Chapter 51
Malory soon became one of the best friends I've ever been privileged to have. At my insistence, he compiled his memoirs. After being published, they became something of a best-seller and he also served as an advisor to the Council of Law of New Hope.
When Ryu came home at age twenty-five with his wife to start his own family, Malory became an honorary uncle the same time as Gabrielle and I became grandparents again. When Malory made the 'last jump' in other words, passed away, he confided to me he had never been happier than the day he had been made a member of my family. I was saddened to lose my friend but happy too that I had been able to make his final years peaceful and happy.
Shortly after Ryu's return home, I asked him to take over for me as the Constable of New Hope which in turn was supported by unanimous vote of the Council. From there, Gabrielle and I spent the next two years 'starhopping' as Malory had and got a chance to see things we had only ever heard of as well as visiting Luke and in turn meeting his family. When we returned, it was to see that Dieter and his family had also come home to stay. At the same time he came home, and with Ryu taking on the duties of Constable, I was able to train several more Jedi in Teras Kasi. The next few years after that saw many things happen both galaxy wide and personal. The New Republic and the remnants of the Imperial forces signed a peace treaty that well and truly ended the state of war as well as Gabrielle and I becoming great-grandparents.
To this day, the Force still works in mysterious ways. Sometimes it gives and sometimes it takes. Well do I remember the day it took Milady, Gabrielle into its light. I held her that day, on one level wishing I were strong enough to keep her with me forever but knowing that I would have to be stronger still to let her go.
She said: "Ronin, my Knight, do not grieve for me. You know that I will always be with you and I will be waiting for you on the other side when it is your time." In a voice just on the verge of breaking, I said: "But I will grieve for you Milady. I love you now, just as much as when we first met and my love will never end and it will help carry you into the light."
With her head still on my shoulder, I felt her life-force slip away and our mental bond fade to black leaving a void in its place. Gently cradling her head, I whispered into her ear as I set her down; "Farewell my sweet, sweet Gabrielle." Her body faded from sight and was gone as the covers collapsed in on themselves.
I went back into the main room of our home where the family waited, so I could inform them of Gabrielle's passing. Ryu and his wife already knew she was gone as did their children since they too were Force sensitive, but Dieter and his wife and children of course didn't know. I didn't have to say a word, they could tell by my expression. Both my sons came to me and embraced me as I let the tears fall unrestrained.