Love's Sweet Promise Chapter 17, a star wars fanfic

Chapter 17

Ossus, Jedi Temple and Academy

He slipped into the large meeting room and tried to discreetly make his way around the groups of people that were holding drinks and talking. As people noticed him, they would smile and nod or even say a greeting to him, but somehow he suddenly felt very out of place. That's silly, he thought as he looked around the room, I was invited to this. However, he still felt like a traitor, or an outsider, somehow.

That was because this was a reunion of sorts for the Durrons, which included the D'jos, the Skywalkers and Leia Solo, and he was very much a Horn. Terrik never paid much attention to the bickering that his grandfather and Master Kyp Durron seemed to enjoy over the years. However, he knew Corran and Kyp very much disliked the idea of their families someday combining. Terrik and Meri still chuckled about the expressions on the faces of both the Jedi Masters when they announced their engagement. It had been priceless. Of course, he'd also never forget Kyp's warning when Meri and he decided to postpone their wedding after his mother was killed and instead moved in together.

He finally found the person he was looking for near the far wall and he stopped to admire her. Meri Durron was beautiful but she had a quiet beauty, the kind inherent to her mother and her grandmother. She had always been a tom-boy and could fly circles around him in a heart beat. Some actually said she was a lot like her grandfather Han Solo. She never took no for an answer and she never let incredible odds get in her way. But she also had a gentleness to her, an unassuming generous heart that often left her open to getting hurt.

He smiled as he watched her; she was holding three week old Jak Skywalker. He looked around and saw Julith speaking to Prince Jacen and Ben talking with his father-in-law, Master Keyan Farlander. So, she's playing baby sitter. However, he didn't move right away, instead he watched her with her small cousin. He knew she wanted kids, but he wasn't ready yet. Sure, he had thought he was when he had asked her to marry him but after watching his mother get killed, he just didn't know anymore. He still loved Meri with every fiber of his being; he just wasn't sure about anything else.

Finally, she must have felt his presence—he never could hide from her for long—because she looked directly at him and smiled. Terrik smiled back and walked on over to sit beside her. They had nearly been inseparable since he was sixteen and she was fourteen. They were the other's first and only love and it was ironic sometimes that people often compared them to his mother and her uncle Anakin Solo when they had been kids. Terrik would never forget the first time Tahiri had pointed that out to him. Somehow, it really seemed strange to think of his mom with anyone but his dad, and especially to think of her actually loving anyone else.

"So, you decided to brave your grandfather's wrath and come over to the enemy's camp," she quipped as she leaned toward him and accepted his quick kiss. They hadn't seen each other since that morning and very little of each other since coming back to the Academy three days ago. Tomorrow nearly the entire Jedi Order which numbered well over a thousand Knights, Masters and students would meet in Assembly Hall for the announcement of who would be the next Grand Master. "Or are you here on a spying mission for the Horns."

Terrik smirked, "Granddad doesn't know where I've disappeared to. However, I could say that I came over to the other side to recapture something that has been stolen from me."

Her brown eyes sparkled and Terrik could see the mischievousness in them, "And you think one of us stole this thing of yours?"

He grinned, "Oh, I know a member of this very clan has taken it and she won't give it back."

"So, you know that this person is a woman. And she stole this thing that you would brave the anger of Master Corran Horn to recover?" She raised and eyebrow, "It must be pretty important."

He leaned over and quietly said, "It's very important and I can't live without it. A very beautiful, hot shot captain of a very old Corellian freighter has flown away with it. Have you seen any such persons?"

"A pirate than?" She continued to play the game, gazing into his grey eyes.

"Oh, yes, most definitely a pirate."

"Emmm…You must have the wrong family." She smiled in mocking apology and sat back. Jak began to fuss a little and she patted his belly. Then she said, "There are no pirates in my family."

"But there had been smugglers. This thief definitely has the blood."

"Ahh…but I must inform you then that I too have had something stolen and I believe the culprit is a member of your family." Meri lifted the baby up onto her shoulder and began to rub his back. After he settled into cueing she looked at him and said, "Of course, your family has more smuggling blood in it than mine. And the person who stole from me definitely knew what he was doing."

"Oh, and what have you had stolen?" He smiled at her.

"You tell me and maybe together we will be able to recover both of our stolen items."

Terrik pretended to think about that then tiring of the game, he leaned over and surprised her by kissing her tenderly. She opened her eyes to meet his as he broke the kiss and pulled away. Smiling, he whispered accusingly, "You, Meri Durron, have stolen my heart."

She smiled back and countered, "Well, I'm not sure I'd say I stole it, because I gave you mine in return. Smugglers call that an even trade, I think."

He then put his arm around her slender shoulders and hugged her close, while she still held Jak snuggled against her shoulder that was pressed against him. He had to admit she looked wonderful holding the tiny infant—natural.

The newest member of the Skywalker Clan had the bright red hair that both his parents possessed and his eyes appeared to be the bright blue of his father's. He reached over and touched one of the baby's fisted hands that lay on her shoulder, "Hey, there little Jak." He was rewarded with some milk bubbles. Terrik pulled his hand back and glanced out to where Julith Skywalker and the Prince Consort were still talking. Then he looked back at Meri and asked, "So, I take it your uncle has convinced Julith to take him on as an Apprentice."

Meri laughed, "Well, I don't know about that but I sure know he's trying. She thinks he should speak to Tekli about it, since she is the head Healer. Master Telki wants nothing to do with Uncle Jacen. She keeps telling him to convince Julith to be his Master."

Terrik responded, "It sounds like no one wants him to be a healer."

"Oh, they want him to be a healer; it's just that no one wants to be his Master. They know how powerful my uncle is even though he left the Order when he and Aunt Tenel Ka married. And besides, I think Master Tekli is embarrassed by his request. They were, after all, Knighted at the same time during the same ceremony and they both fought in some of the same battles."

Terrik looked out over the twenty or so members and friends of the family that someday he'd be part of—was part of. He wondered how things would change after tomorrow. Both his grandfather and Kyp Durron held different ideas than Luke Skywalker had. Terrik himself supported his grandfather, not just because he felt family allegiance, but because he believed what his grandfather believed. The Jedi had to integrate and become part of the government of the Alliance, not just be a side agency as they were now. Meri's father felt the Jedi should be completely independent of the Alliance, something Terrik and Corran both disagreed with. But unlike Corran Horn, Terrik had long ago learned to keep the peace with the man who would one day be his father-in-law.

But Terrik wondered how tomorrow's decision would affect the Masters' already strained relationship. They needed something to remind them that they were almost family, like it or not. That was when Terrik got the idea. Maybe it was time to make the Horns and the Durrons family. He looked back at Meri who was slowly rocking the now sleeping Jak in her arms. She looked so perfect.

"Meri," he softly spoke, partly because he didn't want to wake the baby, partly because of the sudden emotion he felt.

She was leaning against Terrik and watched the baby as he slept, "Emm?"

"What do you say we get married?"

She looked up at him and grinned lopsidedly, an expression he'd seen many times on her mother's face, "I think you forgot you have already asked me that question."

"No, I mean right now."

"What?" She sat up and turned to face him. "What do you mean: right now?"

He smiled and reached up to stroke her face. "I think this family needs some unity. After tomorrow Granddad and your father will have even a deeper feud. I say we remind them that they share family. I say we get married right now, right here, tonight."

"Terrik…" he had shocked her.

"This is what I think. We ask your grandma like we were planning to. She can perform the vows now. All I need to do is go and get my family." Then a sadness crossed over him as he thought about who was missing. "Of course, I hope Cassie and Uncle Doran can understand why we didn't wait for them to come back."

She shook her head as if to clear it, then she said, "Allana and Rodtic aren't here either. But actually, this is probably the best gathering of our complete families that we will ever accomplish." After a moment of looking out over the gathering of her family she looked back at him and a bright, breathtaking smile graced her face, "Okay. I say we do it."

They then stood up and Terrik cleared his throat, after meeting Meri's sienna eyes he smiled and announced, "May we have your attention for a moment, please." He waited until every one turned to look at them then he went on, "If Master Leia Solo would be so inclined, we'd like to ask if you would perform a favor for us."

Meri's still elegant grandmother stood from where she was sitting with Mara, Jaina and Tenel Ka, "What do you wish for me to do?"

Meri grinned at Terrik and then said, "Grandma, we would like you to perform our wedding."

Leia smiled, "I've already told you that I would when you asked me if I do it last year."

"Yeah, but we have decided upon a date," Meri nearly giggled as she said it. She handed the still sleeping Jak to his father Ben, who just grinned at them.

"Oh?" this from Kyp Durron whose interest in this conversation just piqued ten fold. In fact, he took several steps toward his youngest daughter and her fiancé.

Terrik swallowed and met Kyp's eyes, "Yes, Master Durron. Meri and I would like to get married now."

"Now?" Zeth sniggered. "That's some timing, Sis."

Meri looked at her older brother, whom she was very close to, and grinned, "Yes, now. We have decided it was time to make the Horns and the Durrons all one big happy family—officially."

Leia softly laughed, "And here I thought none of you took after me. Diplomacy at its best. That's what this is." She nodded her head and walked over to them, taking each of them by hand she went on by saying, "I think this is a very good idea. Where would you like to have this impromptu wedding?"

They glanced at each other. They hadn't even thought of that.

Jaina then came over and patted her daughter on the shoulder, smiling she said, "I think in the Serenity Garden. It's rather pretty this time of year. And we all could use some serenity, I think," she added as she looked at her husband who was just staring at Terrik.

Meri grinned at her mother and looked back up at Terrik, he nodded and then she turned back to Leia and Jaina. "Yes. I think that would be perfect. Let's do it."

"If any one asks me," Liam Durron said around the piece of ryshcate he was chewing, "it's about time."

Anakah watched and listened to the proceedings with a heavy heart. Marko sat beside her with his arm draped haphazardly over her shoulders as the last of the chuckling at her youngest brother's comment died down. She had watched Meri with baby Jak and again felt that tinge of jealous pain that always seemed to be there when Meri was concerned. Anakah had only seen the baby a few times and never been offered the chance to hold him, however, that really didn't surprise her because Julith Farlander Skywalker didn't like Anakah much. But then Anakah didn't care much for the fiery red-headed, hazel-eyed healer either.

Anakah was hurt deeply by seeing Meri with the baby and in the loving arms of the man who loved her more than anything else, and now they announced that they were getting married. She looked over at Marko who was grinning widely at Liam, who was sitting near them, and snickered, "You know, I have to wonder what fireworks will result when Terrik goes over to Master Horn's and makes this announcement."

Liam struggled to swallow his piece of ryshcate and laughed harder as he said, "I'd like to be a flintfly on that wall, that's for sure. Of course, Dad looks like he's angry enough to fight a gundark."

Anakah tuned out of their conversation after that and silently watched as Terrik gently kissed Meri's cheek and headed out the door. Soon after Jaina and Tenel Ka ushered Meri out also. Anakah assumed to go find her something more suitable to wear to her wedding than the simple blue jumpsuit she was wearing. Within minutes Luke and Mara helped get everyone out of the meeting room and led them into the Serenity Garden. There would be no chairs set up and the family elders including her father decided to have the actual ceremony in front of the largest fountain.

Anakah heard Kyp say to his mother-in-law, "This reminds me of my wedding. Remember, before the fountain on the South Lawn."

Leia smiled, "Yes, how could I forget. You and Jaina nearly sent me into cardiac failure when you changed the location from the North Lawn to the South only days before the wedding."

Kyp chuckled, "Emmm…I guess that did take some rearranging, didn't it."

Leia stared at Kyp and dryly said, "More than just some."

Anakah suddenly heard voices behind coming into the garden and watched as the Horns entered. She hadn't seen Valin since she had left him nearly a week ago on Naboo. She held her breath as he looked over at her and held her gaze. She swallowed hard and fought the temptation to run into his arms. She wanted to talk to him, but she knew she couldn't. They both had agreed that their affair could never continue outside Naboo. He couldn't be more than her friends' father, her sister's father-in-law and she wasn't any more then the daughter of his friends and colleagues.

Besides, she was now engaged.

She turned away from him and closed her eyes to fight back the sting of tears that she felt there. She and Marko hadn't announced their engagement yet and hadn't made any plans for a date. Although, she knew he'd like it to be sooner rather than later, Anakah had wanted to wait for a while. She had told him yes when he asked her and she wouldn't back out now, if for no other reason than because she wasn't a quitter, but more importantly because Marko was her best friend and she had given him her word. She just couldn't give him her love.

She watched as Terrik and his family entered the garden and she felt her heart constrict.

Valin stepped toward Kyp and reached out and shook the older man's hand. "So, Kyp, I can't believe they're doing this tonight but I'm glad."

Kyp nodded and smiled, "Me either." Then he said more evenly, "Although, I'm pleased to see that Terrik is willing to commit himself. I was beginning to get concerned."

"I wouldn't know what you were so concerned about, Durron," Corran Horn stepped up to stand beside his son. "Terrik is a good young man. Besides, you and Jaina lived together for nearly a year."

Kyp forced a grin and held out his hand, "True. But I really wasn't in any shape for most of that year to do much. If you remember."

Corran took Kyp's hand and shook it, upon releasing it he quipped, "Of course, it was my team who saved you from that pirate."

"You saved me—"

"Gentlemen," Mirax Horn chided as she stepped up beside her husband and she flashed a grey-eyed warning to him as she turned and smiled at Kyp. "This is neither the time nor the place to rehash old memories that none of us want to remember anyway."

Kyp smiled at her and bowed his head, "Forgive me. You're right Mirax."

"Corran?" her tone held a warning.

Corran nodded once and then said to Kyp, "She's right. I'm sorry, Kyp.

Mirax laughed and said as she laid a hand on both of the Masters' arms as if to lead them away, "Now, if you two will kiss and make up, all will be wonderful. Just think in less then an hour you two will be related." Before either Corran or Kyp could say a word, the onetime smuggler quickly moved away with Valin to where Jacen, Ben and some of the others were standing and talking.

Kyp broke the silence with a smirk, "You know, Corran, she does that to us all the time."

Corran looked back at Kyp and chuckled, "Yep, and we fall for it each and every time too."

Valin moved away with his mother but his attention kept being drawn to Anakah. She stood near Kyp with Marko beside her. He wanted to say something to her but hadn't had the chance. He really needed to tell her how wrong he was about their relationship. He wanted to take her into his arms and never let her go. However, her closeness to the tall blond Jedi caused him to pause and wonder if she had decided to return to her relationship with him.

He said the appropriate things to those who greeted him with their gladness that he was alright following the explosion and/or their congratulations on Terrik's wedding. But it was really all a blur, his mind was completely on Anakah. He really needed to talk to her. He needed to tell her how wrong he was and he needed to tell her that he loved her. He loved her more than he ever thought possible.

However, he wouldn't get his chance yet. Tenel Ka D'jo stepped through the gate and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen." She waited until every eye was turned toward the still beautiful Jedi queen and she smiled her half smile, "Mother," she called toward Leia, "are you ready?"

Leia smiled from where she stood before the light grey and red marble fountain, "Yes, Tenel. I think we all are. Terrik, come and stand here." She indicated the spot to the front and left of her.

Valin moved to stand near the rest of the Horns and his sister who just arrived. Jysella wrapped her arm around his waist and smiled. He was happy to have her support.

Then Tenel Ka's clear voice drew his attention again, "Then we shall begin. Kyp I believe you are needed back here." She moved away to stand beside her husband.

Kyp walked back and stepped through the gate. Within minutes Mara stepped over to Zeth where he was standing beside Bail. She grinned and said, "Since we have no band or other sources of music, your sister had requested that you sing."

Zeth looked stunned and Bail tried to cover a laugh as he patted his cousin on the shoulder. "You should have seen that coming a klick away, Cuz."

Zeth looked from a smirking Bail to Mara, "You can't be serious, Aunt Mara. I have no idea what to sing."

Mara's grin only grew and she leaned forward and whispered something into his ear. Zeth's stunned expression only became more pronounced.

Terrik smiled at his friend and said, "Zeth, I don't know why you look so shocked. You have a wonderful singing voice and Meri and I were actually going to ask you to sing at our wedding anyway. We just never got around to it."

Zeth swallowed and then said, "Okay, but I'll only do it if Anakah also sings with me." He then turned toward his twin sister and said, "We used to do this all the time, Ana. And I think you probably know this song as well as me."

Valin looked at Anakah who pushed her hair back behind her ear almost nervously. Then she smiled at her twin and looked over at Terrik. Valin watched as Terrik visibly stiffened, "I'll only do it if Terrik wants me to."

Terrik paused for a long moment and then relented, "Alright." Valin instantly wondered what had happened between them. Terrik's displeasure dominated the Force.

However, Valin wasn't able to puzzle over that any longer before the Durron twins stepped forward and stood off to the side of the fountain. After getting settled, they both took a deep breath and then nodded to Mara, who went back to the gate.

Valin knew that the Durron twins both had great voices; Zeth had a clear baritonewhich complimented Anakah's alto perfectly. But it was Anakah's voice he was most familiar with. He had caught her singing more than once when they were together on Naboo. However, before he could dwell too much on that, the twin's perfect pitch harmony began to fill the air.

"It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
Now you say it best, when you say nothing at all

All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Masters of old could never define
What's being said between your heart and mine

Valin found himself being lost in the song and watching Anakah sing. She looked at him more than once and it was like she was singing to him. Valin was so taken with her that he nearly missed Meri's entrance. He looked back as he heard Terrik's gasp. Jaina had came down between the standing wedding guests who formed an aisle of sorts between them. She went to stand beside Liam and the rest of the family. Then Kyp entered with Meri on his arm. She was dressed in a long gown of the lightest shade of grey. Valin wondered where she could have come up with such a beautiful and obviously expensive gown on such short notice. Then he realized that it was probably one of Tenel Ka's because it was slightly too long for Meri but she was managing. In her hand she carried a single white lily and her hair was loose, which was unusual for her. She usually had it pulled back in a long tail or braid. She truly made a beautiful bride and he was proud to welcome her into his family.

As the twins finished their song, Meri and Kyp made it before Leia and Terrik. Meri hugged her father and he kissed her on her forehead. After she stepped away from him, Kyp took Terrik's hand and shook it and said in an unusually tight voice, "She's my baby girl, Terrik. Take care of her."

Terrik smiled and said his own voice thick, "Don't worry, sir, I will."

As Kyp moved away to stand beside a teary eyed Jaina, Valin's mind flitted back to his own wedding day and he remembered the emotion he felt at seeing his bride before him. Valin swallowed as he felt the sudden rush of emotion that the memory brought to him. However, it wasn't Tahiri he was longing; it was another. He stole a glance at Anakah who had moved back to her place near the back to stand beside Marko. He watched in total dread as the young man bent over and gently kissed her lips. It was like a vibroblade had just been thrust into his heart.

Jysella who was still holding him around his waist looked up at him with concern in her green eyes and whispered, "Valin, are you okay?"

Valin swallowed again and nodded, "Yeah, I just was thinking about—"

Jysella cut him off and actually saved him from telling her a lie, "It's okay, Valin. She's here in spirit."

He only nodded. How could he tell his sister that it wasn't his dead wife's absence that bothered him but the fact that the woman he loved was kissing another man? He shook himself mentally and tried to concentrate on his son's most important day, as Leia Solo began speaking the words that would bind Terrik Horn to his bride Meri Leia Durron as the Ossus sun slipped behind the horizon.

Anakah stood beside Marko and only half listened to the words her grandmother was saying to her sister and her groom. Anakah had to admit for a wedding that no one knew would happen only an hour or so ago it was turning out beautifully. She though had felt uncomfortable singing for the couple. Meri had glanced at Anakah while she was standing with Zeth, singing a song that obviously meant a great deal to Terrik and her, but Anakah hadn't noticed any disdain in the smile she presented her older siblings. If anything Meri seemed pleased to see the twins do something that they used to do in the past.

The traditional vows were said between the two Jedi in tear-filled voices and bubbling emotion. Anakah could hardly bare to watch. Marko reached over and took her hand and she left him have it. She met his eyes and swallowed. Their relationship seemed to be changing in the past few days. Marko seemed more attentive, more willing to touch her, hold her; and although, there was a time she wished this response in him now she dreaded it. She didn't want him to fall in love with her because she knew in her heart she would never be able to return the emotion.

She met Valin's eyes as Leia announced Terrik and Meri husband and wife. The witnesses immediately began to applaud and within moments the newlyweds were surrounded by well wishers.

Suddenly, she was being pulled toward her sister and new brother-in-law by Marko. Marko embraced Terrik who jokingly said, "Well, Marko, you ever going to make it to the altar?"

Anakah's heart froze as he smiled and turned to her. He then said, "You know now is as good a time as any, Angel."

"Marko, I don't think now is—"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jaina interrupted from where she stood beside Meri. Leave it to her mother to pry.

Anakah looked at her smiling mother and swallowed, but she couldn't say anything. Marko squeezed her hand, "We may as well tell them."

She nodded and in a tone she hoped sounded happy and not full of pain she said, "Marko and I decided to get married."

"That's great, Ana," Bail patted her on her shoulder she glanced back to smile weakly at her cousin then suddenly, she caught sight of Valin staring at her. Her heart shattered at the look of betrayal and pain that was shinning through his silver eyes, those eyes that only days ago looked upon her with nothing but love.

Anakah accepted the congratulations through a blur of hugs, nods and a fake, frozen smile. She couldn't get away fast enough. Making an excuse, she finally escaped the garden and the two men who she was bound to—one through friendship and promise, the other through forbidden love.

She made her way though the growing darkness to the courtyard of the main classroom building. There she let the tears fall. Why can't I just be happy?

She felt his familiar presence coming in behind her but she didn't turn, she couldn't face him.

"Did you feel anything for me, Anakah?"

Slowly she turned her tear streaked face to him. "I loved you, Valin. I still do and always will."

He seemed to take that in and then stepped closer. "But not enough to prevent you from running into the arms of a man you said you didn't love."

She swallowed and looked down at her folded arms as she hugged herself. Finally, she met his intense gaze and very quietly said, "Valin, you told me that we had no future. And how could we? I know what I am, Valin. I know what people will say."

"Since when did you ever care what others think, Anakah?"

"I don't, but it's you I won't pull down." She stepped closer to him and went on, "You are the only man I will ever love. You have showed me what it's like to be truly wanted for who I am, not just for what I can do while I'm flat on my back. Sure it may have begun like that, but I never felt like that with you. However, I felt like you were pushing me away, but I believe you were right. I may not love Marko but you and I were never meant to be either."

"Why are you marrying Marko if you don't love him?" he asked incredulously.

She swallowed and whispered, "Because he asked me. He accepts me and he's my best friend. And I've given him my word that I would."

"I loved you, Anakah. I'm sorry if you felt like I was pushing you away. But I know now that I can't live without you. I don't care what anyone says. I realized just how foolish I was." Then he stiffened and his voice hardened, "But then again maybe I was a fool to fall for you to begin with. How could you really love someone like me?"

She was stung by his words, "Valin, it was you who told me all the reasons why it won't work, remember? I was willing to try but then I realized that you were right. But I do love you, Valin. I don't care that you're older than me or anything else, but I know how important your family is to you and your family would never accept me, especially Terrik."

"But why? What happened between you and Terrik? I noticed what passed between you two back there."

Anakah swallowed, this was it. This would end it. Very quietly she said, "I tried to seduce him a few months ago."

Valin looked at her, stunned he asked, "You slept with my son? How could you do that? He's been with Meri since they were kids."

"No, nothing happened between us." Anakah couldn't meet his painful gaze any longer; she couldn't watch the love in those enthralling silver eyes turn to hate. So, she turned away as the tears began anew. "I wanted to hurt my sister. I wanted to prove to her and to myself that no man could be faithful no matter how long they were together or how many pretty declarations and love sonnets they may profess." She turned and looked at him again, "All that I proved was that I'm a fool and that I ultimately will never have those words spoken to me by the only man I love more than life itself."

She didn't wait for his response, she ran from the courtyard and didn't stop until she was back at the quarters she and Marko had been assigned, with her heart shattered and with the realization she had doomed herself to a loveless marriage.

"Anakah," Valin started to run after her but was stopped when Marko appeared before him.

"I should have known," the younger man said as he stepped forward. "I'm glad that I really don't feel anything but friendship for her or I might have been jealous to overhear such grand declarations."

"Marko," Valin bristled not at all ready for this confrontation.

Marko smirked, "Although, Master Horn, I would never had guessed you would have fallen under her spell. But then you aren't and won't be the last, I'm sure. Maybe that's one reason I myself will never be fool enough to fall for her. I know she would only cause me pain, but she is quite addicting. Isn't she?"

"Marko, I don't know what to say." Valin really was unprepared for this. "But I will say this. I love her and I won't let her make the biggest mistake in her life by marrying someone who doesn't love her."

Marko grinned and said, "You're welcome to try, Valin. But I know Anakah better than anyone. She may not be faithful to me. In fact, I wouldn't even be surprised if my future wife doesn't end up in your bed a few times, but she will be my wife. That's one thing almost everyone over looks about her, Anakah never backs out of her promises, she's loyal. And she's promised to be my wife and mother to my children."

Valin watched him move toward the direction Anakah had left from, but his words stopped the younger man, a boy who had been his holdson, "I won't let you do this to her, Marko. I know what she thinks, but my feelings haven't changed for her. I love her and I will fight for her."

Marko turned and raised a brow, with a smug grin he quipped, "Then may the best man win."

"Well, today was eventful," Jaina sighed as she crawled into bed beside her husband.

Kyp, who was sitting against the headboard, looked up from the datapad he was reading. "Yes, it was." Then he laid it to the side and accepted Jaina as she snuggled up next to him, putting his arms around her he said, "I'm happy for Meri. Terrik is a good man, even if he is a Horn."

Jaina looked up into his smirking face and grinned, "I'm sure Corran is saying the same thing about Meri that she's a good woman except she's a Durron."

Kyp squeezed his wife and chuckled, "You are probably right." Then he became more serious.

Jaina who noticed his sudden change in mood, pulled away enough to meet his eyes, "Kyp, what is it?"

Kyp swallowed and said, "I'm worried about Anakah."

"What about her?" Jaina moved so that she was sitting facing him. "I will admit I'm not crazy about her and Marko, but I'm happy that she's decided to settle down. She has quite the reputation which has nothing to do with her skills as a Jedi."

Kyp crossed his arms over his chest and said, "I too wish she would settle down, but I don't think Marko is the one she should be settling down with."

"What do you mean?"

He sighed, "I know she doesn't love him. I'm closer to her than probably even Zeth is any more. I sensed a lot of turmoil in her tonight. I get the feeling she is in love with someone but it isn't he man she is engaged to."

"Maybe you should talk to her, Kyp. She won't ever listen to me. But I would do almost anything to prevent that wedding from happening. I was glad when they said they didn't have a date in mind."

Kyp nodded, "Yeah, I'm glad for that too. When they announced that they were engaged I dreaded that Anakah would want to get married tonight too. She's impulsive enough to do that, if for any other reason then to take some of the lime light from Meri. I don't understand why she is so jealous of Meri but I think I have a pretty good idea."

"You're right, but what's your idea?"

"I think it has to do with Terrik."

"What?" Jaina stared at him wide-eyed.

"I think Anakah is in love with Terrik."

"Oh, Kyp, I really hope you are wrong," Kyp felt Jaina's dread as clearly as his own.

--------------------------------

The song the twins sang is
When You Say Nothing At All by Alison Krauss
But I changed this verse:
Old Mister Webster could never define
to Masters of old could never define

----------------------------------

All reviews are welcome...

Thanks for reading...