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The family estate was quiet when Minalde arrived. The house of course was in perfect order as it always was. This was in direct contrast to the confusion and chaos that swirled through her mind.

She gave a few brief instructions to one of the many service droids, then stepped through the door to the inner gardens. A small pavilion stood in the middle, dappled by the mid-afternoon sunlight. Entering the anteroom of the pavilion, she started the necessary preparations. First she went to the small stone basin to the side filled with clear cool water, washed her hands, then rinsed her mouth. Her sense of tenseness began to ease as she started the familiar rituals. She opened a small chest which contained a number of paper scrolls,each one neatly tied with ribbon. Considering for a moment, she breathed in and let the Force guide her. One felt right and she picked it up and carefully unrolled it.

It was a image of two people, standing under a tree, the sun low in the sky beyond them. Nothing to indicate if it was sunrise or sunset. Was it an ending or beginning? No way to tell. Nodding to herself she carefully hung the picture in the anteroom. A rustle outside of the pavilion alerted her to the arrival of her “guests” Glancing through the doorway she saw a small dark-haired older woman and a surprisingly tall young man. Picking up a small bell, she stepped outside and rang it, the sweet tone echoing off the walls surrounding the garden.

The young man smiled broadly as he stepped forward. Without a word she bowed to him with a small smile and he graciously returned the bow. Then Minalde turned toward the woman and bowed very deeply not raising her eyes until her bow was returned. “Mother” she said, her only verbal greeting.

Turning she entered the inner room to allow her guest to wash their hands and rinse their mouths. She quietly waited until they entered and sat down before the low table in the middle of the room. On the table were the all the items needed to perform the family version of the ceremony. Heirlooms of the family that dated back centuries. Seating herself at the table she began the rituals she had learned almost as soon as she had learned to walk. Body memory took over as she cleaned the bowl, carefully scooped the tea and whisked it together. Very precise protocols had to be followed,and focusing on them was allowing her to sooth her mind and push the confusion away. She allowed her self a small smile when she saw her brothers eyes light up as she uncovered the special confections she had brought with her. Small formal pleasantries were exchanged as the followed the dance of the ritual. Minalde felt herself finally really breath and relax by the end of the ceremony. It was time to get to the heart of why she had come here.

“Mother, I have received a marriage proposal”

Her brother stopped mid bite to stare at her in astonishment. Her mother just looked at her levelly, no emotion showed on her face.

“Jedi do not marry. You will not bring shame to our family name”

With that, her mother rose gracefully and left the room. Her brother looked angry. Minalde felt her stomach clenching all over again. She shot a pleading look at her brother while she searched for the right words.

No one remembered where this ceremony was learned or why, but the Tea Ceremony was something the family had always done. It represented balance and this was what she she came seeking, but this time it would take more than this ceremony to restore her balance.