Unification

Part Ten

From the moment that Joss had returned, Liza had been researching his past. The questions that Anakin had asked her led her to some ancient documents well hidden within the Archives. Utilizing Geo’s underworld connections, she had discovered that the slave girl who was his mother had come from the planet of Shintel, a core world not far from Coruscant, steeped in ancient traditions and mythology, even in this enlightened age. She had eagerly dug into the study of the planet, hoping to gift Joss with information about his heritage in return for the myriad gifts he had given her, not the least of which were the lives that pulsed inside of her body.

When he proposed, she realized that she could incorporate her newfound knowledge into the ceremony. With Geo’s help, she sought out purveyors that could help make her dreams a reality. Joss had given her free rein in the planning, happy to let her decide on everything. He was working more and more for Geo these days, cutting his ties slowly but surely with the Jedi.

Sitting at her desk in Joss’ new quarters in downtown Coruscant, she pulled an ancient runic document from the pile and studied it carefully, making small notations on the data pad next to her.

***

“I simply cannot accept this, Geo.” Gal had burst into his office flat in the business district of Coruscant.

He looked annoyed, waving his hand to silence her, giving a dirty look as if to ask her whom she thought she was barging in on him.

Feeling a surge of hate, she slammed the Falasian crystal pendant on his desk and pulled the headset off of his head, abruptly ending his private transmission. The image of the Chalactan on his desk vanished into thin air.

She spun his chair around violently, swiveling it to face her. She drew her green saber and put the heel of her boot on his throat.

“You need to stop this nonsense, Geo. I am never going to have you. “ Galaxa snarled angrily, accenting her words with her boot.

Geo sat in his compromised position, noting how unusually disheveled Galaxa looked to him. Her emerald green eyes were frenzied, and loose hair hung from the sloppy bun at the top of her head. She looked fried.

“Ok. “ Geo said suddenly. With strength much greater than Galaxa’s, he effortlessly grasped her boot and pushed her backwards onto the floor. Gal’s head hit with a loud thump and she yelped in pain. Geo pinned her to the floor, forcing her legs apart with his own and using his hands to hold hers. She winced with discomfort as his hot breath blew across her face.

“I guess you don’t like rare and expensive jewels, Gal. But that gives you no right to barge in here the way you just did.” Gal was squirming beneath him, turning her face every which way to avoid his close contact, but he was relentless. She could not concentrate of the force either- he was blocking her.

“I will not allow you to take it out on me if you can’t handle my advances.” Geo said laboriously as he struggled to get her to look at him, grinding his hardened length into her mound, her movements brushing her taut nipples against his hard chest.

Finally, he drew her hands above her head forcing her face to look forward into his. Galaxa froze, a delicious shiver in her groin. He leaned in and whispered, his lips touching hers with every word. “You will never- EVER- do this again,” he growled. He then released her and resumed his position at his desk. “Besides,” he continued absently. “If I were you, I wouldn’t let my body write checks that it can’t deliver. You were never a warrior.”

Gal sat up and looked at him dumfounded- and suddenly hot and bothered. She had thought he would kiss her only a moment ago, and was furious that he hadn’t.

He acted as if she was not there, picking up his holopad and continuing to work.

Galaxa dusted herself off and force opened the door with a dramatic flourish.

When she had gone, Geo took the gemmed pendant in the shape of a large waxing crescent moon from where she left it. This was one of the rarest gems in the galaxy- Falasian Crystal was known for constantly reworking itself into different and new patterns. This one was the colors of indigo and scarlet. He had it custom made for her specifically, searching for those particular colors in the stone for weeks.

“Very well, “ he mumbled to himself, putting it on his own neck chain.

***

The day of Joss and Liza’s wedding was a cool one on Coruscant. Geo had paid the weather technicians to change the temperature to match that of Shintel. It was a costly gift to his friends, but one that Geo gave unstintingly. He cared about their happiness as much as his own.

Acaciah was in the room with Liza, helping her get dressed. Her wedding gown was one of traditional Shintellian design. A square bodice of white velvet that hugged her breasts, pushing them up slightly, two rounded mounds of creamy flesh above the tight material. The dress was tight across her ribs, several bands of silver ribbons laced through the material. After the bands, the dress hung in a straight column to the ground, a large slit up the back so she could walk, with a long train of lace attached at the shoulders in the back. Her slightly rounded stomach pushed against the velvet column, her pregnancy advancing with pronounced changes to her body.

Her hair was worn free, a circlet of chased silver encircling her brow, holding a sheer veil shot through with silver threads on the back of her head. It streamed out behind her, several yards in length. Tight white velvet gloves encased her arms, ending in points on her middle fingers. The short fluted sleeves of the dress ending right above where the gloves began an inch above her elbows. On her feet were satin slippers, encrusted with small jewels that sparkled when she walked.

Anakin had given her a small silver amulet with a strange pattern carved into it on a chain to wear. The squiggles danced and wove when you tried to read them, finally forming into words. The Shintel customs called for something new, something old, something borrowed and something blue. Her amulet was new, the dress based on an old drawing that she had seen in an ancient Shintel text. Her borrowed came from Geo, a stunning diamond encrusted miniature book that shone in the candlelight with a fiery white blaze, strung from a thin silver and white silken cord, it hung around her waist with a small pair of scissors, another Shintellian tradition.

Her blue came from her beloved, filmy sheer undergarments of the palest blue decorated with the traditional symbols for commitment and marriage, the design having been worked delicately into the fabric in a slightly darker blue than the material. Liza looked in the large mirror, catching Acaciah’s eyes. Her friend looked beautiful today as well, her green Fiona formal Princess dress accentuating her creamy skin and fiery curls.

Acaciah handed Liza the bouquet of white Celesian lilies and blood red Nubian roses before walking out the door to alert the men that she was ready.

***

Joss paced the small anteroom off the garden nervously. Anakin and Geo watched him in amusement, their friend was not often nervous about anything and they delighted in the chance to tease him.

“Are you sure she’s going to show?” Geo asked him. “Last I heard she was looking at fares for a one way trip to the Outer Rim.”

Anakin guffawed loudly while Joss spun and fixed Geo with an icy silver glare. “Enough!”

Geo laughed and took another puff of his cigar. Joss stalked over to the windows again, his anxiety palpable. “What is taking her so long?” he finally shouted, turning to regard his friends. They watched him in amused silence.

“Perhaps she is entertaining a new lover. Maybe she has grown bored with you.” Anakin drawled slowly, watching the flush creep up Joss’ neck.

Joss lunged towards him, intent on punishing him with his bare hands for that remark. Acaciah slipping into the small room, a beautiful smile shining on her face saved Anakin from his punishment. “It’s time.” She said softly, going over to slip her arm into Anakin’s. His eyes gleamed with pleasure as he took in her attire. She was gorgeous, from her shining curls piled high on her head, the stunning crystal beaded tiara winking in the lights to her skin tight dress, slit up the sides to reveal her creamy thighs. Instead of the traditional boots, she had chosen soft slippers much like the ones Liza wore, hers dancing with green fire.

Acaciah looked back at him with an appraising glance of her own. His broad shoulders were encased in a nubby silken black tunic that ended right below his hips. Loose fitting pants of the same material caressed his muscular legs. He had on soft black shoes; perfect for the dancing that would happen later. His long blond hair clubbed behind his head, bound with black silken cording.

All three men were dressed similarly; only Joss’ outfit a contrast in stunning white, signifying his role as the groom. A gold circlet held his hair off his face, floating freely around his shoulders. Geo reached for the fur trimmed white velvet cape hanging over the chair and settled it over his friend’s shoulders, pounding on them as they walked from the room.

Anakin and Acaciah walked out to the small clearing in the center of the garden, sitting in the two small chairs on the left side of the aisle. Large fir trees ringed the small clearing, the clean scent strong in the cool air. A trellis stood on a raised dais, covered in flowers from a dozen worlds, their heady scents an intoxicating mix. A Shintel Priest stood ready, waiting for the bridal couple. Joss stepped up on the dais with him to await his love.

Geo knocked softly on the door to her chambers and Liza opened it quickly. His eyes crinkled as he smiled at her, holding out his arm. She slipped her hand onto his arm and they walked slowly out to where the others waited.

Galaxa sat in a chair opposite the Skywalkers, her loose fitting crimson pantsuit a departure from her normal Jedi attire. The delicate silk suit had been waiting for her when she returned to her quarters to prepare for the wedding. Sighing softly, she had accepted the gift, knowing that the occasion called for more than just her Jedi garb. Geo had sent a speeder after her, bringing her here just moments ago. She smiled at Anakin and Acaciah before settling her gaze on Joss. He looked nervous yet happy. She sighed, happy to be here for him yet sad that she was the odd one out.

Joss’ inhaled breath warned the others of Liza’s arrival. She stood proudly at the end of the small white runner leading into the clearing, her hand resting softly on Geo’s bent arm. That man looked more handsome than any man had a right to, Galaxa thought to herself as she stood and turned, her gaze raking his body, clothed in the traditional wedding attire.

Anakin and Acaciah stood as well, their hands clasped together as they watched the beautiful woman walk down the short runner. Joss stepped down off the dais to meet them, his gaze locked on hers. Her blue eyes shone with promise as she beheld him, looking every inch the warrior prince in his wedding finery. Geo winked at Galaxa as he stood waiting for the Priest to ask for Liza to be given to Joss. He boomed out his, “I do,” before placing Liza’s small hand in Joss’ large one. He strolled over to stand next to Galaxa who stiffened visibly and turned back to watch Joss and Liza step up onto the dais.

“Please be seated.” The Priest intoned, his dulcet tones washing over them. He watched as the guests seated themselves before turning his gaze on the couple before him.

“You come before me to pledge your troth to one another. Body to body, soul to soul you will belong to one another, throughout this lifetime and the ones to come. Do you both come willingly and of your own free will?”

Their joyous agreements came quickly. The priest smiled slightly before turning to Joss. “You will be the protector, your guiding hand bringing prosperity and stability to your family. Do you accept this responsibility?”

“I do.”

He turned towards Liza. “You will be the nurturer. You will love, honor and bear his children along with making your house into a home for him and his progeny to be welcomed. Do you accept this responsibility?”

“I do.”

The priest nodded before stepping back. “You may make your promises to each other now.”

Joss looked at Liza and took her hand. “I have loved you from the first moment I saw you. You were the other half of my soul that I didn’t know was missing until you brought it back. I will lay my life down for you, willingly. I love you body and soul, choosing you as the mother of my children and the keeper of my heart. I will honor you, protect you and cherish you through this lifetime and the ones to come. This is my promise to you.”

Liza’s eyes shone brightly with tears as Joss’ impassioned words touched her soul. She smiled, a single tear slipping down her cheek. “Jossiah, my rescuer, my lover and keeper of my heart. I am incomplete without you. My life is infinitely richer just for you being in it. I love you body and soul and pledge myself to you through this lifetime and next. I choose you to father my children, protecting them and me from all harm. You shall always find a haven in my loving arms. This is my promise to you.”

Joss smiled at her, his own eyes tearing up with her declaration. They stared at each other, fingers entwined.

Galaxa bit back tears as she felt Geo’s hand slip into her own. For once she was happy of the small comfort his touch provided. Anakin had his arms around Acaciah, hugging her tightly to him as they recalled their own wedding vows to each other.

“You will now exchange the tokens of your promises to each other.” The priest intoned solemnly.

Liza turned to look at Groot, striding slowly up the white runner, a small velvet pillow resting in his hands. He stepped carefully onto the dais, his eyes whirling in bright tones of crimson, blissful at being able to participate in this joyous occasion. He had been given to Mistress Liza by Master Astara and was ecstatic in his happiness.

Joss reached down, picking up the thick band of gold inscribed with symbols. Liza did the same, the larger ring looking immense in her small fingers. They faced each other again, Groot holding the bouquet of flowers for his Mistress.

“Place the rings on the third finger of the left hand. The lifeblood beats through this finger, signifying your undying bond to each other.” The priest nodded at them and Joss reached for Liza’s hand again, sliding the band onto her finger, pushing slightly to get it over her knuckle.

Smiling, she reached for his, sliding his ring up onto his finger, pushing it over his large knuckle. They clasped hands again before turning back to the priest.

He motioned for them to kneel before him and he placed his hands on their bowed heads. “What has been joined together today, let no one put asunder. You are your beloveds and your beloved is yours. The bond formed today shall remain as solid and unbroken as a perfect circle, never ending and never broken. You are now husband and wife. Arise and seal your promise with a kiss.”

Joss leapt to his feet, pulling Liza up against him, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. Their guests applauded happily as the kiss lingered. When Joss finally released her and they turned, Groot handed his mistress her bouquet before walking around her to spread out her train as they walked arm in arm down the small walkway and into the warm reception room.

Gal pulled her hand out of Geo’s quickly and strode after the retreating couple, leaving him standing there with an amused grin on his face. Anakin caught his gaze and smiled before escorting Acaciah into the waiting room.

While the ceremony had been intimate and private, the reception was anything but. Guests from all over the galaxy had converged on Geo’s home to celebrate the union of Joss and Liza. Any person with the slightest connection to either the bride or groom had been invited, including a sour faced Obi-Wan Kenobi. He stood in the doorway, surveying the luxurious repast with mild distaste.

Lady Miriam Sakarte’ noticed his discomfort and came over to him smiling. “If you can’t look happy for them, at least try to hide your feelings a little better than you are now.” She wound her arm through his, pulling him towards a small table in the corner.

“Milady.” Kenobi said through clenched teeth as he permitted her to drag him across the room. He had too many ingrained manners to resist. They sat watching the proceedings in silence, amused on her part, furious on his.

Joss led Liza out to the middle of the large dance floor, taking her in his arms and pulling her close. The music swirled around them as the glided across the floor, eyes only for each other.

Another pair of eyes regarded them solemnly. Galaxa watched from the corner as they swirled and dipped in time with the music, her eyes filling with tears. Feeling Geo’s eyes upon her, she turned and fled.

Kenobi’s eyes were also on the couple. Sitting forward slightly in his seat, he inhaled quickly as he caught the force signature of the lives Liza was carrying inside of her. Rising quickly from his seat, he bowed to Lady Miriam before striding from the room, his robes swirling behind him.