Chapter 155

The next morning, Ari found herself sitting in a chair, being careful not to move.

"Just one more pin," Leia stated as she pinned back a stand of Ari's hair. "There, perfect."

Ari had been watching Leia's progress in the mirror, but she doubted she could have done the same things. Her hair was twisted up in an elegant way with two strands framing her face.

"It looks wonderful," Ari complimented. It truly did.

"Good," Leia smiled as she got out the hair comb and the attached veil. She slid the comb into place then fluffed the veil. "Oh, Ari, you look stunning."

Ari had to admit, that seeing everything come together like this, it was amazing. She had never felt so beautiful before in her entire life. She also felt something she hadn't felt until now. Nervous.

"Don't you like it?" Leia asked.

Ari realized she hadn't responded. "I do. Very much. I guess I am just a bit nervous. Silly, isn't it?"

Leia shook her head. "It was a rather fast engagement." She paused. "Are you having second thoughts?"

Ari shook her head, being careful not to mess up her hair. "No. I know it is the right thing for us. I suppose there have been a lot of changes lately."

Leia nodded. "Good ones though. Now, I better get to my spot. Wait just a minute or two then we will be ready." She gave Ari a quick hug and then hurried off, leaving Ari alone with her thoughts.

Ari brushed off the front of her dress, though there was nothing on it. After bringing it back the day before, they had kept it in a protective covering until just a few minutes ago when Ari had put it on.

The rest of the day had been spent getting everything ready. Luke, Lando, Han and Chewie were out later than the others, since they said Luke needed to have a drink or two before getting married. Han claimed it was a Corellian tradition. Ari didn't mind and she spent some of the evening talking with the Naberries, who seemed more than willing to welcome her into their family.

She hadn't even seen Luke that evening. Leia claimed that there was a tradition about seeing each other a certain amount of hours before the wedding. Ari hadn't minded, though she and Luke had talked via the Force.

Now, they were getting married.

She assumed it had been long enough and decided it was time to make her entrance. She picked up her bouquet of flowers then walked down the hallway. She paused right outside the archway. There were large collections of flowers that kept her partially hidden. She took a deep breath and let it out, then stepped through the main arch.

There were a few chairs set up on either side to create an aisle for her to walk through. In the chairs there were just a few familiar people. The Naberrie family. Ruwee, Jobal, Sola and her husband Darred and Pooja were on one side. There was another woman too. That had to be Pooja's sister, Ryoo, who had arrived that morning.

On the other side of the aisle sat Lando and Chewie. Taga had his own chair as well. The droids were standing and Ari smiled a little when she saw R4, the faithful droid. R2-D2 and C-3PO were there as well.

Then, Ari saw a surprising sight. There were two more chairs and they were filled. It was Taylor and Eean. Taylor gave her a small smile and Ari smiled back. Taylor hadn't contacted her about coming to the wedding, but she didn't mind at all.

Flowers in vases were set up along the aisle and in other places, making it look almost like a garden and the soft fragrance mixed with the smell of the clean water of the lake.

Ari's eyes traveled further and her small smile grew when she saw Luke. He was no longer in his all black clothing or in his robe. Instead, he was wearing a white dress shirt and black pants. Instead of his boots, he wore dress shoes. It was odd to see him like this and Ari thought back to the ceremony after the destruction of the first Death Star. He had been dressed up for that occasion and Ari was fairly certain that was the last time he had done so. It was different. Then again, how often did she wear a dress?

Han, as the best man, was standing next to Luke, looking his usual self though his clothes looked a bit nicer than usual. He winked at Ari as she approached.

Leia was standing at the front as well, wearing a pale blue dress as Ari's maid of honor.

A wizened holy man stood on the other side of Luke, looking very relaxed and reminded Ari of Ben Kenobi. Though he was one with the Force, along with her family and Luke's, she had a feeling that they were all with her as her feet continued to carry her forward.

Then, her gaze fell on Luke and stayed there. The young boy from Tatooine had grown up. He had always wanted to be a pilot, though he was much more now. A decorated hero of the Alliance, a Commander, a Jedi Knight, yet still her best friend. In just a few minutes, she could add husband to that list.

He was still smiling at her, a smile that matched hers. Taking a dozen more steps, Ari was beside him.

"Hi," she whispered to him.

"Hi," he whispered back. You look beautiful.

Ari blushed even though he had said it through the Force. Thank you. You look quite handsome as well.

Luke actually looked a little embarrassed by this. Ari couldn't remember the last time that happened.

Before they could say anymore to each other, the holy man spoke

"Family and friends, we come together to see this man and this woman join in marriage."

Ari listened to the holy man's words and noticed that he had made a few changes in what might usually be a common speech. When he mentioned that marriage was a union between two becoming one, he added that "this promise is made not just in words and rites, but through the Force that binds all of the galaxy together".

I am surprised he knows about the Force.

Ari saw Luke smile ever so slightly. I spoke to him about it.

Ari gave him a hint of a smile as well. She should have known that Luke would have said something. Afterall, the Force did bind everyone, even those who were not Force sensitive.

"Now, please turn to one another and join hands to share your vows with one another."

Ari handed her bouquet of flowers to Leia before her hands slide into Luke's and he gave them a small squeeze.

Luke spoke first. "I know there are vows that I could recite, but that doesn't feel right with us, Ari. We haven't done anything in the way that was expected of us. Even as children on Tatooine. I still remember when Windy, you and I wanted to explore on the back of wild Dewback."

Ari was certain she heard someone laugh at that. She had to admit, it was a foolish risk, but an exciting one as well.

"Some might say we are marrying quickly. Perhaps we are, but I know you are the one I want to be with for the rest of my life. You have always been my best friend. The one I could tell anything to and the one who I know will always be at my side."

Ari squeezed his hands in response, giving a small nod. She would be there for him, no matter what happened.

"I love you, Ari. And I promise to do all those vows I might recite to you. I promise to honor you and cherish you. I promise to respect you, not just as a woman, but as a Jedi as well. I vow to always be there for you, through good times and bad, just like we have always done. I know that being a Jedi means we might not have a typical marriage, both of us busy or on missions, but know that no matter what, my heart will always belong to you. The Force that brought us together will unite us as one, much like this wedding will. I promise to always be faithful and honest with you and I promise to love you all of my days."

Ari didn't think she would be one to cry but her eyes burned and she gave a small embarrassed little laugh as a few tears escaped. She had never heard anyone say anything so powerful before and it was to her. She didn't know of many who cried when they were happy, but she had a feeling this was what was happening.

"Sorry," she apologized to him and Luke smiled a little.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and Leia handed her a tissue. She took it, grateful and dabbed at her eyes and told herself no more crying was allowed, even if they were happy tears. Leia took it back so Ari could have her hands free.

"Luke," she started, "I have never been eloquent and I know my words might not sound as wonderful as yours, but I mean every word. I don't feel right reciting words. They are powerful words and strong ones. I think I have always loved you. I know I had a crush on you when we were younger."

This made Luke chuckle quietly.

Ari smiled and continued. "You always have been there for me. You've seen me at my best and my worst. We've both suffered great losses in our lives, but we've also had wonderful accomplishments. Though it all, you have been the one person in my life. I love you. Yes, I agree, people might think it is fast, but I don't think so. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I know that. You are my best friend and will be more. I promise to always be there for you, I will always be honest and true. And I will be there for you, through good and bad, for the rest of our lives. I will always be there for you, no matter where we have to go, even if we're planets apart."

She stopped because she was getting choked up again with emotion, though she didn't cry.

The holy man looked at her and she nodded to show she was done.

"The rings," the man said. Han produced them, giving them to the holy man. This was the first time that Ari had really thought about rings and realized it had to be another one of Luke's surprises.

She listened as the holy man explained the symbolism of the rings, how the circle never ended, just as love always continued. He also mentioned the Force again, saying that was also never ending.

"Take this ring and say, 'With this ring, I thee wed," he instructed Luke.

Luke lifted Ari's left hand and slide the ring onto her hand. "With this ring, I thee wed," Luke repeated. She smiled at him and could help looking down at the ring. She was pleased to feel how well it fit and how it didn't feel heavy. It was a simple silver band but she saw small diamond stones embedded in it.

Do you like it?

Luke's remark through the Force brought her back to the present.

She nodded. It's perfect.

Luke smiled, clearly relieved.

The holy man repeated the instructions to Ari. She took the ring, silver like hers, though without any stones. A simple wedding band, which was fitting for Luke. "With this ring, I thee wed," she murmured lifting his hand with one of hers and she slipped the ring onto his left hand with her other hand.

Luke grasped a hold of her left hand and Ari gave it a small squeeze. There were so many emotions she was feeling. Especially happy.

I love you, Luke.

I love you, Ari. He didn't speak aloud but took a hold of her right hand in his.

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife," the holy man said.

Ari smiled at Luke and before the holy man could tell them they could kiss, Luke leaned over and kissed Ari, which she was happy to return, hands tightening slightly around his. Though it might seem strange they had only kissed a few times before getting married and the proposal had just been days ago, it seemed right. When they kissed, Ari could almost sense the connection between them getting stronger.

They broke apart just a moment later, and Ari blushed a little when she realized people were clapping.

The holy man gave a small nod to both of them and then stepped back. The ceremony was now over and at the same moment, people came up to congratulate the newlyweds.

Though not many were there, Ari found herself getting hugged by everyone. First Han, then Leia and then the others.

Only two held back. Taylor and Eean. They must have explained who they were because no one seemed surprised to see them.

Ari slid away from the crowd of well-wishers, and then approached the Jedi and her husband. "I'm glad you could make it."

Taylor smiled. "We wanted to be present for the first Jedi wedding of the New Republic."

"Yours was first," I reminded her.

"I'm not a Jedi," Eean pointed out.

Taylor nodded. "Exactly. And though there were secret marriages, you are changing rules by allowing it. I think it's a good change."

This made Ari smile. "Will you both stay for the meal?" The Naberries had made certain there was a small feast for everyone present at the wedding. Ari had tried to protest that it was too much, but they had insisted.

The couple looked at each other, as if having a silent conversation, then Taylor shook her head. "We have to get back." Ari must have looked disappointed, because Taylor smiled. "Don't worry. You haven't seen the last of us. We'll be in touch."

The older Jedi hugged the new bride, which the bride returned. "May the Force be with you, Arianna Skywalker."

Ari smiled as she released her from the hug. It was the first time someone had called her by her married name. "And may it be with you as well," she said.

The two women shared another smile, and then Taylor and Eean turned and left. Ari wasn't sure how they got there or how they were leaving, but she didn't ask. Something told her that this was certainly not the last time that she would see those two. They would meet again, one way or another.

She then looked at the others. It was a small gathering. Just some of Luke's family and their friends. Yet, they were more than just friends now. They were family. Han was certainly like a brother to her. Though he still seemed like the same Han, she knew that he had a heart of gold under his tough exterior. Then there was Chewie. Though Ari wasn't skilled in understanding the Wookie language, she did like the large alien. He was a loyal friend. Lando was always a flirt but he had proven himself many times after he had betrayed the others at Cloud City, years ago. Then there was Leia. A princess of a lost planet, but through her pain, she continued to protect and work for the rebellion. She was fierce, yet there was more to her. She cared greatly for people, sacrificing to others. Then there were the droids. Threepio was full of information that they sometimes didn't need to know and Artoo was quick to tell him so. However there was no doubt that those two droids were loyal to the Rebellion and especially Luke and Leia. Arfour was with them and Ari knew how much personality a droid could be. Arfour had been a wonderful companion and been very helpful. She was sure that she and the droid would be working together for a very long time. Last, but not least was Taga. Though others saw the alien as a pet, she saw the alien as a friend, brave to leave his homeworld and travel with her and kind enough to forgive Ari for being left behind.

Then there was Luke's family. His grandparents, an aunt and uncle and two cousins. Though Ari didn't know them well, she had a feeling they would all be seeing each other more often.

Finally, there was Luke. The man she loved. He looked over at her and smiled. The smile was one she had not seen lately, the one that he used to have on Tatooine. He held out his hand to her and she went back to him, taking his hand in hers. She squeezed it in and found herself pulled into conversations with various people there. Through it all, she couldn't help smiling. The Empire had been defeated, the Republic would rebuild, as would the Jedi Temple. There would be changes in both, but those might be for the best.

Ari wasn't entirely certain what the future would bring. Probably hard work and it wouldn't be easy. Yet, surrounded by all these people, she knew there was nothing that couldn't be accomplished. She also knew that personally, with Luke at her side, they could face anything that came their way because they would meet it together.