Chapter 8

Finally, freedom! It had been around three days since she had last seen Carth Onasi, the man of her life. Today, today was the day she would be set free. As always, Alora was doing her morning meditation when someone interrupted her thoughts and relaxing time. The sounds that interrupted her were that of someone pressing buttons on the control panel that was used to deactivate and activate the force fields in this prison. Alora did not open her eyes until she heard the force field deactivate and felt a shadow standing in front of her.Finally Alora opened her eyes and saw that it was Master Vrook and Master Vandar. However, she did not notice Master Vandar for he was so short; he was barely the height of her cot. She nodded her head in greeting and gave a small smile. Also was about to speak to the Jedi Master's when they interrupted by saying. "You have proven to us Revan that you are no longer a threat of becoming Darth Reven once more. For that you are free to go home and do as you please." Alora winced slightly as the Jedi Master referred to her by her old name. Yet she said nothing, rising Alora smiled and replied "Thank you Master Vrook and Master Vandar. In a way this is what I needed. It gave me time to reflect on everything and to accept all that has happened since our last meeting. Bowing slightly she began to walk toward the doorway and was almost out in the sunlight when Master Vrook spoke up. "Though there is something we would like to discuss with you." Becoming concerned she said, "Yes? What is it that you would like to speak to me about Master Vrook?" "We have noticed that you have a certain attachment to a Republic solider known as Carth Onasi. Is this correct Padawan Alora?" Alora bit her lip and thought for a moment. She knew it would do no good to lie, for they could tell she was lying also, it would set her back in the way of redemption. Finally she nodded her head and then spoke up replying "Yes, this is true Master Vandar and Master Vrook." Alora was reluctant to look into their eyes but she forced herself, preparing herself for whatever lecture she might receive.

Master Vrook nodded and looked down upon Master Vandar. They both nodded and said, "We are glad that you have been honest with us. The question was that of a test, a final test one might say. However, we care concerned that your attachment to this Carth Onasi could hinder you. You know how we feel about such attachments.

Reven smiled and said, "Since when have I obeyed the Jedi Code?" She said with a light and joking tone. She gave a small laugh and she then replied in a serious tone "I understand your concern my Masters, however, I do believe he has helped me more then harmed me. I only ask you that you allow me to continue our relationship." She looked at them with a sense of begging. She longed to be held in his arms, to see his handsome face and to hear his voice. Surely the Jedi Masters could see how much she cared for Carth Onasi and know how much pain they would cause her if they removed her from him.

This time it was Master Vandar's turn to speak. "We understand young Padawan. We will allow you to continue your relationship with Carth Onasi for the time being. You are dismissed Padawan, may the force be with you." With that Vandar waved his hand in the air. It was his way of saying goodbye.

Reven smiled and replied "I thank you my Jedi Masters. May the force be with you bowing in great thankfulness she said "She then turned on her heel and began to her real home. As she began to briskly walk away from the dreaded prison, the place that had once been her home she began to realize something. She had forgotten just how beautiful the Jedi Temple could be. She had forgotten how bright the sun was. She had forgotten just how beautiful Coruscant could actually be.

While Alora walked at a brisk pace she let her mind wonder once again. "Oh, what to do, when I get home? Home…Ha; I never thought I would actually enjoy going there. What to do? What to eat? Oh, so many things…First thing first though, I'm going to take a real shower, none of these five minute showers. To have as long as I want to, to enjoy the refreshing of the refresher and to use my favorite shampoo, to actually dry and style my hair. OH just thinking about it gives me a tingling, clean feeling. I just can't wait until I actually do all these things! All of this sounds so wonderful!" Thinking these thoughts made her almost skip with joy. The moment Alora reached her apartment door she gave deep, happy sigh and walked into her beloved home. As soon as she stepped into her house she made a beeline right toward the bathroom. As she made her way to the bathroom she quickly glanced around her house and was glad to see everything as is, with the exception of the accumulated dust. The moment she shut the door to her refresher room she didn't waste anytime, she immediately began to undress herself and took her precious time in the fresher. Alora made sure she was truly clean and her hair essentially had that silky feeling it used to have. After at least a half an hour of a nice warm shower she stepped out and dried her body while humming one of her favorite tunes. Already she felt more cheerful and so much lighter. Continuing her humming she began to punch commands into the computer panel for it to dry and style her hair. The computer chirped different tunes as Alora punched in different commands.

Once all the commands were entered into its database it began to work on Alora's dripping wet hair. Finally it was finished and Alora was once again perfectly clean. Not wanting wear a Jedi robe she slipped on her favorite set of clothes. The shirt had white trim at the ends of her sleeves, at the collar of her neck, and at the bottom of her shirt as well. Her bottom garment matched her upper attire, though it was one solid color. The pants did not have the white trim like the blouse. The color of these finely madeclothing?It was the color of the Mantle of the Force, Cyan. However, it was a shade or two darker then the true color of Cyan. The color is one of the reasons why Alora liked it so much. Other then the color, the comfort of the clothing she was currently wearing was far beyond anything she had ever worn, it was a masterpiece. A few seconds after she had slipped on her favorite clothes the door chime rang. Giving out a small-frustrated sigh Alora yelled out loud "Come in!"

Carth knew today was the day that Alora would be set free from the Jedi's grasp. While waiting almost the entire day, Carth paced the hallway that belonged to Alora's apartment, thinking, muttering on what he would say to Alora. However, when he saw Alora enter the hallway, he hid in the shadows. He didn't want to be seen, not yet. Waiting against a rail he allowed Alora time to relax and enjoy the things she had been missing for so long. Believing she was all right now, he took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. Carth was semi dressed up. He had a new pilot suit on, his boots polished and his hair was nice and fresh with a small silky look to it. He also had fresh cut flowers in his left hand hidden behind his back. He was going to give them to her as soon as he deemed the time right. Hearing the "Come In!" from Alora he opened the door and expected to see her standing in the middle of the room or something. But to his surprise she was out of sight. Just as he was about to say something he was interrupted by Alora's sweet voice "I'll be there in a minute!"

Alora didn't know this caller was or what he or she wanted. Taking her time she made sure her hair was properly brushed and everything was in order with her hair and clothing. Sighing, she stepped out behind the changing room and to her surprise Carth Onasi was standing there. Admiring his handsome features she just stood there, a small smile upon her lips and her blue-green eyes lit with joy. As she studied his handsome appearance she noticed that his left arm was hidden behind his back. Giving a small smile she walked toward him speaking "What's behind your back handsome?" Carth gave a small grin and said, "Oh, it's nothing." "Come on, quithiding it. Show me!" She then grabbed his left arm and pulled it forward almost squealing in joy as she saw and smelled the beautiful flowers before her face. Putting the flowers down on the table gently she hugged her favorite pilot and lightly placed a kiss upon his cheek. Once she stepped away she noticed the brand new pilot suit, the polished boots and his brown hair, so clean and nicely combed. Alora couldn't help but chuckle slightly as she noticed those two strands of hair that always refused to be tucked back. She was so locked in admiring him that she just stood there, eyes almost glazed over. This was indeed a great and wonderful welcome home surprise.

Carth had never seen Alora so nicely dressed or so "Clean" looking. Her hair was a beautiful medium to a dark brownish color. For the first time he had ever seen her, her hair was not tied up in a braid. Instead it was free and the length of her hair was a little past her shoulders and like always there were those two rebel strands of hair resting on Alora's right side of her face. Her hair seemed to gleam with health and care. Her skin tone was almost a perfect tanned color. The clothing, he had never seen anything so beautiful. Sure, he had seen many attractive clothing sets in his life, however, he had not seen anything this finely constructed, nothing this well put together and perfectly marked with color. Finally Cath once again broke the silence and replied "hey beautiful." He then spoke up again "You do look beautiful. Did you know I was coming?" He asked, half curious.