"Good morrow, Sir Talon! I hope thou slept well." Garret's cheery voice echoed through the chamber as he directed the younger pages to place the light morning repast upon the small table next to the wall. All the lads were dressed in their finest garments and had even combed their hair. Not one looked like the ruffians they appeared while training the day before. They all looked like a freshly minted coin. "A fine morn for a wedding, is it not?"

"Yes, it is, Garret," Talon replied as he turned from the open window. A brisk seabreeze feathered across his skin as he breathed in the salty air.

Following custom, Talon had a light breakfast in his chambers as his new clothing was delivered and draped across the foot of the bed. Several other newly sewn garments were deposited in the huge wardrobe that once belonged to Flora's brother -- the previous Earl of Falcon's Nest. He looked around the room with a new eye. This chamber is where he would spend the rest of his life with his heart-mate.

Heart-mate. He let the word silently roll over his tongue. His spirit had calmed once he realized what the vision-song meant. Heart-mate... Flora. The warm feeling again, as always, settled around his heart. He was content to follow where the Force had led him -- to his heart's mate, the other half of his own heart. I wonder what would Master Yoda have to say about a Jedi Knight becoming a noble, and getting a wife as a part of the package. 'The ways of the Force, mysterious they can be.' Or something, undoubtedly, along those lines, he thought with a small smile.

Finally, Garret helped him don his wedding clothes. Chausses of finely spun, light blue linen were belted with a wide, black leather belt. His own boots had been polished to a high gloss after Garret had snuck in to remove them during the middle of the night. The chausses were neatly tucked into the boots. An under shirt and tunic of white were left uncovered by any surcoat.

Garret opened the door to admit Sir Branyon. A sparkle in his eye showed he was fully recovered from all the wine he put away the evening before. "Ready to receive thine accolades and my cousin's hand in marriage, Sir Talon?"

Talon drew a breath, "Yes. I'm ready."

"Then let us come." Sir Branyon escorted him to the stables. Along the hallways, servants stood side-by-side in their best clothing.

The early morning sun shone upon them as they mounted their horses for the ride to the chapel in the village nearby. The day promised to be a pleasant one as the sun hid behind the few puffy clouds that drifted before it. Since the King was already at the chapel, Talon and Sir Branyon took the lead. Knights of the Nest, and their Ladies, rode behind them. The horses looked splendid in their colored robes. Each carried the colors and emblem of those who rode them. Talon's destrier was left bare.

Along the way, the villagers raced beside them, cheering and waving. At the large, stone chapel, other knights lined up on either side of the steps to greet Talon. As he reached the steps and dismounted, Talon could feel the presence of Flora's Force signature. She was inside, kept well away from his view. She would see him granted title-ship of the Nest. Then, only after he was of equal rank, could she be wed to him.

As Talon stopped at the foot of the chapel steps, a hush descended over the crowd gathered in the village square. The King and his personal entourage stood in front of the closed chapel doors.

The King's voice rang out. "Sir Talon of Coruscant, I bid thee come forth and receive thy rightful accolades."

As Talon walked up the flagstones, a dark flutter skittered along his senses. Somewhere in the crowd jammed into this small square was a Darksider. Whoever it was kept his thoughts tightly guarded.

As was custom for this ceremony, Talon came before the King and bowed, then dropped to both knees before him.

Unseen from the crowd below, a bowstring was pulled back and released. A dark ripple in the Force warned Talon of the danger. He swung around on his knees and caught, in his hand, the arrow meant for his heart.

A gasp rose from the crowd gathered. In response to a small gesture from Sir Branyon, several men spread out to search for the assailant.

Talon already knew what they would find. The would-be assassin would not be found -- he had already fled into the crowd and "disappeared." Many in the crowd wondered how any man could have caught an arrow with his hand when no warning was shouted. This was an image none would forget. Talon nodded to the King and the ceremony continued.

The King stood over him. "Sir Talon, in return for preserving my life, I, King Steven, raise thee, Sir Talon Savon of Coruscant to the noble rank of Earl. I entrust to thee, the safety and guardianship of the demesne known as Falcon's Nest by the Sea and *all* that goes with it. Dost thou accept this charge?"

Raising his head to look the King in the eyes, Talon responded strongly, "I do."

"Sir Talon of Coruscant, receive now the symbols of thy duty."

The King took a finely crafted sword and held it aloft for all to see in the morning sunlight. "With this sword, wilt thou guard Falcon's Nest by the Sea and its gentle folk?"

"I will."

Garret assisted the King's own squire in securing the sword belt and scabbard about Talon's waist.

Next, the King took a jeweled dagger and held it up. "With this dagger, wilt thou protect thy family and heirs?"

"I will."

The King handed over the dagger and Talon placed it and its scabbard into his belt.

A breastplate of light armor was placed in the King's hands. "With this armor, wilt thou defend against the enemies of the land?"

"I will."

The armor was strapped across Talon's chest.

The King held aloft a shield bearing the Falcon in Flight. "With this shield, wilt thou defend all that I entrust to thee?"

"I will."

The shield was handed over and secured on his shield arm.

"Dost thou accept me as thy rightful and only Liege-Lord and vow thine allegiance to me as thy sovereign?"

"I do."

"I hereby give thee the rightful and hereditary rank of 'Earl.' " The King slapped his hand down as hard as he could upon the nape of the man keeling before him. Much to his surprise, the new Earl did not budge. 'Twas like hitting a stone wall. "Arise, Sir Talon, Earl and Lord of Falcon's Nest by the Sea."

Before he rose, Garret and the King's squire draped a surcoat of sky-blue over him. Embroidered in black, on both front and back, was a falcon swooping down upon its prey. 'Twas the emblem of Falcon's Nest by the Sea.

A wave of cheers echoed across the square as the crowd hailed the new Earl. "Three cheers for the new Falcon Lord! Hurrah!... Hurrah!... Hurrah!"

Garret beamed with pride at his new Lord and gave him a deep bow.

A high pitched screech high overhead brought Talon's attention to a pair of sea-falcons. Mated for life, they circled lazily above the chapel.

Following local custom, it was now Talon's turn to ask fidelity from the knight's garrisoned at the Nest. One by one, each knight knelt before the new Earl. Placing their hands within his, each gave his word to be loyal to the new Falcon Lord.

At last, the doors to the chapel opened to allow the nobles entrance after the friar and King. Sir Branyon led Talon off to one side to give time for everyone to take their place. Now that he was of equal rank to the Mistress of Falcon's Nest, he could claim her for his bride.

Talon took this respite to find his center and his calm. His heart leaped at the thought of claiming his heart-mate. By her unique Force signature, he knew exactly where she was. Her Force signature out-shone the sun and would soon meld with his. Together they would be complete. One without the other would descend into madness; such was the way of his people.

He took a deep, slow breath and looked at the chapel. On either side of the altar stood candle trees crafted of silver. In their branches stood tall, white tapers made of costly wax. Entwined within the branches were fragrant white roses. Draped across the altar was a swath of white silk.

Finally, the crowd hushed as everyone who could squeeze in came to a stand still.

Sir Branyon stepped close to his new lord and whispered, "Are thou ready to meet thy destiny, Lord Falcon?"

...meet your destiny. As the words echoed into his heart, his very blood, Talon realized just how prophetic they were. "Yes," he nodded.

"Then, may I have thy shield." Branyon took Talon's shield and placed it before the altar beside a shield identical to Talon's own. The second shield was smaller; small enough for a woman to easily carry.

As Talon walked down the center aisle, he could hardly contain the joy he felt. He was near to losing his Jedi composure.

Friar Givens remained stoic, but a sparkle in his kindly eyes gave away his emotions. "People of Falcon's Nest by the Sea," he began in a voice that carried to the entrance. "We are here today to celebrate the bonds of marriage between Sir Talon, Earl of Falcon's Nest and Lady Flora, Countess of Falcon's Nest.

"Bring forth the bride."

Branyon appeared from a small room tucked into a corner way in back. On his arm, he led his cousin.

Dressed in a flowing gown of snow-white silk, Flora's hair was braided into a white crown about her head. White rose buds peeked out through the thick plait. Small pearls entwined in her hair glittered in the sunlight streaming in through the glass windows that faced the east. Crystal beads sewn onto her dress created tiny rainbows as she walked down the aisle. Talon's breath hitched in his throat at the vision before him. Somewhere, deep in the recesses of his sub-conscience, a new melody began its soft song.

A gentle squeeze on her hand brought Flora back to the present. She had nearly outpaced her cousin. She felt something drawing her to this man, pulling her forward. A warm glow enveloped her heart and, somehow, she knew this marriage was meant to be. Their union would be truly blessed by the Great Spirit, Creator of All.

"Breathe, Flora," Branyon whispered to her. Together, they stopped three paces away. Indeed, she had not realized she held her breath, for before her stood her husband-to-be. The sunlight touching his dark brown hair caught the bronze highlights, setting them afire.

"Who gives this woman into the care of this man?" Friar Givens inquired.

"I, Sir Branyon, give my cousin, Countess Flora, into the care of the Earl of Falcon's Nest, Sir Talon." With these words, he presented her hand in marriage to Talon.

Talon stepped forward and gently took her fingers in his. He bowed deeply over her hand, then led her to stand before the altar.

"Lord Falcon, dost thou vow to protect this woman as thy Lady-wife? To protect her with thy sword and to keep her safe from all harm? And to love her with all thy soul and heart?"

Talon blinked. These words were virtually identical to the wedding vows his parents had exchanged at their bonding. "I do so swear, upon my life, my soul and my heart," he repeated the traditional response from his home world.

Friar Givens turned to Flora. "Lady Flora, dost thou vow to protect this man as thy Lord-husband? To support and protect him from all harm? And to love him with all thy soul and heart?"

"I do so swear," she turned to look at the man beside her. "Upon my life, my soul and my heart," she added.

With palms together, they presented their wrists to the friar who wound a silver cloth about them. Dipping a small bundle of green branches into a silver water urn, he blessed them. "May the Great Spirit bless ye with his kindness and wisdom."

Turning to also sprinkle water over the silk sheet draped across the altar, the friar continued the blessing, "May the Great Spirit bless this union and grant ye many children."

Turning to bless the shields he continued, "May the Great Spirit give ye the strength to guard each other and keep ye safe."

Once more facing the couple standing before him he raised his hands above them and shouted for all to hear, "By the Great Spirit, Creator of All, I pronounce ye husband and wife." An attendant presented each with their shields. "Thou mayst kiss thy bride," the old friar encouraged with a twinkle in his eyes.

Talon drew his wife towards him and shielded her from view as he gently pressed his lips to hers in a chaste kiss. A spark flew between them as their lips met. The crowd inside the chapel cheered as the knights banged on their shields to show their support.

Advancing to the entrance, Talon could not keep his eyes off his flower. He knew he was grinning like a fool but didn't care if even the Jedi Council saw it. Just outside, they stopped to face the people.

Behind them, Friar Givens shouted for all the hear, "Good people of Falcon's Nest... I give ye the Lord and Lady Falcon!"

The crowd erupted into a roar of good cheer as Talon raised high his shield. Simultaneously, Flora raised her shield to show they were united as husband and wife.

In this world, a knight's horse, his sword and his armor were regarded as his treasures. Yet, Talon knew that the woman by his side was the greatest treasure he could ever have.

Flora blinked hard as she heard her Lord-husband say, "In all my journeys, I've never seen a more beautiful flower." But did he speak to her, or was it in her head where she heard the words? She was not certain, but she would have sworn she never saw his lips move.

Together, their horses were brought forward. Flora's white palfrey was dressed in the sky-blue of Falcon's Nest. Talon's black charger, the very one the King had given him on the battlefield, was now likewise dressed. Each horse's robe carried the emblem of a black falcon in flight, ready to strike its enemies from above. Tall, pale blue and white feathers festooned the tops of the horse's heads. Talon placed his hands on either side of Flora's waist and deftly helped her sit astride the saddle. As he did so, a vision appeared in his mind. [Flora looked up at him, her face was bathed in sweat. Snow-white tendrils framed her face. Pride and a great joy shone brightly in her aqua-teal eyes. In her arms their babe lay wrapped in a soft blanket.] He waited by her side until she was done arranging her skirts. His smile beamed up at her as she nodded to him.

Mounting his charger, his heart beat a rapid tattoo as he understood the vision. This was where the Force led him. This was where he was destined to be. Here, on this ordinary world where Jedi did not exist, he would continue to live by the Code and protect these people to the best of his Jedi training and abilities. I wonder what words of wisdom Master Yoda would have to impart.

"Come my Lord-husband. 'Tis time to meet the people of Falcon's Nest by the Sea."

"Lead on my Lady-wife."

Flora led by his side as she gave her husband the grand tour of their demesne. Everywhere, the people turned out to greet their new Lord. Flora showed him the village first.

As Flora introduced him to her people, she found her eyes wandering more and more to the man at her side. Her heart spoke to her, telling her this was the man Destiny had long since chosen for her. Yet, she knew nothing about him. She would do what was expected of her -- she would keep her vow and protect her husband's back in battle if need be. For in her world, noble daughters were expected to protect the Keep beside their husbands. Still, she mentally shrugged; she was fortunate to have met him before the actual wedding ceremony. As was so common in her world, noble daughters were often wedded off to gain an alliance. Seldom 'twas a love-match among nobility, but her heart knew this would be a match to last across all boundaries.

The tour started from the water fountain in the village nearest the Keep and made its way farther and farther into the countryside.

The demesne itself was laid out much like many pre-industrial societies Talon had the opportunity to visit as a padawan. Yet, there was a division of labor rarely seen in agrarian cultures.

The Central Business District was the heart of the community. The main village, not far from the Keep, served this role as the center of commerce for the demesne. Here, laborers would come each day to ply their trade and return each evening to their homes in the surrounding areas. Already, only two days after the siege ended, people were busy making a living as if nothing happened. All appeared to be back to normal.

Along the central plaza were several large buildings devoted to one type of cottage industry or another. In one building, locals would bring their wool and cotton to be carded and spun. In another, the yarn would be dyed and hung out to dry. Indeed, Talon could see a rainbow drying in the sun, waving in the breeze like colorful pennants. In yet another cottage, the yarn was woven and finished into the fine cloths Falcon's Nest was known for, among other things.

The alehouse and the bakery stood near the only tavern that doubled as an inn for weary travelers.

The village had its own smithy to make or repair whatever metal objects the villagers were in need of. From copper and iron cooking pots to harnesses and scythes, the burly man built like a bear could do it all. By his side stood his two sons and a young grandson; all knew the trade.

The village mill stood at the opposite side of the smithy. The great millstone had to be pulled by draft animals. The inner workings were broken and the millstone stood still for many weeks now. A rut had been worn deep into the ground by the aged horse that stood by, ready to continue the only life he knew.

Here, in the central business district, people would share not only in the work, but also in being a thriving community. They would talk, gossip, spread the latest news, and share their ideas and dreams.

Surrounding the heart of the community was the agricultural sector. Here, the farmers and their families lived and tended to their fields. They were proud of the crops of wheat and barley, and fruit orchards and vegetables.

Farther out, lay the green pastures where herds of cattle and sheep peacefully grazed.

Off in the distance, past the grazing fields, was the only place the local fishermen could safely put out to sea. Here, the steep cliffs came down to meet the sea. Only here was the shoreline free of the jagged rocks that guarded the Nest so fiercely against attack from the sea.

Several cottages stood against the seabreeze. Nets waved in greeting to the party as they rode in. In the distance, white sails could be seen bobbing in the gentle surf. From here, the day's first catch would be rushed to the huge, stone Keep that stood above all.

As the wedding party rode out among the people, everyone would stop what they were doing and rush to meet their new Lord. In every community, villagers would appear with a small offering of food, or something cool to drink. At each stop, Flora would introduce her people to her husband. Mothers would show off their babe, or admonish their daughters to behave and not drool as they went ga-ga over their handsome, new Lord.

In staying with custom, the Falcon and his Lady distributed a gift wrapped in an aqua colored square of cloth. Inside, was the gift of a small gold coin. Small, perhaps to some nobles, but large in the caring it represented and in its giving.

At each cottage, Talon would ask a few questions to get to know the family inside. With his genuine concern, the people came to take him to heart. Talon found the feeling was mutual.

Everywhere Flora took him, Talon saw people who were happy with their lot in life. He saw people who were content and well cared for, and lacked for little.

These were gentle folk who took pride in a hard day's work. This was reflected by they manner in which they lived. In return for their labor, the Lord and Lady of the Nest made certain no family was ever left in need. From the grain mill, to the cloth mill and dye house, to the butcher -- goods were distributed to each family as needed.

He also saw how much hard work these people had ahead of them. The month long siege by the Ghost Knight and his mercenaries had put the spring planting season in jeopardy. If the crops were not planted quickly, the whole of the demesne could likely go hungry during winter.

After such a siege, Talon expected to see a lot more damage. Yet, the damage he had seen was relatively minimal. It seemed almost as though destruction was not the Ghost Knight's intent. Instead, he succeeded in running off the livestock and delaying the spring planting season by keeping the population pinned behind the thick walls of the Keep.

Why? Talon wondered. What would he have to gain by delaying the spring planting?

The question was answered as soon as it was asked. To delay the planting now would endanger the winter harvest. If the spring crops did not come up on time, the winter harvest would be put in serious danger. This would demoralize the people and make them easier prey to subdue later.

The sun was setting well into the early evening when they finally made their way back to the village square. The central plaza had been transformed into a festival. Multicolored pennants, really nothing more than scraps of cloth too small to use for anything, were strung up on twine between the buildings. Lanterns with candles inside were likewise strung overhead. Torches burned high above the crowd to add their glow to the oncoming night.

Scarred worktables stood in the street as each family brought something to either eat or drink. Tonight, as the nobility celebrated the wedding, these common folk would likewise celebrate in their own way.

Flora looked to her husband, almost afraid to ask the question foremost in her mind at the moment.

Talon saw this and leaned closer to her. "As I told Garrent, so now I tell you, my wife -- you may ask me anything you wish. I would not be offended if you were to ask me a question. I will always answer true. I will never lie to you, Flora."

"How did thee know I have a question to ask, my lord?"

"It's written all over your face." He tried not to chuckle as she, too, ran a hand across her face to wipe off what was not there. "What I meant was, the expression on your face showed clearly that you wished to ask a question. You may ask me anything, anything at all."

Flora once more worried her bottom lip. With a nod from Talon, she was encouraged to speak, "What thinkest thou of the people of Falcon's Nest, my Lord?"

Talon's face broke out into a wide grin. "I like them, my Lady-wife," he nodded. "In fact, I like them a lot! These are good people. I think I'm going to like it here." He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. The ember in his blood stoked to a flame as he placed a lingering kiss upon her knuckles.

Flora saw the flame grow in his dark eyes. The small spark she held within her answered his call and grew in her eyes as well.

"So, there is naught thou wouldst change, my Lord?" she asked hesitantly.

"Well, there are a few things that could stand some improvement. But overall, it appears everything is running smoothly. However, I *am* concerned about the village mill."

"Aye, my Lord," she nodded. " 'Twas found mysteriously broken before the siege began." The tone of her voice said clearly she believed there was some connection there. "It *must* be repaired quickly. The village granary is empty. What grain and flour the village had stored was tossed into the street and ruined by the Ghost Knight and his men.

"We have shared what we can, but we are quickly running out. The wheat in the Keep's granary will soon spoil. The mill at the Keep can not possibly produce enough flour for the entire demesne. Without the mill, there can be no flour. With no flour, there can be no bread... Thank the Creator we had a good harvest and still had enough to last for a while yet."

Talon silently nodded. "I'd like to talk to the men repairing it. I have an idea that may help it run more effectively."

"How so?"

"If we can re-design the working mechanism, we can get the wind to move the stone, instead of having to rely on draft animals. This way, we can produce a greater output with less effort."

"As thou sayst, my Lord." Talon's words spun around in her head, their meaning was not clear to her. But, the enthusiasm in his voice made it clear that this was a Lord who would not sit carelessly by as his demesne fell to pieces about him. Her heart was gladdened that this earl would carry on the caring tradition her father and brother started when they sat as the Falcon Lord.

@}--- @}--- @}---

Garret and Sir Branyon escorted the Falcon Lord back to his chambers, as Flora's maids escorted her to her old chambers for the last time. As final preparations were being made for the wedding feast, the newly wedded couple was being prepared for the evening to come.

Talon scrubbed away the dust and grime of the day. Then lying before the fire, allowed Garret to give him a rub down with almond oil. As the lad's hands worked the oil into his skin, Talon asked him as question he was not prepared to hear.

"Garret?"

"Aye, my lord?"

"Am I correct to understand that you'll soon be old enough to be taken on as squire?"

Garret's hands stopped moving. Talon could feel a slight tremble in his fingertips as he continued his task of preparing the Lord of the Keep for his wedding feast. "Aye, my lord. Thou are correct."

"How does this work? How exactly does one become a squire? Is there a ceremony to make it official?"

"Nay. There is no ceremony. The knight goes to the lord in whose house the page lives, and from that lord requests the right to train the lad. If agreed upon, and 'tis always, the lad would be called and presented to the knight as his squire. That is the way of it, my lord."

"I see. So if someone were to chose you for their squire, he would have to request my approval."

"That is correct, my lord."

"But, if I were chose someone from Falcon's Nest?"

"Since thou be Lord here, thy word is Law. Thou would simply tell the lad. And of course, thou wouldst also wishest to write the lad's parents, just to let them know."

"Of course. They would want to know."

"Thou wouldst then be responsible for all thy squire's needs. Whatever they may be."

"Ah, yes. I remember the days before I became a Knight. My Master was responsible for my upbringing. From making sure I learned my lessons well, and helping when I had difficulty, to training me to defend."

"Learning how to fight!" Garret said excitedly.

Turning over on the floor before the low fire, Talon sat up and clasped Garret's hands in his own. "Garret. It's even more important to know how *not* to fight. It's more important to know how to *defend* than to fight. Anyone can pick up a sword and strike you down. But of even greater importance is to know how to avoid the fight if a peaceful solution can be found that will benefit all parties involved. Fight only when all other options are closed to you; then fight to win with as few casualties as possible. If a peaceful solution can be found to the argument, *everyone* wins. If you must fight, many innocent people may well be harmed.

"That is not to say I will refuse to fight; quite the contrary. I *will* fight to protect and defend what I am responsible for. That includes not only my life, but also my wife, you, Sir Branyon, every single person, and every single other living soul in Falcon's Nest from my large charger to the smallest church mouse. They all have their place in the Living Force and all have a right to live.

"Sometimes, the best way to win a battle is to not fight. But, indeed, sometimes you have no other choice."

Garret kept his eyes locked onto his toes. "Not fight? 'Tis a strange thing to hear from a knight."

"This is a way of thinking that those of my Order have followed for a great many generations. We live to *defend*, not fight. We live to *serve*, not be served. In time, Garret, you'll understand." He could sense the boy's skepticism, but knew this was a new philosophy for him. It was one that did not fit well into this world.

@}--- @}--- @}---

TBC...