laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

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."