padme was
nearing closer and closer to the true meaning of the ceremony. It was only
a matter of time until it happened.
	With one graceful movement, Dorme lifted herself up on top of
Padme. Face to face, they felt the glorious sensation of breast pressing
against breast. Padme instinctively spread her legs to accommodate her new
female lover. They kissed almost instantly, and Padme tasted her own body
on Dorme's lips. They shared the taste together in a whirlwind of wet lips
and tongues sliding against each other. Padme subconsciously realized that
Dorme was a woman too, and as women, they should know what they like; Padme
wrapped her arms around Dorme, and traced soft lines up the middle of her
long back. Almost instantly, Dorme moaned passionately into Padme's mouth,
increasing the intensity of the kisses a thousand fold.
	Padme could no longer ignore the feel of Dorme's cock pressing hard
against her. This had gone so far, she knew what she wanted now. There was
no question. Padme broke the kiss and looked into Dorme's eyes.
	"Make love to me. Please."
	"Oh darling, of course. But there is a way that this must be
done. Are you ready?"
	"Yes, anything you ask of me I will do. Anything."
	"Very well."
	Dorme climbed off of Padme and stood at the side of the bed. She
wiped at her face with the back of her arm and prepared herself. For while
there was no Intent to be spoken at this final act, there were still words
that needed to be spoken. And she did.
	"Padme, a woman is capable of so much pleasure. It is this pleasure
that keeps our world, and life on this universe in a state of
continuance. For men want nothing more than to be a part of that pleasure,
to be with us as we open ourselves and our universe of passion to them to
share. But for us to share, we must first find our passion inside of
ourselves. That is what the ceremony is all about.  I can only hope that
you have found this evening as pleasurable as I have, sharing my womanhood,
and my femininity with your own. But this has only been the beginning."
	Dorme turned and walked back to her robes, still left piled in a
heap by the couch. Padme leaned herself up on her right elbow to watch,
seeing Dorme's curvy, hourglass shape walk away into the dusky shadows of
the room. A shaft of soft orange light played across Dorme's back and
buttocks. Padme noted, and loved, how curvy she was. She understood what
femininity was now that she could see this. Although Dorme was only a few
years older, and still unmarried and childless, Padme saw her at this
moment as a mother of sorts, a mother and a sister who has always been
there for her.
	Dorme crouched and pulled a small purple velvet pouch out of her
robe. She walked back over to the bed and held it out in front of her. It
was tied up by a golden cord of fabric. She gently pulled on the cord with
her slender, delicate fingers, and it opened slightly. She reached in and
Padme could hear a slight sound of clacking, as if stones were being
knocked together. From out of the pouch, Dorme pulled out three small
carvings. She stepped over to the small oaken nightstand and placed these
carvings on it, setting them up in a straight line.
	Padme saw them to be indeed carved out of stone; Granulite Stone,
which while hued a dark purple, still shone with glints of crystal flecked
throughout the rock. They were simple carvings, lacking detail, but yet
their individual geometric shapes were familiar to her, for they were
indeed present amongst much of Naboo's architecture.
	Dorme sat on the edge of the bed, looking towards Padme, whose
ivory legs instinctively moved slightly against her lover, touching her
lower back as she sat.
	"Padme, do you recognize what these are?"
	"I think I do." Pointing to the first carving, a blunt tower, with
a flared base. "That's the Temple at Theed City."
	"Correct. And the next?"
	Sitting in the middle was an archway. Although it was carved, it
looked as if a thick column of stone had been bent so that it would stand
on its own. Padme also recognized this shape.
	"It's the Portal of Passage at Bareen Province."
	"Also correct. And the last?"
	It was a circle, flattened on the base so it would stand.
	"The symbiotic circle monument, constructed in Theed after the
treaty with the Gungans was signed."
	"Once again, correct. Although that monument was based off of a
design of origins much more ancient. Still, you know them all. But now, you
will understand why these shapes hold so much meaning for us as a people,
as a culture, as women."
	Dorme reached out for the first carving, and held it in her hand.
	"The Temple at Theed. Constructed hundreds of years ago by men who
studied their craft from their fathers, who learned from their fathers. But
did you know, it was a husband and wife who drew the plans?"
	"No. I guess I just assumed that it was a man."
	"Most do. But indeed it was a man and a woman who were commissioned
to create the Temple, and imbue the stone and steel that formed it with
meaning that would make it more than just another building. And they
did. Their inspiration was the Ceremony. More specifically this first act
of it."
	Padme's eyes grew wide as she listened.
	"The Temple, as you have seen, is formed of two pieces. The base,
which holds firm the second piece, The Tower, which is what gives it the
glorious beauty of stone reaching for sky. Which is why, here and now, in
your bed, we will form the tower."
	Padme's heart began racing as she started to understand what was
about to happen.
	Dorme reached out and started caressing Padme's hair. "There are
many ways for a husband and wife to make love. Tonight you will learn the
three that are considered sacred by the women of Naboo. This first way, is
for your pleasure. A way for you to be made love to with respect that a
women, especially a former Queen, deserves. A way where you will rise and
display everything you are to your lover."
	Padme could no longer stand it. She sat up in bed, skin flushed,
perfect pink nipples standing proud. "Oh Dorme, please tell me what I need
to do," she spoke in a breathy, almost desperate voice.
	"Move over, make room for me."
	Padme moved over and let Dorme climb into bed where she laid on her
back. Her heavy breasts slid to the sides of her torso. To Padme, they look
unbelievably soft, incredibly malleable like clay. Her cock, which was
soft, started to swell slowly, growing taller and taller until it stood up
from her body like the tower she mentioned earlier.
	Dorme looked at her with her large, blue eyes. "You know what to
do, Padme. You've always known."
	And indeed Padme knew. She climbed up over Dorme, positioning the
silken, throbbing head of Dorme's cock against her wet entrance. There was
no need to ask for permission, or ask what to do or how to do it. She
knew. She knew she wanted to make love to her tender, soft handmaiden. And
she wanted that hard, hard cock inside of her. With one fluid motion, she
sat down on it. It slid inside of her slowly as she accepted it into her
virginal body. She felt it fill her up inside, filling up the space inside
her that she didn't know was empty, that she didn't know needed to be
filled, until this night, until Dorme reached inside of her, and made her
wet.
	Dorme was lost now, lost in the ecstasy of feeling her ceremonial
penis sliding deep into Padme's soft wetness. Her back arched as sensations
from her cock, a warm ache, spread all though her all at once. And it was
at once that she felt the bottoms of Padme's thighs hit hers. She was
inside. All the way inside. For a moment they remained perfectly
still. Dorme opened her eyes and looked at Padme. It was the most beautiful
thing she had ever seen. Padme, legs spread, her brown pubic hair tangling
with the hair surrounding Dorme's cock, her body rising up, straight up,
revealing every perfect line and curve of her body.
	And then, they instinctively began moving with each other. Padme
began moving her hips back and forth, while Dorme responded to this
movement by thrusting upwards every so slightly in time with her
lover. Dorme grabbed Padme's hips. She had no idea how she knew how to do
this, but it was if the Phaylyx was controlling her now. It needed to be
pleased, it needed more flesh. More wetness, more sensation.
	Padme tilted her head back as Dorme did this, moaning into the
quiet night at the cock filling her, her clit engorged and moving just
enough with each thrust to send wave upon wave of pleasure, sweet glorious
pleasure, all through her. Her breasts ached to be touched, as she grasped
them and held them firmly to herself, bucking her hips harder and
harder. They had yet to speak one word to each other.
	Then, Padme began to feel it. A tingling warmth deep inside her, a
warmth which started to become a feeling of weightlessness in her head and
her body.
	"Oh God...oh Dorme! I'm.....I'm....."
	Dorme was astounded that it was all happening so quickly, that
Padme was unlocking the secrets of her own pleasure so fast. It was
touching hearing Padme attempting to bring voice to what she was feeling;
to bring it into words solidifying the feelings into reality. Dorme knew
Padme would know. Every woman on Naboo did.
	Padme's body thrusted up and down harder and harder. The bed's
creaking became louder and louder, as her body bent back, breasts madly
careening up and down with the movement.
	"I'm......I'm.....I'm Comeiiiiiiiiiiiinge! Ahhhhhhhhh!" Padme
exclaimed, her face an expression that could have been mistaken for pain,
but was instead a countenance of pure pleasure. Dorme's heart grew hot in
her chest hearing Padme say the words, the sacred words, which every women
on Naboo knew deep in her heart, whether she knew it or not.
	To come, to arrive, to follow, to stay in the heart of orgasm was a
sacred experience, and sharing it with Padme was almost overwhelming.
	As Padme's orgasm subsided, as her vision returned to her, she fell
forward, just barely getting her arms in position to hold herself from
landing completely on her lover. Her skin was beaded with sweat, her breath
heavy. They gazed into each others eyes, their faces inches from each
other.
	"Oh my God, Dorme. That was...I mean...it was so...wonderful. I had
no idea I could feel that way."
	"I always knew you could."
	"I wish you would have told me a long time ago," Padme said
smiling. "I would have gotten engaged a long time ago."
	They laughed softly, before kissing and holding each other. It was
amazing to them how natural their lips felt together, and the ease with
which they began the kissing again.
	Dorme then continued. The ceremony wasn't over yet.
	"My love, what you just experienced was orgasm. It is the
culmination of both physical and spiritual love. It is something you can
enjoy yourself, or share with your lover. I can't tell you how proud I was
when you came."
	"Came? Wow, I guess I did say that didn't I? I almost don't realize
what I was saying."
	"Your subconscious knew what to say. Even though the sensation was
new for you, you knew to cry out that you were coming."
	"'Coming.' It sounds so....well, I don't know. It sounds, poetic."
	"That it is. That it is."
	Padme looked at her sheepishly like a child wanting more
candy. "Can I come again?"
	"Yes you can. Do you want to?
	"Oh yes, Dorme. More than anything. But, what about you?"
	Dorme didn't quite know how to answer that one. For while she knew
the husband's pleasure was part of the ceremony. And she knew the
ceremonial penis she wore had the ability to climax, she was unsure. Unsure
as to how to come, and when to come. The appendage, still erect between her
legs, was proving to be trickier than she had thought. But she looked to
the nightstand and saw the carvings there, and knew that the answers would
find themselves in The Ceremony.
	Reaching over with her hand she tipped the tower over, letting it
clank against the wood. She grasped the Arch and held it over her
collarbone, letting Padme look at it.
	"This is the Portal of Passage, also constructed years ago. Meant
to serve as the gateway between Bareen City, and the Mountain villages
beyond it. But do you know why it is an arch?"
	"No."
	"The Portal was built in the midst of a natural wall of rock. While
some of the wall was cleared away to make room, one section could not
be. Which meant that whatever structure that was to be built through it,
had to be one that could support the weight of the stone upon it. And that
is why they used the arch. The arch is one of the strongest structures
known to man. The weight it can support on its back is astonishing. It is
for that reason that the people of Bareen built an arch through that wall."
	"And I suppose that arch was designed by the same people who
designed the temple?" Padme said, smiling a wry grin.
	"Why yes, they did. And would you like to know why they did it the
way they did?"
	"Yes."
	"Very well. I'll tell you." Dorme got up from the bed again,
walking around to the foot. She gestured for Padme to follow her. Padme
climbed out of the sheet and padded around to stand next to Dorme. Their
naked bodies reflected beautifully in the window that overlooked the valley
outside.
	Dorme gently tossed the arch carving, where it landed with a soft
sound near the pillows. She looked at Padme, standing next to her, and
said, "Well, go get it."
	Padme started to walk over to the side of the bed, but Dorme
grasped her arm, flesh warm to the touch. "No, no. Not that way."
	Padme started to understand. She climbed up the foot of the bed and
made her way on all fours up the mattress. Just as she reached the carving,
Dorme grasped Padme's hips firmly from behind, holding her in that
position. Padme was resting on her elbows and knees, her buttocks up in the
air.
	"Now you know. Now you know what the arch is. And what it means for
the woman to use her body as the arch. How do you feel this way?"
	Padme thought about this for a second. She knew that people made
love this way, but she had never really thought about how she would feel in
this position. Deep down, she had always considered it something that was
degrading in a way. That it was like treating a woman like an animal. But
now, her head down, her hips and butt up in the air behind her, she
felt...proud. She felt, powerful. Just knowing, just sensing that Dorme was
behind her, wanting, teaching, and needing her, Padme felt completely in
control.
	"I feel...wonderful." Looking over her shoulder and Dorme, she
said, "And who's pleasure would this be for."
	Dorme knew the answer. All at once, when she looked at her erect
cock, and realized its power and its hunger, she responded.
	"For mine!"
	Losing complete control of herself, Dorme grabbed Padme's hips hard
and pulled them back against her. Her cock surged into Padme's waiting, wet
lips. Padme let out a sound that was a cross between a high pitched gasp of
surprise and a moan. The sound seemed to travel all the way though Dorme's
body, and she thrusted harder and harder, not letting go of Padme's soft
hips.
	Padme reached out with her hands and grabbed the wooden headboard,
using it to help press herself backwards onto Dorme's cock. Dorme caught a
glimpse of her reflection in the window reflection to the right, she could
see herself pumping in and out of her best friends tight opening, the
rounded cheeks of Padme's butt up against her. The bed creaked even louder
than it did during the tower ritual. This time, the mattress practically
shook with their reciprocal thrusting.
	Sweat seemed to pour down Dorme's chest, down her abdomen. She
could envision it running off her and down the soft canal of Padme's bare
back, into her hair, down around her neck, into her mouth. She was amazed
at how good it felt to thrust, to use Padme's body in a way that pleased
them both. Was this what men felt?
	And then Dorme felt it, that feeling building up deep inside
her. Growing, pulsing. She knew what it was. And while she knew that the
ritual of the Arch was the time for her to let go, she wanted Padme to come
again. She wanted to last long enough to her Padme cry out again. But there
was no denying the building sensation inside her new cock. She tried to
slow down in an effort to allay the orgasm. Upon feeling this, Padme, head
still face down in a red pillow practically screamed.
	"God dammit! Dorme, don't stop! Please, please just fuck me
harder!"
	Upon hearing such a sacred profanity come from Padme's mouth, any
pretense of holding back on Dorme's part dissolved. She let loose, pumping
out harder and harder still. The headboard was clunking against the
wall. Their animalistic sounds echoed back and forth between them. Words
were as useless here as they were in the vacuum of space.
	"Uhhhhh. Uhhhhhh, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Goddddddddddddd!."
	"Arrrrr, ohhhhhhh, eeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaa. Paaaadmeee, I'm coming!"
	And with that, Dorme came. When she uttered the words, she realized
the difference in the way it sounded when Padme said it. Padme came in a
long silent scream, the word stretching out over the seconds. But for
Dorme, the feeling of orgasm hit her so fast, she only had the energy to
spit the declaration out before it hit her.
	It felt like bolts of laser fire where shooting from her, as the
cock pulsed out. Once, twice, three times, surging blasts of pleasure
seemed to consume everything she was. Her legs buckled and she dropped to
her knees, sliding out of Padme, landing in a naked sweaty heap near the
foot of the bed.
	Padme immediately rolled over, gasping for air. She shimmied over
to the end of the bed, lying on her stomach, she looked over the foot like
looking over a cliff. Dorme was curled up on the carpet, dazed, a look in
her eyes like she had just awoken from a peaceful dream.
	"Dorme, are you OK?"
	It took her handmaiden a few seconds to respond. "Oh God yes. I
think so anyway."
	"What happened? Did I hurt you?"
	"No, no. You didn't hurt me at all. I just wasn't ready for how
that would feel. It was wonderful."
	"Well don't stay down there. Come up here and be with me."
	Padme reached her hand down to Dorme. She helped lift her up back
onto the bed where the two of them laid against each other, still above the
sheets and blankets, letting the air cool their young bodies. They held
each other, the soft on soft feel of their skin leading them into more
tender kisses.
	They continued kissing for quite a long time. Letting their passion
cool, but not letting the embers die. They stopped and looked each other in
the eyes again. They both had the look of sexual satisfaction in their
eyes, a dreamy satiated look. Padme glanced over to the bedside table
again. Dorme noticed this.
	"You cant be ready for more?"
	"Oh yes I can be. Now that I know how easy this is, and how good it
feels, I don't want to stop."
	Dorme laughed. "I believe you. I knew there was a real woman
underneath all that work and toil."
	"Tell me about the last carving. Please."
	Padme asked in such a plaintive tone, Dorme could do nothing but
respond.
	"While it is true that the circle representing a symbiotic
relationship has been around much longer than we all know, its meaning here
is something much deeper. A sexual relationship is one of the most
beautiful and enriching things that two people can experience. But while
I'm sure that tonight you realize that it can feel wonderful, it is only
truly over a lifetime of sharing yourself with your mate that you can
understand what I mean. You are about to embark on this journey with your
husband. But where this last ritual is different is that while the tower
and portal were to instruct you in regards to your husband. This ritual is
for us.
	"Us."
	"Yes. For only during the Ceremony can we know the ecstasy of a
woman sharing love with a woman. It is our way. So the circle represents
us, and is how we will bring this night to a close, by celebrating the
sacred power of woman joining with woman."
	Dorme reached down between her legs and grasped the Phaylyx around
the base. She was amazed at how one second it was so powerful, and now how
it seems so vulnerable and soft. Perhaps the penis is more revealing of a
man's true nature than many have believed. How it captures their duel
essence as well; the protector and the eternal child needing protection.
	Nevertheless, the time for such things was over now. With her other
hand, Dorme reached over and under the scrotum. Pressing, she found a small
hard nub. Pressing on that at the same time as a slight twist at the base
caused a slight click. A small flap of skin raised up around it, peeling
away all around the circumference. Padme's eyes grew large as she
watched. Dorme tucked her fingers into this flap and lifted, and the entire
penis and testicles simply came away from her, revealing the patch of
trimmed dark hair that marked her own genitalia.
	Dorme lightly gasped as the Phaylyx came away from her. As the thin
tendrils of cord that connected its arcane droid nerve system to her own
were pulled out of her vagina, she sensation was a surprising one. It felt
like a long, hard stretch you take first thing in the morning, after all
your muscles were tight. While it was a phenomenal experience having worn
it, having her own womanhood free finally felt wonderful. Padme's eyes were
wide, transfixed by what now lay between her handmaiden's thighs. She
lifted herself up on her elbow again, a slight tremor in her voice.
	"May I...touch you?"
	"Oh yes, you most certainly may."
	Padme lightly brushed her fingertips over and through the dark,
curly hair that surrounded Dorme's sex.  Each time letting them burrow ever
so slightly deeper into them until she eventually touched the warm, soft
entrance. With a knowing glance, Dorme approved this action, and Padme
pressed slightly, letting her fingers push slowly inside.
	She was amazed at the feeling; at how wet her best friend was. Once
inside, her fingers almost instantly slid in past the knuckle. Dorme sighed
in pleasure as Padme's delicate fingers filled her. Padme turned her hand
so that her free thumb pressed against Dorme's clit.
	"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh. Padme, that feels so good."
	"Am I doing it right? Please tell me what you are feeling."
	"Oh my mistress. Your hands are so soft. Kiss me."
	With her fingers still flexing inside Dorme, Padme leaned against
her and they kissed, their lips tasting of passion. With each subtle
movement of Padme's thumb, Dorme felt a flowering warmth growing inside
her. And even though she knew what this sensation was, and knew that it was
more than allowed, she also knew that just because the Phaylyx was no
longer needed, it didn't mean that this Ceremony and its ritual was
over. Therefore, the final orgasm, the holy release of feminine energy,
must be delayed for just one last, aching moment.
	Dorme reached down between her thighs and grasped Padme's
hand. Withdrawing it, she raised it to her mouth where she gently sucked on
Padme's index finger, tasting the warm sweetness of her own sex on the
former Queen's finger. Padme gasped softly as Dorme licked it clean, then
moving from that finger to the next, where she continued. After finishing
the ring finger, the two women looked at each other, communicating the
unspoken. Padme knew what she wanted now.
	"I want to taste you too."
	"Then help yourself. It's all for you."
	Padme hesitated. Dorme instantly tried to reassure her.
	"What's wrong, my love."
	"Well...I'm afraid. I'm not sure why."
	"Is it because we are women?"
	"Yes. No. I don't know. I mean this night has been wonderful, but
all we've done before was with the...well, you know."
	"The Phaylyx."
	"Yea. I mean that way, it was you making love to me, but behind a
penis."
	"Do you not want me without it?" Dorme spoke this confidently. She
knew the Ceremony well, and knew that this last expression of love for
womanhood was often difficult for initiates. She also knew that Padme, of
all people, had the strength to overcome her fears.
	"I do want you Dorme. I mean, I've never dreamed of feeling
anything so soft. Anything so wonderful, this sharing with you. I feel you
all through me right now. So it's not that. But it's just hard
because...well."
	"Hush." Dorme sat up, her breasts swinging slightly with the
motion. "Padme, I know what you are worried about. You are worried about
what other people will think. Or about what you will think of
yourself. Naboo is a different planet than so many others, this you
know. What we will share tonight, is shared between all women of Naboo, it
is something we have all done and all thought about. For two women of Naboo
to be together is to continue a holy tradition. We are lucky to have been
born on a planet where we can share this with each other without fear of
recrimination. Here, all women, be they friends, sisters, mothers, or
daughters, are eventually lovers. For at least one night, anyway. Now, what
do you want.? What do you really, really want?
	Padme smiled, understanding at last.
	"I want to taste you."
	"Good. Than do so. Your lady commands it."
	Padme started to shuffle down to the end of the bed, just as Dorme
had done earlier. But Dorme grasped Padme's leg as she moved.
	"No, no. Not like that. These stay up here with me."
	"My legs? How can I get down there if I cant move."
	"Oh but you can move. You just have to adapt."
	"Adapt?"
	"Yes. Form the circle."
	Padme looked at the final carving, and began to figure it
out. Staying parallel to Dorme, Padme turned herself upside down on the
bed, her head near Dorme's feet, swinging her own feet near the
headboard. She tenderly raised herself up on her hands and feet and climbed
up on top of Dorme this way, relishing the exotic feel of her own hanging
breasts brushing against Dorme's soft stomach. Dorme's hot sex was now
right in front of her face. Padme felt Dorme wrapping her arms around her
own legs, spreading them slightly; the cool feel the the pillowcases
pressing against her own feet, which were placed, one on each side of
Dorme's head.
	Padme looked at the mirror across the room. She saw them, one on
top of the other, turned upside down, as a circle. A perfect circle.
	Padme looked back, and lowered her head to Dorme's vagina. The
taste and scent instantly enveloped her and her tongue instinctively snaked
out to probe, to lick, and to taste. Dorme propped her own head up on a
pillow, and did the same to Padme, arching her neck up so that she could
reach up with her own pink, tender tongue, needing to retaste the warmth
that lay between her best friend's thighs. As soon as she did so, she could
feel Padme's soft moan of pleasure instantly being exclaimed into her own
wet sex. The feeling of the wordless moan traveled through Dorme and made
her softly moan into Padme's clasping mouth.
	And that's how they stayed for quite some time, body pressed to
body, mouths to luscious, sweet genitalia, taking from each other what they
needed. Their bodies became drenched in sweat again, as their skin started
to slide in a wonderful friction of lust. The only sounds were their moans
of passion, muffled by their own dripping vaginas.
	And then it started to happen. Dorme could feel it. She could feel
it in Padme's increasingly high pitched sounds of pleasure spoke into the
heart of her body. She could feel it in the way Padme's own pussy started
to become more and more wet, and the way the wetness started to taste even
more sweet by the second. Padme's body started to become rigid atop of her
handmaiden, then a slight quaking in her muscles. Dorme held Padme's hips
to her mouth even more firmly as she prepared for the inevitable.
	Padme suddenly released her mouth and face from Dorme's sex with a
loud smack as she raised her head up and came, this time much more
violently than she did the first time.
	"Gods
I'm....I'm....cummmmmmmmmmmm.....eeeeeeee.eeeeeeeeeeeee.eeeeeeee," Padme
screamed into the darkness of the room, so awash in the pleasure radiating
from her body as Dorme licked that her words trailed off in a loud squeak
that raised and lowered in pitch as the waves washed over her.
	Dorme heard Padme cry out and only had a second to prepare herself
before Padme fulfilled the Ceremony. Instantly, a flood of wet started to
burst from Padme's vagina in perfect time to her cries. It splattered all
over Dorme, filling her mouth, and drenching her face where it ran down her
neck like a waterfall, collecting in the nape of her neck.
	As the intensity of Padme's orgasm subsided, she started to
realized what had happened. Instinctively, she tried to climb off of her
handmaiden, believing herself to have urinated. But Dorme wanted more, and
she knew that her lover could provide it. At the first sign of Padme
attempting to move, Dorme wrapped her arms around Padme's hips even harder
and continued thrusting her tongue in and around. Realizing that Dorme was
fine, Padme gave in and lost control again as her mental defenses fell and
she started to come yet again.
	"Oh my....I can't
beliveeeeeeeeeeeeee. Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhohhhhhhhhhhhh!"
	Once again her words were gone in a groan and she felt her body let
loose as she ejaculated yet again over her handmaiden's face. This time,
knowing that what she was feeling was what Dorme wanted, she let go
completely and her orgasm seemed to stretch over untold minutes, radiating
in waves from her as her vagina poured fourth uncontrollably.
	As Dorme continued to drink up the sweet liquid spurting from
Padme's body, hearing her come again so quickly atop her made her lose
control herself, and Dorme came as well, never removing her mouth from
Padme's soft, drenched lips. The sensations only served to push Padme even
farther than she though she could, as her own orgasm went on and on and on
still, their cries blending together into one gentle scream.
	And then it was over. Padme, released from the grip of her orgasm,
collapsed. Dorme's head fell back in exhaustion, her face quickly becoming
sticky sweet with Padme's juice all over her. Dorme opened her eyes to see
Padme's buttocks suspended above her, spread slightly, listening to her
heaving breathing they moved up and down gently and seductively. Padme
rolled off of her lover with a tired groan. They laid there like that for a
long time catching their breath. Dorme decided to go to her, after all, it
was Padme who came three times tonight.
	Dorme slithered her way across the bed to Padme, where they curled
up next to each other. Padme looked at her with pleading eyes.
	"What just happened?"
	"Padme, my love. You just discovered it. The secret that all Naboo
woman own to themselves."
	"You mean when I..." Padme paused with embarrassment.
	"You ejaculated. It's a marvelous thing. And a rare thing as well."
	"You mean not all women can do it?"
	"Some can. Many can't. Those that can are prized all over this
galaxy. But the most important thing to remember is that it is something
that all women born on Naboo can do. That is the goal of the Ceremony; to
teach a woman how to let her love flow from her like the waterfalls that
cross the planet. Do you understand now?"
	"Yes, I think I do. Does that mean that the Ceremony is over now?"
	"Yes. It does. But believe me that our night together is something
I will never forget."
	"Me neither." Padme's eyes filled with tears.
	"I love you Dorme. I love you so much. Thank you."
	"And I love you too Padme. I always have. I hope I've taught you
well."
	And they held each others naked, sweaty bodies in the
night. Eventually, they fell asleep in each other arms, a senator and
handmaiden, bonded on this night as lovers.

V.

	Padme awoke a few hours later. Still naked, but now with a blanket
covering her. Dorme was gone. Somehow, Padme knew she would be. She looked
at the chronodial across the room and saw that in minutes the sun would be
rising. Reluctantly, she brushed the blanket aside and climbed out of
bed. She thought of grabbing her robe, but decided against it. After all
she learned tonight, she no longer felt the need to cover herself. If she
had to, she felt she could walk through the heart of Theed City in the
nude.
	She walked to the window overlooking the valley below. It was still
dark outside, although the sky was turning a kind of lightest purple as the
sun came ever closer to breaking the horizon. Soon, Anakin would be here,
and her new life as a beloved wife would begin. True, it would be a union
in secret. But now, knowing what she had learned from Dorme, sweet Dorme,
and The Ceremony, she felt able to enter this union proudly, with the
dignity of a Queen.
	Padme looked and saw the small waterfall in the distance pouring
over the side of the cliff. In the predawn air under the soft moonlight,
she saw the water wasn't blue, but a rich inviting lavender. Dorme's
beautiful body and the way it felt against her crossed her mind once more,
and Padme felt a warm glow inside. She felt honored that she had been
brought into the world of pleasure that all women of Naboo held dear. And
she hoped that someday she would be able to teach the same lesson to her
daughter.

The End.

with the exception of the above notice of characters and concepts belonging
to Lucasfilm Ltd, the above story is copyright 2004 S. Sandoval.