Chapter 112

As soon as Han saw Luke he rose and left the control room without greeting Leia's brother. Luke silently watched him go. Chewbacca growled a unfriendly sentence. Luke nodded.

"Don't pay attention to Han, Luke," Leia said and hugged her brother. "What brings you here?"

"You're leaving this afternoon I've heard. I just wanted to wish you a good flight." Luke said.

"You're kidding, Luke. Of course we will have a good flight. We're only going to the other continent of this planet."

Luke laughed.

"Never fool a Jedi Knight, and certainly not my twin sister, right?" He chuckled. "I want to borrowed your ceremonial Jedi outfit, Leia. I guess you don't going to wear it on Tyr?"

"No, there's no reason to do that, Luke. May I ask you want you want it for?"

"I want Shaayla-Car to wear it, when I'm in Ktafunda with her."

"You're going to Palomintar Six, while all of us are on Tyr? I thought you would stay here together?"

"I have to buy something on Ktafunda which I can buy here, Leia? On Palomintar Six I don't want to Shaayla-Car to look like she's my padawan. I want her to be my equal, the Jedi Knight she in fact is."

"So once again she will change clothes with me?" Leia laughed.

"Yes, I haven't told her yet, but I'm sure she will love it." Luke said.

"Wait here, Luke. I'll get what you asked me."

Leia left the control and went to the aft of the Millennium Falcon. Within minutes she came back with her ceremonial Jedi outfit.

"Do you also want the coat that goes with it?" She asked.

"Yes, when I'm back with her at Irithim I will take she gets her own clothes." Luke said and took the box Leia handed him.

Leia smiled and hugged her brother.

"Enjoy your stay on Palomintar Six with our foster-sister, Luke. You certainly will be back as the second group arrive, won't you."

"Absolutely. Oh, and you may tell Han where we have gone. This time it's not really a secret. I just want to be somewhere with Shaayla-Car where no one will know us. " Luke said and wanted to leave.

"Give up the master-apprentice relationship you are pretending, my dear brother." Leia said.

"No, not until Ribana has been restored in a way that all the Quelans from Tyr can live here again." Luke said, "Shaayla-Car and I won't let our personal plan outweigh the promises I made to Toallin and Mugin."

Luke left the Millennium Falcon. As soon as he had gone Han came back and looked at his wife.

"Why did that Jedi master came here, Leia?"

"Why are you still insisted to call his Jedi master instead of using his name, Han Solo." Leia snapped and Chewbacca also grumbled an angry answer."

"Shut up, Chewie," Han answered, getting angry. "Leia, I will call that Jedi master 'Luke' again the moment I know where they have gone and what has happened between the two of them there.

Leia shrugged her shoulders.

"Darling, you'll be very much ashamed by then," She said.

Udine Fonaldris looked at her sister and shook her head.

"Again Shaayla-Car is staying here alone with her Luke Skywalker, after we all have gone back to Tyr," She said.

"Toallin told me that it will give master Skywalker a great opportunity to work with her in Ribana itself." Carmona answered.

Udine wrinkled her nose, and remarked mockingly.

"He isn't her Jedi master, just as she is not his padawan, Carmona dear. They are in love with each other." Udine said and lowered her voice to a whisper.

"Yesterday, I was looking for Shaayla-Car in the vineyard where she is still busy pruning to vines, because I needed her help to fix the curtains in the parlor. That pruning job is an excellent cover for both of them to meet unnoticed. I saw her gathering some leaves which she stacked in her water bottle, and next she began to shake the bottle for a while. All of a sudden master Skywalker appeared and Shaayla-Car hooked the water bottle at her belt, after which she put her arms are his neck and kissed him. He did not hold back, for he took her in his arms and answered her kiss. I retreated, for I didn't want to disturb their secret rendez-vous, Carmona, but I certain that what they told us about being master and apprentice isn't true." Udine said.

Carmona smiled.

"What a lovely view, Udine. Two good friends being in love. Don't you remember how we secretly met with Toallin and Mugin without our parents know where we went."

"Yes, be we already had permission of our parents to meet our future husband. I wonder if Shaayla-Car and Luke Skywalker have told their parents about their secret rendez-vous on Palomintar Four."

"Udine, Shaayla-Car and Luke Skywalker are adults, and we don't anything about what rules counts on their home planet. I think it's wonderful that two very kind people have fallen in love with each other."

Udine looked at her sister and shook her head.

"Carmona, when we all have gone back to Tyr, they are alone, can't you imagine what would happen? Have you forgotten what has happened to you when you were alone with Mugin?"

"No, I haven't", Carmona said with a laugh, "We had a wonderful night together in a far corner of this vineyard. Little could I imagine that with a month I would be living here as Mugin's wife. You and Toallin followed the next month, remember."

"Have you forgotten the consequences we had to face after we had been alone with our future husbands?" Udine asked.

"Certainly not, Udine. I got a son with Mugin: my eldest Dolan within a year after our marriage, and you and Toallin got Mayan, but not immediately, for Dolan is two years older than Mayan." Carmona recalled.

Carmona, I am uneasy about Toallin's two friends being left behind alone while we all go to Tyr. I am thinking of warning Shaayla-Car again. Perhaps she should come with us, so that Master Skywalker stays on Myr alone. I would like to have another word with her, but we're leaving within an hour. Toallin will pick us up any moment now"

"After what you told me, Udine, I don't think that Shaayla-Car will agree to join us." Carmona said thoughtfully. "Do you think it's really necessary to protect her against master Skywalker's advances. He is a Jedi Knight, that has to mean something, don't think."

"I don't know, Carmona. He is also a man who is in love with our guest. We have responsibility towards her. You know what I'll leave a note in her room, just to give her an extra warning."

"Did you tell anyone else what you have seen, Udine?"

"Of course I had to tell Toallin. I asked him he should tell his friend, that young Jedi, Ian, what's going on in the vineyard between his sister and master Skywalker, but Toallin told me that Ian had been send to Tyr already. Well, as we are all going back to Tyr. I will seek him out and tell him. He certainly will know if his parents will agree that their daughter is meeting with her Jedi master making love."

"They weren't making love, Udine," Carmona protested, "You only have seen they were kissing each other."

"One thing leads to another, Carmona. Her parents need to know what is going on."

Carmona looked thoughtfully.

"I think, it's not our business, Udine, but I agree that you can tell her brother when we are on Tyr."

The two Quelan sisters went inside the vineyard building, where Udine quickly scribbled some words on a sheet of foil paper. She hurried upstairs to Shaayla-Car's guest room and put the note on the bed stand, while Carmona was waiting for Toallin. As the governor arrived the two women nodded imperceptibly at each other and join Toallin who brought them to the Grannd Traveler which was waiting outside Ribana. The freighter was already crowded with numerous Quelans who were looking forward to get back to Cantamaga.

Luke and Liane stood on the roof of the vineyard building watching the two freighter disappear over the western plains. As the freighters had vanished completely they look at each other.

"Time for us to lift off too, Shaayla-Car." Luke said as he jumped down.

Liane followed and went over to the vineyard building.

"I will close up the building, Luke, just a simple safety precaution, for there are no locks. I'll just check of all the repaired windows are closed. I'll be right back."

Liane ran inside and rushed through the corridor on the ground floor casting a glance in those room that had already been cleaning and furnished. Then she ran up the stairs and checked the three bedrooms. As she entered her own bedroom she noticed the sheet of foil paper with the scribbles. Quickly she grabbed it put it a pocket on her belt, then she jumped down the stairs and ran to the back door where Luke was waiting.

"We can go, Luke." She said.

"One thing has to be done, my lovely padawan," Luke said and uncoiled her ponytail and untied the string that kept her long amber brown hair together. "I want to get to Palomintar Six with a Jedi Knight, so let me undo that braid."

He tenderly straighten the hair strings that were forming the padawan's braid.

"So, now you are my lovely Jedi Knight. Once we have reached the Astræga I also want you to dress in Leia's ceremonial Jedi outfit, Shaayla-Car, for I want you to look pretty, once we've landed on Ktafunda's space port. Come, lovely pixie, it's time to enjoy some three, maybe four days on a planet where we will be be recognized by every one."

"Will you also wear your ceremonial outfit, Luke?" Liane asked.

"Sure, Ktafunda will have the honor to be visited by two full-fledged Jedi Knights." He chuckled.

"I hope they keep it quiet," Liane answered.

They ran up the southern hill and followed the pad to the barren rock. Using the Force they jumped down on the ledge above the hidden valley. Using the protruding tree stems and roots on the steep wall they descended into the hidden valley. Luke uncloaked the Astræga and lowered the ramp. Liane entered the ship and looked with a happy look around the control room.

"Every time I'm here it feels like coming home from a long journey. I love your ship, Luke," She said turning to him.

"It's our ship, my love. Once we're married it will be our home on the many travels we will do together."

Liane looked at the framed drawing Lorann had made.

"I never saw a boy so happy, Luke, when you helped to frame his drawing."

"That's why I hope to find a real drawing datapad for him with all necessary accessories. This one has only color, because Conor couldn't provide Lorann with more, but if I find what I'm thinking about Lorann will certainly add color to his drawings."

"He is an extremely talented observer, Luke. He must a very keen eye."

Liane followed Luke to the cockpit and sat herself in the co-pilot seat. Luke began the check-up to start the sub light engine, following the procedure carefully. Once he was satisfied, he looked aside.

"Ready, darling?" He asked.

"Yes, Luke, let's go. I'm really looking forward arriving at another planet. So let's leave Palomintar Four and had for the sixth planet in this system."

Luke set power on the engine and the Astræga lifted off vertically. Once they were far above the planet surface Luke unfolded the Astræga's vertical wings, turning it into a fast space ship. He entered the coordinates of Ktafunda space port and within minutes the ship vanished into hyperspace. Liane looked mesmerized at the plasma streaks rushing along the transparisteel windows. She unlocked her safety straps and followed Luke who had already gone to the control room. He was looking at the synchro.

"It will be a short trip before we're entering Palomintar Six's orbit. I suggest that we use the time to put on those ceremonial outfits immediately. I put the box with Leia's clothes in your quarter, Shaayla-Car."

"Funny, that I will wear an outfit of your sister again," Liane said with a smile as she went over to the passage to get to her quarter. "I even are using her private quarter on the Astræga every time."

"Your private quarter, my love. Leia won't using it again. It's yours now." Luke said and took her in his arms. "I'm looking forward seeing you dressed in the ceremonial outfit of a Jedi Knight again. I've seen it once I had invited those Coruscant leaders in the Astræga. Those clothes suit you, Shaayla-Car. You're born to wear those official clothes. When we're back at Irithim you'll get your own sets."

Liane had put her arms around his neck and looked at him.

"It would be strange to come back to Irithim, Luke. I haven't seen much of it. Did you have a place to stay when you didn't travel."

"I'm the owner of a large apartment. It's little bit too big for me alone, but when we go back to Irithim, you're my beautiful wife and we will be happy together there."

For a moment Liane let her head rest against Luke's shoulder. She sighed deeply.

"Since I realize that I'm really free, I sometimes don't know how to catch up with all these fast changes in my life. After I fled from Na'ctaMagh'Ba so many events have passed: I found my ancestry and discovered that Ian was brother, I performed the Illum-meditation and assembled my own lightsaber. I went to Palomintar Four, initially to join you. Wedge initiated me as a Jedi Knight. I met you again in Trevor's caves and when all those dignitaries and leaders had gone you took me to Na'ctaMagh'Ba again and proposed to me. It still feel unreal, Luke, that I will be your wife. It's not that I don't want to marry you, it's just that at some moments it feels like it isn't happening to me." She said, but then she shrugged her shoulders. "I'll get use to it, and now I'm going to put on Leia's ceremonial Jedi outfit and be one of your Jedi Knights."

She released herself from his arms and vanished into her quarter. Luke pensively saw her go.

'She is right,' He thought 'Things have changed fast after she had to leave Na'ctaMagh'Ba. I have to make sure that she will find herself at home and welcome at Irithim.'

He went over to his own quarter and changed his outfit. As he returned to the control room Liane was sitting on the couch wearing the ceremonial outfit of the Jedi. The coat that went with it was laying next to her. Luke went over to her and took the coat. He stretched out his hand to make her stand up. Gently he placed the coat around her and grabbed the brooch from a pocket at his belt. Without a word he fastened the brooch at the clasp of the coat.

"You're not my padawan, Shaayla-Car. You're a Jedi Knight. Accept what you have achieved. I know it's making you wonder, but you deserve to wear this brooch, as you deserve to wear the most beautiful ring I can find for you, for I want you to remember always how much you mean to me, how much I love you."

He took her in his arms and whispered in her ear.

"My love, wherever we will be, wherever we will go, I always will be there for you. Don't look at the future, be aware of where you are and be mindful of the moment. That's what master Yoda taught me."

Liane produced a slight smile.

"Don't worry, Luke. I'll manage. I have always done, but it's reassuring to realize that the man I love will always protect me."

"I will, Shaayla-Car. I always will," Luke answered while he pulled her next to him on the couch.

The Grannd Traveler and the Millennium Falcon landed without problems on the plains near Cantamaga. Family members of the Quelans who walked down the cargo ramps ran over to their relatives and had a thousand questions. Mugin greeted his wife, his brother and his sister-in-law and beckoned the Grann brothers, Han, Leia, Chewbacca and Yarmod to join him for a walk to Cantamaga. Leia and Yarmod look around.

"I had expected that Wedge, Chati and Tama-Hin would be here, Mugin." Leia said.

"Master Antilles has taken my niece one of her special training rounds among the nut woods."

Cornell immediately came over.

"As far as I know it's still forbidden for any one to enter the nut forest, governor "

"These last four days they have gone there every day, Cornell. Master Kamalin has given the two Jedi his permission. I have heard that they have met with those birds. By the way, master Tydon and Lorann have only join today for the first time. Master Antilles told that it's completely safe to go to the nut woods."

Cornell turned to some of the harvest men who had joined Mugin and his guest.

"Let's go to the nut woods and get my son and that girl Mayan to safety. What those Jedi are doing there is their business, but I want any Quelans to keep to the 'special agreement' we have announced after we all arrived on Tyr."

Leia stepped in front of Cornell and put her hand on his arm.

"The governor just told you, master Cornell, that Wedge Antilles and his padawan Chati have gone there more than once without being attacked. Isn't that strange, for I have heard the many stories your men have told us on Myr and I have sensed that all of the harvesters fear the nut woods and those birds. Wedge Antilles has heard those stories as well, nevertheless he has taken his padawan there and no harm seems to have been done to them."

"This time my son and master Tydon have gone with your Jedi friend and his Jedi apprentice." Cornell answered still angry.

"Master Tydon is a Jedi Knight too, master Cornell, and ike master Antilles also a friend of mine. I think that your son is well protected with two Jedi Knight around. But I will join you and your men to have a look for my Jedi friends and those two young Quelans."

"You Jedi don't know what you're talking about. We have come in those nut woods for years on end. Several of us have been severely wounded, and even died, after those Urams attacked them. Even my father got wounded when he went inside the nut woods to get some fallen nuts. Let's go men, we'll have to get them back to Cantamaga safely. Keep your weapons ready to kill any of those birds we encounter."

Leia gave her cloak to Han.

"I'm going with you and your men, master Cornell. I want to have look myself what those nut woods and their inhabitants look like."

"Leia!" Han said, but he silenced when he saw to the look on his wife's face.

"I'll see you in our guest room, Han," She said and joined the group of harvest men.

Toallin and Mugin looked at their guests.

"I'm sure that master Leia knows what she's doing, master Solo. We'll take you to Cantamaga to get some refreshments. We shouldn't worry too much about master Antilles and Chati. They have come back every evening and they seemed to have enjoyed their walks in the nut woods. I think, it's safe for them to do this." Mugin said, looking at Toallin and Udine.

"I trusts Chati's master, Toallin. He is a very responsible man. He certainly knows what he can do. I don't think he will put Chati into danger. When they come back tonight we can ask him and we should also listen to our daughter." Udine said.

Toallin nodded, but didn't seem to fully agree with his wife's words.

The synchro warned that the Astræga had reached Palomintar Six. Luke left hyperspace and requested a clearance for landing on Ktafunda space port. He was granted permission and landed his ship at the indication docking bay. After having secured the ship he lowered the ramp and waited for Liane to join him. She walked over to him completely quiet, showing a calm and composed attitude. He wanted to take her hand, but Liane put her hands in the broad sleeves of the Jedi cloak and smiled at him. Luke nodded and did the same. They left the Astræga, Luke closed the ram and together they went over to the briefing desk to state their arrival.

The officer of duty recognized Luke and greeted him very politely.

"I'll warn the commander of the space port about your arrival, master Skywalker," He said. "You can tell him what brings you and your companion to Ktafunda privately."

"Thank you, sir," Luke answered.

The officer opened the door of a small room.

"Please, wait in here, sir," The officer said and made a polite gesture.

Luke and Liane stepped inside and the officer closed the door.

"He recognized you, Luke. I thought you said that no one would know us here." Liane said.

"Relax, Shaayla-Car. Probably the officer remembered how I have explained what happened when Leia, Han and I were looking for I... Tama-Hin, your brother."

"By that time I didn't know he was my brother, Luke." Liane commented.

The door opened and the officer of duty beckoned them to follow him.

"The commander would appreciate it to have a word with you." He said.

He took them to a corridor and opened the door of a large office. The man behind the desk immediately got up and walked over.

"Master Skywalker, welcome to Ktafunda this time. We didn't meet again, after you took that Quelan man, Mugin Fonaldris with you. It saved us a lot of investigation, because you explained his case to us. Did you find your friend you were looking for? I see that this time you're in the company of a nice lady."

"My wife, sir. May introduce to you, Shaayla-Car Kenobi Skywalker."

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am. I'm commander Loyairon. My men and my have to keep Ktafunda a safe place, for it's the only space port in this system. Have you ever heard of Ktafunda?"

"I haven't, sir, but my husband told me about me about his adventure here. He has found some very good friends here and suggested that we should visit the only space port in this system together."

"So, you're here to visit old friends. That's always nice." The commander said with glee. "I will state in the log that you're here for private business, so our surveillance droids won't bother you. I wish you a very pleasant stay here. Will you be here for some time."

"About four days, sir. We also intend to visit some of the other planet and system in the Outer Rim." Luke said.

The commander looked at Luke with a meaningful expression.

"You're on your honeymoon, master Skywalker, aren't you. Congratulations on your marriage with this beautiful lady. Ma'am, my congratulations for you as well. You're fine couple of Jedi Knights, I should say. Well, enjoy your stay."

The commander walked them to the door.

"Do you need transport to Ktafunda itself, master Skywalker?"

"No, thank you for your offer. We'll use the transport speeder on my ship." Luke said.

They shook hands and walked back to the Astræga, where Luke got the speeder. Liane got in and began to laugh.

"Leia, already said it, Luke Skywalker, you are a big liar," She chuckled, "Shaayla-Car Kenobi Skywalker my wife."

"You did no better, naughty pixie, telling the commander I'm your husband." Luke said and looked at her with a big smile.

"I nearly got a fit of laughter, Luke, when he congratulate us with our marriage. A bit premature I should say. Well where do you want to take us, " Liane chuckled.

"I first want to look for a gold smith or a jewelry store, for I want to buy our wedding rings, my love."

"Fine with me, darling. Maybe we should put them on immediately to avoid suspicion from the authorities here." Liane said as she still couldn't stop laughing elated.

Meanwhile they had left the space port area and headed for the town itself. Liane watched the hustle and bustle and suddenly pointed to a series of covered shops. Luke found a place park the speeder and together they neared the shopping area. They walked along the different open shop windows where all kind of wares were on display. Liane saw a shop were all kind of fabrics seemed to be for sale.

"Luke, can we have a look at those fabrics. Maybe they'll have the ones these ceremonial dresses are made of? I could ask Udine if she would be willing to copy the model and made my own ceremonial dress. I can tell her that Leia wants a spare one."

"You're just a big liar as I am, Shaayla-Car Kenobi Skywalker," Luke said as they neared the shop.

They entered the shop, looking around at the numerous stacks of different fabrics. The shop keeper a species from a foreign system approached them with great respect. He spoke standard Basic and Liane explained what she was looked for. The species took the fabric of the ceremonial dress and the cloak she was wearing between several suddenly protruding finger like extents at the end of his limp and nodded in agreement.

"We have, ma'am. Good fabric. Wait I'll get it."

He disappeared, but almost immediately came back with two bales of different colored fabrics which looked very similar to what she was wearing. Liane looked at Luke who nodded.

"Take them both, Shaayla-Car. It's excellent quality," Luke said and put his hand on both bales.

"Ah, yes, good quality. Your mister is a professional, ma'am. How much do you need?" The shopkeeper said.

"We'll take both, sir, for my clothes are made of the same fabric." Luke said.

"We could make you a series of these clothes, sir. This bales have enough for at least four or five sets, maybe even more."

"What your price?" Luke asked.

The shopkeeper named a price in imperial credits, but Luke made clear he could only pay in New Republic credits. The shopkeeper began to look more gleeful.

"I'll give you a discount as you pay in New Republic credits, sir. You pay two third of the price in imperial credits."

Luke paid and the shopkeeper activated a droid to bring the bales to the speeder. Luke kindly thank him and the left the shop.

"That's good deal, my love, at Irithim a Jedi Knight has to three times more for this quality. Now we have enough to give Yarmod and your brother their own ceremonial clothes as well. We were back in Ribana I'll talk to Udine if make the ceremonial robe for Yarmod and Tama-Hin, and I like your idea to let her make and extra robe for Leia." Luke said.

"In Ribana we still have to be master and apprentice, Luke. I don't want more of our friends or even Quelans to get suspicious. "

"Wait here, my love. I'll ask the shopkeeper if he knows a gold smith or a jewelry store." Luke said and walked back to the shop.

Within minutes he came back with the shopkeeper who began to explain in detail where Luke could find a goldsmith.

"Tell Jarosho, that I'll send you. Wait I'll send my droid with you. Is that your speeder,sir?"

Luke nodded. The shopkeeper pointed to a small alley next to the shop.

"Put your vehicle behind the fences at the back of the shop. There is will be safe until you return."

Luke thanked the kind shopkeeper and removed the speeder. The droid stood waiting for the shop when he returned.

"This way, sir, ma'am. Follow me," It said.

They followed the droid through a maze of small alleys, until the droid stopped and knocked at a door. The door opened and a huge Kayvok appeared.

"Ah, customers, come in. I'm Jarosho. Get back to your master, Ltido, tell him I appreciate he recommended me."

Luke and Liane entered and followed the huge alien to a backdoor. He turned and grinned.

"I don't have a shop on display. My stuff is valuable. Too many species here without credits, but with long fingers." He grinned, as he opened the back door.

Luke and Liane entered and looked amazed at the thousands of many golden objects which were exquisitely arranged on numerous ledges.

"Wow," Liane said, looking around.

The Kayvok grinned again.

"Yes, my customer always don't know where to look first as I show them my wares. What can I do for you?"

"We want a pair of wedding rings, sir," Luke said politely.

"Call my Jarosho, master Jedi. So the two of you are planning your wedding? Congratulations, in advance, I should say. Well, I have about some hundred different models. I get the trays for you. Take a seat on those couches. I'll put the trays on that large table in front of them."

Luke looked at Liane who beamed, while she still looked around at all the objects.

"This is incredible. Who would suspect that such a great collection would exist behind the closed door. It's wonderful. Jarosho certainly is a great artist."

The Kayvok returned a put five trays with all kind of different rings on the table in front of them.

"Take your time, don't rush your choice. You must chose the rings that ring out to you, I always say. You can stay as long as you need. If necessary I can order food and drinks for all of us. I leave you alone now, for I don't want to influence your choice. If you need me, just call out 'Jarosho' and I'll come back."

He vanished and Luke and Liane looked in disbelieve to the five trays, but then they both looked at each other and nodded.

"We'll let our ally decide, Luke," Liane said and grab his hand.

They both closed their eyes and tuned in on the Force. In front of them they two trays began to hover, the other three were stacked on top of each other. They opened their eyes and looked at the different rings on the two trays.

"Let's use our Force skills again, Shaayla-Car. This time we need a deeper connection with the Force. Give me both your hands."

Liane felt how she and Luke became one entity in the Force, while they both looked at the rings on the two tray. One of the sets began to glow in a blue light and started to hover above the tray. Luke released one hand and the two rings dropped in his outstretched hand. Liane looked at the rings and became all smile. She nodded and looked at Luke.

"Right choice, Luke. I felt focussed on those two just after Jarosho put down the trays. These ones have to be the Force's designated choice. I love them. Look at the brilliant shine of the three different types of braided golden bands."

"Jarosho!" Luke said aloud.

Immediately the huge Kayvok appeared.

"Made your choice, already?" He asked and added, "I hadn't expected anything else. You both rely on your Jedi skills I presume. Yes I recognized you both as Jedi Knights, saw your lightsabers. These rings will make the happiest couple in the galaxy. There's only one set of them, for they were very difficult to compose. Unique set so to say. Anything else," Jarosho say smiling.

"Yes," Luke said, "I want a special ring for my bride, so she will always remember how happy she made me when I asked her to marry me."

"An alliance ring. A special ring to memorize the moment you proposed to this beautiful lady. Well I don't have to ask what her answer has been. You look being a more than happy couple. I'll get the special models I always make for these occasions. I put the rings of your choice aside, before I'll bring back all these trays."

Jarosho put the rings on a piece of velvet cloth, took the five trays and vanished through the door behind him. Within minutes he returned with one tray containing his special models of alliance rings.

Luke immediately pointed to a wide, beautifully crafted ring that was set all around with green gemstones.

"That one, Jarosho, for those stones are Illum gemstones, right." He said.

"Also a unique creation, master Jedi. There is no other, and there won't be one, for those Illum-gemstones aren't for sale. I've got these many years ago, when some bloke offered me the complete gemstone. I have split the stone in smaller ones and crafted this ring. I especially added it to this tray, because I was sure you would recognize the gems. Great choices, both of them, master Jedi. I will make a secured package of them. Rings and alliance rings are fifty thousand New Republic credits. I don't accept imperial credita any longer, for their value declines almost every month."

Jarosho vanished with the rings and the rings with the green gemstones.

"Fifty thousand credits, Luke, that's huge amount of money."

"Don't ask me, if I can afford such an amount, my love. I can. You're are worth much more, for you are invaluable to me." Luke said while he grab her hand.

"I have earn my wages while I travel with Yarnick and his brothers. I assumed they are still on my old ID-card. I don't know if I can still use them, after I officially became a citizen of the New Republic. I even don't know what the amount of credits on it. I never paid for anything while Yarnick was around, and I'm still not paying for anything," Liane said. Her last words were said in a whisper.

Luke looked at her and sensed the uncertainty she felt.

"You'd better safe the amount of credits on your card, naughty pixie. When we're in Irithim you can spend them to make changes to the apartment we're going to live in, for I'm sure you want to make the apartment into a beautiful home for us."

Liane nodded, but didn't comment on Luke's kind meant words. Jarosho appeared with a special container in which two small boxes with the rings lay."

"If I close the lid, master Jedi, only you or the lady can open it, using this card. You can change it after you have opened lid again. On the card you'll find several different ways to seal it."

Luke handed Jarosho his ID-card to pay for their purchase. He handed Luke the container with the card and was about to accompany to the door when Luke stopped him.

"Jarosho, do you know where I could buy a large drawing datapad with accessories. You're an artist, you probably know other crafts men."

"Sure I do, master Jedi. I'll bring you next door to Warangrit. He is a painter, but he has a great collection of all kinds of drawing materials. You will love his shop, and he sells for reasonable prices."

The Kayvok accompanied them to the front door and walk up to the next to his and knock. A very tiny man with six limps opened up.

"I have some good customers for you, Warangrit. The Jedi master is looking for a drawing datapad with accessories. I'm sure you have what he wants. Master Jedi, thank you for trusting me. I wish you a beautiful wedding day, wherever that may be. I hope that if you wear the rings you will remember me."

He turned to Liane.

"Lovely lady, your future husband has bought something very special to honor you. May you wear it for many more years."

"Thank you, Jarosho. Be sure I will," Liane said softly.

Luke and Liane stepped into the shop of Warangrit. Luke explained what he was looking for and the tiny man immediately produced several items that matched Luke's intention. He choose the largest datapad and bought three sets of different accessories. With their purchase they went back to the shopkeeper where they had bought the fabrics for the ceremonial robes and cloak. Luke warned the shopkeeper that he would pick up his speeder.

"I see that Jarosho had what you looking for. Good business for him." The shopkeeper said with a smile.

They greeted the shopkeeper, after which Luke secured their purchases in the compartments under the back seats. Liane leaned against the passenger's side of speeder, watching him. He looked at her and sensed a strange bewilderment around her.

"Do you want to meet some old acquaintances of me, darling. They own a bar, where we can have a good meal."

Liane got at the passenger's seat and nodded reluctantly.

"I'm not really hungry, Luke. I'm a bit tired and confused through all this." She said softly.

And all of a sudden she started to cry. Startled Luke put his arm around her. In his mind he saw again the image of the crying girl he had consoled after he had found her on Endor after his long search.

"Liane, what's wrong," He said compassionate.

"Everything," Liane whispered, "Everything. I want to feel happy with all what we're doing, but it's just as if I'm looking at myself front a distance. As if this all isn't happening to me."

Perplexed, Luke pulled her towards him.

"Aren't you happy with our purchases, my love. Did I do anything wrong?"

Liane shook her head.

"That’s not how it is, Luke. What we’ve chosen is beautiful. I think it’s wonderful, but it doesn’t quite feel like mine yet. I don’t feel the same happiness as when you proposed to me. I can’t explain it, but right now I feel sad. Sad and alone.

I thought we were going to a place where we would be finally together, just you and me, but instead I realize that my life has become much more complicated, that it feels as one big mess.

I’m not really Shaayla-Car Kenobi yet, even though it’s a beautiful name, but I’m no longer Liane Solichor either. I actually don’t know who or what I am anymore.

Everyone is friendly and nice to me, and yet I don’t feel at ease.

I want so badly to belong somewhere, to feel that I'm coming home somewhere, but it seems I’m getting lonelier and lonelier.

While I put on Leia's ceremonial Jedi outfit and looked in the mirror, I saw a woman who looked like a Jedi Knight in a ceremonial robe and cloak, but it wasn't my reflection, as if I wasn't the woman who looked back at me from that mirror.

Luke, since our return to Tyr, everything has gone wrong; everything seems to be getting out of hand. Yes, I want to keep our wedding plans secret because our first obligations lie with the Quelans of Ribana, with the friendly Governors Toallin and Mugin, and with their wives who are still so worried about me and warn me that I shouldn't be alone with you.

Leia has sent my brother back to Tyr because he wanted to know if I am happy. She did all of that with the best intentions, because she wanted to help us to keep our secret plan truly secret, but in the meantime, she has made my brother unhappy.

He didn't deserve to be banished, because he wanted to know what is going on.

He knows, Luke, he knows, he is a Jedi Knight. We haven't fooled Leia, nor my brother. He knows it, Luke, he knows everything. I sense that he knows. You might not have acknowledge after he talked to you, but just like Leia, he has accepted our lie.

I know that we must keep pretending to be master and padawan, but I am a Jedi Knight, Luke, I am not your Padawan.

You are a Jedi Knight, but you're not my Jedi Master; you can't be anymore, because I have endured all Jedi trials in a different way as Wedge Antilles has explained to me. He was right, for my initiation has been confirmed by the Force ghosts of yesteryear: Anakin, master Thon, master Odan-Ur, my ancestral mother Nomi Sunrider, master Yoda, Obi-Wan, my father, Severini, his wife and my mother and even Ulic Qel-Drama, the father of Nomi's daughter Shaayla, my ancestral father. I regret that you will never be my true Jedi Master.

I have always trusted what the Force told me.

Anakin taught me had to rely on her power on what she wanted of me. I always have made my own decisions, not always all good in the past, but gradually I learned to trust the Good Side of the Force more to see which path she wanted me to follow.

I never regretted, what I thought was the right thing to do, but now I feel like everyone is making decisions without asking me if I agree.

Those decisions are not mine. I feel that the Force is telling me I should decide otherwise, and because of that, I don't feel nowhere at home anymore. I feel alone, desperately alone.

After we will have helped the Quelans regain their old way of life in Ribana, they all have returned home, and those who helped them will return to their home planets:

Yarnick and his brothers will always find their way to Rasth,

Nori will likely return to Coruscant,

Han, Leia, and Chewbacca are going back to Irithim,

Yarmod and Tama-Him will fulfill their duties as pilots in Gold Squadron, which is also based on Irithim;

I heard that Wedge wants to take Chati to Corellia, to his parents' property, to continue Chati's training.

You told me that you have an apartment on Irithim where you always stay when you are not on a mission, but where am I supposed to go, where is my home?

I no longer have a place where I feel at home. Not the Domains, not Rasth, not Endor, not Tatooine, not Palomintar Four, and the memories I have of Irithim give me not a glimmer of hope.

Maybe I should go to Felusa and live in the house where my parents once have been happy. Maybe that will be the place where I will feel at home, but at the moment I feel lost, Luke, alone and sad.

Liane put her hands in front of her face and cried vehemently.

For a long time Luke said nothing, then he started the speeder and drove back to Ktafunda space port while Liane sat next to him still crying soundlessly.

He put down the ramp of the Astræga and lifted Liane from the passenger's seat. He brought her on board and put the speeder in the cargo hold.

Next he went to the cockpit and ask a clearance to lift off. While he waited he check the log of his ship and found the coordinates he was looking for. He fed the instructions in the navi-computer and when he got his clearance, he started the engines of the ship and took off. The Astræga circle above the space port before she set course to the coordinates from the navi-computer.

While the Astræga found her way above Palomintar Six, Luke thought about what Liane had said.

He was wondereing if he had interpreted their master and apprentice relationship in the wrong way. It had looked so simple. She had expressed her doubts about her initiation to her brother and his friend, at least that what those two young Jedi had told him, but was it true what they had said, or had they interpreted the fact that Wedge had given her his brooch as a token of her initiation as proof of her doubts.

Had his sister also misinterpreted what she has felt as she had met Liane on the western plains, while he had been inside Trevor's caves in Jedi hibernation.

He recalled what Liane had told him about her four days walk through the wild lands. How she had send her brother with Manall and Lorann to the campsite, because she knew that her brother could do what she could do. She had been right, her insight had been correct.

Together with the Granns and Yarmod, she had lead the group in mutual agreement through the wild lands. She had sensed danger as one of Trevor's probes had detected the group. She had sliced the probe in a coordinate attack together with Yarmod Martan. During all these events she never had had shown that she doubted her initiation, that she thought that she wasn't a Jedi Knight.

The navi-computer signalled that the had reached the destination.

Luke glanced through the cockpit window and saw the clearing next to the wooden cabin with the dome-shaped roof. A smile briefly appeared on his face. Even here, the builders had stuck to their traditional building methods.

Without difficulty, Luke landed the Astræga next to the cabin. He stopped the engines and went over to the control room.

Liane laid on one of couches. Her legs dangled aside. She had fallen asleep with the traces of her tears clearly on her cheeks.

Luke sat himself on the other couch, but he stood up and carefully put her legs on the couch. She didn't wake up. For a moment he looked down on the young woman who in her sleep, still showed her intense sadness.

Luke went to his own quarter and put on his normal outfit. While he carefully folded the ceremonial robe and the cloak he remember that what they had purchased was still under the back seat of the speeder.

He walked over to the cargo hold and took everything with him to the control room. Without any noise he laid everything out on the work table between the couches.

He opened the secured container with the card and took out the two boxes with the rings. He sighed as he opened the box with the wedding rings and wondered if he ever would wear one, or that their wedding plans would never come to fruition.

Next he took out the alliance ring and carefully put it on Liane right hand without disturbing her sleep. He put the open box with the wedding rings in front of the worktable and arranged their other purchases around it.

Then he left the control room and went to his quarter to seek his connection with the Force in a deep Jedi meditation.

To be continued...