Disclaimer: I still don't speak Scots Gaelic nor Irish Gaeilge aside from a few words ( I do know slightly more Gaeilge though), so if my translations are wrong then blame Google Translate, not me. I also don't own any character that is not my own creation, obviously. Wish I did though. Could use the kind of money Star Wars rakes in.

A/N: I'm aware some of the songs I mention weren't written until a few centuries later, just ignore that inaccuracy for theme's sake.

Caibideil 8

Ahsoka exited the taxi speeder and paid the driver accordingly. Taking adeep breath, she knew she would never be able to live this incident down. As soon as she walked into the Temple, a group of younglings started giggling, including some she had taken to get their lightsaber crystals. What was the girl's name again? Katooni, that's right, she started the teasing with: "Lux and Ahsoka sitting in a tree!"

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" the others answered. Ahsoka couldn't help but smile at their childish antics. It was the Masters she was really worried about.

"First comes love!"

"Then comes marriage!"

Quinlan Voss overheard them as he walked by, looking somewhat hungover. He was one of those Jedi that could be considered a party animal at times so Ahsoka ignored his appearance until:

"Then comes abrupt and tragic miscarriage."

She froze and the children stopped their singing.

"Then comes Blame,

Then Despair,

Two hearts broken beyond repair.

Ahsoka leaves Lux,

All he gets is the tree.

D-I-V-O-R-C-E."

He finished his, interesting, take on the children's rhyme with a swig from a flask he hid under his robe and stumbled off to whatever he was doing.The younglings stated to awkwardly disperse while Ahsoka stood frozen in horror and discomfort. "Master Voss? Are, are you alright?" If he heard her, he was ignoring her, continuing his bastardized and depressing rhyme scheme as he stumbled away.

Barriss was eating a light lunch in the courtyard and waved her over. Ahsoka came to the bench Barriss was sitting at and took a seat beside her. Barriss smiled and offered her part of her fish sandwich, which Ahsoka gladly accepted having not eaten in a day and a half. "So," Barriss began, "I take it you were honest with each other?"

"Shut up Barriss," Ahsoka retorted betwixt bites, "We've already been made into a galactic laughingstock I don't need to have you add to it."

"Sorry, you know I couldn't resist."

"Apology not accepted. I'm just trying to avoid most of the masters until it blows over."

"I don't think that's going to happen for years." Barriss replied honestly. "It's not every day that a Republic Senator, and former Separatist, tries to harass a Jedi, gets her sister instead, and gets sent to the hospital by some crazed Togruta out for blood and screaming in, what was it that reporter described it as, 'elvish.'"

"Not helping," Ahsoka observed in irritably.

"Just repeating what everybody's saying."

"And it might slip from an anonymous source that Riyo's about to be the first openly gay Senator from Pantora."

"You wouldn't."

"Try me."

"Alright I'll stop."

"Thank you."

"So, how bad were the injuries?"

"His or mine?"

"Yes."

"He'll be in a wheelchair for the foreseeable future after he gets out of the hospital but doc's hopeful that he'll be able to walk again in the next six to nine months, and he had to have emergency surgery to remove a few organs damaged beyond repair, I managed to get the bite taken out of my arm sewn back on. Stitches come out in two weeks."

"Ow."

"Yep," Ahsoka remarked, "So how have things been here?"

"A few rumors going around, some contradicting each other," Barriss informed her.

"As rumors usually do."

"There was talk about expelling you from the Order after it was found out that Lux wasn't just some pervert hellbent on taking you and that the feelings were actually mutual."

"As I expected."

"Then Master Skywalker and Master Plo Koon both threatened to walk if they did expel you. Having both the Chosen One and a Council member up and leave would be horrible for morale for the military and civilian sectors alike."

"Master Plo too?" Ahsoka asked in surprise, she figured Anakin would pull a stunt like that but normally Master Plo wouldn't seem the type, even if they were close.

"Like I said, just a rumor."

"Ok, what else?"

"Skywalker and Séamus and going to start sparring in about an hour or so, a few padawans are excited about watching it and I'm pretty sure I heard a few knights and masters placing bets on whether the Chosen One or the Giant wins."

"Pretty sure lightsaber beats huge axe."

"Anakin wanted it to be fair so he's borrowing Gràinne's claymore."

"Well, he's dead."

"Want to put a few credits in the pot?" Barriss asked

"Nah," Ahsoka answered, "Besides isn't gambling technically against the rules?"

"So is owning more than one dress," Barriss shrugged, "It's apparently one of those things that nobody really bothers with as long as its kept to an acceptable level and doesn't become an addiction."

"Interesting."

"Yeah, I'm starting to figure out a lot of Jedi are huge hypocrites."

"Honestly? Not even surprised at this point."

Masters Unduli, Fisto, and Ti were walking about their own business and stopped to speak with the young Jedi. "Afternoon Padawan Tano, Barriss," Luminara greeted them.

"Good afternoon masters," the pair replied in unison, bowing their heads momentarily.

"Are you planning on watching Skywalker and O'Neill spar later?" Kit Fisto asked, genuinely curious but also trying to get a read on whether he should change his bet by getting some last-minute information from Anakin's Padawan.

"Probably," Ahsoka answered honestly, "Not planning on betting though."

"W-what?" Shaak Ti laughed semi-nervously, "Jedi don't gamble. I have no idea what you're talking about; that's just a rumor." She quickly composed herself and asked, "But, out of curiosity, if you were planning on betting, for bragging rights of course not money, who would you think would win?"

"If Anakin's not using his lightsaber?" Ahsoka obliged, "Definitely Séamus. I saw him cut through a man in full armor like he was paper just using his axe and muscle alone. If Anakin's just wearing his normal clothes, then you'd be better off putting any credits into his hospital bill than betting on him. "

Fisto's eyes widened as Ti smiled, "Thank you, Ahsoka."

Luminara rolled her eyes, honestly wondering how these idiots got on the Council when she didn't. "It should start around three this afternoon."

"If you'll excuse me for a moment, ladies I need to check on something right quick," Fisto said before running to where Ahsoka and Barriss assumed the gambling money was stashed.

Shaak leaned in and said, "Just so you know, I voted against kicking you out before Plo and Skywalker threatened to leave."

Ahsoka smiled and whispered, "Thank you, speaking of which, where is Master Plo?"

"Honestly? I haven't seen him all day."

A buzz went off on Barriss's commlink, "I don't think I'll be able to watch Skywalker learn a lesson in humility today, I need to leave for a few hours."

Luminara nodded with a grin, "So be it, former Padawan."

In the hospital, Lux was attempting to type a review for the audiobook with his hands restricted by his casts:

1/5 Stars

Worst four credits I've ever had the displeasure to spend. Wish I could give it zero stars. This book is worthless and will only get you injured or killed! I'm going to demand my money back ASAP! Do not recommend!

-Lux B.

Satisfied, he closed down his tablet and tried to get some rest until He heard a buzzing sound. Looking at his tablet he saw a notification where had gotten an email reply from the author of the book:

Hey, aren't you that perv Senator who got his ass kicked by the wrong twin? Tell ya what, I'll put the five credits to your reelection campaign if you take down the review and never bring up having listened to my advice again. I don't want my book to be associated with you.

-Carloman S.

Before he could snap back, he heard a knock at the door, assuming it was one of the nurses he answered, "Come in." Much to his surprise, Jedi Master Plo Koon entered his hospital room. They had never met in person, but he had heard a lot about the Jedi, both from news reels and Ahsoka reminiscing. "Master Jedi! What brings you here?" Lux asked.

"You know why I'm here Bonteri," Plo replied in his deep baritone, grabbing a chair with the Force to sit in, "It would appear that Little 'Soka has feelings for you."

"Yes sir, and I have feelings for her as well."

"I assume she has told you about how we're connected?"

"Yes sir, Master Jedi, she told me that you found her as a child and brought her to the Temple. She sees you like a surrogate father."

"And I see her as a surrogate daughter," Plo Koon replied. Then he leaned in uncomfortably close to Bonteri's face and threateningly whispered, "Should you ever hurt her in any way, I will make sure that no one finds the pieces of your body."

Lux, thoroughly terrified, answered truthfully, "Wouldn't dream of it."

"Good talk," was all that Plo said as he stood up. Exiting the room he turned back and replied, "I wish you a speedy recovery Senator."

"T-thank you. Sir."

Padmé was listening to Gràinne play her, what was it she called it again, bagpipe. She could tell that the poor girl was starting to feel homesick and alienated. Even C-3PO couldn't translate what she was saying in Gaelic or Gaeilge with no data on any language even distantly related to them to try and fill in the gaps, but Padmé was trying to pick up a few words just to throw into conversation to try and help the poor girl feel slightly more at home. She only knew a few words though, with no idea on how to read or write it since the spelling rules are a complete nightmare.

However Gràinne was also trying to oblige her by singing to her music in Basic; of course whether that was the original language or a translation Padmé had no idea, but it was still beautiful and displayed Gràinne's eagerness to return to her homeland, despite the torture of living there if even a fraction of what Gràinne's stories told her held true. It grabbed hold of her heart and refused to let go, between Gràinne visibly holding back tears and the woeful moan of her pipes and voice; she had never even seen Scotland and was still holding back tears of her own.

"By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomon'.
where me and my true love were ever wont to gae
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon'.
O ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak the low,
An' I'll be in Scotland afore ye;
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon'.
'Twas there that we parted in yon shady glen,
On the steep, steep side o' Ben Lomon',
Where in purple hue the Hieland hills we view,
An' the moon comin' out in the gloamin'.
O ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak the low,
An' I'll be in Scotland afore ye;
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon'.
The wee birdies sing and the wild flow'rs spring,
And in sunshine the waters are sleepin';
But the broken heart it kens nae second spring again,
Tho' the waefu' may cease frae their greetin'
O ye'll tak' the high road and I'll tak the low,
An' I'll be in Scotland afore ye;
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomon'."

Padmé covered her mouth for a few moments when Gràinne had finished, taking a few breaths to hold back that stubborn sob caught in her throat. "That was beautiful Gràinne," she managed to choke out, "Did you live close to Loch Lomond?"

"Aye, me family farm was close to it, about half a day's ride from Grianáig where we sold our wool and Da his weapons and armor, while we went to Sunday Mass, and two days ride to Loch Lomond. We'd sometimes go fishing there when we had the chance away from farmwork or smit'ing"

A knock on the door came after her answer and Padmé opened it to reveal Séamus in his usual chainmail and Anakin in his typical half-armor. "What are you doing here?" she asked her husband, not upset that she had an opportunity to see him again but that he had shown up without telling her was unusual.

"We're just here to borrow something from Gràinne for a moment." Anakin answered with a smile.

Before Padmé could react the Scottish Togruta, in full plaid once again, had hopped into Séamus's arms and kissed him passionately, tears streaming from her face from thinking of home and of holding her only living and present connection to her Celtic home. She had her answers as to where she came from and hated it, she hated every second longer they had to stay here. Her home may have hated her, but at least she could understand it, unlike this world of freaks, monsters, and flying contraptions.

Breaking the kiss, Séamus asked her, "Mo ghaol, càite a bheil do chlaidheamh? Feumaidh sinn fhaighinn air iasad airson beagan mhionaidean."

"Tha e ceart thall an sin."

"Tapadh leat a ghràidh."

"Chuala mi na tha thu a' dèanamh. Breab a asal. "

"Tha mi an dùil."

Grabbing the blade, the pair went back to Anakin's speeder to return to the Temple. Gràinne told Padmé why they needed her sword and she just rolled her eyes, "Boys being boys I suppose. How about I take you around to meet some people. It'll get us both out of this apartment."

"Aye, I'd like t'at."

"No biting or punching though," Padmé warned, "Even if they do deserve it." She paused, "Most of them probably would deserve it though."

"I can still yell at 'em t'ough?"

"I'll let you know."

Back at the Temple, Anakin took out Gràinne's sword from its sheath, how she managed to use that thing he had no idea considering the blade was up to her shoulders when put on the ground. As he swung the blade a few times to get a feel for the sword, gripping solidly with both hands, he quickly realized that the weighting was completely different from a lightsaber. Séamus was laughing at him as he polished his axe head, "Go on then, is it yer first time usin' a sword?" Anakin noticed a but of a crowd gathering around them to watch, younglings and padawans fascinated at Anakin and the giant while most knights and masters seem genuinely amazed at the stunning claymore with its gilded and bejeweled sheath and hilt, and the way the Coruscanti sun glinted off the blade, casting a reflection of the message Nighean ghràdhaich bho neamh, solas mo bheatha on the ground and walls with its swirling letters and shimmering beauty.

"Are ye ready then lass?" Séamus called to him mockingly.

Gripping the hilt and taking a Form IV, Ataru, opening stance: right foot back and the blade held vertically, Anakin nodded, signaling the start of the duel. Séamus smiled, gripping his axe in combat stance. Taking the initiative, Anakin lunged at Séamus, who was surprisingly swift given his size and quickly dodged the blow to spin and strike at Anakin's back. Anakin used his momentum and the sword's weight to fall into a roll out of Séamus's reach. Séamus however was not relenting and charged at Anakin, swinging the axe around his hands in one fell swing and bringing it down to where Anakin had landed. Rolling out of the way of the axe, Anakin narrowly avoided having his skull caved in when Séamus landed his blade on the stone ground, cracking it around his weapon. Leaping to his feet, but also slightly off balance from the weight of the claymore, Anakin swung at Séamus, the blade making contact with his chainmail armor sending sparks flying.

Séamus responded by swinging his axe at his assailant's neck, but was blocked by the claymore's parry, the sound of metal and oak clashing together let loose a ringing sound as Jedi applauded and cheered. Their celebration was cut short by Séamus elbowing Anakin in the nose, sending him stumbling back as he tried to gather his senses, blood pouring from his likely broken nose. Shaking his head, Anakin charged at the giant who expertly used his armor to his advantage and caught the blade in the crotch of his elbow and forced it under his shoulder, gripping it with two joints and rendering it totally immobile and useless. With a headbutt, Séamus's helm made contact with Anakin's body, having ducked his head out of the way but not his shoulder. With a sickening crack Anakin yelled in pain as he involuntarily let go of the claymore with his left hand, allowing Séamus to overpower his right and yank it from his grasp, making sure not to break his fiancé's blade or else he'd be in the hospital bed right beside Lux, with even more severe injuries.

Enraged and injured, Anakin grabbed Séamus's axe with the Force and pulled it from his grip towards his mechanical hand and uninjured arm. How he planned on using an axe as big as Barriss was with only one hand he wasn't sure but-

Crack! He nearly lost consciousness when the claymore's hilt contacted his skull, sending him flying across the courtyard to smack against a tree. He could barely see anything, but it looked as if Séamus was holding the sword by the blade and using it as a hammer as opposed to a traditional sword, all five of him! Coughing he muttered a barely audible, "I yield," the yelled, "I yield!"

Séamus walked up to him, stabbed the sword into the dirt and helped Anakin stand up, giving him a pat on the back, "Aye, that was a good fight! Ye really had me goin' for a moment there! I wish the pirates I've had to deal with were half as skilled as ye! It'd make me job more fun!"

Leaning on Séamus for support, Anakin was led to the healers to fix his injuries while the crowd of Jedi, half surprised at how quickly it ended, dispersed; some grumbled under their breath and others laughed as they went to a Theelin Jedi with a notebook, presumably to collect their winnings.