Chapter 2

Gracelin and her mother didn't mention the surprise message again. Gracelin wanted to ask Greyton, her stepfather, about it. However, she knew it wasn't her place. Plus things were already busy enough with the excitement of Ramey coming home. Only a few more days.

Even though Ramey wasn't really her brother she still looked to him as one. Her mother had adopted Ramey just a few months before she was born. And eve though Greyton wasn't her real father she gave him respect. He also didn't try to act like a father to her. He wouldn't let her call him Dad out of respect for her real father. He would put his foot down where needed but he tried to stay out of things where he didn't belong.

And this worked for the family. Like every family they had their times but things usually went smoothly. That was until a week after Master Skywalker's message.

Gracelin was once again sitting down watching the holonet. She knew her mom would be home in a few hours. She changed out of her pajamas to avoid another lecture. As she went to sit down she sensed someone at the door before she heard the knock.

She ran to answer the door. There she found an older man, possibly the same age as her mother. He had blonde hair and amazing blue eyes.

"Hello?" She said in a sweet but hesitant way.

"Hi. I was wondering if you could help me. I'm looking for Nomica Darklighter's house. Do you know where that is?"

"Actually it's Rowe. She married last year. I'm her daughter, Gracelin." She shook the man's hand. "And you are…?"

"I'm sorry. I'm a friend of your mom's. My name is Luke…"

"Skywalker?" She interrupted.

"Yes." A smile grew on his face.

"It's a real pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much and read so much."

"It's nice to meet you too. Are your mom and dad home?"

"My mom and step dad are at work. My mom will be home in a few hours. You can stay and wait if you want."

"Thank you." Luke took a seat on the couch.

Gracelin couldn't believe he was sitting here. "Would you like something to drink or eat?"

"No, I'm fine." After a few moments of silence, "So are you and only child?"

"Well it depends on how you look at it. I have an adoptive brother."

"Ramey?"

"Yeah! That's a little weird."

"Your mom told me about him."

"Oh."

"So how old are you?"

"Just had my seventeenth birthday last week."

"That's nice, I have a nephew and niece that are almost twenty. When they arrive I'd like you to meet them."

"That'd be nice. So do you have any kids?"

"No but my wife had been sick."

"I'm sorry." Gracelin was a little sorry she had asked.

"Its alright. She's getting better now. Actually she'll be arriving with my niece and nephew in a few days."

"Well, I'd like to meet her too. So, do you mind if I asked you why you're here."

"I asked your mom if I could come, but she never sent an answer. I was worried and here I am."

"Oh. Well, you can stay here but I was planning on going down to the lakes."

"I think I'll come. I've heard a lot about these lakes."

"Well come on." Gracelin called as she slipped on her sandals.

Luke and walked with Gracelin along the shore of one of the lakes. He was amazed at how beautiful it was. He could tell that Gracelin was a little nervous about Luke being here. But every time he tried to read her emotions she had put up a barrier. Luke wondered how she did it without any training.

"So do you come here a lot?" Luke asked to ease the tension.

"My best friend and I meet her every afternoon. Kristea couldn't come today, she had other plans. But I come anyways. It's calming and peaceful here."

Luke couldn't argue. "It is quiet beautiful."

"Out in the Lake Country it's even more beautiful. My best friend's grandmother was able to get us access. It's hard to get back there. You have to have worked in the Palace a long time to get that kind of power. My measly little two years doesn't do much."

"You work in the Palace?"

"Only as a cook. I'd much rather be a handmaiden but Mother is against it."

"It's very dangerous."

"Lots of things are dangerous, Master Skywalker. As a Jedi you know that."

Luke smiled, "Call me Luke, but as a Jedi we don't go looking for trouble."

"I know that, but it's out there. All over the galaxy."

"True."

"Oh SITH!"

"What?" Luke asked worriedly.

"She's gonna kill me. Come on, we have to get back before my mother does." Gracelin kicked off her sandals and carried them as she ran; Luke keeping up with her.