After walking out, ever so silently, from the fortress to the clearing of the forest outside, Jor and the rest of the band immediately rushed to them.
Seeing Voax, fainted on the arm of his bodyguard and no girl, they sensed the tragedy that had unfolded.
Temas set Voax on a stone, and reaching consciousness, the Councillor began to sob intensely. Jor went to him to offer condolences and comfort. If that can be any good now.
Anakin and Ahsoka just stood there, not knowing what to do. This state lasted for several minutes, perhaps an hour.
Temas, then, left Voax and walked up to the duo.
"I have received word, that the Empire knows of your presence, Jedi. You must flee.
"Not just that; skirmishes have escalated in Phellar. It is a nearly a bloodbath."
Padme… thought Anakin.
"We have failed here," Ahsoka said. "But give us another chance. We can help in the city.
"The Empire already knows of us. There's no harm fighting for your people now."
Anakin had killed younglings so very recently. As young as six. Maybe four years old as well. But the sight of the dying girl stood in his mind; and more than that, the broken soul of her father. There would be other children in the city. Cold anger returned to him.
And, Padme… I will get her out safely.
"We're moving back to the city, Ahsoka," he said.
Ahsoka did not nod, but Anakin could tell she had arrived at the same decision.
A/N: I have concluded this mini-arc of the story. It is tragic, but I felt it was necessary. I'm not sure how evocative it was in spurring your sadness and emotion; but it was my go at it; I hope I can only get better. Thank you for reading.