Chapter Twenty Six:

The next time Luke woke, it was to find Mara already awake in her own bed and working at a tray of food in front of her. Luke beamed happily, noting peripherally that they were alone in the room.

"Mara!"

She started at his sudden proclamation, dropping her spoon. But when she saw him, Mara smiled back.

"Luke, you're awake!" Mara promptly shoved her tray aside and swung her legs over the edge of her bed. "How do you feel?"

Luke evaluated his sense of touch before he answered. "I'm still sore, but it's far better than how I felt before I blacked out."

Mara sobered, looking down at her own arms. "You got it far worse than I did."

Luke frowned. "Mara?"

She lifted her head, and he was surprised to see she looked equal parts sad and grateful. "What's the matter?" he asked.

"You are the matter," Mara replied, getting out of bed to approach him. Luke sat upright, and Mara stopped at his bedside. "You protected me from both the stampede and then the sandstorm, risking it all... for me."

Luke nodded, unashamed. "And I would do both again in a heartbeat."

Mara stood there, throat tight, and Luke reached out to take her hand tenderly. "Don't cry, Love."

Mara's gaze leapt to his at the name, and Luke smiled just for her.

"I would gladly give my life for yours, Mara," Luke said. "I would do anything for you."

Mara smiled shakily, her heart aching with the need to be held. "All I want right now is to be in your arms."

Luke's smile widened, and he opened his arms welcomingly; Mara wasted no more time in climbing into his bed to sit with him. She leaned into his chest, closing her eyes and simply listening to his heart while Luke's arms encircled her. She sighed contentedly, breathing him in.

"This is my favorite place to be..." she murmured.

Luke's arms tightened minutely. "I love holding you, Mara; it doesn't matter for how long."

A companionable silence fell, in which neither one felt the need to speak. They merely allowed their spirits to mingle, reinforcing their special bond in the Force. At some point Luke adjusted his bed to an incline so he could sit back, though he never relinquished his hold Mara. Mara smiled against his chest, her eyes still closed.

Her lullaby was Luke's heartbeat, steady and sure as ever. She also listened to his breathing, feeling his chest rise and fall against her cheek, the motion soothing her.

After a long while, Mara eventually did begin to talk again. "Your father is here, I'm not sure if you knew that."

Luke nodded. "I did. I woke earlier and he was there."

Mara hummed her understanding, though her heart clenched somewhat when she spoke again. "You have a wonderful father, Luke."

Hearing her sad tone, Luke kissed her head gently. "I wish you could have had the same type of father that I do."

Mara sighed. "I do too. But I can't change the past."

"No." Luke agreed, thinking of how he wished he could do something for Mara where her family was concerned.

Surely she had grandparents out there somewhere? Her parents had come from somewhere, right? So maybe Mara's grandparents would be more open to the woman than Justus had been.

Sensing the dour turn of the mood, Mara shifted. "I'm sorry for killing the happy vibes."

Luke shook his head where it rested against hers. "Don't apologize. I don't expect everything to be all rosy: there will be ups and downs in our lives. It's a natural part of things."

Mara sighed softly. "You're right." She fell quiet for a time, and then allowed another question. "What happens now that the Games are over?"

Luke tilted his head. "I'm not sure. I thought there was supposed to be a closing ceremony, but maybe not."

"Or maybe there was, and we just missed it." Mara ventured.

Luke shrugged. "Perhaps. Though it would have been nice to participate."

Mara had to agree with him. "It would have truly solidified our efforts."

"What would have?"

Both Luke and Mara looked to the door to find Anakin striding through. He paused briefly upon seeing them in the bed together, and Mara shifted upright, a little worried at how he would react. Luke didn't try to bring her back, but nor did he push her away. He was not embarrassed in the slightest that they'd been seen together.

Anakin swiftly overcame his surprise and smiled at them. "I'm glad you are both awake at the same time."

Luke grinned back. "I'm sure."

"As for your question," Mara said, settling back against Luke's side, though she was turned more toward Anakin now that they had company. "We were wondering if we missed the closing ceremonies for the Wasaka Games."

"Oh." Anakin sat down. "No. In fact, they have been waiting for you two to be released from here."

Luke and Mara shared a surprised look. "Oh."

"As for the Kestans, I've been helping them prepare to receive the Republic delegates." Anakin continued, looking to Luke. "One of whom is your mother."

Luke's heart warmed. "It will be good to see Mother again."

"When can we get out of here?" Mara asked, sitting upright once more: Luke released her without qualms.

"As soon as you want," Anakin said, rising again. "Tola has cleared you both to be released, but as soon as you return to Coruscant, you will report to the medical wing of the Temple for a thorough checkup."

Luke looked to his arms, which looked less red now than when he'd awakened before. "Sounds good."

Mara stood, though she glanced to her medical attire pointedly. "Do they have any clothes for us?"

Anakin snickered. "I brought some, though the Kestans repaired your Game attire. You are to wear those outfits for the closing ceremony tonight."

Luke blinked. "Oh, that's tonight?"

Anakin nodded. "It will be now. Afkin asked me to tell him when you woke, and they'd have the ceremony. Everything was already set up, but they held off on the actual event until you two could attend."

Luke smiled softly. "I'm glad."

Mara nodded her approval. "Let's get out of this place then."

Anakin laughed at their eagerness to be free of medical. "I'll give you your gear, and let you get changed." He paused, eyeing the two of them.

Luke held up a hand, forestalling any comments. "I'll change in the refresher."

Anakin nodded, placated, and left the room once they'd been given their outfits.

00000

"Luke! Mara!"

The two Jedi looked up at the familiar voice and grinned to see Thea approaching rapidly. The two of them and Anakin had been dropped off at the same hall the opening feast had been held in, Kehoe having driven them yet again.

Thea beamed happily at the two Jedi as she neared, and she clasped first Luke's arms and them Mara's in an amiable manner. "This is the traditional friendship greeting among Kestans," Thea explained when Mara threw her a quizzical look.

"Ah," Mara smiled. "Thank you for that honor."

"You have more than earned it," Shiva's voice joined in as she approached too. Shiva repeated the arm-clasps that Thea had done, and then the quartet merely stood together. "After all you did for Thea and me, we are more than glad to call you our friends."

Thea nodded eagerly. "Indeed. And Shiva and I have both spoken with some of our friends about the golems. They're a little... hesitant, as expected, but they haven't rejected us yet either."

Luke smiled. "I'm glad to hear that."

He spied his father and blushed, having forgotten about Anakin momentarily. He took Anakin by the wrist and tugged him into their small circle. He then gestured between the Kestans and his father. "Shiva, Thea, this is my father, Anakin Skywalker. Dad, these are our friends Shiva and Thea."

Shiva inclined her head to the elder Skywalker. "It's nice to meet you, Sir."

"You raised a fine son," Thea complimented, bowing to Anakin slightly.

"Thank you," Anakin said.

"If everyone would please make their way inside?" An officiator called out. The crowd milling about outside the hall began to file its way inside, and Luke made certain Anakin had a seat nearby the table meant for the contestants.

Then he offered Mara his arm and led her to her seat at their table. Once she was seated, he sat himself. Thea and Shiva took chairs beside them, though the chance for more conversation ended when Leader Afkin approached the podium.

"Thank you all for coming. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the closing feast of the Wasaka Games." Afkin turned toward the contestant tables, and Luke only then noted that the teams had been divided into who had finished a certain number of events. Luke was surprised to see that aside from Shiva, Thea, Mara and he, there had only been one other team to finish the trek.

"And a very special round of applause goes to our three winning teams: those who completed every task given to them!" Afkin waved to the three teams on Luke's side of the podium. "Each of you rise."

Luke and the others stood, and a pair of Kestans came down the line, one bearing six medals on intricate ribbons, and the other placing them over the heads of each winner. When Luke received his, he lifted it from his chest to peer more closely at it. He was deeply curious what the medal looked like.

To Luke's further astonishment, he saw that it was an artistically formed piece of obsidian. In fact, it resembled the housing the Kestans built. The stone looked like a singular line of intricate knots, and together they were shaped like a very familiar leaf. Luke glanced to Mara, and when her gaze met his, they shared one thought: this was the same leaf design that Mara bore on her shoulder.

"For completing the Games, you have earned the respect of your people, and you have grown closer to your mother planet," Afkin said proudly. "Mother Keostea smiles upon her children as they grow. And your ancestors, who have long since returned to their Mother Keostea, are now part of you as well."

Applause sounded and the contestants wearing the medals all bowed before taking their seats.

Afkin lifted his hands for quiet, and once the hall was silent again, he continued. "And we want to thank Jedi Skywalker and Jedi Jade for the respectful manner in which they participated. They have proven that they are worthy allies, and as such they have opened the gates to our joining the Republic. Kestan leadership will be in talks by the end of this week to join the Republic."

Loud cheers sounded all around, and many Kestans stood to bow at Mara and Luke, their joy clear. Luke shifted at the attention, but managed to sit through it. Mara took his hand under the table, and he squeezed it gratefully, welcoming the support.

Afkin said a few more things, but Luke didn't pay much attention until the end. "...and with that, I officially declare the Wasaka Games to be concluded."

The loudest cheering yet filled the hall, and Afkin lifted his hands. "We will celebrate with dancing, music and a feast! The winning teams will go first, and then everyone else may follow. Enjoy!"

And with that the hall broke up into the normal organized chaos of any large gathering. Kestans formed two lines as they made their way to the banquet tables. Of course, Luke and Mara were at the head of it all with Shiva, Thea and the other two Kestans.

Luke had managed to pick up Anakin along the way, wanting to ensure Anakin got some food as well.

"Congratulations, Son," Anakin said over the noise. "And to you, Mara."

"Thanks," Mara answered, picking up a plate and beginning to serve herself. Anakin and Luke followed behind her.

When their plates were full, the three of them returned to their tables, though Luke hesitated. "Dad, I hate that you're alone..."

Anakin shook his head. "Actually, I've been chatting with a Kestan here, it seems he is as in to ships as I am."

Luke smiled, relieved. "Ah, a kindred spirit then."

Anakin grinned. "Indeed. You two have fun and don't worry about me."

With that Anakin strolled away, and Luke followed him with his eyes until Anakin met up with the Kestan he'd mentioned. Luke smiled upon his father, and then took his seat with Mara.

Soon after they sat, Shiva and Thea joined them. Halfway through their plates, Shiva struck up conversation. "We've been worried about you both."

Thea hummed her agreement, but otherwise not speaking around the food in her mouth.

Luke swallowed his mouthful. "We're sorry to have worried you."

"We were able to receive immediate help," Shiva said. "But they didn't know how to tend to you."

"We felt horrible about it." Thea commented once her mouth was empty.

Mara frowned. "It wasn't your fault."

"I think what she means is that we wanted our friends to get the same level of care that we got." Shiva explained. "We didn't like to see our friends suffer."

"Oh," Mara said as she understood. "Well thank you."

Thea and Shiva shared a look.

"We both owe our lives to you," Thea said solemnly. "You could have left us in the desert and finished by yourselves, but you didn't."

Mara and Luke gazed upon their friends. "Why would we have left you behind?"

Shiva smiled softly. "I sure gave you plenty of reasons during the Games."

Mara chuckled. "Well, that's true, but I'm over all that."

Shiva dipped her head in thanks. "We need to figure out how to get the news of the golems out to everyone else."

Luke pondered that. "I think we need to start with Leader Afkin."

Thea hesitated. "He will not be easy to persuade. He is very set in the traditions of our forbears."

Luke sighed. "Well, I think that's where we need to begin."

No one argued with him. Shiva did continue speaking though. "We will set up a meeting with him then, but it will need to be before the Republic delegates arrive."

"Yes, because after that he will be in meeting after meeting." Mara seconded.

"I will set it up and contact you," Thea promised them all. "But tonight is for celebrating. Oh, and in case no one told you, dancing is mandatory for contestants. You must dance at least once."

Luke nodded, eyeing Mara and relishing the thought of holding her close to him again. He couldn't wait, and as soon as the music began to play, and couples took to the floor that had been set up for dances, Luke rose to his feet, wiping his mouth.

"Mara, would you like to dance?" He offered his hand.

Mara beamed at him, taking his limb. "I'd love to."

She allowed Luke to lead her to the floor, where he took her by the waist and hand. Mara met his gaze and allowed him to lead her in their first dance of the night. Luke merely allowed his feet to move to the slow beat, his training under Padmé coming through subconsciously.

He admired Mara in her outfit, once again stitched to the way it had been before the trek. At one point when he twirled and bent Mara, her sleeve shifted to reveal a hint of the leaf on her skin, and Luke was reminded of how close he had come to losing Mara. Gratitude for her life flowed through him, and he drew her a little closer.

"I'm happy you are here with me, Mara," Luke murmured for her ears alone.

Mara, catching his meaning, shifted her hand from his shoulder to caress his face. Luke closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. "I am too, Luke."

Smiling openly, Luke continued to lead Mara in the dance until the music changed. It was a faster beat, and Luke lifted a questioning brow. "Want to dance some more?"

Mara laughed. "You have to ask?"

Luke stepped away enough to lead her in the next dance, and the night passed in a blur for the pair as song after song played. They remained on the floor, lost in their own little world.

Luke couldn't stop admiring Mara as she moved fluidly and perfectly to each beat. He loved how she came alive when she danced, her graceful body shifting in perfect sync with the songs.

He found himself toying with her hair from time to time, or holding her a little closer each time a slow song played until the only thing separating them was their clothing. He currently held her to his chest, and Mara had her head turned so her ear lay flush with his heart.

At one point in the evening, he and Mara ended up near a door that led to an outdoor garden, and Luke found himself wanting to be alone with Mara. He paused and pulled away enough to look at Mara.

One look in her eyes told him she wanted the same thing as he. They peered around them, saw they were not being watched and slipped outside, hand-in-hand. Luke and Mara moved into the hedges that formed the shaped garden, finding that there were strings of cool white lights lining the path. The illumination reminded Luke of the holiday lights at Fete, the winter holiday on Coruscant.

At one point the two of them stopped, even now able to faintly hear the music as it wafted out the doors. Luke, still holding Mara's hand, tugged invitingly, and she once more stepped into his arms to dance with him, but this time with no audience.

Luke's cheek rested against the crown of Mara's head, her red-gold hair so silky against his cheek. His hands rested upon her back as he held her close, though at some point Mara brought her hands to rest on his chest. Luke didn't mind at all, and he hugged Mara close to him for a brief moment, embracing her out of sheer love.

He happened to notice how Mara's hair shimmered in the lighting from the garden, and Luke's breathing hitched. He pulled back enough to be able to touch the strands of her hair, which caused her to still. Luke played with her hair for a few seconds, his throat a little tight from emotion.

Then his gaze lowered to catch hers, and his hand traced the length of her hair to meet the skin of her arm below her sleeve. Her skin was so creamy and smooth, and Luke loved the feel of it beneath his fingertips.

Mara shuddered at his touch, and Luke's heart rate increased. He couldn't help himself: he caressed her hair where it framed her face, and then traced her cheekbone with the backs of his fingers.

When Mara's eyes met his, their emerald depths captivated him, and Luke's fingers came to rest on her lips briefly.

Unable to resist any longer, Luke bent his head and kissed her. Mara made a tiny noise and Luke's heart swelled, his love for Mara spilling over like a wave onto the beach. She opened her mouth to him, inviting him deeper, and Luke did so eagerly, pulling Mara flush with him.

Her arms snaked around his neck, and Luke tightened his hold on her in turn. When she made another tiny noise, Luke's desire began to bubble, and he picked her up. Her legs wrapped about his waist, and Luke held her securely.

Their lips met more feverishly, and Luke's breathing was coming in shorter gasps. In the heat of the moment Luke moved forward until Mara's back was against the hedge wall, and he broke from her lips to run a line of kisses down her throat.

Mara trembled in his grasp, even as Luke's lips came to the leaf on her shoulder, where he lingered a second. She then bent her head down and reclaimed his lips.

Their embrace grew more fevered until Luke breathed heavily and he found his hands running down her sides. However, when he touched her hips, and Mara's body trembled beneath his fingertips, he realized where they were heading.

Luke's mind came back to him and he gently but firmly began to disentangle himself from her. "Mara..." he murmured. He wanted to keep kissing her, so badly...

Mara eyed him, sensing his hesitation. "What is it?"

Luke touched her face with quivering fingers. "I don't want to... do something we will regret later."

Mara looked somewhat confused, and Luke explained, setting her on her feet and then taking her hands. "I don't want to dishonor you by going too far." He watched as realization came to her own gaze, and then she blushed a little, self-conscious.

"You're right, Luke." Mara agreed, straightening her outfit. "I..." she bit her lip. "I'm not quite ready yet either."

Luke felt a little bad, so he tried to explain further. "Mara, there was one thing I know I did right before: waiting until I was married to make love to a woman."

Mara's heart fluttered at the man's words, and she felt flush as he continued.

"It would be wrong of me to act like you are my wife when you are not," Luke whispered, "please understand..."

Mara placed a finger to his lips. "I do understand, Luke; I'm not upset. Thank you for coming to our senses for us."

He laughed lightly at her attempt at lightening the mood. "I must say, though," he whispered. "You are an amazing kisser."

Mara dipped her head bashfully at the praise, but it passed quickly. She found herself shivering, and rubbed her arms. "It's getting chilly."

Luke wrapped an arm about her, offering himself as warmth as he led her back to the banquet hall. "Let's get somewhere warmer then."