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Author	Topic: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 8/10/07 6:29am Subject: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress - Date Edited: 8/10/07 3:44pm (1 edits total) Edited By: VaderLVR64
	Title: This Daughter of Ours Author: VaderLVR64 Characters: Bail, Breha, Leia Summary: Bail reflects on the years since he brought Leia home to Alderaan. Notes: Dedicated to my own strong-willed and beautiful daughter. Happy Birthday! This Daughter of Ours I should have known that she would never be a pushover from the moment a sad-eyed Jedi placed her in my arms. She stared up at me as if she was assessing my suitability to care and love for her. I’ve never regretted passing the test. So I took her home and she wailed as I carried her away from the brother she would never know. I consoled myself with the knowledge – the hope – that one day the Force would reunite them. I held fast to that wish as I watched her grow from wide-eyed infant to enchanting toddler, and then from gangly girl to stunning young woman. Even as a baby, Leia had wrapped me around her little finger and made me her helpless slave. And even as an infant, Leia knew exactly what she wanted and was determined to get it. What does one say about a daughter? The girl who changed everything we were and transformed our lives into a vast landscape of beautiful possibilities. And drove us crazy in the process. ~~~~~~~~~ Breha had read everything that had ever been published on raising a child. In the end, however, she decided to trust her instincts. When Leia cried, Breha answered her call with patience and compassion. Our daughter knew she was loved and that we would always be there for her. But a chance remark from her sister about “spoiling” Leia made Breha feel that she had made the wrong choice, so instead of going into Leia every time she cried, Breha informed me that Leia was going to “cry it out” at night and learn to get herself to sleep. I didn’t like the sound of that, but the determined gleam in Breha’s eyes made me close my mouth and keep my reservations to myself. Leia woke up, predictably, at 0200, just as she did every night. I lay awake, listened to Breha turn over restlessly and ignore the plaintive cries from the room next to ours. The nurses had already been instructed to let Leia cry. There was just enough light in the room for me to see the clenching of Breha’s jaw, but she did not go to the door as I expected her to do. Instead, we stared at each other in misery. The first hour wasn’t too bad, compared to getting shot with a blaster or having dinner with my mother-in-law. The cries soon moved from sad and pleading to downright angry. I wasn’t sure which was worse. The second hour proved more painful and halfway through it, Breha began to cry quietly along with Leia. When I started to get up and give in, Breha put her hand on my arm. “No…she’s old enough to sleep through the night,” she whispered. Who she was trying to convince – me or herself? Silently, I wondered if anyone had bothered to tell Leia that she did not need her parents to soothe her back to sleep. Leia had worked herself into an impressive rage and I wondered if she would ever forgive us. By the time the third hour rolled around, I was feeling as if I had been dragged into an Imperial interrogation chamber. If Vader or Palpatine ever decided to torture me, at least I knew what my limits were. And I was fast approaching them. Somewhere at the end of the third hour, Leia’s cries began winding down and eventually stopped. We waited silently for what seemed an eternity and then I could no longer stand it and I slipped into her room. Stubborn to her very core, Leia had fallen asleep standing up, her dark head resting on the top rail of her crib, pillowed uncomfortably on one chubby little arm. I could hear her muffled, hitching breaths. All fears of spoiling her were pushed aside and I gathered her into my arms, kissed her on the cheek, and whispered that we loved her. I felt Breha behind me and she reached out for our daughter. “Never again,” she said softly. That night Leia slept with us, and the next night Leia slept comfortably in her crib, waking us at 0200. We went to her without hesitation or complaint. Breha decided to risk spoiling Leia and we never looked back. ~~~~~~~~~~~ My daughter is amazing person. I’ve been proud of her since the first moment I held her in my arms. Not that she’s perfect. No one would ever accuse Leia Organa of being perfect. She’s stubborn and opinionated and inclined to think she always knows best. Even as a toddler, she would look up at me, a frown gathering on her tiny, perfect face and let me know that I had made her unhappy. Sometimes she went along to placate us, and sometimes she did so out of affection. More often than not, however, she simply stated her opinion and stood firm. Once her mind was made up, nothing short of a miracle could change it. We never saw such a miracle, but we loved her every stubborn mood – even when they were not easy to live with. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “You will not touch that, young lady,” I said sternly, wagging my finger at her in what I felt was surely an impressive display of parental determination. “I told you no.” Leia stared up at me, assessing my stance and her own ability to twist me to her will. She scowled and crossed her tiny arms over her chest. Then she put her hands on her hips and stuck out her lower lip. “I tolded you no, Daddy,” she shot back and gave a stamp of her little foot to give emphasis to her displeasure. So I stood there, torn between laughter and shock, looking at our two year old daughter. We had already lost the war, though there were battles yet to be waged. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Along with her stubborn nature, however, the gods have given her a generous heart and loving spirit, courage that would make any warrior envious, and a steadfast devotion to any cause to which she has committed herself. There are times when it is those very qualities that make me fear for her, even as I feel my pride threaten to overwhelm me. I watch her now, studying those around her, taking it all in. No detail escapes her eyes or her memory, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Often I think that she inherited the best from both of her parents, but a small part of me admits that it is Anakin Skywalker’s courage and passion that really makes her who she is. She is afraid of nothing and no one. ~~~~~~~~~~~ “I want to serve Alderaan,” Leia said quietly, but I could hear her determination in every syllable. Leia in a rage was intimidating, but Leia with this steely core of ice and purpose was almost frightening. “You’re too young,” I answered. I had always sworn I would not fall back on platitudes, but I was desperate. She was all I had, and I meant to keep her safe, even if it was against her will. “Many leaders have served their people at an even younger age,” she pointed out logically. “Chief Narfu of the Tawonga tribes, Queen Amidala of Naboo-” “Enough!” I snapped sharply. Hurt glimmered in Leia’s gaze, but I could see her curiosity. I had responded too strangely for her not to take note. I knew I had to distract her from the conversation about Padmé, no matter how remote the possibility that she would make any connection at all. It was impossible, of course, but Leia’s mind worked in ways I could never understand. In that moment, I wondered whether Anakin would have understood the way this daughter of ours thought and felt, and I experienced a pang of envy for what they might have effortlessly shared if only he had not been so blind and stupid. “You know I’m right,” Leia continued. “I’m going to leave you now, Father.” The formal title caused a pang, for she used it only when she was angry with me. “When you’ve been able to put aside your own emotions, I’ll be in my room…waiting to discuss this matter with you logically.” I watched her go, and I knew it was only the first step she would inevitably take away from me and toward her own future. ~~~~~~~~~ Tonight I watch her as she moves effortlessly among them. It’s hard to imagine that she is the same tiny babe I brought home to Breha. She made our lives and our homes complete and every day I give thanks that I was brave enough to speak up to Master Yoda. “We’ve always wanted a daughter…” How those simple words had changed our lives! Now she stands on the brink of adulthood, ready to face the galaxy and make it a better place for all of us. If anyone can defeat the darkness that surrounds us, it is Leia. To my surprise, I find myself growing sad as I think about the years ahead when she will no longer be in my home. She’ll be off to make her own place in the galaxy, put her own mark on the events of history. I know that I will stand back in awe as she does so, torn between my pride and my fear. A slim hand slips into my own and even as Leia smiles at yet another dignitary who passes by us, I hear her whisper quietly, “Are you all right?” “Perfectly all right,” I answer, though my heart is heavy. We turn to face each other and she smiles, catching my mood in an instant. “Don’t be sad, Daddy,” she says. “I’ll be fine.” I lean down and kiss her cheek, much as I did when I plucked her from her crib on the night I learned that spoiling a child might not be such a bad thing. “Yes…yes, you will.” And I know it is the truth. -----signature----- Someone who loves me carries an M16. My baby boy wears combat boots.
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Lady_Jade Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 8/10/07 12:10pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	Now that was SO swett!!!! I can just picture all those moments between Bail and Leia; such perfect father/daughter moments! Great job! -----signature----- "Do or do not. There is no try." ~Yoda, ESB 6 years of schooling + 6 months of training + 6 hours of sweat and pain = one very proud black belt Hokies in our Hearts - 4/16/07 (said in my heavy southern accent) : You bet your pretty lil' head I don't
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 8/10/07 12:11pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress - Date Edited: 8/10/07 3:15pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Valairy_Scot
	Gosh - you almost make want kids. (NO!). Did you daughter ever do that falling asleep standing? I don't think anyone who isn't a parent would be able to write such a, well, rich, piece. Stunning. Edited to add: Happy Birthday VadersMistress! -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. Proud master of several padawans
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divapilot Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 8/10/07 2:47pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	How sweet! This rings so true as a portrait of a parent's love. How proud of her Bail sounds. -----signature----- Never tell me the odds. AKL Happy new year!
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dm1 Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 8/10/07 3:08pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	Those girls, they do have minds of their own, don't they? Well done, absolutely beautiful! -----signature----- Internet Mom to HSG! Hey, HSG, watch those explosives, be careful!!
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Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 8/10/07 3:53pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	That was a lovely and real glimpse into the Organa family. I loved it!! Leia in a nutshell: Along with her stubborn nature, however, the gods have given her a generous heart and loving spirit, courage that would make any warrior envious, and a steadfast devotion to any cause to which she has committed herself. There are times when it is those very qualities that make me fear for her, even as I feel my pride threaten to overwhelm me. Bravo!!! -----signature----- I dedicate every num yummy love ballad to Mara/Luke as I completely melt Insatiable mush addict ginchy & IJJ: yours especially Certified Squee! maniac
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DountCooku Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 8/10/07 4:01pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	I very much enjoyed this. I have two daughters of my own (both very stubborn, and one of whom loves Princess Leia), so this was extra poignant for me. Thanks for sharing.
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earlybird-obi-wan Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 8/10/07 11:43pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	WOW VaderLVR64 that was beautiful like all your fics. Loved Bails POV -----signature----- writer and Star Wars fan FANART [link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25793899]fanart[/link] stories in my bio
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 8/11/07 9:16am Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	I certainly can empathize with everything you've described - the night crying, the two year old, the determination in Leia's eyes. I had the same problem letting my oldest go off to college so I can understand the pain of a father's letting-go problem. Great job. And happy birthday, VM. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 11/20/08 jedidas3's Master At last - Hope for our country
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alhana_antilles Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 8/11/07 3:58pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	Wonderful! You capture the essence of these characters so well. Nice job. -----signature----- Buaidh no bas Wraith 10 of XWSFC Member of the Chewbacca Fanclub "Brothers don't whistle while they work, Jon."- Larry Wilmore, The Daily Show
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MotionWright Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 8/11/07 4:35pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress - Date Edited: 8/11/07 4:36pm (1 edits total) Edited By: MotionWright
	Brilliant story. Breha's "sleep through the night" experiment was hilarious. I wasn't surprised Leia got more sleep that night than either of her parents. “I tolded you no, Daddy,” she shot back and gave a stamp of her little foot to give emphasis to her displeasure. Woe to he who adopted a daughter of Anakin Skywalker. “I want to serve Alderaan,” Leia said quietly, but I could hear her determination in every syllable. Leia in a rage was intimidating, but Leia with this steely core of ice and purpose was almost frightening. I don't know how old she is here, but I can see and hear the grown-up Leia already. Bail can’t, but that's typical when it comes to parents. “You know I’m right,” Leia continued. “I’m going to leave you now, Father.” The formal title caused a pang, for she used it only when she was angry with me. “When you’ve been able to put aside your own emotions, I’ll be in my room…waiting to discuss this matter with you logically.” LOL Well done, Leia! Who is being more mature now, father or daughter? She's definitely Padmé's daughter, but with Anakin's rebellious nature as well. Bail, you know you can't win. I know that I will stand back in awe as she does so, torn between my pride and my fear. A slim hand slips into my own and even as Leia smiles at yet another dignitary who passes by us, I hear her whisper quietly, “Are you all right?” “Perfectly all right,” I answer, though my heart is heavy. We turn to face each other and she smiles, catching my mood in an instant. “Don’t be sad, Daddy,” she says. “I’ll be fine.” That was a very sweet scene. I loved it. -----signature----- About Fathers: http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/27051840
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dancing_star Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 8/12/07 7:41am Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	Absolutely beautiful. I loved it! And a belated happy birthday to VadersMistress! Wonderful! -----signature----- Merry Christmas!!! God bless America and our troops. "The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace." Ps 29:11 ~~~ http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29615415/p1/?2
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Miana Kenobi Title: RSA & Manager Fighting Darth Real Life Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 8/12/07 12:49pm Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	Wonderful job, Kim!! -----signature----- You can't take the sky from me. He tini nga whetu e ngaro I te kapua iti. Dyslexics of the world, UNTIE!
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KELIA Title: The Pretty In Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 8/13/07 5:41am Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	Awww....that was just beautiful I loved how Leia had Bail and Breha wrapped around her finger immediately. Isn't that how it always goes? I loved all of Bail's reflections. What a wonderful tribute to Leia. Great job on this -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 Undue Circumstances: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28530583/p1/?10
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Meriwyn Title: FanForce RSA, Northeast USA Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 8/13/07 5:57am Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress
	This was so cute! Great look at the Organa family -----signature----- "Cake or death?? Um...cake please" "This calls for a very special blend of psychology and extreme violence" Proud female Star Wars collector Hate leads to lollipops... http://www.operationbling.org - inspired by my Mom
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Gina Registered: Jun '03	Date Posted: 8/13/07 7:46am Subject: RE: This Daughter of Ours - Bail, Breha, Leia - Happy Birthday VadersMistress - Date Edited: 8/13/07 7:47am (1 edits total) Edited By: Gina
	Awwwwww!!! Now you've managed to turn me into this big blob of sentimental mushy goo. Such beautiful moments between Leia and her parents. Isn't it always those little moments that we remember most fondly, that always end up being the most special to us. sniff And Happy Birthday, Megan! -----signature----- A long time ago in a house far away, there was a mother who was strong in the ways of the Force. She "forced" her sons to clean their room, she "forced" her sons to behave. - Part of a story written by my 9 yr. old sons I found while cleaning their desks
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