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Author	Topic: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--Don't give up!)
EmilieDarklighter Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 3/19/05 9:01pm Subject: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--Don't give up!) - Date Edited: 7/24/06 11:44am (19 edits total) Edited By: EmilieDarklighter
	Here we go again! This is the sequel to Shades of Green on the Classic Fan Fiction boards. It begins before A New Hope, but most of it will take place during the Saga era. Interludes is actually a collection of short stories detailing the events between SoG 1 and SoG 3. The first was written by Gabri_Jade nearly a year ago, and here it is making it's debut. Shades of Green: Interludes Story One--Dreaming of Stars The stars were brilliant tonight. They always were, really. With its low moisture content, Tatooine had a perfect atmosphere for stargazing. Tonight, though, the sky sparkled as never before -- or so it seemed to Luke. Each star was so enticing. So many stars, so many planets. So many places to explore. But he wouldn't be the one doing the exploring. Luke sighed and pulled his thoughts back down to reality. The old dreams still tugged at him, true, but they had faded to a wistful yearning rather than the burning desire they had once been. He had matters of far more immediate concern to take care of now, and Luke found that he could accept the change with much less regret than he would have imagined. After all, if he had to choose between freedom and Mara, it was a very easy choice to make. The object of his musings stirred softly beside him, and Luke turned his head to peer through the darkness. "Mara? Are you still awake?" A quiet snort. "Why do you ask questions when you already know the answers?" Luke slid his hand swiftly across the bed to slap her side teasingly -- and yet gently, much more gently even than he would have done a scant few months ago. "It's called conversation, Mara." "Well, stop conversing and go to sleep," Mara said. "You work too hard to stay up this late." "So do you," Luke returned. "Are you feeling all right?" Mara sighed. "I feel strange," she said. Luke turned on his side to face her, pillowing his head on his arm. "Sick?" The starlight shone through the window brightly enough that Luke could see her silhouette as she shook her head. "No, not sick. Strange. Kind of sore and tired and stretched every which way. Just....strange. No one ever warned me what this would be like." Luke took her hand and squeezed it. What else was there to do? There were so many things that no one had warned them about. This was just one more. "I'm sorry," he said. "I'd help if I could." She squeezed his hand in return. "I know you would." "You could talk to Aunt Beru about it," Luke offered. "I know," Mara said again. "She's already talked to me a lot. But she hasn't done this herself, you know. She doesn't really know how it feels." "Yeah," Luke agreed. "Maybe the twins¡¯ mom, then, or Camie's?" "No," Mara said stubbornly, shaking her head again. "I don't want to talk to them." Luke decided it was better not to argue, at least not right now. Since her father's , Mara had seemed to turn her back on everyone she'd once cared for -- except him. Him, she clung to with a ferocity that managed to startle, please, and worry him all at once. As for Luke himself, he'd been devoted to Mara practically from their first meeting. At first that devotion stemmed from obligation; she was his responsibility, and Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru had always been stern on the matter of duty. It hadn't been long before he'd begun to genuinely care for her, though, and from there it was a short journey to the love he now felt. Mara was bright and capable and beautiful, and even if Luke had argued against his early marriage, he felt all the force of the good luck that had granted him such a wife. He lifted his arm, and Mara took the hint. She inched over to him, snuggling close. Luke wrapped his arm around her, drawing her even nearer. He could feel her rounded belly, swollen with pregnancy, and tried to stifle the quick wave of fear that washed over him. Life on Tatooine was difficult at best. To be only seventeen and have your own farm and wife -- and soon, child -- to care for meant that life could often become downright terrifying. It was a fear he knew Mara shared, though each tried to hide it from the other. The custom of arranged marriages was a trap, Luke often felt. Few of his childhood friends truly wanted to stay on Tatooine, after all. Most would have happily taken the first chance they had at any life nearly anywhere else. But if children were married off as young as possible and settled on their own not long after, they were irrevocably anchored to the bleak desert world. Weigh them down with responsibilities and they won't be able to flee, the way Luke still dreamed of doing. And an effective trap it was. Despite the fear and hard work, Luke loved Mara with all his heart, and would never willingly give her up. A sigh escaped him, causing Mara to thump his chest reprovingly. "I said go to sleep." "You'll be a good mother," Luke muttered. "You're sure bossy enough." Mara promptly whacked his side, much less gently than he'd smacked her. "Ouch," Luke said aloud for Mara's benefit, even though he knew she'd be able to feel through the Force that he was unhurt. She wasn't fooled for a moment, of course. "With you around, I might as well be taking care of two babies," she muttered. "Mara," Luke began, a horrifying thought suddenly springing to mind, "what if it's twins?" Mara caught her breath. "It's not. It can't be. The Force wouldn't be that cruel." "Maybe not," Luke said doubtfully. "Luke?" Mara whispered. Luke slid his hand up her back to tangle his fingers in her soft hair. "What?" "We're going to have a baby. We're really and truly going to have a baby." "It's weird, isn't it?" "This is beyond weird, Luke. Scary is more like it. Do you realize that we're going to be 'Mom' and 'Dad' to someone?" Luke paused to consider that new aspect. "I hadn't thought of it before." "Well, think about it, Daddy," Mara said acidly. "It won't be long before you start hearing that." "She'll go after you first, Mommy," Luke retorted. The baby chose that moment to kick hard enough that even Luke, pressed closely against Mara, felt it. A startled silence fell over them. Simultaneously, they each rested a hand on Mara's belly in time for another kick, then the baby quieted again. After a long moment, Mara asked softly, "What makes you think it's a ?" Luke shrugged, curving his arm around her back once more. "I don't know. Maybe it's not. But I'd rather have a ." "Hardly typical," Mara muttered. "You're supposed to want a son to help you out with the work, and to carry on your name." "You know better than that," Luke murmured. "You've always helped as much or more than any boy I know. And a name is only a name." "Mmm," was Mara's only response, but she did snuggle in a little closer. "Speaking of names, Mara..." "I know. If we don't pick one soon, someone else will pick for us." Mara shifted slightly in his embrace. "As though they have the right," Luke said quietly, unable to fully hide his resentment. "Legally s, married, on our own, and expecting a child and they still want to tell us what to do," Mara murmured. "Pushed us into all of it against our will, and then don't want to acknowledge what they've created," Luke muttered. "We're not going to let them get away with that, are we?" Mara asked playfully. "Not a chance," Luke agreed with a grin. It felt good to abandon all pretenses of maturity, even if it was only for a moment. "We need names, then," Mara said decisively. "Well, I was thinking --" "Dangerous habit, flyboy." "Would you stop that? I was thinking that if it was a boy, maybe we could name him Ben." Mara froze; it seemed to Luke that she even stopped breathing. "Just if you wanted to," he added, belatedly wondering if his suggestion had been a bad idea after all. "We don't have to." "No," Mara said suddenly. "No, I'd like that. But Luke, you don't have to do that for me --" "But I want to," Luke insisted. "He was a good man, and I thought it would mean a lot to you." "It does," she said softly. "It would have to Daddy too." Luke stroked her hair. "Then it's settled?" Mara nodded silently against him, her Force sense brimming with unspoken emotion. Luke remained quiet, allowing her time to compose herself. There were few things Mara disliked more than appearing vulnerable. Before long, she was able to add, "We still need a 's name," in a mostly steady voice. "You pick," Luke offered. "I picked the boy's name." He could feel her concentration, and then her flash of decision. "Katalyn." "Katalyn," Luke repeated. "That's pretty. Where did you get that?" "It's a language Daddy used to speak sometimes, when I was very little. I think it was my mother's native language. I don't remember very much of it, but I remember that word." She paused. "'Katalyn' means 'star'." Luke had been absentmindedly scanning the small patch of sky visible through the window as they talked, but these words drew his eyes quickly back to Mara's face. "What?" he whispered. "Star," Mara said again, softly. "Why --" "Oh, don't be dense, Luke," Mara said, but her tone was far gentler than her words. "That's where your heart is; where it always has been and always will be. You weren't born to be a farmer. You wouldn't still be on Tatooine if it wasn't for me. It's only fitting." Luke hugged her tightly. "We'll both leave someday, Mara. I promise. We'll find something better." "The three of us, remember?" Mara's words were nearly swallowed by her yawn. "Right." Luke sighed. How in the galaxy would he ever manage to get all three of them off planet in the first place, let alone find a way to support them all? "Stop worrying," Mara said, yawning again and nestling deeper into his arms. "If you don't get some sleep, you'll never be able to stay awake in the field tomorrow." "Yeah," Luke said softly. "You too." He held her closely, listening as her breathing gradually evened out and her Force sense quieted. Once he was certain that she'd finally succumbed to sleep, he let his own eyes close determinedly. Mara was right. The worry would still be there tomorrow anyway, waiting for him. For right now, it was enough simply to hold her, and to dream of stars. -----signature----- Master of Jedi_Emeritus Former Padawan of Gabri_Jade Little sister to Gabri_Jade and LadyPadme 25 Rules for Successful Writing http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/28400222/p1/?2
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Knight_Aragorn Registered: Jun '03	Date Posted: 3/19/05 10:13pm Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	It's great to see this up! I think I mostly lurked over on 'Shades of Green' but I really loved the story. It was beautifully written, and so original. I’m very glad you’ve decided to continue it, Emilie! I loved this chapter. It was very sweet and so sad at the same time. Becoming a parent is a huge responsibility to cope with, and to face it so young would be truly daunting. Luke's thoughts on having to set aside his dreams were beautifully articulated and incredibly poignant. The old dreams still tugged at him, true, but they had faded to a wistful yearning rather than the burning desire they had once been. Wonderful. Luke and Mara’s relationship is really well done here also -- so warm and playful, with a gentle undercurrent of sadness. And Luke’s thoughts on early marriages being a trap seemed to ring true -– I can really see them having such a custom on Tatooine. When life’s as harsh as it is in places like that, there isn’t a lot of room for childhood. To be only seventeen and have your own farm and wife -- and soon, child -- to care for meant that life could often become downright terrifying. It was a fear he knew Mara shared, though each tried to hide it from the other. So touching. And it would be terrifying, I’d imagine. "Oh, don't be dense, Luke," Mara said, but her tone was far gentler than her words. "That's where your heart is; where it always has been and always will be. You weren't born to be a farmer. You wouldn't still be on Tatooine if it wasn't for me. It's only fitting." Luke hugged her tightly. "We'll both leave someday, Mara. I promise. We'll find something better." "The three of us, remember?" Mara's words were nearly swallowed by her yawn. "Right." Luke sighed. How in the galaxy would he ever manage to get all three of them off planet in the first place, let alone find a way to support them all? This is a beautiful section, capturing them both so well. I can't wait to see where this story goes!
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RedGold Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 3/20/05 5:19am Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	Okay, this is a very interesting twist on things... Me like! -----signature----- Legend... Recluse... Forgotten... Will one day return... http://www.starwarsfanfic.com
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LaYa_ Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 3/20/05 5:55am Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	You posted the sequel! YES! Great chapter -----signature----- The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
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StarFighter5 Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 3/20/05 9:08am Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	Yea it's up! -----signature----- "I hope I slept with you to get the job. if not, then who the hell was that guy?" - Carrie Fisher "Now that I'm a pez and a lego, I shall want for nothing else." -Jeremy Bulloch "Thank you for going to the movies. Especially mine." - George Lucas
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Mirax-Jade Registered: Mar '03	Date Posted: 3/20/05 9:47am Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	Woohoo! I'm so excited about this one. And it's off to a great start! What a great first post. Babies! Mooooore babies![/ebaum's world] -----signature----- www.livejournal.com/users/wild_n_kayzie be still my heart, this could be a brand new start, with you www.milliways-bar.livejournal.com
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Jaina_and_Jag Registered: Apr '03	Date Posted: 3/20/05 10:28am Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	I love it! Really great beginning... but now you're making me wonder how they'll ever be able to get off that god-forsaken planet! We a kid, they won't be able to join up with the Rebellion as easily... although I do love the kid coming. Can't wait for more!
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Lady_Jade Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 3/20/05 11:14am Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	And the next part begins... Luke and Mara are gonna have a baby!! I love the name Katalyn...in fact, my name also means star. How in the galaxy would he ever manage to get all three of them off planet in the first place, let alone find a way to support them all? Don't worry Luke, things will work out. Or maybe the Force will bring a couple of droids to your farm...or are you planning something different for our couple?? -----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
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Jedi_Master_Mouf Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 3/20/05 2:23pm Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	its up! YAY! good post, I really can't wait to see what happens next. thanks for PM ~MOUF~ -----signature----- "You were my brother, Anakin, and I loved you"-Obi-wan cries http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/26311882/p1/?2 ^ My End a jedi who survied the intial part of the purge meets his end at vaders hands Links to fics in my profile as well
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padawan lunetta Registered: May '99	Date Posted: 3/20/05 2:43pm Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	Ooh cute start! SO glad this is up Em! Can't wait for more! -----signature----- Moldy Oldbie in search of a gimer stick. "Whoa, is my hair out?" Jacen\Jysella Forever!!!
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Senator_Leia73 Registered: Dec '03	Date Posted: 3/20/05 4:59pm Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	Yes! You started! Wonderful start. I cant wait for more -----signature----- Yeah I'm back. After a year I'm back.
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JAGSGURL15 Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 3/20/05 6:12pm Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	Awesome job Emilie! Glad u got this part up and going! -----signature----- Mush Queen of TKL's LOMIN ALE WRAITHS Living In DE'NILE i <3 JJ REDICK ~&NY YANKEES&~ (((DUKE BLUE DEVILS)))
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Daughterofflame Registered: Sep '03	Date Posted: 3/21/05 11:54am Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19) - Date Edited: 3/21/05 11:54am (1 edits total) Edited By: Daughterofflame
	Yay! It's up! jumps for joy I'm so happy! Great post, Em! I loved the way the dialogue seemed to fit not only the characters, but also the scene they were in. Oooh! I love babies! Yay! Me wants to bet they'll have twins. Hehe... The Force can be just that cruel, Mara. Anyway, great job! skips out of thread humming ~*~Austyn -----signature----- Master to BigFatty!:D Acts 5:41 http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=18095891 My Light, My Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=18473316 After Forever Pt 2 I'm going to say, "Merry Christmas!", thank you very much.
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RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 3/21/05 4:59pm Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19)
	It's great to see the sequel, Emmi. Nice job with the first post, Gabri. I loved the conversation between Luke and Mara. the names are nice too. -----signature----- Short Story: Pressure Point http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26961243/p1/?7 Jacen Solo and Anakin Skywalker - as it should have been. TFF: Cheryl
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EmilieDarklighter Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 3/27/05 2:45pm Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--First post by guest author Gabri_Jade on 3/19) - Date Edited: 3/27/05 2:49pm (3 edits total) Edited By: EmilieDarklighter
	Story Two--Downtime “It’s amazing,” Mara murmured to herself, arms crossed over her chest. “How one little girl can turn a grown man into a babbling idiot.” She groaned, throwing her hands to the heavens as she watched her husband attempt to feed their season-old daughter. Katalyn had always been a fickle eater, and today she seemed pickier than ever. She insisted on trying on each color of food before digesting it; when Mara, covered in muck, begged Luke for help, Luke only grinned and commented on his daughter’s artistic genius before dutifully taking over the job of feeding the child. Mara, having run through the sonics, felt decidedly cleaner, but no less irritable. She and Luke hadn’t spent any time alone in…well, in a season. And he seemed content to leave it like that, because attempting to feed Katalyn her mashed lilotubers was as amusing to him as it was to the baby. Luke was a terrific father. Mara just wished that he would remember to be a husband, too. I am not jealous of my own daughter. Luke suddenly looked up and smirked. Katalyn looked up too, but her mouth was too full to smirk, and so she just contented herself with burping loudly and then giggling at the sound. Luke smiled adoringly at her and Mara sighed, pulling up a chair next to them at the table. They did make quite a picture, the two of them. She smiled despite herself and ran a finger along Katalyn’s tiny nose. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Luke breathed. “I’ve never seen anything so tiny and perfect.” “You’ve seen her every day for the past season.” “I know. It still amazes me, though.” “Ma...ma...ma…” Luke chucked as Katalyn bumped his nose trying to reach for Mara. “Yeah, yeah, I know. Mommy’s girl and all that. Fine then. “ “Now who’s jealous, Farmboy?” Mara let the familiar wave of content wash over her as Katalyn tucked her blonde head into the crook of Mara’s neck. The little girl sighed contentedly and let one small fist rest on her shoulder while she stuffed the other one in her mouth. “She is beautiful.” “Just like her mother.” “You’re a sap, Skywalker.” Mara snapped the words out, but a faint blush tinged her cheeks nonetheless. “I just say what I see. And I see the two most beautiful girls in the galaxy.” Luke kissed Mara on the forehead. “I’m going to go shut the power down. Be back in a minute.” Mara smiled after him, letting her hand trace the length of Katalyn’s back. The baby was already deeply asleep, and Mara let herself be amazed at the warm weight of the tiny body she held in her arms. She hugged her daughter close and rocked back and forth. You amaze me too, kiddo. You scare the hell out of me, but you amaze me too. Some time later, when Katalyn was asleep in her nursery and Mara was in the kitchen cleaning up her daughter’s mess, Mara felt Luke’s presence drawing nearer. She brushed him warmly and she thought she felt a caress in response, but she wasn’t sure. When he finally reached her in the kitchen, she felt two strong arms draw her close around the waist and plant a soft kiss on the back of her neck. “Do you know what the best thing is about our little girl, Mara?” he murmured. “What?” With slow, deliberate movements, Luke grasped Mara by the shoulders and turned her to face him. He cupped her face with his hands, and then leaned his forehead against hers. “She exists because I love you more than anything. Don’t ever doubt that.” It amazed Mara that even though she and Luke had been married for three years, his kiss still invited her knees to buckle. His hands, threaded in her hair, pressed her mouth into his as gentleness gave way to insistence. This was the way it was meant to be. This was home; even if the three of them never got to leave Tatooine they would always have their love. “I was being a bit silly, wasn’t I?” Mara said after they broke apart, breathing heavily.. The corners of Luke’s mouth lifted, though his eyes still smoldered. “A bit. Though I can’t say that I blame you. I am irresistible.” “You’re incorrigible, that’s what you are.” Mara slapped his arm. “How long do you think we have before she wakes up?” “She has Skywalker timing, Mara.” “Right. Better make it quick then, Farmboy.” “As my lady wishes.” Mara grinned a cheeky grin, taking her husband’s hand and leading him into the bedchamber. “Oh, she wishes.” *** Just a bit of fluff before we really get the ball rolling. -----signature----- Master of Jedi_Emeritus Former Padawan of Gabri_Jade Little sister to Gabri_Jade and LadyPadme 25 Rules for Successful Writing http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/28400222/p1/?2
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Mirax-Jade Registered: Mar '03	Date Posted: 3/27/05 4:53pm Subject: RE: Shades of Green: Interludes (L/M AU--Updated on 3/27) - Date Edited: 3/29/05 5:08pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Mirax-Jade
	::sigh:: I love fluff. Especially L/M fluff! edited liek woah: First Post Yay! -----signature----- www.livejournal.com/users/wild_n_kayzie be still my heart, this could be a brand new start, with you www.milliways-bar.livejournal.com
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