Quietly, the fifth planet in the Cabellan System rotated another day as it's single moon tried to keep pace on it's own course. It's pinkish skies shrouded thick clouds that lazily drifted over the westernmost arm of mountains which rose, encircling and separating Peralta Valley from the expansive Qedmah Moshab, the desert that commanded the southern half of the sparsely populated peninsula.
Atop a narrow clearing, Miriam knelt as she concentrated on her grandmother's tutelage, eyes closed intensely trying to master today's lesson. Her long, pure white hair - a truly Sarrelonian trait of her people - pirouetted and danced on the breeze which rose from the deep, river gorge below.
"Now, concentrate," Sianna instructed, sitting on the large, dark grey boulder to Miriam's right and the usual perch for her master in the arts of the universe. "Feel, don't think. When you experience the troubles of court, you can refocus yourself here, no matter where you may be. This is our refuge, Miriam."
Blowing out slowly, the fourteen-year-old student practised her meditation as she had been taught and soon felt the tendrils of life tied to the world that she called home. A flock of serja glided northward to some unknown destination and she could almost hear their heartbeats.
"Good. You've got it," the soft, motherly voice congratulated, praise that she treasured above all else and which subsequently lost her attunement into a jumble of confused mental swirling. Her solid, sky blue eyes opened as she gazed across to the verdant mountain face across the canyon, realizing how quickly success could be lost.
"Well, at least it's a start," Sianna grinned, her own deep blue eyes admired her granddaughter as Miriam glanced to her.
"How long did it take you to master this part, grandma?"
"Some time," she nodded, then rose as she glanced to her chronometer. "We should get back before your grandfather forms a search party."
Miriam stole one last look at the rugged peaks which stretched for miles before her and wished they could stay here a bit longer. Sighing, she pushed herself up and turned to head to her own awaiting noda. The tall, green skinned beast had been domesticated when her people had arrived here thirty-five years ago; victims of Trade Federation aggression. His oblong shaped head nuzzled it's owner as forest green eyes watched her climb into the saddle and rein it to the right, following Sianna's into the forest.
"Remember everything I've taught you for one day, you'll be carrying our name into the court, advising your cousin and helping rule our people," Sianna stated, guiding her noda through moss covered boulders hidden between tall, thick trees whose thick boughs nearly darkened their surroundings to that of nightfall.
"That will be a long time from now, grandma. I still have a lot of time to learn what I need to."
Sianna remained quiet which made Miriam nervous. The countess's ability to see the future was uncanny and always very accurate. "Have you seen something?"
"Just remember what I've taught you and you'll be fine."
Miriam soon allowed their journey through the deep greens occasionally broken up by splashes of reds, blues and yellows in various types of flowers, to relax her. They were together now, which was all that mattered.
Soon, the forest gave way to the estate's 'back yard'. Miles of open, green grass waved as she spurred her four-legged mount to the distant square grove of trees that surrounded a small pond. Thunderous footfalls kicked up dirt and grass as Sianna's mount pushed to catch up. Their white hair flowed behind both females as they neared their goal until suddenly, another rider emerged from that same corner, cradling a rifle and Miriam immediately recognized her father. Reining in her mount, the noda's long neck protested, then soon slowed to a canter as he quickly rode up, the barrel of his gun lowered to the distant treeline behind them.
"How many were there, mother," Tenri asked concernedly.
Sianna turned to follow his eyes, then returned. "How many what?"
"The Bolari have invaded, get to the house."
Miriam couldn't believe her ears.
"They wouldn't dare, those backwards animals don't have the technology to bypass our security network much less take on our navy," Sianna stated in disbelief.
"Uncle Bandai called and stated they have Imperial assistance. Get yourselves to the house, hurry."
Sianna immdiately spurred her mount on as Miriam stared at her father's stern face which soon turned to her. "Miriam, move. Now."
"Yes, sir." Heeling her steed, she pushed it around the box-shaped wood, passed the manicured, four-square garden that her grandfather had created with it's fountain centerpiece and on to the large, circular veranda that centered the cream colored, two-story mansion. She rode to the base of the marble stairway flanked by tall, trimmed bushes where her maid-servant, Tia waited and hopped down from the saddle as she noticed her grandmother enter the transparasteel door.
"I've packed your things and everything's prepared, my lady," her friend and servant informed. They had been together since they had each reached the age of five as was tradition for nobility.
"Why, where are we going?"
"To safety," her father stated, nearly pushing both teenagers around the pool and into the lavish living room where Miriam noticed servants packing up their valuables into large crates while others guided the hoversleds down into the basement for storage. It was then that the realization hit her. "Master Jeron is going to look after you until this is won," Tenri continued. "You're to look after your brothers for us," he shouldered his rifle and motioned to the entryway.
Miriam turned her attention to see her grandmother crouched before her younger brothers, Jabin and Izir and three acolytes of Kangavar, the martial compound that was to be their temporary home apparently. Walking up five steps and across the carpeted intersection that joined the dining room to her distant left with the library to the right, they walked into the marble floored foyer. Two sweeping staircases rose to the second floor above them and flanked a circular, deep green, velvet couch that rounded a highly polished table of marik wood whose dark swirling grain broke up the reflected vase above it.
"...And I want you two to listen to your sister and these students until we can gather you home, understood," Sianna finished as Miriam and Tia walked to her side.
"Yes, ma'am," Jabin answered quietly.
"Why can't we stay and fight with you," Izir wondered aloud. "You need someone to protect you from those beasts," the five-year-old stated.
'Because," Miriam interrupted. "We're going to do what our grandmother said, that's why."
"What do you know, you're just a girl."
Sianna straightened. "Get into the speeder, now."
Izir finally relented as he hugged her, turned and headed out to their mother as she quietly waited outside the front doors. After Jabin followed suit, Miriam walked up and hugged her mentor tightly.
"You take care of them and remember everything I've taught you. Our name rests on your shoulders now, make me proud."
Emotion began to well and Miriam hated to say goodbye.
"Save these for your private time. A lady never shows her emotions in public, you know this."
"Sorry, grandma," Miriam backed as she wiped her cheeks. Refocusing, she noticed the dark brown, wooden box that Sianna held out to her. Taking it, she eyed the intricately carved face and borders on the rectangular container.
"Take this and keep it safe," Sianna smiled, then motioned to her mother as Miriam nodded and headed to Dabei.
Turning, her mother quietly watched the three acolytes as they quickly led her brothers to the sleek vehicle in the circular drive. "I'm holding you to your promise," she eyed the older student.
"You need not worry, my lady. We'll protect them with our lives," Gilan stated.
Hugging her mother, Miriam then led Tia into the speeder and closed the door as she rested within the black leather seat, looking back through the window as her home and family disappeared from view beyond the forest that bordered the interior of the estate. North and west, they escaped as tiny flashes erupted in space above them.
Whining, the speeder's engine pushed the vehicle through forested hills and on to narrow crevasses which their uniquely trained driver effortlessly maneuvered through. Master Jeron had become the renowned Master-At-Arms of the court and used his training in the ways of the Force to pass on his knowledge to many a student. Those who were able to graduate the initial training, that is.
Miriam tried to keep her mind on the here and now without allowing her fears to govern her heart. Even though her grandmother wasn't with them, she knew that the matriarch of their family had far reaching telepathy that was probably listening in on her thoughts now. Turning to the window, she watched as green and grey streaks sped by on their journey to Kangavar. Very few outside those who were going there to train were ever allowed to know it's location, but this was a special case.
"It won't take long to get there," Gilan informed to his quiet guests. "Just hold tight."
Soon, the mountains melted into verdant hills again as the sun dipped low on the western horizon, casting deep purple hues on the clouds and foliage. Banking to the right, Gilan navigated through narrow treelines, scraping the roof on several low branches as they sped by. After several near misses, he leveled the speeder to come head on into a line of high bushes and Miriam initially wondered if this was intentional.
"What are you doing," Jabin asked, then all ducked below the front seat, waiting for the collision with the small trees, but heard none. Suddenly, switches were tapped and the vehicle was stopped and Miriam's blue eyes turned and looked up through the window to see dark grey, smooth walls.
Opening the door, one of the acolytes stepped back and allowed her to step out into the large garage as droids busily tended to a freighter to the far left. The stench of the hangar soon wafted into her nostrils with strong, pungent odors that she couldn't place. Places like this had never been on her training agenda either.
"Welcome to Kangavar, my lady," the younger student said, his clean face and shortly cropped hair denoted an elder teenager, the white collar on his tunic a full-fledged student in his second term.
"Thank you," Miriam returned as Tia shouldered their packs and followed her on towards Gilan who awaited them at the front of the speeder. Stealing a glance at the entrance, she noticed the seam of the large door and realized that the bushes that they thought they were heading to must have been an illusion of some sort.
"Admit it," Izir chided as he followed on Jabin's heels. "You were scared."
"I was not," Jabin defended, glaring at his younger brother whose fiery personality wasn't reflected in his white flattop or small stature. "We all ducked, remember."
"You two stop it," Miriam spoke up, then turned to Gilan who then led them on to the right and entryway where she noticed an older instructor in blue robes whose wide grey borders fell low from his shoulders, broken up by a dark brown weapons belt which obviously contained a lightsaber.
"Welcome to Kangavar, my lady and lords. I'm Master Jorgan. Master Jeron won't be able to attend you but, he's left strict instructions as to your departure. We're preparing the vessel as we speak but, until that time you can rest and refresh yourselves."
Miriam smiled politely as he bowed, then turned to lead them into a main hallway. "Wait a second," Miriam interrupted. "We're not leaving the world. What's the ship for?"
Jorgan glanced back. "The countess instructed us to transport you from Antares to an old friend of hers who will continue your training, my lady. All the arrangements have been made."
Miriam stared at him, dumbfounded as she tried to make sense of what was going on. Nothing had been said about flight from their home. "Where are we supposed to be going?"
"I don't know the ultimate destination, for security reasons. But, Gilan, Colman and Arras will be your escorts to the one's that will take you to him," he motioned to the three acolytes.
"What's his name," Miriam was finding it difficult to control herself as the moments ticked by.
"I believe she said he was a master of the arts, much like herself. Master Celanon. He's apparently expecting you as we speak." He smiled politely, then turned and continued down the well lit hallway as Miriam followed, shocked at the news.
"How long ago did my grandmother tell you about these plans?"
"This morning."
The whole day had been in preparation of her departure, Miriam realized as she recalled her grandmother setting aside Miriam's chores and classes with her tutorial droids that morning. She still had a lot to learn about sensing avoidance and slight manipulations.
* * *
Soon, they boarded the frieghter as a sense of urgency had spurred ahead their departure time. Miriam jogged with her brothers and Tia in tow as their escorting trio stowed their gear and headed to the cockpit along with two others she didn't recognize. Strapping herself in, Miriam felt the rumbling repulsors ignite and soon lift them into the air, spin and rush from the hangar and up into the air. She could sense, to a degree, that they were hugging the terrain for some time, then suddenly the ship lurched into the air as the sublights kicked in and roared to life. Tia instinctively grabbed her hand and held it tightly as the jerking of turbulence eventually smoothed out and they all breathed a sigh of relief.
Shortly afterwards, they felt shuddering and soon heard the hyperdrive erupt as the lights dimmed. They were away.
Once they were away, Miriam unbuckled her strap as she then eyed her brothers who both scanned their unfamiliar surroundings. Computer consoles, storage racks, seats, crates stacked and magnacoupled to the floor as well as cabinets all in various shades of grey metal or plastisteel gave the room a drab feeling.
"Why would grandma send us away," Jabin asked as he eyed her. "You were with her all day, did she say anything?"
"No." Miriam shook her head. "Nothing. I'm as shocked as you are. But, we have to make the best of it."
"How long do you think we'll be gone," Izir asked as he wrestled with the buckle.
Miriam had no real answer to that question. She was beginning to think their escape was planned for some time. Soon, Gilan emerged from the gunwell and sat at the diagnostics station.
"How is everyone doing," he queried.
"Fine," Miriam quietly informed, grinning away her concern. "Where are we headed now?"
"Talogi Station. We're to meet some friends of Master Celanon's there and they'll take us on to his school. I've been told that it's well hidden in Wild Space and we should be safe there."
"Running is for cowards," Izir stated angrily, still yanking on the metal lock which Jabin quietly reached over and tapped, loosening the belt and freeing his brother. "Grandfather said so."
Gilan smiled, "I would agree in most cases, my lord. But, right now, their plans for your future don't include fighting."
* * *
After seven cramped days, the freighter emerged from hyperspace within the nearly empty sector of space that had become the crossroads for the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Freighters, container ships and patrol vessels of all shapes and sizes arrived and departed from the space station. It's thick rounded shape was quartered and circled a tall, large spire ending in a ball at one end and control tower on the other. Lighted hangars became beacons to it's visitors as the lone vessel blended with all the others to it's designated landing area. Setting down, the sleek, bullet-shaped ship shared its berthing with four others of various designs.
Inside, Miriam gathered her things as Tia followed her to the boy's room. "Let's go," she directed as they filed out with her and headed to the rampway where Gilan stood with four humans, one in a dark blue, pressed uniform. His short brown hair and dark eyes made her nervous as he studied their identification cards that she didn't even know they possessed.
"Alright. Just you and the kids, then," he asked.
"Yes, sir."
"How long's the ship staying in port?" He asked, handing the small, thin visas back.
"Only an hour. Just long enough to refuel," Gilan informed, replacing the cards into his jacket pocket and Miriam noticed that their lightsaber's were hidden also.
"Just heed the laws here and we'll not have any problems. Have a nice day," the official stated unemotionally, then turned and walked back down the lowered ramp.
Gilan turned to them as Miriam walked up with her small entourage to notice Colman and Arras also with him. "Ready?"
She nodded, then followed him down the ramp into the cooler air echoing with plasma welders, whirring engines from droids as they sped by on various tasks, announcements from the intercom within the distant concourse and laboring motors within the walls and high above. Turning left, she noticed the immense layered hangars opposite them across the empty space occasionally filled with a ship flying by. Staying close to her escort, he then turned and motioned with his cloak.
"Pull your hoods up," he instructed, then did the same, covering his own white hair. Once done, they walked into the large hallway that was full of aliens and humans of all shapes and sizes, smelling of odors that assaulted her nose and immediately made her wish for the tranquil forest back home.
* * *
High above, within the central well, Conor's cold brown eyes scanned the mass of individuals as they crossed below, heading to various destinations as some headed over the various bridges that joined the central spire with the outer shops, restaurants and hotels with the inner banks and security offices. Gloved hands over the railing held the small holoprojector that he had stored the images in of his quarry which he had studied for most of the day. All he needed to do now was find them.
Bounty hunting had become a joy, the adrenaline rush gave him life once his term with the army on Jedda had been completed. Now he could make his own money and enjoy the fruits of his labors.
Suddenly, he noticed a group of individuals hurriedly walking through the crowd below and four of them were about the right height. He quickly moved to the turbolift and hit the button. This was too easy, he thought as it opened to allow several police to exit and allow him inside. Hitting the button for the twenty-third floor, he tapped it again in anticipation. Finally, the door closed and descended.
* * *
Miriam kept close on Gilan's heels as he parted the sea of individuals which she noticed from underneath the hood, some of whom were more horrid than her worst nightmares had ever been. Adrenaline rushed and she then remembered her grandmother's words. 'Calm yourself and the Force will guide and protect you.' Trying to fight her fears, she hoped that their awaiting ship wasn't much farther.
Turning, she noticed that Colman and Arras kept both of her brothers corralled as Izir gazed back and into the face of a horrible, hairy beast which towered over even the acolytes. She swore she saw the animal smiling at him in return.
She grabbed his hand, prompting him to turn around. "Leave it alone."
"Can you imagine his head over the mantle back home," Izir stated enthusiastically.
"We're not here for trophies, keep up."
He shot her a contemptuous glance in return as they finally rounded an open hangar door and saw several freighters parked within. Her heart calmed at the sight and hoped Gilan wasn't lost. As he led her and Tia to the rightmost, she noticed the older human man who stepped down on the rampway. His tall, lean frame ducked underneath the squared escape pod that jutted from the octagonal hallway above. A dark brown jacket hung to mid-thigh and nearly concealed his blaster pistol which she noted was hanging more underneath his armpit.
"Gilan," the pilot asked, olive toned cheeks grinned, then sank as he looked over their shoulders.
"Yes. You're Calldir?"
"I am, get in the ship," he drew his pistol and aimed beyond them. As he fired, Gilan grabbed Miriam's hand and dragged her aboard as Tia ran up behind. Around the computer core, he guided her to the galley and motioned to the rounded couch.
"Strap yourselves in," he commanded, then drew his lightsaber and headed back to the rampway. As shots continued to echo within the hangar below, Miriam frantically buckled her straps as Tia followed suit.
"Erinne, get us out of here!" Calldir yelled as he and Gilan flew back up the ramp. Miriam ducked below the couch as the main entry rolled down and closed while the sudden burst of engines came to life and the whine intensified as they lifted off. Suddenly, Miriam realized that several of their party were missing. Hitting her buckle, she jumped out of the seat as the movement of the ship shifted her to slide and hit the floor.
"My lady," Tia yelled as Miriam felt the bulkhead hit...
* * *
Groggily, she came to as her eyes soon focused on the single, red light on a small panel in the darkness. She lay on a comfortable bed as her headache soon slipped away. "Tia," she called quietly and soon heard movement above. Dropping down to then kneel beside her, she could sense her friend nearby.
"Are you alright, milady." Tia's calm voice asked.
"I'm fine. Where is Jabin and Izir?"
Silence made her nervous with each passing moment and she felt her emotions well. "What happened?"
"Gilan said that Colman and Arras will take care of them but, we had to leave before the authorities showed up. I'm sorry," she sighed.
Miriam felt her tears stream uncontrollably as her hands went to her face and buried it as she rolled to her left and Tia hugged her as she cried.
Miriam awoke to the soft rush of air as the recycler kicked on, cooling the stale air in the room. All of the past days events had accumulated to an emotional, confusing mix and she was trying desperately to catch up and make sense of it all. Sighing, she sat up, keeping the thick blanket close to herself, closed her eyes and calmed her spirit as she controlled her breathing. Meditating, she took herself back to the private sanctuary atop the grey mountain, near the small pool full of rain water that her noda used to drink from. As she allowed herself to take in the moment, she could almost feel the cool breeze gently carress her face and smell the abarris blooming nearby. With the moments, she felt all her fears drift away on that wind.
Opening her eyes, she relaxed as her eyes wandered about the small, dark room. Tia's soft breathing in the bunk above also made her realize that her long time friend would hopefully always be there for her and she smiled to herself.
Getting up, she pulled on her boots and thin, tan jacket, flicking her hair from underneath, then walked to the door. Pushing the red button, the door slid to the right and allowed the well lit hallway to greet her as she headed out and around to the refresher. Looking to the frame, she noted the thin, green light denoting occupancy. She would have to wait. As she stood to the side, the quiet vessel's interior made her realize how late it was. Everyone else was probably still asleep, she thought as she pulled out a pocket chronometer that her cousin, Enriya had given her and gazed to the face. 03:47. It was still early back home.
With a quiet rush, the refresher door slid open to reveal an older, human female emerge, drying her long, grey streaked, brown hair as hazel-green eyes smiled. "Good morning," she greeted in Aurebesh.
"Hello," Miriam returned, replacing the chronometer into her pocket.
"Did you get any rest?"
Miriam nodded. "Some. How long will this trip take?"
"Only four days. Yelsain lies in the Minos Cluster in Wild Space. Luckily, we know a shorter route than the main trade route," she smiled.
Politely smiling, Miriam headed into the confined, closet-sized room and reached for the button to close and lock the door.
"I'll be in the galley if you'd like to join me for breakfast."
"Okay," Miriam stated noncomitally, then closed the door. It wasn't traditional to fraternize with aliens but, she realized that to survive in their world, she may have to get used to doing so.
Once her shower was completed, she dried off and got dressed. After combing her hair, she headed out into the galley and heard male voices speaking in the foreign tongue. Rounding the corner, she recognized their captain and Gilan who stood immediately as she entered.
"Good morning, milady," the acolyte greeted.
"Morning," Miriam nodded, then eyed the food laden table and sat on the corner opposite Calldir.
"How'd you sleep," the elder pilot asked, setting his coffee cup back onto the cozy, round table.
"Fine," she lay her napkin into her lap and began eating as Gilan reclaimed his spot beside her. She was glad that her family coudn't see this, her uncle in particular would've had a stroke knowing that one of his family were sitting and dining with a member of - what he referred to as - members of an inferior race. Sarrelonian's had never been good diplomats to the outside galaxy. But, she had to admit that her lighter skinned family were much more tolerant than their darker skinned cousins whose solid red eyes complimented their outlook on everyone else. Including her side of the family.
Once completed, she left her plate and headed back towards the room as Gilan followed. "My lady," he called quietly as she turned. "I want to ask your forgiveness," he knelt before her. "It was my fault that they were left behind," he stated as his eyes fell. The words reopened the wound that Miriam was trying to allow time to heal.
"This was my fault," she stated as her chin began to quiver.
"You and your brothers were my responsibility. But, I vow, that yourself will be in my care no matter the cost. I will see you to Yelsain and back home again. I swear it."
Miriam nodded, averting her eyes as they glossed. She turned and headed back into the room as Tia turned, completing her chores within. Her sympathetic eyes smiled with a glimmer of hope and Miriam grinned back, swallowing her tears. "Hello, Tia. We only have another day before we arrive."
Tia nodded, her long straight hair falling neatly to either side over her grey, thick jacket and light grey pants. Servants all wore the same type of clothing for easier recognition in a crowd back home, a tradition that her family had proudly followed in their service to Miriam's own family. "Very well, milady. Should I get your meal?"
"I'm fine, thanks, but you can go ahead and eat."
Tia bowed and exited, leaving Miriam alone to finally see what her grandmother had given her in the box she had kept securely hidden within her own backpack. Moving her clothing aside, she found the box neatly tucked to the side and pulled it out. Rising, she sat on her bed and searched for the opening mechanism. Finally, she noticed a small lever embedded within the seam which she pushed and then lifted the top with her fingernails. Light soon shimmered along the length of chrome metal and she immediately recognized her grandmother's lightsaber. Blue eyes went wide as she realized that Sianna would be trying to help defend their home without it. Quickly closing the box, she held it to herself in disbelief.
On the outer edge of the Minos Cluster, Yelsain had become the home of many 'free thinkers' whose technology was quite advanced. The green world's hemispheres were split by a wide ocean which circumnavigated the world at the equator, cutting a jagged line around long beaches and immense tracts of forest and mountains. As the Voluspa cut through the thick cumulus, grey with rain, it finally reached the high-walled city of Tradetown, busy with radio traffic beckoning the arrivals home to the starport that commanded the south-central part of the city.
As Miriam and Tia packed, a knock on the door prompted them both to turn and eye it. "We're setting down, my lady," Gilan announced. "You should get strapped in."
"Alright," Miriam returned, grabbing her backpack as Tia followed suit and they exited and headed to the galley where they claimed their seats. "It'll be nice to breathe something else but recycled air for once."
Tia smiled. "Yes, ma'am. I don't know how they survive in conditions like this."
"They've become accustomed to it, I guess."
Gilan quickly joined them in the galley and buckled himself in as the sublights turned over their duties to the ion engines, running a bit louder than their predecessors as the intertial compensators tried to keep the passengers from feeling every bump in the atmosphere. Soon, they set down and the trio unstrapped themselves again and shouldered their gear while Miriam followed Gilan to the rampway.
"Gilan," Erinne called from the cockpit. "Go ahead and open it up, if you would."
"Alright," he replied, then tapped a button within the small inset panel to open the main door and lower the ramp in one swift motion, allowing in air which nearly made Miriam sick initially. Turning their noses, she covered hers up, then slowly allowed herself to adjust as she realized that the stink wafting in was actually fresh air. Smiling, she had nearly become accustomed to the same atmosphere that she and Tia had just been complaining about.
"Nearly there," Gilan motioned to the rampway as Calldir and his wife joined them and they descended into bright sunlight that cascaded down into a nearly empty landing area. Several bordering hangars stood open revealing parked vessels of various designs and she was wondering where everyone was as they stepped out onto the permacrete tarmac. Rectangular lights, buried at an angle pointed up to the bottom of the frieghter and encircled the vessel on the round pad denoted by the painted lines in yellow. Everything looked brand new.
"Does anyone use this starport," Miriam asked as they walked towards the three-story hub.
Calldir laughed. "Yes. Locals take pride in everything they build and keep everything clean. You'll even see some of their opinions of technology soon. Any speeder owned by locals have their metal siding stripped off and replaced by wood, which actually looks better in most cases."
"Why would they do that," Gilan asked.
"They believe that the old ways are best and technology has only brought the galaxy into slavery. Funny when you think of the present government," he smirked, referring to the Empire.
Miriam watched as they gained clearance through inspection, then headed to a parking garage and claimed a speeder. "Here she is, right where we left her," Calldir smiled as Gilan opened the door for Miriam. As she climbed into the wood-sided speeder, she noted the clean and well kept interior and admired the couple for their attention to detail.
Once aboard, the speeder rose into the air as the driver guided it through the parking garage and soon out into daylight where he turned southeast and gunned the vehicle over the high walls. As they passed over a wide, open grassland, the immense trees which stood nearly as tall as most spires back home, she was amazed at some of the smaller villages built within and on the enormous branches as they passed by. Rope bridges and wooden walkways joined homes gripped to the side of the trunks which rose to nearly four hundred feet. Their thick, green boughs shaded all underneath and Miriam rose to gaze downward and noticed the trees origins lost in the darkness far below.
"Why do they build their homes way up here," Miriam asked.
"To keep from the dangerous wildlife at the forest floor. No one goes down there but the hardiest of hunters," Calldir informed as the speeder dodged branches and ducked the heavy foliage around them. "You're much safer up here, milady."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Soon, after hours of travel, they finally slowed and Miriam peered over the front seat to notice the large wooden building ahead. To the side, a large platform held two other speeders within the railed landing area which is where Calldir set down.
"Here we are," he announced. Through the windshield, she noticed a single entrance through a long tunnel and out into what appeared to be a courtyard centered by the rest of the large tree the compound was built on.
Opening the door, Gilan stepped out and held it open as Miriam and Tia walked around him and noticed a robed human male step through the tunnel and emerge. His grey hair, trimmed neatly framed a kind, oblong face centered by blue eyes. Brown robes flowed over a tan tunic and pants and ended with tall brown boots.
"Welcome, Lady Miriam," he bowed. "Master Celanon has been expecting you. I'm Valis, another instructor here. Come," he motioned. "I'll see you to your quarters and then take you to him. He can answer all of your questions for I see many in your eyes."
Miriam nodded apprehensively, then followed him into the compound which appeared more like a wide courtyard that centered the circular, cloistered home of many other races, most eyeing her as they walked by. Heading to the right, Valis stopped at a door, then opened it and stepped aside. "I'll wait here for you," he informed as Gilan followed her in. Within, the modest living area was flanked to the right and left by bedrooms and on the far side by a curtained window which opened to the forest beyond. Around the near wall, a small kitchenette sported a small refrigeration unit and cabinets.
Tia quickly took Miriam's backpack to the left room as Gilan claimed the right. She stood at the head of the living area, noting the couch and chairs flanking a low table which rested on a colorful carpet of deep gold flanked by green border in the form of intertwined vines. This would be home, but for how long? She sighed, then turned to see their host patiently waiting outside. Stepping out through the front door, she pulled it closed.
"I'm ready now," she announced.
He motioned. "This way." She followed him to the right and around underneath the wide roof that would protect them from the rain that seemed to have been building all day long in the dark clouds that she could barely see high above. He stopped and knocked.
In her mind, she heard a calm, male voice. "Come in."
Startled, she moved to the door and opened it. Stepping into the darkened room, she closed out the dim daylight and walked beyond shelves and cabinets to see faint lines and corners of three round objects on the floor in the center of the room. Her senses told her that someone sat on the leftmost as his head moved towards her.
"Have a seat, Miriam," he motioned to what she could now make out as a large, round pillow that rested atop a low meditative perch which she sat on. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. As you no doubt have guessed, I'm Celanon. I knew your ancestor, the Countess many years ago when I served Master Iria Linden on Omicron Ceti. Which is also when I lost my physical sight," he stated as she soon noticed the deep creases around his forehead and eyes. "We have been given a gift by the universe and it's our duty to use that gift to secure freedom to the galaxy one day. That's why I'm here and I hope that's also why she's sent you to me. I know you have much weighing on you at the moment but, I also see a strength within you that will help you endure these hard times. You'll come to find that we all share some things in common. My students come from many walks of life and from many worlds, get to know them and learn from them. Allow them to learn from you. I hope that when your time here comes to a close that you'll be a strong instrument that the Force can use to free your people and homeworld. I will do all in my power to help you realize that goal."
"Thank you." She grinned as the familiar comfort that she had with her grandmother permeated these walls and the air between them. They would become great friends in the years to come.
Eleven years had soon passed and Miriam had buried herself so into her studies that the time flew by as she became more open to the various races that she learned beside. Twi'leks, Bothan, Human, as well as many others had become her friends as Gilan also furthered his education that had started at Kangavar when he was only twelve years old.
Now taller, her lithe frame had been honed with years of physical training as well as in the Force. Never once taking out her grandmother's lightsaber, she learned to use her mind as her best weapon, although not neglecting her martial skills which were normal for Sarrelonians.
Standing within the large wooden tub, Tia bathed her charge as Miriam relaxed within the warm flow that coursed over her mature, healthy curves, closing her eyes.
"Is my lady alright. You've been quiet this morning," Tia inquired, rubbing the sponge down Miriam's back.
"I'm fine. I had another vision last night that someone is coming to retrieve us soon," her mature voice recounted. "I don't know who they are but, they should be here within a day or two."
"We'll be going home then?" Tia stopped and eyed her charge.
"It would seem so," Miriam nodded.
"You're not excited? We've been here some time now without any word of Antares." She resumed her duties as Miriam opened her vibrant, blue eyes which completely filled the lids and reflected the thick curtain, gently waving with the afternoon breeze.
"It's not that. One of them will be my husband. I've also seen two children, redheaded twins," she stated quietly, uncertain of the portents around this man she would give herself to.
"That's wonderful, my lady," Tia beamed excitedly.
Miriam grinned, not as enthusiastic but, content that she would have offspring to continue her line. Her name would be assured and they would both be beautiful to her heart.
Once dried, Tia combed her long hair, silky white and thick, just like her grandmother's had been as Miriam sat on the backless stool and watched in the mirror. Smooth, her features had suddenly caught up to the fourteen-year-old that had come here so long ago, escaping capture by the Bolari who had killed her family. She had felt it soon after arriving here, she reminisced as her eyes lowered to her full breasts, covered by the white towel that she held close to herself. Tanned, strong shoulders peeked out from above and graced her long neck. She had become a woman; grinning at the thought.
Tia glanced upward. "What's on my lady's mind?"
Miriam looked up and to the left to see her friend and confidant. "I was just thinking and remembering that little girl who came here, so long ago. Full of fear and prejudices, now look at me. I eat beside aliens who I've come to claim as my friends without regret." Her eyes gravitated back to her own face. "I wonder if that is what she had in mind all along. Master Celanon was her friend. A human. Did she also do these things when she was my age? I'm beginning to believe so. Odd, when you think about how...my ancestor," she remembered their customs about speaking of those who had gone on as the flash of her grandfather's face entered her memory. "Thought of those outside of our race. He never really over-emphasized not relating to them. I think that to retake our homeworld, we're going to have to fight alongside humans and others to accomplish that goal. There are many who won't like that notion."
"Unless there's anyone of higher rank leading that charge, it's your leadership that will decide that," Tia reminded confidently.
"No, it won't be me. My ancestor told me on our ride back that I would serve my cousin who will claim the throne. Perish the thought that none of their house survived."
"Forgive me, milady. I meant no offense."
Miriam nodded. "It's okay. You're right to doubt. I have too, privately, on occasion."
Once dressed, she stepped out into the living room which had taken on many changes over the years, one being more lively color in potted flowers and ornamental flares carved by Gilan in his free time. He rose as she emerged from her room, tome in hand and turned as perfect white teeth smiled. "You need not honor me, we're in our own home, Gilan."
"Milady is still my better, irregardless where we reside."
She acquiesced, grinning as Tia moved to open the window and allow a cooler breeze into the room as Miriam headed around to the chair and sat down, allowing Gilan to reclaim his own spot on the couch.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation earlier," Gilan began. "We're to be returning to Antares soon?"
Miriam hesitated, wondering how much of their private talk was now public. "It would seem so."
He nodded. "I look forward to returning. It's been too long in hiding, although I know the purpose has been well served. We've both come a long way in our studies."
"True. We'll first need to make contact with anyone of the resistance and with the surviving members of the court to finalize the liberation. Hopefully, these men who are coming can shed some light on that for us."
He nodded an agreement as Tia moved to clean the room. Once she had left the room, Gilan leaned forward, resting his book on his thighs. "I must ask, why have you decided not to build your own lightsaber and prove your skills?"
Miriam's eyes averted to her long fingers as she played with an errant string that had come loose. "I believe the true nature of the Force is in the mind and the will. I can use those to diplomatically solve problems instead of reverting to martial skill. Not that I fault anyone for doing so," she raised her hand to him. "It's just that, I think more diplomatic results can be more useful in the long run."
Gilan smiled. "My lady has truly become her ancestor's progeny."