o:o:o

Things went well until dinner was finished and the Guardians took to discussing politics and other such things. Phaelon could sense Jysella's boredom and wasn't at all surprised when the girl excused herself to find the refresher.

"Can't say I blame her," muttered Ilyra, trying to stifle a yawn as Jysella disappeared out a side door.

Phaelon was just considering excusing herself as well when one of the more elderly participants turned towards her. "Jedi Lei, they tell me you played quite an impressive role in the war. What are you doing now that the Vong have been brought to heel?"

She bit back a retort about the Jedi not being warmongers, but Ilyra beat her to it. "You make it sound as if the Jedi have nothing to do but fight wars. No matter our personal opinions, we must be honored that they have come to celebrate with us. Let us not insult them."

The Guardian looked insolent, but Phaelon spoke up. "Actually, we're continuing to round up smugglers and slavers and others who took economic advantage during the war. We're also trying to assist in the rebuilding and relocating of refugees. And we ourselves are trying to rebuild."

After much more political maneuvering, during which she was certain the Guardians were trying to catch her saying something that would denigrate the Jedi Order, the Guardians finally bid her goodnight. And Phaelon was certainly glad to see them leave.

It was only as they were leaving that Phaelon realized Jysella still hadn't returned. Perhaps she went back to the rooms, the logical part of her mind insisted. She agreed; that's where she would have liked to be several hours ago.

o:o:o

Finally, she was left with only her immediate family. Her sister was looking studiously out the window while her mother and father stared intently at her.

"Your apprentice seems like a nice girl," said her mother finally in an awkward attempt at conversation.

Phaelon nodded. "She's not really my apprentice. Actually, she's the daughter of a friend. I don't have an apprentice."

Raising an eyebrow, her mother continued, "You don't?"

"No. I just never have the patience for one. And during the War, I didn't have the time," she explained patiently.

"Rumor has it you flew a fighter during the War?" asked her father, and Phaelon was glad for the change of topic.

She allowed herself a bit of pride. "I did. Actually, the one I brought with me still has the scars from the last battles. No amount of paint can cover them up."

"You had more than one?" asked her father, looking anxious.

"Three, I believe," she explained. "Only when it would have been too expensive to fix all the damage did I get another."

Her mother looked frightened. "You were in many battles then?"

She nodded grimly. "Too many to count, I'm afraid."

There was an awkward silence as they comprehended what she had meant. Finally her mother stood up and hugged her around her shoulders. "It's so good to see you again. We missed you."

Just as she let go, her father wrapped her in a huge hug. "I'm glad you're okay."

o:o:o