From Scratch
Chapter 35
Their trip back to the Survivor's city was uneventful and they took a route that didn't involve Jacen's impenetrable darkness. A relief to the four weary young people as it was a stress they didn't need. Flynn and Vola led them into the lower reaches of the undercity once again, Jacen insisting on a quick pace even though he was not yet back to full strength. Tenel Ka kept a careful eye on him and was carrying the heavier of the two packs just to be safe. Jacen didn't seem to have noticed.
Flynn picked their path, keeping an eye out for any Yuuzhan Vong patrols, or signs of them, but was mildly surprised to find nothing. Whatever Jacen had done to eliminate the threat to the World Brain had pulled the hunting parties from the upper levels of the undercity. Or so it seemed.
Jacen was quiet as he watched Vola and Flynn trade places at point, watching each other's back as they advanced. Yet there was a pull on his subconscious, a threatening presence that was slowly getting harder to ignore with every mile. He placed it as they entered a cavern glowing with unnatural light. They were approaching the site of the Old Jedi Temple.
The malevolent energies reaching out for his subconscious were a pull he'd long learned to ignore; Vergere had taught him how. And yet, they were still trying to convince him of something, to entice him into some form of action. He shrugged the through, the feeling, away and continued with their pace. They turned away from the disturbing energies towards Flynn and Vola's home and further into the lower levels, the presence fading away reluctantly.
Jacen counted his blessings that Tenel Ka didn't seem to notice their existence. Yet she stayed close, her hand never straying far from her lightsaber, and he began to wonder if she was as unaffected by the evil energies as he'd previously though. As they left the presence, she seemed to relax, though her posture betrayed her readiness to act. Tenel Ka wasn't one to be caught off guard by much.
They were silent through most of their trek, the tension between Flynn and Jacen making it difficult to have a group discussion, and Vola's revelation of Tenel Ka's darker side sat between the women like a wall. A wall of shadows, perhaps, but a wall none the less.
The four entered the cavern of the survivor camp after almost a day's travel and were surprised to find that the large courtyard in the center was sporting the decorations of a gay celebration. Many of the fire they'd observed on their first journey into the city were gone, replaced by the brightly colored clothing and adornments of the city's occupants as they danced and played across the floor.
"What have we walked in on?" Flynn murmured softly, his eyes scanning the area as he searched for a reason for the merriment.
"There." Vola pointed to the raised dais at the far end where the Elders held their hearings. "Is that Chell?"
Flynn squinted but couldn't make out the details as well as the sharp eyed Yuuzhan Vong. He nodded hesitantly. "I think so, but why's she up there?"
Vola grabbed his hand and tugged, looking back at Tenel Ka and Jacen. "Well, let's find out!"
The younger couple headed for the dais at a jog, careful to keep their footing on the pathway, as Tenel Ka and Jacen followed at their regular pace. They could out pace and distance Flynn and Vola without too much trouble, however, Jacen wasn't up for running yet. He adjusted his pack on his back, taking in the homey feeling of the cavern again. "It's a shame we can't stay and live here." he observed idly.
Tenel Ka glanced at him. "You do not wish to leave?"
"I'll miss it," he admitted. "There's a community feeling here that's missing in many of the cities and villages I've been over the years. This," he waved one of his hands at their surroundings as the music floated up to them. "this is what being a family is like. Not related by blood, perhaps, but by a common bond of respect and shared goals. Hapes won't have that."
"No." she agreed. "It will not."
"But you won't miss it?"
"I did not say that."
"So you will miss it."
Her nod was decisive. "Yes. The simplicity is unique. We will not find such a place again."
"So optimistic," he teased. "We could always come back and visit."
"We cannot." her tone held a note of sadness. "Once we are back on Hapes there will be much to attend to. I cannot avoid my duties forever."
He winced. "I guess that's my fault for kidnapping you. Who knows, maybe someday we'll come back."
"You speak as if we have already left." she admonished. "Let us enjoy our time with these people while we are here."
He had nothing to say to that as the music became louder and louder, people moving out of their way as they headed towards Chell, Flynn and Vola. Chell was beaming as if something incredible had happened, Flynn looking at her with a new kind of respect and Vola had averted her eyes. Jacen cocked his head to the side and examined Chell carefully.
Chell extended her arms and pulled the both of them into a hug, Tenel Ka stiff in her arms next to Jacen. "My lovelies, you've returned! Welcome back, I hope your trip was a good one."
"Could have been better," Jacen told her with a shrug, "But everything seems to have worked out. What's with the celebration?"
Chell beamed. "I have been named as an Elder."
Tenel Ka inclined her head. "We offer our congratulations."
Chell flushed. "Thank you. You're much too kind."
Jacen held up a hand, "No no, obviously it's a position of high rank and privilege, Chell, congratulations are definitely in order."
She pulled Jacen into a hug. "I like you, young man, are you taking care of my niece?"
"She's taking care of me," came his reply, followed by a wink.
"As it should be." Chell grinned.
"Men are such fragile creatures," Tenel Ka observed with a glance at Jacen. "One battle, one head wound, and they are of little use."
Chell threw her head back, laughing. "Tenel Ka, you are your mother's daughter! I see she didn't teach you the finer art of wounding the male to simply keep him from harm by others... and in one's bed."
Tenel Ka's eyes sparkled. "I believe I have learned that lesson on my own. May we join your celebration?"
"Of course! I'll be insulted if you don't. Go, dance, have fun and relax. I'll have Flynn show you the way to my cottage later if you two would like some privacy."
Tenel Ka looked at Jacen, noting the color beginning to fade in his cheeks. "I do not this so this night. May we impose on your hospitality?"
"Certainly!" she twirled in place, her metallic hand gleaming in the torch light. "You can have the room you two shared last time. But for now get some food and say hello to my neighbors before you disappear again. They're all curious about my elusive house guests."
So they did as she asked, Flynn and Vola going one way, and Jacen escorting Tenel Ka the other. He watched as she played the crowd, much like she had the night this had all started, and couldn't help but smile. No matter the time, nor the place, Tenel Ka's bluntness and sincerity had an impact on the listener. The satisfied airs they left behind them made him love her all the more.
"You really are amazing," he told her, brushing the hair back from her ear and watching the strands curl around his fingers. They shone the same color as the fidelity knot on his hand.
"I am not."
"No, you really are." he looked towards the group that was coming towards them next. "No matter the arena, you make people feel as if they're the only ones around, as if what they have to say is important. That's special, Tenel Ka, something I can't emphasize enough."
She had time to shoot him a look before the next conversation, but that look said it all. This was her arena as much as a battle field; this was what she'd been trained for and perfection was expected. He grinned. And perfection she gave.
They stayed at the celebration for several more hours before taking their leave and making their way to Chell's home. Flynn and Vola stayed with Chell, dancing and playing among their peers. Chell watched her niece and husband disappear into her home and smiled. She knew neither of them would be staying long, and though she wished to know them better, she wouldn't try and stop them. Both of the young people had duties awaiting them that had been long over looked.
Tenel Ka looked back just as Chell turned away, feeling the acceptance from her aunt. She closed the door behind them and turned to remove her pack. Jacen had already stated for the room at the back, not having removed his pack. She shook her head once and followed him, reaching up to tug on the back on his pack and managed to pull it off his arm. She tossed it into the corner of the room as they entered, her own following shortly there after, as Jacen fairly fell on the bed.
Tenel Ka went to join him and found his eyes closed, his breathing even. She gently brushed his hair off his forehead, noting he needed to trim his beard before carefully rolling him over and removing his boots. He didn't stir as she slowly undressed him, and slid the covers over. [i]Exhausted, stubborn man[/i], she thought affectionately as she slid into bed with him. she moved up on the pillows, tucking him as close to her body as she could, and closed her eyes. [i]Silly stubborn man[/i]. She dropped a tender kiss on the crown of his head and sighed, letting herself go to join him in slumber.
Jacen was the first to awaken the next morning and felt more rested than since before this whole adventure had begun. However, he could feel he wasn't yet totally recovered; that would take some more time. He made to roll away but a silken, iron grip held him close to a sleeping temptress. He lifted his head and watched her in sleep. Unguarded, her head was tucked close to her shoulder, her lips slightly parted to allow her to breathe easier. He leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead and brushed the hair off her face.
She stirred but didn't waken, and Jacen carefully untangled himself from her arms, slipping from the bed into the alcove to use the 'fresher. He needed a shower and a shave before facing the world again. The door, a thick curtain between the two rooms, dropped behind him as he headed for the pool. Maybe he'd soak a little first.
The sound of running water woke her where Jacen's touch hadn't. She opened her eyes, reach to touch him, but encountered cool sheets. She looked around, her gray eyes going to the curtain, and slipped from the bed. Peaking around the corner of the improvised door, she inhaled. Jacen was improvising a shower with the water, the steam in the room conspiring to hide him from view completely.
A thought crossed her mind and she stepped into the room, shivering as the damp air encountered her bare skin. She stepped into the spray behind him, her hand cool against the heated flesh of his back. He didn't move as she touched him; he'd known she was there. He turned, the water soaking him from behind, and grasped her around the waist, spinning her around so that the hot spray sluiced over her head and back, giving her the appearance of a drowned rat in a few seconds. Dressed in only her Gort necklace, Jacen had to smile. "Good morning."
"It is." she stated, arching her neck back to get the full feel of the water shower. It was one of the things she had trouble doing with only one hand; it required her to wash her hair.
Jacen helped as they absorbed the water, enjoying the feel of the rare sensation, playing in the spray off and on until he finally shut it off. They dried each other before heading back to their room. Jacen had her sit on the bed before finding her brush and a towel and beginning to work on her hair. "How'd you sleep last night?"
"Better."
"Oh?"
She nodded once. "You are doing better; I do not have to guard you as I would a babe."
He chuckled. "I supposed. I'm sorry about that, I couldn't think of anything else to do."
"What happened?"
He sighed. "I was stupid. A party of Warriors caught us right before we were going to head back to you and Vola. Flynn couldn't very well fight them in hand to hand or armed combat. He's no Jedi, and no match for them. He knew it, I knew it, so I did the only thing I could."
"You challenged them."
He nodded even though she hadn't asked a question. "Yeah, a stupid thing to do when I was already so drained."
"Fact."
He smiled faintly. "Fact is right. Never again, though.
"I forbid it."
He chuckled at her serious tone. "Good, 'cause if you didn't, I'd have to insist you did."
"You had no other choice and," she turned her head slightly, "killing yourself is not an option."
"Sure came close didn't I?"
They were both silent for a few minutes as he carefully brushed her hair out, the brush sliding through her damp hair the only sound. He finally spoke again.
"I'm sorry if I scared you."
She turned to face him. "Apology accepted. Do not do so again. I have not regained you, Jacen Solo, only to lose you again."
He pulled her into a hug and she came willingly, resting her head on his shoulder as she embraced him back. "I will not lose you." she whispered again, pressing a kiss to his bare flesh.
Jacen stroked her hair for long minutes, simply enjoying the feeling of her in his arms. "We should get dressed and moving. We've a long path ahead of us yet."
"Fact."
They pulled away reluctantly, moving to their packs to pull out their clothing only to find that neither of them had clothing in their packs anymore. Dirty or clean.
Tenel Ka turned to look at Jacen as she scanned the room. "We have been robbed."
He laughed. "Nothing so drastic. Here." he tossed her a long shirt that had been left on a chair in the corner and stepped into the set of long pants. "I think your aunt has decided our clothes needed to be washed."
Tenel Ka slipped the shirt over her head and found it dropped to her shins. She pulled her belt out of her bag and quickly secured it around her waist. It wasn't much, but at least the fabric was comfortable. She looked at Jacen, thinking of the first time he'd had her in little more than his shirt to sleep in, and her eyes sparkled. At least she was more comfortable this time.
Jacen hooked his lightsaber onto his belt and wrapped it around his waist before looking to her. She followed him out of the room towards the common area.
Chell was waiting for them, a large table spread out in front of her with several chairs. Vola and Flynn were suspiciously absent.
"Good morning," Chell greeted them with a smile and a wave. "Join me, lunch is ready and I've made plenty for everyone. That is," her eyes sparkled with mischief, "whenever Flynn and Vola decide to join us."
They took a seat on the couch next to the table, close to Chell, and protested when she made to serve them.
"Rubbish." she snapped with a contradicting grin. "I'll serve you in my house if I want. Besides, it's better than making your life partner do it."
Jacen opened his mouth to respond, but Tenel Ka slid her hand into his lap. "You honor us."
He took the hint and kept his mouth closed as Chell fairly beamed and ladled a thick soup, accompanied with chunky looking bread, onto their dishes. The smell was better than the visual appeal. Tenel Ka tried her soup first and was soon complimenting their hostess in her short, abrupt manner, as the smell only hinted at the taste.
Chell and Jacen spoke through the meal regarding the Dathomirian witches and their traditions. Jacen knew the stories his parents had told, knew of some traditions, but the extent to which the male was protected, jealously in most cases, amazed him. Looking at Tenel Ka, he realized exactly how much she was breaking tradition by treating him as an equal. His heart swelled as he squeezed her thigh under the table.
She didn't seem to acknowledge it, but he knew she felt it from the way her muscles tensed under his fingers. Their discussion was interrupted when Vola and Flynn emerged to join them at the table.
Chell chided them for sleeping too long, but all knew she was just being motherly. Flynn scratched his head and yawned while Vola simply replied, "Good Morning Chell," before digging into the food placed in front of her.
Chell smiled allowing the two to eat a decent amount before opening the topic they'd been avoiding this morning so far. "So when do you intend to leave?"
Tenel Ka placed her spoon on the table top and dabbed a napkin over her lips. "As soon as we have the supplies to make the trip. We have been away too long and it is urgent that we go back."
Chell looked to Flynn and Vola. "And you two want to go with them?"
The two young people nodded.
Chell sighed. "I suppose it was bound to happen one day. Very well. Leave with my blessing, I will do everything in my power to help you prepare for your journey."
"But?" Flynn looked at the woman who had been his mother for as long as his could remember.
Chell smiled. "I want you to stay until tomorrow. The ceremony last night was only the start of being an Elder. There will be a feast tonight as well as the official swearing in. I'd like you all to be there."
"We could do no less." Tenel Ka assured her.
"Besides," Jacen grinned, "you've stolen our clothing and we can't very well leave without that!"
The group shared a laugh, Tenel Ka's gray eyes sparkling though she didn't so much as crack a smile. Flynn wrapped an arm around Vola's shoulders. "We can hardly wait to get going, though I suppose we should've expected something like this. On the bright side, by staying an extra day, I'll have more time to collect my maps."
The remainder of their meal was lively, the discussions focusing on what Flynn and Vola wanted to see when they finally left and were able to go anywhere. No one mentioned her heritage, as it would have brought a damper to their spirits; however it was underlying their words. Vola and Flynn's relationship would not be easily accepted and, worse, would likely be persecuted ruthlessly.
They finally finished, assisting Chell with clearing away their dishes, before joining together once again in the main room. Chell served up glasses of water to settle their stomachs. "So what's it like being the Hapan Queen?"
Tenel Ka shrugged. "It is tedious, but someone must accept the responsibility."
Chell nodded, "And your choice of consort?"
Jacen laughed. "I'm not her first choice apparently."
Tenel Ka slanted a look at him. "I have not said that."
Jacen told Chell the story of how he'd kidnapped Tenel Ka and why, Flynn and Vola listening with rapt attention as he described their saber fight outside the gala, their encounter with Sturm and their landing on the planet. Chell laughed and shook her head, as he concluded.
"You take after your father, young man."
"It's a Solo thing," he assured her. "But now I suppose I've made my bed and will have to lie in it. The Hapans won't be too happy with me for marrying their beloved Queen."
"Somehow I doubt that." Chell told him, grinning. "But we've idled around enough for the day; it's time to get you kids equipped for your journey back. Go on and enjoy yourselves, I'll see what I can cobble together."
"Uh, Chell, we'll need clothing to explore." Jacen fought a blush as he said it.
She laughed, "I almost forgot. Come along my boy, I'll show you where my wash room is."
Jacen followed Chell out of the room and Flynn turned to Tenel Ka when they were out of ear shot. "How long do you think it'll take to get your ship up and repaired for the trip back?"
Tenel Ka met he gaze squarely. "That will depend on you, cousin, and the quality of parts you can acquire for us."
"Then I guess we'll be out of here in no time," he offered a smile.
Tenel Ka simply looked at him. "We will see."
The next day passed swiftly for the four young people. They explored the cavern, met several other people Flynn's age and allowed themselves to be roped into contests of strength and dexterity. Tenel Ka excelled at the games, pushing the young people to beyond their limits.
Jacen watched, gathering his strength for the journey ahead as the young folk challenged his wife to more and more tasks. Evening came as a surprise when the horn finally blew, announcing the feast was about to begin.
The gathering was huge, involving the whole of the survivors' clan, and the celebration music encouraged general revelry. Tenel Ka and Jacen, with their young friends, spent the earliest part of the evening with Chell while the ceremony to confirm her as an elder finally played out.
And then it was time for bed. The four turned in at an indecent hour, while the party was still going strong, determined to be up early the next morning. Chell watched them leave with a heavy heart, knowing they'd be gone before she woke and wished them well. The four were going to need it.
Chapter 35
Their trip back to the Survivor's city was uneventful and they took a route that didn't involve Jacen's impenetrable darkness. A relief to the four weary young people as it was a stress they didn't need. Flynn and Vola led them into the lower reaches of the undercity once again, Jacen insisting on a quick pace even though he was not yet back to full strength. Tenel Ka kept a careful eye on him and was carrying the heavier of the two packs just to be safe. Jacen didn't seem to have noticed.
Flynn picked their path, keeping an eye out for any Yuuzhan Vong patrols, or signs of them, but was mildly surprised to find nothing. Whatever Jacen had done to eliminate the threat to the World Brain had pulled the hunting parties from the upper levels of the undercity. Or so it seemed.
Jacen was quiet as he watched Vola and Flynn trade places at point, watching each other's back as they advanced. Yet there was a pull on his subconscious, a threatening presence that was slowly getting harder to ignore with every mile. He placed it as they entered a cavern glowing with unnatural light. They were approaching the site of the Old Jedi Temple.
The malevolent energies reaching out for his subconscious were a pull he'd long learned to ignore; Vergere had taught him how. And yet, they were still trying to convince him of something, to entice him into some form of action. He shrugged the through, the feeling, away and continued with their pace. They turned away from the disturbing energies towards Flynn and Vola's home and further into the lower levels, the presence fading away reluctantly.
Jacen counted his blessings that Tenel Ka didn't seem to notice their existence. Yet she stayed close, her hand never straying far from her lightsaber, and he began to wonder if she was as unaffected by the evil energies as he'd previously though. As they left the presence, she seemed to relax, though her posture betrayed her readiness to act. Tenel Ka wasn't one to be caught off guard by much.
They were silent through most of their trek, the tension between Flynn and Jacen making it difficult to have a group discussion, and Vola's revelation of Tenel Ka's darker side sat between the women like a wall. A wall of shadows, perhaps, but a wall none the less.
The four entered the cavern of the survivor camp after almost a day's travel and were surprised to find that the large courtyard in the center was sporting the decorations of a gay celebration. Many of the fire they'd observed on their first journey into the city were gone, replaced by the brightly colored clothing and adornments of the city's occupants as they danced and played across the floor.
"What have we walked in on?" Flynn murmured softly, his eyes scanning the area as he searched for a reason for the merriment.
"There." Vola pointed to the raised dais at the far end where the Elders held their hearings. "Is that Chell?"
Flynn squinted but couldn't make out the details as well as the sharp eyed Yuuzhan Vong. He nodded hesitantly. "I think so, but why's she up there?"
Vola grabbed his hand and tugged, looking back at Tenel Ka and Jacen. "Well, let's find out!"
The younger couple headed for the dais at a jog, careful to keep their footing on the pathway, as Tenel Ka and Jacen followed at their regular pace. They could out pace and distance Flynn and Vola without too much trouble, however, Jacen wasn't up for running yet. He adjusted his pack on his back, taking in the homey feeling of the cavern again. "It's a shame we can't stay and live here." he observed idly.
Tenel Ka glanced at him. "You do not wish to leave?"
"I'll miss it," he admitted. "There's a community feeling here that's missing in many of the cities and villages I've been over the years. This," he waved one of his hands at their surroundings as the music floated up to them. "this is what being a family is like. Not related by blood, perhaps, but by a common bond of respect and shared goals. Hapes won't have that."
"No." she agreed. "It will not."
"But you won't miss it?"
"I did not say that."
"So you will miss it."
Her nod was decisive. "Yes. The simplicity is unique. We will not find such a place again."
"So optimistic," he teased. "We could always come back and visit."
"We cannot." her tone held a note of sadness. "Once we are back on Hapes there will be much to attend to. I cannot avoid my duties forever."
He winced. "I guess that's my fault for kidnapping you. Who knows, maybe someday we'll come back."
"You speak as if we have already left." she admonished. "Let us enjoy our time with these people while we are here."
He had nothing to say to that as the music became louder and louder, people moving out of their way as they headed towards Chell, Flynn and Vola. Chell was beaming as if something incredible had happened, Flynn looking at her with a new kind of respect and Vola had averted her eyes. Jacen cocked his head to the side and examined Chell carefully.
Chell extended her arms and pulled the both of them into a hug, Tenel Ka stiff in her arms next to Jacen. "My lovelies, you've returned! Welcome back, I hope your trip was a good one."
"Could have been better," Jacen told her with a shrug, "But everything seems to have worked out. What's with the celebration?"
Chell beamed. "I have been named as an Elder."
Tenel Ka inclined her head. "We offer our congratulations."
Chell flushed. "Thank you. You're much too kind."
Jacen held up a hand, "No no, obviously it's a position of high rank and privilege, Chell, congratulations are definitely in order."
She pulled Jacen into a hug. "I like you, young man, are you taking care of my niece?"
"She's taking care of me," came his reply, followed by a wink.
"As it should be." Chell grinned.
"Men are such fragile creatures," Tenel Ka observed with a glance at Jacen. "One battle, one head wound, and they are of little use."
Chell threw her head back, laughing. "Tenel Ka, you are your mother's daughter! I see she didn't teach you the finer art of wounding the male to simply keep him from harm by others... and in one's bed."
Tenel Ka's eyes sparkled. "I believe I have learned that lesson on my own. May we join your celebration?"
"Of course! I'll be insulted if you don't. Go, dance, have fun and relax. I'll have Flynn show you the way to my cottage later if you two would like some privacy."
Tenel Ka looked at Jacen, noting the color beginning to fade in his cheeks. "I do not this so this night. May we impose on your hospitality?"
"Certainly!" she twirled in place, her metallic hand gleaming in the torch light. "You can have the room you two shared last time. But for now get some food and say hello to my neighbors before you disappear again. They're all curious about my elusive house guests."
So they did as she asked, Flynn and Vola going one way, and Jacen escorting Tenel Ka the other. He watched as she played the crowd, much like she had the night this had all started, and couldn't help but smile. No matter the time, nor the place, Tenel Ka's bluntness and sincerity had an impact on the listener. The satisfied airs they left behind them made him love her all the more.
"You really are amazing," he told her, brushing the hair back from her ear and watching the strands curl around his fingers. They shone the same color as the fidelity knot on his hand.
"I am not."
"No, you really are." he looked towards the group that was coming towards them next. "No matter the arena, you make people feel as if they're the only ones around, as if what they have to say is important. That's special, Tenel Ka, something I can't emphasize enough."
She had time to shoot him a look before the next conversation, but that look said it all. This was her arena as much as a battle field; this was what she'd been trained for and perfection was expected. He grinned. And perfection she gave.
They stayed at the celebration for several more hours before taking their leave and making their way to Chell's home. Flynn and Vola stayed with Chell, dancing and playing among their peers. Chell watched her niece and husband disappear into her home and smiled. She knew neither of them would be staying long, and though she wished to know them better, she wouldn't try and stop them. Both of the young people had duties awaiting them that had been long over looked.
Tenel Ka looked back just as Chell turned away, feeling the acceptance from her aunt. She closed the door behind them and turned to remove her pack. Jacen had already stated for the room at the back, not having removed his pack. She shook her head once and followed him, reaching up to tug on the back on his pack and managed to pull it off his arm. She tossed it into the corner of the room as they entered, her own following shortly there after, as Jacen fairly fell on the bed.
Tenel Ka went to join him and found his eyes closed, his breathing even. She gently brushed his hair off his forehead, noting he needed to trim his beard before carefully rolling him over and removing his boots. He didn't stir as she slowly undressed him, and slid the covers over. [i]Exhausted, stubborn man[/i], she thought affectionately as she slid into bed with him. she moved up on the pillows, tucking him as close to her body as she could, and closed her eyes. [i]Silly stubborn man[/i]. She dropped a tender kiss on the crown of his head and sighed, letting herself go to join him in slumber.
Jacen was the first to awaken the next morning and felt more rested than since before this whole adventure had begun. However, he could feel he wasn't yet totally recovered; that would take some more time. He made to roll away but a silken, iron grip held him close to a sleeping temptress. He lifted his head and watched her in sleep. Unguarded, her head was tucked close to her shoulder, her lips slightly parted to allow her to breathe easier. He leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead and brushed the hair off her face.
She stirred but didn't waken, and Jacen carefully untangled himself from her arms, slipping from the bed into the alcove to use the 'fresher. He needed a shower and a shave before facing the world again. The door, a thick curtain between the two rooms, dropped behind him as he headed for the pool. Maybe he'd soak a little first.
The sound of running water woke her where Jacen's touch hadn't. She opened her eyes, reach to touch him, but encountered cool sheets. She looked around, her gray eyes going to the curtain, and slipped from the bed. Peaking around the corner of the improvised door, she inhaled. Jacen was improvising a shower with the water, the steam in the room conspiring to hide him from view completely.
A thought crossed her mind and she stepped into the room, shivering as the damp air encountered her bare skin. She stepped into the spray behind him, her hand cool against the heated flesh of his back. He didn't move as she touched him; he'd known she was there. He turned, the water soaking him from behind, and grasped her around the waist, spinning her around so that the hot spray sluiced over her head and back, giving her the appearance of a drowned rat in a few seconds. Dressed in only her Gort necklace, Jacen had to smile. "Good morning."
"It is." she stated, arching her neck back to get the full feel of the water shower. It was one of the things she had trouble doing with only one hand; it required her to wash her hair.
Jacen helped as they absorbed the water, enjoying the feel of the rare sensation, playing in the spray off and on until he finally shut it off. They dried each other before heading back to their room. Jacen had her sit on the bed before finding her brush and a towel and beginning to work on her hair. "How'd you sleep last night?"
"Better."
"Oh?"
She nodded once. "You are doing better; I do not have to guard you as I would a babe."
He chuckled. "I supposed. I'm sorry about that, I couldn't think of anything else to do."
"What happened?"
He sighed. "I was stupid. A party of Warriors caught us right before we were going to head back to you and Vola. Flynn couldn't very well fight them in hand to hand or armed combat. He's no Jedi, and no match for them. He knew it, I knew it, so I did the only thing I could."
"You challenged them."
He nodded even though she hadn't asked a question. "Yeah, a stupid thing to do when I was already so drained."
"Fact."
He smiled faintly. "Fact is right. Never again, though.
"I forbid it."
He chuckled at her serious tone. "Good, 'cause if you didn't, I'd have to insist you did."
"You had no other choice and," she turned her head slightly, "killing yourself is not an option."
"Sure came close didn't I?"
They were both silent for a few minutes as he carefully brushed her hair out, the brush sliding through her damp hair the only sound. He finally spoke again.
"I'm sorry if I scared you."
She turned to face him. "Apology accepted. Do not do so again. I have not regained you, Jacen Solo, only to lose you again."
He pulled her into a hug and she came willingly, resting her head on his shoulder as she embraced him back. "I will not lose you." she whispered again, pressing a kiss to his bare flesh.
Jacen stroked her hair for long minutes, simply enjoying the feeling of her in his arms. "We should get dressed and moving. We've a long path ahead of us yet."
"Fact."
They pulled away reluctantly, moving to their packs to pull out their clothing only to find that neither of them had clothing in their packs anymore. Dirty or clean.
Tenel Ka turned to look at Jacen as she scanned the room. "We have been robbed."
He laughed. "Nothing so drastic. Here." he tossed her a long shirt that had been left on a chair in the corner and stepped into the set of long pants. "I think your aunt has decided our clothes needed to be washed."
Tenel Ka slipped the shirt over her head and found it dropped to her shins. She pulled her belt out of her bag and quickly secured it around her waist. It wasn't much, but at least the fabric was comfortable. She looked at Jacen, thinking of the first time he'd had her in little more than his shirt to sleep in, and her eyes sparkled. At least she was more comfortable this time.
Jacen hooked his lightsaber onto his belt and wrapped it around his waist before looking to her. She followed him out of the room towards the common area.
Chell was waiting for them, a large table spread out in front of her with several chairs. Vola and Flynn were suspiciously absent.
"Good morning," Chell greeted them with a smile and a wave. "Join me, lunch is ready and I've made plenty for everyone. That is," her eyes sparkled with mischief, "whenever Flynn and Vola decide to join us."
They took a seat on the couch next to the table, close to Chell, and protested when she made to serve them.
"Rubbish." she snapped with a contradicting grin. "I'll serve you in my house if I want. Besides, it's better than making your life partner do it."
Jacen opened his mouth to respond, but Tenel Ka slid her hand into his lap. "You honor us."
He took the hint and kept his mouth closed as Chell fairly beamed and ladled a thick soup, accompanied with chunky looking bread, onto their dishes. The smell was better than the visual appeal. Tenel Ka tried her soup first and was soon complimenting their hostess in her short, abrupt manner, as the smell only hinted at the taste.
Chell and Jacen spoke through the meal regarding the Dathomirian witches and their traditions. Jacen knew the stories his parents had told, knew of some traditions, but the extent to which the male was protected, jealously in most cases, amazed him. Looking at Tenel Ka, he realized exactly how much she was breaking tradition by treating him as an equal. His heart swelled as he squeezed her thigh under the table.
She didn't seem to acknowledge it, but he knew she felt it from the way her muscles tensed under his fingers. Their discussion was interrupted when Vola and Flynn emerged to join them at the table.
Chell chided them for sleeping too long, but all knew she was just being motherly. Flynn scratched his head and yawned while Vola simply replied, "Good Morning Chell," before digging into the food placed in front of her.
Chell smiled allowing the two to eat a decent amount before opening the topic they'd been avoiding this morning so far. "So when do you intend to leave?"
Tenel Ka placed her spoon on the table top and dabbed a napkin over her lips. "As soon as we have the supplies to make the trip. We have been away too long and it is urgent that we go back."
Chell looked to Flynn and Vola. "And you two want to go with them?"
The two young people nodded.
Chell sighed. "I suppose it was bound to happen one day. Very well. Leave with my blessing, I will do everything in my power to help you prepare for your journey."
"But?" Flynn looked at the woman who had been his mother for as long as his could remember.
Chell smiled. "I want you to stay until tomorrow. The ceremony last night was only the start of being an Elder. There will be a feast tonight as well as the official swearing in. I'd like you all to be there."
"We could do no less." Tenel Ka assured her.
"Besides," Jacen grinned, "you've stolen our clothing and we can't very well leave without that!"
The group shared a laugh, Tenel Ka's gray eyes sparkling though she didn't so much as crack a smile. Flynn wrapped an arm around Vola's shoulders. "We can hardly wait to get going, though I suppose we should've expected something like this. On the bright side, by staying an extra day, I'll have more time to collect my maps."
The remainder of their meal was lively, the discussions focusing on what Flynn and Vola wanted to see when they finally left and were able to go anywhere. No one mentioned her heritage, as it would have brought a damper to their spirits; however it was underlying their words. Vola and Flynn's relationship would not be easily accepted and, worse, would likely be persecuted ruthlessly.
They finally finished, assisting Chell with clearing away their dishes, before joining together once again in the main room. Chell served up glasses of water to settle their stomachs. "So what's it like being the Hapan Queen?"
Tenel Ka shrugged. "It is tedious, but someone must accept the responsibility."
Chell nodded, "And your choice of consort?"
Jacen laughed. "I'm not her first choice apparently."
Tenel Ka slanted a look at him. "I have not said that."
Jacen told Chell the story of how he'd kidnapped Tenel Ka and why, Flynn and Vola listening with rapt attention as he described their saber fight outside the gala, their encounter with Sturm and their landing on the planet. Chell laughed and shook her head, as he concluded.
"You take after your father, young man."
"It's a Solo thing," he assured her. "But now I suppose I've made my bed and will have to lie in it. The Hapans won't be too happy with me for marrying their beloved Queen."
"Somehow I doubt that." Chell told him, grinning. "But we've idled around enough for the day; it's time to get you kids equipped for your journey back. Go on and enjoy yourselves, I'll see what I can cobble together."
"Uh, Chell, we'll need clothing to explore." Jacen fought a blush as he said it.
She laughed, "I almost forgot. Come along my boy, I'll show you where my wash room is."
Jacen followed Chell out of the room and Flynn turned to Tenel Ka when they were out of ear shot. "How long do you think it'll take to get your ship up and repaired for the trip back?"
Tenel Ka met he gaze squarely. "That will depend on you, cousin, and the quality of parts you can acquire for us."
"Then I guess we'll be out of here in no time," he offered a smile.
Tenel Ka simply looked at him. "We will see."
The next day passed swiftly for the four young people. They explored the cavern, met several other people Flynn's age and allowed themselves to be roped into contests of strength and dexterity. Tenel Ka excelled at the games, pushing the young people to beyond their limits.
Jacen watched, gathering his strength for the journey ahead as the young folk challenged his wife to more and more tasks. Evening came as a surprise when the horn finally blew, announcing the feast was about to begin.
The gathering was huge, involving the whole of the survivors' clan, and the celebration music encouraged general revelry. Tenel Ka and Jacen, with their young friends, spent the earliest part of the evening with Chell while the ceremony to confirm her as an elder finally played out.
And then it was time for bed. The four turned in at an indecent hour, while the party was still going strong, determined to be up early the next morning. Chell watched them leave with a heavy heart, knowing they'd be gone before she woke and wished them well. The four were going to need it.