I'd Miss you Still
Chapter 9
by obi's girl
Chapter 9, Post 1
"The rain's stopped," Jaina mused, resting her head on Jag's chest, "It's so quiet now,"
Jag moved his hand around her waist, pulling her close to him. He didn't really know but he just he needed to protect Jaina, "It's almost morning too and..."
"It won't be long until we have to leave," Jaina finished and looked up at him, smiling, "Last night was wonderful and beautiful. Jag, I don't want to leave,"
He shrugged and smiled sheepishly, "We have too. This place is only rented for a week..but I know what you mean. This place, it's...."
"Enchanting," Jaina finished and smiled again, giggling to herself. Jag nudged her shoulder and she looked at him again, "Didn't you feel it, when were together like that? Jag, we've bonded."
"But I thought only a Jedi can bond with a Jedi," he whispered and shrugged, "I'm not even a Jedi, Jaina. Why would something like this even happen? How could it happen?"
Jaina kissed him and smiled, "Actually, last night wasn't the first time we bonded Jag. Before I died and you knew I was pregnant with Cherith, I bonded with you then but you didn't know."
"That's why I could see when you were dead," Jag reasoned, "Because you bonded with me? That makes sense,"
She smirked again, "Do you know what I'm thinking now?"
Jag looked at her suspiciously, raising an eyebrow and smiled, "I can do that? I can read your thoughts?"
"Of course you can. This isn't a one day deal, Jag. Go on, try it," she cried, relaxing in the bed, "Go ahead,"
Jag closed his eyes, breathing slowly as he tried to concentrate. He felt his mind wander from his own and touch Jaina's. He wouldn't call it an out of body experience, but it was an ethereal feeling. Jag focused on her thoughts and smirked, I can't wait for last night to happen again, even if it's before our wedding night!
"Well? What am I thinking?"
He opened his eyes and looked at her, "Now, you've had a little taste and reminder of what I'm like, you can't get enough of me and can't wait until our wedding night,"
"I wasn't lying when I said, sorry, thought that, Jag. It really was beautiful," she whispered and kissed her cheek, still smirking, "In fact, we still have time before Larissa or one of the other handmaidens wakes us up..."
Jag laughed, "What about breakfast...?" he questioned as suddenly leaned up and kissed him. "Breakfast can wait, I think," Jaina smiled and kissed him again...
~~
Cherith frowned, straightening her Jedi cloak as she stood in front of her closet mirror. After her little talk with Valin, they both went back to the apartment to get ready for Tyria's memorial, which would take place in another hour. She didn't know Tyria but from what she had heard, Tyria was her mother's decoy and even closely resembled Jaina. Cherith huffed and turned around, facing Valin.
He looked up at her, smiled, and then frowned, "Do you think you're ready for this?" he asked.
She shrugged and sat down beside him on the bed, "I don't know but I have to be there. Uncle Wedge and his family are going to be there, Uncle Luke and my grandmother, too. They're both expected to say something.Will I be expected to say something?"
"I don't think so," Valin said and grinned, placing a comforting hand on Cherith's but she jerked it away. "Sorry, I was just."
"Comforting me, I know," she whispered, "It still feels weird when you touch me because we kissed," Cherith explained, standing up from the bed and fixing her hair again.
Valin looked down, fidgeting and huffed, "Are you sorry it happened? Do you regret.?"
Cherith turned back to him, "It was nice, but things were moving too fast. I mean, we'd just met." She paused and for a moment, felt Valin's pain over what happened, "It'll happen, Valin. One day, it'll happen for us. We just need to be patient,"
"We better head down to the memorial. You should get your mom." he said.
Cherith turned and looked at the adjacent room, but before she even reached into their bond, Cherith knew she wasn't there. "What is it?" Valin asked.
"She's not there," Cherith whispered and reached deeper into the Force, searching the rest of the base for her mother's signature, but everything was a blank, "She's not even on the base," she cried and delved into the force again, this time, looking for her father. But again, another blank. "He's missing, too!"
Valin jumped up from the bed and stood beside Cherith, "Computer, locate Jaina Solo and Jagged Fel,"
"Jaina Solo and Jagged Fel are not on the base or planet,"
Cherith moved closer to Valin, resting her body on his for support, "Valin, where are they?"
"I don't know. Look, we'll go to the memorial and ask your grandparents if they know anything," Valin reasoned.
"Valin, I'd never been without them before. She's always been here." Cherith cried, "I can't loose them both,"
Valin drew her into his arms, patting her back, "We'll get them back, Cherith, I promise,"
tbc
Chapter 9, Post 2
Jaina Solo tiptoed quietly back to her room, bypassing Larissa and the handmaiden's quarters. Thankfully, they were still asleep but Jaina kept quiet, careful not to wake them. After her interlude this morning with Jag, they both decided it would be best if Jaina get back to her room before Larissa woke her up for breakfast. Jaina sighed, slipping into her room and shut the door. "I'm safe," she whispered and as she turned to her bed, she jumped, startled to see Larissa waiting there for her. "Larissa, what are you doing here? I thought you were still asleep,"
Larissa shrugged, standing up from the bed and walking to the dresser, "The other handmaidens are still asleep, but since I'm in charge around here, it's my job to get up early and prepare the villa and make sure everything is in order. What are you doing up early?"
"What am I doing up early? I went out for an early walk," Jaina said, averting her eyes.
She turned to her and smirked, "M'lady, you went for a walk in your nightgown?"
Jaina looked down at her nightgown and robe and smiled, rolling her eyes, "No, I didn't go for a walk. I spent the night with Jag,"
"I figured as much," Larissa smiled, "For a Jedi, you're not very stealthy. I trust you enjoyed your time together?"
"Larissa, it was wonderful. It'd been the first time in a long time, we'd been like that..." Jaina paused and realized she'd lied to Larissa, "Jag and I aren't married. We were engaged, we came here because I was stubborn and was scared to love him again. He had an affair while I was dead," Larissa just looked at her. Jaina laughed and rolled her eyes, "Ya know, that whole phrase made sense when it was in my head, but to say it out loud, it sounded, well, ridiculous. But it still felt better to say that aloud. All my problems, to just admit them to someone else, it felt good."
Larissa smiled, "I'm glad I could help, m'lady. One thing I've learned over the years as a handmaiden, handmaiden's don't talk very much but they watch and listen. Something most people take for granted," she paused and sat beside Jaina, "The necklace, the japer snippet Jag gave you, my great grand mother was the handmaiden for a Padme Naberrie. She was Queen of Naboo for a couple years and after she stepped down, the current Queen asked her to be a Senator. My great grandmother was a decoy for the then Senator Padme Amidala and saw many things. I remember, one time, she told me after Padmé's husband died, she'd never love again..."
"Husband?" Jaina questioned, "Who was her husband?"
"A Jedi, a very young Anakin Skywalker," Larissa said, "Regardless of what people think, we do know about your connections to the Skywalker family line...Jaina Solo. It's hard not to recognize you as Anakin's granddaughter,"
"They were here, weren't they? This was where they fell in love?"
Larissa nodded, "Yes, this is where it happened. Padme came here one last time after Anakin became Darth Vader and she gave my great grandmother her japer snippet, and told her to sell it. To her, Anakin was already dead, long before he became Darth Vader."
"Is she still here on Naboo?"
"No one knows," she said, "She vanished after that day. If she still is here, she's probably taken on a new name and it's been a long time since anyone has remembered her. But I remembered,"
Jaina looked away and sighed, "They were married here? Can you show me where?"
"Of course."
~~
Jaina ran her fingers across the marble railing and smiled. This was where she and Jag shared their first kiss, but it was also the place where her grandmother married the man that became Darth Vader. Jaina's mother, Leia, didn't really remember anything about her mother but now, Padmé's story would be told. Jaina turned to Larissa and smiled, "When I was with Jag last night, he asked me to marry him. This would be our second engagement. I was going to wait until we got back to Borealis for the ceremony, but I want it to be here. I want my wedding to be here,"
"As you wish, m'lady," Larissa said and went back inside the villa.
Jaina stayed out there a little while longer, gazing out at the lake and rest of Naboo. She didn't even hear Jag's footsteps behind her as he walked out onto the balcony, wearing a loose brown tunic. "Jaina?"
"This was where it happened, Jag. They were married here," she mused, staring at the lake.
He shrugged and stood beside her, leaning on the marble railing, "My grandparents were married here. I really didn't understand why I was drawn so strongly to that japer snippet but now I know. It was because it belonged to her and he gave it to her,"
"Anakin Skywalker? You're talking about him and your grandmother? I don't understand, Jaina,"
She turned to him and smiled, "For years, my mom and uncle didn't know anything about their family, where they came from. Mom has very few memories about her mother, and the only link we had was Anakin Skywalker. My family's history, their hidden history, Jag, it's all here!"
"Come on, I think breakfast is ready," he whispered.
"I want us to be married here, Jag. This is where I want our lives to begin. It's almost fitting, isn't it? This place, it's become our place too as it was theirs," she said, smiling, "We can still have a ceremony when we get back to Borealis, but for us, I just want it to be here,"
Jag smiled, leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Whatever you wish, Goddess,"
tbc
Chapter 9, Post 3
Cherith nudged Valin as the two of them entered the bay, where the memorial was to be held. Valin looked in the direction Cherith pointed to and smiled. Small parts of Wes' hair was still a little blue from their prank. Valin started to laugh but then he remembered they were at a memorial, but still stole a glance at Janson's blue hair.
Cherith tugged at his arm again, this time pulling him in the direction of her family. Wedge smiled, waving Cherith and Valin over. Cherith saw her cousin's and Uncle Wedge, and ran over to them. "Hi Cherith," Myri cried, followed by her sister.
"Hi guys," she said and looked at Wedge, "Do you know where my mother is?"
Wedge blinked and shifted uncomfortably, "Sorry? Did you ask if I knew where your mother was?"
"Of course, I did," she said and glanced at Valin, and then she looked back at her Uncle, "Do you know where she is? My father too on that account?"
As Wedge was about to say something, he noticed Soontir over Cherith's shoulder. He mouthed the same question but neither Cherith or Valin seemed to notice he was there. Finally, Soontir cleared his throat and they turned to him. "Cherith, Valin, I'd like you both to meet someone very important,"
But that was as far as Wedge got before Myri and Syal grabbed hold of Soontir's legs and cried, "Grandpa!"
Cherith's eyes widened and she looked at Valin, and then at her Uncle, "Grandfather. Soontir Fel is your grandfather, Cherith." Wedge finished.
Soontir turned to Cherith and smiled, "Jagged is my son,"
Cherith ignored him a minute , looking again at Wedge. Only this time, she probed his thoughts using the Force, to look for any connection to her parent's disappearance. She couldn't find useful but the name of a planet stood out clearly in his mind.
"Naboo," Cherith said, "What's on Naboo? Why is it important?"
Valin stepped forward, taking hold of Cherith's arm, "Um Cherith, can I borrow you for a moment?"
"What is it?"
He shrugged and smiled, "I'd never met my grandfather before but your other grandfather traveled all the way from the Outer Regions to meet you."
She caught onto what he was saying and turned to Soontir again, smiling, "Sorry granddad about ignoring you. I was just worried about my parents."
"I know," Soontir said, "We'll have to talk after the memorial. There's something we need to tell you,"
"Can't you tell me now? Why do we have to wait until after the memorial? Granddad, these are my parents. If something's happened to them, if they're in trouble, I need to know," Cherith pleaded, "Please, I need to know where they are,"
~~
Sera Fey`lina stared at the many Twin Suns pilots as they entered the bay. Not only pilots, but Jedi were there too. Master Skywalker and his wife, Leia Solo and her husband, Corran Horn, Jaina's daughter, Cherith and Valin, Corran's oldest. It wasn't that long ago they'd all attended Jaina's funeral and today, they were all gathered in the bay for a different funeral: Jaina's decoy.
Even if Sera wasn't there for Jaina's funeral, and she was happy she wasn't. She'd been very close to Jaina while they were all at the academy, like a big sister to her. Sera continued to look at the many faces in the bay, she didn't even notice Kyp stand behind her and touch her shoulder. She jumped and turned to him, smiling. Kyp returned her smile.
"Sithspit Durron, don't do that!" she cried, "Did you see Jaina anywhere? She's supposed to give a speech about Tyria,"
Kyp shrugged, "No, I didn't really see her anywhere. But Cherith and Valin are here, they're over talking to the Antilles," he paused, "Cherith's worried about something, her thoughts are all mixed up,"
Sera turned to him and crossed her arms, "Is she all right?"
"She's all right, she's just worried.," Kyp said and smiled at Sera again, "How are you doing? You seemed a bit distracted before,"
"I was thinking about Jaina's funeral. I know I wasn't there but I'm here, for Tyria's and it feels weird. I met Tyria once too, and it was really uncanny how much they resembled each other. In a way, it feels like Jaina's still dead," Sera explained and smiled, "Did you check her parent's quarters? Jaina's staying with them temporarily."
Kyp shrugged again, "I did, she's not there and I stopped by Jag's place and he was missing too,"
Sera rolled her eyes, whispering, "They're both gone? Where can they possibly be? Jaina knew the memorial for Tyria was today. She wouldn't just take off without telling anyone,"
"I know she wouldn't," Kyp answered, "If Jaina was in trouble or hurt, I'd know about it. Cherith would know about it too,"
Sera nodded, looking at Cherith and Valin together, "I think she already knows, Kyp. Cherith knows her mother is missing. That's why she's so worried,"
"We can't leave the memorial before it starts and look for her. We have to wait until later,"
"WE?" Sera asked, turning to him, "Don't you mean 'you'?"
Kyp rolled his eyes and slipped an arm around Sera's waist, smiling, "Baby, I told you. You have nothing to worry about. I love you,"
"I know you do, Kyp, but I also know, since you learned about Jag's affair with Celeste, you've been very protective of Jaina," Sera whispered, "I love Jaina too. I've watched over her for so many years too. But I can't help it if I get a little jealous over the fact you still love her,"
Kyp leaned down and kissed Sera's forehead, "Yes, I'm protective of Jaina but I love you, Sera 'Wildcat' Fey`lina. I get excited every time I see you or touch you even. I'm in love with you, Sera. I thought you knew that?"
She looked at him incredulously and smiled, "You're in love with me?"
He raised his hand and touched it to her cheek, "You're the first woman I've known in a long time that actually tolerates me," Kyp smiled and as he leaned down to kiss Sera again, he backed away, shocked to see Celeste's face. "Ms. Raven, what are you doing here?"
Celeste smiled, "I heard about the memorial from around the base and I thought I'd stop by."
"You're not welcome here," Kyp said bluntly, "This memorial is for invite only. Technically, you're crashing,"
"I'm sorry," she said and looked at Sera, "Is Jaina's family here?"
Kyp laughed, "They are but I don't think they'd want any condolences from you. In fact, I think you should leave now before things start to get ugly,"
"This isn't even Jaina's funeral. It's Tyria's, isn't it?"
"I agree with Kyp. I think you should leave too," Sera added.
Celeste smiled, "Fine, I'll leave. I just came by in case anyone wanted to talk. I am a grief counselor after all."
"Goodbye, Ms. Raven," Kyp said.
She nodded curtly and disappeared from the bay.
~~
Jaina shrugged helplessly, looking through her wardrobe for a wedding dress. Of course, it really wasn't hers and of course, Jag didn't even really allow her anytime to grab anything from her own quarters on Borealis before kidnapping her. She laughed to herself, setting aside some white- peach colored dresses and only turned when Larissa entered the room with two handmaidens.
"This is just wonderful. I'm going to be married in a couple hours but I don't even have a wedding dress, which is a very essential part of the ceremony!" Jaina cried and plopped onto the bed, huffing.
Larissa smiled, "Not to worry, m'lady," she said and gestured for one of the other handmaidens to grab something. "Come, m'lady. I'll work on your make-up and hair,"
"Make-up and hair? What about the dress? It's important..."
"And its your wedding, my dear, I know that, but as I said, don't worry. I can find something for you," Larissa said as Jaina sat herself in front of the dresser. "Up or down? What do you think?"
Jaina shrugged, "Up, I guess,"
Larissa nodded and opened a drawer, removing some gel, "Down," she reasoned, "Would you like glitter in your hair, m'lady?"
"Glitter? Can you do that?"
"Of course, m'lady. What type of glitter do you like? I think a soft blue and white would be nice," she mused and grabbed some of her bangs in her hands, running the glitter along it.
Before she could continue, Jaina turned to Larissa, "I want you to be my maid of honor,"
Larissa blinked and blushed, shocked her mistress would even ask her, "Thank you, m'lady, but I can't accept. You need someone else...A close friend or a relative. We've only known each other for a week,"
"I have a friend, but she's far, far away from here and she's a very busy woman. She rules an entire planet and cluster," Jaina reasoned, "I could ask Tenel Ka but I don't want to wait another week for her to get here. I need someone now. Please, Larissa?"
"Me? You really want me?" she asked, still in shock.
Jaina nodded and smiled, "Yes Larissa. Besides, Jag and I decided after we get back to Borealis, we'll have a big wedding there with family and friends."
"I'm honored, m'lady and I accept," she leaned down and hugged Jaina, "Thank you, Jaina, my granddaughter,"
Tbc
Chapter 9, Post 4
It was Jaina's turn to blink and pulled away from her handmaiden. Granddaughter? No, that wasn't possible. Was it? "Grandmother? Did you...are you?"
Larissa shrugged and leaned back against the dresser and nodded, "I'm sorry I lied to you, Jaina, but yes, I am your grandmother. My name isn't Larissa either, it's Padme Naberrie,"
Jaina stared at the woman before her. The necklace...? That's how she knew about it. Her handmaiden, the woman who'd taken care of her for a week was really her grandmother? All the dresses Larissa, err, Padme had prepared for her, fit Jaina's petite figure perfectly. She hesitantly reached out and touched her grandmother's cheek and then pulled back.
"No, this is impossible. You can't be my grandmother," Jaina stammered, "There has to be a mistake."
"I've been following the Vong war and your family's movements for a long time," Padme said, "I know the man you're with is your fiancé for the second time and you have a daughter together, named Cherith, after Jag's little sister who died. I know Luke has a little boy named Ben, after his old Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi and sadly, about your dead brothers,"
Jaina shook her head, standing up from the chair and paced the room, "Everyone knew about Anakin and Jacen, and my turn to the Darkside. That wasn't a secret..."
"Why do you think I knew about Anakin and Padmé's marriage, and that it took place here, outside on that balcony? I knew because I was there," she paused and looked down, "After Leia was given to Bail, Obi-Wan and I decided it was better if we changed our names and lived separately. He was lived on Tatoonie as Ben Kenobi and me, on Naboo as a simply handmaiden named Larissa, the head of the 'secret lake retreat'. I couldn't go back home, to my family home because they'd been killed and the retreat was the only place that was safe for me,"
"Only place that was safe? You could have stayed on Alderaan with Leia and attend her as a handmaiden," Jaina cried, "You could have been her mother. She would have known who you were,"
Padme nodded and looked at Jaina, "It would be too dangerous. It was too dangerous for me. If Palpatine ever knew I had another child, no, I couldn't risk Leia's life like that," she paused and huffed, "You have a child, Jaina, and you know, the midst of dark times, safety is everything,"
"When my brothers and I were growing up, my parents made the decision to hide us. When we were reunited with them, Jacen and I didn't even recognize our own mother. It hurt mom for awhile because Winter had raised us, took care of us and kept us safe," Jaina said and looked away, "I'm sorry grandma if I'm a little resentful, but that's how I feel. But we can't talk about this now. You need to help me get ready for my wedding,"
She nodded, a tear in her eye as she stood there, hating herself for saying anything. And wished she'd just kept quiet and controlled her emotions.
~~
"I can't believe this!" Cherith cried, pacing in the Antilles' main room. Wedge and Soontir expected that type of reaction for Cherith, especially considering their little plan for Jag to kidnap her mother. Valin smirked a little bit, amused by the plan but frowned when Cherith glared at him, "And you find this funny, Horn, because what...?"
Valin shrugged, "I think it was sweet. Considering your mother wasn't going to listen to Jag when they were here, I think he took the appropriate action,"
Soontir smiled and nodded, "Listen to your boyfriend, Cherith,"
Cherith turned to him, her mouth dropped and felt like screaming, but rolled her eyes instead, mumbling, "He's not my boyfriend and my life isn't the issue. My parent's safety is the issue. How far is Naboo?"
"No Cherith, you're not going there. They need this time together," Wedge interrupted, "This is good for the both of them,"
"Good for them, yes, but you could have told someone she was gone. It's almost a week now, Uncle," Cherith reasoned and huffed, falling on the couch beside her grandfather, "Naboo isn't a dangerous planet, is it?"
Wedge shrugged, "No, it isn't. It's a paradise," and grinned.
Valin mirrored his grin and sat down beside Cherith, taking her hand in his. Soontir noticed the way he was acting around the girl, it wasn't lost upon Wedge either but neither of them said anything about it. They'd already done enough matchmaking.
"Cherith, they'll be all right. If they were in any trouble or hurt, you said it yourself, you'd know about it," he whispered.
"I know, Valin, but I don't want to wait until something happens and then rush off to the rescue," she cried and let her head on his shoulder. She glanced up at Wedge again, "You said they'd be there for a week? That means by tomorrow, they'll be home, right?"
He shrugged, "They should. Hopefully, they will be,"
Cherith sighed and looked at both her Uncle and grandfather, "They better be here tomorrow, otherwise I'm going to hold the both of you responsible," she paused and smiled, "In fact, you can tell Han and Leia you let Jag kidnap their daughter. I'm sure they'll be thrilled,"
Wedge moaned, "My hands are clean. No more kidnapping schemes, even if it was for good and not evil!"
tbc
Chapter 9, Post 1
"The rain's stopped," Jaina mused, resting her head on Jag's chest, "It's so quiet now,"
Jag moved his hand around her waist, pulling her close to him. He didn't really know but he just he needed to protect Jaina, "It's almost morning too and..."
"It won't be long until we have to leave," Jaina finished and looked up at him, smiling, "Last night was wonderful and beautiful. Jag, I don't want to leave,"
He shrugged and smiled sheepishly, "We have too. This place is only rented for a week..but I know what you mean. This place, it's...."
"Enchanting," Jaina finished and smiled again, giggling to herself. Jag nudged her shoulder and she looked at him again, "Didn't you feel it, when were together like that? Jag, we've bonded."
"But I thought only a Jedi can bond with a Jedi," he whispered and shrugged, "I'm not even a Jedi, Jaina. Why would something like this even happen? How could it happen?"
Jaina kissed him and smiled, "Actually, last night wasn't the first time we bonded Jag. Before I died and you knew I was pregnant with Cherith, I bonded with you then but you didn't know."
"That's why I could see when you were dead," Jag reasoned, "Because you bonded with me? That makes sense,"
She smirked again, "Do you know what I'm thinking now?"
Jag looked at her suspiciously, raising an eyebrow and smiled, "I can do that? I can read your thoughts?"
"Of course you can. This isn't a one day deal, Jag. Go on, try it," she cried, relaxing in the bed, "Go ahead,"
Jag closed his eyes, breathing slowly as he tried to concentrate. He felt his mind wander from his own and touch Jaina's. He wouldn't call it an out of body experience, but it was an ethereal feeling. Jag focused on her thoughts and smirked, I can't wait for last night to happen again, even if it's before our wedding night!
"Well? What am I thinking?"
He opened his eyes and looked at her, "Now, you've had a little taste and reminder of what I'm like, you can't get enough of me and can't wait until our wedding night,"
"I wasn't lying when I said, sorry, thought that, Jag. It really was beautiful," she whispered and kissed her cheek, still smirking, "In fact, we still have time before Larissa or one of the other handmaidens wakes us up..."
Jag laughed, "What about breakfast...?" he questioned as suddenly leaned up and kissed him. "Breakfast can wait, I think," Jaina smiled and kissed him again...
~~
Cherith frowned, straightening her Jedi cloak as she stood in front of her closet mirror. After her little talk with Valin, they both went back to the apartment to get ready for Tyria's memorial, which would take place in another hour. She didn't know Tyria but from what she had heard, Tyria was her mother's decoy and even closely resembled Jaina. Cherith huffed and turned around, facing Valin.
He looked up at her, smiled, and then frowned, "Do you think you're ready for this?" he asked.
She shrugged and sat down beside him on the bed, "I don't know but I have to be there. Uncle Wedge and his family are going to be there, Uncle Luke and my grandmother, too. They're both expected to say something.Will I be expected to say something?"
"I don't think so," Valin said and grinned, placing a comforting hand on Cherith's but she jerked it away. "Sorry, I was just."
"Comforting me, I know," she whispered, "It still feels weird when you touch me because we kissed," Cherith explained, standing up from the bed and fixing her hair again.
Valin looked down, fidgeting and huffed, "Are you sorry it happened? Do you regret.?"
Cherith turned back to him, "It was nice, but things were moving too fast. I mean, we'd just met." She paused and for a moment, felt Valin's pain over what happened, "It'll happen, Valin. One day, it'll happen for us. We just need to be patient,"
"We better head down to the memorial. You should get your mom." he said.
Cherith turned and looked at the adjacent room, but before she even reached into their bond, Cherith knew she wasn't there. "What is it?" Valin asked.
"She's not there," Cherith whispered and reached deeper into the Force, searching the rest of the base for her mother's signature, but everything was a blank, "She's not even on the base," she cried and delved into the force again, this time, looking for her father. But again, another blank. "He's missing, too!"
Valin jumped up from the bed and stood beside Cherith, "Computer, locate Jaina Solo and Jagged Fel,"
"Jaina Solo and Jagged Fel are not on the base or planet,"
Cherith moved closer to Valin, resting her body on his for support, "Valin, where are they?"
"I don't know. Look, we'll go to the memorial and ask your grandparents if they know anything," Valin reasoned.
"Valin, I'd never been without them before. She's always been here." Cherith cried, "I can't loose them both,"
Valin drew her into his arms, patting her back, "We'll get them back, Cherith, I promise,"
tbc
Chapter 9, Post 2
Jaina Solo tiptoed quietly back to her room, bypassing Larissa and the handmaiden's quarters. Thankfully, they were still asleep but Jaina kept quiet, careful not to wake them. After her interlude this morning with Jag, they both decided it would be best if Jaina get back to her room before Larissa woke her up for breakfast. Jaina sighed, slipping into her room and shut the door. "I'm safe," she whispered and as she turned to her bed, she jumped, startled to see Larissa waiting there for her. "Larissa, what are you doing here? I thought you were still asleep,"
Larissa shrugged, standing up from the bed and walking to the dresser, "The other handmaidens are still asleep, but since I'm in charge around here, it's my job to get up early and prepare the villa and make sure everything is in order. What are you doing up early?"
"What am I doing up early? I went out for an early walk," Jaina said, averting her eyes.
She turned to her and smirked, "M'lady, you went for a walk in your nightgown?"
Jaina looked down at her nightgown and robe and smiled, rolling her eyes, "No, I didn't go for a walk. I spent the night with Jag,"
"I figured as much," Larissa smiled, "For a Jedi, you're not very stealthy. I trust you enjoyed your time together?"
"Larissa, it was wonderful. It'd been the first time in a long time, we'd been like that..." Jaina paused and realized she'd lied to Larissa, "Jag and I aren't married. We were engaged, we came here because I was stubborn and was scared to love him again. He had an affair while I was dead," Larissa just looked at her. Jaina laughed and rolled her eyes, "Ya know, that whole phrase made sense when it was in my head, but to say it out loud, it sounded, well, ridiculous. But it still felt better to say that aloud. All my problems, to just admit them to someone else, it felt good."
Larissa smiled, "I'm glad I could help, m'lady. One thing I've learned over the years as a handmaiden, handmaiden's don't talk very much but they watch and listen. Something most people take for granted," she paused and sat beside Jaina, "The necklace, the japer snippet Jag gave you, my great grand mother was the handmaiden for a Padme Naberrie. She was Queen of Naboo for a couple years and after she stepped down, the current Queen asked her to be a Senator. My great grandmother was a decoy for the then Senator Padme Amidala and saw many things. I remember, one time, she told me after Padmé's husband died, she'd never love again..."
"Husband?" Jaina questioned, "Who was her husband?"
"A Jedi, a very young Anakin Skywalker," Larissa said, "Regardless of what people think, we do know about your connections to the Skywalker family line...Jaina Solo. It's hard not to recognize you as Anakin's granddaughter,"
"They were here, weren't they? This was where they fell in love?"
Larissa nodded, "Yes, this is where it happened. Padme came here one last time after Anakin became Darth Vader and she gave my great grandmother her japer snippet, and told her to sell it. To her, Anakin was already dead, long before he became Darth Vader."
"Is she still here on Naboo?"
"No one knows," she said, "She vanished after that day. If she still is here, she's probably taken on a new name and it's been a long time since anyone has remembered her. But I remembered,"
Jaina looked away and sighed, "They were married here? Can you show me where?"
"Of course."
~~
Jaina ran her fingers across the marble railing and smiled. This was where she and Jag shared their first kiss, but it was also the place where her grandmother married the man that became Darth Vader. Jaina's mother, Leia, didn't really remember anything about her mother but now, Padmé's story would be told. Jaina turned to Larissa and smiled, "When I was with Jag last night, he asked me to marry him. This would be our second engagement. I was going to wait until we got back to Borealis for the ceremony, but I want it to be here. I want my wedding to be here,"
"As you wish, m'lady," Larissa said and went back inside the villa.
Jaina stayed out there a little while longer, gazing out at the lake and rest of Naboo. She didn't even hear Jag's footsteps behind her as he walked out onto the balcony, wearing a loose brown tunic. "Jaina?"
"This was where it happened, Jag. They were married here," she mused, staring at the lake.
He shrugged and stood beside her, leaning on the marble railing, "My grandparents were married here. I really didn't understand why I was drawn so strongly to that japer snippet but now I know. It was because it belonged to her and he gave it to her,"
"Anakin Skywalker? You're talking about him and your grandmother? I don't understand, Jaina,"
She turned to him and smiled, "For years, my mom and uncle didn't know anything about their family, where they came from. Mom has very few memories about her mother, and the only link we had was Anakin Skywalker. My family's history, their hidden history, Jag, it's all here!"
"Come on, I think breakfast is ready," he whispered.
"I want us to be married here, Jag. This is where I want our lives to begin. It's almost fitting, isn't it? This place, it's become our place too as it was theirs," she said, smiling, "We can still have a ceremony when we get back to Borealis, but for us, I just want it to be here,"
Jag smiled, leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Whatever you wish, Goddess,"
tbc
Chapter 9, Post 3
Cherith nudged Valin as the two of them entered the bay, where the memorial was to be held. Valin looked in the direction Cherith pointed to and smiled. Small parts of Wes' hair was still a little blue from their prank. Valin started to laugh but then he remembered they were at a memorial, but still stole a glance at Janson's blue hair.
Cherith tugged at his arm again, this time pulling him in the direction of her family. Wedge smiled, waving Cherith and Valin over. Cherith saw her cousin's and Uncle Wedge, and ran over to them. "Hi Cherith," Myri cried, followed by her sister.
"Hi guys," she said and looked at Wedge, "Do you know where my mother is?"
Wedge blinked and shifted uncomfortably, "Sorry? Did you ask if I knew where your mother was?"
"Of course, I did," she said and glanced at Valin, and then she looked back at her Uncle, "Do you know where she is? My father too on that account?"
As Wedge was about to say something, he noticed Soontir over Cherith's shoulder. He mouthed the same question but neither Cherith or Valin seemed to notice he was there. Finally, Soontir cleared his throat and they turned to him. "Cherith, Valin, I'd like you both to meet someone very important,"
But that was as far as Wedge got before Myri and Syal grabbed hold of Soontir's legs and cried, "Grandpa!"
Cherith's eyes widened and she looked at Valin, and then at her Uncle, "Grandfather. Soontir Fel is your grandfather, Cherith." Wedge finished.
Soontir turned to Cherith and smiled, "Jagged is my son,"
Cherith ignored him a minute , looking again at Wedge. Only this time, she probed his thoughts using the Force, to look for any connection to her parent's disappearance. She couldn't find useful but the name of a planet stood out clearly in his mind.
"Naboo," Cherith said, "What's on Naboo? Why is it important?"
Valin stepped forward, taking hold of Cherith's arm, "Um Cherith, can I borrow you for a moment?"
"What is it?"
He shrugged and smiled, "I'd never met my grandfather before but your other grandfather traveled all the way from the Outer Regions to meet you."
She caught onto what he was saying and turned to Soontir again, smiling, "Sorry granddad about ignoring you. I was just worried about my parents."
"I know," Soontir said, "We'll have to talk after the memorial. There's something we need to tell you,"
"Can't you tell me now? Why do we have to wait until after the memorial? Granddad, these are my parents. If something's happened to them, if they're in trouble, I need to know," Cherith pleaded, "Please, I need to know where they are,"
~~
Sera Fey`lina stared at the many Twin Suns pilots as they entered the bay. Not only pilots, but Jedi were there too. Master Skywalker and his wife, Leia Solo and her husband, Corran Horn, Jaina's daughter, Cherith and Valin, Corran's oldest. It wasn't that long ago they'd all attended Jaina's funeral and today, they were all gathered in the bay for a different funeral: Jaina's decoy.
Even if Sera wasn't there for Jaina's funeral, and she was happy she wasn't. She'd been very close to Jaina while they were all at the academy, like a big sister to her. Sera continued to look at the many faces in the bay, she didn't even notice Kyp stand behind her and touch her shoulder. She jumped and turned to him, smiling. Kyp returned her smile.
"Sithspit Durron, don't do that!" she cried, "Did you see Jaina anywhere? She's supposed to give a speech about Tyria,"
Kyp shrugged, "No, I didn't really see her anywhere. But Cherith and Valin are here, they're over talking to the Antilles," he paused, "Cherith's worried about something, her thoughts are all mixed up,"
Sera turned to him and crossed her arms, "Is she all right?"
"She's all right, she's just worried.," Kyp said and smiled at Sera again, "How are you doing? You seemed a bit distracted before,"
"I was thinking about Jaina's funeral. I know I wasn't there but I'm here, for Tyria's and it feels weird. I met Tyria once too, and it was really uncanny how much they resembled each other. In a way, it feels like Jaina's still dead," Sera explained and smiled, "Did you check her parent's quarters? Jaina's staying with them temporarily."
Kyp shrugged again, "I did, she's not there and I stopped by Jag's place and he was missing too,"
Sera rolled her eyes, whispering, "They're both gone? Where can they possibly be? Jaina knew the memorial for Tyria was today. She wouldn't just take off without telling anyone,"
"I know she wouldn't," Kyp answered, "If Jaina was in trouble or hurt, I'd know about it. Cherith would know about it too,"
Sera nodded, looking at Cherith and Valin together, "I think she already knows, Kyp. Cherith knows her mother is missing. That's why she's so worried,"
"We can't leave the memorial before it starts and look for her. We have to wait until later,"
"WE?" Sera asked, turning to him, "Don't you mean 'you'?"
Kyp rolled his eyes and slipped an arm around Sera's waist, smiling, "Baby, I told you. You have nothing to worry about. I love you,"
"I know you do, Kyp, but I also know, since you learned about Jag's affair with Celeste, you've been very protective of Jaina," Sera whispered, "I love Jaina too. I've watched over her for so many years too. But I can't help it if I get a little jealous over the fact you still love her,"
Kyp leaned down and kissed Sera's forehead, "Yes, I'm protective of Jaina but I love you, Sera 'Wildcat' Fey`lina. I get excited every time I see you or touch you even. I'm in love with you, Sera. I thought you knew that?"
She looked at him incredulously and smiled, "You're in love with me?"
He raised his hand and touched it to her cheek, "You're the first woman I've known in a long time that actually tolerates me," Kyp smiled and as he leaned down to kiss Sera again, he backed away, shocked to see Celeste's face. "Ms. Raven, what are you doing here?"
Celeste smiled, "I heard about the memorial from around the base and I thought I'd stop by."
"You're not welcome here," Kyp said bluntly, "This memorial is for invite only. Technically, you're crashing,"
"I'm sorry," she said and looked at Sera, "Is Jaina's family here?"
Kyp laughed, "They are but I don't think they'd want any condolences from you. In fact, I think you should leave now before things start to get ugly,"
"This isn't even Jaina's funeral. It's Tyria's, isn't it?"
"I agree with Kyp. I think you should leave too," Sera added.
Celeste smiled, "Fine, I'll leave. I just came by in case anyone wanted to talk. I am a grief counselor after all."
"Goodbye, Ms. Raven," Kyp said.
She nodded curtly and disappeared from the bay.
~~
Jaina shrugged helplessly, looking through her wardrobe for a wedding dress. Of course, it really wasn't hers and of course, Jag didn't even really allow her anytime to grab anything from her own quarters on Borealis before kidnapping her. She laughed to herself, setting aside some white- peach colored dresses and only turned when Larissa entered the room with two handmaidens.
"This is just wonderful. I'm going to be married in a couple hours but I don't even have a wedding dress, which is a very essential part of the ceremony!" Jaina cried and plopped onto the bed, huffing.
Larissa smiled, "Not to worry, m'lady," she said and gestured for one of the other handmaidens to grab something. "Come, m'lady. I'll work on your make-up and hair,"
"Make-up and hair? What about the dress? It's important..."
"And its your wedding, my dear, I know that, but as I said, don't worry. I can find something for you," Larissa said as Jaina sat herself in front of the dresser. "Up or down? What do you think?"
Jaina shrugged, "Up, I guess,"
Larissa nodded and opened a drawer, removing some gel, "Down," she reasoned, "Would you like glitter in your hair, m'lady?"
"Glitter? Can you do that?"
"Of course, m'lady. What type of glitter do you like? I think a soft blue and white would be nice," she mused and grabbed some of her bangs in her hands, running the glitter along it.
Before she could continue, Jaina turned to Larissa, "I want you to be my maid of honor,"
Larissa blinked and blushed, shocked her mistress would even ask her, "Thank you, m'lady, but I can't accept. You need someone else...A close friend or a relative. We've only known each other for a week,"
"I have a friend, but she's far, far away from here and she's a very busy woman. She rules an entire planet and cluster," Jaina reasoned, "I could ask Tenel Ka but I don't want to wait another week for her to get here. I need someone now. Please, Larissa?"
"Me? You really want me?" she asked, still in shock.
Jaina nodded and smiled, "Yes Larissa. Besides, Jag and I decided after we get back to Borealis, we'll have a big wedding there with family and friends."
"I'm honored, m'lady and I accept," she leaned down and hugged Jaina, "Thank you, Jaina, my granddaughter,"
Tbc
Chapter 9, Post 4
It was Jaina's turn to blink and pulled away from her handmaiden. Granddaughter? No, that wasn't possible. Was it? "Grandmother? Did you...are you?"
Larissa shrugged and leaned back against the dresser and nodded, "I'm sorry I lied to you, Jaina, but yes, I am your grandmother. My name isn't Larissa either, it's Padme Naberrie,"
Jaina stared at the woman before her. The necklace...? That's how she knew about it. Her handmaiden, the woman who'd taken care of her for a week was really her grandmother? All the dresses Larissa, err, Padme had prepared for her, fit Jaina's petite figure perfectly. She hesitantly reached out and touched her grandmother's cheek and then pulled back.
"No, this is impossible. You can't be my grandmother," Jaina stammered, "There has to be a mistake."
"I've been following the Vong war and your family's movements for a long time," Padme said, "I know the man you're with is your fiancé for the second time and you have a daughter together, named Cherith, after Jag's little sister who died. I know Luke has a little boy named Ben, after his old Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi and sadly, about your dead brothers,"
Jaina shook her head, standing up from the chair and paced the room, "Everyone knew about Anakin and Jacen, and my turn to the Darkside. That wasn't a secret..."
"Why do you think I knew about Anakin and Padmé's marriage, and that it took place here, outside on that balcony? I knew because I was there," she paused and looked down, "After Leia was given to Bail, Obi-Wan and I decided it was better if we changed our names and lived separately. He was lived on Tatoonie as Ben Kenobi and me, on Naboo as a simply handmaiden named Larissa, the head of the 'secret lake retreat'. I couldn't go back home, to my family home because they'd been killed and the retreat was the only place that was safe for me,"
"Only place that was safe? You could have stayed on Alderaan with Leia and attend her as a handmaiden," Jaina cried, "You could have been her mother. She would have known who you were,"
Padme nodded and looked at Jaina, "It would be too dangerous. It was too dangerous for me. If Palpatine ever knew I had another child, no, I couldn't risk Leia's life like that," she paused and huffed, "You have a child, Jaina, and you know, the midst of dark times, safety is everything,"
"When my brothers and I were growing up, my parents made the decision to hide us. When we were reunited with them, Jacen and I didn't even recognize our own mother. It hurt mom for awhile because Winter had raised us, took care of us and kept us safe," Jaina said and looked away, "I'm sorry grandma if I'm a little resentful, but that's how I feel. But we can't talk about this now. You need to help me get ready for my wedding,"
She nodded, a tear in her eye as she stood there, hating herself for saying anything. And wished she'd just kept quiet and controlled her emotions.
~~
"I can't believe this!" Cherith cried, pacing in the Antilles' main room. Wedge and Soontir expected that type of reaction for Cherith, especially considering their little plan for Jag to kidnap her mother. Valin smirked a little bit, amused by the plan but frowned when Cherith glared at him, "And you find this funny, Horn, because what...?"
Valin shrugged, "I think it was sweet. Considering your mother wasn't going to listen to Jag when they were here, I think he took the appropriate action,"
Soontir smiled and nodded, "Listen to your boyfriend, Cherith,"
Cherith turned to him, her mouth dropped and felt like screaming, but rolled her eyes instead, mumbling, "He's not my boyfriend and my life isn't the issue. My parent's safety is the issue. How far is Naboo?"
"No Cherith, you're not going there. They need this time together," Wedge interrupted, "This is good for the both of them,"
"Good for them, yes, but you could have told someone she was gone. It's almost a week now, Uncle," Cherith reasoned and huffed, falling on the couch beside her grandfather, "Naboo isn't a dangerous planet, is it?"
Wedge shrugged, "No, it isn't. It's a paradise," and grinned.
Valin mirrored his grin and sat down beside Cherith, taking her hand in his. Soontir noticed the way he was acting around the girl, it wasn't lost upon Wedge either but neither of them said anything about it. They'd already done enough matchmaking.
"Cherith, they'll be all right. If they were in any trouble or hurt, you said it yourself, you'd know about it," he whispered.
"I know, Valin, but I don't want to wait until something happens and then rush off to the rescue," she cried and let her head on his shoulder. She glanced up at Wedge again, "You said they'd be there for a week? That means by tomorrow, they'll be home, right?"
He shrugged, "They should. Hopefully, they will be,"
Cherith sighed and looked at both her Uncle and grandfather, "They better be here tomorrow, otherwise I'm going to hold the both of you responsible," she paused and smiled, "In fact, you can tell Han and Leia you let Jag kidnap their daughter. I'm sure they'll be thrilled,"
Wedge moaned, "My hands are clean. No more kidnapping schemes, even if it was for good and not evil!"
tbc
