Location: Devaron
Date: 5 ABY
The morning light filtered softly through the windows of Farnay's small house. Luke stirred beneath the covers, feeling the warmth of the bed but also the coolness of the empty space beside him. He glanced over and realized Farnay wasn't there. The sound of clattering from the kitchen confirmed her whereabouts.
Luke sighed, his mind drifting to the night before. It had been a long time since he'd spent an evening like that—his stomach filled with Farnay's home-cooked meal, and later, the two of them reconnecting in ways they hadn't for over a year. His thoughts flickered briefly to Kata, and he shoved down the familiar tug of guilt, the nagging voice that told him he should feel bad.
But why? He hadn't crossed that line with Kata. Not yet, at least. And Farnay... well, she'd always been different. There was history there.
Luke pushed the covers aside and stood, stretching before slipping into his robe. The air was cool against his skin as he walked to the corner of the room where he sat to meditate. He needed to clear his mind, to settle the emotions swirling beneath the surface. The deep, steady breathing soon brought him back to center, the Force flowing through him, calming the noise. When he finally opened his eyes, he felt lighter.
The smell of breakfast wafted from the kitchen as he stepped inside. Farnay stood at the stove, moving with an easy grace as she cooked. Her grin was quick and warm when she saw him.
"Good morning," she said, her voice carrying the same playful tone he remembered so well.
"Morning, Farnay," Luke replied, returning her smile. He felt a twinge of that old guilt, but it faded quickly. He was here now, and that's what mattered.
"I made eggs mixed with garlic, jerba cheese, and a side of purple protatos," she said, placing a plate on the table. "Figured you'd need some fuel for all that training you'll be doing."
"You're always cooking for me," Luke chuckled as he sat down, appreciating the familiar scent of the food.
Farnay walked over and squeezed his cheeks affectionately, her touch somewhere between a mother's and a lover's. "Well, I know you need it. You don't get to be a Jedi without some proper breakfast."
Luke grinned, feeling more at ease. "I suppose not." He glanced at his holo-watch, noticing it was late morning. "I should probably reach out to my masters soon. They'll want to know where to meet."
Farnay waved a hand, unconcerned. "Let them wait a little. You've got time. Eat, enjoy yourself. You don't need to rush off."
Luke nodded, grateful for the reprieve. He picked up his fork and took a bite. "Thanks, Farnay. I... I missed this."
"I know you did," she replied with a mischievous smile.
They ate in comfortable silence for a while. The breakfast was simple but delicious, the kind of meal that left Luke feeling grounded and ready for the day ahead. Farnay always had a way of making things feel... easier. Less complicated. Maybe that's why he kept finding himself drawn back to her, despite the other paths his life had taken.
But there was more on his mind than just breakfast and stolen moments with Farnay. He knew he had to meet with his father and Baylan soon. The ancient temple they'd uncovered held more secrets than they'd initially thought, and whatever they found could change the tide of the coming war. Luke couldn't afford to be distracted.
Still, for now, he let himself linger a bit longer, finishing his caf as Farnay leaned back in her chair, watching him with an amused glint in her eye.
"Luke," she said, "when are you going to stop running off on these Jedi missions and settle down?"
Luke raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly. "Settle down? I mean others in my circle have, but I don't feel ready for that yet..."
Farnay laughed, shaking her head. "Maybe not, but I wouldn't mind seeing you stick around a little more often."
He shrugged, trying to keep things light. "I'll see what I can do. But you know how it is..."
Farnay just smiled, but there was something in her expression—something Luke couldn't quite place—that made him pause. Before he could say anything, though, his holo-watch buzzed.
Luke glanced down. It was Baylan. "Time to meet, Master Skywalker. We're waiting at the shuttle."
Luke sighed. "Guess that's my call."
Farnay stood, walking him to the door. "Go do what you need to do. But... don't forget you've got something here too, okay?"
He nodded, unsure of what to say, so he kept it simple. "I won't."
XX
The T-6 Jedi shuttle hummed quietly in the clearing, its ramp lowered as Luke approached. Vader and Baylan stood at the base, waiting in their usual stoic fashion. The last of the ancient texts were secured aboard, and the villagers had long since returned to their homes.
"Welcome, my son," Vader's mechanical voice resonated as Luke drew closer. "Have you cleared your mind?"
"Fairly," Luke replied, shrugging lightly.
Vader glanced toward the shuttle, where Huyang was already busy examining the old scrolls and books. "While Huyang studies these artifacts, perhaps it is best to test the entities in a more rural environment."
Luke nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "I know just the spot. Follow me."
He led the way from the clearing, guiding them into the temperate forests of Devaron. The air was crisp, hinting at the start of autumn. Around them, the once vibrant greens of the trees were shifting to the warm hues of orange, red, and yellow. The leaves rustled gently in the light breeze, dancing side to side on the branches as the trio made their way down the dirt path.
Luke took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill his lungs. It was peaceful here, serene. The forest seemed to hum with quiet life, the rustling of leaves blending with the soft sounds of birds hidden among the treetops. The gentle wind brushed against his face, carrying with it the earthy scent of fallen leaves and rich soil.
He looked up at the sky, noticing how the light blue stretched endlessly above them, dotted with wisps of white clouds. The pale, white moon lingered in the daytime sky, almost glowing against the blue canvas. It reminded him of quieter times—of walks like this back on Tatooine, though the landscape was far different.
The trail itself was worn but familiar. It resembled the paths Luke had wandered years ago, trails in places like Yavin IV or Felucia, with dirt crunching beneath his boots and the occasional scattering of rocks and twigs. To either side, trees stretched out in a variety of shapes and sizes, their branches interwoven above the path, providing a natural canopy of shade. Streams ran quietly along certain sections, their bubbling sounds just audible beneath the conversation and crunch of footsteps.
The three of them moved in easy silence, the only sounds the gentle swish of their robes and the rhythmic crunch of their boots over the fallen leaves. Luke could feel the soft dust brushing off their boots as they strolled, the dirt occasionally scattering in light puffs with each step. There was something calming about this—something grounding.
The weather was almost perfect, the temperature just right for walking. Not too hot, not too cool. In the shade of the trees, the breeze cooled them just enough to make the journey comfortable. As they passed through a grove of bare trees—branches stark and devoid of leaves—Luke felt a chill in the air, a sudden shift that made the woods feel almost eerie. The trees stood like skeletons, as if winter had come early for them.
They continued along the winding path, which occasionally dipped and rose over gentle hills, small bumps in the trail adding some variety to the otherwise flat walk. Luke's eyes drifted across the landscape as they went, noting how the branches of the taller trees curled and twisted together, almost forming an arch over parts of the trail. It was beautiful, in a rustic, untamed sort of way.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Luke began to notice more and more obstacles littering the path. Fallen branches, overgrown bushes, and the occasional stone formation jutted out, creating natural challenges for someone familiar with navigating such terrain. His mind drifted to the training sessions he and Kata had shared on paths just like this one, pushing each other to move quickly, to think on their feet, and to adapt to whatever the environment threw at them.
He slowed his pace slightly, his eyes scanning the area. The branches here were thicker, more twisted. Rocks jutted out of the ground at odd angles, and the leaves seemed to create a natural barrier in some spots. Yes, this was it. The perfect place.
Luke stopped gradually, raising a hand to signal Vader and Baylan to halt. They both came to a stop beside him, their eyes following his gaze as he looked out over the trail ahead.
"We'll stop here," Luke said, his voice quiet but certain. He turned to face them, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "This is the spot."
Vader, towering and imposing as ever, surveyed the surroundings with a quiet intensity. "What do you intend, my son?"
Luke gestured toward the trail ahead. "This place… I used it during my first couple of years training. Spectre Seven had me run circuits here to improve my agility."
Vader's mechanical breathing filled the air for a moment before he replied. "I see. Former Seventh Sister had natural agility. But perhaps yours was grown more from practice, not talent."
"Perhaps," Luke replied with a casual shrug, a hint of a smile in his voice.
They continued along the path, their steps deliberate as they walked through the trail that had once been Luke's training ground. As they went, the wind picked up slightly, brushing against their cloaks and carrying the earthy scent of the forest. After a short while, they came across a large stone wall to the side of the trail. Luke paused, recognizing the artwork etched onto its surface. It was Sabine's work, from before the fall of Mandalore.
Vader's attention lingered on the wall, his helmeted gaze taking in the detailed image. The mural showed Luke, Ezra, Spectre Seven, Sabine, Zeb, Hera, Chopper, and Jacen. They were all depicted in an urban setting, the skyline of Chandrila in the background. The colors, though faded slightly with time, were still vibrant—each stroke telling a story of their adventures.
But, true to form, Vader said nothing more about it. His gaze lingered for only a moment before they moved on.
The trail shifted again as they walked deeper into the woods, until they reached a familiar obstacle: a massive fallen tree blocking the path. The tree, Luke recalled, had once been used in Kata's recent training. It had provided the perfect challenge for agility and problem-solving.
"Alright, Father… Master Skoll," Luke said, stopping in front of the tree. "Let's see what we can do with this trunk."
Baylan, ever the calculating type, was about to ask for suggestions, but Luke raised a hand to cut him off. "I don't mean to obliterate it," he added firmly, a light grin on his face.
Luke took a moment, standing in thought, before an idea hit him. "Okay, first… Father, twist the crown of the tree until it detaches from the trunk."
Vader didn't hesitate. "Very well, my son." He raised his hand, purple energy radiating from him—energy from the ancient Force entity that now lingered within. The power swirled around the crown of the tree, and with a slow, deliberate motion, Vader twisted it. The trunk groaned and cracked, and after a moment, the canopy broke free, floating gently in the air as Vader held it aloft with the Force.
"Good," Luke said, nodding in approval. "Now we'll use the wood from this for a fire later on. For now, just move it to the side."
With a flick of his hand, Vader shifted the tree crown to the edge of the clearing, laying it down neatly among the bushes.
Luke turned his attention to Baylan. "Now, Master Skoll… if you can vertically split the trunk from the center of the inner bark." He pointed at the large, gnarled trunk in front of them.
Baylan nodded silently. His own energy flared up—blue and crackling like slow-moving lightning. Unlike the chaotic energy of Sith lightning, this was calm and deliberate. The blue light hissed and sizzled as it connected with the trunk, and within seconds, the tree began to split down the center, clean and precise. Baylan separated the two halves with ease, stepping back as the massive trunk now lay in two perfect pieces.
Luke rubbed his chin, another idea forming. "Alright, Baylan. While you're floating the two trunks, find two areas nearby where we can bridge two spaces—whether it's between rocks, cliffs, or hills. Anything where we can lay these logs across as a bridge."
Baylan closed his eyes for a moment, drawing on the enhanced powers of the entity within him. His vision sharpened, extending beyond the physical world, as he scanned the surroundings with a heightened awareness. He opened his eyes and pointed toward two tall rocks, standing about fifteen feet apart, not far from where they stood.
He lifted one of the split trunk halves and floated it carefully over to the rocks, placing it across the gap to create a natural bridge. Luke watched in quiet admiration, impressed by the precision with which Baylan handled the task.
Next, Baylan found a distant cliff—its edges separated by a wide chasm far above their heads. Without hesitation, he lifted the second trunk half, guiding it up, up, up—over 200 feet in the air—and placed it securely across the gap between the two cliffs.
Luke couldn't help but smile, amazed at how easily Baylan could manipulate the environment with the entity's power. It was like watching a master at work, only this master had access to abilities beyond anything Luke had ever seen.
"This is incredible," Luke said, his voice filled with awe. He stepped back, letting his eyes roam across the two makeshift bridges. "I can't believe how clear your senses are with that entity inside you."
Baylan allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. "It's a gift," he replied simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Luke wiped his brow and gestured for Baylan and Vader to follow him further down the trail. The forest air was still, a comfortable coolness hanging between the trees, leaves lightly rustling in the breeze. They moved in silence for a moment, enjoying the quiet sounds of nature, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the occasional call of birds high above them.
"This way," Luke said, pointing ahead. After a short walk, they arrived at a small clearing. There were a few metal discs hanging from the trees ahead, mostly untouched. The old target practice setup looked perfect for what he had in mind.
Luke knelt down, scanning the ground until he spotted several medium-sized rocks. He gathered a few in his arms and set them down near the targets. "Alright, here's what we're going to do."
Vader and Baylan both watched him closely, their curiosity apparent. Luke grinned, the playful side of him breaking through for a moment.
"Father," Luke said, turning to Vader. "Lift these two rocks with the Force. Once you've got them, on my count, I want you to spread them into tiny shards and shoot them toward the targets. Like a shotgun blast."
Vader tilted his head slightly, but then nodded, his cape brushing the ground as he lifted his hand. The two rocks rose effortlessly, floating in the air before him. Luke counted down, "Three… two… one."
With a subtle gesture, Vader's hand moved, and the rocks burst apart into a storm of sharp, jagged pieces. The fragments spread out like a wave, slamming into the metal discs and tree trunks. The sound was sharp, almost like the crack of a whip, as the shards pierced the targets with precision.
Luke laughed, genuinely impressed. "Woowee, that's cool."
Vader's imposing figure stood silently, but Luke could feel the faintest hint of approval radiating from him.
"Alright," Luke turned to Baylan, who had been watching with his usual calm demeanor. "Your turn, Master Skoll."
Baylan raised an eyebrow. "What would you have me do?"
Luke pointed to another rock on the ground. "Remember how you said you've practiced obliterating trash and junk with your power? I want you to take that rock and sharpen it into an arrow. Once you've got it, use the Force to throw it at one of those discs."
Baylan nodded, his face focused as he reached out with the Force. Blue energy began to swirl around the rock, slowly chipping away at the rough edges. Bit by bit, the rock was etched down until it formed a sleek, sharp arrowhead.
Vader and Luke watched in silence, both slightly taken aback by the precision and control Baylan exhibited. The medium-sized rock, now transformed into a deadly arrow, floated up in front of Baylan. He aimed carefully and then, with a swift motion, sent the arrow flying.
The arrow struck one of the metal discs dead-on, nearly hitting the center.
"Impressive," Luke said, a grin tugging at his lips.
Baylan simply nodded, and without a word, began crafting another arrow. He repeated the process a few more times, each one faster and more precise than the last.
After about forty-five minutes of practice, with Vader and Baylan taking turns testing their precision and control, Luke finally called for a break. They gathered around a fallen log, sitting in the cool shade. Luke passed around a couple of canteens, and they sipped water in comfortable silence.
The forest around them was peaceful, the only sounds being the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional bird chirping from the treetops. The light filtering through the branches cast soft, dappled shadows on the ground, giving the clearing a serene atmosphere.
Luke took a deep breath, feeling the cool, refreshing air fill his lungs. This place, this quiet, peaceful forest, reminded him of simpler times. Training with Spectre Seven, working alongside Ezra and Sabine… those days felt like a lifetime ago.
XX
As the sun began its slow descent, casting a warm golden hue over the forest, they set about gathering fallen twigs, branches, and logs from the crown of the larger trees nearby. It was methodical work, done in silence, each of them lost in their thoughts. Eventually, they had enough wood for a small campfire.
Luke dusted off his hands, looking over at his father. "Alright, Father. Why don't you start the fire?"
Vader nodded, raising his gloved hand. With a simple flick of his fingers, purple sparks danced from his fingertips, igniting the dry wood with ease. Flames crackled to life, flickering softly as they began to grow.
Luke knelt by the fire, holding his hands over the warmth. The heat was a welcome comfort against the cool evening air. After a minute or two, he glanced at Baylan, who was watching the fire quietly.
"Alright, Master Skoll. Your turn." Luke leaned back, giving Baylan space. "Extinguish the fire, then bring it back."
Baylan nodded, his expression calm as always. With a subtle gesture, he de-ignited the flames, snuffing them out without a sound. The campsite was briefly plunged into darkness, the last rays of sunlight barely keeping the clearing lit.
Vader, always efficient, used the Force to pull more wood from the side, adding it to the campfire pile. Baylan raised his hand again, and with a gentle wave, the fire reignited, its warmth and light returning.
Luke grinned, impressed. "Most impressive," he remarked, echoing a familiar phrase once said by his father. There was a sense of pride in his voice, though it was lighthearted. He enjoyed these moments of simple mastery over the Force, the practical applications that made life just a bit easier.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the fire flicker and listening to the quiet sounds of the forest. The occasional crack of a burning log broke the stillness, but it was peaceful, almost meditative.
After some time, Vader's deep voice cut through the quiet. "It is getting dark. We should head back for food."
Luke stretched, standing up from his spot by the fire. "Yeah, you're right. I'm going to head back to my friend's place for the night."
Vader and Baylan exchanged a brief glance, understanding unspoken between them. They knew what Luke's plans were, but chose not to comment.
The three of them gathered their things and made their way back through the forest, retracing their steps toward the village. The sky was turning a deep shade of purple as dusk settled in, the stars beginning to peek out above them.
As they walked, Luke tapped a few commands into his holo-watch, sending a quick message to Farnay. "Hey, can I stay over again tonight?"
A minute later, the watch buzzed with a reply. "Yes, Luke :) I will start dinner. See you soon!"
Luke smiled, a small sense of warmth filling him at the thought. He turned to head in a different direction, waving back at Vader and Baylan.
"I wish you well, son," Vader said, his voice gruff but sincere. "Tomorrow, we will connect with the lifeforms on this planet."
"Thanks, Father," Luke said with a thumbs-up. "Yeah, we'll see what you guys can do tomorrow."
With that, Luke continued toward the village, the light of the fire fading behind him as he made his way to Farnay's home.
XX
Late at night, the room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. The quiet hum of the night outside contrasted with the warmth and stillness inside. Luke lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, a relaxed expression on his face. The room carried the lingering scent of dinner and the subtle heat of the intimate moments they'd just shared. Farnay lay beside him, the sound of her sipping water breaking the comfortable silence between them.
"Hey, Luke," she said, her voice low but breaking the stillness.
"Yeah?" Luke turned his head slightly toward her, his voice equally relaxed.
Farnay shifted, propping herself up on one elbow as she set the glass down on the bedside table. She glanced at him, her expression playful yet curious. "Should've asked this before, but… you and Kata… have you two ever…?"
Luke cut her off, already knowing where the question was headed. "No, not yet. There's a boundary there I don't want to cross."
She tapped his bare shoulder lightly, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, come on. What's the difference between her and me? Why won't you go that far with her?"
Luke turned his gaze back to the ceiling, exhaling before answering. "Well, with you and me… it just kind of happened. You know? Once we crossed that line, it felt natural to keep going. To fulfill that desire."
Farnay listened, watching his face as he spoke. Luke's voice softened as he continued. "But with Kata… it's different. There's this… innocence about her that I can't shake. We've cuddled, kissed, slept in the same bed, but… nothing beyond that."
Farnay absorbed his words, her mind turning them over. Luke was saying she wasn't innocent? In some ways, he was right. She'd had her share of experiences in the past, though it wasn't something she'd fully shared with him—just hinted at.
She shifted closer, resting her hand on his side. "Be honest, Luke…" she said, her tone curious but not accusatory. "Is the reason you haven't moved forward with me, after being with Kata, because she has Force powers?"
Luke chuckled softly, a slight smile playing on his lips, but his tone grew serious as he answered. "I guess… I got caught up in the idea of it. The thought of having children, powerful in the Force, maybe even rivaling my own strength."
He paused, his thoughts lingering on the idea before continuing. "Don't get me wrong. My sister's kid—his father doesn't have the Force, and sure, he might not have the same potential as me or Leia. But that doesn't mean he can't be strong."
Farnay raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "You still didn't answer my question…"
Luke let out a small sigh, glancing over at her. "Alright, alright. Yes… when I met Kata, and I realized she liked me… her powers did play a part in it. Even though her abilities aren't on the same level as mine or my family's, it was still a factor."
Farnay rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of admiration in them. At least he was being honest. She appreciated that, even if his reasoning was a little predictable.
"Alright," Luke said after a beat, shifting onto his side to face her. "But what about you? Why do you want to keep doing this with me? You've known about Kata for a while now."
Farnay smiled, her answer simple and straightforward, just like her. "Because… I like taking care of you." She ran her hand through his hair, then let it rest against his cheek.
Luke looked at her, waiting for more. Farnay's smile widened just a little. "Plus, it feels good. And hey, it gives you some… experience for when you and Kata eventually figure things out," she teased, her finger tracing from his chest up to his chin.
Luke grinned, shaking his head lightly. "Always so practical, aren't you?"
"Somebody's got to be," she replied, leaning in to kiss his cheek. Then she shifted, wrapping an arm around him as they settled back into the bed.
They lay there in silence after that, the warmth of each other's presence filling the room more than any words could. The night outside grew darker, but the comfort they found in each other was enough to keep the cold at bay. Slowly, they drifted off, tangled up in each other's arms.
Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for tonight, they enjoyed each other's company.