Author's note- Wow . I was waiting to post this because I thought it was short. Yeah right. It is about 10 pgs.
Anyways in answer to Crown's question about attachment being forbidden to Jedi. That rule seems not to apply to the New Jedi Order. Remember, Luke Skywalker, who founded the New Order never got the full official training. So that rule was probably not part of his training.
I am so glad I checked the review 'page' it didn't e-mail all of the reviews to me. Thanks to those of you who reviewed. And I hope you continue to.
"I hope so." Han said, taking a deep breath. Then he changed the topic. "So what should our next course of action be?"
"We need to call Leia." He put up his hand when Han started to complain. "We told her we would, I would also like to wait. But we told her we would. Besides, her skills would come in pretty handy."
Han sighed in defeat. "Leia." Luke called, both through the force and on his comm. link.
"Coming." She said.
Two minutes later she appeared. Luke and Han helped her have a much more dignified landing then they had had.
"I can sense Jaina. She is nearby." Leia said.
"Let's follow the 'force trail' then." Han said. "You guys lead."
"Wait." Luke said. "Leia, get between Han and I. For security purposes."
"I can take care of myself." Leia said, but she got in between the two.
They walked towards Corus for two hours before they finally reached the outskirts of the city. "Okay, how do we play this?" Luke asked. "Leia, this is where we need your expertise."
"It probably isn't a good idea to mention our force powers before we assess the situation." Leia said. "What we need to do is go around in the town asking about Jaina's whereabouts. Hopefully someone will lead us to her. Then we take it from there."
"Okay." Luke said. "Han?"
"She's the boss. But Leia, stay close to Luke and myself."
Leia rolled her eyes. "Fine." She said.
They went into the city. Luke gestured that he would ask. He chose to ask a city guard. "Excuse me, sir. I am looking for my niece, Jaina… Jaina Solo. Could you perhaps lead me to where I have to go?" Luke asked.
Leia beamed. He was learning so well. "Uh, sir, ye came t'the right place. She'll be at the palace. She got Knighted last midwinter."
"We will be grateful." Luke said, gesturing to Leia and Han. "These are Jaina's parents."
"Nice to meet yer." The guard said. Bowing slightly. Leia and Han (after Leia jabbed him in the side) bowed slightly as well, in response.
"This be the palace. I've told the guard here. He'll be taken yer request in. Someone will be with ye soon. I best be getting back to my post again. A friend did a favor and watched it for a bit. But I best be getting back." This time the guard did a full bow and left.
Leia grabbed Han and Luke's hands tightly. This is it. The response was better then they had expected, within three minutes someone came out to see them. Leia was hopefully, but then she had to bite back his disappointment. Rather then Jaina it was two people dressed in regalia that marked them as Monarchs, flanked by the usual court procession. "Diplomacy time." Leia said, under her breath.
She got up gracefully, and was happy when Han and Luke followed suit. She was also glad, but surprised, to see the procession waited at the entryway. I need to be careful on Protocol, different galaxy different Rules. But back home this would be a clear sign that the meeting was to be less formal. "Welcome to Tortall and Corus. We are King Jonathan IV, and my lady, Queen Thayet." Jonathan said.
Leia dipped her head in respect and greeting. She followed Jonathan's lead. "I am Chief of State Leia Organa Solo, my husband General Han Solo and my brother Jedi Master Luke Skywalker."
Jonathan and Thayet also dipped their heads in greeting and respect. "Normally, we would have a big meeting between us all," Jonathan said, indicating the procession, "yet this a different situation. You are here seeking your daughter, and it is not a visit of state. Though I would like to say that we would consider it an honor if you could make your visit here a visit of state."
"That would be our honor as well." Leia said. "Our government favors alliances."
"There will be enough time to talk politics and diplomacy." Thayet said, smiling softly. "I can understand a mother's heart, being one myself. Madame Leia, my husband and I would love it if you would do us the honor of being our guests, your daughter has enchanted the heart of all of us Tortallans. We would love to spend time with her family."
"Let me call her brothers, we told them we would if you gave us leave." Luke said, cutting in.
"By all means." Jonathan said.
Luke pulled out his comm. link and turned it on. "Jacen, Anakin, come on down. BE CAREFUL!"
Also remember; follow Jaina and our presence here. If need be cloak yourself or call us."
"How will they get here?" Jonathan asked.
"Well, Project expansion came up with a way for us to travel between the two galaxies, then we left a… trail that they can follow." Luke said. "It took us about thirty of our minutes to get here. "
"Ah." Jonathan said. "Do you think there is a difference."
"Most definitely." Luke said, slipping into his 'teacher' mode. "The sun moved a lot more quickly, and…" Luke stopped when Leia put her hand gently on his arm.
"Let me go get Jaina, and get this crowd out of here…" Thayet changed her mind. "Why don't I take you to your rooms and I will bring Jaina there."
Meanwhile-Jaina stumbled in her practice routine. "What happened?" Kel, her sparring partner, asked.
She shook her head. "I just… felt my parents' and Uncle Luke… that they are close." She said.
Kel didn't think it was possible. She held Jaina.
Jaina went back to her quarters and did some reading. Roald joined her soon. Two hours later… she put her book down. They were here, she could feel it.
She told Roald what she thought. "I hope they are here." He said, he got up. "I can go check."
Jaina motioned for him to sit. "If they aren't coming in here, there has to be a reason."
Roald smiled wryly. "You are more patient then I."
Jaina laughed. "Oh believe me, I am not. I just know from experience that I shouldn't mess with things blindly." She thought of all the state events… important deals… she had just burst in on.
A couple minutes later a knock came on the door. "Come in." Jaina called.
It was Thayet. Jaina got up and curtsied. "Oh stop that." She said, cheerfully. "Anyways, Jaina. I came to tell you that your family is here."
The look on Jaina's face immediately turned to one of heart stopping joy, surprise, and just… happiness. "They are in the guest quarters of the Royal wing." She said, putting her hand on Jaina's shoulder.
Jaina practically ran there. Leia, Han, and Luke were waiting at the door. Leia grabbed Jaina in a bear hug, sobbing on her shoulder.
Luke looked around. He pulled the door shut. This reunion was private, and he intended to make it stay that way. This wasn't going to be on any public records.
"I missed you so much." Jaina said, to her mother and father.
"We missed you too."
"I missed you too, you know." Luke said, getting in on the reunion.
Jaina launched herself at her Uncle Luke. "I missed you too." Jaina said. "I remembered your advice, and teachings."
"I am glad."
Then Jaina groaned. "I am probably really behind."
"Well, in our galaxy only a year has passed."
Jaina sighed in relief. "Here it has been 9 years."
Han whistled. "Where are Jasa and Ani?"
"Well, we called for them once we saw it was safe and all, but it took us 30 minutes RST to get here so it will take them that long. It has only been 15 minutes RST." Luke said.
"Ah." Jaina said.
They sat and hugged for a while. "I can't believe you are actually here with us." Leia said. That started the tears and hugs all over again.
Then a knock came on the door, it was Jacen and Anakin. "Come in." Luke, the most rational of them all at this point, called.
"Jaina!" Jacen and Anakin called running over.
Luke closed the door again. After another round of hugs and kisses and crying. Anakin said. "Oh yeah, mom, the guy who led us here wanted me to tell you that King Jonathan was hoping you could discuss politics with him in an hour in his study. He said that Jaina would know how to get you there."
"How will we know when an hour is almost over." Leia asked.
"Time it around the bells. They ring every hour." Jaina said, a bell would ring in about ten minutes. "So next time a bell rings you can start off."
"Ok." Leia said.
The entire family, minus Chewie, sat together until the bell rang. "So, Jaina, how do I get to the study?"
"Turn left, you will see doors that are guarded, they lead into the 'Royal Corridor' walk in. The guards may ask you some questions. The first door on your left."
"Thanks." Leia said, and she left.
"I have to introduce you to all of my friends." Jaina said.
"Yeah, I would love to meet them." Han said.
Jaina thought, 7th bell. "They will all be at the mess hall in about 10 minutes." She mused aloud. "But too many people will be there at that time… I will tell them to come here after Lunch. And I will arrange some lunch for us all here." Jaina said. But before she could say anything a servant knocked on the door.
Han's hand immediately went to his blaster. "Stop that." Jaina hissed. "This isn't Coruscant, it is Corus." She realized what she said and had to bite off a laugh.
She opened the door. There were servants there, wheeling in carts of food. "His majesty felt ye may want to have a private meal today." He said, bowing.
"Thank his majesty for the courtesy and thought." Luke said.
The man bowed again. "If ye need anything please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you." Luke said.
He bowed himself out. "Looks like Leia's diplomacy stuff is rubbing off on you." Han said.
Luke scowled at his friend. "Part of that was just Jedi courtesy, and Leia has taught me the basics."
"You guys, let's eat." Jaina said, thoroughly enjoying this. She had been away for too long. "I want you to meet my friends afterwards and I will take you around Corus."
"You said you were getting trained here, by the training master." Jacen said.
"The training here is a 8-yr training. I am done." Jaina said, raising her eyebrow.
"Cool. Jaina is going to be a Knight in two different galaxy." Anakin said.
"Being a Knight here, encompasses a lot less then being a Jedi does." Jaina said.
"Don't worry Jaina." Luke said, smiling slightly. "I am not thinking of comparisons or jealousies. You know my policy, talk to me openly. Plus, right now I am your Uncle, not training master."
Jaina hugged her Uncle. "Let's eat." Jacen said.
They followed Jaina's lead on how to eat the food here. Someone knocked on Jaina's door afterwards. "Hey its us!" Owen's voice came.
Jaina laughed. "Come on in."
"Father, Jasa, Ani, this is Owen, Neal, Merric, Seaver, Cleon, Kel, and Roald."
"Nice to meet all of you." Han said, using his most intimidating voice.
"Owen, Neal, Merric, Seaver, Cleon, Kel, and Roald, this is my father Han Solo. This is my twin brother Jacen Solo, and my younger brother Anakin Solo." Jaina said.
"A pleasure like the night has when lit by the moon." Cleon said.
Owen whacked Cleon. "Sorry sir." Owen said, glowering at Cleon. "He's a little… touched in the head."
Jacen laughed. "I know the type."
"You should, you are one." Anakin said, dryly.
"I am so hurt." Jacen said.
Han stepped between the two of them. "Enough." He said, looking at his sons sternly.
"Thanks." Jaina said. "Now can we get going?"
"You didn't say where you want to go." Owen said.
"Showing them all around Corus." Jaina said, smiling. "So come on!"
"Yes ma'am." Neal drawled.
Jaina gave Neal a withering look. "Just stop." She said
"Yes ma'am." Neal said again.
Jaina shook her head. "Let's go."
They all followed. The tour of Corus was wonderful, but as they looked at the Corus markets Jaina noticed Han got a bit emotional. "What is it?" She asked.
"Oh, this just reminds me of the markets on Corellia." Han said, wistfully. "Especially before the hard days of the Empire. They used to be just like this, colorful, many people going here and there bargaining like crazy."
There was nothing Jaina could say, so she just gave him a supportive smile.
The tour took a good three hours, and by the time they got back they saw that Leia was flipping through Jaina's etiquette book. Jaina's friends bid them all farewell, after Kel whispered that they would meet her in her room in 5 bells.
"I take it things went well." Jaina said, stating the obvious from the look on Leia's face.
"Very well." Leia said, "but that was only a preliminary meeting, not to mention that it was short." She cautioned, "and only with the King. We have to see how the rest of the Nobility react. That's the thing with dealing with Monarchies, there are a lot of factors. Anyways, we are officially going to bring a delegation in ," she checked her chronometer, "oh gosh, 5 more minutes RST."
"What's the plan after that?" Han asked.
"I don't know the host sets the plan. My feeling is that King Jonathan used his 'royal prerogative' to invite the delegation, and he needs to convince his 'circle' and influential nobles that this is a good idea." Leia said. "If this was our galaxy first would be the official welcome. But again, the protocol is different. That is why I was reading up on etiquette. It looks VERY similar to our own. But that doesn't mean there aren't differences."
Jaina was listening closely. "But from what I noticed it is a lot more formal around here, along with more hierarchy."
Leia smiled slightly. "The customs match most of the Consortium, Senex, and well, those of monarchical societies."
"Ah." Jaina said.
"But that doesn't mean there won't be work." Leia said, briskly. "This will also be much more limited of a time frame. Jaina, I need you to give me.. well as us all an overview of how politics work here, in terms of, who do you think we will have trouble with to start off with."
"The Stone Mountains and their group." Jaina said. "They are called conservatives over here…" Jaina explained about Stone Mountains and the conservatives.
"Hmm." Leia said, thinking. "Okay… now what is this prejudice about women and arms?"
"Over a thousand years ago women used to fight along side men, but since then… I technically am the second Lady Knight in 1000 years. Kel is the 3rd, and Lady Alanna, you will meet her later. She is also King's Champion, and one of Jon, I mean King Jonathan's best friend."
"You are on first name terms with the guy." Han asked.
"I spent all my summers as a Page, the first level in training, with him, Alanna, Roald, Kally, and their families." Jaina explained.
"Ah." Han said.
"Jaina, actually, just give me an overview right now. The rest of the delegation will be here VERY soon. You will have to brief the entire delegation anyways."
Jaina sighed, this sounds like SOOOO much fun. I'd rather be in the Kessel Space mines. She gave her mom a fake smile. "Sounds wonderful."
"Don't lie to me, young lady." Leia said, mock sternly. "You would rather be in the spice mines of Kessel."
Jaina thought about it, something in that statement didn't ring completely true. She just ignored it. "Mo-ther." She said, her tone slightly whiny.
Leia laughed and enveloped her daughter in a huge hug. "I love you, Jaina." She whispered into her daughter's hair.
"I love you, mom." Jaina said, and as she said it she felt this huge sense of relief. She and her mother occasionally had 'problems'. But Jaina loved her mom, her family meant more to her then ANYTHING in the entire galaxy.
Just then, of course, the comm. link rang. Leia and Jaina groaned. "I will get it." Han volunteered.
"The delegation will be here in about 30 seconds." Han said. "We need to escort them from the gates to Corus."
"Shoot." Leia said. "I need to get ready. All of you do to. Now we are all here officially representing The Republic. And Jaina, we need to find a way to have your outfit about midway." She thought for a moment. "Let me just do your hair, and reorganize your uniform a bit."
Jaina knew she had no choice whatsoever. "Okay." She said.
Leia began issuing orders to the rest of the family. "The rest of you make yourselves presentable. I want to make a good impression."
"Yes your worshipfulness." Han drawled.
"Then get to it." Leia said, drawing him close for a kiss.
"How can I get to it if you are all over me." Han said.
"Why you!" Leia said, drawing back outraged.
Jaina giggled, she had missed all her family so much.
"Drop it." Luke said. "The delegation is coming soon, and we don't have time at all."
"Luke's right." Leia said, straightening up.
"I will get to work straightening myself up." He gave a lopsided smile. "Everyone knows how long that will take."
"I will get myself, Jacen, and Anakin ready. They will be in Jedi brown, right?"
"At least for now." Leia said, absently. "From the look around the palace, they are pretty big in uniform, and Old Senex style of apprenticeship."
Luke lead Jacen and Anakin away. Leia started fiddling with Jaina's outfit. Jaina was amazed at how her mother did it, in five minutes it looked like a great mix of Tortallan (the outfit was Tortallan) and a Republican style.
"Wow." Jaina said.
Leia gave Jaina a smile. Then she starting doing her own hair. The comm. link rang. "Mom, they want you to come meet them on the outskirts, so the King can greet the entire delegation as one." Jacen said, coming in.
Leia winced. "I am coming. I am coming. Jaina, twist the hair at the bottom."
Jaina twisted it. "Hold it." Leia said. 30 seconds later. "Let it go."
Then she raced. "Is everyone ready."
"Yup."
"The King's people are ready to escort us outside so we can come in with the rest of the delegation." Han said.
"Let's go." Leia said.
The servant, whom Jaina identified as Salma, curtsied. "Shall we go, milady?"
Leia smiled and put her hand on her shoulder. "Please lead." Her face, smiling, yet regal and authoritative.
"Admiral Ackbar. General Iblis. Senators." Leia greeted them.
"Madam Jaina, nice to see you well." Ackbar said.
"It is nice to be well." Jaina wisecracked.
After a minute more of greeting Garm asked. "Where do we stand?"
"We have 1 more RST minute, then we will get an official greeting. It is a Perfect monarchy, though I believe the King has democratic leanings." Leia said. "Our diplomatic difficulty is going to be dealing with some of the upper nobles. Plus, we will have to find a good role for the Republic." Leia said.
"Ah." Admiral Ackbar said.
"Another cautionary note for our delegation, I have been going through some etiquette books, and Jaina can brief us on some. I believe this is going to be a lot like dealing with a Consortium/Senex world. They have customs, and a pretty proud culture which we CAN NOT mess with if we want a lasting alliance." Leia said.
"Consortium and Senex worlds are some of the hardest to deal with." A senator said.
"Quite true. But that doesn't make them impossible to deal with." Leia said. "We will just have protocol meetings, and be careful."
Jaina nodded. "They are coming."
"All right." Leia said. "Remember to be on your most best diplomatic form. I will be following cues in terms of how many titles to give. Bow or curtsy when your name is called."
Jaina uncertainly lifted a hand. Leia nodded at her. "Um. Well. I have noticed that they will probably match you up with your closest 'counterparts'. In diplomatic events bowing and curtsying is the proper form."
"Thanks." Leia said.
Then she motioned for everyone to stand behind her, except Han. She gave Han her arm. "New Republican Delegation, we greet you in the name of the Conte family line and Tortall." Jonathan said. "I am King Jonathan the IV of Conte, and this is my lady Queen Thayet."
Jonathan and Thayet bowed and curtsied respectively.
"King Jonathan, Queen Thayet we thank you for your kind greeting and welcome." Leia said. "I am Chief of State Leia Organa Solo, this is my Husband General Han Solo."
Jon beckoned to a Herald. "May I introduce you to my companions."
"We would be honored." Leia said.
The Herald announced everyone's names with one title only. She also noticed he did it, senior to junior. But families/spouses were said together. "May I introduce you to my companions?" Leia asked.
"We would be honored." Jonathan said.
Leia went through and introduced her companions. Making sure each of them came forward and bowed/curtsied. "General Han Solo. Minister of State Garm Bel Iblis, High Councilor Amil'te, Admiral Ackbar, sorry Luke, I just needed to stroke the egos of the council. Commander of the New Republic Army, Master Luke Skywalker, head of the Jedi Order, Jedi Knight Kalmens, Jedi Knight, Kirana Ti, Jedi Trainees Anakin Solo, Jacen Solo, Jaina Solo. Jedi Trainee Tenel Ka.
"Your presence honors us." Thayet said. "If you will deem it proper, please follow us to your quarters in the palace."
Leia curtsied. "Please lead."
The entire Republican delegation followed Thayet, who was flanked by the Tortallan delegation. They made sure smiles were pasted on their faces for the people who were standing by the Conte Road.
"We have arrived at the palace." Thayet announced.
"Finally." Han said. "This was starting to hurt."
Leia smacked Han. "Ouch." He said, unrepentantly.
The delegation was led to their quarters, which were around the quarters allotted to Leia, Han, and their family.
"The first meeting will be in half a bell." The herald said, bowing.
"We will be there." Leia said, giving a half-curtsy in response.
Jaina, Jacen, Anakin, and Tenel Ka were excused from the preliminary meetings. Leia thought it would be more important for them to get a feel of the place, the people, the atmosphere, and the culture.
Leia told Jaina, though, that she might be called in from time to time for linguistic support, and cultural support. (Because, of course, there were no files to explain cultural differences about the Tortallans to the Republicans and vice versa.)
Jaina took them around, with her friends, while giving Jacen and Tenel Ka sly looks. She hoped they had told each other how they felt. They would make such a cute couple. Jacen reached out and punched Jaina not-so-gently. "Hey!" She protested.
"Hey, what huh?" Jacen asked, toughly.
Anakin sighed. "You guys, drop it." He said, his voice a study in exasperation.
"Agreed." Faleron said, coming to join the group.
I third the motion." Roald said.
Jaina felt a besotted expression come to her face before she could stop it. Roald made a gesture that she couldn't ignore. "If you are so ready to get rid of me then so be it." She said, loftily. "Roald and I will go walk somewhere else."
She gave Roald her arm. She tried to avoid Anakin's eyes, her younger brother saw and felt more then anyone she had ever met. She knew he had seen through it. /Well you are a bit obvious, sister dear./
That's why you are the only one who caught on?
Jaina saw that Roald was talking to her. I will talk to you later.
"Sorry, what was that?" Jaina said.
Roald laughed. "I just wanted to say you look beautiful."
"Thanks." Jaina said, smiling softly.
Roald put his arm around Jaina, but just then Jaina felt her mother's presence come closer. She smiled at him, but shrugged his arm off. Before he could ask why Leia called out. "Good day." She smiled. "I am afraid I must steal Jaina away for awhile."
Jaina accompanied her mother back to the sitting area in front of their quarters. "Everyone, I must speak with you." Leia called, clapping her hands.
Within three minutes everyone was gathered. "Thank you for coming so swiftly. We have a lot of work we must do. King Jonathan has arranged for a tour of the countryside for tonight, we will get back late tomorrow afternoon. This will be just a tour for us to see the sites, we will have no to limited contact with actual civilians." She noticed everyone relaxing; this would mean they wouldn't need pasted smiles. They would just need to interact politely with whomever was sent with them. "The catch, and the reason I called you out here is tomorrow evening's event. There is a formal 'dinner' which is, another word for a ball declared to give us a formal introduction to Tortall, upper nobility, lower nobility, and other influential people. I have been informed that this will be crucial diplomatically, because they put a lot of emphasis on their balls. This means by tomorrow we need proper attire, and to brush up on some customs."
"What does proper attire entail?" Garm Bel Iblis asked. "We don't want to change our styles, because that would send the wrong message."
"But we need to check with our resident expert to make sure our styles aren't offensive. We need to make sure we have formal enough attire. If you don't mind, I think we should all as a group deal with our attire for tomorrow's event." Leia said.
"Seconded." Admiral Ackbar said. "So shall we adjourn for fifteen minutes so everyone can get their outfits together."
Thirty minutes later. For once everyone had been close to on time. They had brought their outfits. As Leia had suspected would happen, it ended up that she and Jaina were going through the outfits and the council was looking on. She rubbed her eyes; this was going to take a long time.
"All right, Jacen, Anakin, your outfits are set. Scat." Leia said. "Luke, add some trimmings, you are going as the head of the order. The white shipsuit under the Jedi cloak is a good idea. But the cloak should be pushed back, and don't cover your head… what about your gold trimming set." When he nodded she said
scat. "Admiral Ackbar and Garm Bel Iblis, your outfits are fine as well. Han can you also wear your dress general's uniform?"
Han knew it wasn't a request. "Sure." He grumbled.
"Scat."
The ladies' outfits were going to take some work. She didn't want to add to the theory that women were frippery and ornaments, but she did want them to look elegant. Jaina was also a challenge because she needed to look a combination of Tortallan and Republican styles.
Finally Leia had an idea. "All right, Jain, I will take care of your outfit. Scat."
Jaina knew that wasn't a good sign. "Mom, can you tell me what it is."
"I will take care of it. Scat." Leia said, knowing her daughter wasn't going to like what she was planning.
Jaina sighed, and looked back at her mother distrustfully as she went to her quarters.
Finally they finished with the outfits. Then Leia drew out a sketch. She called a maid, and asked her to bring a seamstress. (She and the King had done some trading of goods so Leia had some Tortallan currency.)
She showed the seamstress her sketch, and paid the necessary price for it. Then she looked at her chronometer and rushed to get ready for the tour. She put on a dashing two-piece suit. The shirt ended just a bit above the pants. She put her hair in two loose loops.
"You look wonderful." Leia said, coming to where Han was getting ready.
"That's why you are forcing me into a general's outfit tomorrow."
"That's because that's diplomacy." Leia said. She knocked Han's hand from where it was playing with her hair. "Later." She said, putting arms around Han's waist.
Luke came in just then. "Oh sorry!" He said, startled.
"No, what is it?" Leia asked.
"Well, um, I guess they are ready to take us on the tour." Luke said.
Leia turned towards her brother. "You look nice." She said.
"So do you, as usual."
"Let's get going." Leia said. "I have to run rein on the kids, and check their outfits."
"Done." Luke said. "Well, I did it. You might want to do Jaina's hair if you want it done in an Alderaanian style, she has left if down. But other then that we are ready."
"All right then." Leia said, she brushed her outfit. Luke took the bags. When Leia protested he said. "You have to be free to do diplomacy."
They walked out to the area and found two people waiting for them. "Sir Myles, Sir Gareth." Jaina said, greeting the duo.
"Jaina." They greeted her. Then they turned their attention to Leia. "Your Highness." Sir Myles greeted her. "Delegation for the Republic, it will be Sir Gareth and my pleasure to show you around Tortall."
Leia dipped head contemplating whether or not to correct the use of the title when she noticed that Jaina shook her head slightly. "Leave it be." She mouthed.
"A third member of our party will meet us at the stables." Gary said.
"That shall be our honor." Garm Bel Iblis said.
They got going. Alanna met them at the stables. "I am Sir Alanna, King's champion. Pleased to be at your service." Alanna said. "Have any of you ridden horseback before? Not counting those who are Knights of the Realm of Tortall."
"Is this like riding a Tauntaum?" Han asked.
"Much easier." Jaina said. "Especially the palace horses. They are used to riders."
"Well I am game then." Han said.
Alanna brought a horse out and Han got on with help from Jaina. "Your worship, ride behind me."
Leia glared at Han. "Thank you, but I will ride on my own."
Alanna cleared her throat. "Begging your pardon, your highness. But it would be easier if people shared horses, because then we would leave some horses for others."
"Well, ok then." Han said, pleased that he hadn't completely put his foot in his mouth. "Y-Leia?"
Leia ignored his hand and climbed in front of him.
"Stubborn Princesses." Han muttered.
"Anakin, why don't you share with me?" Luke asked.
"Ok." Anakin said.
Then Jacen and Jaina shared a horse. The rest of the people took their own horses. They rode out pretty quickly, with only a few people having trouble riding the horses (Having the Wildmage around had helped tame the horses, and make them much more aware of how to make it easier on their riders.)
"Ok, " Leia said to her party as they neared a village. "Diplomacy time."
As they rode through the nodded to the villagers, shook hands, held babies, and the entire diplomatic thing.
"You really can see why Princess Leia is Chief of State." Admiral Ackbar murmured to Garm Bel Iblis.
"Definitely. Her charm, finesse, people skills. I really believe that every time she smiles at that crowd, every time she talks she is sincere." Garm Bel Iblis said.
"That's her gift." Admiral Ackbar said.
"That and how selfless she is. She has given so much." Garm said.
"Here is our turn." Admiral Ackbar said.
"Uh, admiral…" Garm said.
"Don't worry." Admiral Ackbar said. "I know to stay back. They haven't seen a Calamarian before."
Admiral Ackbar waved and stayed behind the Tortallans.
As they left the town Leia beamed for a moment longer, then became serious. "How do you think that went?" She asked, addressing the Tortallans.
"Very well." Gary said.