EVENTIDE ✓

⠀⠀⠀ II. G'ALASTI

— OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

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⠀⠀⠀ THE THE MAIN RITUAL OF THE CELEBRATION OF G'ALASTI ALWAYS AMAZED THE VISITORS. Never failing to disappoint with the beautiful world of its captivating musical pieces to the Gy'oiro ceremony. It was something you could only hear about in stories told by parents before you fell asleep, it was something magical and alluring.

G'alasti celebration occurred once in fifty years, usually before the coronation of a young king or queen, right at the time of Appulse. The ancient elders of Gala entered into a strict agreement to host the ceremony once the planets stood together at once. This is what made it well known around the galaxy — the stringent structure followed by generations to ensure full immersion of the people to be remembered for a long time.

Milada's eyes mirrored the fire flames outside of her quarters from the balcony, she always wanted to be part of all the ancient ceremonies but traditions forbid it. It had been the first day of the G'alasti and celebration had begun at dawn. The princess couldn't wait any longer for the Gy'oiro ceremony in three days time, but the fret had always been present with her. She understood that once she is the queen, she would have to obtain against Phindians who would sooner or later come to conquer Gala.

She felt someone's presence behind her, pulling her out of her trance, knowing already who it was. She didn't say anything, just simply continued admiring the young girls dancing and singing songs around the fire as their flesh reflected the moon above, shining with their own moonlight.

"You wish to be with them," said the Jedi Master as if he could read her like an open book. Obi Wan entered the princess' chambers as her father insisted that the Jedi would stay with her until his departure to Coruscant. Milada wasn't sure whether she was trilled or agitated to spend following days alone with Obi Wan Kenobi.

She simply smiled, her eyes not leaving the sight in front of her. Milada did wish to be with them, to be like a simple citizen and not a royal, but she knew it would be impossible and that as a future queen she should do what she must for her people. But at what cost? She knew that her father had assassinated the previous king and seized power, she knew that she was not the one of pure Galacian blood, she knew that monarchy would end.

Obi Wan sighed, his eyes left the beautiful woman and his attention was now on the sight before them, "I understand you're against your father's choice but—"

"I'm not," she cut him off. She didn't want to hear anymore of what her father wanted for her, she just wanted to enjoy the sight before her as the next time she could witness such pulchritude in fifty years time — when her child will be coronated. Or maybe not, as she accepted that a revolution would be inevitable for the planet of Gala and that she would lose her title as the queen. Perhaps for the good?

The Jedi Master arched his brow, he knew she was lying, he could sense it, but nevertheless he didn't pressure her anymore. Obi Wan was aware of how rare this celebration occurred and he felt agonising for the princess. He understood the obstacles the princess had to overcome and be was aware that sooner or later the Separatists would take over Gala, if not them then Phindians.

Certain groups of Galacians were hopeful once to be free from such customs. The Hill tribe were no exception as Elan did not forgive her father for banishing the dark-moonlight people, yet, the governors of the tribe, including Elan herself, accepted the invitation of the King Skepsza to attend the coronation ceremonies. Many would see this as a step to forming an alliance and ending the Cold War between the tribes of the planet, but was it really the intention?

"I was informed that Elan will be present," Obi Wan whispered only for Milada to hear, "and that she would like to meet you — the future queen," he looked at the woman before him once again, perceiving her reactions and emotions. 

Milada's eyes left the Galacians before her as she looked at the Jedi with shock. She had always believed that the Hill people hated her and her father, thus never establishing any relationship to ensure stability within the tribes and now that Elan and her people are present, they would try and stop coronation from taking place.

"Don't they hate us?" She asked, wonder taking over her facial features as she continued to study the man before her who was watching her equally. His left hand finding its way to his beard, stroking it in a thinking manner — another thing she loved about the Jedi.

"I would say that 'hate' is a strong word," he sighed, "I believe they preferred to isolate themselves to avoid conflict which might be brought back again," he was right. The conflict had been present for a decade after the assassination of King Cana and that it was very clever of Elan to draw away from Galu and it's policies, ensuring that the hill tribe will be protected from the government run by the sea and urban tribes.

Obi Wan saw Milada stiffen, her face now shone faintly with the light moonlight, "but Elan is—" she was cut off by the Jedi Master taking her soft hands into his own, bringing them close to his face and placing a tender kiss on each. He observed that when she is reluctant or uncertain, her Galacian features would dominate over her human, resulting to her skin resembling the Galacian Moonlight.

"She will not hurt you, darling," he looked into her lavender eyes, "I promise," and he would stick to it. The Jedi always kept his word and would never allow Milada being injured, not under his watch at least.

Milada felt her face heat up under his gaze, she trusted this man with her life but was still afraid for her own sake. But the way he sternly yet calmly spoke those words would've caused her to forget about relying on herself if it wasn't for the clear fact that once this ceremony is over, he would leave her.

She slowly looked away and her gaze met the people before her again and this time she saw the Dark Moonlight Galacians among the sea and urban people, dancing and singing songs around the fires as if the conflict was never present among the society of a heavenly and prosperous planet of Gala.