The Legend of the Jedi Queen

10. Hanna City

Of all the new experiences Nellith had in the entire trip, she suspected Chandrila would be her favorite. The sky was as sunny and clear blue as could be when the Millennium Falcon landed in the Chancellor's private lot.

Armed escorts were there to greet Nellith, Tallis, Rey, Artoo, and Chewbacca when they exited the ship.

"General Dameron is waiting in the foyer," a female guard told Rey.

"Thanks," Rey said.

The group then marched to the Chancellor's palace, a triangular work of glass and art unlike anything Nellith had seen before. Based on glimpses of Tallis's face, she could see that he hadn't seen anything like this, either.

In the grand foyer, there stood only two people in the vast, empty space. One was man about the age of Nellith's father, with curly dark hair, a handsome face, and surprisingly casual clothing for a general. Next to him stood a girl Nellith's age, who resembled the man greatly, excepting her blonde hair, which was entwined in an iridescent headdress that matched her flowing dress and glimmering jewelry.

Nellith recognized the man from the holos and the visits he paid to Aquilae.

"Poe," Rey said. "How good to see you!"

She embraced her old friend, then stepped back. "Is this Amilyn? She's grown so pretty, just like you!"

Amilyn, the girl, smiled in a way that was reminiscent of storybook princesses.

"Thank you," Poe said, glancing at his daughter. "She's got her mother's brains, though. Much smarter than I ever was at that age."

Amilyn's cheeks flushed as pink as her dress.

Poe looked back to Rey, before his eyes fell upon Nellith. "And this is your daughter! She looks so much like—"

Rey gave Poe a warning glare, and he abruptly stopped. "Well, you know who I mean. Kaydel wishes she could be here to greet you, but the Senate is in session, so she can't really abandon that at the moment."

"Thanks for waiting for us," Rey said.

"It's no problem," Poe said. "Amilyn will help Nellith and—"

He faltered upon seeing Tallis. "Who's this?"

"Tallis Shan," Tallis answered.

"He's not mine," Rey assured him. "We picked him up on Corellia. He's to be trained as a Jedi, after this crisis is over."

Poe frowned. "I see. Rey, why don't we talk while Amilyn helps Nellith and Tallis settle in. Then we'll see Finn and Rose— they were delighted to hear that you were coming."

"That sounds nice," Rey said, and she and Poe walked off, as did Chewbacca, Artoo, and the guards, leaving the three teenagers alone in the foyer.

"Well," Amilyn said, clasping her hands together. "Welcome to the Chancellor's Palace, and Chandrila. I hope you'll both enjoy your stay here."

Tallis and Nellith exchanged a glance before nodding, and following Amilyn up the steps.

"I hear that you're both Jedi," Amilyn said, a star struck look in her dark eyes. "That is so wizard, by the way. I wish I was a Jedi. But then I couldn't be a Senator. I mean, Princess Leia was both, but I couldn't possibly be as cool as Princess Leia, I mean, that is once-in-a-millennia type coolness there. Besides, I'd miss out on all the best parties, and there is nothing like the politician's kids' parties— if you stay long enough, I'll simply have to take you to one. . ."

Amilyn kept talking, her bubbly voice and sweet demeanor filling the room and bouncing off the walls. Soon enough, Nellith felt at home, and began chattering back until Tallis joined in.