Star Wars/Star Wars Rebels: The Courtship Of Sabine Wren: Side Story (Short) Part 3
Continuation:
Standing before Satine and Bo-Katan as Sabine made the report, it suddenly dawned upon Ezra what she had said back on the Cargo Ship. "Wait! Honeymoon!" He thought in shock realizing what that fully meant. He had expected for since arriving that their upcoming Marriage would be nothing but a token Marriage. Where there would be really nothing between them. A name in only marriage. He swallowed heavily as she continued giving the report. A honeymoon where they went together implied that it would no longer be an in name only Marriage. He did indeed deeply care about Sabine and he could tell that she felt the same about him. The kisses earlier definitely proved that. He continued to remember those fondly and wanted more. When that was over and after he answered a few questions, Sabine took his left hand in her right and walked with him out of the room. Upon seeing that Bo-Katan leaned closer to her sister. "Yes I saw." Satine said with a small smile. "It seems that Sabine has taken quite a shine to that young Jedi." She remarked and both chuckled.
Landing back on Knownest, Sabine and Ezra made their way to the kitchen. Both were tired of Prepackaged Rations and as much as they both liked Space Waffles. Normal unprocessed food was so much better. "Perhaps tomorrow if you would like. We could go ice fishing." She suggested as they ate. Gesturing out the Window towards the Lake where they both could make out some of her Clan fishing through cut holes.
"Hmm I never fished before." Ezra said and Sabine smiled.
"In a way it takes a lot of patience and it does get a little cold. But it is a pleasant way to spend a day relaxing." Sabine told him and he shrugged. Deciding that he would not mind trying it.
"Okay sounds like fun." Ezra said and the plan was set to go tomorrow right after breakfast. As they finished eating, her Mother and Father entered. She told them about their encounter with the Pirates and asked to speak with them privately. Stepping out in the Corridor far enough away so that Ezra could not overhear her or them.
"I have decided to take Ezra as my Husband." Sabine stated and her Parents looked at her oddly. Confused since she had already agreed to do that. She noticed their expressions so she decided to clarify. "I am going to take him as my real Husband and not as you probably suspected as a name in only marriage." Her Mother Ursa smiled and then chuckled as did her Father.
"Actually my Dear we both suspected that you would take him as your real spouse almost from the beginning. Now when should we expect for you two to take the Vows?" Her Father Alrich asked and Sabine smiled.
"In two weeks. Neither of us know where we want to take our Honeymoon. Any suggestions?" Sabine asked and Her Mother suggested Ithor and her Father Alderaaan. But Sabine was leaning towards Ithor since it was the Rainy Season. Which would almost force them to remain indoors for the week or so that they are there.
In the Morning, bundled up in a heavy coat and pants. Ezra followed Sabine out onto another Lake. This one was three miles from the one outside the Wren Home. They could see here or there others sitting on small stools around foot sized holes that they had made with their Blasters. Nearing a spot, she set down her Stool and her Fishing Pole. While Ezra did the same. Taking out her Blaster, she aimed it in front of her down at the Ice and fired. Melting an almost foot sized hole in the ice. Looking in the hole, he could see that the Ice was at least a foot and a half thick. "We need to bait the hooks and then put it in the Water. After that all we have to do is wait." She told him and sat back on her Stool. He did the same.
"So what now?" Ezra asked and Sabine smiled over at him, pulling her hood over her head.
"That is the fun part. We sit here and wait for a fish to take the bait." Sabine said and watched as Ezra shivered as he sat there. "Oh come on Ezra it is a balmy 10 Degrees outside today. Normally this time of year...it drops a good 20 below zero or more." He shivered again. "So have you learned the Vows yet?" She asked him and Ezra winced slightly.
"Sort of. Yes I know some Mandalorian...but I suspect that if I mispronounce any of it..." Ezra said and Sabine finished for him.
"As long as we both and those witnessing as we take them understand the meaning behind those words then it will be fine. Though it would be nice if you can do it without mispronouncing any of the Words." Sabine said and Ezra had a feeling that it would be extremely important to her that he did say the Words right.
"Maybe I can ask Derrett to help me." Ezra suggested and Sabine frowned slightly. "He can be trusted Sabine. I know what he did was wrong, but he had his reasons and in truth I do not blame him for not being able to control himself." She inhaled softly and then smiled again.
"Must be a Jedi thing right?" Sabine asked and he nodded. "Fine as long as you think you can trust him to adhere to his punishment. Then I guess I can trust him." At that moment, Ezra's two foot pole began to bounce. "You got one. Now all you got to do is set the hook. Give the pole a quick jerk and that will do it." She told him and he did. Then eased the hooked fish up out of the hole in the Ice. Pulling up an Blue Fish with orange stripes. "Well that is one. We should try to catch at least five or six more to have for Dinner tonight."
0000
Awakening earlier then usual, Ezra made his way outside carrying a small bag with him. Once outside, he unzipped the bag and removed the Small Ball Shaped device out of it. A Training Remote. He had decided right after the incident with the Pirates that he had to stop slacking off on his training. "I should never have been hit those two times." He muttered activating the Remote and setting the timer for twenty minutes. Tossing it into the air, he removed his Light Sabre and turned it on. The Remote buzzed about him, firing stinger shots as he parried and blocked each shot. When the Remote paused in the air, he knew twenty minutes had gone by. resetting the timer, he then increased the difficulty up two more levels and began again. An hour later, sweating and breathing hard. He sat down to rest. "Not bad." He heard Sabine say from behind him and he turned his head to look at her.
"Thanks." Ezra said to her and she stepped up next to him. Gesturing to the remote.
"Mind if I try that?" Sabine asked.
"I don't know if that is a good idea. It is not as easy as it looks and those Stinger Shots really hurt." Ezra said and Sabine frowned at him sternly.
"I can handle it. Now give me your Light Sabre." Sabine ordered and he reluctantly handed it to her. Then using the Force brought the Remote into his hand. Putting it the lowest level. She glared at him.
"Try this first and then if you don't get hit. I will then increase it to the next level." Ezra said not really wanting her to get hurt. But he already knew what would happen. Stepping back, he watched as she activated his Light Sabre. The Remote began to buzz about and then shot one of it's stinger shots. She blocked it with a smile and then yelped when one of the bolts struck her left shoulder. Growling she moved to block another and then yelped again when another Bolt struck her in the right thigh. He had the foresight to set the Timer to five minutes and when the Remote paused in midair. She deactivated the Light Sabre, stepped closer to him and slapped it hard into his right hand. Noticing his expression and how he was trying to contain himself.
"One snicker and you will regret it!" Sabine declared and he shook his head.
"I wouldn't do that. Though I tried to warn you." Ezra added still trying not to smile or chuckle and she glared at him. Then after a minute she chuckled shaking her head.
"Yeah you did. Those things do hurt a lot." Sabine said still chuckling and he chuckled as well.
"I know. The first time Master Tano had me train with one of those. I got hit in a place that made it very difficult to sit for at least an hour." Ezra told her and she chuckled harder, she had been lucky not to get hit there. Because where the bolts had hit were still stinging a bit.
"I would still like to try again. Perhaps after I am able to beat you when we Spar with those staffs." Sabine said with a small smile. She had not yet beaten him yet and she was determined to best him yet. He smiled coyly.
"Oh so in about a month or more from now." Ezra said and she scowled at him as he chuckled. She reared back with her right hand, ready to hit him. "I was kidding." He said quickly backing away from her not wanting to get punched.
"That was not funny. I will beat you yet and it won't be a month from now!" Sabine stated still trying to hit him. He continued to laugh and soon she did as well. Now no longer trying to hit him hard. Instead she merely wanted to get her hands upon him. "I will get you yet." She said laughing, as he slipped out of her clutches the last second. Then jumped, flipping over her and landing behind her. Laughing as she spun around. "That is cheating." As she lunged after him.
"Is it?" Ezra asked as he did it again. Though this time Sabine was ready and as he landed she jumped herself, tackling him and forcing him onto the snowy ground. Stranding his waist, she pinned his wrists to the ground and smirked down at him.
"Say Jawa if you submit." Sabine said and Ezra smiled up at her.
"Jawa." Ezra said and she did not release him, instead she leaned down and kissed him. As she parted. They both heard two familiar voices laughing from up on the Deck behind them. Both Ursa and Alrich her Parents were up there and had watched the scenario finding the whole thing entertaining.
"You two look like you are having fun." Ursa commented, both Sabine and Ezra blushed. Sabine stood moving away from Ezra. Trying to regain her composure, while she dusted the snow from her Armor. Ezra stood and did the same. "Now if you two are done playing, there is something that me and your Father need to discuss with you and Ezra." The Countess then turned to go back inside and after Alrich gave them another large smile. Followed her inside.
In the Main Hall, Ursa and Alrich sat upon their double thrown. Looking down at Sabine and Ezra. "Is there something wrong Mother?" Sabine asked and Ursa nodded.
"Yes. Extremely wrong." Ursa frowned and as did Alrich. "There has been a challenge issued." She stated shaking her head. Sabine inhaled sharply.
"Why would someone wait until now to Challenge Ezra for me? Wait tell me it is not...Hosat Kryze is it? If it is I really have to make him suffer this time." Sabine growled, she had thought she had made it clear the last time when she broke his wrist that she had no interest in him at all. Ursa shook her head again.
"No Sabine. The Challenge has been made against you. Airera has issued the Challenge." Ursa told her and Sabine gasped audibly.
"Airera as of Airera Wren...my second cousin Airera?" Sabine asked in shock and confusion. Her Mother nodded. "That makes no sense. I mean as I know of she has not even met Ezra or even seen him. Why would she issue a challenge?" She asked and she could tell that her Mother did not know.
"Can someone tell me what is going on?" Ezra asked completely confused. Sabine turned towards him.
"Well it would seem that one of my Clan Members wants to Challenge me for the right to Marry you. She wants that right." Sabine informed him and Ezra's eyes widened in shock.
"Huh? That is insane. So this person...what was her name Airera wants to Challenge you to what a fight?" Ezra asked trying to fully understand what was happening. Sabine nodded.
"Yes and if she by some miracle wins...then by our Custom you have to Marry her instead." Sabine said and Ezra paled immensely. He did not like that idea at all. Marrying someone that he did not even know. Though he did originally volunteer to do that, but it felt different since he was not doing the same with whoever this Airera was. He had been a firm supporter of Master Skywalker's, Master Tano's and Master Aayla Secura. Along with several dozen other Jedi to not continue unemotional bounding within the Jedi Order. To allow the Jedi to Marry and have normal families. Even if the spouses of the Jedi were not Jedi or did not have any Force Potential at all. As Skywalker put it when he proposed to have that mandate changed. Selective Breeding should only be for prized Racing Tonton's and not people. "Don't worry Ezra...She could not beat me if I tied both of my arms behind my back and only used my right leg." She smiled over at him wondering why Airera would even bother to issue the Challenge. It made no sense.
"This is not to the death is it?" Ezra asked in concern, not wanting anyone to die for him. Sabine shook her head.
"No. It used to be. But that was changed Centuries ago because sometimes it could cause blood feuds between Clans or even within a Clan." Alrich said from up besides Ursa.
"Mostly now it can be hand to hand combat, or at most knives where first blood drawn from the chest determines the winner and that is a rare Challenge. Mostly for those...well like Derrett had done when he struck you from behind. So knives are hardly ever used." Ursa said and then smiled slightly. "Airera would be a complete Di'kut to insist on Knives. Sabine is vastly better with Knives then she is. As she is with hand to hand Combat. This whole thing to me sounds like her Father is trying to gain some type of status within our Clan." Again Ezra had no idea why someone would do that. Though he never liked or understood politics, even though that was what his Parents as Political Analyst spent their every waking moment obsessing about.
The Challenge:
Standing in the center of a ring, Sabine looked over at Airera shaking her head. Airera had chosen hand to hand along with submission. Which meant that she would have to have her verbally ask for submission. That she would submit. Though Sabine could knock her unconscious and that would count as a win. "Airera you have to know you do not stand a chance against me. So why the Challenge?" She asked her opponent and the thirteen year old Girl glared at her.
"Are we going to fight or talk?" Airera demanded, Sabine could hear the others voice etched with nervousness. She did not like this, it felt wrong to fight someone that did not even have the right stance.
"All this is going to prove is that you are no Warrior Airera. We both know it..Feir'fek your own Father knows it. This is pointless." Sabine stated glancing over at Airera's Father Demond. The man had a small smirk crested on his face. As though he knew something that Sabine didn't. When Airera lunged at her, she simply sidestepped the clumsy attack. The Girl stumbled and spun around to face Sabine, squaring off for the fight to continue. Ezra watched from the side, completely concerned. About Sabine and what more about given that if Sabine did lose. He might end up getting Married to a Thirteen Year Old Girl. Someone three years younger then him. He used the force to sense those around him and most also found that the Contest was in a word ridiculous. Mainly due to that everyone could tell that Airera was not a Warrior, so her fighting hand to hand with Sabine was absolutely ridiculous. Then he felt it. Narrowing his eyes he focused his vision and the force to the Man standing just to the left across from him. The Man showed no signs or feelings of concern for his Daughter that was now fighting Sabine. Instead there was something else. Something devious. Easing from his place, Ezra moved around the gathered couple of dozen spectators and over besides the Man. Using the Force to reduce the Man's and those around him. Their curiosity and that he was there. Looking back to see Sabine toss the other Girl halfway across the Ring. The younger Girl hit the ground near them. Getting up Airera subtly looked back at her Father who subtly nodded. No one saw it but Ezra.
"Come on Sabine. I am not done yet. I will beat you." Airera stated with a small smile, moving to the right and forcing Sabine to follow. Putting Sabine only a foot or two away from Ezra and Airera's Father. Ezra was using all of his concentration to keep not only an eye on Demond, but also paying close attention to the older Man's feelings. When the Man smirked, he slowly raised his left hand out towards Sabine. Ezra easily noticed the small cylinder within the Man's hand. Raising his right hand out, he clasped the Larger Man's wrist and pulled it back down. The Man glared over at him angrily.
"I believe that is cheating Sir." Ezra said loud enough for everyone to hear him. Two others were were there, quickly looked and began to draw everyone else's attention. Gesturing to the small Cylinder excitingly. Ursa stomped over with two others in Tow. One of the larger Mandalorians, grabbed Demond's hand and turned it to show the Cylinder that was in his hand. Then picked it out of his hand, holding it out to Ursa. While this was happening Sabine easily pinned Airera to the Floor and asked the younger Girl to submit. Which she did. Sabine then joined to see what all of the commotion was about.
"What is this Demond?" Ursa demanded holding the Cylinder right in front of the Man's eyes. He lowered his gaze towards the floor, no longer glaring or showing any signs of defiance.
"It was just a mild sedative. All it would do was give my Daughter a fighting chance." Demond said softly. "You may believe I did this for Political advancement. It wasn't my intention at all. Airera told me that she desired him and begged me to help her."
"Why Airera? You haven't even met him before. He does not even know you at all." Sabine asked perplexed that the younger girl would go through such extremes for someone that did not ever even met her.
"I was jealous Sabine. You looked so happy. That and I thought if I beat you in a Challenge and then took him as mine. I would be highly respected not only by our Clan...but by the Duchess as well." Airera stated and then pouted visibly.
"That was the stupidest thing I ever heard." Ezra blurted out and several of the Spectators started to laugh. As Demond moved directly in front of Ursa.
"Milady...I submit myself for punishment for trying to...it was dishonorable for me to interfere in a Challenge." Demond said bowing low towards Ursa. She shook her head and chuckled.
"No harm no foul Demond. No punishment will be given. Though I would suggest that instead of spoiling her and indulging into her whimsies. It might be prudent that you spank her more often. Knock some sense into her." Ursa suggested and Demond smiled as Airera frowned. "Now if anyone else would like to Challenge either Sabine or Ezra. Please step forward." The Countess said loudly and when no one did. Sabine grabbed both of Ezra's hands in hers facing him.
"We are taking the Vows right now! I am not taking any chances that someone else will want to issue a Challenge between now and next week." Sabine declared sternly looking at Ezra. "You have learned the Vows, correct?" She asked him and he nodded. "Good." She then took a deep breath. "We will say them together." She ordered him and then with a slight nod. They both said them. "Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar'tome, mhi me'dinui an, mhi ba'juri verde." Then they repeated them in basic. "We are one whether we are together or apart, we will share everything and we will raise our children as warriors." With that they kissed and from out of nowhere, Alrich her Father produced two Blue Golden Rings.
The Honeymoon:
Not able to decide on whether to go to Alderaan or Ithor. They just went with Kashyyyk. In fact the Hotsprings Resort that had just been opened on the Southern Continent. Sabine had to remember to thank Bo-Katan for arranging for her and Ezra to be able to go there. Especially since it was now one of the most sought after vacation locations in the Galaxy. Sitting at the Cockpit Controls of the Corelliian YT-1930 Transort, Sabine glanced over at Ezra who was sitting next to her in the Co-pilot seat. It would take them about twelve hours to reach Kashyyk and she was really looking forward to tonight. It would be their first time and she wanted to thoroughly embrace what that meant. She could see that Ezra was also thinking about to tonight. She could easily see just how nervous and anxious he was. She smiled.
Spending an entire week on Kshyyk seemed to fly by. Between them spending the first two days and nights inside their Room. Then actually leaving their room to go soak in the Hotsprings. It felt to both of them that the week was over before either of them was ready for it to be. In route back to Knownest, Sabine turned towards her Husband. "Would you like to go visit your Parents? Perhaps introduce me to them?" She asked him not really willing to return home yet. Ezra shook his head.
"No. Actually Sabine...I have no idea where they are now. We did not keep in touch at all." Ezra told her and now Sabine fully understood why he wanted to find a home. Thrilled with the prospect of having a Family. He never really had either. She silently promised that she would make sure that he had both. A home and a family. Setting course, they entered hyperspace and headed for Knownest and home.
The End