Earth Date: 2030-08-15

As the morning slowly ended, Tim and Akuno prepared for the coming activities in the latter's hut.

"Is there anything important or required when it comes to vows?" Tim asked.

"I'm not sure there are requirements, exactly. Still, you should probably say something about honoring her and her family now being part of your family at the very least."

"OK, I'll be sure to do that?"

"Do you know what you plan to say?"

"I was actually going to wait until the ceremony and say what's on my mind. I didn't want to say anything rehearsed and make it sound insincere in any way."

"I hope you're a good public speaker," Akuno said with a chuckle.

"We'll soon find out, won't we?" Tim deadpanned

"This is your best outfit?"

"Well, I hadn't planned this, you understand, but it is the nicest outfit I packed."

Akuno looked at Tim's outfit, a light tan top and darker tan dress pants, as he replied, "Well, you understand most dress more formally, but this will do. If I had known about this, I would have brought one of my nicer vests for you."

"I appreciate the thought, nevertheless."

"And I appreciate you showing respect for our ways. It's given me a lot to think about these past few days."

Meanwhile, Cayanna and Kaama helped Ahsoka prepare at the guest hut.

"You look very lovely, Ahsoka," Cayanna said.

"Thanks. Do you really think this is fancy enough?" Ahsoka asked.

"I think so," Kaama replied softly.

Ahsoka looked down at her ankle-length light blue dress and said, "I do look nice, but it feels weird not to be wearing leggings." After a shudder, she added, "And at the risk of sounding scandalous, I hate being barefoot."

Kaama silently nodded while Cayanna laughed.

"It's OK, I have something that should fit," Cayanna said.

Ahsoka looked at the shoes her cousin's wife handed her. They appeared to be similar to a pair of wedge sandals she wore on occasion back home.

Thank goodness they don't have those long ties like the women on Kiros wore. Those might be worse than the heels I wore for my first wedding, Ahsoka thought.

"These aren't too bad. Maybe. They're a littler looser than I expected, but they're definitely comfortable," Ahsoka said.

"Coming from you, that's high praise," Cayanna replied. She then gestured for Kaama to get one last item.

Kaama picked up a jeweled necklace and fastened it around Ahsoka's neck. Ahsoka look down to see it resembled a pearl, though she didn't know if pearls existed on Shili. Nevertheless, the necklace impressed her.

"This looks very elegant," Ahsoka said.

"My mother gave it to me when I became Da'Meon's mate. I hope someday I can let Shalene wear it when someone takes her as a mate," Cayanna replied.

Ahsoka took a deep breath and said, "I guess this is it."

"You can't be nervous? You've already done this."

"Yes, just not on Shili. I don't know what to expect."

"You'll be fine. I was nervous, but becoming your brother's mate was the best thing for me. I hope you'll feel that way today," Kaama assured Ahsoka.

"Thanks," Ahsoka replied.

Akuno and Tim slowly walked towards the central meeting area. A few of the musicians that played music during the Ullumbana festival once again played soft music."

"I hope she hasn't stood me up, or gotten cold feet," Tim told Akuno.

Akuno, not understanding the idioms, simply replied, "She'll be here soon, I'm sure."

A moment later, Cayanna and Kaama escorted Ahsoka to the central area. As Ahsoka stood next to Tim, the others stood to her left as Akuno stood to Tim's right.

She looks fabulous, Tim thought.

He's always been practical. I guess that's one of the reasons we've gotten along over the years. Even now, he looks impressive in such a simple outfit, Ahsoka thought.

Now, members of the tribe that completed their morning task noticed the gathering and took seats, curious to see what was about to happen. Sarah and Molly brought Emilina with them and sat at a table directly in front of what would be the ceremony.

Da'Meon took his spot in front of the ceremony's participants. In addition to his akul-tooth headdress and ceremonial medallion he wore as the tribe's chief, he wore a vest made from akul leather specifically intended for formal occasions. As he gestured, those assembled stopped talking among themselves.

"Today is a great day for our tribe. This man and woman have come together to reaffirm their commitment as mates. Granted, this is something unfamiliar to us. At the same time, though, it pleases me to see mates willing to renew their pledge for us to witness," Da'Meon announced. Turning towards Akuno, he asked, "Are you the advocate?"

"I am," Akuno answered. "I assure you that my family judges this man worthy of taking my sister as his mate."

"I accept your testimony as advocate. As this ceremony differs from the usual mating ceremony, our couple has chosen to make their own statements to each other."

Da'Meon then gestured towards Tim to let him know he spoke next.

Tim took a breath. Here goes nothing, he thought. He turned to Ahsoka and said,

"Unusual events brought us together. When you first revealed your potential interest in me, I was definitely surprised. However, as we got to know each other, I came to enjoy your caring, compassionate nature. I think it helped bring out more of the same from me, which says a lot after my own negative experiences I had leading up to that point.

"Even though my own parents couldn't accept us becoming a couple, we did so anyways because our love for each other was important. In time, they eventually accepted us and the two wonderful daughters we have together now."

Sarah smiled and gently hugged Emilina upon hearing her father's words.

"I know back home, renewing wedding vows is generally reserved for special anniversaries. It may not be our anniversary yet, but spending time on your home planet—with your family tribe—has been a special experience. I want them to know I'm not ashamed to say 'I love you' for them to witness and see for themselves. We've had our ups and downs together, but we've always been there for each other in times of need. I hope that stays true for years to come. I will continue to respect you and show you and our family the honor you deserve."

Ahsoka cracked a small smile and blinked her eyes.

"That was so sweet—and unexpected," she replied. "It's no secret when we first met my life was an uncertain mess. I had no idea what would happen to me. From the moment we first met, you did everything in your power to assure me everything would be alright. Sure, I had my rough moments, and you couldn't force others to accept me as much as you did, but you remained supportive from the start. How could I not appreciate that?

"I still don't know what prompted me to tell you what I really thought about you. I don't know which of us was more shocked. Truth be told, if it wasn't for you, I'd have never felt comfortable in my new home. Knowing you stood up for me and assured me you'd still marry me helped more than you know.

Life hasn't always been easy, and being a mother when I never expected to be one has proven to be one of my biggest challenges, but also very rewarding. Knowing you still try to do what you can for me has helped us get through all these years, and I look forward to staying by your side—till death do us part."

The words he heard impressed Da'Meon. "Do you pledge to continue to be each others mates for life?" he asked Tim and Ahsoka.

"Yes, I do," Tim replied.

Ahsoka smiled as her husband, answering, "I do."

"My people, let's congratulate our couple for pledging themselves in our presence," Da'Meon stated.

As Tim and Ahsoka shared a small kiss, everyone else applauded, but Da'Meon quickly gestured for them to stop.

"Before we start to celebrate too much, there is someone else we must welcome. Over two years ago, our couple welcomed a new daughter. Unfortunately, circumstances dictated they leave the tribe immediately, meaning we couldn't formally welcome the youngling to the tribe. Sarah, bring your sister to me."

Sarah stood up and took Emilina's hand. As the pair reached Da'Meon, he picked Emilina up and held her against him. Emilina instinctively held him around the neck.

Turning to make eye contact with Emilina, Da'Meon said, "Emilina, as the daughter of a Tano, you are officially welcomed and recognized as being of the Tano. May you come to appreciate and embrace your unique heritage and take pride in it."

"I was never recognized either. Am I welcomed, too?" Sarah asked.

Da'Meon chuckled, not expecting Sarah's question. "Yes, Sarah, you are welcome. I don't think I need to ask you to embrace and appreciate your heritage; you've already shown that in the time you've spent with us."

Once again, everyone applauded.

"Actually, I'd like to play a song to celebrate our time together... if it's appropriate," Tim said.

"Of course," Da'Meon said.

Tim pulled his datapad out of his pocket and activated it. After activating his music module, he played a song. Although it was a bit too up-tempo for dancing, he sang the chorus to Ahsoka. Soon, the others joined in, clapping in rhythm.

Once the song ended, Tim whispered, "I love you, my little fireball."

Ahsoka stifled a small grin and kissed his cheek.

"It is time for our midday meal, but I invite you to congratulate this family and wish them well today," Da'Meon said.

During the midday meal, a number of tribe members, especially couples, congratulated Tim and Ahsoka.

"And welcome to the tribe, Emilina," a woman told the girl. "I hope you live up to your great name some day."

"What do you say, little sis?" Sarah asked.

"Kotisi", Emilina replied—thanking the woman in Togruti.

«You're most welcome.»

Molly came back and sat down with a small amount of indigenous berries, a dessert enjoyed by tribal Togruta.

"Someone just asked me if I was your sister," Molly told Sarah.

After laughing, Sarah replied, "Well, I suppose seeing you and father together so much might lead them to believe you're his daughter."

"You could be Sarah's sister," Tim said, "If you were twins born three months apart."

"That's silly!" Molly replied.

"Well, for what it's worth, being my best friend is almost the same as being a sister," Sarah said.

Molly bowed her head, slightly awed by the comment.

"I never knew you felt that way."

"We've known each other since starting school together. You're one of only a few that's been nice to me that long. I'll always appreciate that."

"Thanks, Sarah."

With the meal over, Ahsoka changed into one of her more familiar and comfortable outfits and returned the borrowed items to Cayanna. As she returned to the guest hut, Akuno's family entered their hut to pack their things to return to their own tribe. Akuno stood outside to talk to Tim and Ahsoka.

"Congratulations, once again," Akuno said. "Even if you were already mated, it was good to see you pledge yourselves here."

"Thanks," Ahsoka replied. "After our first meeting, I'm glad you accept us after questioning my honor."

"Well, let's just say my older sister has opened my eyes to a number of things—and the rest of you as well."

"If we ever come back, will we see you again?"

"Actually, there's a very good chance of that."

"Oh? How so?"

"As you know, our grandparents' tribe is very strict with tradition. In my visit here, I've seen our people embrace tradition without being overly rigid, especially with how they observe Ullumbana with the Ti—and possibly another tribe now. It's obvious my daughters enjoyed this far more than any other festival we've celebrated.

"Since then, it's made me realize that back home, my daughters will not have such opportunities in the future. Our tribe's traditions are such that all they could hope for is to be teachers or mates for someone—with little else. Here, women are readily accepted as warriors and have more choice in how they serve the tribe. Even the Ti have a female leader. My daughters deserve those opportunities. So, I've decided that when we go back, we will gather our belongings and permanently relocate with the Tano."

"Akuno, that great news!" Ahsoka replied. "But, what if anyone heard the rumors about me and asks you about them?"

"I can always tell them I didn't find what I was looking for—true in a way as I didn't expect to see you, your family, and your guest. I'll also tell them that the time has come for me to once again embrace my family heritage and teach my daughters about their family by returning to live with my family tribe as I should have once I came of age."

"I've noticed Kaama tends to be a bit quiet, do you think she will adjust?" Tim asked.

"In our tribe, women are generally subservient to their mates. I imagine it may take time for her to adapt to the Tano ways and learn to be more open, but she has skills that should suit the Tano well. Speaking of which, she has something for you." Popping his head into the hut, he said, «Kaama, give them their presents.»

Kaama joined the trio and handed Tim and Ahsoka necklaces. Ahsoka's necklace had a grayish-white stone with smaller blue stones on either side. Tim's necklace had a green stone with smaller white ones on either side.

"I made these to welcome you to our family," Kaama said.

"Thanks," Ahsoka said. "I'll be sure to wear this on special occasions and think of you when I do."

"Thank you. I appreciate this, and if I ever have the chance to return your kindness, I'll do so," Tim replied.

"Well, we better get going, we have much to do," Akuno said. Hugging Ahsoka, he added, "It pleases me beyond words to see you. May we meet again when it's appropriate."

Ahsoka felt her front lekku briefly entwine with her brothers, a sign of friendly affection between Togruta. "I never knew I had a brother, but I'm glad you found me, and that you finally accepted me—and us."

"Akuno, it's good to see you. If our paths never cross again, thanks for your help today and for what you taught us. You're a true man of honor," Tim said.

Shaking Tim's hand, Akuno replied. "I may have misjudged you at first, but I can say the same about you. Be a good man for your family and your student. I'm sure you will set worthy examples for them to follow."

Sarah, hearing the conversation from inside, came outside with Emilina. Molly followed close behind.

"Sarah, I know we didn't start off on the best of terms, but you've more than proven that you take sincere interest in your heritage. Keep embracing it, and teach what you can to your sister," Akuno told her.

"Good bye, Uncle Akuno. Even though what you said hurt at first, you at least were open to accepting us—more than what I can say about some people back home who reacted as you first did when they see me. I'm glad you convinced me to stay and helped us learn about the festival," Sarah said. She then hugged her uncle close.

"And, you—young Emilina—I hope I see you again when you're older so I can teach you more like I taught everyone else."

"Say good bye to Uncle Akuno, Emi," Sarah said.

"Bye Unca Kuno," Emilina replied.

That night, Tim prepared to laid down in bed next to Ahsoka.

"Can I borrow your datapad for a minute?" Ahsoka asked.

Tim looked at Ahsoka curiously, asking, "What do you need mine for?"

"You'll see."

Tim handed Ahsoka his datapad and joined her in bed. Ahsoka activated it and looked for another song.

"I thought for sure you'd play this," she said before playing her song of choice.

"I'm not sure if they dance here. And, I remember you hate the feeling of being dipped from when I did that to you at our wedding."

"Only because it feels weird in my montrals."

After the song ended, Ahsoka deactivated the datapad and placed on the adjoining nightstand.

Snuggling closer to Tim, she kissed him and whispered, "Good night, and thanks for today. It was a good surprise, what you did."

Tim kissed Ahsoka's lips and a cheek marking. As he caressed her rear lek, he whispered back, "I love you."

The next afternoon, Sarah and Molly returned from the scrub lands after a run intended as a makeshift cross country practice.

"What was our time?" Molly asked.

"Twenty-one minutes and 17.86 seconds," Sarah replied.

"That's good, even though we don't know how close we came to five k."

"Let's hope we get a couple of more runners and have some good times this year."

"Yeah, I think we'll be OK. It's not like we have to worry about being cut."

"The other day, Azi and Shiri asked about our runs. The idea of running for sport intrigued them. They also liked how we looked."

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting them to compliment our running outfits."

"Well, girls do dress a bit differently here, Molly, probably because of the heat. I imagine we look more like them in just bra tops and shorts."

"I guess you're right. It was hard when they asked us about home, too."

"I know. I wish we didn't have to keep what we back home a secret. I hope someday we can tell them about it and not worry about it putting us in danger."

"Me, too. Maybe when that happens, I can come back with you again."

With the evening meal complete, Sarah sought out her cousins Amarti and Shalene.

"I'm sorry we didn't get to talk much this time. I hoped we'd get to do more," Sarah said.

"It's OK, Sarah. Besides, we got to be in the exhibition together. That was fun," Shalene replied.

"True, but after being so close four years ago, we've hardly seen each other since."

"We'll spend more time together soon. That reminds me, I need to go talk to my parents, I'll be back."

As Shalene left, Amarti said, "It's OK, Sarah. I know you're older and have more responsibility."

"Maybe, but you're still my cousin, too."

"I just hope father lets me study the warrior ways soon. I want to prove myself just like you and my sister."

"Your time will come. I want to learn different things too at home, but I have to be patient, too."

"We'll see. If father wants me to be a chief someday, he'll have to teach me sooner or later."

Tim popped his head into the hut and said, "Sarah, we should get going. We'll be heading home tomorrow."

"We're not leaving Sunday?" Sarah asked in disbelief.

"We'll need Sunday to catch up on what we've missed back home for the past two weeks."

"Oh, OK."

I was hoping to do more tomorrow, maybe even get one last run in. But it will be good to see Master Del again, Sarah thought.

Turning to Amarti, Tim said, "Well, young man, it was nice to meet you. Who knows, maybe we'll meet again."

"It was good to see you, too. For a human, you're pretty cool; so is Sarah's friend," Amarti replied.

Sarah chuckled before saying, "Thanks, I think."

Suddenly, everyone heard a commotion outside. Sarah and Tim stepped out to see what happened.

"It's not fair!" Shalene yelled in an uncharacteristic tone.

"We've had this conversation before. You can't go study at a university. There will be no more discussion."

"But I want to learn to be a teacher, and it's a rare opportunity to attend a university."

"And with the tribe name of Tano, you could endanger yourself—and all of us as well."

Shalene looked down at the ground in disappointment. Noticing Sarah, though, she came up with another idea.

"Let me go spend time with Sarah and her family," she suggested.

"No, that's just as unacceptable," Cayanna stated.

"Father, if I'm supposed to be prepared to be lead our people, I need to know how other people work together."

"Other of our people, perhaps," Da'Meon stated.

"But Sarah has been here three times now. Why can I return the favor and see how she lives?"

"Your father's right. You'll learn more accompanying your father when he visits the Ti—or our new allies," Cayanna stated.

"You leave me no choice," Shalene stated calmly. "I'm invoking my Rite of Discovery. I want to spend a week at the least with Sarah and her family."

Da'Meon and Cayanna looked at each other in shock. The Rite of Discovery was a tradition where a tribal Togruta exercised the option of spending time away from the tribe to experience life in one of Shili's cities—whether it was Corvala, Cover City, or one of the smaller cities that dotted the planet. After a set amount of time, the individual then chose to remain in the city and begin a life apart from the tribe, or return to the tribe and remain committed to it. Seeing Shalene invoke this rite for leaving not only the tribe, but their galaxy, concerned the couple. However, tradition was that parents generally supported the decision provided their child was an adult.

"I can't believe you'd really invoke that just to spend time with Sarah's family," Cayanna said.

"Tim, is this acceptable with you?" Da'Meon asked.

"Well, she did say Sarah has visited here and she wants to return the favor." Tim replied. "Sarah, go get your mother, I want to see how she feels about this."

"OK," Sarah said as she left. Wow, it'd be so cool if she spent time with us. I wonder what she'd do if I'm busy training all week, though.

A short time later, Ahsoka returned.

"Sarah told me what's going on," she said.

"Ahsoka, Shalene feels very strongly about visiting you for a week," Da'Meon said.

"I have no problem with it, but I wanted to know what you thought," Tim said.

"I imagine she wants to see how we live after we've seen how you live here," Ahsoka replied. "I think it might help her. If you want, you can even have her share her experiences with what was similar and what was different."

Shalene smiled, knowing her cousin appeared to support her desire to spend time with them.

"Tell us what we—and she—should know," Da'Meon told Ahsoka.

As Tim and Ahsoka returned, Sarah waited for them in the front room. Molly had taken Emilina to their room to help the latter get ready for bed.

"Well, is she?" Sarah asked.

"Da'Meon and Cayanna are still very nervous about it—and I understand why—but yes, Shalene will be coming back with us. We'll be taking her back next Saturday."

"Yes!" Sarah exclaimed. "But what will she do if I'm not home all week?"

"She wants to spend time with your mother and sister. She also wants to watch a couple of your training sessions, and she's even curious what I do as a leader. I'll also talk to Master Del to let her know you can also show her around when you're not busy training, practicing, or working on your academics."

"Cool."

"Be sure to pack up what you can tonight, and finish tomorrow after breakfast. We'll be leaving right away to make sure we get home at a decent hour."

"Awesome!" Sarah said.

Later, before she and Molly called it a night, Sarah recorded events from the past couple of days in her datapad's journal. After a pause, she continued to write.

[…] but the end result is Shalene is coming back with us and spending a week on Earth.

Sarah happened to notice her datapad blink red in the top corner. The charge level had dropped down to 10% from not being charged in nearly two weeks.

"Crap!" she said, quickly finishing her entry and deactivating her datapad.

"What's wrong?" Molly asked.

"My datapad is almost out of power. I guess I can't write about tomorrow until we get home," Sarah told her.

"Oh. It's kind of cool your cousin will be with us."

"Yeah, I just hope she enjoys her time with us, and people aren't mean to her like they were with me growing up."

"If she stays with the Jedi or your mom, that shouldn't be a problem. Everyone there has seen you and your mom. She won't be too strange there, though people will probably ask who she is."

"You're right. But let's go to bed. Father wants us up early."

"OK. Good night, Sarah."