Many thanks to iloveronnie21, Mark C., random-idiot, crazytook, Elessar-Lover, Mara-look-a-like, and Calli1 for your kind reviews.
To Amy and Nerca Beyul: First, let me say that Book One is my favorite of the series, also. I readily admit that Book Two tends to drag on too long, and the plot is rather contrived. I am under no illusions to the contrary. It was the best I could come up with at the time. Keep in mind that the three books were written about a year apart, and it's difficult (for me, anyway) to keep up the pace of a story in its sequel without being repetitive. They say that one should write according to their strengths; inventing original, complicated outside conflict is a struggle for me. That being said, let me also point out that Journey was always intended to be light-hearted, romantic fun ― it's not War and Peace. I'm not a professional writer, and have no ambitions to be. Hopefully, Book Three will be more to your liking, and thank you for your honest opinions. Feel free to e-mail me if you want.
And now, in honor of my own anniversary today, I invite those ready for some more sappy dialogue, to the bonding of Luke and Mara Skywalker…
A Journey of Discovery ― Book Two: Pledge
Chapter Twelve
Luke Skywalker paced back and forth just outside the entrance to Zembuhl's quaint chapel, his bootsteps leaving a worn path across the trampled snow. Where was she? He paused, extending both his vision and his Force sense in the direction of Lessie the seamstress's home.
"Don't worry, she'll be here." Jaco Modesa laid a reassuring hand on the Jedi's shoulder. "Womenfolk take themselves ferever to get all fixed up."
"Not Mara," Luke objected. "She can change clothes faster than I can lace up my boots."
"Aye, but does she ever have two or three other womenfolk helpin' her?" Jaco gave a small chuckle. "I think it took Aerie all day to get ready fer our bondin'."
Luke nodded, though his anxiety didn't lessen. Villagers were beginning to approach the church, both on foot and by wagons and sleds. Jaco had explained to Luke that it was the duty of the couple being bonded to personally greet all the guests before the ceremony began. In fact, no one was to enter the nave before exchanging salutations with Luke and Mara. Which made the groom all the more restless, as he imagined a hundred people or more waiting in the snow for the bride to arrive.
Finally relief replaced tension, as Mara's familiar aura drew close. Luke smiled broadly and moved to intercept the gaily-decorated sleigh that approached.
"Ye weren't gettin' nervous now, were ye, lad?" Efam called from the front-facing seat as he tugged on the reins of a pair of pale gray drobbins. Filia and Lessie shared the padded seat with Efam, but Luke's attention was fixed on the passenger in the rear of the open sleigh.
"Did you think I changed my mind?" Mara teased, as Luke gave a less-than-convincing shake of his head to Efam's question.
"No, of course not," Luke declared, reaching out to help Mara alight. "But I was wondering what ... was taking ... so long." Luke's voice trailed off as Mara stood, her cape falling open to reveal the tailored dress underneath. "You look beautiful," he breathed. His eyes followed the soft white material that clung to her curves, from the bodice's scooped neckline that was trimmed in fur to the heavy flared skirt that reached the tops of her short white boots. His gaze returned to her radiant face, where wisps of fiery hair peaked out from a fur-trimmed hood, the matching cape hanging loosely over her shoulders.
Mara smiled in unabashed joy at his slack-jawed expression. "You're looking pretty dapper yourself." She reached down and ran a gloved finger along the narrow strip of low-nap black fur that trimmed both his dark frock coat and the waistcoat he wore underneath. "How did they know that black is your fav—" Mara stopped short, staring hard over Luke's shoulder. He turned his head and followed her gaze, which fell on the scowling face of Odus Pruden. Luke also met the man's cold stare just before Pruden disappeared into the crowd. Still focusing his attention in the direction the woodsman had vanished, Luke automatically lowered his arm as Mara stepped down beside him.
"If that ogre thinks he's going to wreak havoc on our wedding, I'll ..., I'll ..." Mara growled, clenching Luke's hand tightly.
"You'll do nothing, 'cause he'll do nothing," Luke returned, his face relaxing into a reassuring smile. "I've been told by several people that the Prudens wouldn't dare disrupt any part of our bonding day. Apparently all the good fortune we're bringing will extend to them also."
"Well, we certainly wouldn't want any misfortune to befall them, would we?" she bit out derisively.
"Mara, I doubt they'll even come into the church." Luke gave his bride a quick grin. "I'd say we're safe till at least tomorrow." He gently tugged on her hand. "C'mon. No more talk about the Prudens. This is our day, and our guests are waiting."
They entered the small vestibule of the chapel and were soon engulfed by a stream of overjoyed well-wishers, all eager to receive a personal greeting from the honored couple.
At last the stream dwindled to a trickle, and Mara heaved a sigh of relief as the last guest passed. As Luke helped her remove her cloak, she caught sight of Vicar Serole standing in the archway, signaling that it was time for them to enter.
"My mouth feels as dry as pincotton from saying 'welcome' so many times," she murmured quietly to Luke. Her eyes widened as he responded by licking his lips and winking enticingly at her. "Behave! The vicar is—"
"I know." He reached out and took Mara's right arm, guiding her into the main section of the chapel. Luke adopted an air of calm and seriousness as he led her to a raised dais located a few steps inside the airy, high-ceilinged room. The parishioners were seated in a semi-circle facing them, their previously anxious faces now hosting warm and expectant smiles.
The melodic strains of a traditional paean being sung by a trio of villagers drifted to an end as Luke bowed solemnly to both the waiting minister and to the crowd. He then repeated the words he had methodically memorized that afternoon at Jaco's cottage.
"Vicar Serole, good people of Zembuhl. I respectfully request your favor and your blessings as I take this woman to be my bonded wife."
He held Mara's hand loosely, but kept his gaze on the congregation. Jaco had explained that had Mara any relatives in attendance, Luke would have first been required to ask their permission for the bonding.
The village's venerable cleric stepped forward, nodding briefly to Luke in acknowledgment. "On behalf of the citizens of Zembuhl, I am happy to honor yer request. Ye came to us as strangers, seeking shelter and assistance. Tomorrow ye will leave us as friends, havin' given more to us than we could ever hope to repay. Ye have allowed us to share in yer moment of happiness, embracin' us as ye would yer own kin."
Gesturing for the couple to face each other and clasp both their hands, the vicar addressed his first words to the groom.
"Luke, as ye hold the hands of yer betrothed, know that these are the hands that will always be full of her love fer ye. These are the hands that will applaud yer accomplishments and soothe yer disappointments. Ye must use yer own hands to provide a warm home and hearty victuals fer yer family. Yet do not be so mindful of the pursuit of these goals that ye ignore the needs of yer wife."
Luke clutched Mara's hands as tightly as he dared. How he wished he could feel her soft skin with his right hand – really feel it, not just assimilate the sensation through artificial tactile sensors. He looked up as Mara squeezed both his hands in a gentle reminder that she accepted all of him, just as he was.
Pausing in his discourse, Vicar Serole then turned to the waiting bride.
"Mara, as ye hold the hands of yer betrothed, know that these are the hands that will always be full of his love fer ye. These are the hands that will hold ye and comfort ye, that will wipe away yer tears of joy and tears of sorrow. Ye will use yer own hands to tend to the care of yer home and yer children, and to prepare the foods yer husband provides. Yet do not take such pains with these chores that ye ignore the needs of yer husband."
Mara was grateful for Luke's sure grip, which kept her own hands from trembling. As she absorbed the minister's words, she studied the hands of her soon-to-be husband. One flesh and blood – one wires, circuitry, and synthflesh. Both soft and gentle as they embraced her, caressed her, loved her. She had sensed Luke's melancholy reflections moments earlier, and was glad for the opportunity to reassure him of her understanding and acceptance.
Smiling broadly, the clergyman directed his next words to both the bride and the groom.
"Luke and Mara, the greatest gift ye can give each other is love. Without love, ye have nothin'. I invite ye now to pledge that love to one another."
Luke took a deep breath and gazed into his intended's sparkling emerald eyes. He could feel her nervousness and joy mingling with his own. "Mara, the love I feel for you is boundless and everlasting. I will cherish you and care for you all the days of my life. Will you receive me as your helpmate, your confidante, and your lover?"
"I will," Mara replied, softly and without hesitation. Luke's bright gaze reflected the overwhelming happiness that filled her entire being. She glanced quickly at the vicar, who nodded for her to continue. "Luke, you are my love and my life. I will cherish you and care for you all the days of my life. Will you receive me as your helpmate, your confidante, and your lover, as I have accepted you?"
"I will," Luke replied quickly, squeezing her hands gently.
Vicar Serole motioned for the couple to face him, with Mara's right hand still clutching Luke's left. He then gestured for them to extend their clasped hands, before turning to the silent congregation. "I now entreat yer friends here present to bestow their blessins' on this union."
Merta was the first to come forward with a felicitation, laying her weathered hand atop those of the happy couple. "May your love be as endless as the sky," she intoned, a tear of happiness rolling down her cheek, "and may yer descendants be as numerous as the trees in the forest."
Aerie and Jaco then approached in unison, enveloping Mara and Luke's hands with their own. "May ye always have joy to brighten any sorrow," Aerie recited, her eyes shining gaily. "May ye always have hope to brighten yer dreams," Jaco finished.
As the Modesas returned to their seats, Hiley and his wife stepped forward. "May yer journey home be safe and swift, and may yer nets be ever filled with an overflowin' catch," he said, speaking for both of them. Luke caught Mara's eye with a knowing twinkle at the toolcrafter's reference to Luke's supposed occupation.
The congenial owners of the town's pub were the next to come forth. "May yer larder be ever full and yer table never empty," Efam began. "May yer sons be strong and yer daughters fair," Filia continued, patting the couple's hands warmly.
Benedictions were offered by over half the congregation, reflecting virtually all the villagers that Luke and Mara had personally befriended during their brief stay. As everyone settled back into their seats, Luke addressed the crowd. "We thank you for your wishes, and in return, entreat the Divine One to bless this village with good fortune and a bountiful harvest."
Vicar Serole then laid his own wrinkled hand atop those of the couple. "Ye have made yer pledge of love and commitment to each other, and yer hearts are now bound in true devotion. As a wife belongs to her husband, so a husband belongs to his wife. Be it now and forever ordained that Luke and Mara Skywalker are husband and wife."
Luke felt Mara's hand tighten in his own. (Mara?) he inquired silently.
Instead of replying, she turned toward the congregation as Aerie's cheerful voice rang out above the jubilant applause. "Give yer new husband a kiss, Mara!"
Mara looked back at Luke, who raised an eyebrow expectantly. She matched his smirk with one of her own, then grabbed the back of his head and pulled him down for a deep, prolonged kiss. They finally parted, only to realize that the entire gathering had fell silent.
"I think ye've been practicin' that," Jaco pronounced, causing plaudits of laughter and clapping to once more fill the cozy chapel.
The newlyweds were guided into the same sleigh in which Mara had arrived, despite Luke's objections that they could walk the short distance to the banquet hall.
"'Tis tradition, son," Hiley assured him. "Ye canno' be goin' agin'st tradition."
Luke acquiesced with a nod, and settled down next to his new wife. He was silent as Efam climbed onto the forward seat, flicking the reins to propel the drobbins into motion.
"You have something on your mind," Mara observed quietly, pulling her wrap closer around her.
It took a moment for Luke to answer, as he waved to a group of children running alongside the sleigh.
"I hadn't asked you about taking my name," he finally said. "Just because the vicar called you Mara Skywalker, that doesn't mean—"
Mara laid one hand on his leg to interrupt his words. "My name is the only thing that ever truly belonged to me," she murmured.
"Then you should keep it," he rationalized.
She shook her head in objection. "The name 'Jade' was part of my old life. 'Skywalker' represents my new life. I shall do my best to keep ... our name ... an honorable one."
Luke smiled warmly, and leaned over to give her a soft kiss. "Thank you," he whispered.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Luke was the first to enter Zembuhl's Fellowship Hall; Mara trailed behind, her hand firmly clasped in his. She pulled up short, however, yanking him to a halt.
"My stars, Luke, look at this!" Mara's eyes lit up at the wonderland of decorations. "Look what they've done ..." Her voice quivered with awe. "... for us."
"Yeah," Luke breathed, his eyes darting from the multi-colored ribbons that hung from the rafters to the candle-lit paper lanterns that filled every nook and cranny to the boughs of purple-berried greenery that garnished each table. It was a tableau of every trimming they had seen throughout the festival, multiplied a dozen times over.
Filia and Merta stepped forward to usher the newlyweds to a long table at the far end of the hall, where Aerie, Jaco, and Efam soon joined them. Guests streamed in behind them, and soon every table was filled with revelers. It seemed to Mara and Luke that more people were in attendance than had crowded into the modest-sized church. Apparently the bonding fete was a gala celebration that no one missed.
And then the banquet began ...
Course after course of mouth-watering food was served, and the bride and groom were expected to sample each one.
"I think I'm going to explode," Mara muttered to Luke under her breath as she picked the smallest portion of toasted carshmea she could find from a tray being passed down the line. "Don't even try to pretend you're not getting full, too."
Luke glanced at her from the corner of his eye as he placed a tidbit of the delicacy on his own plate. "Just be glad they're not forcing us to taste all the variations of alcohol they've managed to concoct."
"That's because I gave strict instructions that you weren't to be given any ale, rum, or this stuff that passes for whiskey." Mara flashed him a triumphant smirk.
"Oh, for cryin' out loud, Mara!" Luke rolled his eyes in despair. "Are you ever going to forget that?"
"No, and I'm never letting you forget either. Just wait till we get back to Coruscant and I pass out directives to Solo, Calrissian, and all of Rogue Squadron."
"You wouldn't dare," Luke growled.
"Of course I—" Mara stopped suddenly as Merta appeared out of nowhere, setting a slice of coarse sweet cake in front of her. "Oh, no, Merta, really ... I couldn't possibly put another forkful in my mouth."
The jovial landlady laughed heartily, and all those within earshot joined her. "Ye don't hafta," she informed Mara. "That be yer husband's job."
Luke looked up sharply as he caught the end of the conversation. Wonder flitted through his mind at how quickly he recognized himself as the 'husband' being referred to. "What? What's my job?"
"This be concordium, yer bondin' cake." Merta gave the new groom a sly grin. "Ye must feed it to yer bride with nary a crumb fallin'."
Mara's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And if he misses?"
Aerie gave an unladylike snort. "Let's just say ye'll be spendin' a lot of time sweepin' up spills in yer kitchen."
Luke picked up a forkful of the baked dessert. "C'mon, open wide and don't move. No doubt there'll be some equally foreboding misfortune for me if I don't hold my mouth still enough to suit you."
Mara relented, an amused smirk lighting up her face as she caught Luke's absurd mental image of her slaving away in a primitive kitchen. The sweet taste of the light and airy cake served to further improve her disposition, and she soon was taking her turn in feeding bites of concordium to Luke. And not a crumb fell.
―――――
No sooner had everyone finished eating when men began pulling tables and benches aside, opening up a spacious area in the middle of the hall.
Mara turned to Aerie in puzzlement. "What's going on?"
The bubbly blonde's eyes glittered with excitement. "Why, dancin', o' course!" She gave Mara a look of wonder. "Don't ye and Luke dance?"
Mara shot a quick glance at her new husband before replying. "I do. Luke ..." She paused in thought. "Well, he does his best. But I'm not sure we'll be familiar with your manner of dancing."
"Ah, ye'll pick it up right off, I'm sure." Aerie grinned as the strains of a serenade began filling the hall. "Though I guess ye'll just hafta go with yer own style on this first one. The bride and groom always lead the dancin'."
Mara's eyes widened as she felt dozens of expectant gazes turning her direction. She nudged Luke uneasily, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation flowing through her. "Showtime, farmboy."
"What do you mean?" He finally noticed the open pathway between their table and the empty dance floor. Several villagers began gesturing impatiently, encouraging the newly bonded couple to fulfill their duty. "Oh, no," Luke muttered under his breath.
"Come, shake a limb, ye two." Merta circled behind them, resting her hands on the backs of their chairs. "The rest of us canno' dance till the guests of honor take a spin."
"We're coming." Mara gripped Luke's hand, nearly dragging him through the now-clapping throng.
"But, Mara, we don't know how they dance here," he whispered in protest.
"Doesn't matter," she returned. "We'll just wow them with our own technique."
Luke pressed his lips in a tight line and relented. He was obviously outvoted, he realized, as hands reached out to slap him on the back as he passed through the crowd. He'd danced with Mara on several occasions since those first lessons in his palace suite and, he had to admit, enjoyed swirling in slow motion with her in his arms. But being the center of attention while trying to follow unfamiliar music was another matter all together.
Mara pulled him to a halt in the center of the open floor. "Just close your eyes and forget that anyone's watching. There's only you and me ..." She trailed off as Luke smiled and enveloped her in a warm embrace. They easily fell into a comfortable rhythm, swaying in synchronized harmony as one person to the soothing melody.
Mara rested her head against Luke's inviting shoulder, her nose just brushing the throbbing pulse in his neck.
"You are my life," he murmured softly, ignoring the tickle of her upswept curls against his face.
"The Force is your life, Luke," she whispered back, raising her head only a fraction.
He turned his head just enough to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "You are the force that drives me, Mara Skywalker."
They continued to cling to each other when the music drifted to an end, oblivious to the observers that surrounded them until Luke felt a tap on his shoulder. Parting reluctantly, the newlyweds met the unabashed grins of their friends.
"That certainly be an interestin' way o' dancin' ye got there," Hiley said with a laugh. "I feared I'd hafta fetch me leverbar to pry ye apart."
"Ah, now, Hiley, let 'em be." Merta bestowed a motherly smile on the dancers. "That was their dance, and they could do it howe'er they saw fit." She reached out and grasped an arm of each of the newlyweds. "But now 'tis time fer ev'ryone to kick up their heels, and I'm thinkin' these two are goin' to need a few lessons in order to keep up."
Mara grinned.
Luke frowned.
And the lessons commenced.
Guests spilled onto the dance floor, men and women lining up into two separate rows facing each other. Luke and Mara were pulled into the appropriate ranks and were soon caught up in a flurry of bobbing, whirling, foot-stomping motions. The bride's natural grace and affinity for learning new steps made her an instant hit, and every male in attendance clamored to be her partner as the crowd paired off for a series of reels and waltzes. Luke was no less popular, but for a different reason altogether. Every female, young and old, wanted to lay claim to being the first to teach the groom how to spin through a back-door glide or skip to a piper's jig.
Just as Luke was attempting to catch his breath, the quintet of musicians struck up yet another dizzying tune. He managed to evade capture by no less than four would-be partners by scurrying back to his table, detouring just long enough to snatch a mug of sweet cider. As he melted into his seat, doing his best to look inconspicuous, he took the opportunity to study the group of local music makers. He hadn't noticed until now that Efam took center stage, plucking an oval stringed contrivance that he held loosely in the crook of his arm. The rest of the performers he recognized both from his sojourns to the Red Bone Pub and from that morning's hunting excursion. The instruments they wielded ranged from hand-hewn pipes to a highly polished horn-like piece.
"Whew! I can't believe how much faster I get tuckered out these days."
Luke turned as Aerie Modesa sank down wearily next to him.
"That's me cousin Suddy doin' the croonin' now," she continued, her tapping toes keeping time to the fast-paced melody. "He kin warble like a jitterbird."
Luke directed his attention to the current singer, a slim youth who was intoning a rousing ditty while clanging a set of bells with the precision of a master musician in Coruscant's Grand Symphony.
"He's very good," Luke complimented. "I've never had any talent for music myself."
"Me either," Aerie replied. She rubbed her slightly rounded abdomen affectionately. "But maybe I've got a future singer in here."
Luke gave a little chuckle. "At least you've got a double shot at it."
Aerie's face took on a confused expression. "What do ye mean by that? Are ye sayin' I'll be havin' twins?"
"Hmm ... uh ..." Luke worked his jaw as he realized his error. While he had no trouble detecting the two tiny presences that the young woman carried, explaining how he knew such a fact was not something he was prepared to divulge. "I'm a twin, and there's a saying in our village that sometimes twins can sense when a new set is coming. It was really just a guess, though."
"Oh." Aerie apparently accepted his explanation. "Mara mentioned ye had but one sister, but I didna' know she was yer twin. Ye must be missin' havin' her with ye here today."
"Yes, I am," Luke said in a melancholy voice. "Very much so."
Aerie took note of Luke's downcast expression, and to his relief, she didn't pursue the matter. She glanced at the stage as a new vocalist began a lilting folk ballad about a pair of reunited lovers. "This'll most likely be the last song before the petal drop," she said. "And I'm thinkin' yer wife would like to share it with ye."
Luke jerked his gaze outward to see Mara approaching, then glanced back at Aerie as he rose. "What's a 'petal drop'?"
"Ye'll see," she answered, grinning as Mara pulled her husband back to the dancing area.
We couldn't have a wedding without a reception, could we? Part 2 of the reception, and then the wedding night, will be coming soon to a computer screen near you.
