"Your majesty, the personal freighter vessel you requested has just returned from the construction zone. It's in Docking Bay 3." The shipmaster turned on his heels, bowing.

"Thank you, Lieutenant Odon," she said.

She held Kavar's hand tightly as they walked to the docking bay in silence. The metal doors came undone, and they could hear the hum of the giant engine as it idled. The open sky behind it was bright and blue over the lush jungle greenery below.

Talia still felt unprepared for this moment. No matter how hard she had tried, the blissful months had slipped by as if only a moment.

She and Kavar had spent much of their time together, personally overseeing the construction efforts, regaining the trust of the press, and reorganizing the military. Where only a relative few had known of Kavar before the civil war broke out, all of Iziz had learned of his presence within a week after Vaklu was put on trial. The people had been suspicious at first to hear that a Jedi Master had had the ear of their Queen. But after he had worked diligently for their good, they came to love him, referring to him with adoration as "The Queen's Advisor". Many of her other councilors had been amused at how quickly the public accepted him, in giving him such an absolute and specific title. Talia thought it fitting, considering that he would become much more upon his return. King consort, as a matter of fact. Kavar was eternally bemused by the thought of his imposing future title, much preferring the one conferred by the people.

Now that Vaklu was gone, most of the pieces fell back into place again. It was revealed in the weeks after the battle that Vaklu had tortured and even killed many of the reporters, scholars, and political leaders who had risen against him. Siala's husband was included, and there had been much mourning on her behalf by the Onderonians. These grim stories, coupled with his clear associations with the Sith, convinced most that Vaklu was guilty of treason. The many councilors who had sided with Vaklu in the Council of Lords had frantically sent out statements of apology. He had been convicted and executed, and Onderon remained with the Republic.

Now Iziz was slowly returning to normal again, building by building.

If there ever is a normal, Talia thought with a faint smile. We move from one catastrophe to the next.

"I know that smile," Kavar said into her ear. "You're thinking about something poignantly ironic."

"You know me too well," Talia said, squeezing his hand as she spun around to face him.

She looked suspiciously at the vessel, half-wishing that it would disappear.

"I don't want you to go," she said softly.

"You know I have to," he said, as she reached to embrace him.

"It doesn't mean that I have to like it."

The loading ramp pulled down low to the ground with a screeching sound, and a tall man in uniform emerged from inside.

"Sir, this vessel is ready for departure."

"I'll be there in a moment," Kavar said over his shoulder.

The man gave a strange expression as he eyed the pair, returning to the ship. Talia bet that the rumors would begin the moment he returned from the trip; she and Kavar had not yet officially announced their plans for the future, and the media was sure to have a field day of speculation on their relationship.

"I know I've only said it a million times," Talia began,

"…but you'll say it again anyway," Kavar finished, his blue eyes twinkling.

"Of course I will. You be careful, Master Kavar; or I'll have something to say about it," she said fiercely.

Kavar laughed as he bent down and kissed her roughly on the lips.

"It's too bad you can't come with me. The Sith wouldn't stand a chance in the face of your wrath."

They stood wordlessly for several moments, unwilling to split. The pilot returned again, now frustrated.

"Master Kavar, I believe it's time to go," he said impatiently.

"All right, all right," he said, releasing Talia. Her green eyes looked up at him, wide and sad.

"I'll be back before you know it, Talia," he murmured, cupping her little chin. "Then we'll have all the time in the world, you and I."

"I know," she said, kissing his cheek softly.

And with that, the Jedi walked to the ship, his golden hair gleaming in the sun. A last wave and a soft smile, and he was swallowed up by the vessel.

Talia watched solemnly as it exited the star port, zooming off into the endless sky. It was soon no more than a speck, and then she could see no more.

Hurry back, she thought in silent prayer, her heart clutching with pain. Without warning, she heard his voice echo in her mind, a quiet answer.

There is no death; there is the Force.

Strangely reassured, Talia left the starport, walking thoughtfully under the brilliant sun.

-THE END-

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! :)