Reviewing what I've written so far I realized I am much further on this story than I anticipated, so I thought I'd go ahead to update. With only ten chapters, the pacing is a little fast, so buckle up!

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The three months Luke had agreed to were too soon past. He grudgingly admitted that she had made progress — she had bested him at least twice in their sparring during their final week and she hardly ever dropped anything that she attempted to lift with magic anymore. Rey would be the first admit that she was just proficient in her ability to handle her newfound magic. Luke believed there was more to teach her in that area — much more. But he was not yet ready.

"There are those in my sister's court who can show you just as well as I how to summon lightning and start fires," he said dismissively. "And any green witch can pull water from the air."

"But they are not you," Rey replied. They were sitting before his hearth once more, finishing dinner after a long day of chores and study. "You've shown me so much, Luke, and I know there is more for me to learn. Please. We can write to your sister. She'll let me have more time, I know it."

The old knight sighed. "It is not a matter of what her majesty will allow. I cannot bring myself to teach you any further. I swore off it years ago. These months have been good for both of us, but I know my limits. I know what she wants to use you for. I stopped building weapons the day my own blood turned against me."

Rey set down her bowl with such force the table rattled. "I'm not a mere weapon, I'm a mage. I want to help your sister! I want to protect my friends, my court. The people I love. Why are you so determined to be above it?"

Luke straighten in his chair. "I've seen the results of my meddling. War does not recognize courts factions. It does not discriminate in who it takes. I refuse to be a part of its provocation."

"She wants to be prepared."

Shaking his head, he rubbed his temples. "Rey. I have no doubt my sister has the best of intentions. But you have no idea what is coming."

At that, she stood up, flinging herself from the hut. He winced as she slammed the door behind her.

Rey rattled around the yard for a bit before she found herself in the stable. "Stable" was a generous description for what was little more than a lean-to. Luke's chickens moved out of her way as she entered, squawking when she gets a little too close with her foot.

Mallow stood patiently as her mistress stroked her neck. She blinked liquid black eyes at the young fey whose brow was furrowed. Perhaps Luke was right. Maybe it was best if she went back home. Offered what she could. He wasn't going to save them. And she was hardly a hero….but she could try.

"I know that you are doing only what you think it right."

The old knight had followed her out. His hand flashed as he lit the lamp next to the door of the lean-to.

Rey watched him warily. "I want to be prepared. To have the skills I need to protect them."

Luke crossed to his own horse, stroking Hazelnut's velvet nose with the back of one finger. "Rey. There is something I learned in war that I hope I can share so you don't have to learn it as I did. You can't protect them. It is out of your control. The most you can do is trust each other to do your best. No amount of training will enable you to save everyone."

His blue-green eyes were weathered. Rey wondered if he was thinking of Han. Or of Leia, when she was held prisoner by the Hutts. No one spoke of it, but Rey knew that the Queen — then princess — had suffered much by the hands of the Hutts. Not all scars, she knew, were visible.

Or was it his mother? His mother, whom his father tried to protect and ultimately ended up slaying?

She nodded, eyes still locked onto his. "I want to do what I can," she said quietly. "Isn't that enough?"

He turned back to Hazelnut, who was nudging the hand that was currently neglecting the gelding. "You are strong and able. I have no doubt you will prove yourself an admirable foe to my sister's enemies. I just do not wish to see you broken by the expectations placed upon you."

"Then help me rise to meet those expectations."

Luke sighed. "I cannot, Rey. Please do not keep asking it of me."

When silence stretched between them for longer than a few beats, the old knight sighed again. "You should leave. Tomorrow. My sister will be expecting you. If you leave early and stay steady, it is only a three day ride back to her court."

There was a hollow feeling in her throat. "Very well," she said woodenly. "Goodnight."

With that she made her way back inside, climbing up into the loft where she'd spent every night since arriving at the cottage, heart aching to know it was her last.

XXX

On the second day of her journey, Rey found herself riding through a particularly heavy downpour. Normally the young knight would have stopped to wait out the rain, but she was in a hurry to get back into the safe embrace of her court. Part of her journey took her through a section of Unseelie lands, and if she could help it she was not intent on staying long.

Mallow was not happy to be getting soaked for her rider's sake. She trudged along, shaking her mane off ruefully every few minutes and huffing her displeasure. Rey promised her carrots and apples and sweet dry hay. The horse was not appeased.

Their trek was paused that afternoon when Rey spotted a figure blocking their path on the bridge ahead. The creaky wooden structure oversaw a ravine. With the rain and mist, the cloaked figure appeared rather ominous. They appeared to have no horse, and simply stood directly in the middle of the bridge, center to the road.

Waiting.

Rey halted Mallow at the entrance to the bridge. They were near to the boundary of the Unseelie part of the map. Taking chances was not something she was keen on doing here. She slid off the saddle and walked forward with one hand on the hilt of her blade, thankful that the fold of her cloak hid the movement.

"Do I need to answer some riddles?" she asked wryly as she blinked back rain. She stopped about three yards from the figure. "Or do you have some other task for me to complete?"

Kylo Ren sneered out from his hood. His lips twitched in amusement, however. How is it he appeared so put together while she looked like a waterlogged rat?

"My uncle is sending you back so soon," he remarked. "Have you truly outgrown such a master so quickly?"

Rey thought her expression was schooled, but Kylo Ren's examination was thorough.

"Ah. The old man turned away yet another student." The knight sneered. "He is afraid of his own power. Afraid of an apprentice who might outpace him again."

"You are nothing like Luke Skywalker," Rey snarled. Her hand tightened on her hilt, but Kylo Ren just loomed closer.

"No, I'm not," he breathed. He smelled of pine and smoke, mixed with something surprisingly warm. "I'm nothing like that weak, miserable old hermit who hides away from the world in shame. I would know better, I would help you reach your full potential instead of teaching you a few parlor tricks and sending you on your way."

Rey didn't think, she simply shoved the much taller fey, ducking away as she withdrew her blade.

Kylo laughed. It was a bark, a laugh that said he wasn't really amused. But his dark eyes were liquid as he took her in.

"You're eager to test yourself. I promise you, whatever Luke added to your repertoire, he hasn't made you my match. Not yet."

"I hardly want to waste my time with you," the younger knight spat. "You're not worth my energy."

He merely smirked, hand going to the hilt of his own sword. It was larger than hers, heavier too, but that wasn't necessarily to his advantage. Rey knew she could be quicker.

"You're disappointed," he said. "Disappointed that he turned you away. He's scared of his own power, he doesn't want to share it with an undeserving foundling his sister had taken in. Because what could you know of power?"

She quivered. It wasn't just the cold and the rain that soaked to her bones. Kylo had found a nerve and not just struck it — he had stripped it bare and crushed it under the heel of his finely-polished boots.

His voice dropped, becoming so soft she almost couldn't make him out over the precipitation. "But I know better. You'd know exactly what to do with that power. I bet you have already exceeded what he's taught you. You have so much potential. Why are you letting them waste it?"

"Because I'm not a traitor, like you," she snapped. "I don't turn my back on the people who love me."

At this, the older fey scoffed. "Those who love me? My mother, who abandoned me to my uncle's little cult? My father, who was disappointed he had a mage for a son? My uncle, who tried to kill me when he realized my powers had grown beyond his?"

Rey's mind stuttered at this information. "He wouldn't!" she cried. "You're lying!"

And without a second thought she surged forward.

Kylo's sword was out and ready to meet hers in a flash. The clang of steel on steel echoed throughout the valley. She cut forward, meeting his blade again and again. Kylo's face had gone almost deadly in its lack of expression as he held her offer, appearing to be putting forth minimal effort. He didn't make any attempts to actually hurt her — merely overpower the fey before him. She gritted her teeth as they danced against the wet wood, rain mingling with her tears of frustration. He wasn't the least bit stressed. Kylo was making no effort to mask his emotions, and she felt the tendrils wrap around her. Rey shoved her mental blocks against him. The attempt to ward him off on two fronts was taking.

"You're pushing yourself too hard," he said when they'd paused. "You're going to wear yourself out, chasing me."

Focus, Luke's voice echoed in her head harshly. She was expending all of her energy on attacking and not allowing him to come to her. Immediately, frustrated and guilty with herself, Rey pulled back. She took the opportunity to slam the gates to her mind shut as well, giving one final great push to evict him.

Kylo grinned lazily as he surged towards her, his hood falling back. He was ready to start really playing. The air crackled dangerously.

She didn't miss a beat, skidding back as his steel reached for her. Rain and sweat were soaking her skin, but she barely noticed it or her fatigue. She met him with each blow. They were well-matched now. Three months ago he'd clearly been holding back and even then she'd struggled.

Rey had expected a longer fight, but fate clearly had other ideas. Kylo made the mistake of letting himself turn too quickly and against the worn grain of the wooden bridge, he slid, losing his footing, back hitting the railing right as Rey cut the air —

And her steel slid effortlessly across his face, tip trailing from one brow to his opposite jaw and across his collar bone.

Horrified, Rey nearly dropped her sword. Kylo Ren — Ben — stayed frozen in a crouch, having caught himself against the rails that had ultimately been his downfall. Blood was quickly mingling with rainwater. Against his pale skin, it was a brilliant crimson. Like poppies in snow.

Despite all of her training, Rey had only ever drawn blood once before — her master, back in the village, when he'd taken it upon himself to corner her in the larder. That had been well-deserved. Seeing Kylo's torn flesh gave her a different feeling than the one she'd had that day.

Rage flashed in his eyes, but he stayed still. Rey still held her blade, though loosely. And he was well and truly cornered.

"I —"

She fled. Mallow was waiting by the end of the bridge and without another sound, Rey ran to her horse. By the time she began crossing the bridge, Kylo had stood. He simply stared as she galloped past, making no move to stop her.

XXX

Rose was the one who found her first. She collided with Rey as the taller girl was removing her horse's tack. Rey cried out in surprise but quickly returns the embrace. By the time Mallow's saddle and reigns have been removed, Finn and Poe have joined them, each bearing wide grins. Finn was quick to share what news arose during their weeks apart. Poe steered their conversation to the kitchens after a groom offered to brush Mallow down, and the whole party moved inside from the stables.

Rey almost forgot that she was sweaty and exhausted from her journey as they squeeze together on one of the benches in a corner of the kitchen. Someone handed her a plate of cold meat pie. She cannot be bothered that it was cold — after weeks of nothing but stews, porridge, and soups with Luke she was grateful to be eating something solid. Finn poured her a cup of wine. Before she knows it, night has fallen.

"Have you come back to us a fully-fledged knight?" Poe asked as she accepted her third cup of wine, his voice teasing.

Rey snorted. "Hardly. But he seems to think I won't go into battle and immediately die. I have improved. Coming back here, I beat Kylo Ren."

The table's laughter faded. Eyes all fell to Rey.

"What do you mean?" Rose asked slowly.

"He found me, as I was passing through the Wild Lands. Between territories." Rey sat back, entwining her fingers. "He said the same thing as last time — told me I'd be better off in the Unseelie Court. That I was squandering myself here. I got the sense…" She hesitated. "I got the sense that he'd been tracking me and had waited for us to cross paths. It was odd."

Poe frowned. "That's the second time he's sought you out. I don't believe that Kylo Ren does anything by accident. You are probably right, Rey, he was looking for you."

"But why?" Rose asked. "They've never cared about any foundlings before. Rey is unusually powerful, yes, but she's untrained. No offense, Rey."

"She might be worth more to them untrained." Poe leaned forward. "What better way to make sure they get exactly what they want. You heard Leia when she sent us off to find Luke. Rey has an enormous amount of potential. She's no ordinary foundling."

Finn was studying her expression. He could sense, better than nearly anyone, her anxiety. The questions Poe and Rose were asking were the same ones she'd asked herself as she fled back to the protection of Leia's court. Why was she so special?

"It's late," Finn finally said quietly, effectively ending the conversation. "Leia will want to see you tomorrow and it'll be no good if you come to your audience with her hungover. You should go to bed."

Grateful, Rey rose from the table. She let Rose lead her to her small room in a corner of the palace that overlooks the gardens. All she could see in the darkness was the outline of trees and bushes. She crawled in between the cotton sheets and wool blanket, forgoing a bath for the sweet release of sleep.

Waking shortly before dawn, she stretched against the light. It was nearly impossible for her to sleep in past the rise of the sun. A habit from her earlier life with the nuns. The started every morning with prayers in the chapel long before the sun rose. She'd hated it then, but in retrospect, it had been a comforting tradition. Every morning, the same words were spoken. When Luke had introduced her to meditation, she'd found a similar habit.

After bathing quickly and meditating, she dressed in one of the few gowns she'd been given upon her arrival. Her audience with Leia meant dressing a little more formally than usual — no tunic and leggings today, unfortunately. Slipping on the soft green garment, she sighed. A sword would look silly at her waist. She'd have to make do with a dagger instead.

With that, she padded from her room and sought solace in the gardens. They were unkempt, a little overgrown. Rey found a seat on a bench overlooking a peaceful pool scattered with water lilies. She thought back to her encounter from the previous day.

Ren had to smile. He had teased her. He's corrected her technique. What had he been playing at?

"Hello."

Startled, she looked up from the water. Finn stood on the path, head tilted as he looked down at her.

"What are you doing up?" she asked, patting the ground beside her.

"I could ask you the same thing," he said. "But I know better. You can't sleep while the sun rises."

She smiled as he sat beside her, jostling her shoulder fondly. It was strange and nice to have someone know her. To recognize her quirks and tease her about her habits. No one had ever done that before.

"I missed you," he said abruptly. "I love Rose, you know, and Poe is a good friend but…you and are both human, you know? Even though you're not, technically, all of this is weird and terrifying to you, too."

She understood. "I'm glad we're going through this together. It's hard enough."

Finn leaned back on his palms, considering the water. "It's the equinox in just a few days," he observed. "The autumn court celebrates it, of course, but Rose told me we'll have a feast here, too. It's a big deal, apparently. Leia usually sends representatives to Mara Jade's court as a sign of goodwill, along with a gift."

A feast sounded nice. She could picture the merriment among the court, dancing with Poe and Rose and Finn, watching Leia smile as she presided over it all.

"Rose said next year we could petition to be the ambassadors," Finn went on. "See the party for ourselves."

Rey grinned. "That would be fun."

Finn smiled back. "We'll make an adventure of it. They say that there is a bottomless cave at the edge of the Autumn Court's lands. And supposedly, they have trees made of gold. Just like in that fairy tale…"

Rey listened to Finn's tall tales for the rest of the morning, content to dream of the months to come and the peace they would bring.

XXX

Leia summoned her around eleven. Their audience was small — only Casper, her loyal secretary, and Holdo, one of the queen's ambassadors. They met in the queen's study, a room on the third floor of the palace flanked by the captain of the guard's office and the library. The queen rose when Rey entered, gliding forward to embrace the young fey. Her lilac robes were scented with sage and roses, engulfing Rey in a familiar perfume.

"We are pleased to have you back," she stated before resuming her seat. "Safe and among friends. Though I have heard your journey back was not without struggle."

Rey recounted her training with Luke, giving a few demonstrations of her improved skill with magic. Leia appeared pleased, though it was clear to everyone Rey had not made the leaps and bounds everyone had hoped for.

When she described her encounter with Kylo Ren on the bridge, the queen appeared stricken. Rey felt a small stab for guilt for Leia's sake when she explained how she'd injured her opponent before making an escape.

But Leia's concern was not for her son's sake. "The accords state that the court territories are neutral grounds. To come onto another court's lands and show aggression? Skirmishes have happened before, but if you struck first….and drew blood with intent to kill…."

"He provoked me!"

Leia shook her head. "It would have to be determined by the council. If he decided to take it that far. There is a chance the Unseelie will not think it worth their time to complain about such technicalities. And you clearly had no intent on killing him if you left him with a mere scratch. But I would not be surprised if Snoke were to try to spin the story in his favor."

"You were right to defend yourself," Holdo said reassuringly. Her rosy hair glinted in the mid-morning light.

"Thank you, my lady," she replied softly, schooling her frustration. "I fear that Kylo Ren is strangely interested in me. I want to give him no cause to seek me out again, but with this…."

The queen sighed. "I suspect it could not have been prevented. He's sought you out twice now. The Unseelie have no doubt heard of your origins, your power. Snoke is likely the cause behind my son's attentions towards you. In times as these, we must keep you close."

"My loyalty is to the Seelie, my lady."

Leia smiled benevolently. "There is no doubt of that. Come, let us walk the garden. I wish to hear more of my brother."

With that Holdo and Casper made their leave as the queen tucked Rey's arm into hers and they made their way downstairs and into the gardens. With the day in full-swing, butterflies were flitting from flower to flower and every blossom was open and smiling up towards the sun. While the forest in which Luke's cottage sat had felt very familiar to the young fey, she had missed the cultivated chaos of Leia's gardens.

They strode down a gravel path, quickly losing sights of the palace due to the willow trees.

"I do not want you to think that I am not proud of the great strides you have made," Leia said. "Because I am. Your time with Luke has indeed proved fruitful. I wish he would consider guiding you more, but I believe that there are things you can teach yourself, with time."

"He proved to be very…." Rey hesitated. "Opinionated on-court matters."

The queen snorted delicately. A snort, nonetheless, which stunned her knight. "My brother has turned into a pacifist in his old age. I sometimes think he is resentful of his own gift."

Now Rey was shocked. "You sound like your son," she remarked carefully.

Leia paused and looked at Rey, a little surprised. "Yes," she said finally. "I supposed on that we can agree. My brother is squandering his talents out of some misguided guilt."

The queen walked on. "But I did not bring you out here to discuss my hermit brother. I have a proposition for you, Rey. It has been some time since the throne has had a champion."

She frowned. "Isn't Poe your champion?"

Unconcerned, Leia waved her hand. "He's captain of my guard. No, a champion is different. A knight, a symbol of strength. I'd like you to be that symbol."

Rey felt rooted to the spot. "My lady," she said slowly. "Are you sure? I am not nearly as capable as other, I still have much to learn —"

The queen cut across her. "I am sure. I was sure of it before you left court months ago. Now, the real question is, will you accept?"

It did not feel like something that could be refused. Bowing her head, Rey swore, "Of course, my lady."

Leia clasped her hands together, beaming. "Now that's settled," she said. "We ought to plan a feast, in celebration. I believe Casper can throw something together in about two day's time, I should think."

With that Leia lead the way through the garden paths, ready to discuss the ceremony and the food and all of those things that weren't truly important, but seemed to take her mind away from her wayward son.

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