The Grand Canal wasn't grand, and technically was next to a canal rather than an actual canal, but everyone still called it the Grand Canal. Rose had tested other engines along the track and knew most of the other mechs who worked there, so her request for a run was granted without a hitch.
"A Thunderstrike! Woooo! That's gonna go like Wookie with its ass on fire!" Toko Xib hooted when the vehicle rolled off the hauler.
"If it doesn't, I'll find out why," Rose countered. "Is Lell up on the tower?"
"Yeah, she's keeping an eye on us," Toko nodded, his tentacles waving over his head. "So, takin' this one to the limit?"
"Yep," Rose grinned. "Want to make sure my work holds together."
"It always does," Toko assured her. "So, let's get you set up."
Rose helped Seladora strap in. "You need both the shoulder and hip harnesses. I know you don't use all of them for commuting, but I was serious about taking it to the upper limit and we'll both need to be secure."
It startled her to see a hint of apprehension in the blonde's eyes at that, but Rose added, "Orrrrr we can just take it around the track."
"No, by all means, give it your all. I trust you," Seladora told her, but her voice was slightly squeaky.
"We'll start slow," Rose promised, and did. The big vehicle purred, and they took the first lap easily, moving smoothly around the track. By the third turn, Seladora was smiling again.
"All right, I think I can take a bit more-" she managed as Rose hit the acceleration with a hint of manic joy. The big Thunderstrike shot forward, shifting from a stately vehicle into something decidedly more dangerous. Rose focused on the track, hands and feet moving smoothly to shift the gears and coax even more acceleration out of the engine. The scenery around them blurred as they took a corner hard, the vehicle rumbling enough to vibrate through both women.
"Stage two!" Rose called with glee, glancing over at Seladora, who was wide-eyed. "Let's see if we can get the fence singing!"
Rose knew that at a certain speed the vibrations would shiver through the plasma barrier to the stadium seats, making it hum in strange harmonics. She pushed the accelerator once more, holding it firmly with her boot while her hands gripped the wheel to steady it. The Thunderstrike shifted yet again, hungry for every bit of track it could fly over.
The big vehicle rocketed down the long side of the track, riding the wave of energy like a surfer on a board, and the resulting chimes from the fence rang out as they reached the turn. Another sound emerged, and Rose blinked.
Laughter. Seladora was laughing joyously, her eyes bright, her hands braced on the dashboard in front of her. "Oh this is bloody marvelous! I had no idea how fantastic this is!"
"Hold on," Rose warned as she giggled, and yanked the wheel hard to the left. The Thunderstrike whipped around, throwing a wave of dirt in its wake as it headed up the last long stretch. The vehicle gave a low whine as Rose downshifted, slowing it until one final lap brought it back to the starting point and they came to a stop, the scent of engine oil, dust and sun-baked dirt rising up around them.
Seladora was still chuckling as they sat there a moment, re-grounding themselves and catching their breath. "That was . . . superlative! I had no idea this machine could go so fast! None!"
"Well, now you do," Rose pointed out. "As long as they're well taken care of, they'll last practically forever and I'm happy to say this one's all good." She moved to climb out, but Seladora reached over to stop her.
"Must we stop? I mean . . . no, I'm sorry. I'm sure you have a lot to get back to at your shop . . ." She blustered.
"Ah, no, not really," Rose admitted, blushing a little. "I kind of cleared my day so we didn't have to rush . . . so, yeah. We could go somewhere if you like. Give it a REAL road test."
For a long minute Seladora looked at her, and Rose felt a tickle of heat deep in her stomach. People didn't look at her the way this woman did and it made her want to squirm a little. In a good way.
"Bronze Sea Point. Do you know it?"
"Up over the beach, sure. They have a sugar shop up there that does candy kites," Rose smiled. "Paige and I got once got one that looked like a dragon back when I was a kid."
"I used to get the delta wings," Seladora admitted. "And take bites out of the edges before I'd fly them."
"No! Really? Did they still fly?" Rose wanted to know.
"In some cases, it helped them. And in others . . . well, sometimes I had more than I should have," Seladora went a little pink at the confession. "They were the only sweets I was allowed to have."
"Yeah? Well not today," Rose told her. "Today you can have all the delta wings and and dragons you want. Come on; we've got kites to buy!" She turned the wheel and the Thunderstrike drove off the track onto the highway that paralleled the coastline, moving smoothly through the light traffic.
Everything was lovely until she sliced her hand open.
Seladora chalked it up to being slightly nervous around Rose as well has not paying attention to the cider bottle. It slipped and she tried to catch it, but the green glass shattered against the edge of the concrete table of the picnic area, spraying jagged bits everywhere and leaving her with a crimson streak across her palm. Stupidly Seladora stared at it for a second, aware of the foaming mess now at her feet.
"Oh damn! Give me your hand!" Rose ordered. Seladora extended it, feeling the sharp sting through the seeping blood. Rose pulled something out of a pocket on her coveralls and wrapped it around the wound, pressing gently. "Sani-Stick," she explained. "Seals it up and releases an antibiotic. Let's get you to a med stand."
"No, it's all right, I'm sure. Sorry to be so clumsy," Seladora replied ruefully. "It's nothing."
Rose glared at her. "Nope, it would be dangerous to just leave it, even in Sani-Stick. And I couldn't live with myself if it turned out a piece was stuck in there, or some debris or contamination, Seladora. It won't take long and we'll both feel better."
Something in her tone made Seladora look at her, and Rose gazed back for a long moment until both of them began to grin.
"You're very pushy," Seladora observed.
"I am," Rose agreed. "But only about things that matter to me."
It slipped out before she could stop it. "Oh, and I matter to you?"
Rose lifted her chin, the breeze blowing her upturned hair. "Yes," she replied, almost defiantly.
Seladora looked down at her hand, because it was safer than looking at the brilliant little falcon across from her at the picnic table. She smiled. "Okay then."
The medic was gentle but serious. "All right it's clean and wrapped. No pressure on it. You'll need to manage as best you can with your right hand for a few days, and make sure you drink water, so the medication is properly absorbed."
"Got it," Rose told the medic. "Any contra-indications?"
Both Seladora and the medic looked at her. Rose shrugged. "Paige has Queui Syndrome, so we can't have anything fermented in the house. I've learned to ask over the years. Habit."
"No, I'm all right," Seladora managed, feeling shy. It had been a long time since anyone had taken care of her and she wasn't sure how to respond anymore. "Maybe it would be best to call it a day."
"Yep. Put your feet up and take a nap. Best thing in the middle of the day," Rose agreed, smoothly slipping a few credits to the medic before Seladora could object. "You're over in the Moonview Towers, right?"
"Yes . . ." Now Rose was steering her towards the Thunderstrike, one hand on her arm, the other against the small of her back. Seladora was definitely feeling . . . herded. It amused her.
So many of her coworkers feared her, Seladora knew. She was imposing and impatient at times; not one for small talk when there was work to be done. Consequently, her social life had been anchored with Xebba's, and when Xebba died, so did many of those connections.
She hadn't thought about her former partner in ages, Seladora realized wearily as she leaned back in the passenger seat of the vehicle and a surge of guilt washed through her.
"I'm sorry," she murmured to Rose, who was driving at an almost reasonable speed. "I'm rather shit at this. It's . . . been a long time."
Rose nodded. "It's okay. I'm not really good at anything outside the shop myself. Paige keeps telling me I need to get out there but . . ." she shrugged. "It can be scary."
Seladora wasn't sure they were talking about the same thing, but Rose's tone was soothing and that helped.
"More than you know," Seladora sighed deeply, chuffing a breath before adding, "I used to have more of a life, back when . . . well, when I was Bonded. Trips to Borasin and Cantonica; mountain climbing treks to the top of Riquo Ridge, just to hear the dawn birds sing. Xebba loved going out."
Glancing over, she noted Rose's profile and waited until the woman glanced at her before adding, "She died three years ago. We . . . were in a bad patch. She wanted to travel, and I was just starting to rise in Alliance Investments. We . . . argued. A lot. She said wanted some time apart and took a shuttle to Fenta-Gree."
Rose gave a squeak. "No! not the one that—"
"—yes. The one that fell out of orbit," Seladora nodded. "She and nearly two hundred others died in that disaster. I'm not saying this for your pity; I just want you to know that if I'm a bit reticent . . . that's why."
"I'm sorry that happened to both of you," Rose murmured.
Seladora burst into tears. She hadn't expected the rush of anguish released by those gentle encompassing words, grief gushing sobs through her as she dropped her head forward.
The Thunderstrike slowed to a stop, and a minute later, Seladora felt Rose's arms around her, holding her tightly. The scent of motor oil and sugar lingered.
"I got you," Rose whispered into her hair. "It's okay. That hurt's gotta come out and it's okay."
And it was. Seladora let herself cry, taking the offered comfort and savoring it. The simple kindness made it easy to let the tears fall, and she lost track of time, savoring the harbor of Rose's hug.
Finally though, when the sobs had died away and she felt more stable, Seladora raised her head and ran fingers through her hair, feeling lighter but shyer. "Ohh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to have that just . . . burst out like that. I'm not like that at all, I assure you," she sniffled.
"I know," Rose agreed. "Grief is weird, though. You think you're good, have it all behind you and then BAM! Something reminds you of who you lost and it's like it just happened all over again. I know the feeling."
"Yes," Seladora nodded. "It's . . . insidious. And who's to say whether we would have stayed together or not? I can't say, but our choice was made for us and I'm still-"
"—mad about it," Rose finished for her. "And you should be. It sucks."
"It does," Seladora sighed. "It very much does."
-oo00oo-
They spoke nearly every day after that and Seladora found herself stopping by the shop on the weekends. She met Paige, who was enthusiastic about buying Plutt's shop, so Seladora brought a business plan template for her to fill out and file.
Rose found herself looking forward to those visits more than she wanted to admit, mostly because of the way that lovely warmth hit her stomach every time she saw Seladora. They bought terrible meat pies from the little Ork shop and talked about nearly everything under the sun. Rose wasn't sure why the woman was choosing to spend time with her but she enjoyed it too much to ask.
"So," Seladora began after they'd finished a lunch out on the benches by the fancy pond of the office concourse. "I have a favor to ask, Rose. You can say no and I'll understand, but if you say yes I'll be very grateful."
"Sounds dangerous," Rose teased, because Seladora's expression was slightly worried. "Who do you need killed?"
Seladora snorted and shot her a look that left Rose spluttering with giggles. "Far too many people but that's for another time. No, this is a personal favor."
"Okay. What do you need?" Rose was prepared. At least she thought she was prepared.
"I'd like you to go with me to the Serene Miffo's Life Entanglement Ceremony next week," Seladora murmured.
"Uhhhhh, wow. The official ceremony? But that's . . ." she trailed off as the rush of confusion and logistics surged in her brain. A Life Entanglement Ceremony was generally a high society affair for the elite and not for the average citizen.
"Yes it will be big and gaudy and full of important people," Seladora sighed, "But it will also be the first time I've gone to something official since Xebba died and . . ."
"I'll do it," Rose agreed in a rush. "Sure."
"Thank you," Seladora replied in a small voice. "Maybe I'm being a bit of a coward but going alone would be . . . difficult. Having you by my side would help so much."
"Aww!" Rose slipped an arm around her and hugged; Seladora hugged back.
"We can take the Thunderstrike," Seladora told her. "Go in style."
"Can I drive?" Rose demanded eagerly.
"And risk get there a full light-year before the ceremony starts? No."
"I can drive slowly!" Rose protested, rolling her eyes to make Seladora laugh.
"Keep telling lies like that, and the Beeka-Man will come get all your toes, Rose Dondarine Tico!"
"Pfft, the Beeka-Man doesn't scare me," she shot back. "That's for kids!"
"Of which you are the biggest," Seladora told her fondly. "Thank you, my sweet. I feel so much better."
Later, after Seladora had returned to her office, Rose sought out her sister and told her about the invitation. Paige grinned.
"Oooooooh! The Serene Miffo! Fannn-cccy! You know you'll have to get something to wear . . . let's see how much we have in the strong box."
"Damn it, that's right," Rose grumbled. "Maybe Rey has something I can borrow."
Paige looked her up and down before bursting into giggles. "She's a bean pole and you're a Jawa, girl. Nothing she's got would fit."
Rose threw a ball of shop wipes at her sister. "Jawa! Well if I'm a Jawa, you're a Hutt's butt!"
"Ew!" Paige protested as she laughed again. "Stop it or I'll tell your girlfriend!"
"She's not my girlfriend," Rose countered with a tinge of regret. "Be nice, Paige."
"You be nice first then. And she might not be yet, but there's time," her sister replied. "Okay, we've got enough to see if there's anything in the window over at Chalga's shop."
Chalga dealt in second-hand goods and consignments. It was near the main ship port, so the turnover of goods was fairly high, and the prices were reasonable, so Rose bit back her objections. After all, she could always bring anything she bought back for resale afterwards.
The shop was nearly empty as the Tico sisters wandered in, looking at the displays. Paige pointed to a pale dress in the corner of the window display. "That looks good."
Rose shook her head. "It's tauntaun fur. I'd roast."
"Is it?" Paige studied it more closely. "Oh, yeah. It's also a coat."
Rose moved to a more promising stand of holo-mannequins off to one side. Three of them were in dresses but one had on a long glittery frosted pink tunic paired with dark green leggings. Rose glanced at the cost and gritted her teeth even as the serv-bot rolled towards her.
"Salutations! How may I assist you today?"
"I'd like to buy this but it's a little high. Is Chalga open to any barter to bring the price down a bit?"
"If you upload your offerings, shall inquire," the bot replied and froze, its eyes flashing as it connected to the main computer of the shop for a few minutes before responding. "Chalga would accept two hours of circuit upgrades for his 566 Speeder to halve the price."
"Before I agree, I need to try it on," Rose replied, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Part of the fun in shopping at Chalga was being able to barter a bit. Across the shop, Paige was trying on hats and looking more ridiculous with each new one.
"Look, I'm an Ithorian!" she chortled, peeking out from under the long brim of a hideous creation covered with plaid sparkles. "Can we get it?"
"If you can afford it, sure. I'm going to go try this on," she told her sister.
The outfit looked good, Rose thought, and when she came out to model it, Paige nodded vigorously. "Oh THAT'S the one, yep!"
"It feels nice, too," Rose admitted. "I think it's one of those outfits with the little pockets for perfume pellets."
Paige reached for the hem, running it through her fingers. "Yep. Hey, we could reload it with sweetbells, or cinnamon if you like."
Rose laughed. "I'd end up smelling like one of those breakfast twists, no thanks!"
"Might tempt Seladora into a nibble or two," Paige teased.
"Paige!"
Her sister rolled her eyes. "Oh stop! Come on Rose, you definitely like her and anyone with eyes can see she likes you. At least admit that."
Rose said nothing until after the outfit and hat were paid for. As she and Paige left the shop, she gave a noisy sigh. "Yes, okay fine. I like Seladora. She's smart and funny and makes me feel . . . good. But I'm not gonna assume anything and you shouldn't either."
"Okay," her sister agreed, dubiously. "But you guys have gone from 'fix my MLE' to 'let's do lunch and talk for hours' so don't blame me for stating the obvious."
Rose couldn't deny that and didn't try.
-oo00oo-
Cantonica was as fancy as ever, although Seladora barely noticed the place. She was far more interested in how Rose responded to it, looking around bright-eyed and curious at everything.
"So that's a rookoqi table!" she chirped, watching the seated players at the velvet topped table dropping crystals into intricate patterns that flashed their value on the screen over the dealer's heads. "Poe said he nearly choked to death on a rookoqi crystal when he was a kid."
"I suspect he still puts them in his mouth when no-one's looking," Seladora murmured. "That one is overly-tactile."
"Yeah," Rose agreed. "He could have been a mechanic with those hands. So where do we go?" she asked, looking up at Seladora.
"The Star Garden is this way," she gestured, admiring how the frosted pink she was wearing made Rose's skin almost glow. "If there's time after the ceremony, we can visit the casino proper . . . if you like."
"Maybe," Rose looked dubious. "I don't make enough to pay for a seat at any of these tables."
"They ARE dreadfully overpriced," Seladora sighed, "But you know how tourism goes: spend, spend, spend."
Rose giggled. They sauntered down the main walkway and Seladora wished she could reach over and take Rose's hand. She was well-aware of how easy it would be to do but she wasn't quite sure. Not yet, anyway.
A hulking Crolute in an ill-fitting tunic lumbered too close and bumped Rose's shoulder as he passed, not even acknowledging the hit. She stumbled but Seladora steadied her and glared at the other guest.
"You need to watch your step!" Seladora called.
"You need to move out of my way!" he spun and growled at them. "Oh, females," he snorted condescendingly. "Figures."
"Oh, is it your tiny prick that's the source of your bad manners? I can take care of that problem for you," Seladora sneered back, one hand automatically pulling Rose behind her, the other sliding into a pocket.
"Seladora—" Rose muttered, "It's okay, I'm fine!"
The Crolute took a step towards Seladora; around them the flow of walkers shifted out of the way. A few stopped to watch but most continued onward, uninterested. He looked her up and down, hesitating.
Seladora shook her head. "Don't."
After a few seconds' standoff, he gave a weary shrug and turned away, grumbling under his breath. Seladora kept her eyes on him and was caught off-guard by the feel of Rose's arm around her waist, pulling gently.
"Are you nuts? He could have hurt you!" Rose hissed.
"I doubt it," Seladora replied with a quick smile. She patted her pocket and added, "It's not the first time I've had to deal with those sorts of remarks."
"I bet," Rose agreed. "Paige and I get our fair share of them too."
"I'm not surprised, but it gets to be so disheartening," Seladora replied. She was aware of Rose's arm and leaned into it, slipping her own around Rose's waist and hugging lightly. "I'm convinced there's some immediate connection between groin and brain with nearly every male I've ever encountered."
"So true!" Rose agreed, snickering.
"There you are!" came an imperious tone. Seladora looked to see Hux advancing on them, his expression as haughty as ever. "The chairman of Grav-Mine Incorporated is here and wants to meet you. Also, Raffis T'nit is interested in securing a loan to open some new ore facility on Eppto three . . . and who is this?"
"The chairman can wait; Raffis knows he has to list his assets—ALL of them if he wants to negotiate a loan and this is Rose Tico."
She couldn't help the degree of affection as she said this last, and Rose blushed.
Hux didn't smile. He looked her over, sniffed and turned back to Seladora. "Fine, whatever. But the chairman can't wait for very long, not if we want to be a part of that expansion through the Unga system. I suggest you find a way to speak to him before the ceremony."
Without even looking at Rose again he strode off. Seladora gritted her teeth at his retreating figure before turning back to her companion. "Well, yet another demonstration that males are ungracious, self-centered idiots."
But Rose wasn't smiling. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea."
"Pffft! Hux is judgmental and rude by default," Seladora told her. "Down inside there's a decent person but it does take work to bring his better nature out. He's just stressed about being around so many clients—a bit like a cat in a room full of mice."
"You're not a mouse, but I am," Rose replied glumly. "He'd swat me and never think twice about it."
"He'll never get the chance," Seladora assured her, impulsively hugging Rose. "Ever."
Rose gave her a quick smile and that made the hug that much better.
The Serene Miffo was the first two-dimensional Rose had ever met, and trying not to stare was difficult, especially when it came to figuring out how to take them in. Fortunately, they also had a sense of humor.
"I know, I know—I'm all edges," they trilled in an indulgent, slightly reedy tone. "But on the other hand, I'm very good at the cutting remark."
"That you are," Seladora agreed, holding out her hand. Very quickly the Serene reached out and tapped the palm in greeting. "Congratulations on this joyous day."
"Thank you, Phasma," the Serene replied. "I feel your sincerity and am humbled. Who stands by your side?"
"This is Rose Tico, and she is . . . a treasure."
"Ahhhhhhh," the Serene burbled. "How generous of you to share your joy!"
Before Rose could say anything, the Serene reached out and stroked one finger across her forehead. Instantly Rose felt a strong surge of euphoria flush through her, rippling sweetly to the tips of her fingers and toes.
"Wow!" she gasped, grinning. "What was that?"
"A Bounce," the Serene told her. "I merely redirected our joy back into you so it may grow stronger. You have good energy, Rose Tico. Very good."
The Serene fluttered away, leaving Rose and Seladora standing there, slightly stunned. Rose looked at her companion, who was smiling gently.
"They like you," Seladora told her. "I knew they would."
"That joy thing," Rose sighed. "It could get addictive."
"True," Seladora agreed, "which is why the Serene rarely uses it. Still, it's a good sign."
They made their way through the Star Garden, which was an enormous stone courtyard lined with exotic, night-blooming flowers from hundreds of different planets. The Darkbelles glowed and the Inkatta blossoms hung in long silver strands, emitting soft perfume. Rose noted the chairs were clustered in groups, all facing the center of the courtyard, As they passed chairs, a quick holotag flashed, revealing the reservation names. After wandering a bit, they found the pair of chairs with 'Rose Tico/Seladora Phasma' glowing over them.
"Here we are," Seladora waved and settled into one of the chairs. "I think there's still time to order a drink."
"A Popsy," Rose sighed. "With a squeeze of green tang, please." She fished in a pocket, producing a few credits, but Seladora shook her head.
"It's all covered, but if you want, you can donate those at the Well of Dreams, or use them at one of the games in the main casino, my dear."
"Oh," Rose felt her face warm up again. She slowly repocketed the coins and looked around at the other guests, noting their elegant attire and jewels.
Suddenly the frosted pink tunic seemed downright dowdy. She bit her lips.
"I feel like an idiot."
They were her thoughts, but she didn't say them. Rose looked over at Seladora, who gave a bleak little smile in return. "I really do. It's times like this when I realize how much I don't really fit in. I'm too tall and too brusque and making friends is . . . well it's not easy at work and it's twice as difficult anywhere else. All these people know each other, and it takes money and connections to get them to even talk to you . . . Sorry, I guess I just . . . this is why I'm so glad you're with me, Rose. You, at least, are REAL."
"Everybody feels like that once in a while," Rose assured her softly. "And I'm not the most social person myself. Not like Rey, who could make friends with a wall if you left her near it long enough, or all confident like Poe, giving everyone that flirty smile of his."
Seladora gave a soft chuckle. "I know the one you mean, yes."
"But you're you, and . . . I wouldn't want you to change anything," Rose assured her. "I like tall and brusque and the way you get all charged up about stuff, and the way the corner of your mouth quirks up when you want to laugh but need to hold it back."
Now Seladora was looking at her with surprise, but also with a hint of true vulnerability. Rose held her gaze and swallowed before she spoke again. "You're beautiful and I-"
Hux scurried over, interrupting them. "Did you talk to the chairman yet?"
"Ar-mi-tage!" Seladora hissed, glaring at him. "Turn if OFF for an evening!"
He flushed; on his pale face it was obvious. "Well, clearly you're not interested in any company but this . . . ." he waved a hand at Rose, ". . . person," he finished awkwardly. "Makes the event a complete waste of opportunity in getting Mavry Oonta into our portfolio!"
"Mavry? Mavry's here?" Rose looked around as Seladora and Hux glared at each other for a moment. Startled, Hux swiveled his gaze back to her.
"You? You know the chairman of Grav-mines?" he demanded, confused. "How?"
Rose nodded. "Well, he's got three Areo-Floats and a MasterFlash T116, which let me tell you is nearly impossible to get parts for anymore. Luckily, I have contacts, so I've been keeping his business up in the air for the last couple of years. Two of those Floats are originals but that one he uses for trips to Vantavexx? That one's got a modified Beam engine with an anti-grav option and man, that was a MONSTER to build-"
As she spoke, Hux's face turned deeper red, making him look close to apoplexy. Seladora felt the giggle bubble out of her, and she slipped an arm around Rose's shoulders, giving her a light hug.
"I will say it again; you are a treasure, Rose Tico!"
"Well, I . . . I didn't know," Hux finally admitted, looking from Rose to Seladora in grudging admission. "Ceremony's starting," he added, slipping away as a few melodic chimes rang out.
The ceremony was nearly perfect. The clouds of butterflies fluttered around the Serene Miffo, twirling in patterns that glittered as the 20 Thoughts of the ZxxZ chimed out. At the end of the last Thought, the butterflies settled on the Serene, covering them and adding the third dimension to their form.
"All who choose to join in the Blossom Promise should rise at this point," came the Serene's soft voice. "Joy has been received and shall be returned."
Rose felt that voice through her; when she glanced at Seladora, she nodded. "Yes, I feel it too. We've been blessed."
"All right then," Rose got to her feet, and turned to Seladora, who was still seated with that sweet vulnerable look on her face.
"Rose . . . are you sure?" she murmured. "It's . . . a commitment, for at least a year. I don't want you to feel pressured . . ."
"Hey, don't leave me standing here," Rose replied with a twisted little smile and Seladora shot to her feet, her hand reaching for Rose's as they faced the Serene.
Other folks were on their feet; Hux and Hectan; Poe and Finn holding hands; Rey with one hand on theirs and her other at her temple. Rose barely had time to notice, grateful for the warmth of Seladora's grip.
"The strongest bond throughout the galaxy begins with compassion," the Serene sang. "Opening the Self for the Other. Being known. May you who witness this day find yourselves deeply and lovingly known."
The ripple washed through the garden, rolling like the tide, with each being smiling as the joy surged forth, and through; over and around them in warm delight.
I
I
Love
Love
You
You
"Y-yes?"
"Yes." Seladora nodded, and bent her head, lightly pressing her forehead to Rose's. "Yes, I do."
Before the year ended, they were Bonded. Rose still wasn't sure how it was possible, but every time she looked at Seladora, she felt echoes of that Promise within her, giving her love and courage exactly as she needed it.
Seladora too, found it hard to believe her good fortune. Rose—clever, kind, altogether too adorable for words—Rose was with her. Of course, she was with Rose as well, and that meant like the Thunderstrike, some things were too big to ignore.
If you had to move through the universe, having your person with you makes ALL the difference.
end