Chapter Seven

Mara sat in the pilot's chair of the Jade's Fire. Looking around, she tried to track down the cause of the uneasy feelings fluttering through her senses. Looking to her right, she was not surprised to see the young blonde suddenly sitting beside her.

"Arielle," she said, turning to look out the view port. "I was wondering if you would be back." With the arrival of the deceased Tatooine native, she knew for sure she was dreaming again, and this time she planned to get answers.

The girl beside her just smiled, resting her slender hands on the arm of her chair. Are you surprised? she asked, her eyes sparkling with the question.

Well, yes, Mara admitted. After that first dream, and you never returned, I began to wonder if it was, in fact, just a dream.

Arielle sat forward and Mara found her pensive gaze a bit unsettling. Soon the blonde girl sat back in her chair, her smile never faltering. she inquired, Do you think you would be dreaming about your friend's dead wife?

Mara took her time answering the question that had caused her a few uneasy moments over the past few days. The first time, she continued, with confidence. I would say it was because I had just learned about you.

Then what about this time?

Mara thought about that for a few more moments. If I had to guess? I would say because of his reaction to finding your necklace tonight.

What do you mean? she asked, the shine in her eyes dimmed being replaced by a hint of worry.

He ran across something of yours this evening, and it upset him greatly.

You said he found my necklace? She asked, her hand going to her neck as if just realizing it was not there.

Yes, he had it hidden away, and forgot where he put it. You know, if I didn't know any better, I would have thought that your death only occurred a short while ago. His pain seems much closer to the surface then it should be after all these years.

I think you already know the answer to the question you have there?

What question? Mara asked.

Your comment suggested you wondered why he was still hurting so badly. Do you have any idea why?

Mara rolled her eyes. Yes, you have definitely spent time with Skywalker, she stated, running a hand through her hair. You even sound like him. Mara sat forward until her face was mere inches from Arielle. Look, I have to deal enough with him telling me that I need to open myself to other situations and methods of observations. I really don't need someone invading my sleep to try and get me to do the same thing.

Then what would you like? Is there anything you would like from me?

Oh yes, definitely. I want you to solve the puzzle, Mara told her, sitting back in her chair.

What puzzle would that be?

Mara spread her hands out in front of her. The one sitting in front of me, she told her, then rested her hands in her lap.

You want to know my story? Arielle asked, with a look of doubt crossing her face.

Well, you obviously know Luke's reluctance in talking about it. And you are the only other one with the information I seek.

Just tell me, Mara. Why do you want to know?

Mara sat up straighter at her question. Because he is my friend, she answered almost instantly. He has been there for me more times then I care to count. I see the pain he has been suffering though all these years. Now that I know the reason, I want to help.

Arielle took a deep breath and let it out slowly. One day Mara, I hope you realize how much your friendship has already helped him. Luke needs his friends. He is very important, and he has a great destiny in store for him.

He has already done so much, Mara stated.

He has done some great things, but the Force is not done with him. He is a genuine child of the Force. He will accomplish many things this has been known since before he was born.

What are you trying to say? Mara said, suddenly feeling bad for the Jedi Master. He deserved a normal life, not more of the pain he seemed to get when it came to the Force.

I was wrong, the young lady stated. The last time I talked to you, I did not tell you the whole truth and I need to set the record straight.

About what?

I think it's best that I start at the beginning. I have found out a great many things that others should know about. I would like to explain them to you, if you don't mind.

By all means, Mara said, her interest peaked.

I had the potential, as you have already figured out, she began, shifting to a more comfortable position. However, I was untrained, unaware, just as Luke was. She shook her head to clear it. I am getting ahead of myself. Let me tell you what I know. I never knew my parents, and their names were kept from me. You see, my parents where killed when I was born. I have been told that the birth was greatly anticipated by the Masters of that time, because it marked the next piece of the future of the Jedi. They knew then what their fate was, and they were already looking to what the future held for them. It was known then, the asset Luke would be. He, by that time, had already been safely tucked away in some corner of the galaxy. Only one man knew where he could be found. The council thought it was better that way. What they did not plan on was part of their plan being discovered.

There was a raid on the Temple the day I was born, that ended with the destruction of the med center. Everyone that lived through the raid thought that all left inside the temple had perished. However, one man risked his life to save the child born that day. He dodged the fighting and slipped into the nursery where a baby could be heard. He ran with the baby, having no choice now but to flee, for now the plan was in motion. I was that child. I was placed in the care of a childhood friend to be raised, also not knowing my history. The whole thing had been planned, even to the age when Luke and I would meet. Everything went just as it should. Luke and I met, and we had a child. It wasn't until I was killed that Obi Wan found out that he had made a terrible mistake. From what I can find out there were two girls born that day. And when Obi Wan grabbed mehe grabbed the wrong child.

Two? The wrong child? What happened to the other child?

She was thought to have been killed in the raid. Obi Wan continued for years without knowing that the mistake had been made. Then, when he watched the carefully crafted plan fall apart with my death, there was nothing left to do but to hope for the best. It wasn't until right before his own death that Obi Wan found out the truth. He sensed her, the second child, in the hands of his enemy, and tried to call out to her.

What happened? Mara asked.

She didn't notice.

Why are you telling me all this? Mara suddenly asked. Her thoughts were tumbling all over themselves, and she was doing the best she could to sort out everything she was being told here. Well, besides the fact that I asked, but you did not have to tell me.

I found all this out, and I planned to tell Luke. He has been kept in the dark about so many things in his life. I think it's about time he found some of the answers he seeks. When he discovers these details, I am sure he will find his life a little more enjoyable.

So, why didn't Obi Wan or Yoda tell him? Why was all this kept secret from him?

Arielle suddenly sat up in her chair, glancing around.

What's wrong? Mara asked, knowing the look of worry that suddenly surfaced on the others face.

Did you feel that? Arielle asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Mara asked, then sat silently, trying to figure out what it was that had alarmed the woman sitting next to her. She reached out around her, feeling Luke nearby. Her gaze went unfocused as she concentrated on Luke's presence, a smile going unnoticed on her face.

What is it? Arielle asked, looking intently at Mara.

Luke's here, she told the girl, sounding distracted. He's looking for me. Her smile turned into a frown. Something's not right. He's upset.

I should be going then, Arielle decided, standing up and facing Mara. I don't want to be the reason he's unhappy.

You want to see him, don't you? Mara asked, turning back to the girl, but still feeling Luke's troubled mind.

Yes, but I want him happy more. I have a question for you now, Mara Jade.

And what is that? Mara questioned, wondering what this girl would want to know about her. Up until now, she had asked no question about Mara personally.

How is it that you can sense him so easily?

The question startled Mara. It was a question that she knew people often wondered when it came to her and Skywalker. Maybe because we're friends. We have always been able to feel each other when the other is near. But right now? It is so strong because we are asleep in the same room.

Arielle asked, dropping back into the chair.

Mara had the pleasure of seeing her shocked expression and she did little to hide the smirk that appeared on her face. We ended up having to share a hotel room. There is nothing to worry about.

Arielle took a breath and relaxed. She shook her head. It's not that there is something between you two that worries me, quite the opposite. It's that there is nothing going on that bothers me, she said sadly.

What is that supposed to mean? Mara demanded. Every time she thought she had this vision figured out, this girl threw in another loop. Was she implying that she WANTED something between her and the Jedi? Her words hinted at that, but her voice told a different story, and it proved to totally confuse her.

Those are answers for another time, Arielle told her, standing again. Right now Luke needs you.

Mara took a deep breath, knowing that getting angry with a Force vision was no way to get answers, and just a good way to make her visit end sooner. Taking another deep breath, she felt herself relax enough to ask another question that had been bothering her. Have you been watching him all these years? she asked.

Arielle admitted, her face shinning. Some say it has become an obsession of mine. I have been waiting for him to get through this, so I could talk to him. There have been so many times that I have wanted to call out to him, but every time I do, he reacts badly. It is all still very painful to him.

But I don't understand. If he will not listen to you, why not send someone else? Once again, she felt there was a lot she was not being told here, and she could feel the frustration building.

There is much you do not understand, Mara. And many questions I am not permitted to answer. I hope that some day, the entire truth will come out. Now go, he needs you.

--- Mara woke with a start, looking around the room. For that moment, she could not remember what had woken her. It was still dark in the room and she guessed that she had only been asleep for a few hours. She sensed movement next to her and could barely make out Luke, who was tossing in his bed. She watched him for a moment, waiting for him to settle back into a restful sleep, but instead he moaned softly. She quickly got out of bed and went to him to get a better look. He was tangled in his sheets, his hair in total disarray, and soaked in sweat. She touched his arm, softly calling out his name. She jumped back in shock as he bolted upright, their heads almost colliding. He sat there looking around the room, looking completely awake. His hands were trembling, and he seemed confused. She scooted closer to touch his arm again.

Are you alright? she asked softly.

He gaze seemed to go right through her, then he ran his trembling hands across his face. Mara lightly touched his leg hoping to help calm him.

he snapped, tucking his legs under him. Just leave me alone.

Luke, it's alright, it's just me, she said, hesitating when she thought about reaching out to him again.

He shook his head, his breathing still shallow. He let himself fall back onto his pillows and rubbed his eyes.

Luke, what is wrong with you, talk to me. I'm only trying to help.

Luke started to sit up, the slumped back again against his pillow and turned his head away from her. She scooted beside him and brushed some of the hair out of his eyes. He was still trembling, so she started to pull the blanket back up to cover him. He surprised her by turning back to face her. He looked at her with a haunted gaze, looking at her but not quite seeing her.

she called to him, hoping to get a reaction. She had never seen anyone in this state before. Never had she seen someone so unresponsive after a dream. She could only guess what that dream had been about, but what she needed to do now was to help her friend, as he had done so many times for her.

She scooted down to where she was laying beside him and he instantly buried his head in her neck. She pulled the blanket up to cover both of them and gently stroked his shoulder. His breathing slowly returned to normal, and the trembling soon subsided.

Luke turned his head to look at her and it was as if he had just realized she was there. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before speaking. Thank you, Mara, he whispered. I am sorry you had to see that.

Are you kidding? she asked, concern overriding her normally sarcastic tone. I could not imagine waking up like that to an empty room.

Luke laughed slightly and hugged her closer. And everyone thinks I do those morning runs because I think they're fun.

Mara watched as Luke once again closed his eyes and she found herself stroking his hair, smoothing it back away from his face. Memories of her latest dream flowed in her mind, and she began to wonder if she could believe what she thought this girl was trying to tell her. Deciding there was nothing else she could do about it, she relaxed into Luke's warm embrace and felt sleep overtaking her once again.

---- Mara stirred awake and attempted to orient herself to her surroundings. The first thing that her still sleep foggy mind registered was the sense of warmth that seemed to be concentrated along her right side. She felt something brush her waist and smiled at the tingling sensation that washed across her body. She snuggled closer to the warmth, letting herself swim in the calmness surrounding her. She felt the feather touch again, her stomach fluttering with the rhythmic movement across her bare skin. Her mind flagged that thought and she froze. She realized she was lying in a bed with someone whose hand was caressing her side.

She opened her eyes, and found herself staring into the peaceful still face of Luke Skywalker. Her shocked threat dying on her lips when she noticed that he was still sleeping. His hand moved again and she shivered in response, pulling the blanket more snuggly around her shoulders. Mara studied Skywalker's peaceful face and wondered what sort of dream he was having. Was he dreaming of holding someone the way he was her right now? And if so, who did he think he held in his arms? Mara sighed as the visitor of her dreams resurfaced in her mind. Luke had known that feeling of security and love once before. It would seem that he had spent the last few years looking for it again.

Mara tried not to look too close at the feeling of sadness that she felt over that thought. She had watched Luke struggle over the past few years, and with this knew information, she felt she could understand his pain just a little more. He was a complicated fellow, this Skywalker. Always full of surprises. He would make someone very happy, who ever he decided to settle down with. The thoughts were cased away when she felt Luke's hand resume its exploration of that patch of skin. His hand continued to make lazy circles, causing Mara's breathing to quicken slightly. She shifted, trying to get into a more comfortable position, but careful enough not to disturb the person asleep beside her. She felt her bare leg rub against his covered one, as her fingers brushed against his bare chest. Her eyes followed her fingers as she ran them slowly across his muscled chest. Her gaze traveled further down, as she took in their current state of dress. She suddenly recalled how she had woken up to find the Jedi in the grips of a terrible nightmare, and had rushed to his side despite the fact that she was only clad in the top half of his sleep attire. She had fallen asleep while helping him to relax, instead of returning to her own bed.

It seemed that during the night, her shirt had failed to stay pulled down, and the hem rested well above her waist. Leaving quite a revealing view for Skywalker had he been awake to see it.

Mara finally woke up enough to realize the awkwardness of the situation. It dawned on her how intimate their position would seem. She felt the color rise to her cheeks as she thought about how close they were to each other.

Get a grip, Mara! She yelled to herself. You are thinking about Skywalker here. You can be sure that he is not dreaming about you right now.

Moving with careful ease as to not wake him, Mara disengaged her limbs from Luke's and eased out of bed. A few steps and she was again climbing back into her own bed. Pulling the blankets up, she snuggled under them. Turning to her side, she propped her head on her pillow. Letting her gaze drift around the room, she finally rested it on the peaceful face of the Farmboy.

She wondered at the feeling of loneliness that seemed to roll over her. Pushing the thoughts aside, she settled down to sleep. Her hand rested on her side, covering the area where Luke's hand had been. Her last thought before dosing off, was the feel of Luke's hands as he had unknowingly reached out to her in the night.