Chapter 22

Stepping outside of what had become a stifling room, Alex inhaled a deep draught of cold, crisp air into his lungs. Though it was cold outside the room in which the negotiations were taking place, the room itself was hot and stuffy, with a heavy layer of tension felt throughout.

Leaning his back up against the building behind him, Alex scanned the perimeters of the area, noticing as he did so that more than several guards stood at attention. Their presence did little to comfort him.

Once he was satisfied the surrounding area was safe, he let his thoughts drift as they willed. A soft smile traced his face, and his blue eyes softened as his thoughts turned back to the few days before.

"Ah, Master Arieh, out here enjoying fresh air as well?"

The smooth, oily voice broke into the Jedi knight's thoughts and pulled him back to the present. Hiding the expression of distaste that wanted to cross his face, Alex straightened somewhat before turning and nodding stiffly to the heavyset, Jelequen official. "Yes, I'm enjoying it very much, Sir Tnagorra. It is very beautiful here."

"Hmm, yes," the Jelequen murmured. "I'm sure in your limited experience you haven't seen a place of such beauty." Before Alex could reply, he waddled on his way, heading toward another group of Jelequens huddled not far away.

Alex's bright blue eyes darkened only a shade as he stared after the official with a blank face. It was the same with the Araaqs. Both factions often dropped hints and barbed insults about his age and his competency in handling the situation.

Folding his hands within his robe sleeves, Alex sighed and turned to look out the other way, across the great white expanse of snow covered fields. In truth, he had even received that attitude from some at the Temple, ever since he'd been knighted. Others teased him, but weren't really serious.

Here, the insults were veiled, hidden amidst meaningless words and flattery. However much they did or didn't think of him, Alex was making progress. Just that morning he had finally accomplished the daunting task of getting the Jelequens and the Araaqs to begin talks of dividing the land in dispute. Before both parties hadn't and wouldn't even consider it.

It was but a small victory, for there was no doubt in his mind that the two factions would bicker over every single angle and detail of who got what and why. If nothing went wrong, Alex could foresee everything wrapping up within a few weeks.

If nothing went wrong.

***

"You're crazy, you know that? I thought all Jedi were sticklers for the rule book?" Folly said as he stepped back and peered at the figure before him with a critical eye.

"Shows how much you know," Meri murmured in reply.

"Oh, what is that supposed to mean?"

Meri grinned. "Jedi and crazy go hand in hand."

Folly snorted. "Well I won't argue that with you, this scheme of yours is absolutely insane!" He grinned. "I like it. But if the Master Jedi finds out…" he trailed off ominously.

"He won't. You told me yourself that he won't be able to spare the time for another visit out here. He won't even miss me and you can tell him I'm fine."

"You know that's lying," Folly said with a sly grin.

"No, not really. I mean I will be fine and I'll let you know. That's why I'm going to meet with you every few days. You will find me, right?"

"If I don't then the Master Jedi will kill me! Of course, I'll find you. He'll kill us both when he finds out your doing this," he muttered then reached out and smoothed a streak of dirt on her face. His face drew into one of its rare moments of seriousness as he met her eyes. "You know how dangerous this is, don't you? If that Rebel group finds out you're only posing as their friend to find out what they're up to, much less that you're not a boy…,"

"I know," Meri interrupted him, her voice firm. "Now look," she said as she struck a pose. "Do I look like a boy?"

Taking a step back, he studied her. "Well, that is as close to looking like a boy as you're gonna get," he said glancing from her head down to her boots.

She was dressed the part, with her hair firmly in place under the cap. To hide her features they had rubbed dirt over her face to give her the dirty orphan appearance. Folly had assured her that the Rebel group was made up of a scraggly sort and her slightly dirty appearance wouldn't be questioned. If she made it into the group that was.

"What about your voice?" Folly asked as he scratched an ear.

Meri grinned and pulled the Force around her. "How's this." It came out sounding just like a young man.

He pretended to jump back in surprise. "How did you do that?" he asked in awe.

She shrugged. "Force suggestion. I just can't do it with a whole lot of people at once."

Folly smirked. "Then you better not talk to more than one person at a time."

"I wasn't planning on it. Now, what else?" She looked at him expectantly.

"Well, walk around and let me see," he suggested.

Meri grimaced, but did as asked.

Loud laughter erupted before she had barely started. "That won't work!" Folly exclaimed with a chuckle.

Meri stopped and glared at him. "What?" she accused, but she already knew what it was.

"The way you walk." Another chuckle. "That will never fly. Try taking shorter steps."

Meri let out a sigh in a huff of air. "Fine." She began walking again but stopped short when Folly broke out laughing. "Now what?" she asked in exasperation.

"You look like one of those cheap wind up toys they give kids," he laughed.

At her glare, he sobered quickly. "Okay, okay, look, watch me, okay?"

"Okay, fine," she replied, folding her arms across her chest.

Folly turned and swaggered off across the snow-covered ground and as Meri watched him, one slender brow rose in dry amusement. "If I walk like that, I'll be laughed right out of the settlement," she said dryly.

"Hey," Folly said in a defensive air.

Meri smirked. "Hmm, look, how is this?" she asked as she began to move around, limping slightly.

Folly watched for a few seconds before nodding somewhat begrudgingly. The halting gait hid well the young woman's graceful and feminine manner that otherwise would have given her away straight off. "That will work, but you better remember to limp on the right leg."

"I will," she said with a glance at the sun. "We better be on our way, then. You're sure you know the way?"

Folly nodded. "Yeah, I know where that group hides out." He glanced at her in concern. "Do you really think you should do this?" Over the past few weeks he had found himself beginning to like her more than he let on. She reminded him of his little sister and he would never wish on her what had happened to his sister. They were both dark haired and dark eyed beauties. Folly had often wondered how his sister could look so different from the way he looked with his sandy blond hair and hazel eyes. She had been so small and delicate…so sweet and undeserving of what had happened to her.

"I have to," Meri said with certainty. "If I'm there I can find out what they're planning to do and when. Alex can't just stop the negotiations, so this is the best way."

Folly shook his head, a smile slowly working its way back on his face as he pushed the past behind. "I hope you're right."