Chapter 133

AN: Once again, a long delay due to real life. I truly am trying to update more often.

"A dress?" Ari asked, mouth falling open. "A dress?"

She had stayed on the roof with Luke for hours. Neither of them spoke much, but it was not an uncomfortable silence between the two of them. The sounds of the busy city-planet also played a part in that. However, even if it had been silent, Ari knew it would have felt the same.

They discussed a little, mostly about going to the Temple and they knew they would, but didn't know when, since they knew Leia was expecting them to help over the next few days.

When they realized they had spent a long time there, looking at the Temple and some of the other buildings. Luke told her about them, which also helped her orient herself with part of Coruscant. They might have stayed out longer, but when Luke's comm. chirped, it broke them from their thoughts. It was Leia who told them that they would be meeting in an hour at the nearby senate building.

Luke had gone to his own quarters to shower and change before that and Ari had decided to do the same. That was when she came across the dress that was laid on her bed.

What's wrong with it? Taga asked, sniffing at the fabric.

"What's wrong is that it's a dress," Ari replied then sighed. "I know Leia meant well, but I'm not her. I mean, dresses are fine for some things, but a Jedi would never wear something like this and that is what I am. I'm not a Princess like her, or anything fancy. My mother was a handmaiden, but I'm just a farm girl from Tatooine."

You should wear what you feel is right.

Ari nodded in reply. She looked at the dress for a moment then went to where she had unpacked some of her things. There wasn't much since she had to pack light. Everything had to fit in her pack.

She got out a comfortable tunic and pants. "I'll wear this. I know it isn't as nice as the dress, but I have a feeling things will be uncomfortable enough, without adding a dress." While she had worn one after the Battle of Yavin, the circumstances were different.

After showering, enjoying the feeling of the warm water, she put on the clothing, finishing by putting her belt on once again, lightsaber resting comfortably against her leg. At first, it had been odd to have it on, since it did have a tendency to move slightly when she walked. Now though, she was so used to it, that it felt odd not to have it.

"I guess it is time to go," she remarked and patted both Taga and R4 on the head. "I would bring you both, but it might be best to wait."

Why?

"Because it might be dull and it is something I'll have to face alone."

Luke will be there.

"That's different. He's a Jedi and I will be one soon. Besides, I can assure you that you both will find the next few days to be very busy. I shouldn't be long. And if I do need you, I'll comm. Arfour."

Taga looked so dejected, Ari pet him again. "It's just this once."

After trying to assure both of them, she left her quarters and saw Luke standing outside, leaning against the wall.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Waiting for you," he answered casually.

"You could have come in," she replied.

"I didn't want to just let myself in if you were still getting ready," he remarked and Ari blushed slightly. That could have been awkward if she had been taking her shower or changing at that time. While that had never happened before, it was not something they had ever worried about before.

Their changed relationship was still new and neither knew the limits. Ari didn't like how things felt odd between them and could only hope that time and spending more than a few hurried minutes together would help.

Ari was silent until they left the building, deciding to walk to the Senate building.

"Your sister might be upset with me."

Luke raised an eyebrow slightly in question. "Why? I thought you both were getting along now."

"I think we are," Ari answered. "It's just that…she had a dress sent to my room. A dress, shoes, all of that. I think it was for this meeting, but I didn't feel right wearing them. The only reason I'm coming is because I hope to soon be a Jedi. I don't think I've ever heard of Jedi wearing dresses before."

Luke gave a nod to show he heard this, but didn't say anything for a few moments. A few years ago, Ari would think he was just agreeing with her without listening. Now though, she knew he usually took some time to think about things before speaking.

"I can see your point, but she might have thought it a kind gesture. You'll have to explain it to her, not me."

Ari sighed, and then nodded. "I hope she's not mad at me."

"She might be a little upset, or hurt, but she'll get over it. I can assure you, there are many other things to worry about," Luke assured her.

Ari smiled slightly. He was right. It was silly to be upset about something so simple.

The pair arrived a few minutes before the meeting was supposed to start. Leia was there, as was Han, Chewie, Lando and the droids. Everyone had cleaned up well. The droids were polished and Han tugged at his vest, looking a bit uncomfortable as various beings came up to introduce themselves.

When Leia spotted them, she walked over to them, wearing a beautiful, yet sensible dress. Her smile turned to a look of confusion as she saw Ari's clothing. "Didn't you get the dress I had sent to you?"

Ari nodded. "I did. I'm sorry Leia, I know you meant well, but I'm here as a Jedi. Or, at least I hope to be a Jedi Knight soon. I thought it would be wise to look like a Jedi."

"Jedi don't wear dresses?"

"Well, perhaps. I just felt it would be best to not wear one now. I felt if I wore a dress, people might not see me as a serious Jedi," Ari explained.

Leia looked about to say something then seemed to change her mind, shaking her head instead. "Alright. We'll all be taking our seats in a few minutes."

"Princess Leia," an older humanoid male walked over to her, greeting her warmly and she replied in the same manner.

Luke glanced over at Ari and she nodded, making a motion with her head. They moved away from Leia so that she could talk with the male, who was probably a former Senator or another leader of some sort.

"Glad to see you both dressed up for the party," Lando grinned as he came over. He leaned over and kissed Ari on the cheek then gave a nod to Luke who nodded in response. Lando was dressed in his General's uniform, complete with a cape. While Han looked a bit embarrassed and a bit uncomfortable, Lando was the opposite, clearly liking this environment.

He then smiled at Ari. "This is your first time on Coruscant, isn't it? Do you like it?"

"It's amazing," Ari admitted. "There are so many beings. I imagine I could spend months here and still only see a fraction of it."

"Well, some places you should avoid," Lando remarked.

"I'll keep that in mind, but I think I'll be alright," Ari answered, fingertips brushing over the hilt of her lightsaber.

"Looks like we better take our seats," Luke spoke up, motioning to a pair of now open doors. Leia was standing to one side talking with Mon Mothma as the others began to file into the conference room.

Lando gave them a mock salute, flashing a grin before turning, cape billowing behind him as he walked toward the room.

"He certainly is able to make an exit," Luke smiled slightly, glancing at Ari. "Ready?"

"Ready," she answered. Even though Luke's legs were longer, they fell into step with one another. As they neared the doors, Luke's hand brushed over Ari's. It was just a whisper of a touch, his finger trips across the back of her hand. It could have been an accident, but Ari had a feeling it wasn't. And the small smile that flashed over his features confirmed that.

Ari had to admit, she was a bit nervous about this meeting. She had been in many meetings when they were known as the Rebel Alliance, but she knew that this meeting was the start of many to rebuild a Republic. This was not a small feat and she was to be a part of it in some way. The touch of Luke's hand on hers was encouraging though, calming her nerves. She might not have passed trials yet, but she knew that she was still a Jedi, if not in name, at least in spirit. The thought made her smile slightly and she lifted her chin as they entered the room.