The ceremony was about to begin. She could tell from the way the buzz of the room and the crowd shifted, and how their faces begin to turn toward the Rookaroo's chair. Rey pressed her way back toward the front; being shorter than nearly everyone else, no one minded letting her through to see. Chewie and Malla were seated in wicker chairs, with Lump kneeling on the floor in front of the fire.
The shaman began to speak: only in their native language, which Rey did not understand, but she could feel the power of those words. She poured oil over Lump's head and smoothed it into his fur. She was calling out loudly, blessing him, praying him into their community as a full member. Lump closed his eyes, letting himself appreciate the full power and impact of the moment. Rey could feel that power emanating from the book room, the power of the force, the way of life. The other Wookiees were humming, softly and low, echoing the palpable feeling of blessing and life. Rey felt it wash over her too, that sensation of belonging. She felt it with Luke, when he shown her the dark and the light on Ahch-To, and she felt it when she woken from death in Ben's arms.
A few moments later, the prayer was complete. Lump rose from the floor and walked toward his parents. He was still speaking Shyriiwook, but Rey recognized a few words. He lay a basket of fruit in his mother's lap, and she heard him say Mama; and as he placed a basket of grain in his father's lap, she heard him say Oba. Lump was honoring those who had made a way for him, who had allowed him to grow up and become mature. His mother was crying, tears of sadness for the baby she'd raised, and tears of joy for the man he was now. They loved him, they were proud of him, and they were his family.
The longing bubbled up within her again, and she let it rise and then ebb, knowing that this was just how it had to be. The longing that could never be fully quenched. The ceremony complete, the room overflowed with cheering enjoy, which quickly gave way to music. This was a community celebration, this newest member, and soon vessels of liquor were being passed out to everyone. Rey couldn't help but see when Lump went over to talk to a pretty young Wookiee, with for the color of summer honey. Malla found Rey and offered her a drink. Then she wrapped her long, furry arm around Rey's shoulder, and Rey leaned into her, into the sweet familiar smell of her fur. When she opened her eyes, before her was standing the Rookaroo.
She looked at Rey for a long while, which was probably only a second, and then said, I have worn this for 200 years, and I've never really known what to do with that. But now, I think it's calling out for you. She carefully untied the leather strap around her neck, and held out the amber-colored amulet to Rey. Despite herself, Rey held out her hand, and the Rookaroo placed the amulet in her hand and closed her fingers around it. Be well in your journeys, mighty one, she said, and then she melted back into the crowd of partygoers.
Rey opened her fingers and looked carefully at the amulet. Copper wire entwined it, holding it in place and onto the leather strap, but as she studied it, she realized that she knew what it was: a single, palm-sized kyber crystal.
Malla looked down at her and at the gift, feeling its weight and fearing it too. Malla stroked her head, admiring the crystal, before bending down to look her in the eye.
I owe you my life, Malla said, gripping Rey's shoulders with her massive hands, the delicate fingers squeezing tight. I owe you a life debt.
She thought about that, about what Chewie had told her once, during a trundle through hyper space in the Millennium Falcon, about how he first met Han.
"No, you don't," she said. "I owe you everything. I'm in your debt."
But Malla only shook her head. All I ever did was feed a hungry child. I welcomed a stranger into my home. That is only my duty, to offer hospitality. This debt must be paid.
Re-studied her eyes, chestnut brown and glittery, wet and red with worry. "I can't accept."
Please don't dishonor me, Malla said, very softly, and Rey realized that there was much more at play than she knew.
I will pay the debt.
Rey and Malla both turned to look at Lump, who had joined them and was eagerly looking at his friend. I will pay the debt.
Malla shook her head, insistently, sharply. But before she could speak, Rey put her hands on top of Malla's, on top of her own shoulders, and said, "You are needed here. Your people depend on you. Let Lump take me to Tattooine, and then I'll consider the debt paid."
Tattooine? Chewie interrupted. No. Absolutely not. Neither of you are going there.
Lump looked up at his dad. She needs to honor those who came before her, who made the way for her. I'll be her escort, I'll take her myself, and then the debt will be paid.
Neither Chewie nor Malla looked pleased with the situation.
And then I'll come home, Lump said, forcefully. I will pay the debt and then I'll come home.
The story continues in Part 2, with the next chapter. If you like what I've written, please leave a comment and keep reading!