Encouraged To Love
The Early Years
It is a time of peace for the galaxy. The Jedi Order maintains
peace and justice in the Republic and the Senate is in the
capable hands of Chancellor Valorum. Much remains the
same in the galaxy while the traditions handed down
for generations are observed. It is now time for a
new generation of Jedi to begin their training to
insure prosperity and stability in the galaxy...
Jedi Princess
High Princess Mari Bana of Balong sat on the floor of her play room, her white septsilk dress messily spread around her. The room was filled with numerous toys and books that would please any child of three. Colouring books were hazardously scattered around the room while the portraits on the wall seemed to stare disapprovingly at the chaos. But the child ignored both the mess and the splendor of the room. The princess' attention was entirely fixed on the growing tower of building blocks before her. Mari's eyes were tightly closed, her little face scrunched up in concentration. Reaching out her small hand one of the blocks on the floor began to slowly rise into the air until it settled on top on the tower. Voices began to grow louder outside of the closed door.
"I must see the child to determine her power. If she has sufficient Midi-chlorian levels then she will be admitted to the Jedi Order."
"But Master Jedi surely you could choose someone else, anyone else."
"I, of course will only take her if she comes of her own free will. You have my word on that your highness."
The door opened suddenly to reveal two women. One was dressed in a blood red septsilk dress while the other was in plain Jedi robes. Her concentration broken the block tumbled to the ground clattering on the wooden floor. The Queen knelt beside Mari as the child opened her green eyes.
"Mari, there is someone who would like to meet you." she said gently.
The Jedi knelt down so her face was level with the child's.
"It is an honor to meet you your highness. I am Jedi Knight Tula na' Tala."
"Thank you for coming Master Tala."
"Your mother tells me that you have unusual powers. Would you like to show me?"
"Of course Master. I was just practicing."
Closing her eyes again Mari stretched out her hand to one of the blocks on the floor making it rise almost to the ceiling before setting it back down slowly.
"Your highness, I am very impressed by your skill. If you wish you will be admitted to the Jedi Order where you can learn to use your power under our guidance."
"Mother doesn't like me using my power Master Tala."
Tula glanced at the queen before looking at Mari again.
"But your Mother has taught you that your duty is to help as many beings as you can. If you train to become a Jedi and use your power you will be able to help many more people than if you stayed here." Mari looked confused, glancing at her mother and then at Tula. Tula cupped Mari's face in her hand and looked into her eyes.
"No ones forcing you to make this choice Mari. Whatever you decide I will understand, as will your mother."
Mari stared a long time at her mother before finally turning to Tula. "I want to help people Master Tala. I want to become a Jedi. But..." she turned back to mother and hugged her. "Will I ever see you again?" she asked, tears showing in her voice.
"Of course you will sweetheart." The Queen glared at Tula until the Jedi at last shrugged her agreement. "When you are older perhaps your masters will allow you to visit."
The two separated and the Queen held her daughter's face in her hands so her hazel eyes meet her daughter's green ones and stroked her long brown hair.
"Make me proud Mari. Study hard, listen to your teachers and keep your heart bright. I fear it will be the only thing to save you in the hard years ahead of you. As long as the star shines..."
"I will follow it's path Mother."
Tears welling in her eyes the Queen kissed Mari's forehead and watched as her daughter was led away by Tula. The Queen remained on her knees, the blood red folds spread around her were in sharp contrast to ebony wood floor. Tears slipped down her checks as she held a doll in likeness to Mari to her chest.
"My daughter." she whispered through numbed lips. "Only yesterday was your life, your destiny certain. What have the Jedi taken from me, from our world. They take the hope of a few to bring hope to many. My heart aches for the hurts you will suffer, the passion you will surrender. You will never hold your own child in your arms as I have held you. Curses on the Jedi, who lead mere children to a fate they cannot understand or imagine."
Author's Note: I would like to thank you all for your support of this story so far. It has been very exciting coming up with these characters and ideas for the Star Wars Saga. Of course anything and everything to do with Star Wars is owned by Mr. Lucas. I do however own Mari, Tula, the Queen and Balong so far. More about them later. Next chapter Mari goes to the Jedi Temple to begin her training. Thanks again, Elfgirl9.