AN: The survivors are my own creation, everything else belongs to Lucasfilm...
From Scratch
Chapter 22
The meeting square covered most of the bottom of the crater, a plateau of rock that stretched wide enough for everyone in the community to gather comfortably. And for them to watch as a member of their society was brought to justice. They heard the mob gathering long before they could see the extent of the gathering. Jacen drew up short, his gaze scanning the plateau that was slowly being flooded with people. Aliens, human, Yuuzhan Vong and animals milled about, intermingling in a fashion he'd never thought possible. He could feel some hostility from certain individuals, but for the most part, they were living a lifestyle that allowed each to explore their own beliefs in a united society. All in all, with the diverse collective, Jacen was impressed.
As they came into view, a hush settled over the crowd, whispers spreading out from the closest individuals and spreading like wildfire to every corner. Strangers were a rare occurrence and having two come to testify at a 'trial' involving them, more so.
Tenel Ka's impassive gaze swept the crowd, her mind slowly settling into the mindset she'd need to deal with it. A loud, carrying tone, firm words and a decisive story. All of which she had readily available thank to her time as Queen Mother. She squared her shoulders unconsciously, pulling Jacen forward with her as they walked, side by side, through the crowd. This would be much more public than either had thought.
Arrayed on the far side of the plateau was a raised dais, seven chairs arrayed in a semi circle, all pointed towards a set of stairs. Seven elderly beings were settling into the padded chairs and Jacen took the opportunity to study them. Three humans, all with graying or white hair, their faces lined with age, were seated in between four other aliens. Two Yuuzhan Vong, one male, one female, their skin an odd tinge, no hair left on their balding heads, signifying their age. A Wookie, with hair that was almost silver and a Rodian, his skin more gray than blue, completed the council. From what he could see there were only three female on the council, the rest male. Idly Jacen wondered if that was deliberate.
Nicha was nowhere in sight as the crowd slowly parted, leaving a line open to the base of the stairs. Jacen and Tenel Ka continued walking behind Flynn and Vola but paused when their guides stepped out of the way before getting to the dais. Chell joined them and motioned for the two to continue.
The elders watched with interest as Tenel Ka and Jacen stopped before them, silence descending on the crowd as one of the humans rose. He was leaning heavily on a cane, but his steps were sure, if slow, as he took two steps forward. "You are strangers to us," he said in an amazingly strong, yet gravelly voice. The sound carried to the furthest reaches of the square and held a slight note of steel underneath. "It is not often we have visitors this deep. We welcome you, on behalf of our village and regret it must be in such a public manner."
"Thank you, old one," Jacen replied, bowing respectfully.
The old one smiled. "A man of manners." He said approvingly. "State your names and the matters you wish this council to address."
Jacen stepped back. This was Tenel Ka's territory; she'd defeated the challenge, she deserved this right. Her bearing changed slightly as she inclined her head to the elder. Respected or not, she was the Queen of the Hapes cluster and bowed to no one who hadn't yet eared that respect. "I am Tenel Ka Djo, this is Jacen Solo, my fiancée."
An outbreak of surprised shock rippled through the crowd, interrupting her, and she looked around disapprovingly. As if sensing her displeasure, the crowd quickly quieted. The elder looked at the young woman with a curious expression; few could quell this mob with a simple look.
She turned back to him. "Nicha has challenged my claimed to Jacen and failed. We bring forth this matter to the council, as is dictated by your laws."
The elder nodded thoughtfully, clearly impressed. "Bring forward the accused."
From the back of the crowd a murmur began to spread as two women carried Nicha forward, towards a seat to the side of the dais. Her head still lolled to the side, her injuries plain for everyone to see. Amazement was clear in the murmurs, tainted only slightly by fear. Many wondered what had happened, what weapons had been used, to destroy the beauty of one of their citizens. Speculations ran rampart and expounded with every telling as the curiously frightened gazes turned back to Tenel Ka. There was a great respect in those looks.
Jacen smiled faintly as he caught some of the questions people were asking each other. Most were wondering how a one armed woman had done such damage. It was fairly amusing if you knew Tenel Ka.
Nicha was placed in the chair and carefully restrained, her head supported. She looked heavily sedated and, from what she mumbled on occasion, didn't seem to know where she was or why.
The elders exchanged some soft words before turning back to look at Tenel Ka. The same man, obviously their designated speaker, spoke again, "Can you explain to us, in your own words, what exactly happened?"
"To you?" she asked pointedly, "Or for them as well?" she motioned to the crowd.
"For all so that they may know why not to challenge you."
She nodded once, meeting Jacen's eyes as she began to speak. "Jacen is my fiancée. This morning, Nicha asked to speak with him privately. She accused him of not fulfilling his duties the previous night. I overheard a portion of this conversation. She dared to touch what is mine. I pulled her away from him and she issued her challenge. I finished it."
The elder raised an eyebrow, nodding. He looked amused by her short, factual, yet detail-less account. "That's all?"
"Fact."
"What weapon did you choose to settle this dispute with?"
"I did not. Nicha chose to fire at me with her blaster."
"Yet you're unharmed?"
She inclined her head, her voice without pride or infliction as she spoke. "I am a Jedi Knight. I simply deflected them."
The word Jedi began to circulate, a murmur of dissention sweeping through the assembly. Tenel Ka wondered if she might have made an error and simply left that particular fact out. Too late now.
"A Jedi you say?"
"Fact."
The elder stroked his chin, "What happened after she fired at you?"
"I disabled her weapon. She chose to continue the challenge through hand-to-hand combat."
"I see. Were you not at a disadvantage with only one arm?"
"I am a warrior." She informed him simply, "I have the ability and training to fight with more than my arms."
"And her face?"
"Encountered my foot."
There was scattered laughter, though she hadn't meant it as a joke. The elder turned to Jacen. "And you, Hero of the New Republic? Did you witness this?"
Jacen flinched but nodded. "Yes sir."
"Is it as Jedi Djo has said?"
He nodded again.
"I see, I see." The elder stroked his chin thoughtfully as Tenel Ka looked at Jacen, arching an eyebrow as if to ask about his lack of elaboration. He just shrugged, grinning.
The elder turned to look beyond the couple. "Young Flynn."
Flynn stepped forward, bowing respectfully, "Yes Old one?"
"You're the one found them in the upper levels?"
"Yes sir."
"Do you have anything to add to their statements?"
"Not much," he admitted, "but yes." He looked from Jacen to Tenel Ka before looking back to the elder. "Nicha should never have challenged Tenel Ka, regardless of the circumstances. They live by certain codes of honor than we do even though they've been respectful enough to abide by certain laws of our own for betrothals."
The elder turned his gaze back to Tenel Ka. "On what grounds did she make her challenge?"
Tenel Ka didn't dare look around as she spoke. "Jacen refused me."
Shock rippled through the crowd at her words and whispers were heard back and forth. Incredulous whispers about how men did not refuse women. How it was unheard of. Couples that were promised did not refuse each other!
"Is this true, Jacen Solo?"
"Yes old one. My own code does not permit such intimacies before marriage. I could do no less."
"You live by your own laws?" The elder was clearly intrigued.
Jacen drew himself up. "I have spent the better part of my life living by codes and morals other people have impressed upon me. From those I have taken the ones I find important, the ones that have meaning, and made them a part of me. To abandon those would be to deny myself."
The elder nodded thoughtfully but said nothing in return as he turned back to his companions.
Tenel Ka stepped back to Jacen's side as they awaited the decision of the council. He smiled. "I think that went rather well."
"I do not."
"Why not?"
"I do not think I should have mentioned Jedi."
He slid his hands onto her shoulders and squeezed, "It'll be fine," he reassured her softly. "I told you, Shamed ones have a high respect for Jedi. If nothing else you got their attention with it."
Vola leaned close, her voice low. "She of flame is right to be worried. The elders have all known Jedi and not all have had good encounters."
The elder turned back to them as Vola was stepping back next to Flynn. "Vola."
She looked up almost guiltily. "Yes, old one?"
"What is your opinion of these outsiders?"
She smiled shyly, knowing that her words would be the last spoken, the last heard, before the council completed their sentencing. "She of flame acted with-"
"She of flame?" The elder interrupted curiously. "By what right has she gained such respect that you offer her a name of honor?"
"Our first encounter with The Great one and She of flame was near the surface. They'd just defeated a war party of four Yuuzhan Vong warriors." She looked at Tenel Ka and Jacen, "They are both formidable warriors."
"Continue. What were your observations during your trek?"
"They both acted with honor and dignity during the journey. They made no inappropriate moves towards Flynn or I during that time. She did not challenge Nicha for her questionable behavior towards the Great one. She of flame acted with considerable restraint when Nicha made her interest known. They both have my highest respect and I would be honored to have them call me friend."
A murmur swept through the crowd as one of the Yuuzhan Vong elders stood and began asking her questions rapid-fire in their own tongue. Both spoke so quickly that anyone who didn't speak their language fluently was lost.
Jacen, never having learned the language, still recognized the sharp tones the elder was using as demands. Demands that were phrased as questions. Vola spoke rapidly, her hand gestures expansive, her own tone sharp. Whatever they were discussing sounded almost accusatory. The elder seemed to be accusing Vola of some kind of indiscretion. He finally snapped something that had her shaking her head emphatically. She said something about Jedi and the elder finally motioned her to step back, his words a clear dismissal.
Vola bowed stiffly and stepped back. Even without the Force it was easy to feel her anger. Flynn slid his arm around her waist, whispering something to her. She managed to find a smile for him and settled against him, her eyes still fixed on the elder. Whatever had been said between the two Yuuzhan Vong had caused a ripple through the Yuuzhan Vong population.
The elders began to speak amongst themselves and Jacen's brows drew together. Being near the dais, he could hear what sounded like an argument. For such a clean-cut case, there was a lot of discussion and difference of opinion.
Tenel Ka glanced back at the young Yuuzhan Vong and Vola shook her head fractionally. The crowd around them was growing restless. Rarely did trials take this long. There was also a growing area forming around Tenel Ka and Jacen, the crowd giving them a breadth of a few feet on each side.
The human elder finally turned back. "Jedi Djo."
Tenel Ka stepped forward.
"Did you use any of your Jedi tricks while fighting Nicha?"
"I did not." She told him succinctly. "Jacen held my weapon during the challenge once Nicha was disarmed."
"You didn't think to gain any kind of advantage, to even the playing field as it were, to supplement your missing arm?"
She drew herself up, seeming to gain in stature and presence as her gray eyes flashed. "I was raised a warrior before I trained as a Jedi. My injuries do not make me crippled; they force me to think creatively. I have fought many battles without the Force and I have no need to use it against such an ill equipped opponent. There is no satisfaction in vanquishing a foe with such an advantage. It would not have been honorable."
"My apologies Jedi Djo, but you are outsiders. We don't mean to question your integrity."
"Yes you do."
The elder's eyes widened and he took a step back at her accusation.
"You would not have asked such a question if you did not. I am not a fool; do not treat me as such. You do not trust us, nor would I you in your position, but do not insult us."
"My apologies, Jedi Djo." The elder bowed respectfully, drawing a murmur of surprise from the crowd and the other elders. "I did not realize your heritage."
"Accepted." She told him with a regal nod. "Your judgment?"
Another murmur ran through the crowd at her commanding tone yet the elders seemed to have gained a new respect for her bluntness.
"We have found Nicha guilty." The elder announced before looking straight at Tenel Ka. "Her injuries, however, have no precedent for punishment. We have decided to place her fate in your hands, Jedi Djo."
"Leniency." She said without hesitation. "She has suffered enough."
The elder inclined his head. "You wish her to live?"
"That is my desire."
"Very well. Return Nicha to the house of her Mother. This matter is closed, it will never be spoken of again."
Scattered applause and a wave of approval echoed across the square but Tenel Ka didn't back down. Her business wasn't finished yet. She remained standing where she was until the crowd subsided and Nicha was taken away. It was several long minutes to wait as Nicha was collected and carried back to her mother's home.
The elder took his seat, watching the proceedings silently. It was clear, after Nicha was gone, and Tenel Ka hadn't moved, that she had something more to say. "This matter is closed, Jedi Djo."
"I have another matter for the council to address."
"Another challenge?"
She shook her head. "It is of a more... personal nature."
"A personal nature?"
She inclined her head. "That is correct." She extended her hand to Jacen and he moved to stand beside her, his hand slipping in to hers. "We wish to be married."
The elder's eyebrows hit his receding hairline. "Now? In our community?"
She nodded.
"Jedi Solo?"
He smiled, "She's telling you the truth, old one. After Nicha's challenge we talked seriously about how to avoid any more of them. We decided that being married, by taking our wedding vows in your society, would be beneficial."
"Are you planning on staying?"
"No sir." Jacen shook his head, "But we would be eternally in your debt if you would perform the service for us."
The elder nodded thoughtfully as the crowd intermingled excitedly. "I will speak with the council, young Solo." He turned and the Council seemed to fold inwards, their voices carrying only so far as their own ears.
Vola and Flynn stepped up to join them and Jacen smiled. "Think they'll have a problem with it?"
Flynn chuckled. "If you knew our rituals you wouldn't be asking that. Can I get either of you something from your packs in the event that they agree? I forgot to mention you'll need something personal to exchange."
Tenel Ka nodded. "If it is necessary." She leaned towards Vola and softly whispered something in her ear.
Vola's smile was wide. "Truly?"
Tenel Ka nodded. "Go. And be quick."
Vola tore herself away from Flynn and dashed out of the square at a full run, headed for Chell's home and their packs. Jacen turned to frown at her. "Did you have her get something for each of us?"
"I did. Do not worry, it is appropriate."
Jacen sighed. "I hope so." He teased, "I wouldn't want to be giving you the shirt off my back."
She arched an eyebrow. "I took that this morning, I have no need for another."
Flynn laughed. "Oh man, you two are so suited for each other. So what'd you send her to get?"
"A knife and a necklace."
Flynn's brows drew together. "I don't understand."
Jacen looked at her curiously. "Neither do I. Care to explain, she of flame?"
She glanced at him, "I do not, Great one."
He coughed. "Ok, that's enough of that."
The elders turned, drawing the attention of the crowd still gathered in the square and Tenel Ka looked up, meeting the same man's face. "We have made our decision."
They waited in silence as the elders held up their hands for quiet and received it. "We have decided that since you are not a part of this community, the vows you speak would have little meaning beyond here."
Jacen felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. It figured. This couldn't be happening. He wouldn't make it through another night in this atmosphere.
The elder continued somewhat hesitantly. "However, we do have records of vows used before the fall of Coruscant. We also have a few official documentation techniques that would make them binding beyond this world. Are you sure this is the course of action you want?"
Tenel Ka nodded. "It is, old one. We have discussed it at great length. What is required of us?"
"An exchange of tokens. Rings are preferable, but not necessary. And you must speak your own vows."
Jacen frowned. "That's it?"
The elder smiled faintly. "You think there should be more?"
"It just seems so... simple."
The elder chuckled. "Far from simple. The vows you speak must not leave a doubt in any of the witnesses' minds that they are spoken truly. If there is, someone can challenge your vows. Would you like an evening to prepare?"
Tenel Ka shook her head. "It is not necessary."
"Jedi Solo?"
He shook his head. "She's right. This has been a long time in coming old one. I don't think anyone would be foolish enough to challenge whatever we say to the other; we've been through too much for them to have valid grounds."
"Satisfy the curiosity of a nosy old man, but how long have you known each other?"
They exchanged a glance, Jacen's lips curving into a smile. "Six years, old one."
He nodded. "I see your reasoning. Do you have tokens?"
Vola came running up, struggling to catch her breath. "I do, old one."
Tenel Ka turned, freeing her hand from Jacen's and held it out. The Yuuzhan Vong dropped a sharp, ornamental knife and a very familiar looking necklace into her hand. She turned to Jacen and gave him the necklace. He blinked. It was the Gort shell necklace he'd made for her and he'd given to her almost four years ago. He met her gaze and her lips twitched upwards into a faint smile. He carefully arranged it in his palm, amazed she still carried it with her, and looked curiously at her knife.
She nodded to Vola. "I require your assistance."
Vola caught her breath and nodded. Tenel Ka held the knife in her hand and caught one of her braids by the ends, holding it out to her. "Tie the cord you retrieved half way up."
Vola did as instructed, tying it tightly before accepting the end of the braid. Tenel Ka lifted the knife and cut just above where the tie was and cut through her hair with one decisive stroke. Vola blinked, seeing the shorn braid hanging down the side of Tenel Ka's face. Tenel Ka offered the knife to the stunned Yuuzhan Vong before retrieving the length of hair.
She turned to Jacen. "I now require your assistance."
He nodded and carefully accepted the lock of her hair. It was soft to the touch and extremely silky. He swallowed hard, remembering how her hair felt in his hands and fought off the image. Following her instructions he carefully redid the braid into a tighter warrior's braid and tied the end off again, looping them together to form a unique wrist and finger loop. Something he recognized as a Dathomirian fidelity knot. A sign that the male belonged to a certain female and only her. He smiled. He liked the symbolism. He thought he heard Chell's slight intake of breath, but couldn't be sure. Handing it back to her they turned to find the elders watching them avidly.
The old one smiled. "After watching that I can see why no one would challenge you. Come, Jacen Solo and Tenel Ka Djo, step into the circle of our council and speak your vows."
They slowly ascended the three steps, carefully looking at each of the elders. Most of them seemed to be highly intrigued and the hostility any of them had felt had either disappeared or been buried. The elder beckoned Flynn, and Vola to the dais. "You two will be the official witnesses seeing as how you both think they should go through with this. Chell."
"Yes old one?"
"We will need the old records from my hut. Could you send someone to fetch them?"
She bowed and walked towards the edge of the crowd, talking to two exuberant youths and convincing them to run the errand. Nobody refused an elder's request. The elder turned back to Tenel Ka and Jacen as Chell returned. "This ceremony will be tailored to your own personalities and aspirations. You have no need to speak your vows for the crowd to hear; they are to be personal, between yourselves."
Jacen smiled. "Thank you, old one."
The elder turned to the crowd, "This council has decreed this ceremony to be private. The vows will be between the intended. However, following with our own traditions, there will be a feast and dancing tomorrow to celebrate the first night of the bride and groom."
A cheer went up and the crowd was slow to disperse as the elder turned back to Jacen and Tenel Ka. Public or not, they wanted to watch one of the heroes of the New Republic speak his vows. It was something they could pass on to their children and grandchildren. It would never happen again.
The elder began to speak and his words clear but low. This was a different blessing and introduction into this subject than he normally made, but under the old laws on marriage, it was only proper. "Before you speak your vows, you must understand the enormity of the step you're about to take. Matrimony is not to be entered into lightly. It is a binding contract, an agreement, which can only be dissolved by death. It is to tie you together in sickness, health, through bad times and the good. It is an expression of love and devotion. Do you both swear you are entering this with your eyes open and of your own accord?"
"I so swear." Tenel Ka said formally. Jacen echoed her a heartbeat later.
The elder nodded, the other council elders beginning to hum softly to drown out whatever came next and protect their vows from eavesdropping ears. He turned first to Tenel Ka. "Tenel Ka Djo, speak your vows. Choose your words carefully, for they are binding and permanent."
She inclined her head, turning to face Jacen. She closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts before she opened her eyes and met his gaze. Every shield she'd ever erected was slowly pulled down as she opened herself completely to him, reaching out to touch his presence with the Force. His eyes widened as she began to speak.
"Jacen. We have been through much. I met you as a girl and loved you then, as a friend and companion. We have seen hardship and joy as companions. On the mission where I thought you dead, I knew true sorrow. You taught me to love, real love, and lose. I died with you that day. It has been almost 2 years since you came back into my life. Two years in which you allowed me to know you again. You were my best friend before, my only love since. I have never wished to be with another man, to share my life with any other man, than you. I pledge myself to you this day, Jacen Solo. For now, for always. I am yours. I have always been yours. I always will be."
He smiled, feeling the pureness in her words as the wave of her emotions washed over him, almost sending him to his knees he was so humbled. He swallowed hard, forcing the lump in his throat down. He'd never felt that kind of emotion from her before. The joy, the anticipation and the pure, untainted love. It made him, Jacen Solo, want to cry.
The elder smiled. He wasn't about to refute vows spoken with such sincerity. "Jacen Solo, speak your vows. Choose your words carefully, for they are binding and permanent." He said, turning to Jacen.
Jacen took a deep breath, but didn't organize his thoughts, he simply spoke. "For six years you have been the focal point in my life, Tenel Ka. Keeping me grounded when my youthful impetuousness would get the better of me, teaching me what the value of a single smile could be. I met you and loved you. I loved you and needed you in my life, completing and balancing me out. Your strengths compliment mine. You are the reason I was able to get through my time with Vergere in the seed ship. You are the reason I fought to come back. The last two years have been difficult without you at my side; I hope to never have to be without you for so long again. You are my best friend; the only woman I ever truly loved and it will always be so. I pledge myself to you, Tenel Ka Djo, to you and not your crown, as an equal and partner. I am yours, just as you are mine, and into your care I entrust my heart. For now, for always, for it will always be so."
Tenel Ka felt him open to her, just as she had to him, and for a brief moment their Force essences mingled, intertwining completely before they were forced back into their own bodies. They seemed to droop ever so slightly as their eyes focused once again.
The elder looked from one to the other. "Exchange your tokens."
Jacen smiled, holding up the necklace and she nodded, sweeping back her hair for him so he could fasten the pale pink iridescent necklace around her neck. She dropped her hair and he held out his left hand. Carefully she slid the Dathomirian knot onto his wrist, twisted it under his hand and fastened it around his middle finger. The tightness of the braid made it look like string, but the texture showed it to be hair. Her hair. A russet that couldn't be dulled even removed from her head. He opened his hand to her and she took it, moving willingly towards him as the elder intoned for him to kiss his bride.
He arms came up, wrapping around his waist as far as they could as he encircled her shoulders. His lips descended on hers in a soft, chaste kiss that made her only want more. It wasn't nearly enough when he pulled away a second later. Her body was humming with his nearness, her skin tingling.
The elder smiled at them both and motioned for them to carefully sign and imprint each document, legally binding them together. Vola and Flynn each signed in the witness spots before Jacen was presented with a copy of their marriage certificate. The elder finally turned to the crowd. "I am pleased to present the newly weds. Jacen and Tenel Ka Solo!"
A cheer erupted from the crowd but Jacen couldn't take his gaze off Tenel Ka. At the elder's words a smile had crossed her face. She was looking right at him, her gray eyes glowing, her face mobile. She threw her arm around his neck and buried her face in his neck and he thought he heard her laugh. He grinned, hugging her tightly and spinning her once before putting her back on her feet. "Thank you, old one." He said formally. "Thank you, all of you."
The elder smiled. "It was our pleasure, Jedi Solo. It's not often one gets the pleasure of joining the Hapes cluster to the most infamous family in the galaxy."
His jaw dropped. "You knew?"
He nodded. "I knew. Long life to you both."
The elders slowly cleared the stage, leaving behind a shocked newlywed couple. Tenel Ka and Jacen exchange looks before he shrugged. They hadn't told the crowd and they -were- married. He bent, sweeping her up in his arms and carrying her down the steps to the floor where he set her back on her feet. She shot him a look but he ignored it. He'd always wanted to do that. Grinning at her and shooting her a wink, he then turned to where Flynn offered him a hearty backslap and handshake. Vola hugged him shyly, free to engage in that small form of contact now that he was attached.
Tenel Ka accepted a hug from Flynn and Vola, accepting their well wishes. They didn't leave the square for more than an hour. The entire population seemed to want to offer them congratulations and well wishes, but slowly, they worked their way towards the back. On the outskirts, finally, Jacen reached for her hand.
"Shall we?"
She carefully placed her hand in his with a nod and stepped in close so what he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Will you keep your promise to me now?" she asked softly.
He nodded, leading her back towards the house they'd graciously been given the use of. "Yes Tenel Ka, I will. Are you ready?"
She nodded in return, "I have never been more ready for anything," she admitted. And, as they approached the house, tension rose between them. The anticipation was almost over. And it was a thrilling prospect.
From Scratch
Chapter 22
The meeting square covered most of the bottom of the crater, a plateau of rock that stretched wide enough for everyone in the community to gather comfortably. And for them to watch as a member of their society was brought to justice. They heard the mob gathering long before they could see the extent of the gathering. Jacen drew up short, his gaze scanning the plateau that was slowly being flooded with people. Aliens, human, Yuuzhan Vong and animals milled about, intermingling in a fashion he'd never thought possible. He could feel some hostility from certain individuals, but for the most part, they were living a lifestyle that allowed each to explore their own beliefs in a united society. All in all, with the diverse collective, Jacen was impressed.
As they came into view, a hush settled over the crowd, whispers spreading out from the closest individuals and spreading like wildfire to every corner. Strangers were a rare occurrence and having two come to testify at a 'trial' involving them, more so.
Tenel Ka's impassive gaze swept the crowd, her mind slowly settling into the mindset she'd need to deal with it. A loud, carrying tone, firm words and a decisive story. All of which she had readily available thank to her time as Queen Mother. She squared her shoulders unconsciously, pulling Jacen forward with her as they walked, side by side, through the crowd. This would be much more public than either had thought.
Arrayed on the far side of the plateau was a raised dais, seven chairs arrayed in a semi circle, all pointed towards a set of stairs. Seven elderly beings were settling into the padded chairs and Jacen took the opportunity to study them. Three humans, all with graying or white hair, their faces lined with age, were seated in between four other aliens. Two Yuuzhan Vong, one male, one female, their skin an odd tinge, no hair left on their balding heads, signifying their age. A Wookie, with hair that was almost silver and a Rodian, his skin more gray than blue, completed the council. From what he could see there were only three female on the council, the rest male. Idly Jacen wondered if that was deliberate.
Nicha was nowhere in sight as the crowd slowly parted, leaving a line open to the base of the stairs. Jacen and Tenel Ka continued walking behind Flynn and Vola but paused when their guides stepped out of the way before getting to the dais. Chell joined them and motioned for the two to continue.
The elders watched with interest as Tenel Ka and Jacen stopped before them, silence descending on the crowd as one of the humans rose. He was leaning heavily on a cane, but his steps were sure, if slow, as he took two steps forward. "You are strangers to us," he said in an amazingly strong, yet gravelly voice. The sound carried to the furthest reaches of the square and held a slight note of steel underneath. "It is not often we have visitors this deep. We welcome you, on behalf of our village and regret it must be in such a public manner."
"Thank you, old one," Jacen replied, bowing respectfully.
The old one smiled. "A man of manners." He said approvingly. "State your names and the matters you wish this council to address."
Jacen stepped back. This was Tenel Ka's territory; she'd defeated the challenge, she deserved this right. Her bearing changed slightly as she inclined her head to the elder. Respected or not, she was the Queen of the Hapes cluster and bowed to no one who hadn't yet eared that respect. "I am Tenel Ka Djo, this is Jacen Solo, my fiancée."
An outbreak of surprised shock rippled through the crowd, interrupting her, and she looked around disapprovingly. As if sensing her displeasure, the crowd quickly quieted. The elder looked at the young woman with a curious expression; few could quell this mob with a simple look.
She turned back to him. "Nicha has challenged my claimed to Jacen and failed. We bring forth this matter to the council, as is dictated by your laws."
The elder nodded thoughtfully, clearly impressed. "Bring forward the accused."
From the back of the crowd a murmur began to spread as two women carried Nicha forward, towards a seat to the side of the dais. Her head still lolled to the side, her injuries plain for everyone to see. Amazement was clear in the murmurs, tainted only slightly by fear. Many wondered what had happened, what weapons had been used, to destroy the beauty of one of their citizens. Speculations ran rampart and expounded with every telling as the curiously frightened gazes turned back to Tenel Ka. There was a great respect in those looks.
Jacen smiled faintly as he caught some of the questions people were asking each other. Most were wondering how a one armed woman had done such damage. It was fairly amusing if you knew Tenel Ka.
Nicha was placed in the chair and carefully restrained, her head supported. She looked heavily sedated and, from what she mumbled on occasion, didn't seem to know where she was or why.
The elders exchanged some soft words before turning back to look at Tenel Ka. The same man, obviously their designated speaker, spoke again, "Can you explain to us, in your own words, what exactly happened?"
"To you?" she asked pointedly, "Or for them as well?" she motioned to the crowd.
"For all so that they may know why not to challenge you."
She nodded once, meeting Jacen's eyes as she began to speak. "Jacen is my fiancée. This morning, Nicha asked to speak with him privately. She accused him of not fulfilling his duties the previous night. I overheard a portion of this conversation. She dared to touch what is mine. I pulled her away from him and she issued her challenge. I finished it."
The elder raised an eyebrow, nodding. He looked amused by her short, factual, yet detail-less account. "That's all?"
"Fact."
"What weapon did you choose to settle this dispute with?"
"I did not. Nicha chose to fire at me with her blaster."
"Yet you're unharmed?"
She inclined her head, her voice without pride or infliction as she spoke. "I am a Jedi Knight. I simply deflected them."
The word Jedi began to circulate, a murmur of dissention sweeping through the assembly. Tenel Ka wondered if she might have made an error and simply left that particular fact out. Too late now.
"A Jedi you say?"
"Fact."
The elder stroked his chin, "What happened after she fired at you?"
"I disabled her weapon. She chose to continue the challenge through hand-to-hand combat."
"I see. Were you not at a disadvantage with only one arm?"
"I am a warrior." She informed him simply, "I have the ability and training to fight with more than my arms."
"And her face?"
"Encountered my foot."
There was scattered laughter, though she hadn't meant it as a joke. The elder turned to Jacen. "And you, Hero of the New Republic? Did you witness this?"
Jacen flinched but nodded. "Yes sir."
"Is it as Jedi Djo has said?"
He nodded again.
"I see, I see." The elder stroked his chin thoughtfully as Tenel Ka looked at Jacen, arching an eyebrow as if to ask about his lack of elaboration. He just shrugged, grinning.
The elder turned to look beyond the couple. "Young Flynn."
Flynn stepped forward, bowing respectfully, "Yes Old one?"
"You're the one found them in the upper levels?"
"Yes sir."
"Do you have anything to add to their statements?"
"Not much," he admitted, "but yes." He looked from Jacen to Tenel Ka before looking back to the elder. "Nicha should never have challenged Tenel Ka, regardless of the circumstances. They live by certain codes of honor than we do even though they've been respectful enough to abide by certain laws of our own for betrothals."
The elder turned his gaze back to Tenel Ka. "On what grounds did she make her challenge?"
Tenel Ka didn't dare look around as she spoke. "Jacen refused me."
Shock rippled through the crowd at her words and whispers were heard back and forth. Incredulous whispers about how men did not refuse women. How it was unheard of. Couples that were promised did not refuse each other!
"Is this true, Jacen Solo?"
"Yes old one. My own code does not permit such intimacies before marriage. I could do no less."
"You live by your own laws?" The elder was clearly intrigued.
Jacen drew himself up. "I have spent the better part of my life living by codes and morals other people have impressed upon me. From those I have taken the ones I find important, the ones that have meaning, and made them a part of me. To abandon those would be to deny myself."
The elder nodded thoughtfully but said nothing in return as he turned back to his companions.
Tenel Ka stepped back to Jacen's side as they awaited the decision of the council. He smiled. "I think that went rather well."
"I do not."
"Why not?"
"I do not think I should have mentioned Jedi."
He slid his hands onto her shoulders and squeezed, "It'll be fine," he reassured her softly. "I told you, Shamed ones have a high respect for Jedi. If nothing else you got their attention with it."
Vola leaned close, her voice low. "She of flame is right to be worried. The elders have all known Jedi and not all have had good encounters."
The elder turned back to them as Vola was stepping back next to Flynn. "Vola."
She looked up almost guiltily. "Yes, old one?"
"What is your opinion of these outsiders?"
She smiled shyly, knowing that her words would be the last spoken, the last heard, before the council completed their sentencing. "She of flame acted with-"
"She of flame?" The elder interrupted curiously. "By what right has she gained such respect that you offer her a name of honor?"
"Our first encounter with The Great one and She of flame was near the surface. They'd just defeated a war party of four Yuuzhan Vong warriors." She looked at Tenel Ka and Jacen, "They are both formidable warriors."
"Continue. What were your observations during your trek?"
"They both acted with honor and dignity during the journey. They made no inappropriate moves towards Flynn or I during that time. She did not challenge Nicha for her questionable behavior towards the Great one. She of flame acted with considerable restraint when Nicha made her interest known. They both have my highest respect and I would be honored to have them call me friend."
A murmur swept through the crowd as one of the Yuuzhan Vong elders stood and began asking her questions rapid-fire in their own tongue. Both spoke so quickly that anyone who didn't speak their language fluently was lost.
Jacen, never having learned the language, still recognized the sharp tones the elder was using as demands. Demands that were phrased as questions. Vola spoke rapidly, her hand gestures expansive, her own tone sharp. Whatever they were discussing sounded almost accusatory. The elder seemed to be accusing Vola of some kind of indiscretion. He finally snapped something that had her shaking her head emphatically. She said something about Jedi and the elder finally motioned her to step back, his words a clear dismissal.
Vola bowed stiffly and stepped back. Even without the Force it was easy to feel her anger. Flynn slid his arm around her waist, whispering something to her. She managed to find a smile for him and settled against him, her eyes still fixed on the elder. Whatever had been said between the two Yuuzhan Vong had caused a ripple through the Yuuzhan Vong population.
The elders began to speak amongst themselves and Jacen's brows drew together. Being near the dais, he could hear what sounded like an argument. For such a clean-cut case, there was a lot of discussion and difference of opinion.
Tenel Ka glanced back at the young Yuuzhan Vong and Vola shook her head fractionally. The crowd around them was growing restless. Rarely did trials take this long. There was also a growing area forming around Tenel Ka and Jacen, the crowd giving them a breadth of a few feet on each side.
The human elder finally turned back. "Jedi Djo."
Tenel Ka stepped forward.
"Did you use any of your Jedi tricks while fighting Nicha?"
"I did not." She told him succinctly. "Jacen held my weapon during the challenge once Nicha was disarmed."
"You didn't think to gain any kind of advantage, to even the playing field as it were, to supplement your missing arm?"
She drew herself up, seeming to gain in stature and presence as her gray eyes flashed. "I was raised a warrior before I trained as a Jedi. My injuries do not make me crippled; they force me to think creatively. I have fought many battles without the Force and I have no need to use it against such an ill equipped opponent. There is no satisfaction in vanquishing a foe with such an advantage. It would not have been honorable."
"My apologies Jedi Djo, but you are outsiders. We don't mean to question your integrity."
"Yes you do."
The elder's eyes widened and he took a step back at her accusation.
"You would not have asked such a question if you did not. I am not a fool; do not treat me as such. You do not trust us, nor would I you in your position, but do not insult us."
"My apologies, Jedi Djo." The elder bowed respectfully, drawing a murmur of surprise from the crowd and the other elders. "I did not realize your heritage."
"Accepted." She told him with a regal nod. "Your judgment?"
Another murmur ran through the crowd at her commanding tone yet the elders seemed to have gained a new respect for her bluntness.
"We have found Nicha guilty." The elder announced before looking straight at Tenel Ka. "Her injuries, however, have no precedent for punishment. We have decided to place her fate in your hands, Jedi Djo."
"Leniency." She said without hesitation. "She has suffered enough."
The elder inclined his head. "You wish her to live?"
"That is my desire."
"Very well. Return Nicha to the house of her Mother. This matter is closed, it will never be spoken of again."
Scattered applause and a wave of approval echoed across the square but Tenel Ka didn't back down. Her business wasn't finished yet. She remained standing where she was until the crowd subsided and Nicha was taken away. It was several long minutes to wait as Nicha was collected and carried back to her mother's home.
The elder took his seat, watching the proceedings silently. It was clear, after Nicha was gone, and Tenel Ka hadn't moved, that she had something more to say. "This matter is closed, Jedi Djo."
"I have another matter for the council to address."
"Another challenge?"
She shook her head. "It is of a more... personal nature."
"A personal nature?"
She inclined her head. "That is correct." She extended her hand to Jacen and he moved to stand beside her, his hand slipping in to hers. "We wish to be married."
The elder's eyebrows hit his receding hairline. "Now? In our community?"
She nodded.
"Jedi Solo?"
He smiled, "She's telling you the truth, old one. After Nicha's challenge we talked seriously about how to avoid any more of them. We decided that being married, by taking our wedding vows in your society, would be beneficial."
"Are you planning on staying?"
"No sir." Jacen shook his head, "But we would be eternally in your debt if you would perform the service for us."
The elder nodded thoughtfully as the crowd intermingled excitedly. "I will speak with the council, young Solo." He turned and the Council seemed to fold inwards, their voices carrying only so far as their own ears.
Vola and Flynn stepped up to join them and Jacen smiled. "Think they'll have a problem with it?"
Flynn chuckled. "If you knew our rituals you wouldn't be asking that. Can I get either of you something from your packs in the event that they agree? I forgot to mention you'll need something personal to exchange."
Tenel Ka nodded. "If it is necessary." She leaned towards Vola and softly whispered something in her ear.
Vola's smile was wide. "Truly?"
Tenel Ka nodded. "Go. And be quick."
Vola tore herself away from Flynn and dashed out of the square at a full run, headed for Chell's home and their packs. Jacen turned to frown at her. "Did you have her get something for each of us?"
"I did. Do not worry, it is appropriate."
Jacen sighed. "I hope so." He teased, "I wouldn't want to be giving you the shirt off my back."
She arched an eyebrow. "I took that this morning, I have no need for another."
Flynn laughed. "Oh man, you two are so suited for each other. So what'd you send her to get?"
"A knife and a necklace."
Flynn's brows drew together. "I don't understand."
Jacen looked at her curiously. "Neither do I. Care to explain, she of flame?"
She glanced at him, "I do not, Great one."
He coughed. "Ok, that's enough of that."
The elders turned, drawing the attention of the crowd still gathered in the square and Tenel Ka looked up, meeting the same man's face. "We have made our decision."
They waited in silence as the elders held up their hands for quiet and received it. "We have decided that since you are not a part of this community, the vows you speak would have little meaning beyond here."
Jacen felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. It figured. This couldn't be happening. He wouldn't make it through another night in this atmosphere.
The elder continued somewhat hesitantly. "However, we do have records of vows used before the fall of Coruscant. We also have a few official documentation techniques that would make them binding beyond this world. Are you sure this is the course of action you want?"
Tenel Ka nodded. "It is, old one. We have discussed it at great length. What is required of us?"
"An exchange of tokens. Rings are preferable, but not necessary. And you must speak your own vows."
Jacen frowned. "That's it?"
The elder smiled faintly. "You think there should be more?"
"It just seems so... simple."
The elder chuckled. "Far from simple. The vows you speak must not leave a doubt in any of the witnesses' minds that they are spoken truly. If there is, someone can challenge your vows. Would you like an evening to prepare?"
Tenel Ka shook her head. "It is not necessary."
"Jedi Solo?"
He shook his head. "She's right. This has been a long time in coming old one. I don't think anyone would be foolish enough to challenge whatever we say to the other; we've been through too much for them to have valid grounds."
"Satisfy the curiosity of a nosy old man, but how long have you known each other?"
They exchanged a glance, Jacen's lips curving into a smile. "Six years, old one."
He nodded. "I see your reasoning. Do you have tokens?"
Vola came running up, struggling to catch her breath. "I do, old one."
Tenel Ka turned, freeing her hand from Jacen's and held it out. The Yuuzhan Vong dropped a sharp, ornamental knife and a very familiar looking necklace into her hand. She turned to Jacen and gave him the necklace. He blinked. It was the Gort shell necklace he'd made for her and he'd given to her almost four years ago. He met her gaze and her lips twitched upwards into a faint smile. He carefully arranged it in his palm, amazed she still carried it with her, and looked curiously at her knife.
She nodded to Vola. "I require your assistance."
Vola caught her breath and nodded. Tenel Ka held the knife in her hand and caught one of her braids by the ends, holding it out to her. "Tie the cord you retrieved half way up."
Vola did as instructed, tying it tightly before accepting the end of the braid. Tenel Ka lifted the knife and cut just above where the tie was and cut through her hair with one decisive stroke. Vola blinked, seeing the shorn braid hanging down the side of Tenel Ka's face. Tenel Ka offered the knife to the stunned Yuuzhan Vong before retrieving the length of hair.
She turned to Jacen. "I now require your assistance."
He nodded and carefully accepted the lock of her hair. It was soft to the touch and extremely silky. He swallowed hard, remembering how her hair felt in his hands and fought off the image. Following her instructions he carefully redid the braid into a tighter warrior's braid and tied the end off again, looping them together to form a unique wrist and finger loop. Something he recognized as a Dathomirian fidelity knot. A sign that the male belonged to a certain female and only her. He smiled. He liked the symbolism. He thought he heard Chell's slight intake of breath, but couldn't be sure. Handing it back to her they turned to find the elders watching them avidly.
The old one smiled. "After watching that I can see why no one would challenge you. Come, Jacen Solo and Tenel Ka Djo, step into the circle of our council and speak your vows."
They slowly ascended the three steps, carefully looking at each of the elders. Most of them seemed to be highly intrigued and the hostility any of them had felt had either disappeared or been buried. The elder beckoned Flynn, and Vola to the dais. "You two will be the official witnesses seeing as how you both think they should go through with this. Chell."
"Yes old one?"
"We will need the old records from my hut. Could you send someone to fetch them?"
She bowed and walked towards the edge of the crowd, talking to two exuberant youths and convincing them to run the errand. Nobody refused an elder's request. The elder turned back to Tenel Ka and Jacen as Chell returned. "This ceremony will be tailored to your own personalities and aspirations. You have no need to speak your vows for the crowd to hear; they are to be personal, between yourselves."
Jacen smiled. "Thank you, old one."
The elder turned to the crowd, "This council has decreed this ceremony to be private. The vows will be between the intended. However, following with our own traditions, there will be a feast and dancing tomorrow to celebrate the first night of the bride and groom."
A cheer went up and the crowd was slow to disperse as the elder turned back to Jacen and Tenel Ka. Public or not, they wanted to watch one of the heroes of the New Republic speak his vows. It was something they could pass on to their children and grandchildren. It would never happen again.
The elder began to speak and his words clear but low. This was a different blessing and introduction into this subject than he normally made, but under the old laws on marriage, it was only proper. "Before you speak your vows, you must understand the enormity of the step you're about to take. Matrimony is not to be entered into lightly. It is a binding contract, an agreement, which can only be dissolved by death. It is to tie you together in sickness, health, through bad times and the good. It is an expression of love and devotion. Do you both swear you are entering this with your eyes open and of your own accord?"
"I so swear." Tenel Ka said formally. Jacen echoed her a heartbeat later.
The elder nodded, the other council elders beginning to hum softly to drown out whatever came next and protect their vows from eavesdropping ears. He turned first to Tenel Ka. "Tenel Ka Djo, speak your vows. Choose your words carefully, for they are binding and permanent."
She inclined her head, turning to face Jacen. She closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts before she opened her eyes and met his gaze. Every shield she'd ever erected was slowly pulled down as she opened herself completely to him, reaching out to touch his presence with the Force. His eyes widened as she began to speak.
"Jacen. We have been through much. I met you as a girl and loved you then, as a friend and companion. We have seen hardship and joy as companions. On the mission where I thought you dead, I knew true sorrow. You taught me to love, real love, and lose. I died with you that day. It has been almost 2 years since you came back into my life. Two years in which you allowed me to know you again. You were my best friend before, my only love since. I have never wished to be with another man, to share my life with any other man, than you. I pledge myself to you this day, Jacen Solo. For now, for always. I am yours. I have always been yours. I always will be."
He smiled, feeling the pureness in her words as the wave of her emotions washed over him, almost sending him to his knees he was so humbled. He swallowed hard, forcing the lump in his throat down. He'd never felt that kind of emotion from her before. The joy, the anticipation and the pure, untainted love. It made him, Jacen Solo, want to cry.
The elder smiled. He wasn't about to refute vows spoken with such sincerity. "Jacen Solo, speak your vows. Choose your words carefully, for they are binding and permanent." He said, turning to Jacen.
Jacen took a deep breath, but didn't organize his thoughts, he simply spoke. "For six years you have been the focal point in my life, Tenel Ka. Keeping me grounded when my youthful impetuousness would get the better of me, teaching me what the value of a single smile could be. I met you and loved you. I loved you and needed you in my life, completing and balancing me out. Your strengths compliment mine. You are the reason I was able to get through my time with Vergere in the seed ship. You are the reason I fought to come back. The last two years have been difficult without you at my side; I hope to never have to be without you for so long again. You are my best friend; the only woman I ever truly loved and it will always be so. I pledge myself to you, Tenel Ka Djo, to you and not your crown, as an equal and partner. I am yours, just as you are mine, and into your care I entrust my heart. For now, for always, for it will always be so."
Tenel Ka felt him open to her, just as she had to him, and for a brief moment their Force essences mingled, intertwining completely before they were forced back into their own bodies. They seemed to droop ever so slightly as their eyes focused once again.
The elder looked from one to the other. "Exchange your tokens."
Jacen smiled, holding up the necklace and she nodded, sweeping back her hair for him so he could fasten the pale pink iridescent necklace around her neck. She dropped her hair and he held out his left hand. Carefully she slid the Dathomirian knot onto his wrist, twisted it under his hand and fastened it around his middle finger. The tightness of the braid made it look like string, but the texture showed it to be hair. Her hair. A russet that couldn't be dulled even removed from her head. He opened his hand to her and she took it, moving willingly towards him as the elder intoned for him to kiss his bride.
He arms came up, wrapping around his waist as far as they could as he encircled her shoulders. His lips descended on hers in a soft, chaste kiss that made her only want more. It wasn't nearly enough when he pulled away a second later. Her body was humming with his nearness, her skin tingling.
The elder smiled at them both and motioned for them to carefully sign and imprint each document, legally binding them together. Vola and Flynn each signed in the witness spots before Jacen was presented with a copy of their marriage certificate. The elder finally turned to the crowd. "I am pleased to present the newly weds. Jacen and Tenel Ka Solo!"
A cheer erupted from the crowd but Jacen couldn't take his gaze off Tenel Ka. At the elder's words a smile had crossed her face. She was looking right at him, her gray eyes glowing, her face mobile. She threw her arm around his neck and buried her face in his neck and he thought he heard her laugh. He grinned, hugging her tightly and spinning her once before putting her back on her feet. "Thank you, old one." He said formally. "Thank you, all of you."
The elder smiled. "It was our pleasure, Jedi Solo. It's not often one gets the pleasure of joining the Hapes cluster to the most infamous family in the galaxy."
His jaw dropped. "You knew?"
He nodded. "I knew. Long life to you both."
The elders slowly cleared the stage, leaving behind a shocked newlywed couple. Tenel Ka and Jacen exchange looks before he shrugged. They hadn't told the crowd and they -were- married. He bent, sweeping her up in his arms and carrying her down the steps to the floor where he set her back on her feet. She shot him a look but he ignored it. He'd always wanted to do that. Grinning at her and shooting her a wink, he then turned to where Flynn offered him a hearty backslap and handshake. Vola hugged him shyly, free to engage in that small form of contact now that he was attached.
Tenel Ka accepted a hug from Flynn and Vola, accepting their well wishes. They didn't leave the square for more than an hour. The entire population seemed to want to offer them congratulations and well wishes, but slowly, they worked their way towards the back. On the outskirts, finally, Jacen reached for her hand.
"Shall we?"
She carefully placed her hand in his with a nod and stepped in close so what he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Will you keep your promise to me now?" she asked softly.
He nodded, leading her back towards the house they'd graciously been given the use of. "Yes Tenel Ka, I will. Are you ready?"
She nodded in return, "I have never been more ready for anything," she admitted. And, as they approached the house, tension rose between them. The anticipation was almost over. And it was a thrilling prospect.