Chapter 54 – Royal Wedding

This chapter is finally finished. I had a pretty bad case of writer's block and the words just wouldn't come. The chapter didn't become as large as I hoped it would be, but all of the scenes I wanted are in it. Considering I have no experience with weddings myself, I think the chapter worked out nicely after all the struggling.

Hope you enjoy.

;-

Ahsoka Tano smiled as she stood next to her sister Lilo and her about-to-be sister Zaa Vashee. She was a little uncomfortable at being all dressed up and with the many eyes looking at them, but she could bear with it for Marina and Rosette. This was an incredibly special day for them, after all.

Marina had grown more and more nervous as the week progressed, but now the moment was finally here. Today, she would get married to her old time sweetheart prince Zolar Vashee. He stood close by them, dressed in very expensive clothes. A great sense of nervousness radiated from him as well.

In a few short moments, their father would be leading Marina towards the altar where they stood waiting, alongside Zolar's father, King Zhorin Vashee, who would be conducting the wedding rites. Both were dressed in very fine looking ceremonial robes. She could tell that Zolar was quite nervous as well, but he managed to keep it together after a few words of his best man.

They were currently in the large ceremonial hall in the palace. The rest of their families was seated in the first row of seats. Their mother looked very happy and was quite emotional. Rosette was sitting on her lap, smiling very brightly. Aisha was seated next to them. She had a big smile on her face too and was looking around with wide eyes.

Lux was also sitting with them. He had been able to keep his schedule free so he could attend the wedding as well, much to Ahsoka's delight. He would have to leave when the wedding was over, but they had been able to spend two days together before the wedding.

Behind them were seated the many people who had come to witness the wedding as well. Most were from Corvala, but there were also a number of people from the tribes that were closer to the city. It was a massive gathering of people.

The orchestra at the side of the room starting playing and the doors to the hall opened, revealing Marina and their father Haymish. They made their way towards the altar where Zolar waited. Many eyes widened as they looked at Marina. While not being a huge fan of fancy and elegant dresses, even Ahsoka had to admit that Marina looked amazing in her wedding dress with the veil hanging down from her montrals.

After they reached the altar, Marina shared a hug with her father and he sat down next to his wife. Marina walked up and joined Zolar, taking his hand with a smile that he returned just as eagerly. Then they both turned to his father as he began the ceremony.

Ahsoka looked at the two standing there, smiling at the feelings she sensed coming from them. Pure happiness radiated from the two of them. It was obvious that they had both longer for this moment for a long time.

As she watched them, she wondered if Lux and her would be together like that sometime soon. Although if she was honest, she wouldn't mind having a smaller ceremony than this. This just seemed like a bit much for her taste. She glanced at him and let her mind wander around those fantasies for a moment before bringing her attention back to the present.

With both Zolar and Marina at the altar, king Zhorin began the ceremony. Everyone in the hall went silent as he opened with the traditional words. He too seemed very happy for both his son and Marina. He continued with the wedding and then asked his son for his vows.

Zolar nodded and looked at Marina. "I truly wish that I had told you how I felt about you earlier. I always wanted to do so, but I never dared to, I was too afraid. I have also made some terrible mistakes and behaved like a bastard, but you were still willing to give me a chance. I promise you, I will do whatever I can to honor you and your family. I will try to never let you down again. I love you and always will."

Marina tried to say her own vows, but her emotions kept her from doing so. She took a deep breath and managed to start. "I too wish that I had the courage to say how I really felt. Things would have been very different. While it was a great shock to me, I'm now really glad that Ahsoka learned the truth." She paused and gave her sister a smile. "I know that Rosette really wants to be with her father and I still love you and always will do so."

The two of them smiled at each other before turning back to Zolar's father. He too smiled and nodded and the two before continuing the wedding. When he asked if anyone had a reason for them not to be wed, everyone in the hall remained silent.

"Now, my son, do you take Marina Tano as your wife? Now and forever, for better or worse, will you love and honor her as long as you both live?" Zhorin asked his son.

Zolar nodded and looked at Marina. "I do," he said as he squeezed her hand.

Zhorin nodded as well and looked at Marina. "Marina Tano, do you take my son to be your husband? Now and forever, for better or worse, will you love and honor him as long as you both live?"

Marina smiled and struggled a little to keep her eyes dry. "I do," she replied happily.

"Then, by the powers vested in me as king of Shili, it's my pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife," king Zhorin then said. "You may kiss the bride."

Zolar turned to Marina and smiled. He gently parted the veil hanging from her montrals before leaning in for a kiss that she eagerly returned. The crowd in the hall cheered and applauded behind them.

Ahsoka smiled at the sight and the joy she felt from them. Happiness also emanated from Lilo and Zaa next to her as they watched the two kiss. Lilo in particular appeared to be on the verge of bursting out in tears of joy.

Marina and Zolar parted a moment later, both smiling happily. After a few words of congratulations, they and the king led everyone to the large ballroom that had been prepared for the celebration.

;-

After the majority of the people had made it to the ballroom, Marina and Zolar, with the help of an eager Rosette, cut the large wedding cake, opening the celebration. The people there all gave another cheer as Marina and Zolar made their way to the dance floor to open the first dance.

As the band started playing, Marina and Zolar started their dance. The two only seemed to have eyes for each other as they danced. After a few minutes, other joined them on the dance floor, the parents of the two being the first.

The party picked up and the room became a lot livelier. A few people joined the new husband and wife on the dance floor while others began to partake of the banquet and each other's company.

Lux asked Ahsoka to dance as well, which she accepted with a smile. They both ignored a few teasing comments from Lilo and Zaa before walking onto the dance floor as well.

They both laughed as Lux lead Ahsoka in the dance. "Have you been practicing?" Lux couldn't help but ask as he noticed that Ahsoka seemed to be moving better than the last time they danced.

Ahsoka giggled a bit at his question. "Well, maybe a little bit," she replied. "Marina and Lilo persuaded me into it while we were preparing for the wedding. It was a little awkward at first, but I'll admit, it has its uses now."

"I told you so sis," Marina said as she and Zolar passed the two of them in their dance. She look at her husband again. "Looking at the two of them, maybe we should keep the ceremonial hall ready."

"Well, that sounds like it could be a good idea," Zolar replied with a smile. "I'm sure that Zaa and Lilo would agree."

Ahsoka rolled her eyes and took the lead in the in their dance a moment, moving them away from Marina and Zolar. Marina laughed as she noticed what Ahsoka was doing and gave her a little wave.

Ahsoka and Lux blushed a bit with what they had been suggesting, but continued their dance regardless.

"I have to say, you look truly amazing in that dress," Lux said as they danced. Ahsoka was now wearing a long blue dress in the same color as the stripes on her montrals. It had some white accents here and there, making it seem like it flowed around her with every move she made.

Ahsoka giggled a bit. "Thanks Lux," she replied. "I'm still not too sure how I feel about being all dressed up though. And Marina had way too much fun messing with me in that store."

Lux laughed a bit at that. "Well, I'm sure you'll find some way to get some payback on her," he said with a smirk.

Ahsoka smirked as well. "Oh, I already did," she replied with a slightly wicked tone in her voice. "You see, Marina doesn't handle spicy food well, so I got these really hot Mandalorian peppers and added some to her food."

Lux couldn't help but laugh. "Poor Marina, that has to burn really badly. I have some experience with spicy food, but that Mandalorian stuff is supposed to be incredibly intense."

"Oh, it is," Ahsoka replied. "Just ask Marina." They both laughed a bit and continued dancing.

;-

After having danced for a little while, Ahsoka and Lux took a little break. Marina joined them as well while Rosette danced a little with her father, laughing happily as she did so.

"Well, congratulations sis," Ahsoka told her. "Longtime dream has finally come true, hasn't it?"

Marina smiled. "Yes, it sure has," she replied. "Thank you Ahsoka, without you I'm not if it would have ever happened."

"Oh, don't be like that," Ahsoka said. "I'm sure you would have come together regardless."

"I hope so, but still, things are working out fine now," Marina replied with a smile before turning to Lux. "And I'm glad that you were able to make it here as well. After all, you're almost part of the family as well now."

"Thank you, and congratulations," Lux said. "I'm glad I was able to make it as well. I'm sure that the two of you will become happy together."

"I'm sure we will be too," Marina replied as she glanced over at her husband and Rosette. "Rosette already seems to be very happy, I'm glad for that."

"By the way, I've been meaning to ask, Lux began. "I hope I'm not saying something insulting with this, but what do you have around your lekku? Those look like Akul teeth," he asked her.

Marina smiled at him. "Don't worry, it's fine," she replied. "It's a traditional Togrutan engagement lekku band. And you're right, it's made with Akul teeth. Like a wedding ring is a big tradition on many core worlds, such a band is an old custom here on Shili." She then gave him a teasing smile. "Maybe you'll find a way to make one for Ahsoka soon."

Ahsoka and Lux both blushed at that. "Uh, yeah… Again congratulations Marina, come on Lux, let's get something to drink," Ahsoka replied before she pulled Lux away a bit, leaving behind a laughing Marina.

;-

"So, should I try and make such a lekku band later?" Lux asked slightly teasingly after they had gotten a drink.

Ahsoka giggled a bit, but there was also a trace of concern on her face. "I'll be honest, that doesn't really matter to me. And I'd really prefer it if you didn't risk your life trying to go after an Akul. For non-Togruta, trying to hunt an Akul can be incredibly dangerous."

Lux nodded in agreement. "I remember hearing about some nature documentary on Shili that went horribly wrong. A group of nature researchers wanted to investigate the Akul and their natural behavior, but they had refused to take on a Togrutan guide who knew the area," he paused a moment. "If I remember correctly, a group of hunters from a nearby tribe were only able to rescue a young woman from the group. The others had been torn apart."

Ahsoka nodded as well. "Yes, that's true," she replied. "That expedition did not end well at all, those poor people." She shook her head. "That's why I'd prefer it if you don't try it. You're not a Togruta and you don't have the Force either, I don't want you to risk it. I'd rather have you intact instead of having some piece of jewelry."

Lux chuckled a bit. "Yeah, that sounds pretty good to me as well," he said. "I'm sure that I'll be able to find something else you'll like." Ahsoka rolled her eyes at that. "Still, I'm very impressed that you were able to get your own headdress. It just fits perfectly with you."

Ahsoka smiled at that. "Speaking of headdresses," she said as she looked over at Aisha who was currently with their parents. "Don't tell her yet, but I'm hoping to take Aisha on an Akul hunt in a few months."

"Really?" Lux asked in surprise. "I know how important that is for Togruta. Do you think she's ready for it?"

Ahsoka nodded. "We've been working on the Force a lot recently, so I'm sure that she will be able to handle it after a few more lessons," she replied confidently.

"She already succeeded in making her own lightsabers, so I'm sure that she'll be able to succeed in making a headdress as well, especially with you teaching her," Lux said with a smile.

"I know she will," Ahsoka said with a smile.

;-

Marina smiled as she joined her parents and Lilo at another part of the hall. Almost immediately, her sister pulled her into a fierce hug.

"Congrats sis!" she said excitedly. "You're finally misses Marina Vashee. Does it feel good?"

Marina laughed a bit as she pulled back. "It feels pretty great," she replied with a big smile. "I guess we need to start looking for you next, huh?"

Lilo laughed as well. "Maybe," she said as a smirk grew on her face. "Or maybe we should helpAhsoka with her boyfriend." They both laughed a moment at that before Marina turned to her parents.

Her mother smiled and kissed her on the forehead while they hugged. "Congratulations sweetie," she said happily. "I'm really happy for you. I hope that you and Zolar become as happy as your father and me."

"Thanks mom, I hope so too and I have a feeling that we will be," Marina replied. "I never thought that this would happen."

Her father Haymish walked up to her as well. "Congratulations dear," he said with a smile. "I hope he treats you well."

Marina smiled at her father. "Don't worry dad, I'm sure he will," she replied as she looked over where Zolar stood with Zaa and their parents. Rosette was still with him, still smiling happily. She heard someone walk up to her. She turned around to see Aisha approaching her.

"Congratulations Marina," Aisha said happily. "So how does being married feel?"

"Thanks sis," Marina replied. "It feels really good. I'm sure that one day we'll be organizing a wedding for you, won't we? But I think that Ahsoka's will be first, especially if we have something to say about it, right Lilo?"

Lilo smirked mischievously. "Oh yes, we'll make sure of that," she said. "We'll be sure to help her with all of the preparations. After all, we wouldn't want her to have a boring wedding, now would we?"

"No, it'll be a grand celebration as well," Marina replied with a smirk of her own. "I'm sure she'll love it."

The two of them laughed as they thought of the different kinds of ideas they had for their sister's wedding.

;-

The party was still going on full scale. Many people had already stopped by to congratulate Marina and Zolar and wish them the best.

Ahsoka was now sitting a bit more to the side of the room with Zaa, enjoying a little snack and just talking with each other.

"I'm really happy for the two of them, and Rosette of course," Ahsoka said with a smile. "But it's going to feel a little weird having to call Marina queen later."

Zaa laughed a bit. "You really don't think that I'm going to call my brother 'king' every time, right? We're still family and besides, you're pretty much at an equal level now anyway, so it's not like that matters," Zaa said with a dismissing wave of her hand.

"What are you talking about?" Ahsoka asked, not sure what her new sister meant.

Zaa gave her a bit of a confused look. "You mean you don't know about the laws and traditions surrounding the throne and new rulers?" she asked in turn.

Ahsoka shook her head. "Not really, to be honest," she replied. "Such things weren't really covered during my lessons at the Temple. I know some things about the basics of course, but I don't exactly know the details for every system."

"Hmm, how to explain it the easiest," Zaa wondered to herself a moment. "Well, as you probably know, as soon as my parents retire from the throne, my brother and Marina will become the next king and queen. Should they for some reason be unable to take the throne, we'd look at the next available heir, which would be their daughter Rosette. Now, seeing as she's too young, we'll look further at the family, so the throne would come to me."

She paused and briefly looked over towards her new sisters. Marina was on a slightly elevated platform, about to throw the bouquet towards the small excited crowd below her.

Zaa smiled and turned back to Ahsoka. "In the event that I'm unable to take the throne as well, they would look towards the other side of the family, so the throne would come down to Lilo," she continued. "If she too were unable to take the throne, you would be the next candidate."

Ahsoka's eyes went wide. "Wait, what?" she asked in slight shock.

"By our laws and traditions, you too are now a princess of Shili," Zaa replied. "Princess Ahsoka Tano of Shili."

Ahsoka tried to say something, but no words came out. She looked down slightly. "I'm not really sure how I feel about that. I've never really cared for such matters to be honest," she said unsure. Because she was looking down, she missed the wicked smile on Zaa's face.

Behind them, Marina threw the bouquet wildly into the air. Everyone reached up to try and grab it, but because of some random gust of wind or a strange trick of the Force, the bouquet flew over them and landed right onto the lap of an unsuspecting Ahsoka.

"What the…?!" Ahsoka exclaimed as a bouquet of flowers suddenly landed on her lap. Familiar laughter then erupted behind her. She turned around to see Marina and Lilo nearly falling over with laughter. When she saw Marina's empty hands she instantly understood just what happened and her lekku darkened significantly. This was one wedding tradition that she had heard about.

Zaa was also laughing. "Well, well, well, maybe I should tell my parents to keep the ceremonial ready, hmmm?" she asked in the most teasing tone of voice she could have managed.

Ahsoka blushed madly and looked away. She locked eyes with Lux and could see that he was blushing heavily as well. She already knew that her sisters, along with her new sister Zaa, would never let her forget this for as long as… Well, as long as she and Lux weren't married themselves.

She shook her head and placed the bouquet on the table, doing her best to ignore the laughter behind her. She finished her drink and stood up again. "Well Zaa, it's been fun talking to you, but I'm going to look around some more. See you later," she said as she began to walk off, ignoring Zaa's comments as well.

;-

Eventually, the wedding celebration had come to an end. The guests had begun to leave, leaving only the families together. They shared some more congratulations together and talked a bit more, before they all made their way towards the hangar of the palace. The time had come for Marina, Zolar and Rosette to depart on their honeymoon, something that Ahsoka, Lilo and Zaa had a few things to say about.

Their ship was already prepared in the hangar and all of their luggage was almost completely loaded on board. They had settled on Naboo as the destination for their honeymoon. After the way Ahsoka had talked about her vacation with Lux, both Marina and Zolar wanted to go their themselves. Marina had a feeling that Rosette would really enjoy herself there as well.

The three of them would fly to Naboo with their own ship and would stay in a vacation house on their own. That way, they would have their privacy. A group of H'Raani M'Kai wariors would also travel to Naboo, but they would take their own ship and stay at a location a bit away from them. That way, should anything happen, they would be able to get to them right away if necessary.

"Well sis, here's the moment you've always been waiting for, isn't it?" Lilo asked teasingly as she walked up to Marina. "You two will probably have a lot of fun together, now won't you?"

Marina's lekku darkened a bit and she took a deep breath. "Yes, I'm sure we will," she replied, not wanting to let her sister get the better of her now.

Lilo chuckled a bit and smiled. "You go and enjoy yourself Marina. You definitely deserve it," she said without the teasing tone this time.

"Thanks Lilo," Marina replied as they shared a quick hug. They pulled back and Marina turned to Ahsoka.

Ahsoka smiled and hugged her sister as well. "Have fun on Naboo sis," she said as they hugged. "You'll love it there, I'm sure."

Marina smiled as they separated. "If it really is like the way you described it, then I'm sure we will," she replied.

"Have fun Marina," Aisha said with a smile.

Marina smiled and kneeled down a bit to hug her as well. "Thank you Aisha, we'll be sure to do that," she replied as they parted.

She then turned to her parents. "Mom, dad, we'll see you again in about two weeks," she told them with a smile.

Her parents both nodded. "We'll be here when you come back. You just go and enjoy yourselves," Yuae told her daughter. Marina smiled and checked if she and Rosette had everything they needed.

After Zolar had also said goodbye to his parents, and received a little 'talking to' from his sister Zaa, the three of them boarded their transport. When they reached Naboo, it would just be the three of them for some time.

Several minutes later, their ship departed, followed by the ship carrying the warriors of the royal guard. Both families looked at the ships before they disappeared from sight.

"Well then, all that's left to do now is wait and see if Rosette will become a big sister after this trip," Lilo commented as she turned to the others.

Everyone laughed a bit at her comment before both families shared their goodbyes and returned home.

;-

Ahsoka sighed a bit as she stood in a different area of the Shili space port. With the wedding over, Lux had to return to Onderon again. He had a lot of work and appointments waiting for him, so he couldn't stay any longer.

"It's too bad that you already have to leave, but I'm glad you were here these past days and for Marina's wedding," she told him.

"So am I, it was great to be here," Lux replied with a smile. "It was great to be here with you."

Ahsoka smiled and her lekku darkened a little. "It was wonderful to have you here Lux. Do you know when you're able to visit again?" she asked him.

"Actually I do," he replied. "I was talking with your new brother earlier. Once they're back from their honeymoon, there are some trades they want to talk about, so I'm expecting to be back on Shili in three weeks or so."

"That sounds great," Ahsoka said with a smile. "I'll be waiting for you."

Lux smiled and nodded. "I'll be waiting for it as well," he replied. They shared a last kiss and hug as goodbye before Lux boarded his ship and waved. Ahsoka waved back and watched as the ramp closed and the ship took off. After it faded from sight, she went to rejoin her family.

;-

That's the end of this chapter.

Marina and Zolar are now finally married. Both families are now together. Ahsoka was also quite surprised to learn that she's now a princess as well. Even though she's not too sure about the title now, it'll come in handy for her later on.

The lekku band is from Johnt12345's story Go with me – Stay with me. It's a nice addition to Togruta culture, so I asked him if I could use it.

Now, Tale of a Togruta will enter a time skip as well. I will pick up both Tale of a Togruta and A Mirialan's Story later again. First, I'm going to write a small side-story for Tale of a Togruta. This story will take place two months after this one. Ahsoka will take Aisha to make her own headdress. Before she can do that however, she will have to hunt an Akul first.

I'm going to work on this side story and Gift of Light first now. Once the side story (yes, it still needs a name) is finished, I will pick up Tale of a Togruta and A Mirialan's Story again.

I'll first work on a new chapter for Gift of Light.

Until next time.