Disclaimer: I own nothing! Never have, never will. This is delicious poodoo for the fan base community only.
Title: The Wedding
Rated: T for mentions of mature content
AN: This is a reedited/reposted story. It's basically my version of Luke and Mara's wedding from an old story that's never going to see the light of day.
Constructive reviews are welcome as well (they help the writing/editing process a great deal).
The dress felt like liquid silk against Mara's skin, and cascaded down over the lacy underskirt which peeped out from under the small train—it wasn't big enough that she could trip over, however. The lace-edged veil fell over her red-gold curls and Mara felt cold without her Jedi tunic as she arrived to the cathedral's entrance. She smiled as Leia joined her wearing a white, drop-neck, bridesmaid gown.
"Mara, you look beautiful," Leia smiled and handed Mara her bouquet of lilies, ivy and red-white roses.
"So do you," said Mara. "Is everyone ready?"
"Just about. The boys have settled down the crowds—there's an advantage to having Jedi and Rogue Squadron attending. Here, you might want this, just in case." From a hidden pocket, Leia produced Mara's lightsaber and handed it to her. Mara took it and placed it in her bouquet.
"Noticeable?"
"No," Leia confirmed, gathering up her own bouquet and straightening her dress out one last time.
"I doubt Luke will appreciate it if he finds out," a new voice said, and Mara spun around, grasping her lightsaber only to come up face to face with Talon Karrde.
Mara sighed, calming herself from the momentary shock, then glared at him darkly. "Why should he?" She replied. "I'm not marrying him for protection, and there's that little fact that he's so completely unpredictable."
"True," Talon agreed. "Now let's get this show on the road before we get anymore unwelcome interruptions."
"Are you completely sure everything's under control?" asked Mara, worried despite her best efferent not to be. Leia nodded, taking Han's hand. He walked slightly unsteady, his face a light greenish hue from the effects of last night's bachelor party.
"It's fine," Talon assured Mara. "If there's an occasion with more armed Rebels in its ranks, it's here. Now," He turned and looked at Mara fondly, taking her hands in his, "before we go, I have to give you something."
Leia opened her mouth to protest, but Han tugged her arm, giving her a warning glance, and the words died in her throat. From his suit, Talon took out a small, delicately wrapped package and handed it to Mara who quickly opened it. She gasped. Inside were a pair of large crystal drop earrings. When they moved, they bounced off in dazzling multicolored rays. Mara slipped them on, touching them reverently and loving there pleasant weight when they moved against her neck.
Blinking back sudden tears, she hugged Talon. "Thank you, Talon, they're beautiful."
Talon grinned, pleased with himself, "You're welcome, Mara. They match your dress, and I thought you might like them." He kissed her cheek then laid her hand on his arm as they positioned themselves for the wedding march.
Several nervous minutes passed before it began, and the cathedral's doors swung open. On either side of the aisle the guests rose, all eyes turning on the slowly advancing bride. Mara felt their piercing eyes upon her, and turned all her focus on the back of Leia's dress and on her breathing. She'd done this once before, she could do it again.
Passing row upon row of guests—Senators, planetary Governors, military admirals and commanders, a few celebrities—Mara could quite literally feel their breath on the back of her neck. She tightened her grip on Karrde's arm, and he squeezed her reassuringly back. It wasn't the fact that she walking towards her destiny that unnerved Mara, it was the fact that everybody's attention was on her. She'd never been the complete center of attention before, Luke had the fame and now that she did she hated every second of it.
Breath, breath, Mara reminded herself as they reached the aisle's midway point. I'll be better when I see Luke, he's just as uncomfortable with this as I am.
The rest of way down the aisle seemed to take an eternity. At last Han and Leia reached the dais steps and parted to stand by the others there. Mara lifted her eyes up to see Luke, and her heart jumped into her throat at the sight before her. She'd never, ever seen him look so handsome in her life before.
Luke wore his finest Jedi robes, ones he'd specially bought for the occasion. He wore a black vest over a black tunic, dark brown robes over all with his lightsaber dangling on his hip. His windswept blonde hair was combed to perfection. Luke's calm, controlled face let up like sunshine when he saw Mara, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement and love. Mara blushed.
They walked up the dais steps. Talon handed Luke Mara's hand and step away as they faced each other. A rustling sounded throughout the silent cathedral as all the guests sat down. Hand-in-hand Luke and Mara turned and faced Kam who beamed with pleasure. It was amusing that one day he would be marrying the same Jedi Master who'd performed his own wedding not a few years before.
Kam began, his clear voice vibrating off of the cathedral walls. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade. In the years they have been together, their respect, understanding and love have mature until now they have decided to join in marital union as husband and wife." Kam paused, letting the words sink in before going on. He looked at the couple before him, smiling as he said, "May you always desire each other, not to fill emptiness but to help each other know your fullness. May you want one other, but not out of lack. May you embraced one another, not encircle each other. May you succeed in all ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces even when the road darkens. May you each fight for this union even when one of you stumbles and falls. May you experience great happiness and joy in one another. May you always have love, and find pleasure in loving each other." Kam took a deep breath and turned to Luke, "Do you, Luke Skywalker, take Mara as your lawfully wedded wife; for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, through prosperity and war, from this day forward until death do you part?"
Luke's voice rang out loud and clear, "I do."
Kam turned to Mara and asked her the same.
"I do." Mara had never been surer in her life.
They exchanged the rings they'd each specifically picked out for one another. They were simple and tough since they would probably go through a hurricane of wear and war. Luke's ring was molded out of white gold with the classic May the Force always be with You etched in ancient Corusant around it. Mara's ring was also white gold with three (blue, green, and purple) Ilum crystals embedded within its folds.
Luke caught Mara's eye and smiled. He'd caught her admiring it on the holonet, but had found that it was out of production. With the help of several scoundrels and smugglers, more than enough threats and persuasions, Luke had finally found it and bought it.
Mara moved her finger, admiring the way the light caught the crystals' colors.
Kam cleared his throat, then said, "By the power invested in me by the laws of the Republic, I hereby proclaim you husband and wife." He paused again, letting the statement sink in, then turned to Luke smiling more like an eager twelve-year-old than a stoic Jedi Master. "You, Master Skywalker, may kiss the bride."
Luke readily obliged. He took Mara's hand and pulled her closer, then leaned in to kiss her with the bursting passion that had been building up in his core. He touched her cheek and let her presence engulf him, soothing him like water down a dry throat. A deafening roar burst from the guests who sprang up, clapping and cheering furiously. From the direction of the Rogues and Solos came a repetition of "Yeah, that's more like it!" "Finally!" "Congrats!" "Resumption time!" and "Yuck!" from the youngest generation.
Luke and Mara pulled apart and faced the crowd hand-in-hand, faced flushed and smiling jubilantly. Luke squeezed Mara's hand encouragingly and lovely as they stepped down from the dais and down through the aisle, closely followed by their family and guests.
~'~
The resumption was held in the Grand Ballroom of the hotel where Luke and Mara would spend that night. Some of the political and celebrity guests left before it begun, since after all this affair was more to the interests of close family and friends. They sat, ate and drank, joked, insulted each other, then finally began to toast the newly wedded couple.
Han rose, ringing his spoon against his glass to get everyone's attention. He nodded at Luke and Mara, then began his speech, "Good evening everyone. Thanks for putting down your forks and glasses long enough for me to say some things regarding this—" he paused, searching for the right words, "-unique couple. To everyone here, this marriage came as a wonderful surprise. I mean, we didn't know that Mara Jade was Luke's type or that he had the guts to purpose to her. No offense, kids," he winked at them, "not that Mara isn't a beautiful woman—sorry princess—" he apologized to Leia. "In fact I can bet on the Falcon…"
From some corner Lando called out, "I'll take you up on that!"
"…That Luke's the envy of every unmarried man in the galaxy. But enough of the pleasures." Han took a breath, holding up his glass to the couple, "All I have to say is the first time I met him, I thought Luke wouldn't make it past Alderaan, let alone become a Rebel hero and Jedi Master. You've surprised the hell out of me, kid. And Mara, I always knew you were the right one for him. I think you're good for him, keep him on more than just his toes—"
"Han Solo!" Leia exclaimed, shocked.
Han just grinned and went on, "Anyway. I hope you two live long enough to enjoy some fun together without war or other interruptions. Chawie adds the same. And try not to kill each other within the first three months," He added as an afterthought. Han drained his glass in one hearty gulp and sat down.
Several more speeches followed from varies individuals, each one recalling a memorable occasion or thanking the couple for everything they'd learned from them. Lando was practically in tears when he addressed Mara and their unsuccessful relationship together. Wedge gave him a hard tequila as soon as he'd sat down to drown his sorrows. Even Artoo rolled into the center of the room and with Leia translating, related his respect for his master and how he had always liked Mara from the start.
When everyone had finished giving their speeches at last, Luke stood up and spoke.
"Neither me or Mara can thank you enough for your support," he said. He paused to think, and swirled the wine in his glass. "I know that the Republic admires me," he resumed, "but I'm no better than the rest you. I have my share of mistakes and heartaches. Though we set celebrating this new union, I can't help but remember some who should've been here to see this."
Luke raised his glass, "I would like to give this final toast to their memory. To Obi-Wan Kenobi. To my parents Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, and to my Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru."
Everyone drained their glasses and Luke sat back down beside Mara.
Music begun, and one-by-one couples began to form on the dance-floor while others broke into merry conversation and playful bantering. The newly married couple mingled and greeted old and new friends alike, conversing about the ceremony and everything that had proceeded it.
"I can't believe it!" exclaimed Iella to the ladies around her. "The gall to break into a wedding like that?! What were they thinking?"
"Not much if I know the media," said Mirax just as Mara passed them by on her way to the food table.
"Ah, Mara!" Tionne stopped her and draw her back into the circle of ladies. "You were absently stunning today."
Mara smiled, if a little uneasily, and thanked the Jedi Historian. "You were too," she added.
"Oh, don't lie, Jade," groaned Mirax with a wave of her hand. "The bride is suppose to outshine everyone else." She took a swig of her drink and asked, "How'd you like my gift?"
"What?" said Mara, then she blushed suddenly remembering the gift of lingerie—if it could even be called that. "Oh, I haven't tried it yet."
"Oh, come on!" Mirax frowned into her drink, "You have to."
"I doubt I'll make it that far with Luke."
Several of the ladies giggled, the alcohol's effects kicking in.
Grinning, Iella elbowed Mara and wiggled her eyebrows at her, "Soo…? What's it like with—umm—Luke? Being a Jedi Master and all, sometimes you can't help but wonder."
Mara's eyes danced with mischief. "Between me and you," she said, "He's positively amazing."
"I can bet," said Mirax, "Force skills and all. So, have you won any…you know."
"Yes. Several in fact. But, for the present we're even. I have a felling that'll change soon."
"Haha," Iella chuckled, "it'll better. Well, ladies, it was nice chatting with you, but I have to go now and corner Wedge before he does something stupid. He can't drink as much as he thinks he can."
"That's basically the same for every man in this room," said Mirax. "Except for maybe…Han."
She glanced over to where said smuggler was trying out his horribly constructive dance moves. She turned back with a grimace and sighed as Mara laughed. "Yeah, well," said Mirax, "I should probably go and find Corran before his Master starts turning me on. Ah, Mara, you're such a lucky girl."
I know, Mara nodded, boy, do I know. She peered through the crowd in search for Luke, finally spotting him cornered by a group of Rogues. By the time she reached him, he was red and breathless from the dirty jokes they'd been cracking. They fell silent as she joined them.
"Well, hello boys," Mara smiled at them as they gathered around her.
Han grinned over the rim of his glass, "We've got the bride trapped. Who's going to get her first?"
Several heads shot up. "I will!"
But before anyone else could step forward and catch her, Luke grabbed Mara with a defiant "She's mine!" and whisked her away onto the dance floor.
"Well, that wasn't any fun," Wes bemoaned to Han after they'd gone.
"You can dance with Leia," Han offered.
Out on the dance floor, Luke wrapped his arms around Mara's waist to pull her closer to him, and rested his cheek against her head. Mara smiled, her happiness too great for words. She could feel Luke's joy through their bond and meet her to a potent height. She laid her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes and basking in his warm presence as they swayed slowly to the music. With Luke, she would always be safe and free from her daily trials and her haunting past serving in the Empire. Time stood sill with him, and she never felt like looking too foreword in the future or remembering too back in the past. There was only the present, the now with Luke.
Mara sighed contentedly, wishing this moment could last forever, but knowing it couldn't.
Luke's grip on her tightened for a moment, and he asked worriedly, "What is it?"
Mara turned her head and looked up at him, smiling, "I'm just so happy to be here-with you. I love you, Luke."
Luke smiled back at her, the worrying replaced by affection in his eyes. "I know," he replied. "We've gone through a lot together, Mara, and will go through even more, but I will always love you with all of my heart."
With all of my heart, Mara's heart melted at his words, and she ducked her head down to hide her blush. The song ended and they separated to rejoin the rest of the party. Wedge and Iella appeared at Luke's side.
"You know, Luke," he said. "You haven't danced with Iella yet."
"What are you impelling…?" said Luke as Mara silently rejoined him, suspicious of Wedge's intentions.
"Well the boys are gettin' some wild music goin', so I thought you might want to trade off…"
"Over your dead body!" snapped Mara, but before she threatened more she was seized in a big hairy grip, and suddenly found herself face to face with Solo, Chewie quickly retreating to give other unfortunates a similar treatment. Han grinned as he grabbed Mara and waltzed her back onto the dance floor. She could barely control her breathe or laughter as he whirled her around and around, almost colliding with the other guests and tables. His burst of insanity abruptly ended when the song did, and Mara burst into laughter as Han swayed from side to side and turned several shades of green as his stomach met up with the rest of him.
Finally catching his breath, Han bowed flomboitly and slurred, "It was a pleasurer, Mara."
Mara laughed, "It was." She leaned against a nearby table and laid a hand to her heart to slow the adrenaline pounding through it.
"Han!" Leia appeared beside her, thoroughly shocked. Of everyone there, she was one of the few who hadn't drunk enough to sink a Dreadnaught. "Han, what have you done to her?"
Han was all smiles, "Just a little jig—Corellian style. Now, princess, your turn…?" and with a streak from Leia, he danced her off through the guests.
Mara laughed again. It would be considered an understatement that Han was the life of the party, he was the life and death of it. Sensing his approach, Mara turned away from watching Han and Leia, and smiled as Luke joined her.
"Are you okay after that?" he asked, eyes laughing.
"Yeah," said Mara, "though I'm not too sure about Leia."
Luke glanced at his breathless little sister, "She's fine." He looked around to see if anyone was within ear shot of them. A few were, but they were too drunk to care. Grabbing her hand, Luke pulled Mara away, mischief dancing in his eyes, "So, would you like to escape this lot and go back to our hotel room?"
"Of course," said Mara, her heart jumping into her throat at his intentions, "but we might want to hurry."
Hand-in-hand, Luke lead her to the nearest exit. Looking behind them, he chuckled at the sight that met his eyes, "They'll be a mess in the morning, especially Han."
Mara grimaced, recalling the several occasions she'd seen Han hungover; it wasn't a pretty sight. "I can only imagine," she said. "Poor Leia."
"Poor Leia," Luke agreed.
They slipped through the door and down the hall to the nearest turbolift. As they waited for it to carry them to their level, Luke checked to see if he had the keys to the hotel room. All their baggage, except a small suitcase with the next day's clothing, was already stowed away onboard the Millennium Falcon. There had debate whether they needed a hotel room at all, but Leia had firmly pointed out that no-one—least of all the bride and groom—would be in any shape to walk the few blocks to their apartment or ship.
Mara snuggled closer to Luke. He wrapped his arms around her, and buried his face in her hair, kissing the top of her head. She lifted her eyes and kissed his cheek, then began to unclasp his collar fasteners, but stopped as soon as the turbolift opened to reveal an inebriated prom party on their way down.
The leading girl, a slender blonde, froze when she saw them, "Lu-Luke Skywalk-er. M-Mara Ja-de…"
With a wave of his hand Luke said to her, "You didn't see us."
"No, it can't be," the blonde shook her head in confusion, "I didn't see you."
They slipped pass the prom party, sighing in relief as they vanished into the lift.
"That was close," said Mara as they walked down the hall in search of their room number.
"Too close. Ah, here it is."
As Luke pouched in the security code and unlocked the door, Mara stood by and watched with rising excitement and apprehension. His hair was disheveled from that afternoon, the bangs falling across his eyes, but he was suddenly more handsome than she'd ever seen him.
Is this really happening to me? Mara wondered. I'm married to the very man I wanted to kill not five years again. What if this is all just a dream that's going to die, and I'll wake up bitter and lonely again? But what if it's not? It was that possibility that scared her the most. She could never really know what would happen to her with Luke in her life.
Luke finished unlocking the door and glanced at her, "Are you alright?"
Mara took a deep breath, unaware she'd spaced out for a moment, "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Good," Luke took her hand, and planted a fierce kiss on her mouth as the door slid open. In a flash, he grabbed her and spun her around, pressing her against the wall as he kissed her again—harder this time. Mara seized his collar, pulling him closer and kissing him back just as hungrily. One hand held her up as Luke's fingers searched for her gown's zipper. Warm skin was exposed, and he quickly slid the rest of the annoying item off of Mara's shoulders and arms, kissing the skin as it was revealed to him. Mara was terrified and trapped underneath him, but was excited by the energy that filled the bond between them like electricity in a wire.
Mara tried to relieve Luke of his robe and tunic. He stood up, tossing the robe into a dark corner, and pulled his tunic over his head. He gazed at Mara, her hair tousled from his hands running through them, her lips gasping for breath, her green eyes sparkling in the darkness of the hotel room. Wrapping his arms around her waist, Luke bowed his head and brushed his lips against hers in a soft kiss, his fingers fumbling for her bra connecters.
"Luke," Mara gasped against his lips, then pulled back to look at him.
"What my love?"
"Umm… We haven't made it past the entry, and I would like a cushion at my back for this."
"Your wish is my command, my love."