Jedi Padawan, Graystar Tyrell grabbed his Jedi robes from the hook and flung open the back door almost flying as he ran down the steps to the path. He was eager to get to SereJedi to find Ms. Mystte, his Psychlorian instructor at the Academy. Graystar's aunt, Willa Rendar had sent him on his 'mission' to find Auresta and he was eager to fulfil his task. Gray's padawan braid flew back from his shoulder as he ran from the gardens into the dense group of Ashlafir trees.

His footsteps echoed against the silence of the forest as he sped forth and quickly approached the grand entrance to SereJedi. He ran up the steps, two by two and pushed open the heavy doors. There seemed to be no one about but Gray knew that Auresta would be somewhere nearby. He could feel her presence. 'Probably in the library' he thought as he made his way down the marble hallway. Sure enough, Auresta looked up, startled, as Gray suddenly popped his head around the corner and nearly slid in his rush to greet her.

Hi Auresta!' he called as he turned his face up to her.

'I uh, Greet the Force within you Padawan Tyrell' said Auresta. She could feel Gray's midichlorians were in an excited state but felt there was nothing distressful about it.

'Oh, sorry', he said apologetically, 'I guess I shouldn't have barged in like that. He bowed and calmly said, 'Greetings Ms. Mystte'

Auresta smiled warmly. 'Much better' She motioned for him to walk with her as she walked down the aisle to return a large journal to it's place.

Gray followed, trying to behave as his Master had taught him; patient and calm. But after all, he was still only a boy. He finally blurted, "Auresta, you have to come with me. Right now. It's real important. Auntie Willa wants you to come to the house 'cause she's got to tell you something. I don't what it is but it sounded real important. You've gotta come, right now. Okay? If you don't, she'll think I didn't tell you and she'll come herself and she's been feeling sorta blah, you know, with the baby and all. And I wouldn't like it if she had to come and get you herself. Please come, Auresta, please...I..."

"Hold on Graystar. Slow down." Auresta put her hand up to silence him as she continued. "Of course I'll come to see Willa. My goodness, you are in a rush aren't you?" She smiled. "Let me just finish up and I"ll be right with you"

Gray blushed slightly, realizing he must have sounded rather childish. "Sorry, but she says it's important."

Auresta slid the large journal into it's place and patted Gray's shoulder. "Then I suggest we be on our way"

Graystar could hardly contain himself as he and Auresta Mystte made their way towards Whildary, the Bendu estate. He knew why his Aunt wanted to see Auresta but she had made him promise not to tell the Psychlorian she had come to love as a sister. Still, Gray was happy that it wasn't too much further. He couldn't wait for Auresta to see what had arrived for her in the morning's courier delivery.

Auresta wasn't a Jedi but she could sense enough to know that Graystar was indeed very anxious to get to Whildary. She had also caught a glimpse of that famous Bendu mischieviousness in Gray's eyes. She smiled at the thought of how much of his great-grandfather Darrion, Graystar Tyrell had inside of him.

Entering the main house at Whildary was like stepping into another world. It's atmosphere was peaceful and you got a sense that all was right with the galaxy as soon as you touched the ambiance of the foyer. Ancient Jedi artifacts and priceless sculptures and art adorned the rustic walls. Amongst the art were some of the Master's best works and Auresta marvelled at how he captured the true emotion and intensity of everything he painted. As she gazed at a water-color of the noble stallion Merlin, she could hear a tiny voice calling 'Mummy? Me want some now!' Then she heard Willa's voice calmly say, "No, Soryn. Not until Auresta arrives." Then she heard Soryn voice his displeasure and a male voice, "Come on kiddo, you have to be patient. That's part of learning the Code like all good little Jedi have to do."

Auresta could almost see Dash's lop-sided grin and knew that little Soryn's training was not only fulfilled at the Academy but also with the wisdom passed on to him by his parents. She looked at Graystar, who's face had turned into a smirk at hearing his Master Dash's words. She smiled at him, knowing that he was enjoying hearing Soryn get a little lecture instead of him this time. Auresta shook her head and gently touched Gray's shoulder. He looked up at her and with a little wink said, 'Better go inside now.'

The common room was much like the foyer in it's pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Dash had lit a lovely fire and Willa was sitting patiently with Soryn on the couch, trying to keep her son amused and away from the large basket that sat on the floor beside them. Auresta gazed at it as she greeted her friends. "Good to see you Auresta," said Dash. He smirked and picked Soryn up from his seat next to Willa. Then he kissed his wife's cheek and motioned to Gray. "Come on boys, we'll leave the ladies in peace." Soyrn reached his arms out towards the basket in protest. "Don't worry kiddo, we'll be back. Come on Gray."

Graystar obediently went to follow Dash. "Yes Sir". As he shut the door behind him, Gray looked over at Auresta and gave her a sly grin. She couldn't help but feel that somehow there was a conspiracy going on and she was at the centre of it. She sighed, "Willa, what is it? Gray seemed to be very anxious to get me here today. Is everything alright?"

Willa nodded, "Yes of course it is." She patted the seat beside her. "Come and sit down, Res. Something arrived for you today."

Auresta moved to the couch and sat down cautiously. "Something arrived? For me?"

Willa smiled and motioned to the basket. It's contents were hidden by all of the elaborate wrappings and ribbons that adorned it. "This came this morning. It's addressed to you" She smiled, "There is a card attached on the top"

Auresta nodded and curiously looked at the basket. "How odd. I'm not expecting anything."

"No?" asked Willa, "It IS your birthday today isn't it?"

The Psychlorian blushed, "Oh Willa, I had hoped that no one would remember."

"No Res, no one would FORGET your birthday" Willa smiled and nudged her friend. "Open it"

Auresta sighed. She really didn't want anyone to recognize her special day. It was something that reminded her that time continued on and things would eventually change. Then she remembered her last birthday and how wonderful that had been. She chastized herself for being so down on a day that she should celebrate. Tentatively, she tore the envelope open and pulled out the elegant card from inside.

Her eyes grew wide as she read the elegant and familiar handwriting...

Auresta stared at the note as she read the author's name. "Cae? Cae sent me a gift?" She looked at the elaborately decorated basket and smiled, then read the note again. Willa remained silent, knowing how this must be affecting Auresta. Willa had known that Cae was sending a gift and had also been touched at her sister's thoughtfulness. She also knew what was inside.

Softly, she broke the silence, "Auresta, open your gift, please"

Auresta looked up at Willa, a silent tear slipping down her cheek. "Cae...my old friend Cae. She has touched my heart once more Willa."

"I know but she would be distressed to see your tears. She is happy now and wants you to know that. So...open it"

Auresta nodded and began to carefully undo the ribbons and fancy paper that held the inner contents a secret. She patiently folded each delicate tissue and rolled each ribbon neatly in a pile beside the basket and finally reached the gifts that awaited her. Willa watched as Auresta's eyes widened in delight.

"Googlies! Oh my! And look at all the fruit! All of my favorites from home!" She lifted each piece as if it was made of gold and carefully examined all of the contents before turning to Willa. "This is wonderful. How did Cae do this?"

Willa smiled. "Our Great-Uncle Drake, remember? He owns a choclytt factory on Synnergest. He was thrilled to do it for you" She peered in the basket. "Auresta, there's something else in there."

Auresta looked again and sure enough there was a neatly wrapped rectangular-shaped box in the centre of the basket. She pulled it out and gently unwrapped it. Auresta opened it and gazed at it's contents. Quietly she said, "This looks like your crystal, Willa. It looks like the Bendu crystal." She looked at Willa, puzzled.

Willa smiled, "It is. Well, part of it is. Cae and I decided to have a chip taken from it and made into a pendant for you. It's our way of saying that you are as much a sister to us as any blood relation could be." Willa paused and waited, hoping that Auresta would be pleased.

The Psychlorian closed her eyes for a moment, then looked at her friend. With a wistful tone she recited part of a poem that the three girls had written so long ago. "One for all, and all for one. Sisters to the end of time we stand. Friends forever; together and strong. In peace; hand in hand." Auresta remembered all of the words but as she spoke them her voice began to crack.

Willa sensed how these gifts had forced great emotions to surface in Auresta and calmly reached for her hand.

Through the door that led into the kitchen, Graystar silently watched. His own tears trickled down his face as he proudly thought of how far his mother had come to be part of such a special gift to such a special person. He quickly swiped them away, as Dash tapped him on the shoulder to come away from the door. As he turned, he took one last look and thought 'I'm proud of you, Mom. I love you."

~finis