It'd been three years since the Galactic Empire was defeated, and though no leader remained, the remnants of that fascist state continued to survive. They clung to an outdated system, waiting and hoping that one day they would rise again.
However, they were afraid. Jedi Knight, soon to be Master, Luke Skywalker was said to have killed the Emperor during the Battle of Endor. Most of the galaxy believed it so, and yet they still ran the same old propaganda: "ENDOR IS A LIE. BELIEVE IT AT YOUR PERIL." The support that they had even two years ago had started to wane. Luke Skywalker is the boogie man who haunts their dreams now, and so they stay in the shadows will this man will not go.
Here on the middle-rim planet of Vallen, they announce their loyalty to the New Republic. In many ways, the planet of Vallen had no backbone. They're beliefs were the ones that would keep them safe at that time. Vallen would pledge their loyalty to the smartest option, the winning option. It didn't matter if it was the Old Republic, the Galactic Empire, or now, the New Republic, Vallen would choose who would receive their undying support based on strengths. Luckily for the New Republic, anytime Vallen made a decision as large as this, the rest of Galaxy would follow in haste. Frankly, it was a good system, and it kept the planet wealthy and secure.
Today, Princess Leia Organa was the chosen representative to oversee this monumental occasion. To say she was ecstatic would be an understatement, she was practically vibrating with excitement as she stepped off of the Millenium Falcon and onto Vallen. Her brown hair was up and done into extravagant knots and she had worn muffs over her ears in case it was cold. Based on the way her breath showed in the air and Han's teeth clattered loudly next to her, it had been the right call.
"It's beautiful," breathed Andromeda as she stood behind Leia, Luke's arm entwined with hers. Andromeda broke into a grin and leaned into Luke, trying to get the attention of the toddler resting in Han's arms. "Don't you agree, Ben?" He ignored her, instead clutching tighter to his father, eyes large in wilderment.
Vallen's mountains were ancient and magnificent. Coruscant was known for its nightlife, Kamino for being completely aquatic, but Vallen's ranges outshined them all. This particular range, the Donhestvo's, were snow capped and protected the large valley that was the Capitol. During the monsoon season they would be a brilliant and vibrant green instead of the dark blue they were now.
The ground the quartet stood on was frozen solid with permafrost and Han bounced along. "Would you look at that, kid?" He pointed towards the village. Bright lights were strung across the buildings and small fires were lined along the streets to keep everyone warm. Brightly colored flags hung from each home and window. For as chilly as it was, they all felt warmed by the site ahead.
"It kind of reminds me of home," Leia spoke softly. Han grabbed her hand and gave a soft squeeze.
As they made their way into the village, two Vallians holding hands made their way out to greet them. Their skin was a shining silver and one of them bore two white lines down their chin. Both had glistening black hair, one short and one long. The couple stopped in front of Leia right before the village entrance and bowed. Each of them crossed their free hand over their chest but still held onto the other's hand.
Leia let go of Han's hand and curtsied.
The Vallians stood and surveyed the small group before breaking into cheek splitting grins. Long canines glinted white and they greeted happily, "Heroes!" in a heavy accent which sounded more like "Hevoes!".
"Welcome, we cannot possibly thank you all enough for what you have done," the Vallian with the chin markings and short curled hair spoke. Her accent wasn't as heavy as she spoke Galactic Basic. Leia had had some lessons in the Vallian language, but it wouldn't have been enough to hold a conversation on this occasion, and so the New Republic and the Vallian leadership had decided on Galactic Basic.
"No, thank you for inviting us. This place is very beautiful," she smiled and placed a hand upon her chest.
The Vallians grinned and the longer haired one spoke. "Not compared to Zelenodovi, no."
Zelenodovi or The Green House was Vallen's capitol building. It was where the Heads-of-State resided, as well as Vallen's royalty.
"I am Feli," the one with the markings said, "and this right here is Chesna. She is my dattā-tog." Leia recognized that word. It usually could mean: lover, partner, spouse, and in some cases, soulmate. "And we are the Sages. We're here to make sure you get to the Zelenodovi in one piece." Leia and Andromeda laughed, but Han and Luke couldn't help but exchange a look.
"Come! Come!" beckoned Chesna, who looked to be about as eager as Leia felt. They lead them through the village. People sat outside of their houses and waved flags of the rebellion as they passed. The setting sun did nothing to darken the people's moods as shouts of "Heroes!", "Jedi!" and even a "General" for Han filled the air. No one could stop themselves from smiling, the only exception being the small human in Han's arms. He had his nose scrunched in confusion; he couldn't seem to get past the "heroes" part of the cheer. Heroes? His family?
"Everyone here today will be attending us at Zelenodovi later," said Feli as the road turned steeper, "However we will be early. The Trip-Sestma have requested your audience in a much more private setting."
Luke's face turned down at this. The Trip-Sestma were the Heads-of-State of Vallen. Call him pessimistic but the last time he had to be alone with any leader of a political party, it had ended up with him being electrocuted.
"Trip-Sestma," he began loud enough for Chesna and Feli to hear, "that means Three-Sisters, right?".
The Sages nodded and Chesna yelled an immensely encouraging "Very good!" his way.
Luke's smile found its way back to his face in no time. Andromeda gave him a poke in his rib, "You did the reading."
It was more a statement than a question. Luke had been so overwhelmed with the last of his training lately that Andromeda had feared he wouldn't be prepared to meet the people of Vallen. She gave him a proud smile.
"Well, I guess that means at least three of us actually know how to read," she teased, all three of them looking at Han.
"Hey," he whined, "that's not fair." Han reached a hand up to squeeze his son's cheek. "I'm pretty sure Ben here knows how to read at least a few words."
The group giggled as they made their way uphill. People still waved and cheered their way, after all this time the quartet were sure they'd never get used to all the attention. Even Leia and Andromeda, both trained in politics and in public service since they'd been able to speak, felt a little sheepish with praise.
Andromeda snuggled her arm into Luke's a bit more and pressed her nose into his sleeve. The cold had her cheeks and nose turning pink and Luke's ability to be a human furnace was greatly appreciated. Han huffed as their path turned steep and Leia wasted no time jamming her finger into his side. "Don't tell me you're getting old already?"
Han's retort was cut short by a small, "Woah."
"'Woah' is right little one. This is Zelenodovi, or in a literal translation, The Green House," spoke Feli, pride lacing her voice.
The building was ginormous, larger than even the Theed Royal Palace. Andromeda was convinced that it must've been roughly the size of a small city. The fortrus was a brilliant sapphire green that stretched at least fifteen stories high. A bright silver metal encased the tall spire in the middle of it all and it's point shone in the last rays of sunlight. As the group approached the outer edge of The Green House they noticed the large wall that guarded the place. It was the same glittering silver that encased the spire and was decorated with magnificent markings.
Leia recognized some of the symbols. An uneven circle with lines through it meant a lake, or maybe just a large body of water. The picture next in line was a large animal, it's teeth barred yet it didn't seem threatening. In fact it looked very much like a smile if you'd ask Luke.
"It's telling us their history," Leia informed everyone.
The entire wall surrounded the place, but Han was pretty sure it wasn't for protection (if so, it would be the shittiest wall in existence).
"It's also a show of wealth," he was rather impressed with the place, and he hadn't even gone inside. "No way. This is beskar!"
"Beskar?" Luke asked.
"I thought beskar was only native to Mandalore?" Andromeda wondered as they entered the walls.
"Yes," answered Chesna.
"And no," finished Feli.
"Beskar originated on Mandalore. However, many centuries ago the leaders of Mandalore and Vallen made many trades. They gave us beskar, we gave them knowledge," the Sages elaborated. Chesna turned around once everyone was inside and brought her arm in a large arc. The group turned to see more hieroglyphs on the walls inside. "The Mandalorian-Jedi War spanned many years. I'm sure you all know how it went." It was actually the first most of them had heard about it. Palpatine had been good at erasing most of anything related to the Jedi and their history. Luke had spent years absorbing and scouring for any piece of information he could find about the old Jedi Order, and here on some mid-rim planet their citizens seemed to know more about it than him. As if sensing Luke's discomfort and confusion, the Vallens continued.
Chesna pointed to the far left at a symbol that was clearly a Mandalorian's helmet. "That there is Mandalore the Great. He controlled the planet of Mandalore long ago, and he was the one to come to us for assistance."
"The Vallen have never been one for violence. We believe it has always been uh, 'beneath us.' But we have always been one to pass knowledge onto others," Feli jumped into the telling of the story.
In the markings, Mandalore the Great was on his knees, begging in front of three veiled figures. From what Leia has heard about Mandalorians, she wasn't sure how much "begging" their leader would've actually done. "We told them everything they didn't know about the Jedi and their abilities. And we helped them along with their advancement in technology. Of course we do not take all credit for it, but the Mandalorians provided us with enough beskar to last many lifetimes."
"That's a little spineless don't you think? I mean, I respect it-" Han started. "But you got all this reward for a war you didn't even fight in?"
Chesna shrugged. "The Jedi were victorious, were they not?"
They all stared.
Feli gave a faint smile. "I say it was a win-win for both our peoples."
"Besides, if that hadn't have happened, we wouldn't have been here today to celebrate the New Republic," a veiled woman spoke as she approached from the inside of the palace's walls. She wore black silk and a green mask decorated in bright shining emeralds and rubies where her eyes should've been.
The Sage's bowed deeply, heads almost reaching the floor. Andromeda would've been impressed with their flexibility had it not been for the fact that she felt very starstruck. "Gran-Sestma", she breathed quietly. The Elder Sister. She was the one that made all the calls regarding just about everything regarding the planet. If Andromeda had grown up here, she would've idolised Gran-Sestma instead of all the past queens on Naboo.
The Elder Sister gave a small laugh at Andromeda and then bowed her head at the rest of the group. "Welcome, all of you. Master Jedi. General Solo, now Organa. Senators Carme and Organa. Thank you so much for all you have done for this planet, much less the Galaxy."
Her voice was soothing, like a small stream passing over pebbles. Though they all knew better, they couldn't help but let their guard down around her.
"Hey!" a strong voice came from Han's arms. Leia blushed in embarrassment as they all looked towards her son, his brows furrowed in discontentment. The Elder Sister didn't seem to mind as she walked towards the boy. She lowered herself to his eye level and began apologizing.
"My apologies little one. It was so very rude of me to not greet you. But I swear you are not forgotten," she glanced towards Han. "What is his name?"
"Ben."
"Hmm. Hello Ben. Thank you for traveling so far from home. I'm sure you're very cold." He nodded, chubby cheeks and nose showing a bright pink. "From this point on, you are all welcome not only on my planet, but into my home."
The warmth inside of the Palace was a welcome one. Soft lights hung from every corner and crevice, and the fading daylight danced across the opening room. Every room was equipped with a skylight roof.
The floors and walls were a delicate mix of porcelain and marble and any and all cracks were filled with green and gold. Plants were hung from the windows and the sound of small chirps alerted Luke to the fact that any birds on the planet survived here during the winter. They'd all seen wonders in the past few years, traveled the galaxy more than most do in their lifetime, but Zelenodovi had to be in the top five most beautiful places ever.
They all gawked shamelessly, even Leia whose old home had been incomparable to anything else. Vallians in cream colored robes paid no mind, instead bustling around to make the palace even more presentable. The Trip-Sestma as well as the young Princess were to be recorded as they gave Senators their stamp of approval on the New Republic's governing system. If things went according to plan, hundreds of systems wouldn't be able to say no to them after tonight.
"Tayet! Gal-Lenkiy!", a voice from the main hallway called out desperately (Hey! Little Princess). Small footsteps could be heard coming towards them. Luke felt a swell of nervousness in his chest.
Yes, he had attended this trip because he had time now and both Leia and Andromeda asked him to, but he also had an ulterior motive, one relating to the small child running directly towards his shins. He braved himself in anticipation, ready to catch her if she didn't stop, but Gran-Sestma was faster.
She swooped the giggling child into her arms and swung her around so they were both facing their guests. "Ah, here is our pride and joy. This is Zorya."
Zorya grinned, tiny white fangs appearing in her smile. She moved to bow, very nearly hitting the mask off the Elder Sister's face before she was placed firmly onto the floor.
"I am Zorya, first of my name. I am the Royal Princess of Vallen and Daughter of Katja and Malen. I protect my planet with my life and no one will take that from me." She inhaled a gulp of air. She hadn't taken a single breath during her little speech.
"We understand Princess," Leia replied, trying to keep herself from smiling too wide at the little girl, lest she think Leia had been mocking her.
Zorya raised her eyebrows at the group. "I'm also four years old."
"Ah, that one was not as rehearsed as the rest," the Elder Sister touched Zorya's arm, indicating that it was time for the child to get ready. Zorya did not move. Her gaze was locked on Luke's instead. This was what he'd been waiting for.
Hi, he thought, making sure it was the loudest thought in his head. He didn't break eye contact.
She scrunched her nose slightly. Are you the Jedi?
Luke smiled. I am.
Zorya nodded and finally turned toward the woman holding her arm. "That's Luke," she gestured behind her with a thumb over her shoulder.
Luke felt the surprise come from the older Vallian.
"I had my suspicions with her father. I didn't voice my concerns for obvious reasons. Her grandmother had been one. Grandfather too I believe, so this doesn't shock me," she turned her mask to Luke. Everyone else was baffled.
"Is this why you came today? You came for the only remaining member of our planet's royal family? And do not lie to me Master Jedi, it wouldn't be appreciated." Her voice held no warmth this time, and the absence of it felt colder than what it was.
Andromeda reached for Luke's arm once again. You didn't have to be trained in the art of politics from a young age to find out when a situation was heading south, but she found that it helped. Luke looked as if everything was still going according to plan and that frightened her.
"It is," he grinned down at Zorya who in turn gave a cheek splitting smile back. "You see, I've never been one for politics, Gran-Sestma. I usually leave that area for my sister here." If looks could kill Leia's glare would've already burned a hole through her twin's skull. She knew how important it was for Luke, and in turn her and even Ben for them to find other force users. But that didn't mean Luke could come to a diplomatic meeting and potentially ruin everything she'd worked years to accomplish. If the Elder Sister suspected them of being threats in anyway, she's sure this whole trip would be a massive failure.
"I don't want you to think I wouldn't have come if I didn't know Zorya was force-sensitive, because I would have. It just so happens to be that, well-your Heir Apparent here called me."
If Andromeda didn't know any better, she'd say the Elder Sister looked slightly taken aback.
"It's true." Zorya's small voice was louder than necessary. It was something that she was still working on, when to speak loudly and when not to. If it was up to her, she'd scream every single thought that entered her head, but that was unbecoming, or so she'd been told. "I found Luke one night when I was dreaming." She nodded her head as if this was the most normal thing in the world.
The Elder Sister knew this was the truth. She'd known that Zorya's grandparents had been Jedi during the Clone Wars. She knew that force sensitivity was usually passed on genetically, and Zorya was no surprise. Her reflexes were amazing for a child of her age and she typically could tell when her and the other members of the Trip-Sestma were in sour moods. And the Elder Sister had known even before Luke stepped foot on this planet that he would be here for her. However it felt nice to have them all state their intentions out right.
Most Vallens couldn't imagine the longing that any remaining Jedi felt. A distinct loneliness that Palpatine instilled in all of them the moment he murdered entire generations. Even those who had not been alive when the genocide took place would grieve for those that they had never met, the sense of community they would never get to feel from others like them. Palpatine ruined not only the Jedi, but any force sensitive child to be born after Order 66. The fear of being caught would sometimes be second to the question of What if?
The Elder Sister understood more than most and she could see the grief that would always hide behind Luke's face. A child of a genocided people, and yet there was still hope that flashed in his eyes and a smile that hung on his lips even when there was nothing to really smile about. That is what this planet would need. This is what Zorya would need, an everlasting hope that those around her would not give her. And Luke needed Zorya just as well.
He needed someone to teach, a student he could give all his love and wisdom to. The Elder Sister was more than welcome to let that happen, if that is what each party desired. A smile no one could see found its way to her lips before she let out a triumphant "hmph." For now, she thought, it would do these ambassadors a bit of good to have the fear of Vallen placed inside them. Better to let them wonder all night if this little mishap had truly shattered their dreams than soothe their fears so soon.
"Gal-Lenkiy," The Elder Sister addressed the young girl in her arms, "Will you do me a favor?"
"Ya, Gran-Sestma." Zorya seemed for a moment before her face turned stoic. She took her job of pleasing the older woman very seriously.
"Give our guests a tour why don't you? I'm afraid I have much to accomplish before dinner." The Elder Sister did not, in fact, have anything to accomplish before dinner. Everything was set in its place, every speech, every question that might need be answered.
Zorya gave a firm nod of her head.
"Good girl. Again," The Elder Sister spoke to the group in front of her and set Zorya down, "I will see you all soon, but I do have a few matters to attend to. Zorya should be more than capable to take care of you."
"Okay heroes," Zorya placed her small hands on her hips. Her small black robes were decorated with golden bands and dangling beads. A golden band wrapped around her head, signifying her status as a young member of the Royal Family, and at this point in time the only member of the Royal Family. Her green eyes were large in wonder as she looked up at all her guests. "Let me show you around my house." Her eyes squeezed together as she grinned.
Well isn't she just the cutest, Andromeda thought.
"I can show you all my favorite pond. It has lots and lots of fish in it. Oh and it has plants and flowers," she turned to lead the way.
The group allowed themselves to feel content again, positivity now rarely left most of them. Leia however wouldn't stop staring daggers into Luke's head, but he pretended to not notice.
"And you!" Zorya quickly turned, pointing to the toddler in Han's arms, "I'm going to show you my birds." Well, no one said the night wouldn't be interesting.
WORD COUNT: 3,657
A/N:
I didn't proofread this at all. Anyways the Jedi did experience a genocide they didn't deserve and as a survivor of a culture that was genocided I think it's weird people think the Jedi order deserved it. I created all of Vallen and their creation story is based on my tribe's creation story so please don't steal it I guess? I don't see why anyone would but oh well. Andromeda has my heart <3 as does little ms. zorya before all the war crimes. also i know the pacing is weird but this is just for fun i never said i was john steinbeck so. pls leave feedback and what not ily guys