A New Home

In the following days, Braylen, Anakin, and Shimi settled into their new routine. As Anakin accompanied Braylen and Padmé to court, he quickly became familiar with the intricacies of governance, though it wasn't always exciting. His enthusiasm often dwindled during long discussions on trade and security, which led to frequent complaints about how boring it all was.

"I know it seems dull now," Padmé said with a smile one day, "but I thought the same thing when I first learned how the royal court worked. Trust me, Ani, you'll find it useful someday."

Anakin sighed but nodded, finding comfort in Padmé's words. The bond between them had grown steadily, a mixture of Padmé's patient mentorship and Anakin's natural admiration for her.

"What's the next order of business?" Padmé asked one afternoon as they gathered in her chambers to discuss the day's affairs.

Braylen glanced at the datapad in his hand. "It seems that due to the Trade Federation blockade, many merchants have resorted to hiring smugglers to move their goods off-world. They've been bypassing regular trade routes to keep their businesses alive."

Padmé folded her arms thoughtfully. "It's not surprising, considering the circumstances. Merchants need to make a living, and without proper trade routes, they're left with few options."

"What do we do?" Anakin asked curiously.

Braylen smirked at Padmé. "Why ask me?

Padmé narrowed her eyes at him. "You're going to be difficult, aren't you?"

"Of course," Braylen said with a grin. "I never promised I'd make it easy for you. Now, tell me what you think, and I'll give you feedback."

Padmé took a breath. "Well, we find the merchants who are paying these smugglers and charge them with illegal trading. That way, we can prevent the smugglers from gaining a foothold."

Braylen tilted his head, considering her idea. "Close, but not quite. The problem isn't just with the merchants or the smugglers—it's the backlog of goods. Smugglers are opportunists, especially in situations like this, and they'll charge extra for the risk they take. But what most people don't realize is that a smuggler's fee often includes bribes and payoffs."

"So how do we solve it?" Anakin asked, his interest piqued.

"Here's the real solution," Braylen continued. "Instead of punishing the merchants, why not find competent pilots who can move goods off-world through proper channels? Offer them fair wages to keep things legal and smooth. This way, the merchants can move their goods without resorting to smugglers, and the money they save stays in Naboo's economy."

Padmé's eyes lit up with understanding. "That way, when the merchants hire someone, they're supporting local pilots and keeping our economy strong. Now I see where you're going with this."

"Exactly," Braylen said with a nod. "You're catching on quickly."

"Then let's do it," Padmé said confidently.

"Oh, before I forget," she added, "my father wanted me to ask if you'd be willing to see the place he's chosen to build your house."

Braylen smiled at the thought of his future home. "That sounds great. I'll let Shimi know. Ani, do you want to see it?"

Anakin's face lit up with excitement. "Absolutely!"

"Then let's go," Braylen said, clapping Anakin on the shoulder as they prepared to visit the site that would become their new home.

The crisp, early morning air hung softly over the lake, casting gentle ripples as the sun began its climb over the rolling hills of Naboo. The serene stillness of the lake country was a welcome contrast to the chaos Braylen had grown accustomed to. Today, however, was different. Today, the galaxy's troubles seemed distant, far removed from the intimate moment unfolding on the edge of the water.

Braylen stood at the lakeside, his dark robes a striking contrast to the light and life surrounding him. His mind, often preoccupied with battles, strategies, and the Force, was now focused on something far simpler—joy. He glanced toward the horizon, where Ruwee Naberrie was leading Shimi and Anakin toward the ceremony site, flanked by Padmé and her family. Shimi wore a simple yet elegant dress, her face radiating happiness as she held Anakin's hand. The boy, wide-eyed with wonder, marveled at the beauty of the lake country.

Ruwee, who had graciously offered this spot for their new home, had taken Braylen, Anakin, and Shimi to see it just a few days prior. It had been there, among the trees and the soft rolling grass, that Braylen had proposed. Without hesitation, Shimi had said yes, sealing their bond in a place that would soon be the foundation of their new life together.

The wedding itself was small, intentionally so. Shimi had insisted on keeping it quiet, just close family and friends—something Braylen appreciated more than he could put into words. His life had been filled with too much noise, too many public displays of power. This was his sanctuary.

As they approached, Braylen felt a surge of emotion, an unfamiliar yet comforting wave that settled over him. He met Shimi's gaze, and the world seemed to slow. For once, the galaxy wasn't asking anything of him. It was giving him something instead: peace.

Qui-Gon Jinn, who had agreed to preside over the simple ceremony, waited for them at the lakeside. He stood in his usual calm manner, with Obi-Wan by his side, a hint of a smile on his face. The droids—R2-D2 and C-3PO—stood by, offering their services where they could, though this was a moment beyond their programming. Jar Jar Binks, who had somehow managed to keep himself from tripping over anything so far, gave Braylen an enthusiastic wave from the sidelines.

Shimi and Braylen met at the water's edge, their hands clasping naturally as if the universe itself had guided them together. Qui-Gon's voice, warm and steady, began the ceremony, speaking of the bond they would share and the journey ahead. He spoke of love, trust, and unity, though his words seemed to drift into the background for Braylen. All that mattered was the woman standing before him, the one who had seen through the layers of complexity that his life had become.

As the ceremony continued, Braylen thought back to the battles, the uncertainty of his path as a Sith, and the darkness that often lurked in his future. But in Shimi's eyes, there was no fear of that darkness. There was only acceptance, love, and the quiet promise that no matter what lay ahead, they would face it together.

"You may now kiss the bride," Qui-Gon said, breaking through Braylen's thoughts.

Braylen leaned forward, and as their lips met, the world faded away. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he was not Darth Vetris, the Sith with a tangled destiny. He was simply Braylen, a man in love with the woman who stood beside him.

Cheers erupted from the small group of witnesses, and Ruwee gave an approving nod, a grin on his face.

Ruwee clapped him on the back. "Congratulations! And consider this spot for your new home my wedding present. I know my daughter's going to want you close."

Shimi laughed softly. "It's beautiful, Ruwee. Thank you."

"Thank me by filling it with joy," Ruwee replied warmly.

Anakin, not fully grasping the weight of the moment, tugged at Braylen's sleeve. "Does this mean you're my dad now?"

Braylen knelt down, meeting Anakin's eyes. "It means we're a family, Ani. And yes, I'll be here for you, always."

The boy grinned widely, throwing his arms around Braylen's neck. Shimi looked on, tears in her eyes as she rested a hand on Braylen's shoulder, her heart swelling with love for both of them.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden hue over the lake, the group made their way to a modest table set by the shore, where Jobal Naberrie had prepared a small meal for the newlyweds and their guests. The quiet clinking of glasses, the soft laughter, and the murmur of friendly conversation filled the air.

There, in the peaceful light of Naboo's lake country, Braylen finally allowed himself to believe in a future that wasn't defined by war or the Force, but by the love of his new family.

As the evening wore on, Braylen stood at the edge of the lake, looking out at the water. Shimi came up beside him, wrapping her arms around him. "What are you thinking?" she asked.

Braylen smiled softly, glancing at her. "That I never thought I'd find this—peace. And now that I have, I don't intend to let it go."

Shimi rested her head against his shoulder. "Then don't. We've earned it."

And as the stars began to shimmer in the darkening sky, Braylen realized that, for the first time in a long while, he had found something worth fighting for—something beyond power, beyond destiny. He had found a home.

Months later Braylen, Shimi and Ani followed Rusee up a winding path on the side of a hillside. Suddenly, their home came into view. The villa sat atop a small hill, surrounded by the soft, rolling landscape of Naboo's lake country. The view stretched for miles in every direction—green meadows dotted with wildflowers, shimmering lakes reflecting the sky, and gentle hills that rose and fell like the peaceful rhythm of a heartbeat. It was idyllic, serene, and unlike anywhere Braylen had ever known.

"Welcome to your new home," Ruwee Naberrie said, his voice carrying a note of pride as he led the small group up the path. Beside him, Shimi walked with wide eyes, taking in every detail of the place. Anakin ran ahead, darting from side to side with excitement, as if he couldn't believe such a beautiful place could be theirs.

Braylen, standing back for a moment, observed the villa with quiet appreciation. The structure was modest yet elegant, with smooth stone walls the color of cream, wide windows that invited the sunlight inside, and a red-tiled roof that added a touch of Naboo's architectural charm. The garden, filled with blooming flowers and shaded by a few tall trees, gave the place a sense of tranquility.

Ruwee turned to the couple, gesturing toward the villa. "It's all yours. Every stone, every tile. A place for your family to grow, away from the troubles of the galaxy." He smiled warmly. "I wanted to give you something more than a building but a home".