Chapter I

Hero of Tython, Master Jedi, Commander, and now "Empress" of the Eternal Fleet - far more titles, honors, and responsibilities than Adayla could have ever imagined herself having. It only felt like yesterday when she initially arrived on Tython, seemingly much younger and bright-eyed. Her aspirations to be a Jedi Guardian went as far back as she could recall, with her earliest childhood memories of her using large sticks as lightsabers and the trees as the "evil Imperial scum." Adayla had been so eager to prove herself on Tython, assisting anybody and everybody.

The rewards and credits were incredible bonuses as well, considering how strapped for credits her household had been when she was a child. She vividly remembered how her mother and father cried tears of joy when the Jedi Academy sent a holo message expressing their interest in young Adayla. She was no older than seven but already demonstrated a strong affinity with the force. When feeling bitter, Adayla often wondered were the tears brought on from happiness for their only daughter's success, a sense of pride, or happiness that now they have one less expense to worry about?

Although Adayla liked to believe she was strongly light-sided, she would dabble in vices that were definitely not supported by the Jedi Council. She worked tirelessly day in and day out to earn credits, sometimes making immoral decisions to earn more. By the time she arrived on Coruscant she had already saved up enough for a speeder, and still had enough to pay for an upgraded room. Being in a city like Coruscant was unreal to her - she had been used to the quiet serenity of Dantooine and Tython. Coruscant was so alive and Adayla wanted to experience all of it.

Despite what the Jedi Masters may want to believe, it wasn't entirely uncommon for young padawans to experiment sexually with one another while in training. Adayla had taken her first lover, both of them barely sixteen, in a secluded area in the plains of Dantooine. It was quick, awkward, and not very exciting. Since then, Adayla had two other partners, a slightly older boy that would give additional help with melee fighting, and a fellow female student. Still, these experiences barely did anything to prepare her for how exchanges with grown men would be. In addition to experimenting with pleasures of the flesh, Adayla developed somewhat of a "bloodlust" after killing Lord Tarnis, the son of Darth Angral. Specifically, she developed a bloodlust for the blood of the Sith.

Adayla was on Odessen, overlooking the forest below the Alliance Sanctuary from the large docking balcony near the cantina entrance. For the most part she was alone, there were guards, people staggering in and out of the cantina, and others discussing strategies as the walked by. I'm invisible she thought with relief. Her supporters and team were celebrating the victory of defeating Valkorion inside the cantina. She had made her appearance, drank a bit too much perhaps, and began, unfortunately, reminiscing. Adalya had excused herself politely and declined company as she ventured outside with her drink.

It felt like Tython was a month ago, becoming a Master Jedi just weeks ago, marrying Doc yesterday...how can it have been nearly seven years? She thought bitterly, as she swirled her dark, rich wine from Alderaan in its glass. Doc...Theron promised to keep searching for Doc and her other companions, but it's been years, and they had seemingly disappeared off the face of the galaxy. The thought that they may all be dead, or waiting for her to return to them made her throat tighten and eyes well up. She had half a glass of wine remaining but she threw it back as if it were a shot of juma. She had been so deep in her thoughts that she didn't hear Arcann approach.

"Would you mind if I joined?" He asked in his usual deep, yet soft voice. He was next to her, posture mirroring hers, with his elbows on the support of the balcony. Adayla quickly turned her head away from him, and blinked her tears away as quickly as she could manage.

"Only if you brought the bottle with you," she responded with a slur. Arcann glanced down at her and gave her a small smile.

"Haven't had your fill yet?" He asked softly.

Adayla shook her head, and the world spun with her. "I'm not nearly half as drunk as I plan to be, and you're gonna help me."

Arcann turned his body so that his left side leaned on the balcony, and his front faced the inebriated Jedi. The small smile didn't leave his face. "Why are you trying to get drunk?"

"Last I heard, this was a celebration," she scoffed. "Pretty sure the galaxy being rid of Valkorion and Vaylin is a very good reason to celebrate."

Adayla instantly regretted her response when she noticed that Arcann flinched slightly at the mention of his late father's and sister's name. "I'm sorry," she added quietly. "I've had a lot to drink, and I've never been the most eloquent in my wording."

When Arcann didn't respond, she turned to face him. He was looking out, over the trees and mountains. Adayla was looking at his unscarred side, which was quite handsome. He had always been attractive, but the dark side had corrupted his features, making him look too sinister. Now since he has been purged of the dark side, he was far more approachable. The biggest change was in his eyes - once they shone a fiery orange, truly reflective of the dark side, and now they were a pure light blue color.

"You have really nice eyes," Adayla thought out loud. She quickly blushed, and cursed at herself. Arcann seemed to hear this time, and regarded her with that small smile of his. His eyes locked in on hers. As if he heard her thoughts, he asked "You prefer them now?"

"Uhh, I mean, they weren't bad before, just easier to make eye contact with you now," as if that wasn't enough, Adayla drunkenly added, "That could be from you not trying to kill me though."

Seriously, what the hell Adayla. She scolded herself.

Arcann chuckled deeply.

"The dark side corrupts not just physically, but internally as well. We were mortal enemies, but now...now, things are very different." His gaze drifted from her eyes back to the dark forest below. "You trusted my mother, and allowed me to join your Alliance. You even trusted me to fight beside you. I don't think I could truly show how much I appreciate you giving me this chance."

Gently, Adayla placed her hand on Arcann's shoulder and rubbed lightly. "I could sense that there was good in you. Senya knew that you could be redeemed too. You've more than earned your keep here," she assured him. Her hand was still on his shoulder, and even with the multiple layers of clothing on, she could feel the hardness of the muscles underneath. His hand reached out and gently removed hers from his shoulder. He held her hand, gently rubbing the top in circular motions with his thumb. Adayla's breath hitched in her throat.

"Thank you, that is...too kind of you to say. I know I have a lot to atone for." His voice was just above a murmur.

"You're different now. I don't doubt you did terrible things, but that person was someone very different than the man standing before me," she paused. "I was once in the Emperor's control, a long time ago now. A group of Jedi Masters along with my companions and I were sent to either convert or assassinate him." Arcann looked into Adayla's eyes with curiosity. "It was foolish, in hindsight, to believe that we could do it. Ultimately, I was used as a puppet for some time without truly knowing what I did during my time. I don't know for certain, but I think I killed a lot of people...maybe Jedi as well. I know it doesn't compare, but I can sort of understand where you are coming from."

She paused for a response, but when she didn't get one, she added, "My point is, don't beat yourself up over the past. If you ever need someone to talk to, or just to listen, I'll be here to support you."

Arcann looked down at Adayla's hand, "Thank you."

Adayla smiled softly, not surprised by the short and to the point response. "No problem."

"If this is a time for celebrating, why are you sad?" Arcann asked after a moment. She knew it was obvious that she had been crying, and much to her dismay, she figured she must look like a mess. She had put a lot of effort into how she looked tonight, her shorter hair curled loosely, so waves hung around her face down to the middle of her neck, she had a full face of makeup on, with smoky eyes that were probably smeared from the crying. Her dress was high-neck and form-fitting - a gift from the Voss mystics. It was a beautiful satin ivory with lace detailing and gold patterns. The white made her already tan skin appear even deeper, which she liked.

She decided not to play coy, and responded honestly, "Too much wine makes me reminisce."

"And you want to drink more?"

"Enough will make me forget," she said with a smirk. Arcann responded by raising an eyebrow inquisitively. She elaborated, "Forget that my padawan and crew are more likely than not dead, but I have no way of knowing. Forget that my...husband is gone too."

Arcann's eyes widened slowly. "I had no idea. How long have you been married?"

Adayla looked over the horizon and sighed, "Excluding the years frozen in carbonite, not long. Probably only several months." She chuckled darkly, recalling the impromptu wedding ceremony in Doc's bunker. "It was very impulsive. I think I loved him, but I really don't know if he stills loves me after all this time."

Arcann nodded in acknowledgment. "I was betrothed once. Father arranged marriages for all of us...Thexan, Vaylin, and myself."

Adayla looked at him in surprise, "Really? I know you're not married now, what happened?"

Arcann looked away, ashamed. "Vaylin killed her suitor after he told her to learn her place. Thexan...died before final arrangements could be made. And my betrothed...well, we didn't see eye to eye."

Adayla wanted to question it further, but Arcann looked pained by the memory, so she left it at that.

After what felt like minutes passed, Adayla asked awkwardly, "Have you wanted to, you know, get married at some point?"

Arcann mused over this, pursing his lips slightly. "I never considered it, I was too consumed by my need for power to ever notice anyone. Had anyone received my attention, it probably did not end well for them."

Adayla had only then noticed that he wasn't holding her hand anymore. She crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders, feeling a chill come on, but she was not confident in whether it was due to the weather or from the conversation.