Loving Skywalker - Book (3)

Changes and Concerns

Authors note:
It is so good to be back writing I have so much in store for the rest of this story and its characters. If you haven't seen my announcement on my homepage, please go look at it! Just a note. Ben's age will differ with the sequel trilogy when it comes to some events.
Raina's POV.

Years had gone by as Raina and Luke carried on. Eventually their grief turned to moments of quiet sadness as grief does. It never left them, but they found ways to move forward.

The temple was flourishing. Many of Luke and Raina's Padawan's were now Jedi knights and some even masters. A few of those who were of the newer masters included Jaina, Kole, Trist, Nekén, Tara, Alyva, and Talee. Some of those who had become knights were Talia, Lysa, a female tugruta named Malhata, a young man named Dane and another young man named Brent. Many younglings and padawan were still with the temple and more had joined. Luke had sent some masters to be stationed on their home planets and begin satellite temples. It was also a common occurrence to send masters and their padawan off on missions of their own which allowed Luke and Raina to focus on the temple. It was a wonderful sight to behold to see the Jedi order blooming to life once again.

Ben had been a padawan for some time now and was growing stronger. Luke was his master though Jacen did oversee some of his trading on occasion. Even at 17 he showed so much potential and was one of if not the strongest of all the padawan and younglings. Luke theorized he would grow stronger than even the other Jedi.

After the terrible events concerning Darth Betrus. Jacen had taken some time away to meditate and center himself again. Luke had worried for him since a year had gone by, but when he decided to return he was thrilled. He seemed much lighter and at peace than before. Luke slowly helped integrate him back into the swing of things and after a couple years he graduated his padawan to Jedi knight and became a master. Every now and then he made it a tradition to go off on his own for what he called a Recentering Retreat. Luke found no issue with it, seeing as he always seemed to feel better and more one with the force when he returned.

Over the years Raina and Luke had tried and eventually given up on having another baby. Though it was heartbreaking nothing would replace their son and they had come to peace with the idea of it just being the two of them. Instead, they focused all of their energy on training at the temple and any parental feelings upon the younglings Padawan as well as her nephew who were their main priority.

Luke and Raina had been called away by Leia to Coruscant on personal business. They brought Ben with them as well as a chance to see his family. They all were seated at the Solo's dining table.

Ben was notably happy to see his younger sister Breha just as she was to see him. They were as close to best friends as you could get. Though Breha had her father's looks, wit and strong personality, she took after he mother in many ways. She was always very calm and a born leader. She loved accompanying Leia on business and already desired to enter the political sphere. Han had done his best to dissuade her, but she was as stubborn as her mother. And though he disliked politics he preferred it to her becoming a Jedi like her brother. Han did his best to keep his feelings to himself, but everyone knew including Ben that Han disliked his son being involved with the temple.

Luke and Raina smiled at one another watching Ben and Breha banter back and forth. Chewie was joining in on the conversation and affectionately elbowed Ben making Breha laugh. Han and Leia were at the other end of the table talking to one another as well and eyeing their two children happily. Everything in the Solo's life finally seemed whole for once.

"So Leia when will be leaving for Chandrila?" Luke asked.

Leia looked away from Han and over to Luke. "In the morning. We will need to be arriving in the afternoon to get Breha settled."