halfamoon | Recs: Three Ways That Padme Lived (Reply)

Title: Far More Than Rubies
Author: frodogenic
Rating: G
Words: 72,216
Summary: "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." (Proverbs 31:10) Nine years after AOTC, tragedy revisits the Lars Homestead. Little Luke Skywalker is suddenly plunged into chaos as the rebel movements discover a secret military project that may make a crucial difference in the war with the Empire.
My Comments: This long and satisfying story manages to pack a lot in. On a personal level, the tentative development of the relationship between Padme and Luke, and on an action-adventure level, an exciting Rebels-vs-Imperials plot that will repeatedly have you at the edge of your seat. This story shows Padme as a strong and competent character with nerves of steel while also depicting her failings and flaws. Bonus points for a solid female OC, a scientist who finds herself in the middle of an intrigue.

She made herself approach calmly and smile at Luke. Kneeling, she hugged her little boy far more lightly than she wanted to, with just one arm—but her restraint would only go so far, and she didn't have enough left to keep back tears of joy.
"How come you're crying?"
Padmé laughed just a little past the tears. "It's because I'm so happy to see you again," she told him softly. "You've grown up so much!"
Luke shifted uncomfortably. Padmé let go, not wanting to push him too far. Her little boy had been through a great deal recently; between that and her unexplained absence from his life, it would almost certainly be a long time before she earned his trust.

Title: The Widow Skywalker
Author: Meredith Bronwen Mallory
Rating: PG
Words: 18,190 (unfinished)
Summary: A rumor on a backwater planet sends Luke looking for answers from a woman locally known as Widow Skywalker. Post ROTJ AU
My Comments: This is an abandoned WIP, but what's there is most definitely worth reading. This story has a quiet beauty and a slightly surreal atmosphere that reflects Padme's own state of mind. Padme as the Widow Skywalker is a woman deeply scarred by tragedy, who sees the ghosts of her past all around her, but who finds the strength to endure in her simple life.

Breakfast was oshiibara, boiled in the last pint of Padme's clean water; she ate the petals absently, the wind moving through the house and teasing her short shift. She resented her body, in someways, for holding out so long, and now she fed it only grudgingly. This chore completed, she wound her hair up under her black ribboned cap and stepped into the folds of her loose black dress, singing as she did the fastenings.
"With silver buttons, all down her back-" An old nursery rhyme, about a girl and her coffin.

Title: First Encounters
Author: FernWithy
Rating: G
Words: 21,468
Summary: Post-ROTJ, Amidala is reunited with her family.
My Comments: This is my all-time favorite "Padme lives" story. ♥ It's my headcanon--or maybe my heartcanon, since I accept the official EU stuff but I love this more than anything. This story is all about healing: Padme healing her relationship with her children and with her husband; Leia healing the wound of learning that Vader is her father; the whole Skywalker family and the people of Naboo and Alderaan healing the physical wounds of a planet and the psychological wounds of two peoples.

"I am Padmé Naberrie Skywalker," she said quietly to them. "Amidala of Naboo."
The cheer began at the center of the crowd, and spread in a powerful wave through the courtyard. Around them, Theed lay in ruins, looking forlornly across the still-barren plains. But after many long years of sorrow, its heart was beginning, slowly, to beat again.

(older!Padme header picture created by blending Natalie Portman with other actresses on MorphThing.com)