Jedi Council Forums - The Night Before- vignette, Beru

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Author	Topic: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
VaderLVR64 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 3/15/05 7:47am Subject: The Night Before- vignette, Beru - Date Edited: 3/20/08 7:03pm (1 edits total) Edited By: VaderLVR64
	Title: The Night Before Author: VaderLVR64 Characters: Beru Lars, Owen Lars, Luke Skywalker, Ben Kenobi Timeframe: pre-ANH Genre: Vignette, angst Keywords: Luke, Beru Summary: Beru contemplates what Luke must know and when to reveal the truth. The Night Before Beru lay in the darkness, listening to the soft sounds of Owen’s breathing beside her. He was not asleep. After so many years together she knew how he sounded when he slept. But for now he remained awake, and he was deeply troubled. She sighed quietly, knowing that his racing mind was reviewing the words that had been spoken at dinner. The conversation he had with Luke about the droids and Obi-Wan Kenobi. As usual, any discussion of the past would work its way around to Anakin Skywalker. Just as they always did, Luke’s eyes had burned with curiosity when his father discussed. She knew it drove Owen to distraction. But what boy is not curious about his father? Luke was almost a man, but not quite. That hole that existed where his parents should have been was endlessly fascinating to him. It was both understandable and frightening. She understood their feelings, both of them. Owen feared because he knew the truth and Luke was curious because he didn’t. One day they would have to reveal the horrible reality to him. She could only hope that when that day came Luke could forgive them and try to understand their reasons. Beru did not usually think of Luke’s parents. Most of the time, she was able to forget that someone else had carried Luke within her womb. Weeks and months would pass during which the unspeakable name of the father would not cross her mind. As the years passed, Luke became her son in every way that mattered. They were a family, their last names and blood were different, but that was unimportant in the face of love. Love had made them a family. But for Owen, the relief of forgetfulness did not come as easily. He remembered and he worried. He feared the powers that surely rested within Luke. He dreaded the possibility that the father would discover the existence of the son and come to claim him. Each day he woke up wondering, Will this be the day he finds us? He didn’t fear for himself so much; he left his own fate to the whims of the gods. He lived his life as best he could, and it was a hard and honest life. But he had always worried about her. It was one of the first things that had first endeared him to her, that protective streak. At times it was annoying, but usually it made her feel cherished and special. When they had accepted Luke into their hearts and their home, Owen’s need to protect had extended to Luke as well. How Luke chafed under that mantle of protection now! She could almost smile as she thought about it. He was typical of boys his age. He wanted to be set free to explore the galaxy on his own terms. And for most boys it was a good thing, a chance to see things beyond their realm of experience, do things they would never do again. But Luke was not most boys. A special danger lurked out there for Luke. He was unique, with special gifts that could bring him to the attention of those who must remain ignorant of the farmboy with his father’s impulsive spirit and mother’s reckless, loving heart. But keeping Luke on this farm would not change his destiny; she had accepted that long ago. It seemed odd, now that she considered it, how rarely she thought of his mother. Padmé, the former queen and senator, who had dared to love a Jedi and changed the course of galactic history in doing so. She owed it to Luke to tell him about her, the special and courageous woman who had given him life. It was yet another secret to be revealed in time. How would Luke take the news when they told him? It would have to be soon, she sensed it. His curiosity was becoming an ever more urgent need to know. Always, his thoughts seemed centered on him. It was as if his father called out to him, as if there was some bond between them that neither of them recognized yet. She often wondered if that was true. Was Anakin was somewhere out there, hidden by what he had become, just waiting for his son to save him? She laughed at herself then. She must be going crazy, to think that there was anything of Anakin left. They didn’t get much news here, but she had seen Darth Vader on the holos and she knew what he was capable of doing. Luke had a special role to play, and eventually he would face the father he had never met. She had known what the Jedi intended Luke to do from the day Obi-Wan had placed baby Luke in her arms. But she had put that thought away like an old letter bearing bad news. Out of sight and out of mind, she had ignored it for almost twenty years. Yet, here it was once more, stealing her sleep and peace of mind. She scolded herself for not having more faith in Luke. He had a good heart, and he would have to find a way to fulfill his destiny in the way that suited him. She wondered if the old Jedi realized that Luke might yet surprise them. Luke would not be led blindly to a predestined role. He would act according to his conscience, something she didn’t think that Ben realized yet. The truth would tear that tender heart in two, but she knew he would stand tall afterwards, and find a way to bear it. Her heart ached to think of Luke assuming that burden. He held his father in such high esteem that she wondered if he would be able to accept the truth. Only time would reveal the answer to that question. But there was hope, a secret hope that only a few beings in the whole galaxy knew existed. Luke was not alone… Beru sighed and turned over, sensing that her husband had fallen asleep at last. She would discuss it with Owen tomorrow. Perhaps it was time to unlock the secrets that held them all as prisoners. She would convince him, somehow, that they should include Ben in the conversation. She knew Owen would protest at first. But he had never been able to deny her anything if she said it was important to her. And this was important, not only to her, but to Luke. The time to cast aside the shroud of secrecy was now. She would tell Luke of the love shared between a young Jedi Knight and a senator from Naboo. She could share with him the story of a beloved mother left behind and a son who returned too late. Luke could finally be told of his own mother, who loved him enough to give him up, and that he was not alone. There was another Skywalker. Ben could explain about the Jedi and Anakin’s power. He could help Luke understand about the dark forces that claimed his father. She hoped that wise old man could find the right words, because she knew that she could not. Together, they would guide Luke through the troubled waters of his history. They would tell Luke the truth and hope that he could both understand and forgive. She hoped that he would understand that they had done everything to protect him and because they loved him. She closed her eyes and sought the peace that sleep would bring her. Tomorrow, everything would change. -----signature----- R.I.P John, Alex, Jason, and Christian Never forgotten Soldiers' Angels http://soldiersangels.org/ 2114 soldiers waiting for someone to care
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Kynstar Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 3/15/05 8:25am Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	Oh well done! Well done! Loved how you got into Beru's mind there! Poor thing... she always seemed to be a loving lady and caring as well. One can only fathom what she thought prior to that awful day Excellent job on the musings! -----signature----- Paddy sis to t_s & SarkaVrae/Master to hyperspace_police Member of Rebel Legion and Jedi Assembly (Kynstar Lans) Only thru fear, hatred, and pain will the true power of the Force be revealed. See stories/viggies in bio
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AnakinsHeir Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 3/15/05 9:57am Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	Hooray! A Beru vignette. I've always loved this character, and I think you've captured her sweet and generous spirit quite well in this piece! -----signature----- Let Me Go http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18359174/?2 Master to JediCallista_1_6_e54 A Mother's Wishes http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20272243/?0
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Knight_Dilettante Registered: Jul '02	Date Posted: 3/15/05 10:12am Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	Waaaa so sad considering what happened. In a way. It did always seem that Beru had a better understanding of what had to happen. This vignette makes one wonder what might have happened differently if they had told Luke what was going on sooner. Or if they had caught him before he headed out that day. KD -----signature----- An Improbable Mission (Qui/Mace) updated 10/16/05 http://doiop.com/Mission more in bio I'm so happy because I'm writing again!
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Layren Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 3/15/05 10:41am Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	Awwwwwwww that was so sad especially as we know what happened the next day and how Luke found out the truth -- awww. Great job!! Take another bow Kimberley! -----signature----- Proud Master to Ara-gon The Triad Chronicles http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/25934993/p1/?177 (OC's) Into Another Day http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/27926050/p1/?0 2008 Dear Diary Challenge I am Jinngerbread.
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Gina Registered: Jun '03	Date Posted: 3/15/05 1:08pm Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	You portrayed Beru so well here. You captured her loving nature and her understanding for Luke and his desires to know his heritage. Of course, knowing that she never got the chance to have that conversation with Luke makes this even more tragic. You truly did Beru's character justice with this viggie! -----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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DreamOfKenobi Registered: Jul '04	Date Posted: 3/15/05 3:11pm Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	That's so sad, especially considering what happens the next day. She never got a chance to explain to Luke! -----signature----- Counting the days 'til Episode III "What happens in the cave stays in the cave." "You're going to be the death of me..." We are the Vaders and we plan to take over the galaxy!
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 3/15/05 3:22pm Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	Magnificent VaderLVR and oh so sad. -----signature----- Feel so good, but I'm old 2000 years of chasing's taking it's toll
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DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 3/15/05 3:31pm Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	That was a wonderful rendition of Beru, very believable and poignant. -----signature----- "I feel like a more down-to-earth Pink 5 when I'm writing Leah. Same attitude, less lip gloss." ~Me on how to get in the right mindset for Twilight fanfic.
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Darth_Djinn Title: Retired Councilor Heart of the Alliance KC, MO FF Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 3/17/05 4:42am Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	I loved it. It was well put together and flowed very smooth! -----signature----- For Mirax80... MEOW!!! MRM '06 -- May the Goldenrod be with you always!!! Jacen Solo= Darth Schaduwen
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WhosScruffyLooking Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 3/17/05 6:13am Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	Beautiful! She understood their feelings, both of them. Owen feared because he knew the truth and Luke was curious because he didn’t. I loved this line. It expressed their difficulties in two simple sentences.
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Smuggler_Shidakis Registered: Jul '04	Date Posted: 3/17/05 6:57am Subject: RE: The Night Before- vignette, Beru
	Wonderfully done, and a beautiful look into Beru's head. It was made even more powerful, knowing that she died that next day before she could tell Luke anything. -----signature----- K/J = Dark Lady of the JCC \| Master to Darth-Wanderguard Adopter of Rosh_Penin Désolée, mon président est un idiot. Je n'ai pas voté pour lui.
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