Jedi Council Forums - Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 6 of 7

Locked Topic | Read Only Topic | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - ~~Previous~~ | Next | Reload

Author	Topic: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 6 of 7
Kelli_LB Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 6/20/07 3:23pm Subject: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 6 of 7 - Date Edited: 2/6/08 3:52am (17 edits total) Edited By: Kelli_LB
	Title: "Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary" Author: Kelli_LB Timeframe: Post ROTS AU Characters: Luke, Leia, Owen, and Beru Genre: Drama, Short Story, Series of Vignettes Disclaimer: I own nothing, Lucas owns everything; I'm just playing with his creations. I promise I'll put them back where they belong when I'm finished. Summary: What if Luke and Leia were both raised by Owen and Beru Lars? This seven-part AU series focuses on various moments of their daily lives as they grew up on Tatooine. Note: This is unlike anything I've written, it's not one cohesive story, but it's a series of vignettes. PM List: G__Anakin Leia_Sith_Lady VaderLVR64 Feng_Huang KELIA VA_Parky aelie MarasFire Laine_Snowtrekker padawan_learner86 dancing_star Chapter 1: The Republic was dead; the great governing body that united trillions of beings over thousands of light years had fallen. It had not been conquered in a huge military campaign. There were not masses of brave citizens giving their lives in the noble final defense of their way of life. Only in fantastic tales and youngling stories did great civilizations end in such a manner. Instead, the great Republic rotted from the inside out. No one knew when it had begun; but it was clear that it had begun to fall many generations ago. Despite the actions of a few brave souls, the end was almost inevitable. When it did come, the grand and mighty Republic ended with a whimper. Democracy became a burden for generations who had known no other way of life; it became passÃ© and was shuffled off as one would throw out last season's fashions. The corruption in the government made things worse. Politicians gave promises and broke them almost immediately. No one expected any better; cynicism ruled the day. Beings all over the Republic were tired of caring for a government that seemed to be above the laws that they were creating. When Palpatine offered to lead them to a new form of government, one not mired in corruption, the vast majority of the Republic blindly followed. Their new ruler would take away the burden of democracy. The tough decisions would no longer be theirs to make. It would only be later, after their seemingly benevolent ruler dug his hooks into the lives of all, when it would be realized what they had brought upon themselves and their children. But that day was far from coming, the new Empire was now in the throws of celebration. In the vast blackness of space, a lone ship contained few of the only souls in the galaxy that knew what truly ruled the galaxy. "To exile, we must go." "What about the children, should we separate them to keep them from the Sith?" Obi-Wan Kenobi asked. Master Yoda closed his eyes and searched the Force for an answer, "No, separate them, we should not. Grave injustice that would be." The other Jedi was surprised, "I don't understand, what if Darth Sidious finds them?" "Stronger together, they are." Even though he had many misgivings about Yoda's decision, Obi-Wan accepted it, "All right, but one of us should watch over them, I will do that." Yoda nodded in agreement, "To Tatooine you should take them, to their family." Obi-Wan was again surprised by the decision, but could understand the logic behind it. Tatooine was far from the new Empire. While it was certainly not out of the Sith Lord's reach, it was no more or less dangerous than anywhere else. He would not raise them himself but would not be far away from Anakin's twins should something happen. When the time came, he would train them to be Jedi. They were the only hope for the galaxy--the only hope to end the reign of the Sith. Until then, Luke and Leia Skywalker would live a dull, tough, but very ordinary life on Tatooine with no knowledge of their part in the grand scheme of the Force--he almost envied them. To Be Continued... -----signature----- Winner of the 2007 Saga Fanfic Awards for Best Villain. The Legacy: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/248894 "I'm babbling on about galactic prostitution...and that's not why you're here! You're here for battle." --The Knudson Menace
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
G__Anakin Registered: Apr '06	Date Posted: 6/20/07 3:25pm Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised together on Tatooine: Part 1 of 7
	Wow! Looks cool! Are PMs offered? If so, can I have them? -----signature----- Master to tahiriveilax - - - My fanfic - - - Fate of the Jedi - Abyss : http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/30246540/p1/ Yeah, I used the real title for the next book. Beware Omen Spoilers.
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Leia_Sith_Lady Registered: Nov '06	Date Posted: 6/20/07 3:30pm Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised together on Tatooine: Part 1 of 7
	Wow. This is going to be GREAT. [white_rabbit_voice] I can't wait, I can't wait, for a very important date. [/white_rabbit_voice] If you're having a PM list, can I be on it too? -----signature----- You must begin by gaining power over yourself; then another; then a group; then and order a world, a species, a group of species . . . finally the galaxy itself. -Darth Plagueis School Started --- September 5, 2007 at 6:55 Nooooo!!! Why ME!!
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
VaderLVR64 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 6/20/07 3:39pm Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised together on Tatooine: Part 1 of 7
	A great start! Not surprising at all! Please put me on your PM list! -----signature----- R.I.P John, Alex, Jason, and Christian Never forgotten Soldiers' Angels http://soldiersangels.org/ 2114 soldiers waiting for someone to care
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 6/20/07 6:04pm Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised together on Tatooine: Part 1 of 7
	I love stories where the twins are raised together. -----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
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Feng_Huang Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 6/21/07 12:04pm Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised together on Tatooine: Part 1 of 7
	Loved the idea. Would you add me to the PM list, please? -----signature----- "Then my father is truly dead. But I carry his name, and he will live inside of me for as long as I'm still here. If you want to destroy him, you'll have to destroy me with him Daddy gave me a name, by Starr
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
KELIA Title: The Pretty in Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 6/21/07 1:06pm Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised together on Tatooine: Part 1 of 7
	Ooohhh very intriguing beginning I love the idea of Luke and Leia being raised together. I'm sure they will be stronger being together. Please add me to the PM list for this. Looking forward to more -----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 NaNaWriMo Progress: 32,105
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Kelli_LB Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 6/21/07 2:55pm Subject: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 2 of 7 - Date Edited: 6/21/07 3:08pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Kelli_LB
	I got this next part finished early, so I decided to go ahead and post. I wanted to thank everyone for reading, I hope you enjoy the rest. G__Anakin: Yes, PMs are offered and you shall receive. Thank you for the reply. Leia_Sith_Lady: Wow. This is going to be GREAT. I certainly hope so, thank you for the faith you have in me. You are added to the PM list. VaderLVR64: Thank you for the kind words, you are added. RebelMom: I love stories where the twins are raised together. It is an interesting scenario to think about. How different would they, especially Leia would have been. Feng_Huang: You are added, I hope you like the rest. KELIA: I really appreciate your reply, you are added to the PM list. I hope you are not disappointed. Chapter 2: Beru recalled how her mother used to go on about the "terrible twos." Any woman who gave birth to six children would know the phenomenon well. She loved to warn her daughter that normally sweet and calm babies would turn into terrors around the time they turned two years old. For most of her life, Beru believed her mother had only engaged in hyperbole. For the last few months, the Tatooine housewife realized how wrong she was and how right her mother was. Luke and Leia were excellent infants. Both twins were cheerful, curious, and loving. However, around the time of their second lifeday, their disposition changed. It was almost driving the young woman to distraction. Still, Beru Lars deeply loved her niece and nephew and delighted in caring for them. She knew eventually this rough period would pass and she would have her darling babies back again. Luke and Leia were a gift from the Maker himself; of that she was sure. Sometimes when she watched them sleep Beru could not help but tear up thinking about the twisted and broken path that brought these treasures into her and Owen's life. The two children were similar in some ways; both very curious and intelligent. However, they were also wildly different in others. Their colorings were almost opposite of each other. Luke was fair haired with bright blue eyes and Leia's hair was dark with brown eyes. Sometimes it took Beru's breath away how much the girl resembled their grandmother Shmi. Owen had not missed the resemblance. Sometimes Beru would catch him staring at the small girl with misty eyes. Temperament wise, the twins were also different. Luke was much quieter than his sister. Leia had a powerful temper and had, on more than one occasion, let loose tantrums that would nearly shake the walls of the small hovel with her screaming. Leia had just finished one such tantrum after refusing to lay down for her nap. It took much coaxing, but finally both twins were sound asleep. As she prepared the family's evening meal, Beru was surprised to see her husband come into the hovel. "You're here early; is something wrong?" Owen did not answer; instead he continued into the home and sat down at the kitchen table. Frightened by what her husband's silence could mean, Beru immediately abandoned what she was doing and sat across from him. "Tell me what's wrong." "I ran into Kenobi in Anchorhead." Beru sighed; Ben Kenobi was not her husband's favorite person. "Someday you're going to have to get over whatever it is you have against him." Ignoring his wife's gentle chiding, he continued, "He gave me some news." Something in the even tone of Owen's voice frightened her. While his body was there, it appeared that his mind was light years away. "What news?" "Luke and Leia's father is alive." "Anakin's alive!" Ben had told them that Owen's stepbrother had been killed in the aftermath of the fall of the Republic. He never went into specifics, but she knew from his demeanor while talking about it that he had died horribly. "Ben said that..." "Well, he was wrong!" He interrupted sharply. "He survived." "There's more, isn't there?" Owen nodded, "Oh yes, much more. I guess in the interest of full disclosure that wizard decided that he needed to finally tell us." "Is Anakin looking for his children?" Beru asked hesitantly. She loved the twins more than anything and did not want to have them taken away. "You'd better pray to that Maker of yours that he isn't." Something about his tone sent shivers down her spine, "What is it?" He sighed; it appeared to Beru that he did not even want to utter what he had learned. "Anakin Skywalker is now known as Darth Vader." "What!" Beru did not know how to respond to something so preposterous. "I can't believe this." "Trust me, I wish it wasn't true." Owen shook head in revulsion, "Kenobi knew what he had become, but didn't know that he had survived." "When did he find out?" "I don't know, I think it's been a while. He only now decided to tell us." The anger and betrayal was evident in her husband's voice. "He must have had his reasons." "Well he sure didn't tell me any of them!" Beru lightly touched her husband's arm. "Owen, calm down, you'll wake the twins." His anger seemed to dissipate somewhat. "What are we going to do?" "I can't believe that Anakin and Darth Vader are the same. We met him, remember?" Owen nodded, "Yes, do you also remember what he did to the sandpeople?" Beru could not forget it. While she had not seen the aftermath of his attack and destruction of the entire Tusken camp, she remembered hearing her husband and father-in-law speak about it. Anakin had apparently killed every Tusken, even the children, with his lightsaber. While no one grieved over the deaths of sandpeople, the community was shaken by the sheer brutality of the act. It did not seem like something a Jedi would do. "What happened?" "I don't know, Kenobi wouldn't tell me." "Does he...does he know about Luke and Leia?" More than anything else, Beru feared the answer to that question. "Kenobi doesn't think so; if he did, he would have come for them already." "What do we do?" Beru asked again. "I'll die before he touches them." Owen vowed. "They're our responsibility to protect, and that means protecting them from their father. He'll have to step over my dead body to get to them." Beru reached out and grasped her husband's hand from across the table, "And mine too." Owen sighed, "There's another thing, Kenobi wants them trained as Jedi when they're older." "What!" "He seems to think that they are the only ones who can restore peace to the galaxy, or some such nonsense." Owen got up and began to pace the small confines of the kitchen. "I told him what he could do with his Jedi training and that he wasn't getting near them!" "What did he say?" "Oh, he just continued on with it, saying that we can't deny them their destiny and I said, 'What destiny, to die just like the rest of the Jedi?'" Beru began to cry softly. "He wants to train them to kill their own father?" "Yeah, nice guy, isn't he?" Beru ignored her husband's sarcasm, "What if he's right? What if they are the one who can bring down the Empire?" The thought was almost unbearable. "I don't care; I'm not going to let him near them. Besides, the Empire is far from here." Owen came over to his wife and pulled her into a tender embrace, "We'll be OK, Kenobi doesn't think he'll come back to Tatooine." "It's just not fair; children should not have to bear this kind of burden." "If I have anything to say about it, they never will." "Owen, what are we going to tell them when they ask about their father?" He paused to consider, "I don't know, navigator on a spice freighter? What do you think?" "You want to lie to them?" "Some lies are kind, Beru. Do you want to tell them that their father is a murderous machine that has the blood of countless thousands dripping from his gloved hands?" Beru shook her head as tears continued to flow, "No, I don't." To Be Continued... -----signature----- Winner of the 2007 Saga Fanfic Awards for Best Villain. The Legacy: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/248894 "I'm babbling on about galactic prostitution...and that's not why you're here! You're here for battle." --The Knudson Menace
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Leia_Sith_Lady Registered: Nov '06	Date Posted: 6/21/07 6:34pm Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 2 of 7 - Date Edited: 6/21/07 6:35pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Leia_Sith_Lady
	First off, I'd like to say... this exceeds my high expectations. "They're our responsibility to protect, and that means protecting them from their father. He'll have to step over my dead body to get to them." This is soo sad. This should never happen. "He wants to train them to kill their own father?" Bad Kenobi, Bad. Do this you should not. Luke and Leia were excellent infants. Both twins were cheerful, curious, and loving. However, around the time of their second lifeday, their disposition changed. It was almost driving the young woman to distraction. Now why would they do that? Leia had a powerful temper and had, on more than one occasion, let loose tantrums that would nearly shake the walls of the small hovel with her screaming. I bet after finding out that her father not only killed the Sandpeople but is also Vader should make them worry a bit about this. "Some lies are kind, Beru. Do you want to tell them that their father is a murderous machine that has the blood of countless thousands dripping from his gloved hands?" Beru shook her head as tears continued to flow, "No, I don't." And when they find out... you will have an angry (Leia) and an upset (Luke) highly Force-sensititive problem to deal with. Don't do it! Post another soon please. Edit: first response!! -----signature----- You must begin by gaining power over yourself; then another; then a group; then and order a world, a species, a group of species . . . finally the galaxy itself. -Darth Plagueis School Started --- September 5, 2007 at 6:55 Nooooo!!! Why ME!!
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 6/21/07 7:18pm Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 2 of 7
	Owen and Beru were good choices for parents. They'll keep the twins grounded. It will be interesting seeing how different Leia might be, and Luke for that matter since he has a sibling. -----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
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
KELIA Title: The Pretty in Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 6/22/07 3:53am Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 2 of 7
	I loved Owen and Beru's vow to protect Luke and Leia with their own lives...perhaps it won't come to that is this fic? "It's just not fair; children should not have to bear this kind of burden." That's certainly the truth. Luke and Leia have a terrible burden on their shoulders but Owen should know better than to think he can keep them from their destinies. I don't blame him for trying, though. Great update -----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 NaNaWriMo Progress: 32,105
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Feng_Huang Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 6/22/07 6:21am Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 2 of 7
	Leia had a powerful temper and had, on more than one occasion, let loose tantrums that would nearly shake the walls of the small hovel with her screaming. Awwwwwwww, she sounds so cute As for Jedi training, bad, Kenobi, very bad. Dialogues between Beru and Owen were great -----signature----- "Then my father is truly dead. But I carry his name, and he will live inside of me for as long as I'm still here. If you want to destroy him, you'll have to destroy me with him Daddy gave me a name, by Starr
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
VA_Parky Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 6/22/07 6:53am Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 2 of 7
	Yay! Another story from Kelli - and just like all the other stories of yours that I've had the pleasure of reading, the premise is richly unique!!! Needless to say, I am loving every single word. I adore the way you write Owen and Beru. Their fierce protectiveness of the twins shines through with every breath they take. I really do believe they would do anything - even sacrifice themselves - to keep those babies safe. I suppose it's a good thing that Obi-Wan told them the truth. But what a burden to bear! What a wonderful story this is! Please, please put me at the top of the PM list. I don't want to miss an update!! Bravo! -----signature----- Currently on hiatus Awash in Broken Promises (RotS AU): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23913704/p1/ Our 1st - Matthew - arrived 1/1/08
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
G__Anakin Registered: Apr '06	Date Posted: 6/22/07 7:30am Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 2 of 7
	Great job! -----signature----- Master to tahiriveilax - - - My fanfic - - - Fate of the Jedi - Abyss : http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/30246540/p1/ Yeah, I used the real title for the next book. Beware Omen Spoilers.
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
aelie Registered: Mar '03	Date Posted: 6/22/07 8:47am Subject: RE: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 2 of 7
	This is certainly a fascinating premise! I like what you've done with it so far. Can you please add me to your PM list? -----signature----- "To make light of a burden is to make the burden light." \|\|Dark Lady of the DLC\|\| - \|\|www.darklordscouncil.com\|\|
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Kelli_LB Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 6/23/07 6:27am Subject: Fragments of a Life Most Ordinary - Leia and Luke are raised on Tatooine: Part 3 of 7
	Leia_Sith_Lady: First off, I'd like to say... this exceeds my high expectations. Thank you. I bet after finding out that her father not only killed the Sandpeople but is also Vader should make them worry a bit about this. Well, it might give them pause occasionally. Thank you for reading and for the great reply. RebelMom: Owen and Beru were good choices for parents. They'll keep the twins grounded. I always thought they would have been. While Owen might not have been the most affectionate caregiver, he always seemed like someone who would go to hell and back to protect someone he loved. KELIA: That's certainly the truth. Luke and Leia have a terrible burden on their shoulders but Owen should know better than to think he can keep them from their destinies. I don't blame him for trying, though. I wouldn't blame him either. You have to understand his perspective. He knows very little of the Jedi and the Sith. All he knows is that Anakin was a Jedi and he became a monster. I can see why he tried to keep Luke away from Obi-Wan. Thank you for the reply. Feng_Huang: Awwwwwwww, she sounds so cute For some reason, I always thought Leia would have been a difficult baby. Thank you for reading. VA_Parky: Yay! Another story from Kelli - and just like all the other stories of yours that I've had the pleasure of reading, the premise is richly unique!!! Needless to say, I am loving every single word. Thank you, I'm glad you found it. I suppose it's a good thing that Obi-Wan told them the truth. But what a burden to bear! That is true, they did need to know just in case something happens, but if I were them, I don't know if I would want to know. Thank you for the great review. G__Anakin: Thank you for reading. aelie: This is certainly a fascinating premise! I like what you've done with it so far. I'm glad you like it. I've never ran into many stories where both twins were raised on Tatooine. So, I thought I'd write one to explore such a scenario. Thank you for reading. Chapter 3: Leia loved the dawn. Unlike her twin, who preferred the sunset, one of Leia's favorite activities was to rise early and watch the binary suns come to life over the parched desert. Her aunt and uncle knew about Leia's habit; and had given the eight-year-old girl the job of powering up the homestead for the day and starting breakfast for the family. After early morning chores, Leia came up out of the hovel to witness one of the most incredible sunrises that she had ever seen. She was nearly dumbfounded by the sight of it. The twin suns ruled the lives of all who called Tatooine home; those who refused to respect their power did not last long. However, unlike most, Leia never saw the suns as harsh and vicious gods that lorded over the lives of all who toiled under them. She viewed them as the great levelers. Everyone on Tatooine--slave or free, moisture farmer or smuggler, were all equal under their powerful glare. In the dawn, even the normally dreary Lars homestead did not seem as lifeless. The desert sands sparkled and in the distance, Leia could see the condensation that had formed on the moisture vaporators. She grinned in anticipation of what that sign indicated--mushrooms. She immediately wanted to run to collect them. Her aunt's mushroom stew was her favorite meal. However, she had been forbidden to wander off alone by her uncle. Leia scoffed inwardly, he was always too overprotective with her. He let Luke do almost anything but treated her like she would break. Leia was determined to show them that she was just as good as Luke and was not a baby. Besides, it was not like the vaporators were very far; and it was too early for anything dangerous to be out. Taking one final glance at the homestead, Leia set out on her mission. Ignoring all internal warnings that what she was doing was dangerous, she quickly made her way to the first vaporator. Nothing was there. Disappointed, Leia went to the next one, it had a few good specimens that were perfect for Aunt Beru's stew. She was thrilled that she could finally help out, and be useful. She knew her caregivers would be so proud. Vaporator after vaporator yielded a good crop and Leia quickly filled her bag. Looking up, she then noticed that she was very far from the homestead. She had never been this far away by herself. She saw nothing but desert all around her; all the markings of the Lars Homestead were impossible to see. Leia realized in horror that she had no way of telling which direction was home. Panic set in almost immediately. Growing up in the desert, she knew what happened to those that got lost in the sand. Leia's heart was gripped with fear as she tried to remember which direction she came from. I don't know! I wasn't paying attention! Tears began to stream down the girl's face as her throat became parched with thirst. While the Tatooine nights were cold and the early mornings were still fairly cool, the twin suns quickly turned the landscape into an oven. Suddenly, Leia heard something near her. Relief flooded her for a moment until she realized that the sound did not come anything human. She heard a terrible wail that echoed throughout the area. The child panicked thinking that she was being attacked by a wild animal. What happened next made her wish it was an animal. Without warning, Leia was hit by a large stick; just hard enough to knock her to the ground. Crying with the sudden pain in her back, she looked up to see the most hideous creature standing over her. It was a Tusken Raider. Growing up in a moisture farmer household, Leia had heard of the sandpeople; but never seen them up close. When she asked what they were like, her uncle would only respond by saying that they were "monstrous." She did not understand then, but Leia certainly understood now what he meant. The next thing she knew, she was surrounded by four sandpeople and was picked up and dragged along by two of them. She screamed as loud as she could, but feared that no one could hear her. Leia did not know where these creatures were taking her, but she understood that very bad things awaited her there. As she was carried, another wail was heard; much different than the last one. Leia had never heard such a noise, but realized that whatever it was, it frightened her captors. She was released and fell on the sand as the Tuskens ran. While Leia was happy to be away from the sandpeople, she knew she did not want to meet the thing that would terrify monsters. Too exhausted and emotionally spent to run, the girl remained on the ground hoping that this new creature would not see her. She closed her eyes wishing that this was all a dream. Suddenly, Leia felt a gentle hand on her arm. She opened her eyes to find the kind face of Ben Kenobi staring at her. The relief began a flood of fresh tears. The desert hermit was known in the Lars household. Leia never remembered a time when she did not know the kindly man that lived near their homestead. She had seen him many times, usually in Anchorhead when they were in town to buy supplies. Despite her uncle's outright hostility toward him, Ben was always kind to them. She flung her arms around him, "They were going to take me away. I couldn't run from them. I was lost and I didn't know where to go." Ben held the hysterical girl for a few moments and allowed her to cry. "How did you get so far from your homestead?" "Mushrooms, they were growing on the vaporators. I wanted to surprise Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen." He wiped the girl's tears with the corner of his cloak, "I imagine you did surprise them, they must be frantic searching for you." Leia lowered her head in shame, "I'm sorry, I just wanted to show them that I'm not a baby and can do things." "I'm sure you did, but if I wasn't here…" Ben did not finish his thought, but Leia understood completely. "I just wish I wasn't so little!" The desert hermit grasped her hands and stared at her with an intensity that she had never seen from him, "Please Leia, don't try to grow up so fast. Relish the little time you have to be a child, it will be over much sooner than you think." This was not the first time she had heard the same sentiment from other adults, but it always seemed to be given in jest. Ben's eyes were filled with anguish; as if he knew some horrible truth that he could not dare speak. Leia suddenly wanted nothing more than to go home. "I have to get back." Ben smiled and rose to his feet, "Yes, you should get back." With little conversation, the two made their way back to the Lars Homestead. Leia was greeted immediately by the loud cry of her aunt. Beru ran to the girl and enveloped her in a hug, "Leia! By the Maker, where have you been? We've been looking for you everywhere!" Leia could see that her aunt had been crying, and she felt even more guilty. "I'm sorry." "I'm just happy you're home. Your uncle and Luke are frantic." More tears fell, "I got lost." Beru once again embraced her niece, "Don't you do that again." "I won't." The sound of an approaching speeder was heard in the distance. Leia cringed inwardly knowing that she was about to receive an earful; but it was a small price to pay. She deserved much worse for putting them through this. The speeder barely had time to stop when Owen jumped out and ran to the girl, "How long have you been back?" "She just arrived, only moments ago," Beru interjected. He knelt down on one knee until he was eye level with the girl, "What in blazes were you doing?" "Mushrooms...I wanted to surprise everyone." A look of horror crossed her uncle's face, "Mushrooms." He uttered the word as if it was a curse. His hands even began to shake slightly. "What was it that I told you? Do not leave the homestead!" Leia had seen her uncle angry before, but never to this degree. He had never screamed at her like this. She knew that he would never hurt her, but the intensity of his emotions made her want to hide. Ben, who had thus far kept his distance from the Lars family, stepped up, "She made a mistake; one that will never be repeated." Owen stood to his full height. It was no secret that he did not like the desert hermit, but the anger in his eyes when her uncle stared him down was something new. "Get off my property! You know you are not allowed here." Beru moved to stand between the two men, "Owen, he brought her home, we should be grateful." Leia did not want to interject, but she felt that something needed to be said. It was not fair for her uncle to lash out against this nice man, "Uncle, he saved me. I was attacked." Both of them were surprised, "What do you mean?" "Sandpeople, they tried to..." The girl trailed off, not wanting to say the words for fear that talking about the creatures would make them return. Sensing her fear, Luke, who had stayed quiet thus far, went over to his twin and put his arm around her as a gesture of comfort. Beru began to weep even more, "What did they do?" "They were attempting to take Leia back to their camp." Ben answered. Owen muttered under his breath, "Shmi." It was a name Leia had never heard before. She looked up at him and saw an odd expression on his face. He was angry, but his lip was also quivering slightly. In her eight years, the girl had never seen her uncle with tears in his eyes. It was very disconcerting. Without another word, Owen went inside, leaving the rest of the family with Ben Kenobi. Beru turned to him, "Thank you so much for saving Leia." He smiled and gave a formal bow, "It was my pleasure." "I'm sorry about Owen, he's..." She trailed off. "I know; I understand." Ben then turned his attention to the twins. "It's good to see you two again. I wish it were under better circumstances." Leia did not know what to say. She felt very guilty for being the cause of such turmoil. She looked down to see the full bag of mushrooms that she was still holding; such a large price was paid for so little a prize. That evening, Aunt Beru did make mushroom stew, but to Leia, it was tasteless. Her uncle only took two bites and refused to eat any more. After dinner, Luke was sent to bed early. The girl knew that her punishment was coming; but was not dreading it. She felt she deserved it, and wanted to get it over with. With Beru looking on, Owen began hesitantly, "Leia, we need to talk about what happened this morning." "Yes Sir." "You broke the rules." Leia nodded, "I did." "Tatooine is dangerous; that's why those rules were made." Owen sighed, "You saw what could have happened." Remembering the monstrous sandpeople, tears came to Leia's eyes. "They were trying to kidnap me." "They hate the settlers and delight in torturing any of them that they find," Owen stopped as anguish again crossed his features. "Especially females." "I understand." Her uncle shook his head, "No, you don't; and I hope with everything in me that you never will." He then took a deep breath, "So, here's what's going to happen. Your aunt will have extra chores for you to do for the next week." He then looked over to Beru, "Also, let me make this clear, neither of you are to go hunting mushrooms ever again. If I see any on the vaporators, I'll get them myself." The only time they could be picked was early morning and her uncle was never near the vaporators at that time. There would never be any more mushrooms on the table. Leia did not mind, she never wanted to eat another one again. "Go to bed, you have a busy day tomorrow." Leia got up from the table and started toward her room; she then stopped and turned around. A question was still burning in her mind. "Uncle Owen, who is Shmi?" "Someone we lost, long ago." To Be Continued... -----signature----- Winner of the 2007 Saga Fanfic Awards for Best Villain. The Legacy: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/248894 "I'm babbling on about galactic prostitution...and that's not why you're here! You're here for battle." --The Knudson Menace
	Locked Topic \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - ~~Previous~~ | Next | Reload