Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or anything that relates to Star Wars.
Rating: T
Continuity: Mythology AU
A/N: I love Greek mythology, so I was super inspired by Kiddohah's Reylo nymph AU over on Tumblr. Enjoy!
The Heart of the Woods
By: sushigirlali
The young hunter wiped the sweat from his brow, glancing up through the thick canopy of trees. It was difficult to track the direction of the sun this far into the forest, but he could tell from the stifling heat that it must be midday.
Knowing that he had limited daylight to continue his search, Kylo pressed on, determined to reach the heart of the forest. The superstitious often claimed that a spirit haunted these woods, but Kylo believed the old oaks held far greater secrets.
Pouring over his master's ancient scrolls in secret, Kylo had come across the word dýnami over and over again in reference to the aged forest. He considered the most likely translation of the word to be power. After years at the mercy of his master, Kylo was looking for any advantage to triumph over his oppressor.
As he traveled deeper into the woods, Kylo sensed that someone was watching him. Halting his progress, Kylo concentrated on the sounds of the forest, listening for footsteps. The fine hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as a faint melody reached reached his ears.
Moving forward cautiously, the song became louder and louder as he neared a secluded pond hidden behind a wall of ivy. Moving the green curtain aside, Kylo scanned the clearing for the source of the lovely sound.
"Your mind is clouded with thoughts of war, your heart full of hate instead of love. Why do you carry such burdens?" A soft voice spoke beside him, making him jump in surprise.
Kylo turned to stare at a beautiful young woman lounging on the bent trunk of a nearby tree. She was barely covered by the blue-gray cloth draped around her curves, and the nearly transparent material did nothing to hide her lush breasts from his view. Her chestnut hair was pulled high into a half bun, giving him an unobscured view of her elfin face.
Where had she come from? Had she drawn him here? Did she wield the power he sought?
"Yes, dýnami can be translated as power, but it can also mean Force." The woman said gently, holding her hand out to him.
The faint rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves above gave her an ethereal glow, beguiling him further. Entranced, Kylo readily crossed the distance between them.
"I don't understand the difference." Kylo admitted truthfully.
She smiled benevolently at his words, "I know you don't, Ben, but you will."
"Who are you?" Ben whispered, involuntarily taking her hand in his.
"You know who I am." She said, reaching out with her other hand to cup his chin.
As she pulled him into a chaste kiss, Ben felt something awaken inside him.
"Rey." He murmured reverently as they parted, gazing at her with new understanding.
"I've been waiting for you, my love." Rey sighed happily, drawing him into the protective circle of her arms.
"I was lost," Ben said apologetically, "but I'm here now."
His mind clearing of his master's loathsome influence, Ben felt like himself for the first time in years. The heart of the woods had indeed revealed the greatest weapon of all to fight his enemy: the power of love.
FIN