Kijani stared at the empty space in the communicator where her father’s face had been. Honestly, this new potential husband had very poor timing. When Adam walked back in, she cleared her mind of the situation. There was nothing to do about it now.

“Nothing important to you. Just royal stuff.” She figured Adam had enough on his plate with their training. Or rather, his lack of it. So she would keep this development to herself for the time being.

“Thank you for setting up the tent. I’m not sure how well I’ll sleep. I’m very excited about all of this finally starting.” She smiled, and put the communicator away. “Let’s try and get some rest anyway.” She definitely wasn't going to sleep. She'd probably wind up reading documents under the blankets as was usual for her nowadays.

"Yea, no problem." Adam said. He felt like Kijani was trying to avoid telling him something, but he figured that he would hear it eventually. He sat down on a nearby log, looking exasperated.

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I can do. Yoda says I don't need more training, so I technically don't have any reason to be here. But... I don't want to leave you here." Adam said, trying not to sound awkward. What he really wanted to say was I want to stay at your side until I die. But he wasn't sure how she was going to take that.

"Maybe there is something else here for me to do. This place is strong in the Force, and maybe I'll get a sign." he said with a shrug.

“I hope so. Even if you aren’t able to directly train, I’m still glad you’re here with me. Thank you for staying.” She squeezed his shoulder gently. “Let’s get some rest. It will be morning before you know it.” Kijani stepped into their meager tent. At the very least it was dry, and clean, and free of bugs. She could deal with the rest.

She did manage to fall asleep, but not stay asleep. Her communicator was beeping with a message, most likely the documents her father had sent. Some days she wished she could smash it into a wall and have some peace and quiet. But that was not the behavior for a well-heeled royal.

She opened up the documents and started to read them. “Let’s see what this Eskel Veruna is about.” The documents would contain a general profile, as well as some more personal data, and even rumors and gossip that had the most buzz. She had to know what she was getting into, of course. Whoever said there was no bad publicity never had a family crest.

After a quick search on the Holo-net revealed a deluge of information on Eskel Veruna, Prince of Naboo. It seemed to most of the gutter press of the galaxy, the Prince was an open book. On occasion, he was an entitled rich party-boy, but he was mostly well meaning. He even donated to a few charities and helped out with a few not-for-prophet causes. Generally, however, he tried to stay out of politics outside of his home planet. Why his noble house would be interested in associating itself with the Rebel Alliance was anyone's guess.

"Hm. Interesting." He was handsome, that was for certain. He had the polished noble look down. But his motive was strange to Kijani. She saw the paparazzi party photos and while they gave her pause, she was able to dismiss them among the rest of what she found, which was generally positive. But his lack of a political bend made her curious. Why now, was he trying to line up with the Rebellion? Was there familial pressure to marry? If so, why her? Was it simply because the loss of Alderaan had opened his eyes to the ugly truth of the Empire? If so, there were plenty of other good, Rebel aligned families with suitable daughters.

This required more thought.

She fell asleep with the Holonet pad in her lap, exhausted and dreamless.

Adam's sleep was not restful, and it was full of bad dreams. He could feel the dark side of the force emanating strongly from this planet. When he closed his eyes to shut out the cries of pain and anguish, they only grew louder and louder in his mind. Worse still was the cold. He had the simply heating lamp turned to maximum, and yet he shivered.

What was this place? he thought to himself. A battle? A massacre? Whatever it was, he was beginning to wonder how any Jedi could stay here and not turn mad. Although after meeting Yoda...

"Lost to me, this planet's mysteries are." said a familiar voice from the U-wing's open hatch. "Learn them in time, perhaps. Though have much of it, I do not."

Adam rose from his bunk and looked to Yoda. "You say that my training is complete, but how can that be?" he asked. He did his best to try and hide his frustration, but he knew it showed.

"No more to learn, you have. Except from yourself." Yoda said. If he noticed Adam's irritation, he didn't show it. "Let go of attachment, a Jedi must. Yet tightly, you hold on." Adam could tell where this was going, so it was best to just get it out of the way and stop dancing around the issue.

"Is it so obvious that I love her?" he asked, as much to himself as to the wizened Jedi master.

"Strength in the Force to see this, I do not need." Yoda said with a laugh. "Know, does she?"

Adam simply shook his head. "I don't know." It was true. Was he just her friend and teacher, or much more?

"Close to the Dark Side, you are becoming." Yoda said, matter-of-factly. "Training, she must focus on. Yourself, you must. Teach final lesson, only you can."

Adam wanted to throw something. For all of his insane, backwards talk, Yoda was right. Even if she wasn't a Jedi, how could she ever love him back? The young Jedi needed to find his own place in the galaxy. Even if that means being far away from Kijani Organa.

"Right. At least let me say goodbye first." Adam said, feeling defeated.

Kijani awoke with a startle, as if something was calling her name. "Yes?" She murmured, barely awake and half dropping out of her cot. "...weird." Was it the Force or some vague remnant of a dream? Perhaps just the mind playing tricks.

She dressed and got up, exiting the tent to find a surprise. Adam's few bags were packed and set to the side, as if he were ready to go. Kijani was confused and still tired, and didn't quite get why.

"Good morning, Adam. Are we leaving? Why didn't you wake me?" She paused, confused. "Wait. Why are we leaving, we just got here." Stifling, she started to braid back her dreadlocks to keep them off her face and neck.

"...I don't understand what's happening. Explain." It was rare she was commanding to anyone, but it was usually when she wasn't in a proper mood.

Adam narrowly resisted the urge to say Yes, mam. at Kijani's instruction. This was already hard enough for him, and he didn't feel the need to make a joke out of it. So he took a deep breath and began to speak.

"You don't need me here. You have your own training to finish. I feel like I still have more to learn, and I don't want to distract you. I'll go where the Force guides me to go. Who knows? Maybe Han and Chewie could use a third?" That part was all true, but that was only part of it. Adam knew this day would have to come eventually, but he had hoped that the circumstances would be far better than this.

"There's something else, too." he began, feeling his hands shake. He hoped that Kijani didn't see how nervous he was, but soon it wouldn't matter.

"I admit that when I first met you, I had a bit of a crush on you. It was childish and pathetic, I know, and it was something that would go away with time. But... it didn't."

He wanted to go to her, to embrace her and never let go. But he didn't know how she would take it.

"I wanted to tell you, but I was afraid. I didn't want to lose my best friend over misplaced feelings. Either way, I can't stay here like this. If I get pulled to the Dark Side because of love, I don't want to take you with me."

Kijani went from despondent surprise to genuine shock at Adam's sudden confession. Her head spun.

Could loving someone really lead them to the Dark Side? She had been taught to let go of attachments, but she'd always meant that to be the physical things, the money and the clothes and such. But attachments of the heart were off limits as well? How?

Usually love was a good thing, something that most people experienced. But now it was a precursor to- She had to forcibly halt her own mind to drag it back to the issue at hand.

Adam hadn't said it in so many words, but he loved her.

Loved her.

Loved her!

He could probably read the confusion on her face, but she had yet to speak. Mostly because she didn't know what to say at all. This was not the first time someone had said that. Far from it. It was, however, the first time she'd heard it from someone who truly mattered to her. Which set her spinning, like a ship with no gravity.

"...Why?"

She spoke without meaning to. "I mean, I get the crush thing. That happens. More than I'd like, actually. It's the celebrity thing. But you, I thought you were..." More sensible. Safer. SANE. None of that passed her lips. "I thought you just saw me as a friend. I never knew you... I..."

She could feel her heart starting to thump rapidly in her chest. Without at all meaning to, Adam had brought up something she'd been struggling with for quite some time.

Who was Kijani? And what did she want?

Beyond the title and bloodline. Beyond the Force. Beyond all of the teachings and trappings - who was she at her core? More often than not, she felt like a piece in a grand game, ready to be sacrificed at will to some higher cause. Becoming a Jedi had made that notion much, much worse. She'd been fighting this very question since her youth, and never had a answer. And yet here was Adam with something seriously, severely personal, and all she could think of was...

"What of me is there to love?"

It was almost inaudible. She was actually shaking very slightly. Sure, it was cold, but she hadn't been shivering before.

"Is it because I am a princess, or a Jedi? Which is it? Because beyond that, I don't see how..."

She closed her eyes.

And then Kijani made the hard decision, the type of decisions that she was raised to make.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe it is better that you go, and hopefully avail yourself of this notion. I promise, you're not in love with me. Distance will surely solve the issue for you." She opened her eyes and smiled, but there was nothing behind it.

Adam wanted to answer her before she made a quick decision. He didn't love Princess Kijani or Jedi Kijani. He just loved Kijani. But once she said that it would be best if he just left, he could only agree. Adam was glad that she decided to be the one to show sense.

Then why did this hurt so much?

"Right." he said, hefting the last of his bags over his shoulders. "Good luck, Kijani. I-" he stopped himself, unsure of what to say that won't make this situation worse. After a moment, he settled on "You know where to find me. Good luck, and may the Force be with you." Then, he turned away, wondering if he would ever see her again. I mean, we're the only Jedi left in the galaxy other than Master Yoda. We have to see each other again sometime. Right?

"Goodbye, Adam. Be safe out there." Kijani watched her friend turn his back and leave. Soon, the ship was taking off, and she was left alone. For some reason, tears were prickling at her eyes. She exhaled, and did not cry, letting the emotion flow away as she had been taught.

Had she said the right thing? Had she hurt Adam's feelings? She honestly didn't know. There would be time to rectify it later, she was sure. But for now, perhaps they both needed space.

With a soft sigh, she headed to Yoda's home, lightsaber strapped to her belt. She didn't want to think about this now.

"Master Yoda? Good morning." She approached her new teacher. "Adam has left us. It's just me, now. I hope I won't disappoint."

Yoda simply nodded, looking face showing dismay for the first time since the Jedi had arrived on planet. "Left per my instructions, Adam has. A great Jedi, he could be. But, too much of his father in him, he has. However, much training you have. Let us begin." he said, setting aside his walking stick and igniting his own lightsaber.
------

Six Weeks Later...

"Unidentified freighter, clear the way or be destroyed!" said the Imperial communications officer aboard the light cruiser Retribution. As a precaution, the captain already ordered the ships compliment of TIEs to disembark and surround the YT-1300 freighter. It wasn't uncommon for ships to become damaged in the Metharian Nebula, as the many swirling, violet clouds held many dangers.

"Cannot comply!" came the static filled response from the freighter. Han Solo wouldn't consider himself a great actor, but thankfully he only needed to keep this charade going for another minute. Just as the small imperial convoy came to a complete halt, the trap was finally sprung.

"Targets acquired. Formation, attack!" came the call over the comlink, and the six X-wings dove out of the clouds and fell upon the Imperials. Raptor Three, Adam Skywalker, was first among the TIEs, blasting one before the others had time to react.

After leaving Kijani on Dagobah, Adam needed something to keep the young woman from his mind. Becoming a pilot seemed like the obvious choice, as the Rebels were desperately short on recruits. He wasn't sure he made the right choice until he got into the cockpit of his own X-Wing and flew with Raptor Squadron. He knew his father had been something of a pilot himself, and feeling the freedom and speed in his own hands made the young man feel closer to his father than he had ever felt.

It wasn't long before the rest of the dark-green X-wings scattered the Imperial fighters like frightened banthas, letting the acompanying bombers to cripple the small convoy. Once all was said and done, Adam scored one more TIE fighter kill to his name, bringing his career total to eight.

It felt good to be useful, but the young Jedi wished that Kijani was here to share in his success. Once his squadron, along side the Millennium Falcon, returned to their frigate, Adam knew that all that was waiting for him was a night of hollow celebration and wondering whatever Kijani was up to.
-----
The silver star-skiff was massive, and Prince Eskel was surprised that the pilot could find a place to park here on Dagobah. The prince normally hated such ostentatious displays of wealth and grandeur, but his father deemed it necessary for a first impression.

This wasn't a terribly large planet, and the prince was sure that his craft landing would be noticed by whoever was here. Hopefully, one of them was his future wife.

Six weeks was a long time, and no time at all.

In Adam’s absence, Kijani threw herself into her Jedi training. She and Yoda worked day and night to mold her into a proper Jedi.

She could command the fauna of Dagobah with her Jedi mind tricks. She was getting stronger by the day, being able to lift boulders and even most fallen tree with Yoda’s assistance after a storm with the Force. Her body was trim and fit, and the princess was getting calluses on her royal hands.

It seemed she had left the softness behind her. She wasn’t even cold anymore, most days.

Nightly, Yoda told her stories of former Jedi, how great they used to be. These stories fascinated Kijani; the more she learned, the more she wanted to live up to millennia of expectations. She asked, just once, why there were barely any Jedi left, but Yoda had looked so ill at the question that she dropped the subject immediately.

Every day, she grew. Every day, she got better and better.

And yet.

What was the point if Adam was not here to share her triumphs? He was the only one who would really understand what she was going through. She hadn’t heard from him since he’d left. Her father kept her updated on his piloting exploits. It seemed he was making a name for himself, and she was proud.

Unfortunately, with the way things had been left, she was too much of a coward to contact him. Her own feelings were a mess. Kijani still didn’t know what she wanted. All she knew was that she missed him terribly. The way he encouraged her. The way he always seemed to listen. The way he smiled. Even the stupid beard she didn’t like, she missed.

No amount of meditation kept him from her dreams.

-

As the massive silver ship sped overhead, Kijani frowned. Who was this? It couldn’t be her father – there was no way he would travel in something so ostentatious. It didn’t look like an Empire ship either. If they had somehow known where she was, they would have fired first and asked questions never.

So… who?

With a sigh, Kijani took off at a loose jog, headed for the ship.

Prince Eskel was dressed in his best white tunic, the height of Naboo's fashion. His plan wasn't to impress Princess Kijani by flaunting his wealth, as he knew she was not so easily impressed, but rather to look impressive and noble.

As he walked through the muddy swamps of Dagobah, however, he realized how bad of an idea this was. He was glad that he ordered his security forces to stay with the ship, as he didn't need more people to see the noble, good-hearted prince covered waist deep in mud. Being escorted by half a dozen armed guards was hardly heroic or attractive.

Suddenly, he felt something brush up against his leg in the mud, and Eskel completely froze. Was there something dangerous in the water? Was he about to die?

"Hello?" he said into the swamp, hoping that someone would hear him.

Eskel would soon hear the sound of approaching footsteps as Kijani made her way over.

“...hello?” She responded in kind. Then her eyes widened, and she frowned as she realized who it was. “Prince Eskel? Why are you-” Kijani then went quite still as she realized exactly which part of the swamp they were in. “Prince Eskel, listen to me very carefully. I want you to walk toward me, slowly. Do not look away, and do not look in the water, please.” She noted how his clothes looked, and wondered if he had somehow come alone. If so, that was not a real smart choice. At all.

Still, there would be plenty of time for that later. First, she had to get him out of danger without him panicking and setting off the Dragonsnake. Eskel was probably coated in enough mud that he didn’t smell too foreign, which was probably saving his life right now.

Eskel barely registered her presence before following Kijani's instructions. He walk toward her through the mud, putting one foot in front of the other. For a moment, he even thought about grabbing his comlink and summoning his guards. But decided against it however, as the prince was worried that any extra movement would alert... whatever the hell it was that was in the water with him.

When he reached end of the swamp and put his hands back on solid ground, he looked up to his savior. She was sweaty and clearly dressed for physical exercise, but that didn't hide her natural beauty. For a moment, he forgot he was mere seconds away from being eaten alive by a horrible swamp monster as he looked at her.

He was shaken out of his daydream at the sound of something breaking the surface of the water right behind him. Whatever it was, it cast a massive shadow over him and Kijani.

"Help." he said, while standing perfectly still.

The Dragonsnake rose up out of the water behind Eskel. It was several feet long, with flippers resembling wings, and a hissing mouth full of deadly fangs.

Kijani slowly went for her lightsaber, but did not ignite it. "Stay right there, Prince."

She strolled forward into the swamp as if on a nature walk. She was already a mess; a little more wouldn't hurt her.

Then she did something that would probably cause Eskel to mark her insane. "Hey, ugly! Right here!" She started to splash and wave her arms wildly, and then she waded further into the creature's territory.

Hiss! The Dragonsnake took its eyes from Eskel and locked onto Kijani, abandoning the hunt for him in its distraction. It tore after Kijani, cutting through the water like it was barely there.

Kijani fled as far from Eskel as she could manage without losing sight of him. The creature approached, and lunged forward, looking to make the Princess a tasty meal. In seconds, she'd be meat as the creature's jaws snapped around her...

Except the snap never happened. Kijani thrust her hand forward, eyes locked with the beast. She spoke to it through the Force, silently willing it to calm. The creature wavered, it's hot and smelly breath wafting over Kijani. Her eyes watered, but she did not flinch, simply continued her gentle battle of wits with the giant swamp monster.

Slowly, it turned, and sank back into the swamp. The water frothed as it descended, and then everything was still and calm again.

"...whew." Kijani exhaled, taking her hand from her saber. "I was afraid she wouldn't listen to me." She made quick tracks around the edge of the swamp and joined Eskel again.

"Okay, with that out of the way..." She did her best to gussy up her messy clothing and hair, and dipped into a proper curtsy. "Prince Eskel, I welcome you to Dagobah. Now, tell me how you found me."

Eskel thought that Kijani was throwing her life away from when when she confronted the Dragonsnake. He was already trying to figure out how to explain to the people of Naboo that his bride to be was gobbled up by a swamp monster when she stuck her hand out. Suddenly, as if by magic, the snake stopped in it's tracks.

Then, it simply sank back into the water as if nothing had ever happened. Eskel, usually adept at talking for long periods of time, was at a complete loss for words.

"How did you-" he began before regaining his composure. He was a prince, after all, and still needed to act with dignity.

"I was given this location by your Father." he said after taking a deep breath. "I wanted to come see you in person to talk about the... you know."

Kijani’s eyes lit with a subtle flash of anger. “My father told you, did he?” Dark Side be damned, she was going to have some very angry words for Bail Organa. The anger dropped away as she maintained her composure.

“I see. Well, you’re here now. Nothing to be done about that.” She offered up a beatific smile. “Let’s go to my Master’s home. I’m certain he saw the ship and is wondering what’s going on.” Gesturing for him to follow, she started walking at an easy pace. Usually she would take a more direct route, but she had a feeling Eskel would not be pleased with treading through the murkier parts of the swamp.

“As for what I did to the Dragonsnake…” She explained as they walked. About the Force, about Jedi, about what her role was in everything. She even mentioned Adam. Her teacher, her friend. Even though her voice was calm and level, there was a distinct sadness in her eyes that even she didn’t know was present.

They reached Yoda’s home and Kijani’s little camp nearby.

“Stay here. I’ll inform the Master.” She flashed a smile, then entered Yoda’s home.

“Master Yoda? I’m back…. And we have a guest.”

Yoda was leaning on his cane with his eyes closed. He had been caught doing this before but his usual response was "Resting my eyes, I am." The old Jedi Master woke up at Kijani's words and tried to pretend he wasn't just sleeping.

"Welcome, Padawan. A friend, I see you have." he said welcoming Kijani and Eskel into his home. Eskel, always a gentleman, bowed before he host. "Thank you for inviting me into your home. I apologize for not announcing myself before landing." The noble took an offered seat near the fire, surprised at how comfy it was considering the small size of the space.

As Yoda poured out tea, Eskel mulled over what Kijani had told him during their walk. He had heard stories about the Jedi, but had always assumed they children's fables. Learning that they not only existed, but were fighting on behalf of the Rebels was a bit of a shock. When Kijani spoke of Adam Skywalker, she seemed to have a certain fondness for him. Prince Eskel had heard rumors that they were close, but it seemed that they were much closer than anyone knew.

Eskel graciously took the tea, blowing on it before trying to drink any. "I suppose your father has informed you of why I am here."