Part 2 - A Shadow Stirs

[adea]

“But goodness alone is never enough.
A hard cold wisdom is required, too,
For goodness to accomplish good.
Goodness without wisdom,
Invariably accomplishes evil.”
Robert Heinlein.

Prologue

For 12 years, the Galaxy and the Republic have flourished, creating a peaceful and harmonized government, and unifying planets all over the Galaxy. The Jedi Order is once again back to full strength, though with a few changes. Attachments are no longer forbidden, bringing the Jedi closer together, and ultimately doubling their strength. Grand Master Yoda, along with Chancellor’s Organa and Amidala, officially declare peace in the Galaxy, believing the Sith are no more. However, a shadow stirs, in the far reaches of wild space.....

[adea]

Chapter 1 – 12 Years of Peace


“Luke...Luke wake up!” called a distant voice.

Luke gasped as darkness overcame him. A man, an old, heavily scarred man laughed.
“Luke...come to me Luke” the man growled. Luke began to shiver, pain coursing through his veins. The man reached out his hand, beckoning Luke, his eyes gleaming yellow, a snarling smile across his face. Fear erupted within Luke, he tried to call out, but felt as if he was suffocating.

“Auta mori’du, fallaner kallina, deno’ i’coia en’amin, tua kallina” sounded a whisper...a beautiful whisper.....


Luke’s eyes snapped open, his breathing rough and heavy, beads of sweat rolling from his brow. He sat up, pushing his covers back, and ran his hands through his short spiky hair. He’d had that dream for some time now, always the same. An evil whisper beckoning him into darkness. A shiver ran up his spine, then he remembered the other voice. A soft echo emanating light, saving him. Luke smiled as he remembered the voice. It was that of a girl, a girl he’d not seen in over 12 years....Arien. Luke sighed, and noticed it was almost dawn. As Luke was still a Padawan, he decided to live in the Jedi temple, in a moderately sized apartment, a complex built a number of years ago to house the ever growing number of Jedi. He strode over to the fresher, deciding not to go back to sleep.



‘Anakin....Anakin’ whispered Padmé, gently pushing her sleeping husband.

‘S’matter....is it the twins?’ he replied sleepily. Padmé chuckled.

‘Obi Wan’s on the line’. Anakin opened his eyes and squinted against the bright morning sunshine.

‘What time is it?’ he croaked.

‘Eight thirty, i let you sleep a little longer’ smiled Padmé, stroking his hair lovingly, ‘come on, he said something about a meeting’. Anakin groaned, then heaved himself out of bed. A fully dressed Padmé returned to the kitchen to resume breakfast with her 10 year old twins, Aiden and Aayla.

‘Mom...Dad..’ called a voice from the entrance to the apartment.

‘We’re in the kitchen Leia’ responded Padmé, scanning the data pad in front of her. Several moments later, Anakin exited the bedroom fully dressed in his Jedi attire, and sat next to his wife.

‘What did Obi Wan want?’ she asked, her eyes not leaving the data pad.

‘Council meeting’ he replied, grabbing some toast, ‘you have a senate meeting this morning’.

‘Yes, just one, then I’m free for the day’ she replied, raising her head.

‘Hmmm, free for the whole day, maybe i can get a few hours off’ winked Anakin. Padmé giggled.

‘You two are disgusting’ said Leia, rolling her eyes and helping herself to some breakfast.

‘No no, just in love’ replied Anakin, smiling lovingly. Leia scowled at her father, then turned to her mother.

‘So i was talking to Uncle Bail this morning and he says everything’s sorted for me to become senator’ started Leia, a wide smile crossing her face.

‘Oh that’s wonderful darling, will you be representing Alderaan in this morning’s meeting?’ asked Padmé.

‘Yes, i went over everything with Taan Quol, my predecessor, last night’ replied Leia.

‘They grow up so fast’ laughed Anakin, pretending to wipe a tear from his eye, ‘well i must be off, I’ll call you if i can get away from the temple’ said Anakin, kissing his wife.

‘Good’ smiled Padmé, turning back to her data pad. Anakin proceeded to kiss the twins, then Leia, resulting in an ‘eeww dad I’m 17’ from Leia, and a roll of the eyes from Anakin.

Anakin smiled to himself as he headed to the temple, thinking about how truly perfect his life was. He had a beautiful, loving wife, four amazing children, and, in his opinion, the best job in the world.


Anakin pulled into the temple hangar and climbed out of his speeder. He walked past several Jedi star fighters and noticed a pair of legs protruding from beneath one of them.

‘Like father, like son eh?’ laughed Anakin, walking to the star fighter. Luke slid from underneath the fighter, his face covered in black marks.

‘The shifter broke, and none of the mechanics had a clue what to do, so i volunteered’ smirked Luke, standing up and dusting himself down. Anakin shook his head, chuckling.

‘Well, go get showered and wait for me outside the council room, i was thinking we’d do a bit of sparring later’.

‘Okay, is there a meeting?’ asked Luke, as he and his father left the hangar.

‘Yeah, shouldn’t be too long though, i mean, there’s not really much going on is there’ sighed Anakin.

Luke surveyed his father’s face, then smirked, ‘You want more action don’t you?’

‘Wha..No no, I’m glad we’re at peace but.....you know....just a little something’ he replied sheepishly.

Luke laughed, ‘Don’t let Mom or Uncle Ben hear you say that’.

‘Yeah, but if they did, at least id get a little excitement, fighting those to off’. Anakin and Luke continued to laugh as they entered the main hall of the Jedi Temple. Anakin and Luke were closer than father and son, they were best friends, and Anakin marvelled at how skilled his son was, in many ways, Luke surpassed most of the council members, however, Anakin noticed, he’d inherited his father’s cocky streak. Luke bade goodbye to his father, and headed for his apartment, whilst Anakin proceeded to the council room.


Anakin sat down in his allocated seat, beside Obi Wan and an empty seat. He sighed, Arien had been fighting on Iego for 12 years now, and the last time they’d spoken, it seemed the elves were making little progress.

‘Now that all here we are, begin we shall, Master Ti, news you have, you said’ started Grand Master Yoda.

‘There have been reports of suspicious movements on Taris, according to reports from Senator Juan, the Rakghouls situated in the lower levels have disappeared’, began Shaak. The Masters looked at each other, clearly disturbed by the news.

‘And no one knows where they’ve gone, have any bodies been recovered?’ asked Obi Wan stroking his beard thoughtfully.

‘No, they just simply....vanished. According to senator Juan, in the weeks leading up to their disappearance, several ‘cloaked figures’ were seen descending to the lower levels’ replied Shaak. Anakin looked at Yoda, who was frowning, deep in thought.

‘Most troubling, this news is, not many beings dare venture into the lower levels of Taris.....Master Kenobi, Master Skywalker, to Taris you will go, investigate this’ said Yoda slowly.

‘Yes Master, we can be ready to leave tomorrow’ replied Anakin, whilst Obi Wan nodded.

‘Good, meditate on this, i will’ responded Yoda, ‘council is adjourned’.

Anakin rose from his seat. Suddenly, he felt a familiar feeling. He snapped his head toward Obi Wan, a look of glee spread across Obi Wan’s face.

‘She’s back’.

[adea]

Chapter 2 – The Elf


Arien Elendir Elensar stepped out of her Valoorian skiff, and breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Finally’, she muttered to herself, smiling.


Anakin and Obi Wan rushed from the council room, almost knocking Luke flying.

‘Whoa...what is it’ he called at his retreating father and uncle.

‘Arien’s back’ Anakin called, disappearing behind a corner.

Luke felt a jolt in his stomach. After 12 years of dreaming, she was back.


Anakin skidded to a halt as he saw Arien walking briskly towards them. She lowered her hood and grinned.

‘It's about time’ shouted Obi Wan, grabbing her into an embrace.

‘Ahhh, did Master Kenobi miss me’ giggled Arien, turning to hug Anakin, ‘How have you been?’

‘Fine, everything’s fine’ replied Obi Wan.

‘I heard you’re married now...never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you settling down’ laughed Arien, ‘Did you trick Dormé?’ Obi Wan scowled, then laughed.

‘Anakin? How are Padmé and the children, i don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Aiden and Aayla’ Arien asked, beaming.

‘They’re great, growing fast’ chuckled Anakin. The three old friends headed back to the council room, berating Arien with questions about the war.


‘So it’s finally over?’ asked Anakin.

‘Yes, the Maelibi have retreated to the moons, mind you, it took them a while’, Arien laughed, ‘I must say, you two haven’t aged a bit’.

‘Well you know, tip top condition’ smirked Obi Wan, flexing his muscles. Arien laughed, whilst Anakin rolled his eyes. Arien turned her attention in front of her, where she saw a young man apparently awaiting them. She was taken aback by him, and double checked that Anakin still stood beside her. The resemblance was astonishing, it must be....

‘Luke?’ gasped Arien, frowning slightly. Luke smiled nervously.

‘My goodness Luke, look at you’ she said, amazed at how much he’d grown, ‘You’ve changed so much!’

‘You haven’t changed a bit’ Luke replied sheepishly. Arien smiled, slightly confused. Luke realised what he’d said, and inwardly cursed himself, of course she hasn’t changed you fool, she’s an elf, he scolded himself. He felt his cheeks slowly turning red.

Arien smiled warmly, ‘Yes, thankfully the war didn’t take its toll too much’. Luke felt a great rush of gratitude towards her.


Later that evening, Padmé decided to throw a little dinner party for Arien’s return.

‘So Obi Wan and me are being sent to Taris to check it out’ said Anakin, taking a sip of his drink. Aiden and Aayla had been put to bed, and Padme decided to open a bottle of Naboo’s finest wine.

‘How long will you be gone?’ asked Padmé frowning. She hated when Anakin left on missions.

‘We shouldn’t be gone very long, it’s probably nothing’ reassured Anakin. Padmé looked annoyed. She and Bail had worked so hard to build a peaceful Republic, she prayed this really was nothing.

‘So who’ll be training me?’ asked Luke from the other side of the table.

‘Oh...we hadn’t really thought of that’ said Obi Wan, scratching his beard. Luke frowned.

‘I could give him some force training, if you like’ came Arien’s voice. Luke felt the jolt in his stomach again.

‘That’s an idea’ replied Anakin, ‘I’m afraid Obi Wan and me have only been able to give him basic training on the spiritual side of the force’.

‘Well Luke, what do you think?’ asked Obi Wan. Luke hesitated for a moment, the prospect of spending time alone with Arien both thrilled and terrified him at the same time.

‘Ummm....yeah....i guess’ he replied quietly, not daring to look at Arien.

‘Well then, its settled. We’ll go to Valoor, it’s a force sensitive planet in its self, good for force training. And it’s not far from Taris. So if you two need rescuing, which I’m sure you will, I’ll be close at hand’ smirked Arien. All but Anakin and Obi Wan laughed. Arien gave them a cheeky smile, causing their expressions to soften.

They all talked long into the night, and it wasn’t until a rather tipsy Obi Wan tripped over the hem of Arien’s dress, causing him to fall into a vase of flowers, that they decided to call it a night. Anakin, Dormé and Luke took Obi Wan back to his apartment, whilst Arien drove Leia home. Padmé saw them off, then returned to the apartment. She sighed, thinking of her husband’s impending mission.

‘It's not as if its life threatening’ she told herself. She smiled to herself, then proceeded to get ready for bed.



‘Be safe Ani, and for the love of the force, don’t do anything stupid or heroic’ whispered Padmé, her hands pressed against Anakins chest.

‘It’s a routine check my love, no worries’ he smiled, kissing her. Padmé felt a small tear escape her eyelids. Anakin raised his hand and gently wiped it away.
‘Padmé, there is nothing to fear, you know I’ll always come back to you, always’ he whispered, taking her head in his hands.

‘I know’ she replied, kissing him again. She regained her composure, and turned to Luke.

‘Listen to Arien, do everything she tells you, and please behave yourself Luke’ she smiled, pulling him into a hug.

‘I will mom, i....eeww mom’ he whined, as Padmé planted a kiss on his cheek. Padme raised an eyebrow, and Luke smiled sheepishly. Whilst Padmé bade goodbye to Obi Wan and Arien, Leia walked towards Luke.

‘Remember, she’s an elf, so don’t try anything’ she smirked, pulling him into an embrace.

‘What?’ Luke replied, trying to act dumbfounded. Leia raised an eyebrow, perfectly mimicking Padmé’s expression, then smiled. Luke rolled his eyes. He knew he and Leia had a special connection, and he was grateful for it, but sometimes, it proved more of a hindrance than a help.

After all of the goodbyes were said, Anakin, Obi Wan, Luke and Arien climbed aboard Arien’s ship. They were to drop Anakin and Obi Wan off on Taris, then proceed to Valoor.

Padmé watched as her husband and son flew off into the rising sun, a tear sliding down her warm cheek.

‘They’ll be fine mom, it’s like dad said....no worries’ smiled Leia, putting an arm around her mother.

‘I know darling, but something like this hasn’t happened in over 12 years....it’s a little unnerving, that’s all’ replied Padme. Leia frowned slightly, praying her father was right.

[adea]

Chapter 3 – Forbidden Love


‘Mi Lady, we’re entering the Taris system’ said the pilot.

‘Thank you Earedan’ replied Arien, turning to leave the control room. Anakin, Obi Wan and Luke sat in the main living area aboard the ship.

‘Anakin, Obi Wan, we’ve entered the Taris system’ said Arien, walking towards them.

‘Well, we’d better get to the hangar’ sounded Obi Wan, stretching, then rising to his feet. The four Jedi walked to the hangar.

‘We are above Taris’ came a voice over the ships intercom. Arien hugged Obi Wan, then Anakin.

‘Be careful, and contact me if you find anything’ she entreated, nerves sounding in her voice.

‘We will’ reassured Anakin. He turned to his son.

‘Luke, your very fortunate to be training under Arien, listen to everything she says, do you understand’ he said, placing a hand on Luke’s shoulder.

‘Yeah Dad, i will’ smiled Luke. Anakin and Obi Wan climbed into their star fighters, and headed for the urbanized planet of Taris.

‘Well, how about we get something to eat, we should be on Valoor soon’ smiled Arien, beckoning Luke to follow her. Luke nodded, tearing his eyes away from the retreating star fighters.



Anakin and Obi Wan landed in the main star port on the great ecumenopolis city of Taris. Like Coruscant, Taris was one great city, covering all the land on Taris. They landed outside the city hall, and were greeted by Senator Juan.

‘Master Kenobi, Master Skywalker, it is good to finally meet you. Chancellor Amidala contacted me,’ he said shaking their hands.

‘So can you tell us what happened with the Rakghoul's, and where the sightings were’ asked Obi Wan politely.

‘Yes, please come inside, we have much to discuss’ replied Juan, indicating for them to follow him.



Arien and Luke exited the ship, and headed for the grand Rilynndir Palace, and the capital city of Valoor, Dalgoaaa. Arien smiled, as her father descended the great stone steps.

‘Arien, nae saian luume’amin tinu’ greeted Elladan in their native tongue.

‘Vee’yassen lle atar’ she replied. Luke felt another jolt in his stomach, her voice sounded so beautiful in her language. ‘Father, this is Luke Skywalker’.

‘Anakin’s boy, why i haven’t seen you since you were, oh...I’d say about five years old’ Elladan smiled.

‘It’s good to see you again your majesty’ replied Luke, bowing.

‘Please, call me Elladan, there is no need for formalities between old friends’ answered Elladan warmly. ‘Arien, eller lye lle ar’a’fenner’ said Elladan, a little more seriously.

‘Sai ethel’ she replied. Elladan turned to Luke. ‘Now, do come inside, dinner will be served shortly’.



Anakin and Obi Wan entered the room they’d be staying in during the time on Taris.

‘So....what do you think?’ asked Anakin.

‘I don’t know, i mean it definitely sounds suspicious, but not on a galactic scale’ replied Obi Wan, stroking his beard.

‘Still, we should look into it, something feels....wrong’ said Anakin, frowning.

‘Okay, okay, but we’ll worry about it in the morning. I haven’t been on a mission like this in over 12 years, I’m not as young as i used to be, I’m off to bed’ yawned Obi Wan, ‘Night’.

‘Night, Obi Wan’, replied Anakin. He sat on the living area chair, deciding he would do some meditation before bed.



Back on Coruscant, Padmé and Bail, co-Chancellors of the Republic, stared incredulously at the image before them.

‘Senator Kinaki, please reconsider, why withdraw from the Republic?’ sounded Bail.

‘Chancellor’s, my decision is final, Pakuuni is no longer a part of the Republic, good day to you both’ replied the Senator, disappearing from the link.

‘Why would he wish to withdraw from the Republic, Pakuuni was always a great supporter of the Republic’ asked Padmé, truly unnerved by the suddenness of Kinaki’s move.
‘I have no idea’ replied Bail, frowning, ‘something’s out of place here. We need to hold an emergency senate session, I’ll inform the senate’. Padme nodded, puzzled by this move.



Arien, Luke and Elladan settled down to dinner in the palace’s lavish dining suite.

‘So, what do you plan to do whilst you’re here?’ asked Elladan.

‘I’m going to be giving Luke some force training whilst Anakin and Obi Wan are on Taris’ replied Arien, starting her meal.

‘Ahhh yes, i heard about the Rakghouls, very suspicious....we should be careful’ began Elladan, ‘so Luke, how is your training going, no doubt you’ll be a knight soon’.

‘Hopefully’, replied Luke quietly, ‘I’m ready to face the trials, but my father still thinks i need training’ he added with a frown. Elladan studied Luke for a moment, a strange look on his face.

‘I’m sure your father knows best, and has his reasons’ he replied simply. Luke frowned slightly. Arien sensed a little tension.

‘So father, how is Caleb?’ she began.



Padmé stood on the centre podium in the senate rotunda, ready to inform the gathered senators of Pakuuni’s withdrawl from the republic.

‘Senators of the Republic. I received a message this morning from Senator Kinaki regarding his withdrawl from the Republic and the senate’ she began.

‘And where has he left for...and why?’ asked Senator Unglay of Beris, his senate box floating forward.

‘No reasons were given, i merely thought i should inform you all. There is nothing to worry about, although if anyone has a suggestion or information as to why Senator Kinaki withdrew, please contact me immediatly’ replied Padmé. The rotunda was filled with the confused babble of the senators. Padmé sighed.

‘Do you think any of them know anything?’ she asked, turning to Bail. Bail stared at the senators surrounding him.

‘If they do....i doubt they will inform us’ he sighed. Padmé frowned....something was very wrong.



True to her word, Arien decided the best place for Luke’s force training would be in the forests of Eythertylar.

‘This is Eythertylar forest, home of the Healers, and renowned for its force sensitivity’ narrated Arien, as she and Luke climbed the steps that circled a great tree, the largest Luke had ever seen.

‘And the city, it’s all in the trees?’ he asked, awestruck.

‘Yes’, replied Arien smiling, ‘truly breathtaking, isn’t it?’ Luke nodded, but the trees weren’t the only breathtaking sight to be seen here. He shook the thoughts from his head, and followed Arien into the large palace, situated in the tallest tree.



‘Nothing....not a thing’ sighed Anakin irritably, ‘they’ve just disappeared!’

Obi Wan chuckled, as they turned a corner in the streets of Taris. ‘Patience Anakin, something will turn up’. Anakin rolled his eyes.

‘I doubt it’ he muttered.



For 3 days, Arien taught Luke her knowledge of the force, teaching him how to immerse himself, and use the force as his ally. On the fourth day, Arien decided they should take a well earned break, and decided to go for a walk in the woods.

‘So, i don’t mean this in a disrespectful way....but....how old are you?’ asked Luke, feeling his face heat up. Arien chuckled.

‘I’d say around....10 000 years old, give or take a few hundred years’. Luke spat out a mouthful of the water he’d just drunk.

’10 000....i mean...i knew the elves were old...but..’ he stopped, mid sentence, ‘well...not old...i meant....’

‘It's okay Luke, stop babbling’ laughed Arien. Luke laughed too, the jolt in his stomach increasing.

‘So, elves cant die?’ he asked, interested in this most mysterious species.

‘Well, yes. I mean, we can die in combat...be killed...and also....’ Arien stopped, frowning slightly.

‘What?’ asked Luke softly.

‘Well, grief. Elves aren’t meant to feel grief, that is why we go to Iego, Iego and its people know no sorrow, nor pain’.

‘It sounds like a nice place’ laughed Luke. Arien smiled.

‘So, you enjoy being a Jedi?’ she asked, still smiling.

‘Yeah, i do....but...i would have thought there would have been...you know....more action, missions’ he added. Arien laughed.

‘Well i think peace in the Galaxy is a lot better than a couple of missions’.

‘Yeah, i know’ replied Luke. He looked at Arien, and smiled. She smiled back for a moment, then her face became more serious. She shook her head, and quickened her pace. Luke frowned, and followed her.

They reached a small clearing. Arien lowered herself to the ground, the gentle breeze ruffling her cream gown. Luke sat beside her.

‘Arien...?’ he began.

‘Yes’ she replied, turning to face him.

‘Can elves only marry other elves, i mean, I’ve never heard of an elf marrying a human before’ he asked. Arien stared at him, trying to see if there was a deeper meaning behind the question he’d just asked.

‘Well, yes, it’s the law of the elves.....why?’ she added, curious as to why Luke wanted to know. Luke took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

‘I’ve dreamt about you....every day since we first met.....you never leave my thoughts’ he replied, his eyes still closed. Arien turned her head away from Luke, trying to make sense of what he’d just said. Arien knew her feelings for Luke ran deeper than they should have, but she’d always put it down to the fact that he was her best friend’s son.

‘And since you returned, feelings i never knew i had suddenly awakened.....mocking me.....because i know those feelings could never be returned. I curse myself for letting them continue to grow’ Luke opened his eyes, and turned to face Arien, ‘but i can’t help it, they never leave me, never wane....they grow and grow, and i don’t think i can carry on not knowing whether....’ his voice trailed off. Arien’s eyes were still closed, a crease forming across her forehead.

‘Arien.....I think i.....love you’ Luke whispered. Arien inhaled sharply, jumping to her feet.

‘I have to go’ she announced, turning to leave.

‘Arien, please....i didn’t mean...’ began Luke.

‘No, Luke....you don’t understand....I’m an elf....a 10 000 year old elf...and you....’ she cried, turning to face him, ‘you're a mortal’.

‘I know...I’m sorry, but i had to tell you’ he replied quietly. They stood in silence for several moments.

‘We should get back....it’s getting dark’ Luke finally spoke. Arien nodded, and the two returned to the palace.

[adea]

Chapter 4 – A Shadow in the Rocks


Anakin and Obi Wan ran the co-ordinates they’d just received through the computer, this would hopefully determine where the recent ship sightings were heading.

‘The Rogue Moon....that’s strange, why would they want to go there, it’s in the middle of an asteroid belt’ said Obi Wan, frowning slightly.

‘No idea, we should check it out’ replied Anakin.

‘Okay, contact Arien and Luke too, we may need their help’ added Obi Wan. Anakin nodded, and proceeded to contact Arien.


‘Arien?’ he called.

‘Anakin, hi, what is it?’ asked the holo image of Arien.

‘Listen, Obi Wan and me are going to the rogue moon near Taris, apparently that’s where our hooded friends have been going, I’m sending you the co-ordinates, meet us there?’ replied Anakin, tapping several buttons on the holo link.

‘Yes, of course, we’ll leave right away, Elendir out’ said Arien, her image fading.



Arien landed her Valoorian skiff in a small crater on the isolated, uninhabited ‘Rogue Moon’. Situated in an asteroid field, the Rogue Moon was virtually cut off from Taris, as many ships didn’t have the capability to manoeuvre through the asteroid field. Arien, however, had no problem, and with help from Luke, the pair landed safely.

Arien raised herself from her seat, and threw a brown floor length cloak over her shoulders. Luke was extremely thankful for this, the sight of her bare midriff in her Jedi attire was extremely distracting. They exited the ship, where they were met by Anakin and Obi Wan.

‘What is it?’ asked Arien, staring around the crater.

‘This way’ beckoned Obi Wan. They were led to a small opening in the crater wall. They walked for several minutes down a narrow passage, until they came to a half open door.

‘Come on’ whispered Anakin.



Master Yoda entered the council room, a grave look on his face. He took his seat, watched intently by the other masters.

‘Master Yoda, what is it?’ asked Neeja Halcyon, a Corellian male Jedi.

‘Three more Jedi, disappeared they have, a knight, and two Padawans’ replied Yoda sombrely.

‘Where have they gone, is there any sign of a struggle?’ gasped Shaak Ti.

‘Left, of their own accord, they have’ sighed Yoda, ‘The reason, know that, i do not’. The masters gave each other worried looks.

‘What should we do?’ asked Master Ylenic It’kla, a small Caamasi male.

‘Gather the Jedi, question them, we will’ replied Yoda. The Masters nodded, then rose from their seats. Neeja remained seated.

‘Master, you think maybe these disappearances could have some connection to the disappearances on Taris?’ he asked.

‘Perhaps....wait for the report from Masters Kenobi and Skywalker, we shall’ said Yoda, turning to gaze out of the window, ‘This much is certain, dark times, coming they are’.



‘It looks like a base of some sort’ sounded Obi Wan, examining a nearby control station. Anakin nodded, staring around what seemed to be the main control room.

‘Well, we found what looked like training rooms in the lower levels, looks like it’s only been abandoned recently’ announced Luke, as he and Arien entered the room. Luke walked to join his father, whilst Arien stopped to examine something on the wall.

‘Training what though, there’s no way it’s a Jedi base’ replied Anakin, rubbing his chin.

‘It's a Sith base’ came Arien’s voice from the corner. The three Jedi turned to look at her. Arien straightened up, slightly ashen faced.

‘What? How can you tell?’ asked Anakin, walking towards her.

‘You see these markings’, Arien indicated to a number of symbols engraved into the wall, ‘I’ve seen these before. A Sith named Darth Revan used to use them, he’d carve them into the walls of buildings, on planets he’d conquered in the old Sith wars’.

‘But, those wars took place over 4 000 years ago, he couldn’t possibly still be alive....could he?’ asked Obi Wan questioningly.

‘No, he’s definitely dead’ muttered Arien, turning to examine the markings some more.

‘How can you be sure?’ asked Luke. Arien straightened up again, turning to face them.

‘Revan was my Padawan just before the Sith wars. He left on a mission, and never returned. Then, many years later, he declared himself Lord of the Sith along with another of the lost twenty, Malak. Malak was killed by one of my fellow Jedi....It was I who killed Revan....’ her voice trailed off, making it clear this wasn’t a memory she cared to discuss.

The four Jedi stood in silence, and Anakin now realised why Arien had reacted the way she did when Anakin came back to the Jedi. He felt the greatest rush of sympathy towards her.

‘A touching story, Master Elendir.....truly touching...’ came a laugh from the shadows. The four Jedi whipped round, where they saw three hooded figures moving into the control room.

‘Who are you?’ demanded Anakin, his hand already on his lightsaber.

‘Surely you of all people would recognise me, Skywalker’ growled the hooded figure. Anakin frowned, he’d heard that voice before.

‘A’Sharad Hett’ he whispered, ‘I thought you were killed in the purges’.

Hett laughed, ‘No no Skywalker, i managed to escape your clutches’ he taunted. Anakin felt the anger rising within him, but it abated, for even greater anger was rising in another.

‘Ah...Master Kenobi, still alive i see, and the elf maiden....beautiful as ever, i must say’ snarled Hett. Arien rolled her eyes.

‘What do you want Hett’ spat Luke, ‘You're wasting time here’.

Hett turned his head to get a better look. ‘Why, you look exactly like Skywalker when he was a Padawan, don’t tell me you had a child’ laughed Hett.

‘Leave us Hett, we have work to do’ retorted Anakin.

‘Oh...but i can’t have you four sniffing around my base unchecked now, can i?’ snarled Hett.

‘Your base?’ asked Arien, sounding quite shocked. Hett laughed.

‘May i formerly introduce myself, I am Darth Krayt, Lord of the New Sith Order’. The four Jedi stood, a look of horror on all of their faces. Krayt turned to his companions.

‘I’ve had enough of talking....kill them’.

The two figures lowered their hoods. A heavily built armoured man with horns and an olive skinned woman with long black tresses. Both were dressed in black, both sported bright yellow eyes.

The two Sith launched themselves at the four Jedi, who immediately ignited their lightsabers. Anakin and Obi Wan took on the armoured man, whilst Arien and Luke duelled the woman. Krayt watched the battle gleefully. With a clever turn, Arien managed to strike down the woman, decapitating her.

‘Nice work, although a couple more seconds and i would’ve had to jump in’ smirked Luke.

‘Oh really’ replied Arien, raising her eyebrows. She pushed Luke to the side, just as Obi Wan's lightsaber came flying through the air.

‘Were you waiting a few more seconds to move there too’ Arien laughed, running to join the fight with Anakin and Obi Wan. Luke shook his head, and went to aid his fellow Jedi. Krayt edged closer to the battle, unnoticed by the Jedi. With a sweep of his saber Krayt slashed at Arien’s side, leaving a deep, neat wound. Arien fell to the ground, a great cry of pain sounding from her.

‘Arien!’ cried Luke, rushing to help her. He brought his lightsaber up just in time to block Krayt's blow.

‘You cannot win Jedi, evil will always remain’ growled Krayt. A loud roar from behind them signalled the death of the armoured man. Krayt, realising defeat, force pushed Luke to the floor, and fled. Luke jumped to his feet, ready to pursue, but was stopped by Anakin.

‘Leave him Luke, we have to get back to Coruscant’ he said, breathing heavily. He turned to Arien, who was sitting on the floor, having her wound examined by Obi Wan. She winced as pushed it slightly.

‘I’m fine, really....it takes more than that to kill an elf’ she laughed, wincing again. ‘I have some athelos on the ship, I’ll be fine’ she reassured them. Obi Wan took one of her arms, putting it around his shoulder. Anakin scooped up Obi Wan and Arien’s lightsabers, and the four Jedi headed back to the ship.



‘A Sith base, sure of this, you are?’ asked a troubled Yoda.

‘Positive, and this Darth Krayt called himself Lord of the New Sith Order, indicating there are more’ replied Obi Wan.

‘Troubling news, this is, evident that our missing Jedi, to the dark side they have turned, return immediately to Coruscant, find their new base, we must’.

‘Yes Master, Kenobi out’. Obi Wan closed the link, then headed back into the room where Arien was recovering.

‘How is it?’ he asked.

‘Sore, but the athelos is doing its job, i won’t even have a scar’ she said proudly.

‘Always the skilled healer, if only you were a little more perceptive’ laughed Obi Wan.

‘Oh shut up, i was more focused on that beast you two were fighting’ she snapped, wincing again.

‘Get some rest, we’ll be at Coruscant soon’ chuckled Obi Wan, turning to leave. No sooner had Obi Wan departed, than Luke entered the room. He walked over to Arien’s bed, pulling a seat up. He glanced at her wound, a pained expression flashing across his face.

‘Luke...I just wanted...thank you’ sounded Arien. Luke raised his eyes to meet hers. She smiled.

‘Thank me for what?’ he asked.

‘If you hadn’t of stopped Krayt....well....i most definitely be dead’ she laughed slightly, ‘It was very brave’ she added.

‘It's nothing, listen Arien, i wanted to apologize for what i said on Valoor, i know nothing could ever....’ his voice trailed off as Arien reached out and took his hand in hers.

‘Don’t apologize, i understand’, she whispered. Luke stared at her, a bemused look on his face. He moved his head slowly towards hers, excitement coursing through his veins. Arien’s eyes widened slightly. She shuddered, as a strange feeling erupted within her. She mimicked Luke’s move, tilting her head slightly. Their lips, mere centimetres apart.....

‘We’re about to land, Luke come on up here’ sounded Anakins voice over the intercom. The pair jumped, both of them slightly red.

‘I should go...’ muttered Luke, inwardly cursing his father. He got to his feet, and headed for the control room. Arien lightly sighed, she’d really let her guard down...had she done the right thing?



‘Chancellor Amidala, the Anoth, Soccoro and Bandomeer systems have departed the Republic, their senators contacted my office this morning, no reasons were given’ remarked the holo-image of Bail Organa. Padmé sighed, worry etched into her face.

‘That’s 12 of the Outer Rim systems, Bail what’s going on?’ she groaned.

‘I don’t know Padmé, they simply stated they no longer wished to be a part of the Republic, you don’t think they’re joining another government?’ he asked fearfully.

‘I don’t know Bail, i really don’t know...I’ll contact the Jedi, let them know, thank you Bail’ replied Padmé sombrely.

‘It will all be fine Padmé, don’t worry, I’ll see you at the meeting, Organa out’, the holo-image faded, and Padmé turned to her window.

‘Why are they leaving....’ she whispered to herself, struggling to understand.



Anakin, Obi Wan and Arien entered the council room, whilst Luke strayed behind.

‘Luke, you’re in too’ called Anakin, beckoning his son to join them. Luke stood behind his father’s seat, as the masters took their seats.

‘Master Yoda, i think we should begin searching for the Sith base, i have a feeling there are more dark Jedi operating, they must be stopped immediately’ started Obi Wan, receiving nods from the other masters.

‘That we should, send Knights to scout the Galaxy, on the outer rim systems we will focus’ replied Yoda.

‘We’ll go too, this Darth Krayt isn’t to be underestimated’ added Arien, rubbing her wound.

‘Then settled, it is, assign Knights, Master Halcyon and i will, Master Kenobi, Skywalker, to Taris you will return’ sounded Yoda.

‘Yes Master, we...’ Anakin was cut off by Luke.

‘What about me, I’ll be going too...wont i?’ he asked, staring from Yoda to his father. Several of the masters raised their eyebrows, Anakin glared at his son.

‘Too dangerous for a Padawan, this is, remain on Coruscant, you will’ said Yoda, studying Luke intently. Luke’s eyes widened. He looked at his father.

‘Master Yoda is right, you stay here and help plot our courses’ ordered Anakin, ‘and please refrain from interrupting me young one’. Luke glared at his father. Arien sensed anger rising in Luke, unsettling her.

‘Yes, I’ll remain here with Luke and determine any possible locations from the information we receive, i think we should also start recruiting pilots, send them to different worlds, see if they can gather any information’ she stated. The masters nodded their approval, and Arien sensed the anger in Luke abating.

‘Very well, tomorrow, we begin, council adjourned’ announced Yoda. The masters bowed to each other, then left the council room. Arien and Obi wan distanced themselves from Anakin and Luke, who no doubt, were arguing over Luke’s outburst.



‘Anakin...oh Anakin’ cried Padmé, as Anakin entered their apartment. She threw herself into his embrace, tears falling from her eyes. ‘I heard about Taris, I’m so glad you alright’.

‘I’m fine my love, i told you I'd come back’ Anakin whispered, kissing her hair. Padmé raised her head, and their lips met passionately.

‘I was so worried, they said someone was injured, and i didn’t know if it was you...or Luke and i...’ her voice broke away, tears overcoming her.

‘Ssshhh my angel, we’re both fine, it was Arien who was injured’ he replied, stroking the tears from her face.

‘What...is she alright!’ Padmé gasped, more tears rolling down her cheek.

‘Yes my love’, smiled Anakin, pulling her closer, ‘We’re all fine, but there’s something i must tell you’.

Padmé drew back a little, ‘Your leaving again, aren’t you?’ she whispered. Anakin nodded, pulling her close again.

‘My love, these are dangerous times....i will do all i can to protect you and the children, but know this, i will always come back’ he pushed her back, bending slightly so his eyes met hers, ‘always’.

Padmé nodded, smiling through her tears, and the pair resumed their embrace.

[adea]

Chapter 5 – Betrayal in the Temple



All was quiet within the Jedi temple, Masters, Knights and Padawans alike, slept peacefully, relishing in their last night of serenity, before the Jedi were dispatched. However, in the shadows, a Padawan, no older than 15, crept through the halls towards the room of Master Yoda. He silently pushed the door open, lightsaber at the ready. He raised the lightsaber.....



Luke’s eyes snapped open as he heard shouts sounding from below. He pulled on his Jedi robe and left to see what had caused all the commotion. He stopped abruptly as he saw three Jedi Masters subduing a young Padawan. Many other Jedi had left their rooms, curious as to why this Padawan was being held down.

‘You’ll never succeed Yoda, the Sith will return, stronger than ever’ raged the young Padawan, his eyes bulging, a glimmer of yellow. At that moment, Anakin, Obi Wan, Arien and Neeja entered the hallway, having all been contacted at their homes outside the temple.

‘What in the name of the Force is going on here’ remarked Obi Wan, as the young Padawan continued to struggle.

‘To kill me, this young one did try, in league with the Sith, he is’ replied Yoda quietly, surveying the boy. Several of the Jedi gasped.

‘Take him to the interrogation rooms downstairs’ ordered Neeja, a look of disgust on his face.

‘Alright everyone, back to bed’ shouted Obi Wan, shooing several younglings towards their quarters. Luke went to join his father.

‘Dad, what the hell’s going on’ he asked frowning. Anakin sighed.

‘Go back to bed Luke, we’ll talk about this in the morning’. Luke scowled, muttered a goodnight, and stalked off to his room. He can’t keep shutting me out, he thought, I’m a Jedi for force’s sake. Luke shook his head, and went back to bed.



After a tearful goodbye, Padmé returned to her office at the senate. She sighed wearily as reports of more systems in the Outer Rim leaving the republic. She couldn’t understand why, she came to the frightening conclusion that these systems had left to join the Sith.

‘Mom, are you okay?’ asked Leia, sensing distress in her mother. Padmé smiled weakly.

‘I fear its happening again, the Sith are once again trying to destroy the Republic’.

‘They won’t succeed, i promise’ replied Leia, putting an arm around her mother. Padmé marvelled at how strong her daughter was, that even in the darkest of situations, Leia always managed to see the light.



Arien and Luke sat before endless star system charts, beginning the arduous task of determining where the Sith bases would most likely be. Arien could tell Luke was still angry at being left behind, and it worried her slightly, remembering a certain young Padawan who once let anger consume him. She shook the thoughts from her mind, and resumed her task.

‘You know, i still don’t get why my dad won’t let me go, i think i more than proved myself against Krayt’ Luke spat, thrusting a star chart back onto the desk. Arien sighed.

‘He’s just worried Luke, he wants to protect you, it’s the downside of having a family, your responsible for them, and for their safety’ replied Arien, continuing to pour over a chart of the Delrakkin system, ‘You know, Delrakkin is quite remote, i think we should add that to the list’ she added.

Luke ignored her last comment, ‘Is that why you don’t have a family?’ asked Luke. Arien laid the chart down, and typed the co-ordinates into the computer.

‘I do have a family Luke, and i worry about them everyday’ she replied.

‘You know what i meant’ muttered Luke. Arien remained silent, as Luke continued.
‘It's just infuriating, I’ve been a Padawan for over 12 years now, you’d think they’d trust me by now’.

Arien sighed impatiently, ‘They do trust you Luke, this is only initial searching, I’m sure if something big comes up, you’ll be called up, just like the rest of us’. Luke blushed and turned back to his chart.



Master Yoda sat in meditation, reaching out into the force. What he found, sent fear through the normally brave Jedi.

‘An army....a Sith army....’



Jedi across the Galaxy sat in confusion. Yoda had called them all back urgently, and they couldn’t understand why they were giving up their searches so soon. Yoda called an emergency council meeting.

‘Discovered in the force, a Sith army, i have’ said a slightly shaken Yoda. The masters collectively gasped, only one in their company had witnessed the creation of a true Sith army.

‘You're sure, a collection of dark Jedi isn’t necessarily a Sith army’ asked Arien, remembering the Old Sith Wars. Yoda shook his head.

‘An army of Rakghoul’s and Sith loyalists, rallied to Krayt, they have’ replied a sombre Yoda.

‘What should we do, there aren’t enough Jedi to create our own army, and i refuse to work with clones’ stated Obi Wan, crossing his arms. Yoda turned his head to Arien, who nodded.

‘Call upon aid, from the elves, we must’ he said. Arien raised herself from her seat.

‘Ill contact my father at once’, and with that, departed the room.

[adea]

Chapter 6 – The Army of Elves



King Elladan sat in quiet contemplation. He’d sensed much turmoil in the Galaxy, but after returning from the great battle of Iego, decided to rest. His army still resided on Iego, rebuilding anything destroyed in the war. He frowned, as he heard his commlink beep. Crossing his study, Elladan answered, and was met by the image of his beloved daughter.

‘Arien, ta quell a’en lle’ he smiled. Arien smiled too, then her expression became more serious.

‘Atar, you must help us....the Sith have....returned, they have amassed a great army of mutants and traitors, the Jedi need your assistance’.

Elladan frowned, ‘Arien, the army is still on Iego, much still needs to be done’.

‘Father please, Thelweniel would agree, our need is greater, please.....call back the armies of Valoor, come to Coruscant, or we are doomed’ Arien pleaded. Elladan remained silent, the elves had never ignored a call of aid from the Jedi.....and now would be no different.

‘Very well, we shall arrive at the temple within the next two days’ sighed Elladan. Arien smiled.

‘Thank you father, i must go now, i love you’.

‘And you my daughter’, he replied, as the fading image of Arien disappeared.



Padmé stepped up to the front of the podium to address the senate.

‘Fellow Senators of the Republic. As you know, many of the Outer Rim Systems in the Republic have withdrawn themselves from our Government. This morning, Grand Master Yoda of the Jedi order informed me that the Jedi have discovered a Sith army active in the Galaxy. It is with great regret that i propose an amendment, to allow an army of the Republic to be formed, to protect us from any future attacks from the Sith. I put to vote amendment 17’.

Padmé glanced around the senate rotunda. The Republican senators began to applaud their approval. Padmé sighed, unable to decided whether creating an army was the right thing to do.

‘Don’t worry Padmé, this is the right thing, it must be done’ said Bail, placing a hand on Padmé’s arm. Padmé smiled.

‘I do hope your right Bail’ she sighed.



Luke sat in quiet meditation, in the room of a thousand fountains. He loved this room, so different from the temple. It was peaceful, quiet and calm. He sighed serenely as he felt a soothing presence close by.

‘What brings you here Master?’ he asked, eyes still closed. Arien stopped abruptly.

‘I thought I’d do a bit of meditation, there are some things i need to figure out’ she replied quietly.

‘Like what?’ Luke asked, opening his eyes and turning to face her. He noticed something different in the way she was acting, as if she were nervous.

‘It's nothing important’ she replied, turning to leave. Luke smirked, and turned away.

‘You have feelings for me, don’t you, i sense them’ he said slowly, closing his eyes again. Arien inhaled sharply.

‘Excuse me? You’re being a bit presumptuous aren’t you’ she replied, scowling slightly.

‘It's true though’ continued Luke, ‘You had them on Valoor, and since the Sith base, they’ve grown stronger’. Arien frowned again.

‘I must go’ she muttered. Luke continued his meditation. ‘And Luke’ Arien continued. Luke turned to face her, getting to his feet. ‘Cockiness is not something you can pull off’ she smirked, and with that, she left.



Two days passed, several more systems fell to the Sith, and Padmé desperately fought to stop more from joining.


King Elladan arrived at the temple near dusk. Behind him thousands of Elven troops, armed with bows, arrows, and swords capable of withstanding a saber blow, exited their ships. Yoda and the other Masters, waited to greet them.

‘Atar, diola lle’ Arien gasped, beaming, as her father neared the temple entrance.

‘Arien, it has been too long’ replied Elladan hugging his daughter. As she let go, Elladan noticed a young man watching her intently. He sensed deep feelings for his daughter within Luke, this cannot be allowed, he thought.

‘King Elladan, forever grateful, i am to you’ said Yoda, bowing.

‘Never have the elves refused aid to the Jedi, my armies are at you command’ replied Elladan. He suddenly felt an eruption of jealousy emanate from Luke. He turned, and saw his daughter be pulled fiercely into an embrace by a young general of his army. Arien led the man to the Jedi.

‘I’d like you all to meet Caleb, my brother, and High General’ she beamed. Elladan smirked as he saw the colour rise in Luke’s face. Caleb bowed, and was led into the temple by Arien and her fellow Jedi.



‘So Master Yoda, what is the situation?’ asked Elladan, following the Jedi into a large conference room.

‘An army of dark Jedi, mutants and Sith loyalists, Darth Krayt as created, sensed it in the force, i did’ replied Yoda, taking a seat. Elladan rubbed his chin.

‘My guess is, he will attack outlying systems first, destabilize the Galaxy before moving into Coruscant’ sounded Elladan, remembering the great Sith wars of the past.

‘Suggest scattering the army, you do?’ asked Master Yoda, frowning a little.

‘No...it’s too risky. We should wait until his next move before we do anything’ replied Anakin, several of the other Master’s nodded at this statement.

‘Very well, my armies will be stationed on my ships, we shall meet in the morning to discuss this further’ said Elladan, rising from his seat. He bowed to the Jedi, and departed to inform his troops of the situation.

[adea]

Chapter 7 – The Woes of Immortals


Anakin returned to his apartment later that evening, exhausted. He flopped onto the couch, ready to relax, when he sensed someone behind him.

‘You can’t sneak up on a Jedi my love’ he smirked.

‘I wasn’t sneaking, i was quietly walking’ Padme replied with a grin, settling herself next to Anakin, leaning her head against his chest.

‘You seem troubled angel, are you alright?’ Anakin asked, stroking her hair.

‘I’m fine’ she whispered, snuggling closer to him, ‘I just never expected something like this to happen so soon’. Anakin sighed, and turned to face her.

‘We will get through this, i promise....it won’t be like last time’ he said, taking her hands in his.

‘I believe you’ she whispered, kissing him deeply.



Arien sat in her apartment, mulling over what Luke had said to her. Of course he was right, she did have feelings for him, but she knew she could never act upon them. She sighed, if she kept denying them, it would destroy her. She picked up her comm. link.

Luke’s image appeared.

‘Arien...what is it? Are you alright?’ he asked worriedly, sensing confusion within her. Arien looked away, pausing for a moment.

‘Arien?’ asked Luke.

‘You were right....what you said....you were right’ she breathed, not looking at him. Luke paused for a moment, not quite believing what he’d heard.

‘You...have feelings for me?’ he asked. Arien turned her head, her bright green eyes meeting the image of his equally bright blue ones.

She sighed, ‘I love you’.



Elladan strode through the halls of the temple, when he noticed a lone figure in the holo-room. He watched Luke as he bade goodbye to the image of his daughter. Elladan frowned, and entered the room. Luke turned, his face dropping when he saw who it was.

‘Your majesty’ he stammered, bowing. Elladan studied Luke intently.

‘You and my daughter, your close?’ he asked, taking a seat. Luke sat down, nerves rising.

‘Erm...yes....we’re good friends’ he replied, trying to conceal his feelings. Elladan raised an eyebrow.

‘I know you have feelings for her, i sensed them as soon as i arrived....I’m afraid you are wasting your time’ said Elladan simply. Luke felt anger rising.

‘If you must no, Arien feels the same, i know it’ he spat. Elladan smiled.

‘I’m afraid that matters not, she cannot be with you’.

‘It's her choice’ snarled Luke, his anger about to erupt. Elladan narrowed his eyes.

‘I will not let my daughter give up her immortality for a foolish Padawans crush’ he spat. Luke’s anger was suddenly replaced by fear.

‘W...What?’ he breathed.

‘Surely you knew this. You are a mortal, someday you will die. If my daughter falls in love with you, she will be forced to give up her immortality, she will not long survive your death’ Elladan growled quietly, ‘You are to go to her, tell her you no longer love her, speak not of our meeting’. Luke sat, fear rendering him unable to move.

‘I....I didn’t....know’ he replied quietly.

‘Then you will redeem your actions by saving her, tell her you and her can no longer be’ said Elladan, in a barely audible whisper, ‘If you truly love her, you will let her go’.

Luke continued to stare at the floor, and nodded.



Arien sat at her dressing table, brushing her long dark hair. She laughed when she realised she hadn’t stopped smiling, for she had just admitted to Luke, and herself.....she loved him. For months, she had contemplated this thought, the sacrifice of loving a mortal was a great one, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

‘Who’d have thought i would give my heart to the son of Anakin’ she chuckled. She turned, beaming, as she heard a speeder park on the landing pad of her apartment.

Luke remained in the seat of his speeder, preparing himself for what he was about to do. He lifted his head as he heard Arien walk towards him. He looked at her. She was so beautiful, her skin shining moon bright, her dark hair fluttering lightly in the gentle night breeze. He watched her come closer, the scent of her overpowering him. She stopped just short of where he sat, wrapping her arms around herself against the cold breeze.

‘Luke?’ she breathed. Luke smiled, and climbed out of his speeder. She beamed at him, her emerald green eyes capturing his soul. She beckoned him inside.

They stood quietly, Luke’s breathing uneven and shallow. Arien sensed distress in Luke. She placed a hand on his arm, staring at him brightly.

‘We need to talk’ Luke muttered, refusing to meet her eyes.

Arien frowned, ‘Is something wrong?’ Luke shuddered, trying to steady his breath.

‘I...’ he stopped, unable to find words. Arien moved closer, concerned at Luke’s behaviour.

‘Luke what is it? What’s wrong?’ she asked. Luke raised his head, tears forming in his eyes.

‘I...I don’t....love you’ he lamented quietly. Arien frowned, something was out of place.

‘Luke i...i don’t understand’ she stammered, feeling a sharp pain in her heart.

‘Arien....I’m so sorry, but....you were right. I’m a mortal, we’re both Jedi....it can’t be....’ he continued, looking away. Arien closed her eyes, fighting back tears.

Luke continued, ‘This was like a dream...a beautiful dream....but it’s time we woke up’.

Arien looked away, not fully understanding. She sensed so much love in Luke, why was he saying this. She turned her head back to him.

‘Don’t be sorry.....no one can help the way we feel.....not even ourselves’ she replied, forcing a smile. They stood silently, unmoving.

‘I...should go....’ sounded Luke, his voice full of pain, ‘I’m...sorry it has to be this way’. Arien raised her hand, stroking his cheek.

‘Never be sorry’ she whispered. Luke shivered, suddenly feeling cold. He pulled away from Arien, and left.



Elladan sighed, as paced the study of his apartment. War was coming, he’d sensed it long ago. He’d fought in the Old Sith Wars, but this time it was different, betrayal hung in the air, suffocating him. He could not pinpoint the source of the betrayal, and feared it was coming from the Jedi themselves.

‘Atar?’ a voice called. Elladan entered the living area, where his daughter stood, her face calm, yet edged with fury.

‘Arien, what is it?’ he replied, though knowing why she was here.

‘What did you say to him’ she breathed, her voice low, yet calm.

‘I don’t understand, Arien i....’ he began.

‘You know father, what did you say to Luke’ she cut across. Elladan, realising defeat, sighed.

‘Arien, it’s for your own good. To marry a mortal, will only bring you pain, despair and sorrow, the likes of which you cannot imagine....you will be happy, for now, but death will come to Luke, as to all mortals....but you...my daughter....you will linger on in shadow, until grief takes you. Condemned to live your life in sorrow and pain, until the force takes mercy, and relieves you...’ As Elladan spoke, Arien remembered the grief she felt when Anakin fell. Lonely tears travelled down her cheek, her breathing shallow....pain in her heart.

‘Arien....it is for the best....you know this’ Elladan soothed, taking his daughters hands. Arien stared past him, to the portrait of her mother and father. She inhaled lightly.

‘I know.....that Luke has my heart....i have made my decision...’ she whispered, smiling.

‘Arien if you do this you WILL die, i can’t let that happen’ beseeched Elladan, ‘Do i not also have your love?’ Arien smiled warmly.

‘Of course, my eternal love.....but so does Luke’. Elladan closed his eyes.

‘Nothing you say or do will ever change that....it is my choice’ continued Arien, taking her father’s hands. Elladan let out a slow, deep breath.

‘Then...you have my blessing’ he sighed. He opened his eyes, and smiled.



‘Luke? Luke this is a surprise’ grinned Padmé, embracing her son. Luke remained silent.

‘Luke...?’ Padmé looked at him, unshed tears brimming his eyes. Padmé gasped.

‘Anakin...ANAKIN....Luke what is it?’ cried Padmé as Anakin rushed into the living area. Luke, sitting down, remained quiet, save for the sobs that now racked his body.

‘Luke, talk to me, please’ cried Padmé. The door to their apartment flew open, and Leia ran to Luke.

‘Leia, what are you doing here’ asked Anakin, perplexed by how strange his children were acting.

‘I sensed something was wrong, Luke’s in pain’ she cried, dropping to her knees in front of Luke.

‘Luke....Luke answer me....what happened’ soothed Leia, squeezing her brothers hand. Luke raised his head, lonely tears falling down his cheek.

‘I....she....i told her....i didn’t love her...’ he breathed.

Leia gasped, ‘Oh...Luke’.



Arien and Elladan arrived at Padme’s apartment. Elladan grabbed Arien’s arm.

‘This is what you want...this will make you happy?’ he asked. Arien nodded, then smiled.

‘Atar...kai amin ner alasse....t’mela ho’. Arien climbed the steps to the entrance of the apartment, her long grey gown billowing behind her.


She stopped just inside the entrance, Elladan just behind her. Luke raised his head.

‘Arien....’ he began, wiping his eyes. Arien looked at her father, who nodded. She walked to Luke, who got to his feet.

‘Arien, I’m sorry...i stand by what i said....i won’t let you give up your life for me’ demanded Luke. Arien smiled, taking his hand in hers.

‘It is my choice Luke....no one but me, can decide that....i choose a mortal life, with you’ she smiled, pulling Luke closer, and kissing him.

‘Oh Ani’ whispered Padmé. Anakin smiled, putting an arm around his wife. Leia beamed, feeling Luke’s distress disappear. Elladan sighed, and smiled.

[adea]

Chapter 8 – War is coming


Anakin frowned as he thought what to do next. Darth Krayt had amassed an army, a Sith army. Yet no one knew where to look, dare they wait for the Sith to attack? Or risk splitting the order, sending individuals into the far reaches of space for what could turn out to be a wild bantha chase. He massaged his forehead impatiently.

‘Ani, don’t think this whole thing rests on you, the decision of what to do next is up to the other masters too’ sounded Padmé, walking into the room. Anakin turned and smiled.

‘How is it, you always know what I’m thinking, and always know the right thing to say?’ he asked lovingly.

‘It's a skill i acquired the day i married you’ she replied, grinning. Anakin chuckled, pulling her onto his lap.

‘You’re everything to me Padmé, i don’t know what I’d do without you....well....i kinda do, but that’s not the point’ he laughed, stroking her hair.

‘Well you know I’ll always be here, no matter what’ she winked. Anakin chuckled, then kissed her deeply. ‘You complete me’ he whispered.



Arien gazed into the sky, just as the sun was rising.

‘It's beautiful, isn’t it?’ she smiled, as she heard Luke come onto the veranda. Luke smiled.

‘Yes, it is’ he replied, looking at Arien. She turned, her eyes bright and sparkling.

‘This is so....i never could have imagined.....’ she began, not quite knowing what to say. Luke took her hands in his, kissing her forehead.

‘This is right’ he whispered.



‘Coruscant.... the planet thrives on the changing tide of politics, providing a stable anchor through damaging rebellions, the long-overdue fall of the corrupt Old Republic, and the sweeping introduction of the Empire....and now...the setting for the greatest ruling body ever to grace the Galaxy....The Grand Empire of the Sith,” declared Darth Krayt to the many Dark Jedi, Rakghoul mutants and Sith loyalists stood before him.

Through the resulting cheers, Krayt smirked. His aide, the cowardly Orn Free Taa, once the Senate Representative of Ryloth, raised his hands to quiet the crowd. He’d recently handed Ryloth over to Krayt and the Sith. The Dark Jedi fell silent.

‘Now, my Sith warriors....bring peace to your galaxy...attack!’ cried Krayt. The dark Jedi responded with a great war cry, and began filing into the Sith starships.

‘My Lord, you seem to be sending very few of our troops, we cannot win with such a small convoy’ sounded Taa, confusion befalling his face. Darth Krayt sniggered.

‘My unfortunate Twi’Lek, i will not waste my best troops, this is simply a warning, to show Chancellor Amidala the lengths we will go to, to secure my new Empire...this my servant, marks the beginning of the Great Sith War!’ Krayt swiftly departed the platform. He stopped, turning back to Taa.

‘Order our other troops to retreat as soon as the battle begins’ he barked, and with that, left.



Anakin climbed out of his speeder, and headed for the council room. Sirens suddenly rang through the temple.

‘What the....’ he shouted, covering his ears. He saw Obi Wan running towards him, his face full of fear.

‘Anakin, the Sith are entering Coruscant, we’re under attack!’ no sooner had the words escaped his lips, than a great crash sounded above them, shaking the walls of the hangar. Anakin and Obi Wan ran to a nearby balcony. Above them, great starships were slowly lowering to the great platform in front of the temple. Already, hundreds of Sith warriors began running towards the temple, above them, Sith starfighters blasted great holes into the temple walls.

‘Come on!’ shouted Anakin over the din, beckoning Obi Wan to the platform, where many Jedi had already begun a counter attack. In the hangar, Republic pilots climbed into cruisers, taking off and firing at the Sith ships. Anakin overtook several Jedi, spotting Luke in the crowd, already duelling with a Sith fighter. Anakin ran to aid his son. Luke saw his father coming.

‘It's okay dad, i can handle it!’ he called, however Anakin ignored him, and struck the Sith, just as he swung for an oblivious Luke.

‘You can thank me later’ laughed Anakin, beginning a fight with another Sith fighter. Luke scowled at his father, a menacing flash of yellow momentarily in his eyes, unnoticed by those around him.


Arien ran from a nearby landing platform, accompanying her, the Elven army.

‘Lanta e’a tea’ ordered Elladan. The elves fell into line, side by side, ready to fight.

‘Father, I’m going to aid the Jedi’ called Arien, running into the battle field. Above them, a young captain name Han Solo led a strike team against the starship above.

‘Come on boys, aim for the fuel cell, bring it down’ he shouted. The pilots fired their canons, destroying the starship. On the ground, the Jedi cheered as the starship veered towards the industrial section of Coruscant, ablaze.


Elladan stood in front of his troops.

‘Ohtar desiel’ he bellowed. The elves raised their bows and arrows, taking aim.

‘NAUR!’ the elves fired their arrows, each one hitting their intended targets. Many dark Jedi fell to the ground.


The Jedi continued to battle, the Sith numbers dropping rapidly. Anakin led a charge against the remaining Sith, whilst the elves began firing at will. The Sith refused to retreat.

‘Anakin!’ cried Arien. Anakin turned, just in time to block the crimson blade of human male dark Jedi.

‘You’ll never defeat us Skywalker’ the man spat, swinging his blade around. Anakin blocked his blow, swiftly swinging his sabre and cutting the man down.

‘Oh really?’ he retorted, raising an eyebrow.


Luke ran through the crowd of battling Sith and Jedi, finding what he was looking for. Arien was duelling to Sith at once, holding her own pretty well.

‘It's about time, i though i was gonna have to take care of these idiots myself’ laughed Arien, swinging for a particularly mean looking Zabraak.

‘You seemed to be doing alright, i just thought I’d hang back for a while, have a rest’ chuckled Luke, taking care of the Nautolon female who flailing her sabre dangerously close to Arien’s head. Arien rolled her eyes, slaughtering two Rakghouls in the process.

Anakin stood over the body of the man he’d just defeated, the Jedi had overwhelmed the Sith. He spotted Obi Wan close by.

‘Come on, one last charge should do it’ Anakin called.

The Sith numbers dwindling, Anakin, Yoda, Obi Wan and many other Jedi led one final charge, slaughtering all of the Sith warriors. The Jedi cheered, realising victory.



In the senate building, a young senator watched the battle, her face turning from horror stricken to joyous, as she realised the battle was won.

‘Oh...Leia...LEIA’ cried Padmé. Leia, who had been trying to get a better look, ran into the room where her mother stood.

‘What is it?’ she cried fearfully.

‘It's over, the Jedi have won’ she laughed, hugging her daughter. Leia beamed, returning the embrace. Padmé’s commlink began to bleep. Thinking it was Anakin, she crossed the room and answered, a smile on her face. The smile was soon wiped away, horror returning.

‘Chancellor Amidala, may i introduce myself, I am Darth Krayt, Lord of the Sith Empire, may we speak’ he began politely, a smirk spreading across his face.

‘We may’ replied Padmé formally, quickly masking her fear. Leia joined her mother, a defiant look on her face.

‘Chancellor Amidala, as we have both witnessed, your army has defeated mine. Do not celebrate too soon, for my attack was a mere warning, a way of showing you the strength of my troops, and the strength of my Empire. I will give you a chance now, to save lives that will be lost if you refuse my proposal. Surrender control of the senate to me, and the Jedi and your Republic shall be spared’. He finished with an evil smile. Padmé took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully.

‘I’m afraid i am forced to decline your offer Darth Krayt, our Republic will never surrender our freedom’ she replied in her most senatorial voice.

Krayt looked taken aback, but quickly replaced it with a menacing smile.

‘Your beloved Republic will fall....the Sith will rule again’ he snarled, eyes glowing yellow.

‘We shall see’ spat Padmé, ending the commlink.

Padmé turned to her daughter.

‘We must get to the temple’ she breathed.



The Jedi Masters and Luke stared at Padmé and Leia as they told them what Krayt had said. Master Yoda sighed, his head bowing down.

‘Already known this, we should have, too few attacked, to be the full Sith army’ he began.

‘Master Yoda...what now?’ asked Padme, fear apparent in her eyes. Yoda stared at his fellow Jedi, then to Padme.

‘Inform the senate, begun, the Great Sith War has’.

[adea]

Chapter 9 – A Last night of Peace


Luke raced through the Jedi temple, and into the gardens, closely followed by Anakin and Obi Wan.

‘Late for my own wedding....who does that’ he spat, as they slowed to a walk, descending the steps leading to the beautiful lawns.


They turned a corner, where Arien was stood beneath a white arc, adorned with red flowers. Luke inhaled sharply. She looked beautiful. She wore a simple white lace gown, which Luke recognized to be his mothers wedding dress. Her hair was pulled back, a lone curl pulled forward either side of her face.

Luke walk briskly to join her, receiving quite a glare from Leia and his mother. He faced Arien who simply smiled.

‘Your late Skywalker’ she whispered, a mock tone of anger in her voice. Luke smiled sheepishly.

‘Sorry, we got held up’ he replied quietly. Arien shook her head, smiling softly.

‘You look.....beautiful’ Luke gasped, bringing a hand to her cheek. Arien beamed.

‘Are we ready to begin?’ asked the Coruscanti Holy man. Luke turned, grinning.

‘I thought you’d never ask’.

[adea]

Epilogue


‘My Lord, what now?’ asked Orn Free Taa, looking out over the great base they had accustomed, in the far reaches of wild space. Krayt smiled menacingly, as he watched his warriors practice fighting below.

‘Betrayal runs thick through their Order, one boy in particular’ he replied slowly. Taa frowned.

‘What do you mean my Lord?’ he asked, bemused.

‘His feelings betray him, such strong feelings for the elf maiden, such anger and frustration towards his father.....this could be used to our advantage, i sense great strength and potential in him’ Krayt smirked, turning to Taa.

‘Young Luke Skywalker will be our greatest ally, and the downfall of the Order....betrayal....yes....he will betray them all’ he growled, turning back to watch his army.

‘It’s just a matter of time’ he added, as the sun set on the horizon, casting an eerie orange glow.


On Coruscant, a young man sat in confusion....so much anger...so much frustration....the darkness beginning to consume him.



And so, on their last night of peace, Arien Elendir Elensar, Princess of the High Elves, sealed her mortal fate, and married Luke Skywalker. On the other side of the Galaxy, Luke’s fate was being decided for him, unbeknownst to him.


This truly was their last night of peace, for the wars, and Darth Krayt’s plan, would change the Galaxy and its people, forever.



“Light thinks it travels faster than anything,
But it is wrong.
No matter how fast light travels,
It finds the darkness has always got there first,
And is waiting for it.”
Terry Pratchett, English Writer