A/N - Hi Lovelies!  Wow wow wow!!  I'm so excited that this story has hit 3.5K in reads.  Holy Cow!!  I never expected that!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING!  I appreciate your interest and support so very much!!

This new chapter has a little bit of intrigue for you.....and sets up some things for later....  Anyhoo I hope you like it.  Thanks again to all of you who have been following this story - I hope you continue to enjoy what's to come.  Please let me know what you think - and vote if you like it.  Enjoy!!

____****____

The next morning, they decided to visit the village near the Naberrie country home.  It was a small, quaint collection of pretty, neat little houses that surrounded a village square.  As was her perception of the rest of the planet so far, Rey was absolutely enchanted.   It was market day, and they were browsing through the stalls, Rey stopping periodically to admire some traditional clothing and jewellery, and chat with the stall owners.  She had admired a pair of brightly coloured matching scarves, made from a soft billowing fabric, that Ben had said was called silk.  "Its so soft!  And it almost floats when the wind blows!"   Ben grinned at her wryly.   "What?"  She asked.

He shook his head in amusement.   "I just didn't take you for someone who liked scarves and things like that."

Narrowing her eyes at him, she replied.   "These would make great arm wraps – which is why I like them."  Leaning closer to him she whispered.  "Besides, lately I've found a need for neck scarves."

His face reddened and he gave her a sheepish grin.  "We'll take these."  He told the stall owner, while Rey smirked back at him smugly.

As they waited for the attendant to wrap up their purchase, out of the corner of her eye Rey caught an older woman staring at her in shock.  When she turned to look at her, the woman smiled and came over to them.  "I'm sorry if I was rude my dear, but I have to say, you are the very image of someone I used to know when I was about your age.   I was wondering if you might be related to her."

Rey smiled back at her, shaking her head.   "I'm sorry, but I'm not from here."

"Oh?   That's too bad.  My name is Marlé.  Where are you from?"  The old woman prodded.

"I'm from Jakku.  My name is Rey."  Finished with their purchase, Ben came over, curious to see who else Rey had befriended now.

The woman put her hand over her heart and her face showed surprise.  "I know I'm being pushy – and I'm sorry."  Pausing briefly, she went on to ask.  "But were you born on Jakku?   I only ask because my friend's name was Reyla – and that just seems like too much of a coincidence."

Ben could feel Rey's sudden, quiet shock and nervousness, and a wave of protectiveness came over him, causing him to interject.  "I'm sorry, but who are you?"

"I'm Marlé Solerrie, former staff of the Queen's palace."  She looked him up and down.   "And you are?"

Ben's eyes narrowed at her.   "Ben Solo."   He could feel Rey's smirk through the bond and he turned to give her a sharp look.

"I mean Rey no harm, Ben Solo.  I would just like to get to the bottom of this puzzle.   Her looks are so strikingly similar to my friend, and well, with the name...."

Up until now, Rey had been in a bit of shock, but finally found her voice.  "I...never really knew my parents.   Well, I was very young when I last saw them so I can't really remember them, and don't know anything about my family."  Marlé just looked at her sadly.  "This woman you knew....can you tell me more about her?"

Ben spoke to her mind.  Rey, we don't know anything about this woman!  This could be some kind of trick!

She glanced up at him, a silent plea in her eyes.  Maybe there's a reason I feel so connected to this planet.   I'd like to see what she has to say.  It may be a key to my past... to who I am...."

He looked at her tenderly, feeling the emotions rioting through her, and knew he couldn't dissuade her.  Lifting a hand to rub her back he gave her a quick nod.

The old woman curiously watched the by-play between these two, clearly noting that some form of communication was happening.  When Rey looked back to her with a small smile, Marlé continued.  "Reyla Villerie was a member of the Queen's guard.   She was a skilled and powerful fighter – one of the best we've ever had on Naboo.  She was a fierce protector of many of our Queens."  She smiled fondly, visibly lost in a memory.   "As happens for many, eventually she met a young man and fell in love.  They married, and ultimately she had two daughters of her own.   One still lives here – in Theed."

Rey pondered the information for a minute before asking.   "What about Reyla?"

Marlé smiled sadly.  "Unfortunately, she passed away not too long ago.  Her husband passed on many years before that."

"And the other daughter?"   Asked Rey.

"I'm not sure."  Marlé replied.   "She left Naboo when she was still quite young – maybe a few years younger than yourself.   Reyla rarely spoke of her, but when she did it was always with sadness.  Her name was Nihla."

Rey looked back up at Ben with wide eyes, and understanding her silent question, he nodded in return, knowing that she had to know if there was any chance that she was related to these people.  Turning back to the woman, she asked shakily.  "Can you tell me the daughter's name, and where we might find her?"

"Yes."  She smiled.   "Her name is Sismé.  I'll give you directions to where she lives."   Giving her a thoughtful look, she told Rey.   "Child, I would say there is a good possibility that Sismé may be your aunt."

Rey's throat was too tight to speak, so she just nodded.  Once again, Ben stepped in.  "I agree that it looks like it may be possible, but we don't want to get your hopes up too high Sweetheart."

Throwing her arms around him, she took a deep breath to try to calm her shaking nerves.  "I know that Ben, but I can't deny that I feel something here.  Just think, if it's true, then our grandmothers likely knew each other."

Marlé's eyes narrowed at Ben.  "And who was your grandmother?"

"Padmé Amidala Naberrie."  He replied quietly.

Her mouth formed an 'o' but no sound came out.   It took her a minute to gather her wits, but eventually the woman told them.   "Child, Reyla was definitely part of the guard when Queen Amidala reigned.  So, if it is true, your two grandmother's did indeed know each other – and were friends."

Rey smiled hugely, but Ben tamped down her excitement.  "One step at a time, Rey.  Miss Marlé, please tell us how to get to Sismé's house....."

****

Rey's nerves were on edge as they stood outside the beautiful house in the City of Theed.  It was closed off with a tall metal gate, and a fountain could be seen bubbling in the courtyard beyond.   Ben put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close.   "Are you ready to do this?"

"Yes.  I think so..."  She looked up at him with a wealth of fear and uncertainty in her eyes.  "Ben, what if...."

"Rey.  It's a crazy lead – in all likelihood, you simply resemble someone in their family, and that's it."  Gently stroking her cheek with his knuckles he told her.   "I know this is something that haunts you, and I hope that if not today, then one day, we can find out your parent's story.   But know that, to me, it doesn't matter where you came from.  It doesn't change a thing.  You'll always be my everything."

Her heart fluttered and her already shaky emotions bubbled over as she burst into tears.   He drew her face to his chest and let her sob for a minute.  "Sweetheart, please don't cry.  Just breathe.  Everything will be okay – whatever happens."

She sniffed, wiping her eyes, and taking a deep breath.  "I know.  I know!"  She said firmly.   "Something just came over me.....and I just needed to cry".

He kissed the top of her head, and rubbed his hands over her back soothingly.  "Just take your time – whenever you're ready.  There's no rush to do this Rey."

"No, I'm ready."  She unwound her arms from him and finished drying her face.  "Let's go."

There was a small holoscreen at the gate, and a button to push to buzz for attention.   Taking a last deep breath, Rey pushed the button.  She could hear a short series of repeating beeps, before a woman's face appeared on the screen.  "Yes?  Hello?"

Rey looked over at Ben for help, but he just raised his shoulders questioningly.  Sighing, she turned back to the screen.  "Um.   Yes.  Hello."   She said quickly.  "We're looking for Sismé?"

"And who are you?"  The voice asked suspiciously.

Rey stammered.  "Um....I know that this is going to sound very strange, but.... Um... I met a woman today... Marlé.... And she thought I might be related to you?"

The woman's face squinted into the screen.  "Come closer.....".  Rey let out her breath and stepped a bit closer to the link.  She could see the woman's eyes become very round, and they could hear a buzzing sound start as the gate opened.   "Please...come in."

The woman was waiting for them in the open doorway as they made their way around the fountain.   "Hello.   I am Sismé.  And you are?"

"I'm Rey, and this is Ben."

The woman's hand on the door frame tightened and she paled visibly.  "Rey who?"

"I....I don't know."  She gulped.

The woman's eyes softened.  "I can see why Marlé sent you to me.  Your likeness to my mother is uncanny.  Come in."  She beckoned.

Rey looked around as they walked through the house, a strong feeling of familiarity coursing through her veins.  Her excitement spiked and Ben grabbed her hand, entwining their fingers before speaking to her mind.  Calm down.   Rey, I don't want you to be disappointed....

It's fine Ben.  This feels.....right.  His mouth thinned into a line, and he nodded to her.

They entered a large sitting room, and Sismé gestured for them to take a seat.  Walking over to a desk in a corner, she returned with a photo, handing it to Rey.  "This was my mother when she was in the Queen's Guard."

She gasped, utter shock evident on her face, and handed the photo to Ben.  He was much better at concealing his expression, but she could feel that he was stunned at the likeness to Rey.  It was so vivid, it could have been a picture of her.  His hand squeezed hers a bit tighter.  Looking up at Sismé, her eyes started to fill with tears.  "But...how?"

"I suspect you might be my sister – Nihla's - child."  The woman told her quietly.

"Can you tell me what happened to her?"  Rey asked hesitantly.

Sismé nodded.  "Yes."   Taking a deep breath, she began.  "When we were young, my sister and I were inseparable.  Nihla was like an unstoppable force – a lot like my mother.  She was very strong physically for her size and very agile.   She was also a risk taker – impetuous and fearless – and undaunted in whatever task she set for herself."  She looked a bit uncertain as she continued.  "She also had this...uncanny ability to know what was going to happen before it actually did."

Ben and Rey exchanged glances.  He could hear her in his mind.   Do you think it sounds like she had The Force?

I don't know.  He answered.  Possibly?

"She could also....do things....."  Sismé said cautiously.

"What kind of things?"  Ben interjected.

Sismé took another deep breath.  "Things like make objects move or float.   Sometimes she could read peoples minds....."  She told them quietly.

Rey's gasp was audible.   "She had The Force."

Sismé nodded and went on.  "It was our secret.  We had never really told our Mother – but I think she always knew.  One day when she was 17 she told me that she felt like she had a higher purpose – that something called to her – and that she needed to follow it.   When she told my Mother – Reyla – well, they argued.   My mother forbade it.  Shortly after that, she left.  We were able to find out that she left with a off-worlder.  We haven't seen nor heard from her since then."  She looked up at Rey, eyes filled with tears.  "This just seems to be too much of a coincidence."

Rey took a shaky breath, tears coursing down her cheeks.   "I've never known my parents, or my family."  She told her.  "I was left on Jakku when I was 5 or 6, but they never came back."  From beside her, she could hear Ben's voice.  There was a thread of hopefulness flowing through it.

"I have an idea."  Getting up, he kissed her forehead, squeezing her hand again.  "I need to go back to the ship for a couple of minutes – I'll be back in less than an hour."

"But –"

"Trust me."  He told her.   She nodded back at him.   Turning to Sismé he told her.  "I may have something that might be able to help.  I'll be back shortly."   Sismé nodded at him, and he gave Rey a tight smile as he left.

The two women continued to talk and get to know each other while Ben was gone.   Rey wasn't sure if she was reading too much into it, but there seemed to be many similarities between Nihla and herself.  Also, there was an easy camaraderie between her and Sismé.   Rey found her extremely easy to talk to, and even swore she could see some of her own traits in the woman.

After not too long, Ben returned carrying a hand-held device of some sort.   Rey looked at him quizzically.  "It's a bio-analyzer."  He told her.  "Its usually used in a MedBay, but I remembered that one of its functions is DNA analysis."

Rey and Sismé shared a glance before Rey looked back at Ben.   "Does that mean...?"

Ben nodded.  "It should be able to compare DNA samples from each of you to see how similar – or not – they are."

Rey's breath caught in her throat.  This could be her chance to find her heritage – the roots of her family.  But she would not do it unless Sismé agreed.  Turning to her, she said.  "I...I have never known my family.  Who I am.  Where I'm from."  She paused.  "I would like to know if this kinship I feel with you – if this coincidence of our meeting is more than that."  Looking down, she took a deep breath before continuing.  "I....I think the Force did this – brought us together.  But.... If you do not want to do the test, I...I understand."

Sismé smiled at the distressed young woman.  "No.   I want to know too.   If you are Nihla's daughter, I will be glad for it.  And my own children will want to know too.   If we don't do this, it will likely always haunt me – and you as well, I think."  She glanced over to Ben.   "What do we need to do?"

****

It was early evening, and they were on their way back to the house.  Rey was quiet with her thoughts as the carriage glided along the cobbled paths on its way out of Theed.  Ben glanced over at her – concerned by her quiet mood.   Letting out a quiet breath, he decided that after all that had happened today, they'd stay one more night.   It would give both of them a bit more time to come to terms with everything.  Reaching out, he tried to prod her to see what she was feeling.

She felt Ben's subtle pressure against her mind.  Leaning over, she placed her head on his shoulder.   "I'm okay."  She told him.  "I'm not completely sure what I'm feeling – I'm still trying to make sense of it all."  Reaching her arms around him, she squeezed him tight.   "Ben.  When that little machine beeped, and those words appeared on the screen, I....I thought my heart would stop."  Lifting her head to gaze into his eyes, he could see the tears in hers once again.  "I can't believe it Ben!"  She laughed.   "While I still really don't know anything about my parent's story, nor what happened to them, I have found my family!"  Shaking her head, she gave him a wide grin.   "And you told me my parents were 'filthy junk traders'!"

His face reddened.  "I'm sorry, Rey!  That's what my vision showed me – I swear!  I guess its possible I misunderstood it."  He mumbled in embarrassment.

"That's okay."  She soothed.   "Really."  Pausing, she pondered a bit.   "The Force is complicated and beautiful.  The Force led me here – to my family - I know it did!  You must know it too!"

He gave her a searching look and reached over to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.  He exhaled on a long sigh.   "Yes."

"I can't believe it.  Our Grandmothers knew each other!  My grandmother protected yours!!"  She laughed joyously and threw herself into his arms.  "The Force..... our paths – our families' paths have been entwined since before we were born!"  She could feel a sense of uncertainty and awe flash through Ben, as the heaviness of learning how connected they were weighed on both their thoughts.

Ben's thoughts were swirling around in his head.  How is the Force so....frustratingly and maddeningly complex?  Yet so beautiful in its simplicity.   It was staggering.  He almost felt like he did when he found out that Darth Vader was his Grandfather – but admittedly that was more of a shock.  However, similarly, it had also made sense at the time – connecting links in a chain he didn't even know were missing.  Just as finding out that Rey's Grandmother served his Grandmother did.   It had confirmed a deeper connection between the two of them – possibly forged generations earlier.  Given all that he had learned today, he was relatively certain that Reyla also had had the Force.  He wondered if those around her had known – if his Grandmother Padmé had known.  He sighed.  The Force truly works in mysterious ways.

Rey was silent for several minutes while she too pondered everything.  They were just arriving at the house when she softly asked.  "Ben?  This seems to be too big of a coincidence to just be about you and I.  Do...do you think there's more?"

He raised a brow, and looked back at her with a sarcastic smirk.   "Sweetheart, I suspect that one day we'll find that there is a whole lot more to our – and our families' stories.  But not until the Force wants us to know."