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Author	Topic: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos
path-seeker Registered: May '08	Date Posted: 7/7 8:22am Subject: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - Date Edited: 8/26 9:16am (2 edits total) Edited By: path-seeker
	Title: A Sense of Belonging Author: path-seeker Timeframe: post-VOTF Characters: Luke, Mara, the Solos Genre: vignette Mara had attended many high society parties as the Emperor’s Hand, but the present event felt entirely different. Hundreds of people were gathered on the rooftop of Coruscant’s largest government building. The fifteenth anniversary of the destruction of the second Death Star had brought many to the city for the celebration, and the recent peace accords with the Empire added to the festivities. The New Republic’s top officials were all in attendance, as were the heroes of the Rebel Alliance and many military personnel. Karrde was there as well – collecting secrets from unsuspecting senators, no doubt – and Lando Calrissian’s extravagant attire was recognizable a mile away. Several dozen children were running around, something the Emperor never tolerated, and the happiness that saturated the Force was a far cry from the strained tension at Imperial gatherings. Mara’s reveries were interrupted as someone approached her, and she was surprised when Leia sat beside her on the bench. “How are you doing, Mara?” the other woman asked, waving obligingly at a passing dignitary, but quickly turning her attention back to Mara. “I’m fine,” Mara replied. And it was the truth. She had enjoyed catching up with old friends, including Karrde, who asked for the tenth time if she was sure she wanted to leave his organization. She had spoken to a few other familiar faces, including Calrissian, but eventually tired of all the small talk. She had just chosen a seat away from the crowd when Leia had joined her. “This can’t be easy for you, though,” Leia pressed, giving Mara a concerned look. Mara paused. “Really, Leia, it’s fine. Sure, it brought back some memories I’d rather not remember, but I like where my life is right now. I don’t mind celebrating that.” Her eyes scanned the crowd to rest on Luke, who was conversing with Gavin Darklighter. Leia followed Mara’s line of sight and grinned. “I’m so happy for you two.” She patted Mara’s hand. “I’ve probably told you that a dozen times now, but I truly am.” “I’m just glad you’re okay with your brother marrying an ex-Imperial smuggler.” “I married a smuggler too,” Leia remarked dryly, then hesitated for a moment. “I’ve never considered you an Imperial, Mara. My brother is marrying a Jedi, and that’s that.” Mara smiled gratefully and was about to reply when Han approached them. “Sweetheart, the ambassador from Kuat wants to talk with you.” He pulled Leia to her feet and kissed her hand with a flourish. “Alright,” she sighed, giving Mara an apologetic look before turning back to her husband. “In the meantime, can you find the children?” She walked away without waiting for a reply. “How am I supposed to find them?” Han mumbled, throwing an amused look at Mara. “Those kids have made an art of disappearing. If Leia couldn’t sense them with the Force I don’t know what we'd do. Then again, if they weren’t Jedi maybe we wouldn’t have that problem.” “You did a lot of disappearing yourself during your smuggling days, Solo. You were doomed either way,” Mara retorted. Han faked a wounded expression, then gave her a mischievous look. “Nah, it’s definitely a Jedi thing. And if our children are like that with one Jedi parent, I can only imagine what your – ” He had the sense to shut up as Mara glared at him, but he gave her a wry smile before heading into the crowd. There was no ill will behind his teasing, Mara knew – it was just Han being Han – but the whole engagement and marriage thing was still new to her. She certainly wasn’t ready to think about Force-sensitive children. Left alone once again, though, Mara envisioned her future with Luke, as she often had in the weeks since their engagement. She was deep in thought when a pair of hands suddenly covered her eyes. Fighting the urge to respond defensively, she turned to find herself staring into the young face of Jaina Solo. “Hi, Aunt Mara!” the girl said cheerfully as she rounded the bench to sit beside her. Mara opened her mouth to respond, but said nothing as Jaina’s words dawned on her. Aunt Mara... Han and Leia must have told the children – or the kids had overheard. Either possibility seemed likely. Her confusion must have shown, because Jaina leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, “Mom told me you’re marrying Uncle Luke, but she didn’t tell Jacen or Anakin because they can’t keep secrets. I won’t tell anyone, I promise.” She paused for a moment, her brown eyes sparkling. “I’m excited to have an aunt.” Mara gave the girl a genuine smile. “I’m excited to have a niece.” Their conversation was cut short when Han approached once again with the boys in tow, looking quite pleased. He had just sat down when a loud bang and a flash of light announced the start of the fireworks. “Well, four out of five isn’t bad,” Han remarked, glancing at Jaina as Jacen and Anakin sat on the floor in front of them. “I wonder where your mother is.” Mara sensed Jaina reaching out with the Force. “She’ll be here soon,” the girl said, rising from the bench and joining her brothers. Sure enough, Leia soon joined her family, leaving only one person unaccounted for. Turning to scan the crowd, Mara eventually located Luke, now talking with a politician she didn’t recognize. Sensing her gaze, he sent her a wordless apology and an assurance that he would join her quickly. Mara tried to be patient, focusing on the bursts of colors brightening the rooftop. The Solo children were sitting quietly for once, their eyes fixed contentedly on the night sky. A wave of sadness hit Mara as she realized all she’d missed growing up: the love of a family, that feeling of belonging she could sense in the children. But she would soon be part of a family, she reminded herself, this family. Han and Leia had already welcomed her with open arms. After all, she realized, they’d chosen to sit with her instead of other friends and acquaintances. A pair of hands on her shoulders disrupted her revelation, and she tilted her head to look at Luke as a burst of golden stars dispersed above them. “Sorry I haven’t been around this evening,” he said, kissing her forehead before joining her on the bench. “There are a lot of people to see.” “Even still, I didn’t mean to disappear all night.” He slipped his arm around her, and she leaned her head against him. “The media will have our picture all over the planet if they catch us like this,” she reminded him, but she didn’t move. “We have to make an announcement sometime.” “Yeah, but I’d like to wait a little longer. We haven’t been back from Nirauan that long.” She gave him a playful look. “Then again, we could always elope.” “Karrde mentioned that. He offered me a high position in his organization if we need to get away from it all.” Luke glanced up as a flash of red and silver briefly lit the sky. Mara made a face. “I really hope it doesn’t come to that. Out of curiosity though, what was your answer?” “I politely reminded him that I was needed by the New Republic, and told him to call us if he needed anything.” “He’ll take you up on that, you know,” Mara warned, smiling as another boom echoed off the nearby buildings. “I know, and I’m sure we’ll have to call in some favors ourselves,” he replied. “That’s true – we can’t do everything.” “No, but we can accomplish a lot together,” Luke murmured, leaning toward her. His face was mere inches from hers when a particularly loud firework caused them both to jump. “Some Jedi we are,” Mara laughed. “Maybe we should just watch the fireworks.” Luke smiled and turned to watch the sky, but kept her in a close embrace. Mara didn’t care. After a lifetime of loneliness she finally felt like she belonged. -----signature----- Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. -Thoreau Vocatus atque non vocatus Deus aderit. *** The Memorial Grove, a Luke and Ben oneshot: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29052877/p1/
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Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 7/7 9:32am Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	Yummy!! SQUEE!!! Get used to it--you'll be receiving them frequently Huggles!!!! -----signature----- Whee!! I'm reading 10 drabble threads! Loving it too! Check out ginchy's gambit, Myriad's 10,000 words, path-seeker's kaleidoscope. "Take my Hand", "Tyranny Reborn"= sheer genius.
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dancing_star Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 7/7 9:37am Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	His face was mere inches from hers when a particularly loud firework caused them both to jump. “Some Jedi we are,” Mara laughed. “Maybe we should just watch the fireworks.” Luke smiled and turned to watch the sky, but kept her in a close embrace. Mara didn’t care. After a lifetime of loneliness she finally felt like she belonged. [/i] Awww, lovely!! This was such a sweet, beautiful fic- just like I like! You did such a wonderful job on all the characters! Perfect!! -----signature----- See my updated bio for fics 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/b10477/28298541/p1/
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Myriad_Daydreams Registered: Jun '07	Date Posted: 7/7 9:40am Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	Awwww seeker! I loved this! Perfect end to my perfect holiday I knew this was coming, but it was still a sweet suprise to find on a lazy Monday morning “Even still, I didn’t mean to disappear all night.” He slipped his arm around her, and she leaned her head against him. “The media will have our picture all over the planet if they catch us like this,” she reminded him, but she didn’t move. I love how she doesn't care Cute moment, I loved the idea of our two favorite Jedi just enjoying fireworks -----signature----- Bring on the drabbles: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29099025/p1/?0
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ginchy Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 7/7 10:16am Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	I love it! I really like how quiet the story is, just showing us a moment for the newly engaged couple. Great job with Mara's POV! -----signature----- Oh my gosh, I'm doing drabbles. eeek! http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29089731/p1/?0
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divapilot Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 7/7 1:21pm Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	Aw, so sweet! I loved how the whole family eventually wound up with Mara, who had wanted to be alone. She won't ever have to be alone. That's such a wonderful thought. Nice vig! -----signature----- Never tell me the odds. AKL
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Jedi_Liz Title: Former CR Lincoln NE, USA Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 7/7 1:55pm Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	awww, this was cute. Mara longing for her lost childhood makes sense. -----signature----- Current Fic: Lightswords of Fury: Special Edition - L/M Romance http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/24270936/ Chapter 19 posted on 7/21/08 Coming SOON: Mara Jade of Chandrila Grove Coming SOON to SAGA Fanfic
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path-seeker Registered: May '08	Date Posted: 7/22 8:58am Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	Author Replies Jade_eyes: Get used to it--you'll be receiving them frequently Aw, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! dancing_star: You did such a wonderful job on all the characters! Perfect!! Thank you - I always worry about getting them right. Thanks for commenting! Myriad_Daydreams: I loved the idea of our two favorite Jedi just enjoying fireworks If anyone deserves an evening to relax and watch fireworks, it's definitely Luke and Mara! Thanks for reading! ginchy: Thank you so much - I'm glad you liked it! divapilot: She won't ever have to be alone. That's such a wonderful thought. I completely agree. Thanks for reading and commenting! Jedi_Liz: Mara longing for her lost childhood makes sense. I think watching the Solo children grow up would be a bittersweet thing for Mara, since she missed out on that. Thanks for reading! -----signature----- Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. -Thoreau Vocatus atque non vocatus Deus aderit. *** The Memorial Grove, a Luke and Ben oneshot: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29052877/p1/
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Gabri_Jade Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 7/22 3:33pm Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	Ha, there it is! I'm glad you upped this. I read this when you first posted it, but it was one of those days (weeks ) where you're so busy with other things that while you scan the boards to see what's going on, you don't have much time to participate. I figured I'd come back and comment as soon as I could, but when I found the time, I couldn't find the fic. Now to post before I lose it again : Maybe the thing I liked best about this was the way Leia interacted with Mara. Leia's reaction to Luke and Mara's engagement has been written a multitude of ways, but I personally think that she'd be most likely to react the way she does here, genuinely interested in and solicitous of Mara, taking pains to make Mara feel as at home as possible. I also liked Jaina's comment about Jacen and Anakin not being able to keep secrets, and the casual affection between Luke and Mara. But she would soon be part of a family, she reminded herself, this family. Han and Leia had already welcomed her with open arms. After all, she realized, they’d chosen to sit with her instead of other friends and acquaintances. Good insight, for Mara to realize the import of Han and Leia's actions here. All in all, quite a sweet vignette, and everyone feels very in character. I'm glad to have found it again. -----signature----- Evil Twin of LadyPadme This concept of "wuv" confuses and infuriates us! - Futurama All I can do is be me. Whoever that is. -Bob Dylan The Space Between Heartbeats - L/M AU vig http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28870280 !!11!1eleventy
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mara_jade_rox Registered: Jun '07	Date Posted: 7/22 5:30pm Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	Ah! I love it! Amazing fic! Mara and Luke were absolutely amazing! Nice write, path-seeker!! MJR -----signature----- What happens when everyone you love leaves? Do you waste your time grieving? Do you love others? Even when the don't love you? What happens?
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path-seeker Registered: May '08	Date Posted: 8/26 9:15am Subject: RE: A Sense of Belonging - L/M, the Solos - a belated Independence Day vignette
	Sorry these are so late. Gabri_Jade: I definitely have those weeks myself. I'm glad you found it again! Leia's reaction to Luke and Mara's engagement has been written a multitude of ways, but I personally think that she'd be most likely to react the way she does here, genuinely interested in and solicitous of Mara, taking pains to make Mara feel as at home as possible. IMO profic has always hinted at a camaraderie between Mara and Leia, if not a friendship. I think Leia would be thrilled to have a sister-in-law, and would treat Mara as such. As for Jaina, being "in the know" about the engagement would be a fun mother/daughter secret, something she wouldn't even tell her brothers. I think Leia wouldn't bother telling the boys merely because they wouldn't be as excited, not because they'd somehow spread the news all over Coruscant. I could be wrong, though. Good insight, for Mara to realize the import of Han and Leia's actions here. Thanks! All in all, quite a sweet vignette, and everyone feels very in character. I'm glad to have found it again. I'm glad you enjoyed this - thanks again for reading! mara_jade_rox: Mara and Luke were absolutely amazing! Nice write, path-seeker!! Thank you so much - glad you liked it! Thanks again for reading everyone! I really appreciate your feedback! -----signature----- Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. -Thoreau Vocatus atque non vocatus Deus aderit. *** The Memorial Grove, a Luke and Ben oneshot: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29052877/p1/
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