I watch the days grow darker with every breath, and I watch you slip from sight, into this strife that has become our galaxy. You are walking down a path that I dare not and cannot follow, and I fear that I will lose you forever. What has become of you, Jacen? You no longer recognize fried from foe; enemy from lover. Your own daughter is but a stranger to you, and I hardly know you at all. The terrors you have stirred are unforgivable. I feel my heart breaking with every tear that falls for you. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing- know that I love you. Please come back to me, my dearest. Come back to the one who loves you. Come back to the light.
Queen Mother of Hapes' private journal
Millenium Falcon, Somewhere in hyperspaceHer sigh was but a weary breath, a somnolent reminder of the troubled times. Silver streaked locks of sable flowed from the head so tenderly rested upon his chest and he loved every gray hair on that head. After nearly forty years of marriage, he still never tired of her, never grew bored. He would not change a thing about her, for, other than their daughter, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and the most intelligent he had ever been graced to meet.
It was moments like these that Han Solo took the time to count his blessings. True, he had lost so much due to war. He had lost two sons, and several close friends over the years, but he still was blessed to wake to the same princess every morning, and that alone was enough to keep his heart beating.
Leia stirred in his arms, trying to find a more comfortable position. Slivers of moonlight slipped passed the blinds over the cabin's windows, illuminating the room and bringing the tired features on her face to life. And he watched his wife sleep; content with the time they shared in each other's arms.
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Jedi Temple, Ossus
The Temple was quiet with the birthing of dawn, most of its occupants lost in sleep. As her eyes adjusted to the dark surroundings, Jaina still refused to relax entirely. Secret meetings had never set well with her nerves, and in the middle of a traitorous war was no time to start.
Tenal Ka stood before her, dressed in a simple nightdress. Her brow was furrowed in concern, a line of worry creasing her forehead.
Jaina had never seen her friend in such a state of distress, barely holding on to her thread of calm. Her spirit was dying as the war raged on, and it showed on the lifelessness of her sickly features.
A child of about six years lay asleep in a cot along the far wall. The sight of the child for some reason shook Jaina to the core. She had known that her friend bore an heir, but there was something more to the matter; something big that was not registering.
Tenel Ka's voice brought her back from her reverie, and she quickly shook her head as to clear her mind.
" I need your help."
" Yeah, I gathered that much when you rushed me here on an urgent call in the middle of the night."
The Queen Mother turned around, her eyes glittering as a cold laugh emanated from her lips.
" You always did prefer to cut straight to the power cable, Jaina. What you don't realize is that it will get you killed one day."
" It hasn't killed me yet. Now cut the crap and tell me why we're whispering in the middle of a dark room."
" I must speak to someone and deliver a very important message. I need an escort to get us there and back without being killed. This is secretive because I don't know who to trust these days, and especially not wit something this important. I can't exactly have anyone overhearing."
Jaina raised a skeptical eyebrow.
" My, my, the Master doesn't even know. Hm, don't I just feel all special inside."
" Quit teasing, my friend. Will you do it or not?"
" I'll take you, but where exactly am I hauling your butt to?"
" Csilla, Chiss Space."
Jaina's stomach did a summersault within her gut as realization took hold on what she had exactly gotten herself into.
" Uh, I'm not exactly on the Chiss' favorite persons list, and neither is my family. You know that."
Jaina quieted as her friend turned pleading eyes upon her, her vulnerability suddenly naked to the world. She sighed, and finally gave in.
" Alright, I'll take you. But don't do the sad eyes thing anymore. It's a pain in the ass. Now, your highness, when were you expecting us to leave?"
Tenel Ka smiled but her expression soon turned serious again.
" As soon as possible. Tonight if you're up to it."
Jaina chewed on her bottom lip and sighed quietly. She would have liked to catch up on sleep, but if her friend was this desperate, than sleep could wait.
" I'm game. Grab your things, and I'll get the kid." Jaina spoke as she moved swiftly to the cot, gently scooping the small child into her arms, careful not to wake her. Tenel Ka swung one bag over her shoulder and then picked up the second with her remaining hand, eager to leave.
Taking one final look around the room, they exited, heading towards the waiting ship, towards yet another adventure.
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