What's up, ForceFans?!

Anyone else a big fan of wine? That's right, I'm bringing out the vineyards, varietals, and vintages of the Star Wars universe.

Not to mention Kyra meeting some important people.

Enjoy, and of course, feedback is always welcome.

Chapter Eighteen

Kyra awoke before the sunrise. Her body was sore, her muscles aching, her brain fried. It had been a week since Taris. A week since their failure. Her failure. A week since she had stood meters from him. And he got away. Now they had no leads. No way of finding him. And nothing to follow up on. Trellan Luk was now his prisoner, and with him Salas was now probably creating the most advanced army ever. She clinched her teeth tightly, and squeezed her eyes shut. Her breathing increased, and her body grew hot.

Four months ago, she would have fallen prey to such negative emotions, but now, under Aedan's tutelage, she could channel it. Direct the rising storm within her, and release it in her training. Of course, her Master sensed the fire growing within her, and he made sure their meditations focused on aiming such volatile emotions, on harnessing the intensity of her feelings, and letting them fuel their workouts, their runs, and their lightsaber practice.

It was premium fuel for an already hot furnace. Kyra was proud of how well she had redirected the fire. So, as she felt the turmoil growing within her, she closed her eyes, and breathed deeply. She focused on her breathing, inhaling serenity, holding it there, and pushing the anger into the part of her soul where she could tap into it later.

That's what she had done the past week. Pouring the fury into her training for five straight days, and the results had been profound. Even though Sa'kard had left her in the dust, she knew she could do this. She knew she was capable. And knowing that truth gave her a new resolve.

She was ready.

Time to get up, Padawan. Adventure is waiting. Aedan said through the bond.

Excitement filled her. It was her birthday, and he had previously mentioned that today would be special, but gave no details. What were we going to do today? She thought. I hope it's more flying. I could fly the entire day.

Coming, Master.

Oh, and Kyra…wear your tunic and robes today.

Um, okay.

"What in the galaxies does he have planned?" she whispered out loud.

She put on her tunic and robes, and went about her morning ablutions, and then exited the crew quarters. She was about to exit the ship when she felt Aedan nearby in the cockpit. She moved towards it, and found him sitting there in the navigator's chair, he was deep in thought.

"Master?"

He looked up, and smiled somewhat somberly.

What's going on? she thought.

"Happy Birthday, Kyra," he said, then sighed. "Originally, I had a full day planned out for us. Swoop bikes, piloting the Guile, swimming, hammocks, and a special dinner."

Kyra couldn't help but grin, "That sounds amazing."

He nodded, and then took a deep breath. "I think I have an idea for an even better day, but the choice is totally up to you."

"Okay," she said, drawing out the Y.

"Take a seat in the captain's chair," Aedan gestured in front of him, and she took the few steps over and sat down warily. "Plot a course for…Chandrila."

Kyra abruptly turned to Aedan, her hands rising to cover her mouth.

"You mean…"

"Yes, Kyra, I want to take you to your parents."

She gasped, and her eyes immediately glistened, "But Master, is that…can we…I don't."

He smiled, "There is good and bad that can come of this. I, myself, don't even know how they'll react. And I don't know what the effects will be when we have to leave. This might be a terrible idea, and the repercussions might be detrimental," he looked down, and then gazed out the viewport, like he was searching for something. "But I don't believe that's how it will play out." He looked back down at Kyra, "The choice is yours alone, I just want you to know the consequences."

Her hands still covering her mouth, she began shaking her head, "The council won't approve of this."

"They may never find out, but also, who cares," he said. "You are my Padawan, and I'll train you how I think you should be trained."

Kyra covered her face with her hands, and began to panic, heart rate skyrocketing, and body going warm, not unlike the morning episode she just had. She dropped her hands, and closed her eyes. She took several deep breaths, and with each breath she could feel herself growing more and more calm. The force was with her.

"I want to go. I am aware of the consequences, but I think the potential pros outweigh the cons," she leaned forward in her chair, "That being said, I'm going to get very nervous the closer we get, and I'm going to need your help."

"I am always here for you, Kyra."

"Then let's go."

Aedan smiled, "It won't be a long trip, we should get there by midday or so."

"You know where they live?"

Aedan shrugged, "I may have gathered the information before we left Coruscant. Just in case."

Kyra smiled back. "Let's go."

By the time they entered Chandrila's atmosphere and were making their way to a town a few hundred kilometers outside of Hanna City, the capital, Kyra's heart was pounding. "Easy, Padawan," Aedan said, interrupting her thoughts, "Don't be afraid."

"What if they've forgotten about me? What if they don't want to see me? What if they're angry at me?" Complete consternation flooder her voice on the last question.

Aedan nodded solemnly, "Kyra, I won't lie to you, those are all possibilities." Kyra slumped in her seat. "However, I don't think that will be the case."

"What makes you say that?"

Aedan raised his shoulders up, and sighed, "I don't know, call it…intuition."

"I don't even know their names!" she cried.

"They are Shawna and Tomlin Dawnstar."

"Shawna and Tomlin," she said to herself, testing their names out loud.

They began descending towards an enormous plot of land that had rows upon rows of green bushes and vines. "Master, what is this? It's beautiful."

"Chandrila has the perfect climate for making high quality wine. In fact, next to Alderaan and Coreillia, some of the best wine in the galaxy comes from here. And your parents happen to be very, very good winemakers. This is a winery, Kyra. The Dawnstar Winery."

For what must have been the sixth time in six hours, tears sprung from Kyra's eyes. This was all just too much. Kyra couldn't deny her thoughts went to parents at times, especially lately. She wondered how they were, what they were like. But to hear that they were still alive, still together, and successful. It was almost too much.

They touched down on a large dirt landing pad, some fifty meters from the main homestead. At this point Kyra was nearly hyperventilating. "Breathe, Padawan," Aedan said. "I really believe this will be something special."

"You don't know that," she said, her voice cracking. "What if they hate me?"

"That's impossible," Aedan said. "Just focus on the force, give your fears to the netherworld for the moment. Trust me."

Kyra took a few deep breaths once again, and went through her calming force techniques. It helped, a little. But by the time they were walking down the ramp her fears and anxieties were back in full force. "How is it that I would rather face a horde of Flesh Raiders at the moment?"

"It'll be fine, Kyra."

Just then two individuals walked out of the large, two-story house.

"Oh, frack," Kyra said.

The lead male figure raised his hand in greeting, and Aedan returned the greeting. As he did, a boy and a girl exited the house as well. Kyra gasped at the sight. "No," she whispered.

"It's okay, Kyra. It'll be fine." Aedan said soothingly.

They drew within a few meters of the middle-aged couple. The man was tall and lean and had a friendly demeanor. While the wife, Kyra assumed because they had their arms around each other as they approached, had long blonde hair, piercing blue eyes which seemed to sparkle, and a warm smile.

My parents, Kyra thought.

She was going to lose it. This was all too much.

"Greetings, Master Jedi," the man said with a welcoming grin.

Aedan smiled warmly, "We're that conspicuous, huh?"

"Just a bit," he said, "What brings you—" he started to say, but then his wife grabbed his arm with both hands abruptly, her eyes locking with Kyra's.

Kyra, with shaking hands, took down her hood, revealing her stark similarities to the couple before her.

The woman's hands then went to her mouth. "Kyra?" She whispered.

"It's me, Mom," Kyra said, her voice trembling.

"Oh, my girl!" Shawna rushed forward, and wrapped her arms around Kyra, "Oh, my daughter," she said, crying into her daughter's neck. Tomlin moved forward as well, tears in his eyes, and embraced his long lost daughter.

"Kids!" Shawna yelled, "Prepare the table, and decant the twenty-year Avalor Red, your sister is home."

The kids stared in amazement for a moment, and then rushed forward towards the two Jedi, shouting "Kyra! Kyra!"

This was all too much for Kyra, and she broke down into tears, sobbing into her mother's shoulder. Murmuring thanks, and how much she missed them, and that she was sorry. Shawna just held her tightly, shushing her.

"How?" Tomlin Dawnstar asked, "How is this possible?"

Aedan had been holding it together the whole time. Though the scene before him was just about the most amazing thing he'd ever seen, he was remaining calm and unaffected. This was Kyra's moment. But when he went to answer, and said, "It's her birthday, and I just wanted her to be happy." He lost it as well, and the last few words he was barely able to get out as he choked up, and tears fell upon his face.

Tomlin then grasped Aedan's shoulder, "Thank you, Master Jedi, please come inside, both of you, come inside."

They brought the two Jedi inside the cozy, rustic two-story vineyard house. The two kids were introduced, Micah and Kalista, ages twelve and fourteen respectively, who were in absolute awe of Kyra, and Aedan as well.

The six of them chatted for the next hour straight. Shawna and Tomlin sat near Kyra on the couch, each resting their hands on their daughter, as if they still couldn't believe she was real, as if they wanted to hold her there and not let her go.

"Tell us everything, Kyra, please."

"Where do I ever begin?" she shook her head, "Well this is Aedan Kahl, I'm his Padawan, and he's been instructing me for the past four and a half months or so."

"I thought Padawans got their instructors at the age of twelve." Micah interjected.

Kyra bit her lip, and looked sorrowfully at her parents, "They do. My previous instructor died."

The four Dawnstars gasped in unison. "Aedan, who was my previous master's best friend, has taken over."

"Not that I'm an expert or anything," Mr. Dawnstar spoke up, "But aren't you a little young to be a Master, Aedan."

Aedan smiled, and took the question in stride, "I am. At twenty-three I am young to be a Jedi Knight, much less a Master, however, Kyra and I share something in common in that we've both lost our Master. So, I'm able to understand the pain she's going through."

Kyra spoke up now, "And my lightsaber skills were lacking, and Aedan is one of the best swordsmen in the Order, so it was a good fit for me. And he's really helped me out."

"Can you show us?" Micah yelled.

"Later kids," Shawna said, "I have a special treat ready. Sit tight." And she walked out of the great room and into the kitchen. A minute later she was walking back into the room carrying a try with a large glass bottle container filled with red liquid, and six crystal glasses."

"This is our Vintage Avalor Red, our flagship wine, the best we have to offer, and we are just thrilled to share it with you," she said, as she began filling each of the six glasses.

"Mrs. Dawnstar, I once told Kyra she should be a sommelier because of her impeccable pallet. So it's quite fitting that you two are winemakers," he said. "But also, you should know, I think this will be Kyra's first glass of wine."

Stunned faces stared at Kyra. "What," she said, shrinking in her seat with a smile, "It's not like I can pop open a bottle after lightsaber practice."

"Well, why not?" Tomlin asked, grinning.

The glasses were poured. And everyone had their hand on the glass in front of them. "Ok, before you take a sip, Kalista, would you mind instructing the two newbies on the proper way to taste wine."

Kalista nodded emphatically. "First," she said, raising her glass up to her nose, "You smell the wine, inhale its aroma, then you put the glass back down on the table and swirl it like so," she began moving the glass around in a tight circle, swishing the wine around inside the glass. "This opens up the wine, and lets the oxygen mix in with the liquid," she stopped, and tilter her head realizing something, "But since it's been decanted already, you actually don't need to do that," the last part she said in a fast stream of words. "So, smell it again, and try and decipher the fragrance.

Kyra smelled the wine, and let out a groan, "Oh, this smells lovely."

"What do you smell, Dear?" Shawna asked.

Kyra bit her lip, and then smelled the wine again. "Um, fruit, dark fruit, I guess."

Shawna nodded, and grinned back at her daughter, "Now taste it." she said.

Kyra took a small sip. Her eyes widening. "Oh!" she gasped, and then took another sip, and let out a "mmmhh." She then turned to Aedan and slapped him on the arm. "You've been keeping this from me this whole time? This is incredible."

Smiling brightly, and proudly, "What do you taste now?" Tomlin asked.

Kyra took a bigger gulp this time, "Definitely dark fruit. A bit of caf, maybe. Can that be right? And chocolate." She took another sip and noticed Shawna and Tomlin giving each other knowing grins and nods. "And well, dryness, and…earth."

"And how does it all taste?" Shawna asked.

Kyra sipped once more, "Magnificent."

The two elder Dawnstars laughed heartily, "You are definitely our daughter," Tomlin said. "And you Aedan, what do you think of the wine?"

"Well, I am no stranger to wine, and up until today a bold Coreilian Red has been my favorite. But no more. This," he said, holding up his glass, "is exquisite. And I would love to see the rest of your beautiful vineyard, and see how the wine is made."

"That we can definitely do," Tomlin said, "On one condition."

"And what's that?" Aedan asked.

"You two stay for dinner."

Aedan glanced over at Kyra, who was bobbing her head up and down, "Deal," Aedan said.

The Dawnstars then took them on a tour of the vineyard, showing them the rows and rows of grapes hanging on the vines, taking them inside their storehouse, where there were dozens upon dozens of oak barrels lined up, and then into their tasting room where they opened a few more bottles of different varietals. Kyra had certainly fallen in love.

By the time dinner had started Kyra was a bit inebriated by that love. She was laughing at everything, very tactile, and hugging her parents any chance she could. They did not mind one bit, though, and couldn't help but laugh in response, and hug her tightly back. Often, throughout the afternoon, Kyra caught them all giving Aedan appraising and questioning looks. Kyra wasn't sure if it was because he didn't seem to be like the Jedi they had encountered previously or heard of, or that it was because they could sense something else going on. The same thing that Kyra herself had been sensing.

"Aedan, I have to ask," Tomlin started, "How is it that you can bring Kyra here? We were told long ago that we would never see our daughter again. Don't get me wrong, I am eternally grateful that you brought her here, but isn't that against some code of yours?"

Aedan leaned back in his chair and glanced over at Kyra for a moment. "It is against the code, Tomlin. I am not supposed to bring Kyra here to see her parents. That is forbidden. But I am also not supposed to teach her that it's okay to feel. That experiencing emotions are alright as long as they don't consume you and divert you off the Jedi path. I am also not supposed to care for her and want her to not only be the best Jedi ever, but also the happiest Jedi ever. But I do." He leaned forward and put his elbows on the table. "Mr. and Mrs. Dawnstar, I want you to know that Kyra is the quintessence of what a Jedi should be. She is brave and strong and dedicated, but more importantly, she is always kind, always compassionate, and brings a light to everywhere she goes. It would be a travesty to subdue her vivacity, her energy, and her emotion in any way. Just look at her now," Aedan said, gesturing to Kyra, who once again was smiling and crying at the same time. "She is practically glowing, alight with happiness and love. Preventing that, inhibiting that kind of goodness and positivity and light would be downright wicked."

"So yes, I have done things differently, and frankly, I wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do. But after meeting you two, your two kids, and seeing Kyra with you all, it is abundantly clear that I made the right decision."

The meal was beyond delicious. The best either of them had ever had. And the wine was divine. Kyra was a bit perturbed that she had been missing out on it so much. Oh well, there was plenty of time to make up for that previous deprivation. The day had passed in a blur, but never in all her life had she ever been happier.

"Aedan, as the reigning patriarch of this home, I'm afraid I can't let you fly your spaceship considering your condition," Tomlin said, eyes laughing the entire time. "So, I think you'll have to stay here." The other four Dawnstars' faces lit up with eagerness.

"Well, Mr. Dawnstar, I'm afraid to inform you that my ship has the most advanced auto-pilot available." All the Dawnstar's faces fell. "However, under Peerless Guile rules, whoever flies the ship last remains Captain. Kyra flew us here so the choice is hers. Padawan, what say you?"

Kyra couldn't help but grin broadly, "I say we stay."

Cheers erupted around the table, especially from the two young ones. "Kids," Shawna said, "Get the fire ready. I'll get these dishes cleaned and put away, while Tomlin you get the Graham Stackers ready. Kyra, Aedan, make yourselves at home."

"If you don't mind, Ma'am, I'll help with the dishes," Aedan said.

"Why of course not. Do Jedi have a special ability for cleaning dishes?"

Aedan smiled, "Not for cleaning, but I can do this," he said stretching out both hands. All the dishes on the table began rattling, and then lifted up into the air. Shawna gasped in surprise, which soon turned into exclamations of awe. The kids were still around and stood in stunned silence as the dishes floated past their heads, out of the dining room, and into the kitchen sink.

"Hmm, perhaps I should find a way to keep you two here." Shawna said and walked into kitchen. Aedan followed behind her, while Kyra went out with her younger siblings. My siblings, she thought. They began gathering kindling, placing it in a fancy brick fire pit. Logs were added into the mix, and a debate ensured over the advantages of a teepee setup to a log cabin fire. Kyra glanced up and saw through the kitchen window Aedan and her mother, my mother, talking as they washed dishes.

Aedan scrubbed at the dish in his hands, happy to be doing menial tasks. Menial tasks were not part of Jedi's life, and it made him feel normal. "You care for my daughter," Shawna said, waking him from his thoughts.

"I do, Mrs. Dawnstar," he said, "She is my Padawan and has become a good companion."

Shawna nodded, "You care for her far more than that, don't you?"

"It is forbidden for a Jedi to form attachments or relationships."

"Just as its forbidden to bring a Padawan to see her family."

Knowing there was no way to fool a mother's intuition, he relented. "I fear that one may prove far more detrimental than the other."

Shawna put the dishes down in the sink, "Come with me for a moment," she said, and led Aedan out of the kitchen towards the front door and up the stairs. They entered what must have been the master bedroom with the same rustic feel as the rest of the house, and then Shawna opened two windowed doors onto a wide balcony that overlooked the entire vineyard.

She waved her hand out at the vast green landscape before them, "All of this," she said, "was done because of the two of us, working together. I know, for a fact, that without Tomlin, I could not have done this. And without me, he could not have done this," she held up a hand, as if to stop any argument, "Now I know winemaking and protecting the galaxy are very different things, and our lives are not at risk in my profession. But I can tell you that Tomlin and I are stronger together, and we are more than the sum of our parts when we work as a team. This," she flung her hand out again, "Is proof of that."

Aedan stared out at the beautiful vineyard in front of him. Stretched his eyesight to see as far as he could. A way off there was a white gazebo standing proudly in the middle of the immense swath of green. He felt a spike of elation, of pure joy. His brows knit together. What was that all about? He felt like he had seen this place before. Been her before. Weird.

He focused back on the conversation, "Talk about fruits of the labor, and reaping what you sow," he said.

She continued, "We are both excellent winemakers, no doubt about that. He always finds the best grapes, the best soil, and the best Alderaanian oak barrels. While I have the best techniques for cultivation, planting, pruning, and aging. Alone we were very good, but together, we became great, filling in the gaps of what was lacking in the winemaking process.

He nodded, understanding the message. Then he turned to face Shawna, "But how do you know I feel this way, and how do you know I'm the right one for Kyra?"

Shawna gave him a demure, knowing, almost scathing grin.

"Am I so transparent?" He asked.

"You have your powers, Master Jedi, and I have mine."

"Touche'" he said.

"Come on, lets join them at the campfire."

They spent the next few hours, telling stories, laughing, and drinking wine, so much so that Kyra fell asleep in her chair. Kalista and Micah giggled wearily, and were falling asleep on their own, and went up to bed. Soon, it was just Aedan and the elder Dawnstars.

"Aedan," Tomlin started, "I don't know how to thank you."

Shawna smiled in agreeance, "You have given us the most precious gift," she said.

Aedan shrugged. How could he tell them he was the grateful one? That he was so thankful for seeing her so happy, and that they were so warm and welcoming and loving. He wanted to try. "It's I who want to thank you," he said, "I didn't know what to expect when I brought her here. I didn't know what kind of people you would be, or how you would react to reuniting with your long lost daughter." He paused for a moment, gathering his strength up. "It's I who wants to thank you for being so loving and making her so happy."

"We just thank the stars that you are her teacher."

Aedan nodded, "Thank the Force," he said, "because that's what brought us together."

The Dawnstars smiled, "Whatever you say, Master Jedi," Shawna said, "But I must ask, what happens after this? Is this now the last time we'll ever see her? Must we say goodbye again for good? Don't get me wrong, I'm so grateful to reconnect with my daughter and see the incredibly young woman she's turned into, but is this it? Do I have to prepare myself for another heartbreak?

Aedan leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. "No," he said resolutely, "This is not the last time you'll see her. I wouldn't or couldn't do that to her. Kyra is going to become a great Jedi, perhaps even a High Council Member someday. She will always be needed. That being said, she will always need you two, and your kids. She will always feel the call to come here." Aedan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and staring intently at Kyra's parents, "The life of a Jedi is hard, and we are very busy, but I will bring her back to you. I promise."

Tears in her eyes, Shawna reached out for Tomlin's hand, and squeezed it. Then she reached out with her other hand and placed it on Aedan's hand. "Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Aedan squeezed it back, "Your daughter will no longer be a stranger."

That did it for all three of them, the tears flowed now. Kyra slept soundly in her chair, and high above the stars twinkled with approval.

Aedan lifted Kyra up from the chair and carried her up into one of the guest bedrooms, Shawna and Tomlin close behind. He laid her on the bed, and then backed away as the two parents tucked their sleeping child in, bringing the covers up over her, and then both planting a kiss on her cheek. "Goodnight, Angel," Shawna said. "Sleep well, Kyra," Tomlin said.

The next morning Kyra arose with her head not feeling the best. But her heart had never been so full. She smiled despite the headache. Sunlight was streaming through the window, and Kyra could smell an aroma emanating from the kitchen downstairs. She smiled in recognition of the scent. She slowly, groggily climbed out of bed, and noticed a set of clothes on the chair that her mother must have set out for her. A pair of linen khaki pants and a light blue button-down shirt. Both were unbelievably soft and felt great on her skin.

She made her way downstairs to find that everyone else was already at the dining room table, helping themselves to a delicious breakfast spread. They noticed her approach, "There she is," her dad said.

Kalista and Micah both scrambled out of the chairs, rushed towards her, and smothered her in a hug. Kyra couldn't help but laugh, and nearly cried once again at the familiarity and love she was feeling. Her mother set down a basket of biscuits on the table, and then moved towards her and gave her a big hug. "Good morning, Dear," she said, "Did you sleep okay?"

Kyra nodded, "I did. And thank you for the clothes."

"Of course," Shawna said, "You look great in them by the way."

Kyra smiled, "I'm assuming this is classic winemaker garb?"

Shawna laughed, "Yes, it is actually."

"I figured," she said, taking a seat next to Aedan, who had not stopped staring at her. "Good morning, Master," she said.

"Please," he said, "Just Aedan here."

Kyra smirked, "Aedan." Then she saw a particular dish in the middle of the table and she gasped, "Pancakes!" And quickly began filling her plate and pouring syrup on them.

Shawna spoke up, "Yea, a certain Jedi may have let some important information slip."

"You shouldn't have," she said, and then took a big bite, and groaned, "Nope, wait, you totally should have," she said her mouth full of food. The rest of the table laughed. All enjoyed their meal before them, but more so the company around them.

The rest of the morning was spent, talking, laughing, and telling stories. Kyra could not have been happier. But the goodbyes had to come. The Force had given her this ability, these gifts, and the galaxy needed her, as much as it would pain her to leave.

There was crying, hugging, and promises of return as the two Jedi bid their farewells. Kyra struggled with saying goodbye, but knew she had a job to do, a mission to accomplish, and an order to serve. However, the hopes and dreams of seeing them again, of being a part of a family sent a blast of happiness through her.

She tucked that away deep within her soul. That was something she had to keep locked away.

But maybe one day she wouldn't have to.