Leaving was the only choice you saw fit. For your benefit and for that of the order, it was hard to take into account just how much it may affect those around you. Especially those who love you.
~~~
First Star Wars Fanfic, tried my best so apologies...
"My... lightsaber?" you quickly place it back in the box, stepping back, "I can't-" it was hard to decide if laughter or stern decline was the right choice. "No. No, I can't,"
"Can't or won't?" Fisto asks.
"Yes," you remark bluntly, hand on Kalesto's shoulder now, "I'm sure Anakin or another Jedi would be able to-"
"I don't wan't a Jedi bodyguard, let alone one that isn't you," she places both hands on her hips, the duchess looking up at you with a significant amount of sass.
"If I may speak to the Duchess quickly," you pull her back, away from the centre.
"By all means," Windu gestures.
Kalesto, like other Klatarian's, was smaller than most species. At her age you still had to kneel down to somewhat level your face with hers. "Remember when you were a child," you adjust her collar to make it neat, "first time we met, what happened?"
She holds back a laugh, "you fell down a hill-"
"Yes, yes, past that," you hurry, ignoring the council who both conversed and listened in. "You found me hurt and bleeding, didn't you?"
"The Kerfaunas," she whispers, the memories flashing through her head.
"I, a stranger, who had not spoken, nor moved, you trusted to bring back to the palace," a sigh gently leaves your lips, "you did not know where I was from, where my loyalties lay, or if I was even a danger, but you helped me- you trusted me,"
"What's your point?" she rubs her arm and looks away.
"Why did you trust me... and why don't you trust the order?" by keeping your hand on her face, you eventually direct her focus back to you. "Kal, these are good people, you can trust them,"
"How can I trust the Jedi if you're no longer one of them?" she counters, "you left for a reason-"
"A reason nothing like what you fear, Kal," by this point the conversation, or rather argument, would never end if there wasn't a compromise. "But if that's what's holding you back then..." your hand held out to the box, your saber shooting to your grip, "guess I have no other choice," you smile at her laugh of delight, hugging her back the moment she wraps her arms around you.
Yoda nods to Windu, the rest of the council standing at once. With Obi-Wan's slight stumble at the sudden movement, he too was up to, perhaps unwillingly, congratulate your return to the order.
"Welcome you back to the Jedi order we do... Master L/n,"
~~~
"I hated that," you whisper under your breath, "you owe me, Kal-" the air was almost knocked out of your lungs when she hugs you again.
"Thank you, Y/n," she whispers, "thank you,"
"Woah, trust me, I've done a lot more for a lot less," you hug her back, "come on, duchess, let's get you back before dark,"
"Master L/n," a voice calls out; Obi-Wan follows close behind Master Ti, the woman signalling your halt.
Placing a hand on Kal's shoulder, you mutter quietly, "go to the ship and wait for me there,"
"No need to tell me twice... good luck!" the duchess gives a smile before rushing away.
"Master Ti, Master... Kenobi," you grimace while addressing him, bowing your head nonetheless. "What can I do for you?"
"While I trust Master Watson's training of you as a padawan before her-" Master Ti holds her breath, "passing... I think the years may have made you-"
"Rusty? Unreliable? Slo-" Obi-Wan starts to list off.
You draw out your saber to his neck, "sorry, what was that?" Eyes narrowed, you watch his breath falter a little but no words muster, "that's what I thought,"
"Master L/n," Master Ti gives you a certain look, "as much as I enjoy a refresher of memories from your many fights as padawans, Master Kenobi is still a member of the council,"
Letting the saber fall, you make give a nod to her, "forgive me,"
"But to the point I was making," she gives an almost devious smile, "Master Obi-Wan will re-train you,"
"What?!" You both yell in anger.
"Just a few aspects... think of him as your duelling partner for the time being," she pats your shoulder, leaving quickly while Obi-Wan rushes after to negotiate.
"This cannot get any worse,"
~~~
"This just got so much worse," Padme holds her head in her hands as Kalesto sits by her side.
"Why? What's wrong?" she asks, confused.
"The senate has changed its mind about negotiating with you," she takes her hand, "I'm so sorry, they just think due to your... age that one of your advisors are better fit to talk-"
"What??" She stands up, "they had no problem before, why now?? Besides, my advisors are-"
"Now, here," three other Klatarian's enter the room, "the chancellor had sent a ship to collect us,"
"Fova, Darian, Jeele," the duchess stands with a slight angered blue tinting her face. "I thought you were on my side??"
"Why, Duchess, of course, we are, but with an allegiance to the republic... we cannot ignore the request of the chancellor," Darian, the oldest of the three, stepped forward, his purple hair now grey and skin wrinkled.
"And loyalty to Klatar first and foremost! We are neutral-" She urges, "I trust you three, ever since I was born I had known you, but it is important for me to deliver this speech-"
"As your advisors, we advise you leave it to me," Darian interrupts before Fova and Jeele could mutter a word.
"And I decide I will go forth with my speech where I will be addressing on behalf of my people," Kalesto hisses out, rage kept down by the hand Padme places on her shoulder.
~~~
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
