| Author |
Topic:
Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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Myriad_Daydreams
Registered:
Jun '07
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Date Posted:
7/12 5:16pm
Subject:
Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
- Date Edited:
7/13 8:56am (3 edits total)
Edited By:
Myriad_Daydreams
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Title: Broken Crimson
Characters: Luke/Mara
Genre: Angst, romance
Summary: She held his hand.
Thank you divapilot & Irish for your help on this fic 
The battle was over.
They had won. From a certain perspective, at least.
Bodies of both sides lay strewn across the field, while blood and sweat permeated the air in a hot haze that could not be cooled. An uncertain silence had fallen upon the valley, both frightening and chilling in its power. Slight movement rustled on the hill, medical nurses and droids possibly, backup warriors for sure. It had been a ruthless, bloody battle.
From Luke’s point of view, neither had won; it was a single, gaping loss. Each body that lay on the grass represented a failure. Failure to communicate, failure to save, and failure to value all that the Force stood for—life.
It had not been rage that overcame him in those last fatal minutes. Nor was it anger or fear, just a simple drive to survive. Had he not fought back, death would have been unavoidable. And in those seconds before time stopped for all present, not even his lightsaber was useful against the onslaught. Instinct, his mind whispered. Not anger, not merciless killing. Only instinct to stay alive.
He was supposed to be above this sort of action.
Luke wearily glanced around, knowing there were hundreds who needed aid, but he found he contained no energy to carry on. He slumped down on a nearby piece of machinery. Once a transportation vehicle, now just a crumbled heap of metal.
His hands rose to cover his face in weary resignation, and the unexpectedly slick sensation of his palms touching his cheek jolted him out of his drowsy state. He lowered to look at them, and nearly emptied his meager breakfast onto the trampled earth.
His hands were covered in blood.
The horizon suddenly blurred and dizziness overcame him. Unable to rest his head on his hands and too weary to stand, he slumped forward until his nose was nearly below his knees. Posture and shielding emotions were completely inconsequential at this moment.
A familiar presence lightly brushed at the edge of his Force awareness, and his thoughts flew to Mara. Are you all right?
Behind you, farmboy.
Glancing to the side while barely moving his head, he caught a glimpse of his wife trekking over the nearby hill. He had not worried for her life; he would have felt it had she been killed or fatally wounded. She looked just about as bad as he felt, though her expression betrayed none of it. Emerald eyes blazed with a determination that never ceased.
She stood before him, surveying the landscape as he had done minutes ago. No words passed between them, and none were needed.
“Look at all of them,” he rasped after some time, not quite sure where he was going with his words. “So many of them, just tossed aside like reeds in the breeze…” He gestured with a wave of his hand to emphasize his point, then recalled the scarlet blood and lowered it silently. In an effort to stop himself from trembling, whether it be from fatigue or despair, he rubbed his hands together. They slid against one another easily, and Luke chose to ignore it, despite the churning, sloshing feelings in his gut.
Mara still did not reply, only coming to sit next to him on the crumpled vehicle, pressing her body close to his. He relished in the feeling, yet still unable to enjoy her company completely. He stopped his fidgeting, and held his hands out instead.
“Whose blood is this?” He turned his hands so they were palm down, slowly, as if examining a delicate piece of jewelry in a shop. “Mine? My enemies? My friends and colleagues?”
Mara answered him with silence. Then she did something Luke never imagined her doing in these circumstances. She reached out and took his hand.
Her roughened hands held numerous scars, calluses, and newly marked cuts, and she not even flinched at contact with the slick, bloody surface. She gripped his hand tightly, looking at him for a brief moment. If Luke closed his eyes he could almost picture they were at home in their apartment, alone, instead of here, bleeding and sweaty.
She squeezed once, and slowly rested her head on his shoulder.
She did not question or scold. She did not try to make it better, or tell him his guilt was wrongly felt. She did not hand mindless platitudes or reassurances. She was Mara, and she was simply there. She held his blood-caked hand, and spoke nothing, yet said so much.
They could not fix everything, nor could they expect much joy in their life. They had each other, and that was all that mattered.
Luke freed one hand from her grasp, and put it around her shoulder. Together they watched the smoldering plumes of smoke rise up from the nearby enemy base, the Force speaking volumes more than actual words could ever have communicated.
She held his hand when all was in despair.
-----signature-----
And if the answer is no / Can I change your mind? Bring on the drabbles: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29099025/p1/?12
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Irish_Jedi_Jade
Registered:
Jul '07
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Date Posted:
7/12 5:24pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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Myriad! Girl, you really outdid yourself this time. That was beyond amazing. The emotion, the unobtrusive way you dug right into Luke's head without him even flinching.....wow. I'm just sooooo in awe of your amazing talent. Its sooo beautiful, but so heartbreakingly raw and real. So many times we look at the numbers or the stats, but not at the people who died..the daddy's that don't go home because of some battle....so beautiful.
You're amazing girl! Keep it going, girl, glad the muse is back n' kicking!
Huggles,
 Irish
-----signature-----
Biology homework has me down...the only prescription is plot bunnies and more cowbell!!!
Let the dancing begin!!!!!!!
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divapilot
Registered:
Nov '05
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Date Posted:
7/12 5:59pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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She did not question or scold. She did not try to make it better, or tell him his guilt was wrongly felt. She did not hand mindless platitudes or reassurances. She was Mara, and she was simply there. She held his blood-caked hand, and spoke nothing, yet said so much.
They could not fix everything, nor could they expect much joy in their life. They had each other, and that was all that mattered.
I love this fic. What I like especially is that she doesn't try to gloss it over or justify or excuse what happened. She doesn't blame him or condemn him. What is done is done, and she will be there for the second part of this battle -- the one he will fight with his conscience.
This is such a mature way for them to handle any crisis.
You are talented, Myriad -- You have such a way of finding the insights that people your young age should only have learned through years of experience. Beautiful job!
-----signature-----
 Never tell me the odds. AKL "Beyond the Wall" http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28964433/p1/?6 The Society for Girls Who Like Things that Go Boom. (M. Corde, Pres.) "This is your badness level." ~ Lilo!
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walker-of-minds
Registered:
Oct '06
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Date Posted:
7/12 6:21pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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Well i'm speechless this was well WOW!
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KotOR_girl
Registered:
Jun '07
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Date Posted:
7/13 3:09am
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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Oh wow. 
She was Mara, and she was simply there
Beautiful!
-----signature-----
"You are *people* !" Zayne Carrick 
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Jade_eyes
Registered:
Aug '04
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Date Posted:
7/13 3:29am
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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I can't put into words how moving and SWEET this is--it speaks to their love and courage as warriors and as a team--Mara knows how to heal his depest hurts without a single syllable--foot I love her!!!  Myriad, you bring the reader into the depth of emotion with a gorgeous subtlety of expression--that one feels you must have been writing PROFESSIONALLY for YEARS!!!! Bravo and mega huggles!!!!!!
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DaenaBenjen42
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
7/13 10:04am
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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Wow... I loved this. Mara providing support with a touch and Luke being greatful that she's there. Wow.
Well done, Myriad. Well done. 
-----signature-----
"Say it with me now. Postcard. Zoo. Not. Shopping."
master to jackyyy17, micky-nikki & Trimaj
e-sis: BrightFeather & BrentusofGath
All cats are leopards after dark.
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dancing_star
Registered:
Feb '07
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Date Posted:
7/13 3:05pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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Wow.
Just wow.
Myriad, this was so beautiful, in a heartbreaking way. So VERY well done!
Luke freed one hand from her grasp, and put it around her shoulder. Together they watched the smoldering plumes of smoke rise up from the nearby enemy base, the Force speaking volumes more than actual words could ever have communicated.
She held his hand when all was in despair.
Such a gorgeous way to end it!! Loved it!!
-----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 ~~~ Drabbles!!  http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29148282/p1/?9
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TKeira_Lea
Registered:
Oct '02
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Date Posted:
7/13 4:46pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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I just loved this. The emotional bond between Luke and Mara was all unspoken but clearly expressed. Wonderful
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ginchy
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
7/13 5:31pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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Very powerful! That's exactly how I would picture Mara handling something like this--she's not one for empty words, and her actions speak more than words could, anyway. Great job showing the scene, and emotion.
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JediXManSerenaKenobi
Registered:
Jul '07
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Date Posted:
7/13 8:09pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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Wow, this was amazing!! The raw feeling you put into the story was spectacular. I loved it! Keep up the fantastic writing.
- Serena
-----signature-----
" 'Do you believe in God?' written on the bullet/
Say 'yes' to pull the trigger / And I will pull the trigger!"
Talon Intelligence Squadron Artist! Talons rule!
*Proud member of Wrenga Jixton's Virtual Blondies!*
Christian=follower of Savior Jesus Christ
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Jedi Trace
Title:
• SouthEast RSA
• Fan Fiction Manager
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
7/13 9:08pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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That was lovely, Myriad!
She held his hand when all was in despair.
And sometimes, that is all that can be done. Very insightful.
Such a beautiful and realistic portrayal of Luke & Mara. I loved it!!
-----signature-----
Captain of the Cade Brigade  “Light, dark – They are just directions. Do not be fooled that you stand on anything other than your own two feet.” ~ Shaak Ti, The Force Unleashed The Society for Girls Who Like Things that Go Boom
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Mira_Jade
Registered:
Jun '04
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Date Posted:
7/14 2:51pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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A very beautiful piece, Myriad. Touching, lyrical, with wonderful imagery and feeling. I can so see something like this happening, and your message is simple : "She held his hand." Because sometimes that's all you can do.
Wonderful, touching work.
Drats girl, you make me want to go and write something angsty now! 
~MJ
-----signature-----
I couldn't . . . I shouldn't . . . but I will!  "The Drabble Drop" http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=29101933&brd=10477 Force help us all. 
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Jaded_Girl
Registered:
Aug '01
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Date Posted:
7/14 3:58pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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*standing ovation* THIS... IS... AWESOME!!!
It is so perfect! It's not sweet or sentimental, it's not trite or cloying.
What it is, is perfectly their relationship. It captures the strength and support that they have together. The "come hell or high water" that defines them, and the acceptance without sympathy. I especially like the part She did not question or scold. She did not try to make it better, or tell him his guilt was wrongly felt. She did not hand mindless platitudes or reassurances. She was Mara, and she was simply there. She held his blood-caked hand, and spoke nothing, yet said so much.
Also I really loved Luke's reactions to the blood on his hands. It's so REAL, the little physical things that affect us so strongly and unexpectedly, like the unlooked-for slickness of his hands on his face. Oh, how I loved that!
Keep up the fabulous work!
-----signature-----
L/M since reading HttE in '96.
Anchor . . . we need an anchor . . . say Zel, how much do you weigh? ~Lina, Slayers Next
Batman: Ingenious.
Superman: Yeah, I'm impressed. Let's go wreck it. ~Starcrossed
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Gabri_Jade
Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
7/14 7:17pm
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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I like the gritty realism of this, but more than that, I think you nailed Luke and Mara's characterization, both individually and together. That's exactly how they are, facing all challenges and horrors together. It doesn't fix everything, and they both know it - but it makes the bad a little more bearable. Nicely handled.
-----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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Jixa
Registered:
Jun '08
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Date Posted:
7/15 8:49am
Subject:
RE: Broken Crimson -- Luke/Mara oneshot, angst/romance
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That was beautiful. I love how you expressed the depth of Luke and Mara's bond so poetically. You nailed it well, and whether or not it was a conscious choice (I think it was), I thought it was very appropriate not to have dialogue. It made the actions and emotions a lot more powerful.
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