My dearest, dearest Padme,

Tonight is the night I leave to go fight the sieges in the Outer Rim. I am told I will be there weeks, perhaps even months before I return. That breaks my heart, for I don't think I can stand being away from you for so long. After all, what is a man without his guardian angel by his side? For that is what you are, my love. My angel. Ever since I met you on that desert planet as a small boy, I knew you were different. It wasn't just your beauty – it was your heart. I may not have known how to handle the Force back then, but even the dullest creature in the galaxy could've sensed your kindness and the fiery love that burned there. Little had I known that you would give that fire to me.

I write this letter, because I am told that the sieges will be dangerous. And if something ever happens to me – I want you to know that I love you. I have told you so many times before, but that is still not enough. You are the reason I get out of bed in the mornings, and I stay standing on my feet in the most dire of times. You're the reason I fight for the Republic, for no angel such as you should live in wartime.

You are everything to me, Padme. You need to know that if something…well…happens to me. And if something does, then you will find this when you go through my belongings. This will be in a small box with a lock. If you are reading this, then you will have guessed the password. One that only you would know: japor snippet. I still remember carving that, how smooth the wood felt in my hands as I knew I was creating something for the love of my life. I have never told you this, but after you left Watto's shop that first day we met, I made a vow to myself – I would marry you someday. Whether you find this pleasing or stupid, it's the truth. Because I loved you from the very start.

I cannot even begin to express how much I love you. Without you, I am nothing. I am not as strong as you may think – I am weak. My strength comes from you – from our love. I know that if I pass, you will survive. You're wise, and strong, and you have power where I do not.

I write this letter, so that you will know how much you mean to me. So, just remember this my dearest. Even if I fall, or the whole galaxy crumbles…

…love never dies.

Remember that, and be at peace, my love – my life.


Sitting in the cold metal seat facing the window, a lone man clothed in black re-read the letter for the tenth time that night. His breathing echoed throughout the empty room as he finally folded the letter back up, and shoved it into his pocket for protection. As the memories of his beautiful wife filled his mine, so did thoughts, anger, and resentment. Hate – directed only at him. True, the man he had once been may have died, but his love for her hadn't; and neither had the bitterness of her death.

And with that, with the dark side within him refueled, Darth Vader left the room in cold, stone silence.