CHAPTER 8: I see it in your eyes

"You're going to Felucia?" Lux asked, bewildered.

Ahsoka's hologram nodded seriously. "It isn't safe on Shili anymore."

Lux stood up from his desk, carrying the hologram with him as he paced the office anxiously. "You should come to Onderon. I can be there within one rotation-"

"Lux," Ahsoka pleaded. "I know this is sudden, but I have to go. The Force is guiding me to Felucia."

He bit the inside of his cheek. Ahsoka never joked about what the Force told her. She had every intention of going. Not that he could stop her anyhow; she was several star systems away.

"Alright, are you taking him with you?"

She nodded again. "Felucia has been under Republic jurisdiction for a while now. Where I'm going will be safe. I promise."

Lux and Ahsoka refrained from mentioning Alek as much as they could during these holo transmissions in case they were intercepted.

"Lux, please don't worry. We will be on Felucia for a few days, maybe a week. After that I'll promise to go to Onderon."

It was a promise to appease him, but he brightened anyway. "I'll hold you to that, Ahsoka." He said softly. "Be safe, love."

"I will, love."

She vanished and he placed the holo transmission down. Going over to his desk, Lux opened a drawer. Inside was a small bundle of fabric. He pulled it out gently, even though he knew it wouldn't break.

The metal was cool to his hands. He had completed it on his last trip to Shili. He had almost lost three fingers and burnt the ends of his nails black, but it was done. The tough metal would never rust and nothing short of a cannon blast would break it. It was deep blue, meant to reach over her head and montrals, down to her forehead, and either side of her face. He knew she'd hate anything super ornate or fancy, so he made it more streamlined and elegant.

He ran his fingers over the spot in the center, right above where her forehead would be. Two empty places were molded awaiting gemstones. Lux had been waiting for his next trip to Onderon. He knew exactly which stones he wanted. They were only found deep in the Onderon mines.

Lux took a few deep breaths. He had a nagging feeling Ahsoka hadn't told him quite everything. Of course, he had no real reason to suspect her with malintent, but the feeling wouldn't leave him alone. Something else was going on.

He placed the headband back in his desk. Spinning in his chair, he gazed out at the traffic lanes of Coruscant.

When he saw her next, he'd ask. He wanted no secrets between them. They were already keeping so many. He didn't want to start keeping them from each other.

Ahsoka didn't remember so many animals on Felucia.

They were everywhere.

She had to shoo at least five off her bed on the first night. Little lizard-looking things with big horns that made Alek wail for an hour.

Remembering the last time she was on this planet, Ahsoka remained on guard. Even though the Trandoshans who kidnapped her and those other Jedi younglings were gone, the memories were still fresh in her mind.

Her and Alek left Shili the day before. They had joined a trade ship taking goods. The pilot was hesitant to allow a baby aboard, but after she flashed some credits (and used a bit of extra Force persuasion) he let them on board.

Terit and Togin were sad to see them go.

"You have everything?" Togin asked, checking Ahsoka's bag one last time.

"Yes, and some to spare. I really don't need much."

Togin took both her hands. "You'll be surprised at how much a child needs sometimes." She gave her hands a squeeze. "Be safe, take care of the little one."

"Always."

She pulled her in for a hug. Terit wiggled between them, hugging Ahsoka's legs tightly.

"Promise you'll return someday? With Alek and Lux?" he asked into her shirt.

Ahsoka laughed, patting his back. "Someday."

They watched as she walked to the ship holding Alek in her arms. As the ship took off, they waved from the cargo window as the colorful village disappeared.

Now, she brushed the bugs away from her face and checked on Alek. He was awake, wiggling and waiting for breakfast.

They had camped out at a trading post with some other merchants and travelers. Ahsoka wasn't the only person using trade ships to travel. A rather large group of refugees from across the galaxy convened there. Makeshift tents and lean-tos were erected against a large batch of trees. Easily around thirty people were using the camp as a place to rest. With her few belongings and her son, Ahsoka blended right in.

She took Alek and placed him in his wrappings in her front, then shouldered her pack.

The smell of something cooking drew her to the congregation of people. A large pot over a fire was tended to by a small old woman. She had orange skin wore a pair of goggles over her head that made her face look bigger than it was. Ahsoka approached slowly.

"Hungry?"

"Famished," she said.

The old woman smiled. "Here," she ladled a bowl for her. Then leaned in and whispered. "Don't tell anyone, I gave you some extra for the little one."

Ahsoka smiled in gratitude. People around her were taking seats everywhere. On mats, crates, logs, stones, and even in each other's laps. Cheerful conversation flowed. No one seemed to mind the conditions they were in or the food they ate.

She found a log and leaned against it. She took a sip of the broth. It had a few chunks of meat in it. Carefully, she plucked a few out, blowing on them to cool them off and feeding them to Alek. Togruta babies didn't nurse like humans, they ate solid food right away. Alek munched happily on his meat. Ahsoka finished off the soup.

"Stopping by, or sticking around?" the woman asked, stirring the pot.

Ahsoka sensed something from this woman. There was no darkness around her. In fact, the Force seemed to gravitate to her in a unique way.

"Stopping by. I'll leave in a few days."

She set her bowl down. The woman gazed at her. Her eyes looked deep into Ahsoka's. A few tense moments passed. She shifted but didn't look away. After a few minutes, the woman leaned back with a small smile.

"You will find what you are looking for. It may not appear how you think, but don't stop searching. I see it in your eyes, they say you are determined, don't lose the fire that's in them."

Ahsoka blinked, considering her words. How did this woman know so much? She didn't even know her name. And yet, the Force told her to trust this person, this stranger.

"Um, thank you," she said standing.

The woman nodded slowly. "Of course, my soup is delightful today."

"I mean for the-actually, never mind."

Ahsoka left the camp, her spirits lifted. Alek burped as she walked, making her smile.

"Yeah, I liked her too. Maybe we will see her again."

Maz watched as the young mother left. She would always remember those blue eyes. They were filled with determination, wisdom, and hope. And Maz saw the same ones in her son.

The city of Iziz was beautiful at night. Standing on the highest balcony of the palace she could see all the lights of the nightlife alive under the stars. Echoes of cheery people drinking and dancing, bartenders laughing with patrons, merchants selling imported goods, and children playing in the streets.

It was a much different place the last time she was there. The droid occupation hadn't lasted long, but had done sufficient damage to the people of Onderon.

Ahsoka had arrived in the city that morning. Her stay on Felucia lasted a week, just as she promised Lux. It was a somewhat successful trip.

There was indeed a Jedi temple on the planet. However, due to age and weather changes it had been covered by a large clear lake. The locals thought nothing of the strange ruins as they floated across the water to fish. But Ahsoka saw the markings of the Order carved into the stone surrounded by coral and weeds and knew exactly what they meant.

However, she didn't have the means to dive into the water to investigate further, which saddened her. She also had Alek with her. The temple did look very intact. Her thoughts drifted to Master Fisto. He'd be the best Jedi to explore it. That was, if she had the means of telling him and the Order.

After a few days of gazing down to the bottom of the lake, she made her way back to the trading post and hitched a ride to Onderon from a silk merchant.

The Force never alerted her to the presence of any Order members following her. She saw no signs of a tail either. Her plan to evade the Jedi had so far worked.

Now, she stood dressed in a fine sleeping gown on a terrace overlooking the vast city. Behind her in the large apartment Lux was attempting to soothe Alek to sleep. She averted her eyes from the beautiful skyline and watched as he rocked their son back and forth in his arms. The baby grew silent after a few moments. Alek's normally clenched fists relaxed. Ahsoka felt his consciousness slip into a peaceful slumber.

Lux placed him in his bed, a tired but happy look on his face. She knew how much having a family meant to Lux after the loss of his parents. She always could sense the unconditional love he shared for Alek. Ahsoka turned back around, not wanting him to know she was watching. A moment of so later, he joined her outside.

"We have a few hours, give or take," he announced.

They leaned against the railing, gazing out together.

"It was a long trip today. He's been through a lot. Would it be too much to hope he will sleep through the night?" she said, huffing.

He laughed, placing a warm arm around her shoulders. "All we can do is hope, love."

Ahsoka closed her eyes, leaning her head on his shoulder. Lux pulled her closer. She felt comforted in his warm embrace. She didn't realize how much she had missed his touch. He always seemed to understand what she wanted. Whether it was a hug, a kiss, just a cuddle, or more. Lux seemed to never get it wrong.

She mentally added that to the list of things she loved about him.

Ahsoka felt contentment with the Force. Here, they were safe.

They stood there for a few moments longer, enjoying the peace. If she could freeze any moment in time, this would have been it.

Then she felt him shift.

"Ahsoka," Lux asked softy. "Can I ask you something, well…two things really."

She turned and looked at him. He was clam, but hesitant.

"You want to ask me about Felucia."

Lux nodded, not surprised she guess his question. "You were very intent on going there."

Taking a moment, she cleared her mind to focus. The Force told her it was the right time.

Ahsoka explained how she found the Jedi temple on Shili and her suspicions of more in the galaxy. Lux listened, not interrupting.

"I think," Ahsoka began, "this might be the reason why I had to leave the Order. I never would have been able to find these places if I had still been a padawan."

He smiled at her once she finished. "I don't know if I've told you this, but I'm proud of you."

She gave him a strange look. "What?"

"You're following what you think is the right path. I think that's amazing. I love how passionate you are about it," he glanced back inside. "I love knowing Alek has a powerful mother to look up to."

He said this and never broke her eye contact. Ahsoka felt the air leave her lungs. Reaching up, she placed a hand behind his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. Romantic moments like this were few and far between for them.

Breaking away, she asked him. "You said you had two questions for me?"

Lux took a deep breath, suddenly nervous. Ahsoka held one of his hands, she reached for his other but found he held it behind his back. She didn't need the Force to know he was anxious.

"Right…yes, I do."

Lux was normally very articulate. She did find it cute when he did his best to straighten up, taking a deep breath, and met her eyes. He looked incredibly handsome in the moonlight.

"Ahsoka," he began. "I know you've been through a lot in the past year. You survived all of it, and somehow, you made your way back to me."

She smiled. "I like to think of it as you were at my beck and call."

Lux grinned sheepishly.

"After the liberation of Onderon, I didn't think the universe would allow me to see you again. But it did. And you brought the greatest gift to me someone could ever give. When Alek was born, I knew I wanted both of you in my life forever."

She knit her eyebrows, not sure where he was going with this.

"Ahsoka, you will always have my heart. I will never love someone else the way I love you. I've wanted to ask you this back on Shili, but life got in the way. And if you need time to think about your answer, take all the time you need."

From behind his back he revealed something wrapped in a bundle of cloth. She noticed his hands shook as he unwrapped it.

She gasped.

The headpiece was stunning. Deep blue metal curved and fitted for her head. She slowly picked it up, speechless. There were faint accents of gold etched finely into the metal, which would have taken hours to do.

But the centerpiece was the stones. They were brilliant light blue. One larger one was in the middle, shaped in a diamond. Above it at the point was a much smaller stone, shaped in a triangle.

"Lux…" Ahsoka breathed, still not sure what to say.

"I made it," he said simply. "With the intention of-"

"You made this?" She exclaimed.

"Yes," he answered. "I worked with the forge masters on Shili and put it together while you were busy-"

"On Shili? How did I not notice?" she interrupted again, still examining the headpiece.

He cleared his throat. "Well, I was pretty secretive about it, but I wanted to supr-"

"These gems," Ahsoka ran her hand over the smooth surface. "They aren't from Shili."

He huffed. Finally placing his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look at him. "No, they aren't, they are only found in the mines on Onderon, but will you listen to what I'm trying to ask you?"

She looked at him, still confused. He moved his hands to cover hers.

"Ahsoka Tano, will you marry me?"

If Ahsoka was speechless before, now she was senseless.

Reading Lux's face, he was serious.

She held the headpiece in her hands. Now she understood. It was custom for Torgutain men to make one for their future brides. Lux had taken the liberty to make on for her, even though it wasn't his culture. He even added the second small stone. Women were supposed to add them as they had children. She remembered Togin had only one, but other women had many.

Marriage. He wanted to get married.

Ahsoka never thought she would be a wife. She didn't think marriage would ever be something she would encounter. Growing up in the Temple she was taught that marriage and falling in love counted as attachments, and therefore prohibited to Jedi.

But so was having children.

She sensed the Force supporting her. It was the same feeling she had when She had left the Order, found Ventress, arrived on Shili, discovered she was pregnant, found the lost Temple, and when she reunited with Lux again.

This was right where she needed to be. The Force would always guide her.

"Yes."

"Wait, really?" he asked dumbly.

She laughed out loud. She didn't know when she had started crying, but tears were running down her cheeks.

"Yes, unless you have some other girl in the galaxy waiting for you to ask her."

He grinned. "Yeah, but she was busy, so I thought I'd ask you."

Ahsoka shook her head at his sarcasm. Lux pulled her in for another kiss, wrapping her in his arms. She moved the headband out of the way, holding it in one hand as he picked her up and spun her around. They laughed joyfully.

"I hope you know what you're getting into," she joked as he set her down.

"'Soka, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't know."

"I could be a terrible wife. Traveling everywhere, getting shot at by droids…"

"And I could be a horrible husband. Working late, receiving death threats from angry Senators…"

"How will we ever make it past the first year?" she asked with a smile on her face.

"You're right, let's forget about all of this!"

"Oh, what will Alek think?"

He grinned, kissing her cheek. "Eh, he'll manage with only mild trauma."

Both burst into another round of laughter. They were joking of course. Ahsoka had never felt so at home in her life. Lux had never felt so sure of himself. They were laughing and crying together on the balcony. They hugged each other tight, not willing to let go.

Until the sound of their crying son came from the apartment. Their celebration woke him up.

"How's tomorrow at sunset?" he asked, placing a kiss on her hand as they went inside.

"That sounds perfect."

Hell yeah they are going to get married! Lux probs would have asked her before he knew about Alek. Ahsoka has that boy wrapped around her finger.

Anyway, thanks for the reviews! Reviews help motivate me to write and post, so keep them coming!

Our story has only just begun. I've got plans *cackles like an evil author* Stay tuned; things are about to get…interesting. So, this is where the fun begins ;)