Summary: the mission to Baldur is revealed in more detail
Feedback: yes, please!!
Author's note: part 4 of on going series, I promise sex soon
and more angst
The gleaming starship, Absytrus finally landed on the planet
Baldur. During the slow descent to the planet's surface,
Qui-Gon took the opportunity to meditate, centering his
thoughts on what lay ahead.
Obi-Wan and he were ready. As soon as the opportunity arose,
the two Jedi left the ship and headed towards the Royal Palace
of Baldur where they had been told that the Baldurian Emissary
was ready to receive them.
Obi-Wan watched his Master concentrate on the mission at hand,
and he wondered if Qui-Gon was at all angry about last night.
Obi-Wan had not slept in their shared quarters. When he
returned to their room, only a few words had been exchanged.
However, Obi-Wan felt no shame for his evening with Verdandi.
"Master, we have arrived".
"Yes, we are to meet with the Royal Ambassador immediately."
Qui-Gon and his apprentice were lead by Royal guards in to the
Hall of Peace where the Ambassador was awaiting their arrival.
The Hall of Peace was a beautiful building. A crystal clear
glass ceiling ran its length, allowing in the rays of the
Baldurian sun. Small winged creatures darted playfully among
the flowers. Exotic music played in the background. The room
was perfumed with the scent of the native sweet Peace flower
the Baldurians were so proud of. A flower that never withered
or died as long as harmony and peace were abounding. However, a
few flowers in the hall were slightly drooping and it caused
great alarm among the people.
The Ambassador was pacing the floor of the Hall. His azure
cloak and long white hair dancing in the air.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan immediately bowed in front of the Baldurian
Ambassador. From the look on the Abassador's face, it was
obvious the man was agitated.
"Gentlemen, greetings and salutations to Baldur." The
Ambassador said.
"We are glad to be here, and we hope that the Force will help
us all in bringing peace and prosperity back to Baldur and her
sister planet Alfadur." Qui-Gon said.
"His royal majesty King Aby'dos will give you audience this
evening. He is having a special feast in honor of his son's
21st birthday. "
"Will the royal family from Alfadur be attending?"
The Ambassador folded his arms and bit his bottom lip. "There
is more calamity because Prince Dardanus has refused to come!
Refused! King Clotho is beside himself because of his son's
behavior. Prince Boreas is fuming and says he is glad the
Prince isn't coming. It is a disaster."
"Why is your peace with Alfadur at risk?"
"There is a general and brother of King Clotho's. The King
trusts him too much. He has allowed this General to speak for
Prince Dardanus in these negotiations. The King doesn't notice
the treason and disgusting immorality within that man's heart.
General Cer'berus is rumored to want to keep the princes apart
so that he could have an alliance with Prince Dardanus, but it
is not from love but greed and power. "
"Why have the Princes refused to wed?"
"All I know is that Prince Dardanus broke off the wedding
engagement. And Prince Boreas followed suit in refusing to try
to make any amends. They refuse to understand that their first
duty is to their kingdoms! It is horrible! The youth today have
no sense of honor and responsibility! No offense young Jedi".
"No offense taken my lord" Obi-Wan said, a wry smile on his
face.
"Well Ambassador, we will go to the feast tonight. Then I will
send my apprentice to the planet Alfadur. He will speak to
Prince Dardanus and try to find out what the problem is there.
Obi-Wan is young and therefore has an advantage over us. The
Prince will feel more comfortable and take him into his
confidence. However, I do feel something in the air, a strange
sense of fear. I sense things are more complicated than they
appear," The Master said.
"The guards will take you to your quarters. I hope we will
bring a final resolution to this situation, and may the next
feast be a wedding feast!"
After their meeting, they were taken to their quarters and
Obi-Wan couldn't help but notice the beautiful opulence. The
room was vast, and there were large elaborate windows
overlooking the flower filled royal gardens. The furniture was
made of fine Alfadurian wood.
"I think this is the most beautiful place we have stayed at so
far Master."
"Yes, young Padawan, this planet like its sister planet are
well known for their elegance and beauty. Such things come to
worlds where peace and harmony abound. War brings only death
and ugliness."
"Master, why am I going to Alfadur?"
"Obi-Wan, I need you to meet with Prince Dardanus. He is the
one that initiated the breaking of the marriage alliance. I
need you to acquire his confidence. Find out if there is more
to his excuse for not following tradition. I will speak to King
Aby'dos and to Prince Boreas and hope they remain patient
through all this. Men of royalty tend to have large egos and
the King could feel slighted at his son being pushed aside.
Those feelings lead to the Dark Side. Now, let us rest and get
prepared for the birthday feast."
The Royal Hall was bedecked in splendid, rich décor.
Outside, the crowds cheered and waved banners celebrating their
prince's birthday.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan wore their finest Jedi attire. They
glistened like twin gods.
Qui-Gon's long hair was pulled back in the top as usual, but
the rest hung in long thin braids. His beard was trimmed
perfectly and he smelled of pomanian spices. His eyes twinkled
but revealed nothing.
Obi-Wan was aware at the glances he and his Master were
receiving from many of the men at the royal feast. Obi-Wan wore
a black Tarnus bird feather in his single, black braid. He felt
the sexual energy among the Baldurian men as they looked
longingly at both Jedi.
"Obi-Wan, please be aware of where you are. The men here are
curious about you, so don't let yourself be diverted from our
mission. Fun and play may come to you later. "
The young Padawan was speechless, since the topic of sex had
not arisen even after his dalliance with Verdandi. Obi-Wan felt
a blush rising, but he only nodded, and they walked over to the
King and the Prince.
King Aby'dos laid upon the dais near his son. The King was a
handsome man. He was tall and had hair the color of silver. The
King wore tight black leggings and a rich cloak covered in
silver and gold. The crown upon the King's head was encrusted
in multi-colored jewels. The beard and mustache were silver,
and the eyes were dark,warm, and inviting. The King recognized
the Jedi Master and rose from his dais.
Qui-Gon and Obi-wan immediately went upon one knee and greeted
the King.
"Nay, rise Master Jedi. I should be the one kneeling, for I
have much respect and awe for the Jedi." The King said and
grabbed Qui-Gon's hands helping him rise.
Qui-Gon was taken a bit off guard by the King's touch. The
hands were warm and strong. He saw the twinkle and sly grin
upon the King's face.
"Thank you King Aby'dos, we are honored to be here. We bring
salutations and birthday greetings to your son Prince Boreas
upon his 21st birthday. May I introduce my Padawan Obi-Wan
Kenobi."
"Greetings young Jedi. I had no idea they are training such
beautiful men in the Jedi Arts." The King said, he grabbed
Obi-Wan's chin and turn the face back and forth as if
inspecting a piece of Corelian fish.
"Let me introduce you to my son. Boreas!" the King bellowed.
A young handsome man next to the King's couch rose languidly.
He placed a hand over his mouth in a mock yawn. The man was as
tall as the King. He was slim, and his hair was silver too. It
was short and very similar to Obi-Wan's own hair. It shimmered
and glistened in the light. The Prince wore a smaller version
of the King's crown upon his head. He also had a few earrings
hanging from his left ear. The clothing the Prince wore were
tight and molded the young man's beautiful physique, outlining
his well endowed manhood.
Obi-Wan couldn't help but stare.
He heard suddenly Qui-Gon's voice in his head saying, "close
your mouth Padawan, or you shall begin to drool".
Obi-Wan shut his mouth quickly and stood up straight. He tried
to not look at the Prince.
"Gentle Jedi, this is my pride and joy, my son Boreas. He is 21
suns today. It is a shame my husband is gone to the West World.
His death hit us hard and we know he would have liked to have
seen his son today." The King's face appeared suddenly devoid
of mischief but instead full of grief.
Even the Prince lost his arrogance at the mention of the King's
dead husband. His face seemed pained and full of anguish.
Qui-Gon had a feeling this had to do with the refusal of the
marriage alliance.
"Prince Boreas, we wish you happy birthday tidings. May this be
the beginning of many fulfilling and joyous years. This is my
Padawan and apprentice, his name is Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Obi-Wan bowed in front of the Prince and tried not to seem
flustered.
"Well, finally a good looking visitor. My father has recently
been entertaining merchants from Momus. They are homely and
smell like bantha fodder. But you Obi-Wan are quite pleasing to
the eyes." The Prince said and leered at the apprentice.
"Thank you Prince Boreas. I am flattered you find me
attractive. I have heard that Prince Dardanus from Alfadur is
very handsome also."
Prince Boreas smile turned to a frown. "How dare you mention
that no good son of a Tauris whore to ME! He dared to snub my
birthday party! I know you Jedi are here to try to convince me
to marry him, but I won't! You can NOT make me. He has lied to
me and has refused the marriage alliance, well so be it. There
will be NO MARRIAGE!"
The Prince flipped his cloak over this left shoulder and
stormed out. The guests all mumbled to each other. They heard
the Prince's outburst and shook their heads. The King's hands
were clenched into fists, and Qui-Gon knew he was torn
emotionally. The King wasn't sure if he should feel offended at
his son for being rejected or angry with his son for not trying
to find reconciliation.
"Forgive me King Aby'dos, I should not have spoken Prince
Dardanus' name aloud." Obi-Wan said, bowing humbly.
The King sighed and looked into Qui-Gon's calm face. "No harm
young Jedi, it was not your fault. I think my son is feigning
anger instead of hurt. Come sit down, I will explain more as we
eat."
They began to partake from the delicious feast laid out for
them. The King finally began to speak up.
"Master Jedi, my son and Prince Dardanus have been betrothed
since birth. I remember the birth so well, and how strong and
brave the royal concubine was. Boreas' mother was named Rhea. A
beautiful woman and smart too. She had a bit of a temper
something that was inherited by Boreas. The night of the birth
Rhea was a warrior. She didn't cry out or curse. She had been
praying to our gods to bless her with child. They did, but
their payment in return was great. My husband Minos and I
watched the child come out of her body and watched her life
light extinguish. It was Minos, who held the newborn child
within his strong, gentle arms. Rhea had made Minos swear no
other woman would raise her son if anything should happen to
her. Minos made an oath to Rhea that he wouldn't let another
woman take her place. After Rhea died, he and I were left to
raise Boreas as if we had born the child ourselves."
Qui-Gon could see the emotions flooding the King's face at
retelling the tale.
"Your Highness, maybe it will be better not to go further? We
wish not cause unpleasant memories." Qui-Gon's voice was
gentle,and he used a bit of the Force to help ease the King's
pain.
"Nay! It should be told, maybe it is part of the reason for all
this now. Minos taught Boreas everything. He was there for the
child's first steps and first words. Like a mother he watched
over Boreas and made sure to tend his needs. Boreas eventually
was introduced to his future husband. They were a perfect
match. The boys took to each other naturally. Boreas was the
larger, more aggressive one, but he never bullied Dardanus.
Dardanus followed Boreas around, but was strong enough make his
own demands now and then. Clotho and I watched with glee at our
future kingdoms coming together in peace. The years went by and
the boys were truly best of friends but suddenly things
changed. Prince Dardanus began to refuse to see Boreas. Excuses
abounded and the boy began to never visit anymore. The child
had begun to lose his pretty disposition. He was angry and
contrary. He began to treat Boreas horribly. To ease the
Prince's hurt, Minos decided to take him on a trip. They packed
and took a transport to the Tellus mountains. However, on the
way there, they had an accident. Boreas had run to get help for
Minos who was injured, but when help arrived Minos was dead.
For a child of 15, the death of a parent could be great. He had
lost his best friend and his 'mother' in the span of only a few
of weeks"
King Aby'dos eyes glistened with tears. Qui-Gon wondered whom
those tears were for? Were they for the son, the dead husband
or the apparent loneliness the King was feeling?
Qui-Gon extended a gentle hand and touched the King. "Don't
despair your highness, we are here to help you."
Obi-Wan watched his Master touch the king and felt the heat of
jealousy rise in his belly like a raging fire. He dropped his
fork and knew he couldn't eat another bite tonight.
The two Jedi had both had fallen asleep quickly,too much rich
food and wine. They spoke very little, and Qui-Gon could sense
his apprentice's jealousy. He had to admit; he was feeling a
bit aroused by the King. Nevertheless, he knew that his
affection for the Obi-Wan would make him hesitate to do
anything with another man.
The next morning Obi-Wan grabbed his backpack and headed
towards the travel transports. He was to go to Alfadur as
planned to see King Clotho and Prince Dardanus.
It didn't take long for his arrival on planet Alfadur. There
were royal guards waiting for him already. They took him to the
palace where he was to have an immediate audience with King
Clotho.
King Clotho sat upon the throne with his back straight and
fingers tapping nervously. Beside him was a young handsome man,
similar to the King himself. Both men had the silver colored
hair that was native to the Baldurian royal family also.
Obi-Wan bowed as soon as he was in front of the King.
"King Clotho, I send greetings from my Master and the Jedi
council. I am your humble servant. I been sent to help with
mediation between Prince Dardanus and Prince Boreas of Baldur".
The King raised an eyebrow and clasped his hands together.
"Young Jedi, welcome to Alfadur. We are glad to see you made
the trip safely. This is my son, Dardanus."
Obi-Wan turned and bowed in front of the Prince andnoticed the
young man's pale face. Was it possible that the Prince was ill
and the reason for breaking off the marriage alliance? The dark
circles under the Prince's eyes could be seen through the light
layer of makeup he used to cover them. Obi-Wan sensed fear and
anger coming from the Prince. Suddenly a tall man appeared near
the King. He was wearing an even more elaborate cloak and his
fingers were heavy with jeweled rings. The man nodded to
Obi-Wan and gave an eerie smile.
"Oh, meet my advisor and trusted brother, General Cer'berus".
"Greetings Sir" Obi-Wan said bowing.
"Welcome to Alfadur young Jedi. However, I am not sure for what
means? Prince Dardanus has spoken. He refuses to marry Prince
Boreas." The general said and put a hard, firm hand upon the
Prince's shoulder.
Obi-Wan could smell the Prince's fear now. He looked like an
Ormuzd bird caught inside a cat's mouth.
"There is no harm in mediation. I made a promise with King
Aby'dos that I will allow the Jedi to speak to my son. If there
could be reconciliation, both our planets will prosper from it.
It is tradition." The King said unaware of his son's
discomfort. This man being unlike King Aby'dos, who seemed so
in tune to his son's feelings.
"Now, the guards will show you to your quarters. You will rest
and later on my son will speak to you." The King said, he
clapped his hands and guards appeared immediately.
Obi-Wan bowed and followed them.
Once he was alone in his room, Obi-Wan took out his
communicator. Qui-Gon was quick in picking up his signal.
"Master, I have arrived and seen the King and his son."
"Good Obi-Wan, what have you seen so far?"
"Well Master, the King seems eager to find a resolution.
However, the General does seem against it. He is a bit
frightening. I think Prince Dardanus is frightened of him too.
One thing also Master, the Prince seems ill. There is a sickly
look upon his face and he is full of fear and anger, Master.
Something is wrong here Master."
"Try to find out what you can from the Prince. However, be wary
and remember you measure your words exactly. Let the Force
guide you and remember that sometimes-simple common sense and
understanding can work wonders in people. I am going to try to
speak with Prince Boreas today. Be careful young Padawan and
return to me safely." The Master tried to control his voice in
those last words.
Obi-Wan found his heart pounding at hearing those soft-spoken
words. He wanted to yell, " I LOVE YOU," but bit his tongue and
used the Force to help give him some control.
"Yes Master, I will be careful."
Qui-Gon shut the communicator off and took a deep breath. He
wondered if Obi-Wan was ready for a mission like this?
Qui-Gon left his room and strolled through the halls of the
Palace. He admired the various statues of nude men. Some of
them were exquisite and others he was sure Obi-Wan would have
blushed at seeing. The Baldur Royal family had the tradition of
'lauxe-somohs' or same sex lovers. The men were only allowed to
marry, it was a union gladly accepted by the males and females
of the planet. Alfadur had the same custom and tradition. The
women were warriors and concubines for breeding. Therefore, the
women were allowed more freedom than the men on the planets.
The responsibility for the family rested with the men.
Qui-Gon suddenly noticed Prince Boreas ahead of him. Qui-Gon
could sense the Prince's secretive nature,so he decided to
follow him.
The Prince had some flowers in his hand and he seemed paranoid,
looking side to side making sure he was not being followed.
Qui-Gon let the shadows conceal him. The Prince never noticed
that he was being followed by the Jedi.
Qui-Gon wondered if the Prince was meeting a lover. That would
complicate matters very much. Qui-Gon moved behind a large
column in the Palace and watched the Prince go inside a room
hidden behind a tapestry on the wall.
Qui-Gon waited a few seconds and got close to the tapestry. He
moved it aside and turned the knob to the hidden door.
He walked inside, and could hear a small murmuring inside.
Qui-Gon finally saw Prince Boreas inside the small room. The
Prince was kneeling on a carpet in front of a small table. Upon
the table a picture of a man holding a small boy in his arms,
it had to be Minos. The flowers that Boreas carried were now in
a vase near the picture frame. The boy was holding some kind of
book monitor in his hand and was weeping quietly.
Qui-Gon got closer and finally spoke.
"You miss him don't you Boreas"?
The Prince turned around quickly. He seemed almost prepared to
lash out at the Jedi, but instead his face crumpled up, and he
wept. He shook his head. "I miss him very much. He was my
mother. He raised me, and I killed him".
"Why do you say you killed him"?
" I didn't save him, I was too slow! I made him take me on that
stupid trip! I wasn't fast enough, I didn't know what to do
when the accident occurred!"
Qui-Gon knelt down beside the Prince. " Boreas, you have no
fault in the death of Minos. It was an accident, very
unfortunate, but an accident nevertheless. You were just a
child. You did what you could. Do you think Minos would be
happy to see you grieve so? Was that why he took such care and
love to raise you? Would he approve that you spend your days
mourning him and not living your life? Your father grieves
enough his loss. You are his son, and he wishes you to be
happy--to find love and affection as he found in Minos. Did
Minos want you to marry Dardanus"?
"Minos loved Dardanus! He said we were destined together, like
he and father were. However, Dardanus had broken the
engagement! We had made our own pact of love union and swore
loyalty and fidelity. Then one day he was angry and said, he
refused to marry me. He had changed so much. He was always
melancholy, and his dreams full of nightmares. Then when Minos
died I was glad the marriage alliance was broken. I feared to
suffer another loss like my father. Nevertheless, you are
correct Master Jedi. Minos would be ashamed to see me act this
way. He would have been upset with me for breaking tradition
and putting our worlds in such fragile positions. I have always
loved Dardanus, although it has been over 6 years, my love for
him has not diminished. I am willing to go forward with the
marriage alliance if he will." The Prince looked at the picture
of Minos and smiled. "Minos would have loved to dance and cry
at my wedding, and he will if only in spirit. Can you help me
Master Jedi?"
Qui-Gon nodded his head; " I shall do all that is within my
power to help you Prince Boreas. I have great confidence in my
apprentice; he will find a way to speak to Prince Dardanus. Let
us speak with your father, the King, I think he will be glad to
hear your change of heart".
Qui-Gon could followed the Prince to the King's chambers and
for some reason, he was sure things will be settled. That his
Padawan will be the one to unlock the secret to why Dardanus'
had broken the engagement.
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