She had seen the ship touching down on scarlet sands plenty of times in her dreams. She knew what it would look like, what it would sound like, and the identity of each and every person onboard. Over the years, their appearances had shifted and changed, but their cores remained the same. So on the day that they did arrive, she made sure to stay near the entrance of the cave. This was one of those days where everything could possibly change forever.
Once, Dathomir had been abandoned. To call it lifeless was incorrect, as there had been a multitude of animals and plants that had grown wild over the years. What it was empty of were their stewards: the Zabrak Nightbrothers and Nightsisters. Now, however, the planet flourished and the sense of protectiveness over it had only grown. Her exponentially-growing family would ensure that it didn't fall to ruin ever again. So when the ship landed and the doors whooshed open, there was a crowd of men and women armed to the teeth all aiming their weapons at the ship's passengers.
"Easy," one of them called, "we only want to speak to the Nightmother. Is she here?"
Step aside, everyone. I have been expecting them for some time now.
Puzzled, they lowered their weapons. The man in the front whose hair was the color of indigo ink stepped forward first. His vibrant royal blue eyes panned the crowd until he spotted the source of the artificial voice. His gaze landed on a hooded figure who was coming to the front of the crowd.
"Are you the Nightmother?"
She nodded.
You can simply call me Melody. I could care less for formal titles. The name only comes from tradition.
The man's eyes went wide for a second. His suspicions were confirmed when the gloved hands brushed back the hood that was only there to keep the sand from blowing in her eyes. Now that the hood was off, he recognized her. She looked older—her journey had been etched on her skin. But her eyes were the part he'd remembered most. They were vibrant green and still very innocent and childlike.
I see that you remember me now. It must be the voice box that throws you off. I still haven't quite gotten used to it.
She motioned for them to follow her. In addition to the crew she'd run into many years ago, there was an old man with them. His large crystal-blue eyes were gentle but no less intense than she expected. She remembered them very well. No words were exchanged between the two of them—there were none needed.
"So if you were expecting us, do you know why we're here?" the indigo-haired one asked.
I do. But I would like for us to catch up first. A lot can happen in a very short time.
"Like…this…" he agreed, spreading his arms out, gesturing to the population of the planet. As if on cue, a Nightsister walked past, her hand on her swollen belly. Melody smiled—she knew that this one was going to give birth any day now and she would most likely be the one to help bring the infant into the world. It was one of many jobs that she never tired of. Her mate, a yellowish-skinned Zabrak with a broken horn, had wrapped one arm protectively around her. Though his gaze was intimidating, his body language betrayed how happy he was about his newest family member.
They descended into the bowels of the cave toward the place that had become her home years ago. It was filled with life and a great deal of laughter. There were children sprinting around underfoot. They moved so fast that it was impossible to really see them in great detail. Melody smiled at their retreating backs and let the party inside the house.
"Where is he?" the old man asked.
Outside playing, she answered, you'll see him before too long, though. He's hit a growth spurt and eats like a dragon.
"So…what's with all the secrecy? Why us specifically?" the indigo-haired man asked the old one.
"Because that's the way it was meant to be," he replied simply.
The indigo-haired one had a number of questions, all of which Melody would take the time to answer eventually. But the first and most pressing one was the one the indigo-haired one blurted out immediately:
"That kid I saw, the one we came here for…he looked familiar. Like…"
Her questioning gaze prompted for him to continue.
"Like….Maul. But that's not possible, is it? I mean…he never had any children, did he?"
Melody took a moment to collect her thoughts. It would be impossible for her to explain it in simple terms, for the story itself had been rather complicated. It spanned many years and took many twists and turns. She would have no choice but to start from the beginning.