Earth Date: 2030-08-13

Tim woke up with a start, thanks to a kiss from Ahsoka.

"You seem in a better mood this morning, especially after you looked troubled last night," Tim replied, caressing Ahsoka's rear lek.

"I asked Akuno about our parents. But since he was so young when they died, he couldn't tell me anything else about them. I still wish I knew more, but I want to move past that and enjoy today," Ahsoka replied.

"Let's hope today is better, then. Let's get dressed and go eat."

In the other room, Sarah and Emilina woke up. Molly, however, was already awake and dressed.

"Why are you up already?" Sarah asked.

"I decided to go clean up," Molly replied.

Sarah's eyes widened.

"You actually bathed in the river?" Sarah whispered.

"Of course? Haven't you?"

Sarah's lekku stripes darkened as she said, "I have, I just wait until it's late enough that nobody else is around."

"There's nobody else around first thing in the morning, so that helps. Otherwise, I think I'd feel weird about it like you."

"It's still embarrassing. I don't want anyone to see me that way."

"Eh, I don't think it's that big a deal here, especially with what Shalene told me when she gave me that top to wear. I wouldn't do it at home, though. My mom would definitely freak out. And, I wouldn't want my friends to find out."

Sarah laughed, answering, "You're right about that."

"Sawa, I hungry," Emilina said.

"Alright, little sis. Let's get dressed and go eat then."

A short time later, as every sat down, Emilina grew excited.

"Unca Kuno!" she called out.

"That's right, Emilina. I'm here," Akuno replied as he sat down across from her.

Later that morning, Molly looked around at the artisans bartering their goods.

I wish I had something of value I could offer. Some of that jewelry is so cool I'd love to bring something home and show mom, she thought.

Molly stopped to look at a table full of rings, necklaces and bracelets. As she looked, the woman on the other side of the table asked her, "Do you see something you like?"

"This necklace is very nice. My mom would like it, I think. And I think my best friend would like this bracelet. I wish I could get them, but I don't think I have anything of value I could offer you," Molly replied.

"That's too bad. Both would make good gifts."

Molly stuck her hand in her pocket, unexpectedly finding change there. She pulled it out and saw she had two quarters, two dimes, and three pennies.

The artisan looked curiously at the round metal pieces, saying, "Did you make those?"

"Oh, no. Where I live, we use it as money."

"Oh, I see." Looking at the pennies, the artisan added, "I've never seen anything that color before. I'd love to have those to see what I could make from it."

"There's only three of them, you probably couldn't make much."

"Maybe not, but I could combine it with something else. I tell you what, if you give me all your metal pieces, you can have your choice of one item here."

"Really, that's a fair trade?"

"I think so, or I wouldn't have suggested it. What would you like?"

I really want to get something for mom, but Sarah turns 16 in a month. She deserves a nice present. Sorry, mom, you'll have to wait until next time, if I ever come back, Molly thought.

"How about that silver bracelet?" she asked.

"Very well. You've made an excellent choice," the artisan replied.

As Molly received the bracelet, she gave her coins the woman and said, "Thanks!"

"And thank you."

As Molly walked away, she thought, I hope Sarah likes it when I give it to her next month. I still can't believe I was able to get it for her.

Elsewhere, Sarah sat in on a Togruti lesson. Today, younger students partnered with older ones to help the former improve their speaking skills. Sarah felt pleased to be paired with her sister as the instructors asked the older students to review basic words and questions with their younger counterparts.

«What's your name?» Sarah asked.

«Emi!» Emilina replied, using her sister's nickname for her.

Sarah smiled, saying, «Good job, little sis.»

«I'm little one.»

«Yes, you are. How old are you?»

Emilina looked at Sarah and held up two fingers.

«Do you know how to say 'two' yet?»

Emilina looked at Sarah for a minute before she shook her head no.

«Two years,» Sarah told her. "Can you say that?"

«Two years,» Emilina repeated.

"That's it. You're learning fast."

Emilina smiled and Sarah noticed her blue-gray lekku stripes seemed slightly brighter.

If this keeps up, she'll know more than I do soon. I just wish we could practice more at home, Sarah thought.

"Yeah, it's so cool, father. Emi is speaking the language pretty good for her age,"

"Actually, they say if a child can learn a language by three years old, there's a better chance of it being spoken fluently with little to no accent," Tim replied.

"I just wish we could keep speaking it at home so she doesn't forget it."

"Maybe when you're at home on weekends, you can say stuff to her now and then. That way both of you can remember what you've learned."

"That's a good idea. Maybe mom can join us, too," Sarah answered.

"And even though I don't have head-tails, I've tried to learn a few words and phrases, too."

Sarah nodded.

That afternoon, despite the humidity, both the Tano and Ti warriors separately performed one last rehearsal for their individual exhibitions later that night.

"Great job, everyone," Zinubra told his group. "Take some water and relax. You've earned the break."

Sarah wiped perspiration off her forehead and grabbed a portion of water.

"Very difficult for you?" Shalene asked.

"It doesn't get this warm here back home. I'm still not used to it," Sarah admitted.

"Oh, it doesn't bother me that much. But I've lived her all my life, and you haven't."

"Yeah. I bet if it was the other way around, and you were visiting us, you might think it was a bit cold."

"You're probably right."

"Shalene, it's good to see you again," a voice from behind them called out.

Shalene turned to see Zaala, the granddaughter of a Ti elder and a warrior for her tribe.

"Zaala, it's good to see you again as well," Shalene replied.

"Indeed. I look forward to your presentation. Are your parents well?"

Shalene nodded as she answered, "They're busy as always, but they're fine."

"Who's your colleague? I haven't seen her before until the other day."

"This is my cousin, Sarah. This is her first Ullumbana and she was selected for the exhibition."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sarah. You're a bit young for a warrior."

"She completed her rite of passage at 12, Zaala."

Zaala looked on in surprise. "Is that true?"

"Yeah. My mom did it at the same age," Sarah replied.

"And yet this is your first festival?"

"We live elsewhere, but we chose to visit our tribe during the festival."

"Very good. I look forward to seeing you perform tonight. And maybe we'll see more of you as well."

"Same here."

After the evening meal and time to change into clothes more appropriate for the festival and cooler weather, Akuno and his family joined Tim's family and Molly—except for Sarah who prepared for the exhibition.

Akuno looked over to see Ahsoka wearing a knee-length dress that nearly concealed the leggings she wore underneath her boots.

"You definitely dressed for the occasion, but are the boots really necessary?" he asked his sister.

Ahsoka wrinkled her nose as she replied, "I've never been into the whole 'Togruta go barefoot' thing. The only time was when I was expecting Sarah and Emilina and they were too uncomfortable."

"I guess your living most of your life off-world is a good enough reason. Still, I'm impressed you'd name your daughter after someone in our people's lore."

"Actually, it was Sarah's idea," Ahsoka said.

Akuno looked on in surprise.

"What made her choose that?"

"She heard the legend during our first trip here. Apparently she liked the name so much she was quick to suggest it when Emilina arrived a little sooner than we planned."

"I'm quite impressed."

"You should tell her that. Ever since that trip, she's taken much interest in her heritage. If you get a chance, see for yourself."

"I will," Akuno promised. "For now, I look forward to seeing her in this exhibition."

The group arrived at the central meeting area. Once again, the lanterns lit a path and directed everyone to the tables.

As both Tano and Ti assembled for the night's activity, Sarah looked around and noticed that nobody sat on the pillows that rested on the ground in what appeared be the front row.

Are those for the elders or important people? Sarah thought.

With most—if not everyone—assembled, Da'Meon and Iria stood together.

"Tonight, as a testimonial to our long-standing rapport, select warriors chosen by our hunt masters will perform their individual exhibitions tonight," Da'Meon stated.

"As chieftess of your guests, it pleases me to see my people show symbolic acceptance of your hospitality. May it continue until time ceases," Iria replied.

As the Tano warriors took to the makeshift stage, Emilina pointed forward.

"Sawa!" she called out from her father's lap.

"That's right, that's your sister. But it's time to be quiet and watch her," Tim whispered into her right lek.

Although the darkness partially concealed them, a number of musicians started to play drums and rhythm sticks.

The Tano warriors danced what looked a pantomime of warriors in the scrub lands. It appeared half were on the lookout as sentinels while the other half pantomimed the act of stalking invisible prey. Without warning, some warriors—including Sarah—acted if they were going to throw their spears. Next, everyone looked as if they had made a kill and sized up imaginary akuls.

Suddenly, an older warrior beckoned to the others and pointed. He then motioned to the opposite side of the stage with a "come here" gesture.

The Ti warriors acted as if they, too, sized the imaginary kill. They then danced with their spears in what looked like a congratulatory act.

As the music's tempo sped up, the Tano acted as if they invited the Ti to join them. The Ti responded by acting as if they remained uncertain about accepting the invitation. However, one of the older Tano warriors walked over to the Ti and extended a hand in friendship. Satisfied that the offer was sincere, the oldest Ti warrior in the group took the mans hand, shook it, and embraced it. The two groups then left the stage as friends, both as part of the ceremony and in reality.

The music grew to a crescendo even after the warriors left the stage before ending with a loud bang. At that point everyone cheered and shook hands with those around them. Emilina, despite a yawn, seemed happy when a couple of individuals took time to shake her hand as well as her fathers.

Similar to the night before, the ceremony ended with softer music as everyone slowly left the central area in silence.

Back at the guest hut, Akuno had his daughters bring the same items from the night before as they prepared for the night's solemn Ullumbana ceremony.

"Sarah, how about you and Molly helping Azi and Shiri set up?" Akuno asked.

"OK," Sarah replied.

"Akuno, I have a question, what is the stuff we're leaving out for the... ghosts? I know the meat is thimiar, but what about the rest?"

"A good question. I'm surprised nobody asked last night. Perhaps I should have told you, though. This is an alcoholic ale that is popular in the tribes. The spirits have more than earned the privilege of enjoying it should they desire. Sarah and Azi are leaving small cakes made of red beans and milled seeds of turu-grass. And, you're right that Shiri and you are leaving small portions of thimiar meat for any guests that may grace us with their presence. However, to avoid waste, I tend to make the portions small," Akuno told Molly.

"Thimi?" Emilina asked as she toddled over to her uncle.

Akuno picked Emilina up and held her.

"That's right, it's thimiar. You're learning so much, little one," he replied.

With the food set out again for the night, everyone reentered the guest hut. There, Akuno said, "Sarah, before we start, I want to say you did a good job with your exhibition."

"Thanks," Sarah answered. "It was hard, but it was fun, too. Everyone did a good job."

"I liked it, too," Molly said.

"I... I wish I could be a warrior like you someday. I think you're far braver than I, though," Azi told Sarah.

"It wasn't easy, and I was nervous a bit. But, I still did it. Maybe you can, too, some day. It hasn't always been fun, but I've enjoyed most of my time here," Sarah replied.

"You're so different, but it's cool," Shiri said softly.

Sarah nodded and thought, Are they ashamed that they're not warriors or something? They shouldn't feel that way.

"You can talk more later, if we have a chance," Akuno interjected. "Now, it's time to start our ceremony."

After everyone quieted down and looked at Akuno, he started to speak again.

"Today, our theme is the present. It's important to remember the spirits of warriors past, but we must also remember to conduct ourselves honorably in the present. That way, we will be judged worthy of the great afterlife. It wont be long before the present becomes the past, and we must live accordingly if we wish to be remembered as favorably as those we remember now."

Kaama once again lit candles before Akuno continued speaking.

"Spirits of warriors past, bless us and guide us so that we may join you when we pass from this world. There's only one item to repeat tonight, but it a little longer. If you have trouble remembering, I'll help you."

After a pause, Akuno said, "May we remember the examples of those before us, so we may do the same and earn our own reward of the great afterlife."

To Akuno's surprise, everyone except for Emilina repeated the line perfectly. Emilina, however, slowly fell asleep as she nestled against her father's chest.

"As we extinguish the candles tonight, remember that each day ends, but a new day always comes after it. The key is to live each day as it's our last so to be held in high regard by our peers."

Once the candles were extinguished, Tim whispered to Sarah, "Will you take your sister to bed?"

Sarah nodded, but Molly stood up and said, "I'll take her."

"We can go together, since we share the same room," Sarah replied.

Once Molly and Sarah took Emilina, Tim asked Akuno, "May we speak outside?"

"Of course. Shiri, Azi, wait here with your mother," Akuno replied.

Outside, Tim discreetly asked Akuno, "I need to ask you something? Is a Togruta mating ceremony very long?"

"It doesn't have to be unless it's very ornate, in the case of a leader taking a mate. Why do you ask?"

"On Earth, some people choose to renew their vows after so long. I was thinking that while we were here, I could surprise Ahsoka by renewing our vows here, so that you and your family could be part of it."

"I'm not sure anyone has done that before. It's not necessary anyways. I'm more than convinced you're a good mate for my sister."

"Still, you've gone above and beyond to teach us about the Ullumbana festival. I'd like to return the favor and show you I respect your customs as well."

"Well, I imagine a ceremony would be brief. You could simply declare your intentions to stay mated are treat each other with honor. You'll need to talk to the chief to see if he has any specific requirements. However, if he is our cousin, I foresee no issues. Wait, there is one thing."

"What's that?" Tim asked.

"Traditionally, a male needs an advocate from the female's family—someone who testifies to his character and declares him a suitable mate. Usually, it's the father, but our father is not here."

"In that case, I ask you to be my advocate."

Akuno smiled, answering, "I accept. When do you have this planned?"

"Well, I want to surprise Ahsoka with the news, but I'd like to do it the day after tomorrow, once the festival ends. I don't want to take away from the spiritual aspects it offers your people."

"I understand, even if some do choose to be mated during this time. Plus, my family will need to leave, but we can wait until after the ceremony."

"That sounds good. Thanks, Akuno."

"How long have you been her mate?"

"In two months it will be 17 years."

"Ahsoka must truly love you to have been your mate that long. Small wonder you wish to reaffirm your bond with her."

Tim nodded, replying, "We've had our ups and downs, like anyone, but it's been a good 17 years for both us, by and large. If there's anything else you think about that I need to know, tell me tomorrow."

"I will do that."

Meanwhile, Ahsoka spoke with Kaama as Sarah and Molly talked to the girls.

"So, what have you though about the ceremony so far?"

After silent reflection, Kaama finally answered, "I'm used to it in our language, but I understand you're not fluent. It's just so different from our own. We don't celebrate with another tribe, so we only celebrate among ourselves. It's always the same each year."

"Oh, I see. I imagine being so big on tradition, one year is nearly identical to another."

Kaama nodded. "Also, I'm surprised to see you and your daughter as warriors. That's rare in our tribe."

"Women can't be warriors?" Ahsoka asked, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"It's not that. They may not be encouraged, but they aren't discouraged either. Still, few ever pursue it. I was surprised to hear Azielle talking about it, but I guess seeing Sarah's headdress has brought it to her mind."

"Well, I hope she considers it someday if that's what she really wants."

As Kaama nodded, Akuno and Tim reentered the hut.

"OK, we must retire for the night, say good-bye. Azi, Shiri, it's time to go!" Akuno stated.

After Akuno's family exchanged goodbyes with the others, they left for their own hut.

With Sarah and Molly still in their room, Tim took Ahsoka's hand and let his fingers entwine with hers.

If all goes as hoped tomorrow, I'll have a surprise for you Thursday*.

"Oh? What's that?"

"I want to wait to tell you. I'll tell you tomorrow if I can make the necessary arrangements, but I think you'll like it."

"Not even one small hint?" Ahsoka asked with a teasing smile and she and her husband slowly walked into their own room.

Tim kissed one of Ahsoka's cheek markings and replied, "Something related to your mood this trip."

"Now, I'm very curious," Ahsoka admitted.

Chapter Endnotes:

* Although the GFFA has its own calendar and days, it would make sense for our main characters to tell time with their own familiar, Earth-based, system.