Author's note- this took even longer. Sorry. Life got hectic. And I never looked back to see actually how much I had typed. This is the longest chapter so far. BY FAR.
After the lunch- "Jaina, that was the most awake I have ever seen you at a state lunch." Jacen remarked as they walked back to their quarters.
"Because this one was decently interesting. Most of the people their discussions are going to effect are my friends." Jaina said.
"Sure." Jacen said, still looking at Jaina a bit skeptically.
Anakin came up to walk with them. "The adults, they are still talking about the lunch and analyzing it almost to death."
"That's adults for you." Jacen snorted.
"Always overanalyzing every little detail." Jaina said.
"Always worrying." Anakin said.
"If you were our parents, wouldn't you worry?" Jacen and Jaina chorused, grinning.
"Why would you worry." Roald said, breaking into the conversation.
"Oh, Roald." Jaina said. "That's just something the three of us have been saying since we were kids."
"So, how do you think the lunch went?" Tahiri also joined in the conversation. "Come on, tell us already."
"Pretty well." Roald said, cautiously. "It was a good first step."
"That's good." Tahiri said, walking calmly, Jedi training had trained her well to walk regally.
They small talked until they reached the Republican delegation's area. Then Roald bowed and returned, knowing they'd need time. But before he whispered to Jaina that he'd be in his rooms.
"Okay, folks we have a good 4 hours before we have to be ready for the ball." Leia said. "Let us all meet here in 3 hours and 30 minutes so we can go over protocol before the ball."
"Jaina, Jacen, Anakin, Luke, Han." She said. "Please come here." She said.
She led them to her and Han's quarters. "I'll be right back." She said. Gesturing for them to wait she stepped out into the hall. She beckoned for a maid. "Did the seamstress return the gown I had asked for." She asked.
"Did you not see it, your highness?" The maid asked. "Forgive me, then. I put it on top of what I assumed was your trunk in your inner chamber."
Leia smiled. "It is I who should be asking forgiveness. I did not look. Thank you." Leia said.
The maid curtsied. "It was my pleasure, your highness."
Leia smiled and went back into her quarters. "Just a moment." She said. She went into their inner chamber and sure enough, the gown was sitting sparkling on the trunk. She fingered it. 'Perfect.' She thought.
She went back out and sat by Han. She took his hand. "Jaina, come back here in an half an hour to get dressed." Leia said.
"Half an hour?!?!?" Jaina yelped. "Mom, that is way too early."
"Jaina." Leia said firmly. "I need to help you get ready. You are our best connection at this point. You are important."
"That doesn't explain why I have to be here so early." She grumbled.
"Because I need to get ready myself, then I have to get ready myself, and check on everyone else's outfit." Leia explained, patiently.
Jaina rolled her eyes but didn't say anything more. "You guys can get ready on your own. You will be extremely sorry if you aren't ready in 3 hours."
"Yes ma'am." Han said, cheekily.
Leia play slapped him. "Now stop distracting me." She ordered.
"Always." Han drawled.
Leia giggled. "Now run free little ones." (AN- that line is a tribute to my favorite teacher. I miss you.)
Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin left. "Where are we going." Jacen asked his twin.
"Roald's rooms." Jaina said. "No one will follow us there." She added before anyone could say anything, "And we can relax there until we have to go get ready."
Jacen and Anakin shrugged, and they all went and relaxed in Roald's rooms. "Well, I'd better go and get ready." Jaina said reluctantly, getting up.
"We'd better go as well." Anakin and Jacen said, also getting up.
"Why do you have to go." Owen asked.
"We… have to check in." Jacen said. "See what's going on, if we are required so on. I will be surprised if Uncle Luke hasn't devised a training plan."
"Ah." Neal said.
"But I will be back once I am ready." Jaina said. "Mother would kill Uncle Luke if I mussed my clothes."
Leia was waiting for Jaina when she got there. "Good." She said. She motioned to Jaina to move inside the quarters to the mirror area. Jaina saw that her mother had a lot of stuff laid out. Jaina sighed. "Sit down." Leia said.
"Isn't this gown pretty." Leia asked, pulling out a gown.
"That is like an advertisement for gold embroidery." Jaina balked.
"No it isn't." Leia said. "You haven't seen what an advertisement for gold embroidery looks like if you call this it."
"Mom, why can't I wear something like Tahiri's gown."
"Honey, you are the ones who showed me the fashions that go here. Tahiri can wear Republican styles, you need to wear a mix." Leia said.
"You mean that kind of dress is now in fashion." Jaina yelped. "I leave and they make the fashions reasonable."
Leia laughed. "Now get yourself into that dress." She said.
Jaina sighed. "I have a feeling today I torture Jaina day."
"I am afraid nothing I am going to do is going to change that." Leia said, smiling slightly. "Unfortunately for you, the politics of the situation requires that you be the focal point."
Jaina groaned. "But remember, the alliance between the two systems is resting on you."
"Yeah yeah." Jaina said. "What else is new."
Leia snickered. She knew she had to keep her patience, if she lost her patience she'd loose her daughter. The year apart had taught her how fragile their relationship really was, yet how precious. She waited as Jaina put on her gown, and pondered a good hairstyle. Jaina came out. "Mom, I look like a good for-nothing- lady, who can't do anything but sit and smile."
"Looks are deceptive, Jaina." Leia said, smiling. "You look awesome. Plus, it is a formal ball."
'I am not going out in this." Jaina said, adamant.
Leia sighed, win some loose some. "Ok, give it to me."
"I don't have to wear it." Jaina said, hopeful.
"Oh yes you do." Leia said. "But I will modify it a bit, and hopefully you like be okay with that."
Jaina gave her mom the dress, and watched as she took out some of the gold embroidery and made some changes. (AN- I am not a seamstress or any good at sewing, so if this really isn't possible, forgive me. Also, remember Skywalker's can do the impossible.). "Mom, you sew." Jaina said, astonished, as she watched how good her mom was with a sewing needle.
"We couldn't have afforded all the outfits if I weren't." Leia said. "Just a trick you learn as Princess of Alderaan."
"Then why didn't you sew the gown."
"No time." Leia said.
"There." She said, half a bell later. "Is this better?" Leia had modified it slightly, taking some of the gold embroidery off and putting it as more of a border.
"Its better." Jaina said. "Can you just take that one line of embroidery off." She said, pointing to a line running diagonal from the waistline to the knee."
Leia quickly undid it. "And that one." Jaina asked, hopefully, to the one that went from her ankle to waistline. "Jaina." Leia said with a warning tone.
"This looks nice." Jaina said, grabbing the gown and putting it on.
Leia parted Jaina's hair and put one strand of gold embroidery on one side, and another on the other. "I am glad you didn't cut your hair." Leia commented as she made Jaina's hair.
"I knew you wouldn't want me to." Jaina said.
"Thank you for honoring that." Leia said softly. "You know, that is part of your Alderaanian heritage"
"And I would never dishonor that." Jaina said firmly. "But most of all I would never let you down. I love you, mom and that is the most important thing for me."
Leia felt tears come to her eyes. "Thank you, Jaina."
"Stop distracting me." She said, a moment later. "Your hair will get all messed up."
Jaina giggled. "Stop." Leia shrieked playfully.
Jaina full out laughed, knowing her mom would be able to control her hair, though she claimed she wouldn't be able to.
Leia put the last fastener in place. "Gorgeous." She declared. "Jaina, you are sizzling."
"Yeah, right." Jaina said.
"All eyes are going to be on my little baby." Leia said.
Jaina rolled her eyes. "Mother, you are older then me. But you still are the most gorgeous."
"Not true." Leia said.
She grabbed the rouge and cheek colorings, and eyeshades. Leia was done soon. "Now for the fun part." Leia announced. "Jaina, which ornaments do you like the best?" She asked showing Jaina a bunch in a glass enclosed case.
"That one." Jaina said, pointing to the least elaborate.
"Okay, why don't you put the set on, while I put my gown on." Leia said.
"Cool." Jaina said, happy that she could at least do something.
Leia came out in a beautiful gown. "See what I mean, mom." Jaina said. "You look awesome. You are going to wow everyone, Dad's going to get jealous, the usual."
"I hope your father doesn't get jealous." Leia said. "And I am fading star, Jaina. Its your time to shine."
"You have been hanging around Uncle Luke too much." Jaina declared. "And that's not true."
Leia laughed. "Go hang out with your friends."
"Thanks." Jaina said.
"Don't forget the robe."
Jaina rolled her eyes and grabbed her Jedi robe.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Leia asked.
"You said I could go. I grabbed the robe." Jaina said.
"Don't you want to look at yourself in the mirror." Leia asked.
Which was exactly what Jaina didn't want to do. Jaina sighed. She looked at herself in the mirror and grimaced. "You don't like it." Leia said, her tone betraying her disappointment.
"Mom-" Jaina said, seeing that she had hurt her mom.
Leia waved it off. "I know honey."
Jaina gave herself a second look. "Actually, it isn't that bad." She said, forcing a smile. "It is actually better then I thought I could've looked."
Leia hugged Jaina carefully. "You look awesome, if I do say so myself. I know this isn't your favorite look, but just see how it works."
"I am going." Jaina called as she slipped the robe on. Leia laughed. She shook her head. Something has changed, she thought, something has seriously changed in my daughter. Time was when she would've thrown an even bigger tantrum.
As Leia turned back to the dressing table she was still thinking.
By the time Jaina got to Roald's room her Jedi robe was securely around her. "Hey. That took long enough." Neal said. "We have been waiting for you so we could go out. Now we have hardly any time. The rest of us still have to get dressed."
"And I have to be with the rest of the delegation in 1 bell." Jaina said.
"Let's make the best of the time we have." Roald said.
"Jaina, you are going in that robe?" Kel asked.
Jaina sighed. "No. I am going in a fancy-shmancy gown. But it is a superstition that on state events you should not show your gown to anyone unless it is a dire emergency, or they are the ones helping you get ready."
"Let's go so we can enjoy the little time we have left before the ball." Owen said. "Come on you guys."
"Owen's right." Cleon said. "Let's go."
"But let's go to someone secluded." Roald said. "I'd rather not deal with a lot of people if we can avoid that."
"I agree with Roald." Jaina piped up loyally.
"You always agree with Roald." Owen said.
"Not true."
"Just stop it." Neal said.
"Let's go."
Jaina and her friends walked around and hung out until the next bell rang. "I have to go." Jaina said.
"So should we." Roald sighed.
Jaina ran back and saw that her family had collected. Jaina had to smile at the funny scene. Everyone was cloaked in brown garb, but you knew that it was only a sham. Under the covers there were really fancy and elaborate dress uniforms.
"All right." Leia said, speaking with most of her face covered. "We really, honestly, have no idea what to expect. All we can do is 1) not insult our hosts. 2) Stick together as a delegation. Remember what we have already discussed in terms of policy. MAKE NO COMMITMENTS UNTIL WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT IT ALL TOGETHER. But make sure at the social events that you mingle with people. Get a feel for what they want out of an alliance, or if they even want one. Dispel illusions about us. Both you and them are only Sentient beings. Any one else want to add anything."
"Don't insult any of their cultural things. And be careful about stigmas." Garm added. "Jaina, you know the territory a bit, care to enlighten us?"
"They are a pretty traditional people." Jaina said. "And like any people they have bad apples. But they are pretty bad at hiding anger. So you should be able to tell when you are stepping on toes." Jaina went into some more details ending it with. "There are going to be people who are going to try to bait you, though. Don't take it. Invitations are common here, so if you get one, don't think too much into it. It is actually social protocol, it would be good if you prepared a response." Something occurred to Jaina. "If someone asks you to dance. DO NOT SAY NO. That is very rude. Dance at least one dance with them then politely step aside. But more is better."
"I can't believe I forgot to mention this. Remember what our order is for descending down the ball room steps." Leia said. "This is going to be our entrance so it is very important it come off right. Han is going to be escorting me. Luke is going to be to my right. Garm is going to be to my left. Councilor Amil'te and Admiral Ackbar will be behind Garm, myself, and Han. Jacen, Jaina, Anakin, in that order by them. Behind them will be the rest of the delegation." Leia said. "Smile serenely. We are not asking them for a favor. We are negotiation an alliance on equal footing."
"Descending down those stairs is every Tortallan's dream. It is a big honor the King is giving us. Not every delegation comes in through there. A lot do, but not all. That is the King's sign that he wants this to go through and that we are friends.." Jaina said.
"Good fact to note." Garm said. "Thank you, Jaina."
Luke added instructions for the Jedi, and on behalf of the Jedi order. "Okay that is a wrap." Leia said. "The servants should be coming to call us soon. May the force be with us."
"May the force be with us." Everyone else echoed.
They all sat nervously as they waited for someone to come get them. "Your highness," The maid said, curtsying. "Honorable Delegation. The herald begs a moment at the door. May I have the honor of escorting you there."
"Thank you." Leia said, as she gracefully got up.
"Your Highness, will you please check the titles I am to read." The herald asked.
"Of course." Leia said.
Jaina came up to Leia's ear. "Keep all of your titles. Same for the rest of the delegation."
"Yes dear." Leia said, smiling slightly.
Once they were done. "Are there any… wraps that need to be placed away." The herald asked.
"Yes, thank you." Leia said. "If it be okay, we also would like a private corner for a moment."
The herald bowed. He called to two servants. "They will take all wraps when you are done."
All the ladies followed Jaina, all the men followed Garm. The men were already in line when the ladies arrived. "You look awesome honey." Han said.
"Thank you." Leia said as she took his arm.
The herald threw open the doors. "The honorable New Republican Delegation headed by Madame Chief of State, former Minister of State, Imperial Senator, Republican Senator Princess Leia of Alderaan." He said, reciting all of Leia's titles, then the rest of the delegations titles ending with. "Jedi Trainee Tahiri of Tatooine."
"Here goes." Han said to everyone else.
They descended down the stairs. Jaina saw a lot of jaws drop. Especially at her mother. Jaina felt herself grow with pride. Her mother could turn anyone's head.
The rest of the delegation except from Leia and Han stopped at the foot of the stairs. "Welcome." King Jonathan said to Leia and Han. "I welcome you on behalf of Tortall. I hope our negotiations are fruitful."
"As do I." Leia said. "I hope this signals a good era of relationship between our systems."
Jonathan gestured with his hand and Tortallan courtiers began appearing and engaging their equivalent 'ranks' in the Republican delegation in conversation. Just before she let the King and Queen draw her into conversation Leia had whispered one last instruction into her ear. "I know you know this, but I would be derelict in my duty if I didn't tell you again, find a middle point for yourself. You are both a member of the delegation and someone who has been here for a couple of years."
/*/ Yes Mother./*/
/*/ Diplomatic positioning, my daughter./*/
/*/ I know./*/
Luke jumped in. /*/ I hate to break this lovely chat up, but a certain Crown Prince is trying to talk to Jaina, and Leia you are close to smirking./*/
That snapped both out of it. Half an hour later. "Trouble." Jaina sent to Jacen, who whispered it into his mother's ear.
Leia tensed when she heard that. She whispered something into Han's ear.
Han walked over, and said to Neal who was conversing with Jaina. "May I borrow Jaina for a moment." Using his diplomatic smile.
"Of course sir." Neal said.
The moment they were out of earshot Han dropped the smile. "What is it?" He asked, tensely.
"The Lord of Stone Mountain, and a group of conservatives just came in." Jaina said.
"So?"
"They are only here to stir things up." Jaina said, tensely. "Just tell mom to be on her guard."
Han tensed. "Stir things up as in-"
"No." Jaina interrupted. "That would be suicide for them. The crown would revoke their land and privileges. They know they can't attack as in a military thing. But watch for them trying to break this off. Or get us arrested."
"Her worship says we shouldn't keep bunching like this, because it makes us seem anti-social." Han said. "I can't believe I am saying this. So if there is anything else important, that you can't say aloud in front of others. Jedi it to someone."
"Gotcha." Jaina said. "May the force be with us."
Sometimes diplomatic functions can take as much planning as military strikes, Jaina thought to herself, amused.
But she wasn't amused as she kept an eye on the conservatives. She knew that after his son's death the Lord of Stone Mountain was biding his time until he could do some damage. She was afraid that this was his time.
Luckily, for all involved, the conservative's weren't famed for their skill in dealing with new cultures (for obvious reasons.) "Mr… my apologies, Jedi Skywalker." Lord Burchard of Stone Mountain said a bit later. "We have heard so much about your fighting techniques. Might we get a demonstration before dinner is served."
Luke quietly continued his conversation with Lady Alanna. "Or was it hyped up." Burchard said.
The Republican delegation, except for Luke, all tensed. "This is what happens when a guy lets females train with the males he becomes a sissy." Another conservative piped.
"Just a little contest." Someone else heckled.
"Between you… and let's say my lord Wyldon." Someone else suggested.
"Unless you are afraid." Burchard said.
"They are our guests." Jonathan said, breaking in firmly.
"Exactly." Burchard said. "I was just looking out for them." Burchard said. "You heard what is being said," he shrugged. "People don't think he is competent. A little contest would prove that."
"Unless he is afraid."
Luke looked discreetly to Leia, this was her arena, and he didn't want to cause a major diplomatic incident. /*/Go for it/*/Leia said. /*/But cautiously/*/
"Who, when, and where." Luke asked calmly, surprising the hecklers.
"Lord Wyldon, I am sure he will be willing, now at the palace courts." Burchard said. "If their majesties agree, of course."
"If both Jedi Skywalker and Lord Wyldon are willing, and Princess Leia and General Solo give their consent, and the match is conducted honorably, why should we object." Jon asked.
"My brother is more then capable of defending himself and his decisions." Leia said, her voice icy. "He is rightfully the honor of the Jedi order."
She mentally stopped Luke from saying anything to that.
"My lord?" Jonathan asked Wyldon.
"Of course." Wyldon bowed.
"Lord Wyldon, you don't have use of both of your arms. To be fair I will bind one of my arms behind my back. Before you lost use of your arm, which one was your strongest."
"The one I lost." Wyldon said, tightly, though his eyes showed thoughtfulness. "Jedi Skywalker, it is not necessary I am used to fighting without my arm."
"Yet this is not a fight, as much as a practice duel." Luke said. "And in a practice duel there should be no advantages that aren't cultivated by practice and skill."
Wyldon was even more thoughtful at this.
No one, but Leia, Thayet, and Roald noticed the broad smile on Jonathan's face at the interchange. "With all this being decided we shall convene in the Palace courts to witness this." Jonathan said, dismissing everyone.
"Luke, wipe the floor with the guy." Han said.
"Jaina, what do you think." Leia asked, ignoring Han.
"Fight your hardest. Don't hold back." Jaina said, feeling weird about giving advice to her Uncle.
"You know when children have learnt something when they can teach you." Luke said.
"Yes." Leia said, smiling wistfully. "And that is every day. And as they learn more, they teach us more."
"I have to agree with dad." Jacen said. "Wipe the floor with the guy."
"Kyp also agrees with me." Han announced.
"I never said that." Kyp said.
After a few more minutes. "Enough, we are here now." Leia said.
"Luke, you can go warm up. I will chat with the rest of the delegation." Leia said.
Luke warmed up quickly. "First a hand-to-hand combat match." Jonathan announced.
"I am so glad I have this chance." Wyldon said, quietly. "Maybe then I can show people why women shouldn't be warriors."
"What does me potentially loosing have to do with that."
"Letting women be warriors dulls the fighting spirit."
"Keeping people out because of their gender takes away highly qualified people who could add a lot to your order." Luke said.
As he was talking, Luke was watching Lord Wyldon, and his fighting style. He is an able warrior. Yet his fighting style reflects a lot about him.
Luke saw his arm coming before it came. Luke twisted it and held Lord Wyldon on the ground.
All the Republican delegation broke out cheering. "What about a sword sparring match. A friendly one, since you have not used one before." Wyldon suggested, wiping sweat after bowing to Luke.
"Sure." Luke said after a beat. "I could use Jaina's sword." He paused on the word making sure to say it correctly.
"Jaina." Luke said,
Jaina brought her sword to Luke. "Weight." He asked, deciding an exhibition was necessary.
"5.1." Jaina said.
"Jacen."
"5.1" Jacen said.
"Anakin."
"5.11"
"Tahiri."
"5.12"
"Kyp."
"5.09"
Luke sighed. "Leia?"
"5.09."
"A weapon's weight should be known instinctively. Precisely. Because that nuance of difference will be the difference between winning and loosing." Luke said. "Make no mistake on that."
Luke took the weapon. "5.09" He said. "We will measure this tonight."
Luke twirled the weapon, and did a ritual turn stab. "Ready." He said, to Lord Wyldon.
He is good Luke thought as he did a sit-down turn to avoid the blade.
Luke locked blades with the elder training master and this time Wyldon was forced to turn away.
Luke did a swipe to knock Wyldon's blade away, but he had forgotten that the sword was shorter then saber and it only scraped Wyldon's blade.
The conservatives broke out laughing, reminding Luke this was also a political match.
A moment later Luke saw his chance, he knocked the sword out of Wyldon's hand and bowed.
"Good match." Wyldon said, bowing back.
"Yes, it was." Luke said, his face a study in calmness.
Leia walked up, proud, to her brother. /*/ Great job, farmboy. /*/
/*/ I will take that as a compliment, Thranta. /*/
/*/ You should. /*/
"Well, our two contestants may want a bath and a change, but the rest of us should head back to the ballroom, dinner should be served soon." Thayet said.
Luke spruced up a bit and joined everyone in the main hall. The hecklers had gone to their suites.
The rest of the evening was pretty uneventful. Roald asked Jaina to dance about 10 times. Until Anakin whispered to them that they were being a little obvious. Then the evening, for the trainees at least, was over when Leia nodded to Luke.
"Please excuse my trainees and myself." Luke said. "We have a lesson to finish."
So all the Jedi trainees went to the quarters Luke had been allotted. "Let's measure this." Luke said.
He quickly set up a measurement device. "5.09" He read, and then showed it to everyone else so they could verify Luke's calculations.
"A weapon should be known as well as one's own appendage." Luke said. "Because a weapon should be an extension of one's own self." Luke said.
The lesson continued for another hour. "May the Force be with you." Luke said, ending the lesson.
"Finally." Jacen moaned. "I thought that lesson was going to last forever!"
Jaina snickered. "Oh it couldn't have gone on forever." She said with a straight face, "The Republican delegation is expected at a midday meal meeting with the Tortallans."
Jacen made a face. "Oh joy. How long do you think the negotiations are going to take anyhow?"
"Maybe a week, maybe more." Jaina said.
"Oh you are so much help." Jacen said. "And what was with you and that Roald guy."
Jaina froze. "Why do you ask?"
"You danced ten dances with him." Jacen said, getting even more suspicious. "You don't… like him or anything?"
"No." Jaina said, "I don't like him." I love him.
"You love him?" Jacen said.
"Yes." Jaina admitted in a small voice.
Jacen stared at Jaina dumbfounded. "You are away from home, and you fall in love. No one in the family saw, knew…"
"Don't get jealous, Jasa." Jaina said, trying to lighten the mood.
"That's hard, Jaya."
Jaina hugged him. "I will always be your sister. Nothing can change that. I love you, Jasa."
In Luke's quarters. "You don't think Jaina was just a bit too close to that Prince Roald." Han asked. "I think I should-"
"No." Leia and Luke interrupted together.
"He wasn't doing anything untoward and our girl is growing up." Leia said. "I guess we will have to accept that fact."
"Listen to the voice of reason." Luke said. "Han, Jaina is old enough to know what she wants, and Roald seems like a nice guy."
"Nice for whom." Han muttered.
"Has anyone noticed that he lives in another galaxy." Han asked. "What about Jaina's mechanical skills, how will she use them here."
"Jaina has to decide that." Leia said, reasonably. "Besides, it all depends on how the negotiations go."
"I don't like it." Han muttered.
"You would say that no matter who Jaina fell in love with." Luke pointed out. "That's just the overprotective father in you talking."
"Who asked you, kid." Han asked, mock growling at his friend.
"Stop it you two." Leia said, when Han and Luke started play wrestling. "As much as I hate to do this we have to go back to business. How do you think the state dinner went."
"This is your arena, Lei, but I think it went very well. People starting warming up to us and started seeing us as people they can relate to." Luke said.
"Luke's beating that Wyldon guy didn't hurt, either." Han said. "Those conservatives might actually have helped us by maneuvering us there. This way they see that we can help them."
"True." Leia mused. "Well, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day. Good night Luke."
"Yeah, g'night kid." Han said, taking Leia's elbow.
"Good night you two." Luke said.
A week later. "Jaina, you know you are always welcome to stay in Tortall." Thayet said.
"Thank you." Jaina said.
"Please stay." Roald begged. "You could go visit your family now, whenever you wanted.
Jaina was very tempted. Tortall is where she had her own identity. She wasn't the daughter of Chief of State Organa Solo, former Princess of Alderaan and Rebellion leader and General Han Solo, and niece of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, head of the Jedi order last and first of the Jedi.
"You aren't going to stay, are you?" Jacen, who had heard the Queen's offer, said.
When Jaina was silent. "No… Jaina you can't."
"Jacen, what have we wanted more then anything since we were kids."
"Our own identities." Jacen said, getting more panicked. "We can make our own identities in the Republic as well. We will be great Jedi Knights."
"Jacen, you know as well as I do, in the Republic we are just the children of great people. We can not make our own identities." Jaina said. "I have to make this decision on my own."
"I love you, Jacen." She said softly and got up.
Jacen was going to follow but Anakin came in and held him back. "Let her go. She needs to make this decision on her own or she will regret it for the rest of her life."
"But-she might stay here." Jacen said.
"That's her choice. I don't think she will though." Anakin said.
"I hope not." Jacen said, sitting back, knowing Anakin was right.
Jaina walked through the Palace, thinking about just how much she'd miss the place. Then she found herself back in the Quarters of the Republican delegation. She watched with a giggle as her Uncle and father wrestled each other. She watched as her mother pretended to be upset as she broke them up. "Honestly. You two act like 5 year olds." She said.
Han pulled her down. "Han, Han, Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaan." She said as she fell. Then she broke out laughing.
How can I leave this again? The problems, and good parts they are all mine. This is my family, this is where I belong.
Thayet came to the table where Jaina was sitting. "Have you made your decision?" She asked.
Jacen made to get up, but Jaina pulled him down. "For now, at least, the Republic is where I belong." She grinned. "After all, I want to get my Knighthood there too."
Thayet was disappointed, "well, it is your decision. You are always welcome here."
Jaina smiled, truly touched. "Thank you."
"You have become a part of Tortall, Jaina Solo. Tortall will not forget you."
"I will never forget Tortall either." Jaina said, catching Roald's eyes.
"I will miss you." Roald said.
"I will miss you too." Jaina said. "But that is where I belong, for now at least. My family is there."
"We can be your family." Roald said.
"No." Jaina said. "Not now anyways. I need to become a Jedi Knight, and maybe even a Master, before I can stop traveling that path."
"I understand." Roald said, trying to smile.
"We have until the treaty is signed." Jaina whispered.
"That could be any day."
"I doubt that." Jaina said. "There is still enough opposition from the conservatives…"
"My father and mother really want this to come through, they are going to be pulling strings…"
"Even that will take time." Jaina whispered. "And it isn't like it will be goodbye forever."
"It will-"
"You guys are beginning to sound like an old performance." Neal drawled coming up.
Jaina and Roald blushed. "Come on, let's go do something. Maybe let Jaina whack us around a bit." Neal suggested.
"Let's go." Jaina said.
The treaty did take a while to come up with, but in the end the Republic and Tortall came up with a 'friends' treaty, which stated that either side could initiate an Alliance between the Republic and Tortall at any time, but until then they would be loose allies. They promised not to attack one another, and if one was wrongfully attacked and asked for military aid the other promised to come.
This treaty was celebrated by another Ball. But this one was sadder for Jaina because it meant she was leaving the next day. "I will come back as soon as possible." She promised her friends. "But I need to go back, be with my family." Jaina said.
"We will miss you." Kel said, speaking for everyone.
"And I you."
"Jaina, is your packing done?" Leia asked.
"Yes, mama."
"Good. You are excused from your evening lesson, take your time saying good bye but remember we leave early tomorrow."
"Thank you." Jaina said.
Everyone found some excuse to leave Jaina and Roald alone for half a bell before Jaina had to go to bed.
"Oh my gosh." Jaina wept as she hugged people good-bye. "I will miss you."
"We will miss you too." Kel said, her eyes uncharacteristically red.
Leia put a hand on her daughter's shoulder and guided her back towards the Portal.
The entire Republican delegation walked through the Portal in rank order.
2 months later on Yavin 4. "Uncle Luke called a morning meeting, I wonder what's up." Jacen said.
"Wonder if it had anything to do with mom's call." Anakin said.
"Mom called?" Jacen asked.
"Yeah. She called for like 20 minutes and talked only to Uncle Luke."
"Well we will find out." Tenel Ka said.
"That is a fact."
"Jedi Knights, Master, and trainees, we will have important guests tomorrow. The Knight academy from Corus will be joining us." Luke said. "The leadership of Corus is thinking of revising their treaty with the Republic so this visit will be very important. I am asking every member of this academy to treat the delegation with respect. This means that we will be playing the training schedule by ear. The delegation may want tours and stuff, which I may have to conduct since the head of their academy is also coming. So I am also asking you to be patient with any changes. Any questions?"
"Who is coming?" Jaina asked.
"The delegation is arriving in Coruscant tonight. It will be a last minute decision as to who comes here and who doesn't. I have been told to expect between 30-50 humans."
"Hoping your boyfriend will be coming?" Jacen teased.
Jaina bit her lip. "Race you to the woods." She said, sidestepping the question.
The next morning Jaina woke up early and did her hair especially well. "Waiting for someone special." Jacen asked.
"You could be a bit more supportive."
"I could."
Jacen sighed. "You would move so far away."
Jaina hugged her brother, recognizing it was the fear of loosing her that was making him so unsupportive of this relationship. "I love you."
"Jaina, Jacen, will you please meet the delegation." Luke asked.
"Of course." Jaina said.
So Jacen and Jaina went out to wait for the delegation to come. Anakin was already there. "Took you guys long enough." Anakin remarked.
"Boy, for the silent little kid you were you are now pretty talkative." Jaina said.
"Only with us, though." Jacen said.
Jaina smiled and put her arms around her brothers, confident that she would sense the Tortallan delegation before they arrived.
Sure enough, she did. Jaina beamed when she saw that Roald, Neal, and Kel were part of the delegation. Luke and Wyldon bowed to each other. "Would you like a tour?" Luke asked, politely.
"That would be wonderful. Where should we leave our things, though?"
"My trainees will take care of that. Anakin, Tahiri?"
"Yes, Master Skywalker." They asked, coming forward and bowing.
"Please see to the bags of the delegation."
"Yes Master Skywalker." They knew to show their best side, and be the epitome of obedience and good form.
"They will catch up with us." Luke said. "Shall we start?" He moved aside to let Lord Wyldon take the lead.
"Maybe a member of your delegation can pair with a trainee, just in case we get separated, or they have questions." Luke suggested.
Wyldon bowed. Luke put up 2 fingers and the trainees began to group with delegation members. Jaina went and stood by her friends. "It is so nice to see you again." Neal said.
"You too." Jaina whispered.
"Why are you whispering?"
"Uncle Luke is going to start any moment."
"Yes, but he isn't going to be able to hear us talking."
Jaina raised an eyebrow. "Oh." Neal said.
"Yes." Kel said. "So be quiet."
Roald and Jaina found themselves next to one another on the trek. "Maybe we won't have to do our morning exercises." Jaina muttered to Roald
But once it was done. "If you will forgive my trainees and myself, we have morning exercises we need to do."
"Maybe we could join you." Wyldon said.
Luke bowed. "Of course. Whenever you are ready."
Wyldon bowed. Luke gave the hand signal to start. Everyone started at a jog. In a bit Luke gave the hand signal to increase speed. Everyone started going faster. Luke increased speed once more. Jaina noticed a few of the younger trainees who were behind her had fallen. She noticed that the trainees near them were snickering. "Uh oh." Jaina said as no one stopped to help the trainees.
"What?" Kel asked.
Jaina gestured with her head. She also slowed down a bit to help the trainees out. "What are you doing?" Neal asked.
Jaina looked at Neal. "Helping them out." She said.
She and Kel, Roald, Neal and a few other trainees helped pick them up and steadied them so they could go the required speed. When they stopped everyone, but Lord Wyldon, Luke, and the Jedi Knights were panting. "That was bad." Neal said.
"Not as bad as usual." Jaina said. "Uncle Luke usually increases speed twice more, but he probably noticed that the delegation was getting out of breath."
"When do we leave." Neal asked.
"Well, today probably not for a bit." Jaina said.
Before Neal could ask why, Luke spoke up. "Trainees K'lan, and Mek please recite lines 4-9 of the Jedi code."
"Jedi are compassionate, they care for others….."
"Did you break that code today?" Luke bluntly asked.
"You don't need to answer aloud." He said as they opened their mouth. "But if you do not follow the code as trainees, how will you follow it when you become Knights, or Masters?"
Luke included everyone else into the discussion. "Practice the code now. Don't say I will practice it once I am Knighted, because habits become ingrained."
"Anakin, Tahiri, if the delegation would like to rest or wash up will you show them to their quarters." Luke said, cutting himself off, remembering his duties as a host.
"We are okay for now." Lord Wyldon said.
He was watching this academy, observing this different style of teaching.
"People's feelings are precious." Luke said softly. "We can't get so wrapped up in our day to day life that we forget the value of others."
"Okay, your uncle addressed the snickering. But why was there no punishment?" Kel asked.