Hello everyone. Thanks to those of you who reviewed and gave your ideas; it is much appreciated. I'm sorry this has taken a while but unfortunately, I haven't been that well this week. Here is chapter 26 and what some of you have been waiting for. This deliberately is a nice chapter and is purely to demonstrate the fact that Ahsoka is beginning to fully recover even though she's not fully there yet. Anyway, on with the chapter and Ahsoka and Lux are basically in heaven.
The Order Redeems: Chapter 26 – Ahsoka's Bliss
It had been three days since Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano had arrived on Onderon and she had just woken up. She was now quite used to sharing Lux's room and it made her wish that Lux could be with her in the temple when she went back. Although the worries over her former master's injuries were still swirling around in the back of her mind, they weren't exactly the first thing she was thinking of at that moment. In fact, she was almost purring with contentment; she had spent the last three days in the company of the guy she loved with all her heart, Senator Lux Bonteri.
The only sad part of the situation was the fact that this was the last day she could spend on Onderon with Lux. She was needed back at the temple as she due to start a new mission the following day. Although she knew the mission was on Raxus, she didn't know what it was yet so she would have to see the council when we got back. It is for that reason that Lux had informed her that he had something very special planned for this day. Ahsoka had to wonder what it was but she also found herself loving the mystery so she had decided not to press Lux too much on it; although she will ask the odd question about it.
Ahsoka was also slightly puzzled over where Lux was. As soon as she woke a few minutes before, she noticed that Lux was not with her and had obviously got up some time before she woke. Ahsoka could sense that Lux was still in the house so she wasn't worried; it just puzzled her slightly. She was just about to get out of bed when Lux came back into the room with a tray in his hands. Ahsoka beamed as Lux placed the tray in front of her on the bed and kissed her on her forehead. "Today, you get spoilt 'Soka" he said.
"Thank you Lux" Ahsoka answered as she kissed him back. Ahsoka's stomach started to growl as she saw the full breakfast on the tray. Ahsoka smiled as Lux lay beside her as she ate. Ahsoka adopted a playful tone as she asked, "What is this special event you have planned for me then?"
Lux chuckled with mirth as he responded, "You'll have to wait and see 'Soka but first, you'll need a dress."
"Lux?" Ahsoka questioned, "I haven't got a dress."
Lux smiled, "No, but you will have after today and don't worry about the cost either."
Ahsoka's eyes widened, "You mean….?"
Lux cut Ahsoka off with a kiss on her lips as he answered, "Yes, I'm going to treat the most beautiful girl in the galaxy to a no holds barred shopping trip."
Ahsoka's head-tails blushed, "Oh Lux…." She leaned in and the two met with a kiss again. Ahsoka was in bliss; she couldn't ever remember feeling like this before. She knew at that moment that her heart truly belonged to Lux and it had since she first met him on Raxus. Ahsoka now knew that it always would.
Lux also was in a state of glee; this was the best moment of his life. This was the first time he had felt complete in the six months since Steela had passed. Although he had loved Steela, since her death he realised how much he had always loved Ahsoka and now, for the first time he knew how much he now belonged to Ahsoka and he could tell how comfortable they were with each other.
Lux knew that time was short if Ahsoka and him were to fit in what he needed to fit in but he had to admit, he could quite easily sit right here holding Ahsoka in his arms all day and he would be quite happy. Nevertheless, he would have to move if he was to get Ahsoka to the King's Ball that night. He kissed Ahsoka again before he stated, "I'll let you get dressed then I will take you into town and you can spend as many of my credits as you want."
Ahsoka beamed in reply and her face then gained an evil smirk, "You may regret that statement" she playfully added.
"I'll never regret anything for you 'Soka" he replied and with a final kiss, he left the room to allow Ahsoka to dress.
-0-0-0-0-0-
A couple of hours later and Lux and Ahsoka were walking around the Merchant Quarter of Iziz, the capital city of Onderon. Ahsoka had already purchased a few plants and ornaments which she intended to brighten up her quarters in the Jedi Temple with. Now, they were looking for a dress. Lux had told Ahsoka that the dress needed to be very high class and that money was no object but he refused to give Ahsoka any hints about why the dress was needed.
Lux led Ahsoka to a high end boutique that specialised in high end women's clothing. As the two teenagers walked into the store, they were met by one of the store's personal fitters. She was a short human woman with shoulder length blonde hair with dyed pink highlights, fair skin and brown eyes. She was wearing a grey business like top and a knee length skirt. Lux and Ahsoka could see her name was Rita from a name tag she was wearing. "Good morning, how can I be of service?" she asked.
Lux gestured towards Ahsoka and answered, "I am looking for a high end ball gown for my girlfriend here."
'Ball gown?' Ahsoka questioned herself but she stayed silent.
Rita looked Ahsoka over, "Ah yes, Togruta. You'll need a dress to compliment your skin colour my dear. I'm sure I can help you with that." She then caught a glimpse of Ahsoka's lightsabers and her eyes widened slightly, "She's a Jedi! That is a surprise. So the stories I heard of Jedi now being allowed to love are true then?"
"Yes we are allowed to love now" Ahsoka answered.
Rita smiled and nodded, "If the two of you would follow me, I'm sure we will have something that will suit the young lady." Lux and Ahsoka followed her into the shop to a private fitting area at the back. As they were walking, Ahsoka glanced around. She had never been in a shop like this before as up until now, Jedi did not have high class clothing. Ahsoka was blown away by the dresses, tops and skirts that she saw on the shelves; they were all of the highest quality and made of fabrics that Jedi were not normally allowed to go anywhere near. Now, however, the code had been altered so Ahsoka realised there was nothing wrong with her being here now. As they reached the fitting area, Rita spoke again, "If you will bear with me, I think I know the perfect gown for the young Togruta lady." She walked off, leaving Lux and Ahsoka alone.
Remembering some of the prices she had caught glimpse of, Ahsoka asked, "Are you sure about this Lux? The prices here…."
He answered her by kissing her and holding her hand, "I told you 'Soka; cost doesn't matter."
Ahsoka smiled as Rita came back into the fitting area. The shop assistant couldn't help but flash a small smile as she noticed the two teenagers holding hands. "I think I've found the perfect gown. Suitable for all high class social evenings and its colour even matches your facial markings." She held up a gown for Ahsoka to look at.
Ahsoka's eyes instantly widened; she had never seen such a beautiful dress before. It was exactly the same white colour as her facial markings. Made of the finest silk, the dress had bare shoulders and was shaped to fit perfectly. The front of the dress had lace sections that would allow a certain amount of skin to show through. The mid-section had an internal corset to hold its shape and the dress ended in a flowing skirt that would obviously almost reach the floor. The end of the skirt was made of frilly lace and looked almost like a cloud. "That's….that's beautiful" Ahsoka uttered.
"Would you like to try it on Master Jedi?" Rita asked.
"Yes please" Ahsoka replied.
Rita handed the dress to Ahsoka, "The changing room is just through there."
Lux waited patiently whilst Ahsoka changed. When she reappeared, Lux almost lost himself, "Ahsoka, you look incredible."
Ahsoka head-tails blushed with a purple colour, "Thank you Lux."
"You do look wonderful my dear" Rita added, "I think that dress is just you. How's the fit? Is it ok?"
"It fits me fine," Ahsoka replied, "I can't believe how comfortable it is."
"It's the highest end gown we have here. It has been specially designed to be comfortable for long periods."
Lux nodded, "Good, how much is it?"
Rita smiled, "Well good sir, as I said, it's the best gown we have in the store and so I think its price is very reasonable at a thousand credits. We also have matching gloves and with the young lady being a Togruta, we also have a matching headdress with jewel inserts that she can wear between her montrals."
"A thousand credits for a dress?" Ahsoka barked with wide eyes, "Lux, you can't."
Lux held his hand up to silence her, "Fine, we'll take it and the gloves and headdress."
"Lux, are you sure?" Ahsoka asked again, "You've already bought me some plants and ornaments for my quarters back at the temple."
"You are worth every credit 'Soka" he replied.
Ahsoka gained a massive smile that showed the tips of her fangs, "Well, I'd better change out of this dress; I don't want to walk around town in it." Ahsoka walked back into the changing room to put her usual Jedi attire back on.
Whilst Ahsoka was gone, Rita went to retrieve the matching gloves and headdress and Lux smiled; his bank account was going to take a massive hit today there was no doubt about it but even he could see the joy that he had brought to Ahsoka today; it was clearly written on her face.
A few minutes later, Ahsoka reappeared in her usual clothing carrying her new dress which she handed back to Rita when she appeared. Rita then led Lux and Ahsoka to the store's tills, "I will get the dress, gloves and headdress wrapped for you whilst we settle the bill."
Lux nodded, "Yes, that's fine."
After entering everything through the tills, Rita stated "With the dress, gloves and headdress, that'll be a total of one thousand seven hundred and sixty credits, please sir."
Ahsoka stood dumbfounded as she watched Lux count out the required number of credit chips; that was pretty much her entire monthly credit line at the temple. She wondered at that moment what the masters in the temple would say if they were here and she really wondered what Anakin would say. "That should be right" Lux stated as he placed the last of the credit chips on the counter.
"That's fine" Rita responded as she handed the newly wrapped dress, gloves and headdress to Ahsoka. Once everything was completed, Lux and Ahsoka walked out of the shop. If she was honest, Ahsoka was in a state of shock as she didn't expect Lux to spend money like that on her. She was truly over the moon but she still didn't know why the dress was needed.
Lux led Ahsoka back to the speeder. As they both got in and placed the packed dress next to their other purchases, Lux stated, "I've got somewhere special to show you for the rest of the afternoon."
As the speeder took off, Ahsoka asked, "Where?"
"You'll see 'Soka. You love nature don't you?" Lux kept an amused smile on his face as he guided the speeder up into the Onderon Mountains not far from where the rebel base used to be.
Ahsoka smiled in response; she loved nature. Indeed, she shared that love with many Jedi and she was a little bit sad that she couldn't see more of it during the Clones Wars. Feeling extremely happy, she rested her head on Lux's shoulder as the speeder climbed higher into the mountains.
Ahsoka frowned when Lux suddenly landed the speeder in a clearing among some trees on a mountain side. As the two of them exited the speeder, Lux took her hand, "Close your eyes 'Soka."
"Lux?"
"Trust me" Lux replied. Ahsoka smiled with amusement then did as she was told and closed her eyes. Lux put his arms around her and led her through a gap in the trees. Ahsoka could tell she was being led slightly uphill she could also sense the living Force erupt around her telling her of the huge amount of life around her. All of a sudden, Lux stopped causing Ahsoka to do the same. "Ok, you can open your eyes now."
Ahsoka slowly opened her eyes and a huge smile appeared on her face, "Lux, it's beautiful." As Ahsoka looked around, she could see a sparkling freshwater lake in front of her. It was surrounded by trees and vegetation and the surrounding mountains could also be seen through the trees. She could see fish swimming in the lake and small flying animals that looked like small mantas flying all around over the lake. Sunlight was illuminating the whole area and reflecting off the water.
Lux pulled Ahsoka into his arms. "Yes it is beautiful but it's still not as beautiful as you" he uttered as he brought her into a kiss.
Ahsoka's whole being just melted, "Oh Lux" she sighed as they separated. "Can we stay here?"
"Yes 'Soka we can….." Lux quickly kissed her again "…..but we must get back for tonight."
"Why?" Ahsoka asked. At that moment, she wanted to spend the rest of her life right there in Lux's arms watching the wildlife around the lake.
Lux pondered for a second; was this the right time to tell her? He decided with himself that this was as good a time as any, "Because I've been invited to a ball that King Dendup is holding tonight for all the people that gained Onderon its freedom and you're invited to come with me."
Ahsoka's eyes widened, "You mean?"
"Yes 'Soka. I want you to come with me. I want to make it official that we are together."
Ahsoka smiled and leaned into Lux's arms, "Well, that qualifies as a good reason to get back then."
Lux smiled and held her close. In his mind, this was the important step in their relationship before asking her to marry him. He knew he would be doing that within a few months as he was due to start looking for an apartment on Coruscant in the next few days as he will be needed full time in the senate soon. In fact, he may even surprise her in the temple when she comes back from her next mission if he can find a place in time.
The two teenager's lips met with a kiss again before they both settled down in each other's arms to enjoy the beauty of the lake and forest for the rest of the afternoon. As it approached late afternoon however, the two of them walked back to the speeder and flew back to Lux's residence.
-0-0-0-0-0-
It was early evening and Lux's speeder landed outside the Royal Palace. Lux and Ahsoka got out of the speeder. Ahsoka was wearing the white ball gown, gloves and jewel insert headdress that Lux had bought her earlier in the day and Lux was wearing a white shirt with a black tie and suit.
"I'm a bit nervous about this Lux" Ahsoka uttered. Attending a royal ball was not a usual Jedi activity and she had nothing in her training to prepare for it.
Lux gave Ahsoka a quick kiss and responded "It'll be ok 'Soka I promise. You'll do fine and you look a million credits."
Ahsoka flashed a quick smile in response as Lux took her hand. He led her up the palace steps and into the palace. Once inside, their arrival was noted and they were directed towards one of the palace's ball rooms. Ahsoka could hear music coming from the ball room and after their identities were confirmed, the doors into the room were opened for them and as soon as they walked into the room, one of the guards announced their arrival, "SENATOR LUX BONTERI AND JEDI KNIGHT AHSOKA TANO."
Ahsoka watched with slight discomfort as everyone in the room looked at her and Lux, but mostly her. She had to smirk however once she sensed the feelings of some of the men in the room. As Lux and Ahsoka walked into the room, they were met immediately by Saw Gerrera. He smirked as soon as he noticed Ahsoka and Lux holding hands; he turned to Lux and said, "I see you've got lucky after all Lux."
Lux blushed in response which caused Ahsoka to laugh, "Yes…yes I have" Lux finally managed to reply.
"I'm happy for the two of you" Saw added. He then turned to Ahsoka, "Welcome General Tano. I heard about everything that happened to you and I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'm glad you have overcome it."
"Thanks Saw" Ahsoka replied, "What are you doing now?"
"King Dendup has appointed me as the head on Onderon Security" Saw replied, "It's keeping me busy. Things are quiet now however."
Ahsoka smiled "That's great, I'm glad you have got a good position."
"Thank you. Now if you will excuse me, I must mingle" Saw said, "As a soldier, I'd prefer a battle any day" he added with a laugh. He then turned back to Lux, "Look after her Lux." He then walked away.
Lux turned to Ahsoka, "I'm glad he's happy now. It took him longer than me to get over Steela's death." Ahsoka closed her eyes with a hint of grief as she nodded in agreement. Listening to the music, Lux added "Care to dance 'Soka?"
"I can't dance Lux" Ahsoka answered as her head-tails blushed, "I've never been taught how."
Lux took her hand, "Just follow my lead." They joined the other couples on the dance floor and Ahsoka started to follow Lux. Although she was uncomfortable initially, Ahsoka quickly started to like dancing.
Lux and Ahsoka continued to dance for an hour until they noticed the floor had been cleared somewhat. They were just about to leave the dance floor themselves when the music changed to a slow song. They looked towards the band and noticed that Saw and King Dendup had been talking to the band and were now both smirking at them.
"I guess this is a setup" Lux uttered.
"I guess it is" Ahsoka replied. Lux held Ahsoka close as they continued to dance to the slow music. Ahsoka noticed that the people in the room were smiling at Lux and her together and she could sense their genuine encouragement and support. It was clear to her that everyone in the room was very happy to see the relationship between her and Lux.
After a brief round of applause, everyone came back out on to the floor. Once they were no longer alone, Lux and Ahsoka met with a kiss as they continued to dance; an act which brought about a huge number of people shouting "Awwww." Neither Lux nor Ahsoka cared from that moment on that people had noticed them; they were both too happy to take any notice.
Eventually, after Lux and Ahsoka had tired of dancing, they made their way off the dance floor and sat at one of the side tables. Immediately, servants set a drink and some food in front of the two of them. As they started to eat, King Ramsis Dendup approached them. Both Lux and Ahsoka immediately stood up and bowed with respect. "Your majesty" Lux added.
"Please" Dendup responded, "the two of you have done more for Onderon than almost anyone else." He turned to Ahsoka, "General Tano, please know that you will always have the full backing of the people of Onderon and we are all happy you have overcome the difficulties that happened to you."
Ahsoka could sense the genuine warmth in the King as he spoke those words. The welcome she had had at this ball had really helped her recovery and she knew it. She was also delighted that everyone here had accepted her and Lux. Smiling she replied, "Thank you Your Majesty."
Dendup smiled at her then turned to Lux, "You will have to take your full position in the Republic senate soon Senator; the people of Onderon now need our views heard."
"I agree" Lux replied, "I will be looking for an apartment on Coruscant in the few days so I can do that."
Ahsoka beamed with happiness at hearing that as King Dendup answered, "That is good to hear senator. I'm glad the two of you got together; I'll leave you to each other now. Enjoy the rest of the evening."
As Kind Dendup walked away, Ahsoka asked Lux, "Are you really getting a place to stay on Coruscant?"
"Yes I am 'Soka. As I told the king; I need to take my place in the senate" Lux lightly stroked Ahsoka's face with his hand, "and I want to be near you."
Ahsoka smiled as they continued to eat. After they had finished the food and drink, they sat together enjoying each other's company as a few of the rebels came up to briefly talk. Eventually, the ball started to wind down and people started to leave and Ahsoka started to yawn. Noticing that, Lux asked "Tired 'Soka?"
Ahsoka nodded, "Yes Lux I am and I need to get back to the temple tomorrow."
"Come on then" Lux led her to the speeder and after saying their goodbyes to everyone; they took off and headed back to Lux's residence. Once they arrived back, Lux and Ahsoka went back to Lux's room and went to bed together.
-0-0-0-0-0-
The following morning, Lux flew Ahsoka back to her ship which had been kept at the space port. As they both got out of the speeder, both of them had tears in their eyes as they kissed each other again. As they separated, Ahsoka stated "Bye Lux. I'll be back after my mission as soon as I'm allowed."
Lux couldn't hide his sorrow in the fact that Ahsoka had to leave; he knew that Ahsoka would be able to sense it but he replied, "its ok 'Soka, I'll be on Coruscant myself soon. I might even be there by the time you finish your mission."
Lux's words made her feel better about leaving but she was still slightly sorry, "I'd love that Lux."
"As would I. Now 'Soka; go and be the Jedi you are and always wanted to be."
"Thanks Lux" Ahsoka stated smiling. She leaned in and kissed him, "I love you Lux."
"I love you to Ahsoka" he replied. Ahsoka finally dragged herself up the ramp of her ship, The New Horizon, carrying her purchases, including the dress, with her, and made her way to the cockpit. Ahsoka couldn't help a tear as she powered up the engines and the ship lifted off. She guided the ship out of Onderon's atmosphere and into space; setting the navigation computer to Coruscant, she made the jump into hyperspace.
Well, that's chapter 26. As I said at the beginning; sorry it took so long. I hope you all liked that as this proved to be the hardest chapter for me to write. I don't know much about women's clothing so if I got anything wrong in the description of Ahsoka's dress then I apologise to all the women out there. If anyone has any thoughts on how I can improve this aspect of the story then please tell me. Anyway, next chapter; Ahsoka makes it back to the temple and catches up with Anakin, Katooni gets transferred to Galactic City Hospital for her Operation and Ahsoka speaks to the council and finds out about her mission to Raxus.
One final thing; I've been thinking about the sequel of this story and I'm wondering whether to just combine it into this one to just make this story go right through. Please give me your insight into which approach might be best; to combine and form one long story or go for the separate sequel. Don't worry; the story will be the same whichever.