Endor's Green

Introduction

Disclaimer: The characters belong to George Lucas, not to me, but I thank George for bringing this world to life.

This story was written in response to a color challenge on another site. It was inspired by a Hindu meditation that opens the seven chakras of the body. Each chakra is represented by a color and rests in a specific body part. Green lies at the heart center and represents compassion and love. Green is considered a healing energy, which we wrap around anyone that is hurting. Keeping that in mind, I hope you enjoy the following story of healing and love that takes place on the night of the celebration with the Ewoks at the end of Return of the Jedi.

Chapter 1

Snap… hiss

The bright emerald light of the saber filled the night with its vibrant energy. Standing before the pyre, Luke brought the blade up in a silent salute to the figure lying in state before him. Tears formed in his eyes and he found himself unable to proceed.

A shimmering soft teal image appeared to his right, then another and another. The young man felt their compassion radiating out to him. Yoda, leaning on his walking stick, stood nearest him, and appraised Luke with his large wise eyes. Next to him stood Obi Wan, his hand on Yoda's shoulder, and he nodded to Luke in his dignified way. The third image was unfamiliar to Luke, but there was immediate connection. Luke felt as if he were looking in a mirror and realized that he had been given the opportunity to see Anakin Skywalker, his father, as a young man.

A sparkling trail followed Anakin as he walked around the group and stood to his son's left. Luke was now bathed in the teal light that emanated from the three fallen Jedi. Anakin put his arm around Luke's shoulder and nodded towards the pyre. Luke silently thanked the Force for the chance to save his father. He touched the blade to the edge of the cape and watched as the figure was engulfed in flames. The armor blazed in glory as it its embers floated into the sky.

"No, please… Alderaan is peaceful." Leia's terrified gasp echoed in the small hut as she struck out to push away the nightmare.

Han awoke and caught her flailing arms in an embrace. "Leia, it's okay, sweetheart. Shhh… it's okay," he whispered.

She briefly quieted as he soothed her with his murmurings. Her skin was clammy and she shivered despite the warmth of his body. Then Leia's eyes snapped open.

"No! I won't!" Pushing Han away with her fists, she crawled away from him and scrambled out of the hut.

"Leia!" Han cried as he hastily pulled on his shorts and grabbed the camouflage jacket he had been wearing earlier in the day. He tore off after her, cursing and praying that she wouldn't fall off the walkway or run into any of the Rogues in her state of undress.

Leia ran into the night. A dark figure appeared in front of her and she collided with it, as if hitting a wall. The figure held onto her tightly as she fought against him. Han was steps behind her and threw his jacket over her shoulders. As he put an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him, he was relieved to see that the figure was Luke. Han acknowledged Luke's arched brow with a sigh as he closed the olive jacket around Leia. She collapsed against him, a dead weight in his arms.

"Do you always have this effect on women, Han? Or is it just Leia?" Luke teased.

"Very funny, Luke."

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. Alderaan again?"

"Yeah. I thought she would finally have a peaceful night, but it was worse. I don't think she's ever walked in her sleep before. I'm just glad she ran into you and not Jansen."

Luke smiled and nodded. "I felt her panic through the Force and came running. Well, I'll talk with you in the morning. Take care of her."

"Always."

Han carried Leia up the walkway to the hut, gently lay her down and settled in next to her. As he adjusted the green and grey jacket around her, he pulled her close and wished that he had the power to heal her. Soon her soft rhythmic breathing lulled him to sleep.