Sunny Disposition
Ezra could sense the turmoil about the time he landed. It was coming from Eris. She was torn between something. It wasn't very problematic, but it was enough for him to sense it. He put it aside for the moment and, walked to where Luke and Mara had asked him to meet. He didn't want to keep them waiting. As he walked, he could feel the light around him. Happiness, warmth, joy, but there were two people here that were not happy. One was Eris.
"Ezra, over here." He heard a voice come from behind him, one he recognized.
"Luke, Mara. It's been a long time." He walked over to the couple and greeted them. "Where might young Eris be?"
"She has a some more packing to do. In the meantime, I wish to speak with you on an important matter." Mara spoke up. "She and a friend of hers are having trouble being separated."
"So, we had an idea. Since you have two daughters. Eris can teach one, and Crista can teach the other." Luke paused. "These two have been together since they got here years ago. Both are 14, and act like sisters. Heh, Eris has even stuck up for Crista more than once. They are like sisters, and we don't really wanna separate them."
"I think I understand what you're getting at. You want me to train both Eris and Crista." Ezra reasoned.
"Yes. We also thought that since they will be under your instruction, that they could teach Mira and Anna. In time, they will be able to train your children and then on to more." Mara reasoned. "Like Luke said, we really don't want to separate them. Crista would be heartbroken, and Eris wouldn't be much better."
"Let me call Sabine and see what her opinion is on the matter." Ezra stood and walked out to his ship. He put through a long-range com to Krownest. Soon, Sabine's figure appeared.
"Calling so soon, love?" She smiled.
"I'm calling, 1. Because I miss you. 2. Because I have a question." He answered with his own smile.
"And that would be?"
"Mara has informed me of a little snag with Eris. Eris and another girl, Crista, seem to be joined at the hip. They don't want to have them separated and want me to train Crista too." Ezra hoped that Sabine wouldn't be upset with this news.
"Well, I can see where that would be beneficial for Mira and Anna. Two older sisters for role models and later on, teachers. They could also be a help with this little one." She rubbed her slightly swollen belly.
"So, do I have your approval?" He hoped she would say yes.
"Yes. I would love to have them here with us. I will inform the girls."
"Alright. I love you, cya'rika"
"Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum Ezra." The com closed.
Ezra walked back into the temple and found Luke. "Sabine is fine with having both girls come back with me."
"Perfect. This will work out for all of us then. Should we surprise them or tell them now?" Luke asked him.
"I would like to speak to Eris. Go and inform Crista that she needs to pack her things."
"Ok, Eris will be in her room. Take that hall and take the second left. Her room is third on the right."
"Thank you, Luke." Ezra turned and followed his directions. As he walked through the halls, he could feel joy from all the other younglings and padawans. Still, Eris seemed torn. He would have the pleasure of resolving that. Approaching his destination, he knocked on her door.
Eris turned to the door and answered it. "Yes?"
"Hello, Eris. I am Ezra Bridger, your new Master. May I come in?" Ezra extended a hand, and she shook it.
"Sure." She seemed glum.
"Eris, I know about your friend Crista. I know you two are like sisters. I can feel your sadness about leaving her in the Force."
"I am sorry Master. Its just… We've been together for so long, that being apart…" She wiped a tear and Ezra embraced her.
"It hurts to be away from the only family you know. I know that pain, as I was once away from my only family too. First when my parents were taken. Last, when I was dragged off with the 7th fleet to save Lothal."
"I remember reading about that in my history book. The Savior of Lothal. Although it doesn't say much about what happened afterwards."
"That history is still being made, young one. But first, I have a surprise for you."
"Really?"
"Yes, I have spoken with Mara Jade and Luke. They want me to take on a second padawan while I am here. I agreed. They gave me a recommendation that I am sure you will approve of."
"Crista?"
"Indeed. She will come with us to Krownest. You will both train under me, and someday, you can teach my children."
"Master Mara never said you had children."
"Yes. My wife, Sabine, and I have 3 girls. One is adopted as a promise to a friend that is no longer with us. Sabine is also pregnant with another child."
"Are you sure that Crista and I won't be a burden. Too many children can cause issues." Eris seemed conflicted about going now.
"Don't you worry about that. Sabine is practically royalty, so we have a lot of resources." Ezra showed a smile to his apprentice. "Now, are you ready to go? I promised Sabine I would be back tomorrow. She gets upset if I make her wait."
"Yes, Master. I think Crista won't be much longer either."
"Alright, let's get going."
The two walked back to where the Gauntlet sat. Crista and Mara were waiting nearby. Apparently, judging by the other girl's expression, she had not been told the plan.
"Eris?" Crista asked as they drew near.
"Hey, Crista. Ready to go?"
"What do you mean? Is that your Master?"
"He's our Master, Crista. You are coming with us." Eris was beyond happy, and so was Crista.
"Alright you two. Behave for Ezra. He has patience, but anyone's patience has limits." Mara offered one last piece of wisdom.
"Yes Master." Both girls said.
"Okay. Shall we?" Ezra gestured to his ship's open door.
Both girls walked up into the ship and placed their stuff in the cargo hold. Ezra said his goodbyes to Mara and joined his padawan's. He found the two chatting in the galley.
"You two wanna come sit up here?" He offered. "Jumping to lightspeed is a beautiful thing."
"Yea!" Crista jumped up and ran up front, Eris not far behind.
Ezra just chuckled. These two were going to be an experience for sure. He found them staring out the window at the greenery of Yavin. Ezra sat down and the ship lifted off and into space. After setting his calculations, he looked over at Eris and Crista.
"You wanna do the honors?"
Both girls nodded.
"Okay, pull that lever there." He pointed to a large chrome lever on the console. Both girls gripped it and pulled it back. Soon the stars were swirling, and the ship launched forward. Since they had never seen space before, it was amazing to see first-hand. Ezra just laughed before getting their attention once again. "Your sleep times are off from mine. So, you two can go to the main cabin and get some sleep. It will be a while before we reach Krownest."
"Yes Master." Eris responded and went back to the main cabin. Crista stayed a moment.
"Master?"
"Yes Crsita?"
"Why did you take me with you? You had no reason to take on two padawans." She seemed grateful yet worried.
"Sit down a moment." He waited for her to sit down and listen. "Eris told me you know the history of Lothal, and how it was liberated." Crista nodded. "You know, I was the one that freed it. When I did, I was taken from those that I called family and friends. I remember that pain to this day, and I don't want to be the reason that either you or Eris have to lose on another. So, we decided that I could train both of you."
"Thank you." She sprung up and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Don't worry Crista. Now, go and get some sleep."
"Yes, Master." She gave him one last hug before walking back to the cabin with Eris.
Ezra sat back in his chair and smiled. He knew Kanan was smiling down upon him. This was going to be difficult, but her was sure he could handle them.
I felt it was wrong to mention Crista and not have her brought along. And yes, I know that all the children so far have been girls. So Sabine's child will be a boy. That being said I need a name for him. So you guys go to work with that and I will see you tomorrow.
