Chapter 114

"I left Ktafunda after you became so overwhelmed there with what was happening to you. I realized it would be better for both of us to take a brake on a very quiet spot. Here Leia, Han, Chewie and I found Ian back in excellent health, thanks to your help and that of your mother Severini." He said.

Liane looked at the cabin.

"Even here, they build in the same way as the houses in Ribana."

"That's what I thought, just before I landed here. My love, we're alone here, just the two of us, like you said you wished for. No one will disturb us, for we're hundred of miles from Ktafunda. Here we will spend time together before we will return to Myr."

"Don't you want to pay those old friends a visit?" Liane asked.

"They aren't old friends, just two brothers of the same species of Jarosho, Kayvoks. After the fire Toallin and Mugin sold the bar and the burned lodging and went back here to take care of Ian. Leia and I have search this area from above using the Force to sense Ian's presence. He succeeded to reach Leia after Severini had helped him to recover fully. Here I decided that it was our duty to help Toallin and Mugin, the governors of Ribana.

"That was right, Luke, for that's our duty as Jedi Knights, but it's really beautiful here. Have you seen something of the area around the cabin."

"I have. Leia accompanied me and told her that I would love it be here with you. She understood what I meant. I'm here with you now, will you accompany me on the same walk now?"

"Of course, I will, Luke. It's so serene here, so quiet. While we're here, will stay in the cabin?"

"Toallin and Mugin locked up, but I can open the door," Luke said looking mischievously at her.

"No, Luke, I don't to that. That's trespassing. If Toallin knew we would have gone here and handed you the keys it would be different, but I don't want to make use of the cabin without their permission."

"Then we will stay in the Astræga," Luke answered. "Shall we go."

"I'll get Leia's cloak. Maybe I should ..." She began and started to laugh.

... no, you can take Leia's cloak with you, but I want you to wear this white outfit."

Liane went back to her quarter and took Leia's cloak, for a moment she looked at the brooch and decided to leave it on the clasp. She put the cloak around her shoulders and went back to the exit ramp where Luke stood waiting. With a smile he look at the brooch.

"Now your outfit is complete, my love. You're wearing the Jedi-pendant, the brooch and the alliance ring." He said. He put his arm around her, closed the ramp and walked with her along the path that lead to the ford of the brook. At the ford he lifted her and carried her to the other side. This time Liane didn't object as she sensed his longing to hold her in his arms without using his Force skills. They walked along the path on the other side of the brook, arms around each other, and neither of them spoke. They just enjoyed being together in the quietness of the surrounding forest.

The path ended at the source of the brook a lake bordered by trees. Luke pointed to a fallen tree stem and they sat down watching the water and listening to the many different noises of unseen birds and animals. Liane sighed happily content. Luke sensed that her feelings of sadness and loneliness weren't influencing her here. Again she had become one with the Force again and relied on her power. Liane pointed to the other side of the lake.

"Have you been on the other side with Leia?" She asked.

"No, I stayed here with her, and we talked about Ian and you. Here my sister showed her tremendous insight in the Force, as she saw the relation between the two of you. I warned her not to reveal what she had seen, but I acknowledge that she probably had seen the true relationship between Obi-Wan and Severini."

"You already knew that Obi-Wan and Severini had married?"

"Yes, I had a Force vision when I consulted master Yoda, before I arrived at the residential area at Na'ctaMagh'Ba."

"Have you often talked to your masters, Luke?"

"Numerous times, my love, about all kind of things. They helped and showed how to use the Force, after I found out what had happened to the baby ... Padmé and the woman who had been her mother." Luke said and sighed.

Liane sensed Luke's deep hidden sadness the faith of the daughter he had never known. Unwittingly and almost spontaneous she surrounded him with her healing thoughts of comfort and consolation.

'Wouldn't it make you feel better if you think and speak about Padmé as your daughter and always use her name instead of saying a baby girl. She is your daughter, your offspring?' She said on a soothing tone.

"That's what Obi-Wan and Leia told me, my love. It's not that easy for me, for I always see Eminil's image when I think of my ... of Padmé. I still haven't come on good terms with what happened between Eminil and me, especially her deliberate betrayal. I should let it go. It has happened long ago. I have more wonderful future before me, but still ... " Luke's voice broke off.

"... but still you feel responsible for Padmé and want to give her a loving place to rest." Liane said still using her healer's voice.

Luke nodded.

"It feels good to talk about her with you, my lovely pixie. It almost feels as if you feel more for her than I do, for I still see Eminil's image when I think how Padmé must have died. I've only known the woman who has been her mother, the woman who I once thought loved me, but deceived me."

They both were silent. Every now and then, Liane glanced to the side to look at his face. Luke looked calm, but Liane felt his sadness. It took a long time before Luke managed to became mindful of the moment again, of where he was and what he was doing. He stood up and pulled Liane to her feet.

"Shall we see, if we can walk around this lake and see what's on the other side?" He asked.

Liane nodded silently.

They followed the shore of the lake and, to their surprise, not long afterwards found another ford in the stream that had formed the lake and created a new outflow further downstream. Again Luke lifted Liane in his arms and brought her to the other side. They started to follow the shore on the other side when they suddenly saw a small clearing in the middle of the dense forest. Liane noticed that Palomintar was setting as long shadows began to cover the forest floor. An intriguing thought appeared in her mind, a thought she immediately discarded, because she sensed that Luke was watching intensively. He slowly pulled her through the dense growing trees and entered the clearing with her. He took off his cloak, spread it on the grassy soil and sat down, looking up invitingly at Liane.

With a smile she looked down at him and sat down between his legs. Luke lay his arm around her and pulled her to his body.

"It feel so reassuring, my eternal comrade, to feel your body against mine." He whispered. "It reminds me of that beautiful night on the eastern shore of Myr."

He began to gently caress her bare skin, which lay exposed above the top of the white dress. He pulled her closer and bowed his head so he could kiss her bare shoulders and her neck. Liane closed her eyes and felt excited by the soft touch of his lips.

"Go on, Luke. This feels so wonderful," She murmured with closed eyes.

For minutes, Luke continued to caress and kiss her. He began to smile softly as he felt her growing excitement.

"Luke?" She murmured again.

"Yes, my love. I know what you're thinking." He whispered. "I have arrange a place where we can be together. It's a very safe place, where no one will disturb us. Where we can meet, whenever we want. Will you follow me to join me there."

"Can we go there now, Luke?"

"Yes, my beautiful bride. It's not far away from where we are,"

He gently pulled her upright. Liane scrambled to her feet, while Luke stood up.

"Follow me, my eternal love. I'll show you." He said it and smiled mysteriously.

With his arm around her waist he pulled Liane with him until they reached the landing spot of the Astræga. He sensed her inquisitiveness as he released the exit ramp, but she didn't ask him anything. He pulled her up the ramp and closed the entrance. The whole time he kept one arm tightly around her. He walked with her through the control room and entered the passageway to the aft of the ship, but halfway he took her into a niche, placed his hand on ten-digital panel and pressed the code. Liane looked up at him in surprise, but entered the panoramic meditation room as he gentle pushed her forward. She ascended the three steps and looked around and then her eyes began to shine as she saw the arrangement of the forty nagawa fleeces laying on the floor of the room She turned around to him.

"I can't imagine a better place for the two of us, Luke." She said in a whispered and pulled his head to hers.

"Here we can relive our union with the Unifying Force as we saw in the middle of the night at the east coast of Myr, darling. We can come here as often as we want and wherever we are. Here in the forest of Palomintar Six, but also in the hidden valley on Myr, and wherever we will be. This is our place, the place where we will be the most happiest pair in the galaxy." Luke answered and kissed her.

Han looked at Leia.

"Leia, I have to make it up with Luke again. I think I know where they can be on Palomintar Six. Shouldn't we go there, so I apologize to Luke."

"I also have an idea where they will be. Han, but we should leave them alone there. They finally are on a place for from everything where they can fully give in to their feelings for each other."

Han grinned meaningfully.

"I can't blame them; I don't want to be disturbed either when I want you all to myself, honey, and I hope that your feelings are mutual."

Leia didn't comment on Han's remark.

"Are you joining Nori, Chewie and me now, Han. I want to tell Yarnick and his brothers. I have asked Nori to tell them I want a word in private in the Grannd Traveler."

"If you promise me, that you will find time to spend with me alone, like your brother is probably spending time with Liane."

"If you behave nicely I will give in to what you want, my beloved scoundrel," Leia said and tiptoed to gave her husband a kiss.

As they entered the Grannd Traveler the six brothers cheered and looked at Leia and Han with gleeful look. Chewbacca grumbled gleefully too.

Nori has already told us a bit, Leia, for I thought I would have been ordered to bring whoever to some planet unknown," Yarnick grinned.

"So our Jedi master and his beautiful Jedi apprentice have decided to get married, right?" Brion asked and looked meaningful at his other brothers. "Do you remember, guys, I just told you so. Our lovely adopted sister Eilidh Grann will marry her Jedi master and become Shaayla-Car Kenobi Skywalker. That's really worth celebrating, isn't it?"

"It certainly is, Brion, but not until we hear the news from them. I understand you have heard rumors in Cantamaga." Leia said.

"All of Cantamaga is buzzing with rumors. We heard it from Wollin, one of the leaders of the Harvest Men, but to be perfectly honest, Leia, my brothers and I have had a suspicion for quite some time. The way we sometimes saw Luke and Shaayla-Car looking at each other, that was not exactly a student who was obedient to a Jedi Master." Conor said.

"I understand, Leia, that you've heard it too," Yarnick said.

"Yes, and it might complicated our return to Myr, when also Luke and Shaayla-Car will return from Palomintar Six." Leia said.

"I thought they are still on Myr?" Kieran remarked.

"No, my brother told me that he wanted to go to Ktafunda with Liane."

The brothers looked meaningful at each others and began to laugh.

"Jarosho!" They said almost in unison.

"Who?" Nori asked.

"Hey, master Thai, don't you know how Jarosho is? That's a lack in your information database, sir" Brion remarked. "Everyone in Ktafunda knows Jarosho, the gold smith. An artist you will never forget once you have seen his creations."

"A gold smith?" Han asked, "What the hell does that have anything to do with Luke and Liane visiting Ktafunda?"

"Han Solo, you're disappointing me," Yarnick said chuckling. "As a trader and smuggler you should have heard of Jarosho, a more than two meter tall Kayvok."

Han looked at Yarmick, than he began to grinn.

"Do you mean Rajshoo, Yarnick, Of course I know the guy. Years ago I bought a pair of wedding rings from him." Han said and look at Leia. "Unfortunately it took some time before I could hand them to the one who I wanted to marry. So Luke is gone to Ktafunda to buy their wedding rings. How did he know Jarosho, or Rajshoo?"

Leia looked at her wedding ring, a broad golden band set on top with three blue sapphires. She smiled and looked at her husband.

"Even if he never has heard of him, the inhabitants of Ktafunda will gladly bring him in contact with Jarosho. The guy isn't only an artist, he is very generous, for he spends most of his wealth for the benefit of Ktafunda. Thanks to him Ktafunda has gotten a space port." Yarnick said.

"What ever the guy's name is, fellows," Leia said and looked at her companions, "We need to talk about how we will protect my brother's decoy that he is Shaayla-Car's Jedi master. Nori has suggested that we all should back up the story, until Luke and Shaayla-Car decided to tell us, and the Quelan Community about their wedding plan. I agree with Nori, for I think it's up to them to make their plan public and discard the story of being master and apprentice."

"The rumor already has spread to the Quelan community, Leia," Yarnick said, "I wonder if you're able to stop it from spreading."

"I will have a word with the governors and explain my brother's intention. I hope that they will convince the community to stick to the decoy until the truth will be revealed." Leia said. "But what will you do?"

"We will also stick to the cover up those two Jedi Knights have created. Maybe, no we, but they have to come up with a solution to this unexpected development," Brion said. "We can speak for them, Leia, but if they want to remain a Jedi master and a padawan, I don't see the need to confront them with their distraction.

"Then we all agree that we will leave it to Luke and Liane themselves?" Leia asked.

The six brothers, Han and Nori nodded in agreement. Chewbacca grumbled a pleasant gleeful comment.

"Yes, Chewie, I know, you've backed up their story from the beginning, although you knew it wasn't true," Han said.

"What about the other Jedi, although they probably will also stick to the distraction until further notice?" Conor asked.

"They will. Tama-Hin will tell Wedge, Chati and Yarmod what Udine has told him in private." Leia told the group.

"As soon as Luke and Shaayl-Car have returned on Myr we have to inform them about the change in the situation," Kieran said.

"I will tell them before they come back, Kieran." Leia said with a smile. "Well, thank you all for being cooperative. It's not what we've expected would be necessary."

Wedge, Yarmod, Ian and Chati sat together in the lofty suite about the main building, where three curved windows in the dome gave a splendid view on Cantamaga and its surrounding area.

Chati sat with bowed head and a deep rosy color covered the olive skin of her face. She looked ashamed.

"I knew she would seek you out, Ian. Every new thing that happens here is a reason for my mother to tell everyone about it. My father often has reprimanded her, but she hasn't change that habit. My aunt, her sister, is completely different. Aunt Carmona listens, gives her comment and tells my mother it's none of her business. I really don't know why my mother always needs to gossip."

"You don't have to feel ashamed, young padawan. Your mother has done this, not you. You kept to our agreement that you would never reveal what you have overheard between Luke and Shaayla-Car,"

Chati's face became even redder with shame and Ian sensed that she felt very ill at ease. Yarmod looked at Wedge and Ian.

"Chati was the first to tell me that the meeting between Luke and Shaayla was intended as a distraction from their wedding plans."

Chati looked at Yarmod.

"I have done something I shouldn't have done, but I was curious and I have used skin color adaptation to eavesdrop on their chat," She whispered.

"Chati, could it be that your mother also has used that specific Quelan use?" Ian asked her.

"It's unavoidable, Ian. It happens the moment when our surrounding has a different color than our skin, but I used it on purpose."

Again she looked very guilt-ridden towards the three Jedi Knights.

"My mother told me that she went into the vineyard to ask Shaayla-Car to give her a hand with some curtains I believe. The vineyard is a mess of entangled vines. So the moment my mother sought her way through it her skin certainly has taken on the color of the vines."

Yarmod started to laugh.

"And those two Jedi were taken off guard, because they weren't aware that some one was approaching. That happened not only in the vineyard, but also when you were eavesdropping on them here in Cantamaga. They weren't really one with the Force at those moments, otherwise they should have sensed your mother and you."

Chati looked at him.

"That's true, Yarmod. Ben let me experience what he called the Living Force on Myr. I even could feel the presence of the harvest men in the tree house."

Wedge look appreciative to his former padawan and nodded.

"I have thought of that myself, Yarmod. Good insight. It doesn't change the seriousness of what has happened, but Luke and Shaayal-Car must certainly have had a much lower awareness of their surroundings, for they let their emotional feelings for each other prevail over Jedi vigilance."

"I have to talk to my mother that she should stop telling everyone in Cantamaga what she has seen. It's very shameful, master, that my mother is behaving like that."

"Don't mention it to her, young padawan. There are other way to stop the spreading of gossip. Ian, do I understand that Leia will tell Luke and Shaayla-Car what has happened before they come back to Myr."

"She will, Wedge."

"Then we should all remain quiet about what we have heard. Don't confirm, don't deny. Tell any one who starts talking to one of us about what has happened that it is up to the two Jedi Knights to do as they want."

Chati look mischievous.

"Master, does that also include sharing kisses between a master and padawan."

"Most certainly not, young padawan," Wedge warned her, looking at the young Quelan woman.

Toallin looked at Leia.

"I call my brother, master Leia, and maybe I also have to inform Kamalin and Woldrin. Wait here, please."

Leia nodded. It took some time before all four important leaders arrived. Kamalin and Woldrin greeted Leia with respect. Toallin looked around.

"What we're going to hear has to remain very private, until Luke and Shaayla-Car will tell us, why they have chosen to lie about their changed relationship." Toallin announced.

"It's not a lie, governor," Leia said, "It's distraction."

"Distraction, decoy, lie. It isn't the truth. I can't understand why Luke would do this. He could have told us the truth that they have decided to get married, what's wrong with that. It's worth a congratulation and we would have celebrate their wedding. Are you suggesting, master Leia, that don't want us to know, but they don't want to wed here?"

"Absolutely not, governor. I understand that you feel frustrated about what you see as their lack of trust, but there is a very good reason why my brother and Ian's sister have taken this step."

Kamalin looked at Leia.

"Leia, in my opinion their distraction or misleading is not according to the high standard of attitude of the Jedi Knights, right? "

"I must disappoint you, Master Kamalin. Luke and Shaayla-Car have made a decision that is fully in line with what every Jedi sees as their most important duty. The most important promise a Jedi Knight makes at his initiation is to bring peace, prosperity, and justice wherever communities suffer from oppression or violence. This promise outweighs everything else, and all other, more personal interests are subordinate to it.

"Leia, do I understand that your brother feels still bound to his promise to help my brother and me to free Ribana and make sure that the intruder would leave the caves under the mountain?" Mugin asked.

"That is correct, Governor, and although Ribana has been liberated and the intruder taken to Coruscant, my brother still feels obligated to do more than fulfill that first promise, and to make it possible for the Quelan community in Cantamaga to return to Ribana, so that they can resume their old way of life. Governors, you have both seen how Ribana has deteriorated over the years of absence. Much work needs to be done to make the city look like it used to again. Everyone who has supported the Quelans in the liberation of Ribana over the past few months still feels the need to offer you and your community all the help necessary to make Ribana flourish again. My brother's promise forms the basis of this help. We all wish to offer our assistance to you and the Quelans who wish to resume their old way of life."

""We are indebted to you for all the help you have already received and will continue to receive, Leia, but what is the connection between Luke Skywalker's promise and the distraction he and Shaayla-Car told us about?" asked Woldrin.

Four pair of eyes looked at Leia.

"At the beginning of our conversation, Governor Toallin already said that he would have been pleased if he had known that my brother and Shaayla-Car had wedding plans. He spoke of celebrating their wedding, but that would have made the progress of the restoration and repair of everything that needed to be done in Ribana secondary. That is not how we Jedi view our task. Their wedding plans are, in fact, secondary to the restoration of the Quelan community. Only when Ribana has been restored, or at least to the extent that the Quelans can live there contentedly again, do my brother and Shaayla-Car want to celebrate their union with them. To prevent rumors or gossip from thwarting Luke's plans, he and Shaayla-Car decided to keep their wedding plans secret. However, they have been in love with each other for a long time, and their decision to marry has only strengthened their feelings for one another. They felt they needed a place where they could meet without being disturbed by friends or other Quelans, to avoid rumors and gossip. Therefore, they chose to be master and padawan for the time being, because it is not unusual for the master in such a relationship to take the padawan along and remove him from sight to explain a deeper understanding of the Force."

Toallin started to laugh and his way of laughing worked as contagious on the other three Quelans that also they laughed.

"Thank you, Leia, for this beautiful story. I am sure we will be telling this story to our children for years to come. As governor of our Quelan community, I fully appreciate what has happened. However, Luke made a mistake by thinking that his beloved future bride would be safe in the Vineyard building. Yes, she was out of sight so that others could not ask her why she was Master Skywalker's apprentice again. Shaayla-Car met my wife Udine when she told us that Chati had gone to Myr with Cornell and his men. Udine must have felt responsible for her, and I know my wife; she must have become very suspicious about those secret meetings between Shaayla-Car and Luke. She told me that, just before we were all due to return to Myr, she had seen those two secret lovers kissing. It must have upset her, because she asked me where Ian was so she could tell him that his sister had been seen kissing her Jedi Master."

Mugin laughed even louder.

"We have all been young and in love, I think. So I can forgive them for distracting us, because the reason was very selfless. They put the community of Quelan and the help that was needed above their wedding plan. That is certainly to be appreciated. The problem now, however, is that the entire community of Quelan is buzzing with rumors about the festivities surrounding their wedding."

Mugin looked at his brother and the two chairman of the Council of Elders.

"Toallin, we must make an announcement regarding these rumors circulating. We must not deny what has been spread within the community, but it would be wise for the Quelans to understand that all festivities are being postponed until Luke and Shaayla-Car have informed the Quelan community themselves. Until then, the Quelans must not ask them anything about their marriage plans, but adhere to the earlier agreement that they are master and apprentice."

Kamalin and Woldrin nodded.

"An official statement done by the Council of the Elders and signed by the governors will definitely prevent Quelans from bombarding our two Jedi friends with their questions." Woldrin said.

Kamalin looked at Leia.

"Leia, you have to know that an official statement as Woldrin just said, is considered a form of the rule of law within this Quelan community. Therefore, I am convinced that once we have made the announcement the rumors and gossip will stop for the time being — not entirely, but at least not in public. It will absolutely not become a subject of conversation or discussion among our residents. Woldrin and I will work out the text of this official statement. As our whole community is staying here for a couple of days, before the second group will go to Myr, we can announce it tomorrow or the day after tomorrow at the latest. That will prevent that the second group wouldn't know what has been decided."

"Thank you, master Kamalin. I'm very glad that you understand my brother's predicament and that we've come to an agreement. As a Jedi I will inform my brother and Shaayla-Car what has happened and what you as the leaders of the Quelan community have decided. It will be up to my brother how to cope with this changed situation, that actually thwarts their plans."

"I hope that he won't blame any of our community," Toallin said and Leia sensed his concern about the gossip Udine had spread.

"I certainly won't reveal how his plan has become public, governor." Leia said as she rose.

On the afternoon of the next day Toallin announced that that evening an official statement would be issued by the Council of the Elder. The announcement spread like wildfire through the community and that evening after the main plaza was crowded as all the Quelans of Cantamaga were eager to know what they would hear.

Manall and Lorann stood in front of the crowd when Lorann's father Cornell walked over to them.

"Father, I want to have a word with that young Jedi Knight, that friend of yours. You call him master Kenobi, right, because he's the son of your old Jedi friend. Where can I find him?"

Lorann pointed to Ian who was just walking over to them. Cornell looked at Lorann, before he turned to Ian.

"Lorann, I'm going to ask the governors to announce that before I return to Myr you will become Kalinn's husband, understood," He said, pointing at Lorann. He didn't wait for Lorann's reaction and turned to Ian.

"Did you tell my son that he will become a Jedi Knight?" Cornell asked Ian.

"No I haven't, master Cornell, that's not my prerogative. It's master Skywalker who decides if a Force-user might be trained as a Jedi Knight. Only he has that authority."

"Good, I'll speak to him then, when I will see him on Myr again. I don't want my son to become a Jedi Knight, master Kenobi. You just heard what I said to my son. I will see to it that the announcement will take place immediately. "

"I'm sure that Luke Skywalker will respect your point of view, master Cornell." Ian said, while Cornell walked away with long angry strides.

Ian sensed that Lorann who had heard his conversation with Cornell eagerly was almost in tears. Manall, Cornell's father was outraged. Gently Ian put his hand on Lorann's shoulders. The boy looked up.

"He might force my marriage to the girl he and master Wollin have chosen to be my wife, maybe even tonight, master Kenobi. He will formally announce that the governors are agreeing with him and master Wollin and that I'm wed to Kalinn a girl of of not yet eight years old. As soon as he has done that I'm married to her. Please, master Kenobi, tell my father that you will be my Jedi master and that you have taken me as your padawan."

"I can't do that, Lorann, and I have told you the reason, but as soon as Luke is back on Myr I will tell him that you don't want be married against your will. Master Manall, is there a way to obstruct Loran father's formal announcement.?"

"This our traditional way of life, master Kenobi, but I'm going to talk to Kamalin and Toallin, for the governor staying here I have heard. The Council of the Elder has to affirm a forced wedding of a minor boy, if I remember correctly."

"I'm going to run away, I'm going to live in the nut woods with the Urams. They will defend me against my father." Lorann exclaimed in frustration.

"What's going on here," The voices of Leia Organa and Wedge Antilles sounded. Yarmod was also nearing looking at Ian and a crying Lorann. Ian took a few steps forward to explain to Leia and Wedge why Lorann was so upset.

"Master Cornell has just told Lorann that he might announce in public that Lorann has been married to Kalinn a girl of seven years old. If that happens Lorann will be a married man, who has to support her." Ian said, "It's bit difficult to explain. Master Manall just told me that it's a traditional rule. Master Cornell opposes the facts that Lorann has the skills to become a Jedi Knight, but the Council of the Elder and Toallin have to confirm Cornell's request to make the official announcement."

Chati pressed forward and put her arm around the crying boy.

"This won't happen, Lorann. My master and the other Jedi will help you. They will talk to my father and I will also tell him that he has to stop your father from doing this to you. You're twelve years old, you're not a adult Quelan.

She turned to Wedge Antilles.

"Master, you can't let this happen. All these traditional rules destroy the lives of those who do not fit into the community and know that their destiny lies elsewhere.

Wedge looked at the still silently crying Lorann and nodded.

"I agree with you, Chati, but if we want to change things we have to be patient and acted very carefully, but I'm sure that master Leia will come up with a temporary solution."

Leia looked at Manall

"Master Manall, yesterday you spoke up to your son. You told me that you finally have told him what you have been thinking for years."

"Yes, master Leia, and I still stand with my point of view, but I'm only Lorann's grandfather, Cornell, as his father has full authority over him until Lorann has reached the age of twenty. With twenty Lorann will be an adult Quelan, but I fear that by then Cornell will have forced the boy to earn his own living as a harvester and take care of his family."

Leia looked at Wedge, but he shook his head.

'I can't take the boy as my padawan, Leia, although Luke wouldn't object, but I have to pay full attention to Chati Fonaldris.'

Leia nodded.

"Wedge, after the official statement has been announced, I want you to join me while I will talk to Kamalin and Toallin. Master Manall you probably know that master Kamalin is a Force-user himself, like you."

Manall nodded

"I know, master Leia, for I have often disagreed with him, because he used his authority as chairman of the Council to set certain rules of law when our governors hadn't come back."

"Do you think, that your son would accept it, if master Kamalin would tell him that Lorann will be his assistant in the Council until all the Quelans have returned to Ribana. If master Kamalin will make Lorann his assistant it might prevent that master Cornell takes measures he will regret later. "

Manall, Wedge and the other two Jedi looked at Leia in amazement, but Leia turned to Loran.

Lorann, now listen carefully to me, I've heard that you make beautiful drawings. You can use your talent to listen to those who have just returned and ask them to tell you what they have seen and what they have done in Ribana. Master Kamalin could use your drawings to explain what the second and the third group might expect."

Lorann looked up with a more hopeful look in his eyes.

"Will I get foil sheets to draw on and also some colors, master Leia?" He asked

Leia nodded.

"Master Antilles and I will take care of that, Lorann, but first master Kamalin must be convinced and tell your father that he needs your help. We'd better now listen to what the special announcement holds.

On the broad terrace Toallin and Mugin had appeared together with all the members of the Council of the Elders. Kamalin stepped in front of the group and uncoiled a foil sheet.

"The Council of Elders and the Governors of Cantamaga and Ribana hereby make a special announcement."

He began: "Over the past two days, rumors and gossip have reached our leaders and the Council of Elders that two of our guests, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker and his padawan Shaayla-Car Kenobi, will announce their wedding plan However, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker has promised our governors, Toallin and Mugin Fonaldris, that he would help them liberate Ribana and defeat the intruder who destroyed our way of life. The Council of Elders has investigated the rumors and gossip and has concluded that Jedi Master Luke Skywalker's original promise to help the Quelan community return to Ribana and resume their old way of life is still in effect. Therefore, the Council of Elders and the governors do not want their fellow citizens of Quelan to pay attention to rumors and gossip regarding a possible marriage between Jedi Master Skywalker and his Jedi apprentice miss Shaayla-Car Kenobi. They are still with us to help us regain our old way of life in Ribana, along with their other friends and Jedi Knights. Master Han Solo and his Wookiee friend Chewbacca, Master Nori Thai, and our business friends, the Grann brothers. "

Silence resulted after Kamalin had ended his announcement. The crowd on the main plaza spread and went back to their own chores.

Lorann looked at Ian and grabbed the sleeve of his cloak.

"Has this been stated, because I made that beautiful drawing of miss Shaayla-Car?" He asked.

"No, Lorann. Nobody has seen that drawing. You only showed it to your grandfather and me."

"I will hide it, master Kenobi, for I want to give you her. Do you think she will like it?"

"Absolutely, Lorann, for you have drawn her as she really looked like at that moment, what's more, what she really felt then."

Wedge and Leia put a gentle hand on Lorann's shoulder and nodded to Manall, Ian and Yarmmod to follow them. Together they walked to the main administration building where master Kamalin just left the building.

"Master Kamalin, I need to consult you on another serious matter that occurred just before you made the official announcement." Leia said.

Kamalin looked at Lorann.

"Something has angered you, hasn't it, boy?" He asked friendly.

Lorann wanted to deny, but as he looked into the calm face of his schoolmaster he nodded and averted his eyes.

"Then what has happened, must have upset you much, hasn't it?"

"Yes, master Kamalin," Lorann said.

"Can you tell what's so frustrating, young man, for it's been a long time ago, that I sense so much anger in you. It's not your habit to become outraged so easily, so tell me what happened."

"My father ... don't ... want ... me ... to become a Jedi Knight, master Kamalin. He will ask the governors to make a public announcem .... that I shall be ....wed to Kalinn, master Wollin's daughter." Lorann stammered, while he clenched his fist and with a dark outraged look in his eyes.

Ian and Yarmod who stood next to Lorann put a hand on the boy's shoulder to console him.

Kamalin looked at the two young Jedi Knights and then also beckoned to Wedge, Leia and Manall.

"Follow me. Lorann, you must tell this directly to the governors. It has been a very long time since such a public announcement was made concerning an under aged boy from the harvestmen's community. It has been decades, or even longer."

They all went inside the main administration building and entered the office where Toallin was telling his brother what needed to be done once Mugin would be running the administration in Ribana. They looked up as the group entered. Kamalin encouraged Lorann to tell the governors what his father might ask them. Toallin and Mugin looked at the four Jedi Knights.

"Is there a chance that Lorann will become the Jedi apprentice of one of you?" Toallin asked.

Leia stepped in front of the group.

"I'm afraid not, governor, but Lorann, master Cornell's son is a Force-user, just like your daughter. I have spoken with Jedi Knight Tama-Hin Kenobi and master Wedge Antilles and they have given me enough evidence to confirm their observations. I will talk to my brother. For it's his prerogative to decide if a Force-user will be trained as a Jedi Knight, but I'm convinced that Luke will not let him down, although Lorann have to wait for some time to become someone padawan. However to avoid that master Cornell will make a request which he truly will regret one day, I would like to ask master Kamalin to take Lorann as his assistant, as he also once has supported your daughter. Lorann has a great talent to make drawings of what he sees, or of what others might telling him. I suggest that, to create an agreement for the present, until my brother has spoken to master Cornell and understands his point of view, that Lorann will listen to those Quelans which have done their chores these last weeks in Ribana. He will make drawings of what they tell him. Master Kamalin and you, governor, can use those drawings to show the third group what they might expect in Ribana and what work still needs to be done."

"Thank you, Leia," Toallin said and looked at his brother, "This is a matter, we will solve once all of us are back in Ribana, Until that time, Master Cornell may not submit a request to us or to the Council to confirm the marriage of his young son and the daughter of Master Wollin.

My brother and me will lead the meeting between Cornell and Jedi master Luke Skywalker. We can't predict the outcome, but we will support the idea that in our community more Quelans might be Force-sensitive. Kamalin, do you think that Leia's idea to make Lorann our temporary assistant in the Council of the Elders and make these drawings which, I think, will have advantages."

"Most certainly, Toallin. Let me talk to Cornell and convince him that I want Lorann as my assistant, because he can show those who still have to go to Ribana what has been done and what still needs to be done. I know the boy's talent. I'm almost certain that Cornell won't object, even though he often thinks that Lorann spends too much time by making drawings. I have once protected Chati against the traditional ideas that live in our community, so I will gladly defend Lorann's talents. You have my words, for I know already for a long time that Lorann is a Force-user. There is only one explanation for the fast way he can run: he is one with the Force whenever he is enjoying running. He loves it. Have you seen it?"

Ian Tydon nodded and smiled. Lorann's eyes had become wide. He looked up at Ian.

"Master Kenobi, is it true what master Kamalin is saying about me. Am I already using the Force, like you do, when I'm enjoying running." He asked.

"You shouldn't doubt what master Kamalin is telling you, Lorann. He knows you far more better than I do." Ian said.

Lorann looked at Toallin and Mugin.

"Master governors, will you tell my father I don't want to be married to Kalinn?" He asked, looking with hopeful eyes at the two leaders.

"We can't promise anything, Lorann, but we will talk to your father and Jedi master Skywalker."

Chati who had followed the whole conversation between Leia, her father and her uncle and her old schoolmaster Kamalin suddenly pressed forward, before Wedge could grab her arm.

"Father, you must prevent that this will happen to Lorann. It's about time that all these ancient, ridiculous rules which are dating back to thousand of years, or so it seems to me, are no longer valid. All young Quelans should make their own decision and not be married because their families make agreements all before they are born. You have seen what has happened to me all those years, you have heard what my mother over and over told me. I had to keep Cemall of my back, for he also is old fashioned and thinks he can make the rules, because he is a male. Those Quelans who want to live in another way, had to be respected for their choice." Chati said in a loud voice so all gathered should hear her

Now Wedge Antilles grabbed her arm.

"Stand back, young padawan. You know that forcing changes isn't the way thing will alter." He said.

Chati looked up at him defiantly.

"I'm often told to keep my mouth shut, father, but I am tired of what others always say or think about me. I am tired of what I'm doing wrong in their eyes. That has been true for me ever since I knew I wanted a different life, but it is also true for Lorann and perhaps for others. I finally got an opportunity to follow a different path. A path I want to follow for I see that as my destiny. Lorann is still too young to stand up for himself and resist his father's will. That is why he needs your help, our leaders, to protect him against those old rules. "

For a moment she looked at Wedge Antilles.

"I am grateful to you, master, for accepting me as your padawan learner, but that does not mean that I am not allowed to stand up and tell the leaders of our community, accidentally my father and my uncle, that things need to change and that old rules must be revised, so that a new generation can also lead their own happy lives."

Chati looked at her father and Wedge, then turned around and left the room with her head held high. Ian and Yarmod turned around and held their hands to their mouths to avoid that any one would see them laughing. Leia looked at Wedge.

'She is right, Wedge. Don't be too hard on her about what she just said Leia advised.

'I love her way to speak out, but she needs to learn to control her angry feelings. I will discus this with her.' Wedge answered with a grin.