Kiera
The dreams came often. One on one night, sure to be followed by the other the next night. There seemed to be no way to stop the nightmares that haunted her sleep, no way to keep the memories at bay, no way to keep the future from creeping in as she slept.
Tonight was no exception. The twin suns of Tatooine had long since set but still the heat lingered. Kiera wiped the sweat from her brow and lifted the heavy mane of hair from her neck. She let the dark mass fall down her back and for a long moment staring at the wall. Why, she wondered, did the dream fill her nights and not those of Beru?
Beru said it was because of her youth. It was true. Kiera's memories of that eventful day were not actual memories. All that she knew of that terrible time was what her dreams told her. The first time the dream had invaded her sleep, she had awakened, screaming and when Beru had reached her bedside, Kiera had told her, in exact detail, of the event that had reshaped both their lives. Beru had wept openly. It had been one of the few times Beru had shown much emotion and Kiera, young and innocent, had been stunned.
Now, years later, Kiera was a grown woman but still, on occasion, dreamed of the past a clear, very real dream and then of the future a murky, faceless reign of terror.
Outside of the underground homestead, Kiera stood in the darkness of the Tatooine night and sighed. Was there no escape? From the dream? From Tatooine?
Kiera. The voice filtered softly through the night air.
Kiera turned an smiled into the blackness. Did I wake you?
No, Beru said. I couldn't sleep. She hesitated. Did you dream?
Yes, Kiera answered, then quickly added, but I'm alright.
Beru slipped an arm around Kiera's slender waist. One day they'll stop.
No, Kiera said. They never will. But it doesn't matter I can live with it now. She was silent for several minutes then spoke slowly. You know, the dream of the past doesn't really bother me that much anymore it's the one of the future that scares me.
I know, Beru said and, for lack of anything more to say, said nothing.
Well, Kiera finally said, let's try to get some sleep. Owen wants me to go to Anchorhead tomorrow.
Beru shook her head. Owen treats you like a boy.
I wish I was, Kiera could see the quizzical look on Beru's face even in the dark. Then I could enter the Academy.
Stop right there, Beru said, if Owen hears you...
I know, I know I'll never hear the end of it. Kiera, she said, doing a perfect imitation of her brother-in-law, you're all I have. I need you. She started to walk away, then stopped. I suppose he would rather I never married never did anything but take place of a son he never had... Her voice trailed off, knowing she had hit a soft spot of Beru's. Sorry, she added softly, C'mon. Let's go to bed. The suns will be rising before you know it.
Things had been quiet on Tatooine for several years now. Especially out on the farm, surrounded by nothing but Jawas, Sandpeople heat and sand. Vague rumblings from the Senate reached them occasionally but not nearly as often as the vile threats from Jabba the Hut who was, generally, ignored. He had a misconception that he ruled the planet and, while powerful, he was not the end-all and be-all on Tatooine.
Kiera, on more than one occasion, had gone to Jabba's lair to barter one item for another, leaving the weaker-minded Beru quaking at home, fearing for her younger sister's safety. But Kiera always returned with nothing more than disgust written all over her face.
For Kiera, Jabba was the only excitement in her young weary life. Her visits to Jabba's lair gave her an opportunity to match wits with an intelligent if vulgar creature. Kiera had not had that opportunity since Ben had left Tatooine. Ben had treated her as if she had brains and not just as a farm worker. She had often wondered how two brothers could be so different. But, then, she and Beru were like night and day and it was the same with Owen and Ben Lars.
Now, as Kiera went about her business in Anchorhead, she thought about Ben Lars or Obi-wan Kenobi, his Jedi name. The last time she had seen him she'd been just a child on the verge of womanhood but a child nonetheless. He would be surprised to see me now, she thought. She had loved Ben and missed him desperately. The years had dulled the memory of his face but the feeling of joy she'd had in his presence still burned bright. Every moment she had had free from Owen, she had spent with Ben, learning about distant worlds, the Republic, the threatening shadow of the Empire, and the Force.
The Force is strong in you, Ben had said once, as she sat at his knee. You should develop it, nurture it.
How? She had asked. How do I do it?
Ben had shifted uncomfortably. I suppose I could teach you.
Kiera didn't have to ask why he hesitated. Owen Lars thought the Force was nothing but a waste of time. If there was one bit of pride in Owen that his brother was a Jedi Knight, he never showed it. If Ben wants to run around the galaxies, saving us all from destruction, fine, Owen had said. If he rather be a so-called knight instead of doing what's important like farming then so be it.
Kiera had argued with Owen until Beru was on the corner wringing her hands. I want to learn about the Force, Kiera had stated hotly, defiantly.
No, Owen had bellowed, You forget it. The Force is none of your concern. It should be no one's concern but especially you...
Why especially me? Because I'm a girl? She had spat the word at him.
Listen, Owen had said, once the anger had cooled a bit. I and Beru have cared for you since you were a child we've given you all we could. I know it hasn't been much but we've tried. One day, you'll be old enough to make your own decisions but, for now, as long as we are acting as your parents, you will do as I say. Understood?
Kiera had been shocked into silence. Owen was a man of few words and this tirade was a cause for taking notice. Kiera had realized how right Owen was perhaps the only time she had agreed with him. He and Beru had been her family her only family, for most of her life.
Dejectedly, she had told Ben of Owen's anger and his decision. It had not stopped Kiera from listening, though, and she still continued to learn, to glean information from Obi-wan Kenobi. So, whenever Ben was on Tatooine, she contrived to be with him as often as possible. Owen did not approve but said nothing. After all, in spite of disagreements, Ben was still his brother.
Ben was gone from Tatooine often. He considered his visits to Tatooine vacation time but Kiera always wondered why anyone would return to Tatooine if they didn't have to, even if it was their home planet. It wasn't until years later that she realized that Ben came back for her to lend a little variety to her life, to teach her about things other than farming.
You need strength, here, he had said, tapping his head. The Force will help you.
Why would I need strength on Tatooine? She had laughed. Nothing changes here. The only strength I need is physical, not mental.
Ben had only smiled, his gentle, secret, sometimes sad smile.
Now, years later, Kiera desperately wanted Ben to return to Tatooine. It had been months since they had even heard from him. There were still so many questions she wanted to ask, so many things to learn.
She especially wanted to know about Bail Organa. Once, before Ben had left for the last time, he had taken her to the Alderaan system and there she had met the young, handsome Prince Bail, destined to one day become Viceroy of Alderaan. She, a young woman but still a child in many ways, had responded to the young man as she had never to any man before. In the short time she had spent on Alderaan she had fallen helplessly for Bail and he for her. But their time together came to an end and Ben had whisked her back to her dull existence on Tatooine. And Bail had returned to an already politically active life.
Kiera had never forgotten Bail Organa. In the years that followed, there had been no contact between Kiera and Bail Ben was gone and, with him, the link she had to anything outside of Tatooine. Kiera, afraid of angering Owen and of hurting Beru, never even tried to get a message to Bail. And Bail, unbeknownst to her, was kept from her by his father who feared his son would abandon his station in life for a farm girl from remote and nondescript Tatooine.
So, for all these years, as she had matured and grown and loved Bail from a distance, there had been no other men in her life. She was not interested in the raffish locals and, for the most part, they were not interested in her. Many, like her, wanted more in a spouse than what Tatooine had to offer, though most of them would eventually settle for a Tatooine native. Kiera had decided, after meeting Bail, that she would rather remain single and childless than marry scum. Most of the men who were worth anything had gone off to the Academy or gotten involved with the Senate or some other political facet of the Republic. Those were the only ones she might have considered but they like Ben, like Bail were unavailable.
She remembered the day Ben had left for the last time. He had hinted that he might not return for a long while and through her tears, Kiera had been aware of Ben's young pupil, standing impatiently, waiting to be off.
Owen had stood behind her, grumbling, not bothering to say goodbye to his brother or to his friend. Not that Anakin and Owen were close friends Owen considered a friend to be anyone you spoke to civilly, left you alone and didn't try to cheat you. Anakin Skywalker was that kind of person, as far as Owen Lars was concerned.
He was also, in Owen's opinion, a fool. A man with an ounce of sense would remain on Tatooine and do what he did best. In Anakin's case, Owen believed, that was farming. But Anakin had taken to piloting for fun, then for profit and is skill had brought him to Ben's attention. So, Ben, had decided to train Anakin in the ways of the Force. Kiera had been extremely jealous. She had never had to share her time with Ben before and it was the one blot on her memories of the last time she had seen Ben. She hoped that, when he returned, he would not have Anakin Skywalker with him.
Sometimes, she had watched while Ben taught Anakin. Anakin resented her presence as much as she resented his and she was aware of it. He didn't like her watching his attempts to master the Force often clumsy attempts to control his own body. She had laughed loudly at him once and had been fixed with a steely blue-eyed gaze that had frightened her.
Afterwards, her presence, while Anakin trained with Ben, was seldom tolerated and she had wept bitterly when Ben had asked her to give Anakin privacy. It had been shortly after that request that Ben, feeling badly, had taken her to Alderaan, leaving a disgruntled Anakin to do her chores at the farm. On Alderaan, all of her bitterness toward Anakin had disappeared and he became nothing more than an arrogant, impatient bother. Once back on Tatooine, involved in her own reminiscences of Bail, she did not give Anakin Skywalker a second glance. And, when Ben and Anakin had taken their leave, she did not miss Ben's studen for one moment.
But where were they now? Kiera didn't know and wondered if she ever would. She shooed a Jawa away as she exited the cantina, where she had been sitting remembering the past. Owen would have something to say about her tardiness. But to hell with him.
Kiera. Kiera Kaellena. She wasn't sure if she had actually heard the voice or if it was in her head. She squinted in the bright sunlight.
Ben? She whispered, quite sure that her memories were causing her to hear her beloved Ben's voice. But when she turned, he was there. Dressed in black, bearded and looking much the same as he had looked years ago. She shrieked his name aloud, causing various intergalactic creatures to turn multiple eyes upon her. She flung her arms around him and he her, reveling in being together once again. When did you get back?
Only just now, he said, his voice melodic. The Force must be with us since you are here now. He smiled broadly. You have grown up while I was away.
She returned the smile but pouted a bit. That's what happens when you stay gone so long.
I am properly chastised, he said and then looked at her again. You are truly no longer a child.
No, she said, Is it that hard to believe? Have I changed so much?
He gazed at her for a long time. Yes, you have. Quite a bit. And it looks well on you. He cleared his throat. So, tell me what has been going on here?
I can do that in three words sand, sun and nothing. She laughed, flinging back her long sweat-dampened hair.
Ben slipped an arm around her shoulders. Let's go home. I'm anxious to see my brother and Beru.
Kiera raised an eyebrow. Don't expect much, Ben. I may have changed but Owen has not.
Ben sighed. I don't doubt it but still, he is my flesh and blood.
They walked to Kiera's transport and settled in. Oh, she asked off-handedly, how is your pupil?
Much improved, Ben said and Kiera detected a peculiar note in his voice but did not pursue any other news about Anakin Skywalker.
She hesitated then opened her mouth to speak but Ben held up a hand to silence her. Would you care to visit Alderaan with me again?
She grinned broadly but didn't question how he had known her next question. He always had. The Force was with them.
Kiera rolled her eyes as another pilot nearly collided with her transport. Pilots from other worlds were notorious for giving the locals a hard time, even though the terrain of Tatooine had given many young pilots there first taste of difficult flying conditions. Kiera did not consider herself a pilot she had not been trained at the Academy but she knew she could nearly out fly anyone if given the chance. Now, this fellow who was about to run her over was going to get a run for his money, if he was willing and able. She took off for home, the pilot in close pursuit. She had no fear whoever this was was having a good time, just as she was. By the time, they had reached the farm, she had handily beaten him at the flying game. Or he had let her win she didn't know and didn't care. One thing she did know whether by the Force or what was that the other pilot was Anakin Skywalker.
She climbed out of the transport, still wearing a helmet he still didn't seem to recognize her but complimented her on her flying acumen. Thanks, she said, pulling off the headgear to reveal her long hair -- and her identity.
For a moment, the arrogance that she she witnessed so many times before, was gone, replaced by a healthy respect for her abilities and something else perhaps an appreciation that young Kiera had grown up to be a stunning woman. Kiera found him stunning as well. He had always been handsome but the years had been kind to him nearly thirty, his dark blond hair swirled about his head and his eyes were still the same shocking blue.
His lips curled into a slight smile, the old arrogance returning. I should have known, he said, that it was you. Then he added as an afterthought, knowing that she could never be one, Young Jedi.
She thought she heard a bit of a sneer in his voice and some of the old jealousy. Anakin Skywalker, she said. I wish I could say it is a pleasure to see you again but I'm afraid it is not.
He threw back his head and laughed. She did not find their reunion quite so amusing. But he was so very handsome and, for a moment, until she could gather her wits about her and concentrate on seeing Bail again, the galaxy spun out of control all around her.
The dreams came often. One on one night, sure to be followed by the other the next night. There seemed to be no way to stop the nightmares that haunted her sleep, no way to keep the memories at bay, no way to keep the future from creeping in as she slept.
Tonight was no exception. The twin suns of Tatooine had long since set but still the heat lingered. Kiera wiped the sweat from her brow and lifted the heavy mane of hair from her neck. She let the dark mass fall down her back and for a long moment staring at the wall. Why, she wondered, did the dream fill her nights and not those of Beru?
Beru said it was because of her youth. It was true. Kiera's memories of that eventful day were not actual memories. All that she knew of that terrible time was what her dreams told her. The first time the dream had invaded her sleep, she had awakened, screaming and when Beru had reached her bedside, Kiera had told her, in exact detail, of the event that had reshaped both their lives. Beru had wept openly. It had been one of the few times Beru had shown much emotion and Kiera, young and innocent, had been stunned.
Now, years later, Kiera was a grown woman but still, on occasion, dreamed of the past a clear, very real dream and then of the future a murky, faceless reign of terror.
Outside of the underground homestead, Kiera stood in the darkness of the Tatooine night and sighed. Was there no escape? From the dream? From Tatooine?
Kiera. The voice filtered softly through the night air.
Kiera turned an smiled into the blackness. Did I wake you?
No, Beru said. I couldn't sleep. She hesitated. Did you dream?
Yes, Kiera answered, then quickly added, but I'm alright.
Beru slipped an arm around Kiera's slender waist. One day they'll stop.
No, Kiera said. They never will. But it doesn't matter I can live with it now. She was silent for several minutes then spoke slowly. You know, the dream of the past doesn't really bother me that much anymore it's the one of the future that scares me.
I know, Beru said and, for lack of anything more to say, said nothing.
Well, Kiera finally said, let's try to get some sleep. Owen wants me to go to Anchorhead tomorrow.
Beru shook her head. Owen treats you like a boy.
I wish I was, Kiera could see the quizzical look on Beru's face even in the dark. Then I could enter the Academy.
Stop right there, Beru said, if Owen hears you...
I know, I know I'll never hear the end of it. Kiera, she said, doing a perfect imitation of her brother-in-law, you're all I have. I need you. She started to walk away, then stopped. I suppose he would rather I never married never did anything but take place of a son he never had... Her voice trailed off, knowing she had hit a soft spot of Beru's. Sorry, she added softly, C'mon. Let's go to bed. The suns will be rising before you know it.
Things had been quiet on Tatooine for several years now. Especially out on the farm, surrounded by nothing but Jawas, Sandpeople heat and sand. Vague rumblings from the Senate reached them occasionally but not nearly as often as the vile threats from Jabba the Hut who was, generally, ignored. He had a misconception that he ruled the planet and, while powerful, he was not the end-all and be-all on Tatooine.
Kiera, on more than one occasion, had gone to Jabba's lair to barter one item for another, leaving the weaker-minded Beru quaking at home, fearing for her younger sister's safety. But Kiera always returned with nothing more than disgust written all over her face.
For Kiera, Jabba was the only excitement in her young weary life. Her visits to Jabba's lair gave her an opportunity to match wits with an intelligent if vulgar creature. Kiera had not had that opportunity since Ben had left Tatooine. Ben had treated her as if she had brains and not just as a farm worker. She had often wondered how two brothers could be so different. But, then, she and Beru were like night and day and it was the same with Owen and Ben Lars.
Now, as Kiera went about her business in Anchorhead, she thought about Ben Lars or Obi-wan Kenobi, his Jedi name. The last time she had seen him she'd been just a child on the verge of womanhood but a child nonetheless. He would be surprised to see me now, she thought. She had loved Ben and missed him desperately. The years had dulled the memory of his face but the feeling of joy she'd had in his presence still burned bright. Every moment she had had free from Owen, she had spent with Ben, learning about distant worlds, the Republic, the threatening shadow of the Empire, and the Force.
The Force is strong in you, Ben had said once, as she sat at his knee. You should develop it, nurture it.
How? She had asked. How do I do it?
Ben had shifted uncomfortably. I suppose I could teach you.
Kiera didn't have to ask why he hesitated. Owen Lars thought the Force was nothing but a waste of time. If there was one bit of pride in Owen that his brother was a Jedi Knight, he never showed it. If Ben wants to run around the galaxies, saving us all from destruction, fine, Owen had said. If he rather be a so-called knight instead of doing what's important like farming then so be it.
Kiera had argued with Owen until Beru was on the corner wringing her hands. I want to learn about the Force, Kiera had stated hotly, defiantly.
No, Owen had bellowed, You forget it. The Force is none of your concern. It should be no one's concern but especially you...
Why especially me? Because I'm a girl? She had spat the word at him.
Listen, Owen had said, once the anger had cooled a bit. I and Beru have cared for you since you were a child we've given you all we could. I know it hasn't been much but we've tried. One day, you'll be old enough to make your own decisions but, for now, as long as we are acting as your parents, you will do as I say. Understood?
Kiera had been shocked into silence. Owen was a man of few words and this tirade was a cause for taking notice. Kiera had realized how right Owen was perhaps the only time she had agreed with him. He and Beru had been her family her only family, for most of her life.
Dejectedly, she had told Ben of Owen's anger and his decision. It had not stopped Kiera from listening, though, and she still continued to learn, to glean information from Obi-wan Kenobi. So, whenever Ben was on Tatooine, she contrived to be with him as often as possible. Owen did not approve but said nothing. After all, in spite of disagreements, Ben was still his brother.
Ben was gone from Tatooine often. He considered his visits to Tatooine vacation time but Kiera always wondered why anyone would return to Tatooine if they didn't have to, even if it was their home planet. It wasn't until years later that she realized that Ben came back for her to lend a little variety to her life, to teach her about things other than farming.
You need strength, here, he had said, tapping his head. The Force will help you.
Why would I need strength on Tatooine? She had laughed. Nothing changes here. The only strength I need is physical, not mental.
Ben had only smiled, his gentle, secret, sometimes sad smile.
Now, years later, Kiera desperately wanted Ben to return to Tatooine. It had been months since they had even heard from him. There were still so many questions she wanted to ask, so many things to learn.
She especially wanted to know about Bail Organa. Once, before Ben had left for the last time, he had taken her to the Alderaan system and there she had met the young, handsome Prince Bail, destined to one day become Viceroy of Alderaan. She, a young woman but still a child in many ways, had responded to the young man as she had never to any man before. In the short time she had spent on Alderaan she had fallen helplessly for Bail and he for her. But their time together came to an end and Ben had whisked her back to her dull existence on Tatooine. And Bail had returned to an already politically active life.
Kiera had never forgotten Bail Organa. In the years that followed, there had been no contact between Kiera and Bail Ben was gone and, with him, the link she had to anything outside of Tatooine. Kiera, afraid of angering Owen and of hurting Beru, never even tried to get a message to Bail. And Bail, unbeknownst to her, was kept from her by his father who feared his son would abandon his station in life for a farm girl from remote and nondescript Tatooine.
So, for all these years, as she had matured and grown and loved Bail from a distance, there had been no other men in her life. She was not interested in the raffish locals and, for the most part, they were not interested in her. Many, like her, wanted more in a spouse than what Tatooine had to offer, though most of them would eventually settle for a Tatooine native. Kiera had decided, after meeting Bail, that she would rather remain single and childless than marry scum. Most of the men who were worth anything had gone off to the Academy or gotten involved with the Senate or some other political facet of the Republic. Those were the only ones she might have considered but they like Ben, like Bail were unavailable.
She remembered the day Ben had left for the last time. He had hinted that he might not return for a long while and through her tears, Kiera had been aware of Ben's young pupil, standing impatiently, waiting to be off.
Owen had stood behind her, grumbling, not bothering to say goodbye to his brother or to his friend. Not that Anakin and Owen were close friends Owen considered a friend to be anyone you spoke to civilly, left you alone and didn't try to cheat you. Anakin Skywalker was that kind of person, as far as Owen Lars was concerned.
He was also, in Owen's opinion, a fool. A man with an ounce of sense would remain on Tatooine and do what he did best. In Anakin's case, Owen believed, that was farming. But Anakin had taken to piloting for fun, then for profit and is skill had brought him to Ben's attention. So, Ben, had decided to train Anakin in the ways of the Force. Kiera had been extremely jealous. She had never had to share her time with Ben before and it was the one blot on her memories of the last time she had seen Ben. She hoped that, when he returned, he would not have Anakin Skywalker with him.
Sometimes, she had watched while Ben taught Anakin. Anakin resented her presence as much as she resented his and she was aware of it. He didn't like her watching his attempts to master the Force often clumsy attempts to control his own body. She had laughed loudly at him once and had been fixed with a steely blue-eyed gaze that had frightened her.
Afterwards, her presence, while Anakin trained with Ben, was seldom tolerated and she had wept bitterly when Ben had asked her to give Anakin privacy. It had been shortly after that request that Ben, feeling badly, had taken her to Alderaan, leaving a disgruntled Anakin to do her chores at the farm. On Alderaan, all of her bitterness toward Anakin had disappeared and he became nothing more than an arrogant, impatient bother. Once back on Tatooine, involved in her own reminiscences of Bail, she did not give Anakin Skywalker a second glance. And, when Ben and Anakin had taken their leave, she did not miss Ben's studen for one moment.
But where were they now? Kiera didn't know and wondered if she ever would. She shooed a Jawa away as she exited the cantina, where she had been sitting remembering the past. Owen would have something to say about her tardiness. But to hell with him.
Kiera. Kiera Kaellena. She wasn't sure if she had actually heard the voice or if it was in her head. She squinted in the bright sunlight.
Ben? She whispered, quite sure that her memories were causing her to hear her beloved Ben's voice. But when she turned, he was there. Dressed in black, bearded and looking much the same as he had looked years ago. She shrieked his name aloud, causing various intergalactic creatures to turn multiple eyes upon her. She flung her arms around him and he her, reveling in being together once again. When did you get back?
Only just now, he said, his voice melodic. The Force must be with us since you are here now. He smiled broadly. You have grown up while I was away.
She returned the smile but pouted a bit. That's what happens when you stay gone so long.
I am properly chastised, he said and then looked at her again. You are truly no longer a child.
No, she said, Is it that hard to believe? Have I changed so much?
He gazed at her for a long time. Yes, you have. Quite a bit. And it looks well on you. He cleared his throat. So, tell me what has been going on here?
I can do that in three words sand, sun and nothing. She laughed, flinging back her long sweat-dampened hair.
Ben slipped an arm around her shoulders. Let's go home. I'm anxious to see my brother and Beru.
Kiera raised an eyebrow. Don't expect much, Ben. I may have changed but Owen has not.
Ben sighed. I don't doubt it but still, he is my flesh and blood.
They walked to Kiera's transport and settled in. Oh, she asked off-handedly, how is your pupil?
Much improved, Ben said and Kiera detected a peculiar note in his voice but did not pursue any other news about Anakin Skywalker.
She hesitated then opened her mouth to speak but Ben held up a hand to silence her. Would you care to visit Alderaan with me again?
She grinned broadly but didn't question how he had known her next question. He always had. The Force was with them.
Kiera rolled her eyes as another pilot nearly collided with her transport. Pilots from other worlds were notorious for giving the locals a hard time, even though the terrain of Tatooine had given many young pilots there first taste of difficult flying conditions. Kiera did not consider herself a pilot she had not been trained at the Academy but she knew she could nearly out fly anyone if given the chance. Now, this fellow who was about to run her over was going to get a run for his money, if he was willing and able. She took off for home, the pilot in close pursuit. She had no fear whoever this was was having a good time, just as she was. By the time, they had reached the farm, she had handily beaten him at the flying game. Or he had let her win she didn't know and didn't care. One thing she did know whether by the Force or what was that the other pilot was Anakin Skywalker.
She climbed out of the transport, still wearing a helmet he still didn't seem to recognize her but complimented her on her flying acumen. Thanks, she said, pulling off the headgear to reveal her long hair -- and her identity.
For a moment, the arrogance that she she witnessed so many times before, was gone, replaced by a healthy respect for her abilities and something else perhaps an appreciation that young Kiera had grown up to be a stunning woman. Kiera found him stunning as well. He had always been handsome but the years had been kind to him nearly thirty, his dark blond hair swirled about his head and his eyes were still the same shocking blue.
His lips curled into a slight smile, the old arrogance returning. I should have known, he said, that it was you. Then he added as an afterthought, knowing that she could never be one, Young Jedi.
She thought she heard a bit of a sneer in his voice and some of the old jealousy. Anakin Skywalker, she said. I wish I could say it is a pleasure to see you again but I'm afraid it is not.
He threw back his head and laughed. She did not find their reunion quite so amusing. But he was so very handsome and, for a moment, until she could gather her wits about her and concentrate on seeing Bail again, the galaxy spun out of control all around her.
