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Author	Topic: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) - Completed - Replies 9/29
ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 5/31 7:42am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance Challenge - Updated 5/29
	Rigil_Kent - Keen! I didn't realize until this chapter that the Skywalkers were unaware of their familial relationship, or at least Luke is ignorant of it. Though it seems Leia and Vader might be aware of their blood relationship. No surprise, that, since Leia has always struck me as more like Anakin than Luke. -- I definitely agree that there is a lot of Anakin in Leia. This line really caused me to go "hmmm...": But she was not in her normal state and would not be anytime soon. --Oh? Eagerly looking forward to seeing where you're taking us with this... --Good, because the next post is coming right up! -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae Veil of Shadows (OT AU, L/M) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28500417 The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028 ANGST!
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 5/31 7:47am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance Challenge - New Post 5/3 - Date Edited: 8/25 8:06pm (1 edits total) Edited By: ViariSkywalker
	~~ 4. Almost Normal “How we doing, Artoo?” The droid whistled unhappily that they would be doing better if Luke would leave the flying to him. Luke grinned at this and twisted his head to look out at the disgruntled robot. “If you were flying, we’d be dropping out of hyperspace and heading back to Imperial Center. I think I’ll keep it on manual for a while.” The droid chirped something quite rude and fell silent. Luke laughed and checked the nav console. Six hours until they reached Korriban. He could manage that long. If he could survive almost two decades of training under the Sith Lords, he could certainly stay awake long enough to reach the woman he loved. You don’t even know what love is, said a mocking voice in his head. As much as he wanted to imagine that it was Leia’s voice, he knew it was a distorted version of his own. Shut up, he scolded himself. He tried to fix his eyes on the starlines around the cockpit, but that only made him dizzy. He closed his eyes. I am worthy. He repeated the mantra over and over in his mind, as if doing so would make it true. I am worthy of being a Sith. I am worthy of love. I am worthy of the Emperor’s Hand. But the mocking voice returned. You will never be good enough. ~~ Eleven Years Ago “Get up, stupid child.” Luke whimpered and pushed himself up onto his hands and knees. It was so hard not to cry, but he knew if he did he would be punished even more. He quickly rubbed his eyes against the sleeve of his tunic and stood up. “You are a weak little brat. Get out of my sight.” “I’m sorry, Mast—” “I said, get out. I have wasted enough time on you.” Luke turned and stumbled toward the door, tears blurring his vision. He ran to the equipment room, not for any special reason, but mostly because right now he couldn’t remember how to get back to his room. His master was right – he really was stupid. Inside the equipment room, Luke collapsed on the floor and tucked his knees under his chin. He hated it here. His master was mean, and his other master… well he was just scary, and Luke didn’t like him at all. The other kids were always picking on him, and they all liked perfect Leia better than they liked him. Luke took the edge of his sleeve in his mouth and began to suck on it. He didn’t understand why he could feel some things before they happened, but he still knew that someone was about to come through the door of the equipment room. Luke looked about frantically for some way to escape. He spotted the closet and crawled over to it, leaving the door open just enough so that he could see what happened outside. Darth Vader, his other master, entered the room. Luke heard someone crying, and for a second he thought it might be him. Luke clamped a hand over his mouth, but he could still hear the whimpering. The giant Sith Lord turned toward the source of the whimpers, but Luke could not see who it was. He couldn’t hear very well either because they were too far away. The other person was muttering something. Darth Vader walked out of Luke’s view, but he heard him say something in a deep voice that rumbled in Luke’s ears. “Take control of your demons or they will take control of you.” The crying stopped, and Luke listened for a response. There was none. How weird. He had always thought Darth Vader must be some kind of demon, like the ones Luke sometimes dreamed about. He wondered who he was talking to out there. Luke stayed in the closet until long after the Sith left. He fell asleep in there and was punished the next morning. ~~ Now The planet Korriban filled the canopy, and Luke felt his abdomen grow hot in anticipation. “All right, Artoo, let’s see what you can do.” Artoo whistled indignantly. “To redeem yourself for Commenor. Come on, are you telling me you can’t land the ship?” Luke read the response over the monitor and smiled. “My, aren’t we grumpy today. I thought you wanted to do some flying?” The droid screamed a response. Luke winced and shut off the cabin comm unit. “All right, all right. Lazy droid.” He angled the ship toward Korriban’s atmosphere, and as he drew closer he saw a world dominated by mountainous terrain. Interesting place to send an Emperor’s Hand. He located the capital city, Dreshdae, which he knew had been vacated sometime after the Clone Wars. His scanners weren’t picking up much active technology. There were a couple of ships down there. One of them was certainly the Hand’s. The rest might well be antiques, for all he knew. “Artoo, let’s set her down in that canyon, away from the city.” Thankfully, the droid complied, helping to steer his ship toward the correct spot. The vessel settled down on the rocky ground without any trouble, and Luke let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. This is it. He opened the canopy and vaulted over the edge, landing softly on the ground. He looked up at Artoo as he shouldered the little bag of supplies he’d brought. “You stay with the ship.” For once, the droid seemed happy to comply. Luke looked off in the direction of the sun and realized it was already beginning its descent toward the horizon. He had to get moving if he wanted to find her before dark. The planet felt dead for the most part. As he stretched out with his feelings, he sensed something apart from that deadness. It was a spark of life, somewhere in the direction of the vast canyon before him. He stared out at the valley in awe as he realized what it was he was looking at. Enormous statues and elaborate structures lined the canyon walls. Rows of tombs stretched to the horizon. He had learned about this place in his studies, but the only way he had ever hoped to see it was to become the Sith apprentice. Somehow, in his haste to follow the Emperor’s Hand, the true importance of Korriban had slipped his mind altogether. And yet, the spark of life he had felt was calling to him too loudly to be ignored. Luke adjusted the bag on his shoulder and began to climb down the canyon walls. He would find her. Nothing could stop him now. He was in the land of his forebears. He was in the Valley of the Dark Lords. ~~ -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae Veil of Shadows (OT AU, L/M) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28500417 The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028 ANGST!
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Jedi_Emeritus Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 5/31 7:56am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance Challenge - New Post 5/3
	I'm really intrigued with where you are taking this. Luke and his dreams of Mara, the whole dynamic between him and Leia, the dark feel of the fic - you've certainly got me hooked! -----signature----- "The road to hell is paved with adverbs." - Stephen King There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' Take My Hand: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28300611/
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Gabri_Jade Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 6/1 2:13am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance Challenge - New Post 5/3
	Still so much story love. (Even if you are cryptic in reader replies. sulks ) Why is Luke dreaming of Tatooine? Why did who do what to Mara? Why does she disappear? Many questions I have, hmmm, yes. And recalling the challenge requirement of Luke and Mara not touching, my optimism for a happy ending wanes . . . In fact . . . I've been puzzled about Leia and Vader's little conversation, but I wonder - did Vader and Leia set this up somehow, getting rid of Mara, and through her, Luke, in order to knock Luke out of the running for Sith apprentice so that Leia could take his place? Hmmmm . . . Artoo's rudeness amuses me tremendously. Luke's early experiences, on the other hand, make my heart ache for him. Whether all of this is a set up or genuine happenstance, I hope Luke triumphs. Even if I'm not counting on it. -----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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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 6/2 12:41pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance Challenge - New Post 5/3
	Jedi_Emeritus - I'm really intrigued with where you are taking this. -- I'm happy to hear it! Luke and his dreams of Mara, the whole dynamic between him and Leia, the dark feel of the fic - you've certainly got me hooked! --I've really enjoyed twisting the relationships between the characters. It's fun to make them so different, and yet you can still recognize the things that drew them together in the canon. Gabri - Still so much story love. (Even if you are cryptic in reader replies. sulks* )* --I haven't had the chance to be cryptic in a while, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience. Why is Luke dreaming of Tatooine? Why did who do what to Mara? Why does she disappear? Many questions I have, hmmm, yes. --LOL! The answers will come... eventually. And recalling the challenge requirement of Luke and Mara not touching, my optimism for a happy ending wanes . . . --pats Gabri on the shoulder Well, I like happy endings, but you're right. It's not looking good, is it? But then again, I am cryptic, so maybe I'm trying to throw you off. Or maybe I'm trying to make you think that I'm throwing you off. In fact . . . I've been puzzled about Leia and Vader's little conversation, but I wonder - did Vader and Leia set this up somehow, getting rid of Mara, and through her, Luke, in order to knock Luke out of the running for Sith apprentice so that Leia could take his place? Hmmmm . . . --I'm not telling. Artoo's rudeness amuses me tremendously. -- The interaction between the two of them was fun to write. Maybe droids can go over to the dark side. Luke's early experiences, on the other hand, make my heart ache for him. Whether all of this is a set up or genuine happenstance, I hope Luke triumphs. Even if I'm not counting on it. -- Trust me, Gabri! Everyone - There will not be a new post today. Posting will resume tomorrow. Thanks! -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae Veil of Shadows (OT AU, L/M) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28500417 The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028 ANGST!
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 6/3 11:51am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance Challenge - Updated 6/3
	~~ 5. Monsters Luke stared down at the inscription outside of the tomb. It was written in an older form of Basic, but after the first few words he realized it was a passage he’d been drilled on many times over the years. Peace is a lie. There is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. He wondered if the ancient Sith Lords had considered love to be a form of passion. He had never been taught to use romantic passion in his training. When he returned to Imperial Center, could he just claim that since he was pursuing his object of his desires, he was only adding to his strength? Luke shook his head. Something didn’t sound right about that, but he wasn’t sure what. Maybe it was the fact that he was still disobeying by leaving the capital. Maybe it was because he had never once seen the Emperor or Darth Vader display any emotion that could be described as love. Interest and respect, yes. Admiration, maybe. But never love. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Luke frowned as the inscription ended. He studied the tablet for a moment, kneeling in the dirt. After a few more seconds of scrutiny, he wiped away a thick layer of dust, revealing the last two lines. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me. Those last words had always struck him as strange. It seemed to imply that all but the Sith Master were in bondage. On some level, he supposed it was true, but there was a part of him that rebelled at the idea. Maybe it was that part of him that had caused him to come here. He examined the footprints in the dirt. Whoever had come through here recently had not stopped to look at any of the tombs. The tombs themselves were, for the most part, blocked off by debris. Many of the grand structures that lined the canyon walls were in ruin. No, the latest visitor to the Valley of the Dark Lords hadn’t stayed long. Luke squinted at the tablet before looking up the horizon. The sun was gone from the sky, but some of its pale light remained, coloring the sky in shades of blue and lavender. Luke spared one last glance at the tomb and the tablet before continuing down the wide pathway between the monuments. ~~ Mara sat in the cave, examining the holoproj she’d been foolish enough to drop. Of the numerous items that had fallen from her rucksack the day before, this was the only one she had spared a second to recover. It had nearly cost her her life. And the damn thing was broken. The outside was only dented, but the inside was a mess. The circuit board had dislodged and completely shattered the focusing mirrors. After a few more minutes of tinkering, Mara threw the device over her shoulder in disgust. A shriek echoed through the cave, and Mara jumped to her feet, blaster in hand. She turned in the direction of the sound and crept forward, keeping her weapon raised to her right shoulder. As she came to the mouth of the cave, she could see that it was nearly dark; the sun had already dipped below the horizon. She picked the smashed holoproj up off the ground and tucked it into her jacket pocket. Wouldn’t do to leave any clues for her pursuer. Another shriek split the night, and Mara ducked instinctively as something large flew over her head. Mara rounded on the creature, aiming her blaster to take a shot. It was some kind of bat-like creature with no visible eyes, long razor-like teeth, and the ugliest mug she’d ever seen on anything that flew. She fired off a shot as it swooped back over her. The laser didn’t slow it down much, and it turned to come after her again. “Fine,” she muttered, drawing her lightsaber with her left hand. As the creature dove at her, she pivoted to the left and swept upward with her blade. The magenta beam passed neatly through the creature, cutting it into two pieces that thudded to the ground. Both pieces convulsed for a few seconds before going still. Mara returned her blaster to its holster and shifted her saber to her right hand. The air around her suddenly seemed to crackle with a dark frenzy, and warning spikes shot up her spine. Though the sky was growing steadily darker, the ground where she stood seemed to be bathed in an even deeper shadow. Mara looked up and discovered the source of the shadow. At least two dozen of those winged creatures were circling overhead. Mara held her lightsaber up like a shield, and every single one of the creatures plunged toward her. ~~ The hunter had returned to its tomb, waiting for dawn, waiting for the monsters to crawl back to their lairs. There was no reason to fight them off. If the hunter could not have the girl, those dark creatures could feed on her blood. The hunter felt the surge in vicious, mindless joy that always came when the monsters attacked. It was the promise of food, the promise of blood. This time the blood was rich in the Force. The monsters would enjoy a special treat tonight, one they had probably not indulged in since the time of their ancestors. The hunter smiled at the thought of a tradition renewed. Tomorrow the hunter would leave the cave and make sure the girl was dead. If she was not, then the hunter would continue its pursuit. One way or another, the hunter would win. ~~ The disturbance was sudden and overwhelming, striking Luke as he plodded through the immense valley. Where before there had been a not-quite-peaceful silence in the Force, there was now a loud, unrelenting delirium. Spurred on by the agitation in the air, Luke began to run down the wide path, his focus on the little trail that led out of the canyon toward what looked like a series of caves. He reached out mentally, trying to gain a clearer picture of what was pouring this chaos into the Force. He saw a flash of leathery brown skin, a piercing magenta light, and green eyes. Luke growled wordlessly and demanded more power from his legs, sprinting toward the caves and praying it was not too late. ~~ He entered the caves with his eyes closed, trusting the Force to guide him through the darkness. It was hard – he had always had trouble letting go of his other senses. But he felt the Force more clearly here, and he obeyed its whispers. He plowed through the caves without incident, without hesitation, only to realize there was more than one set of caves. Luke opened his eyes and found himself standing on the edge of a precipice. To his right was a natural bridge that connected this ledge to the next series of caves. On the other side was a flock of hideous winged creatures circling around one figure. The Emperor’s Hand. Luke ran across the narrow bridge, igniting his lightsaber in the process. With a war cry that might have disturbed even Leia, he plunged into the middle of the fray, his crimson blade skewering and slicing through the monsters. He caught a glimpse of magenta before it was swallowed up by the creatures’ brown wings. Luke hacked the heads off of two of them as they passed on either side of him. The rest of the monsters broke off their attack and descended on their fallen companions. Luke took a step back and watched as the remaining eight creatures fed on their dead. His face twisted in a grimace as the stench met his nostrils. He looked up to see the Emperor’s Hand staring back at him, her green eyes livid. Without a word she turned and fled into the cave. Luke skirted the feeding animals and chased after her into the darkness. ~~ -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae Veil of Shadows (OT AU, L/M) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28500417 The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028 ANGST!
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leia_naberrie Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 6/4 3:58am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance Challenge - Updated 6/3
	You're really churning the posts out fast. Impressive! I wonder if Vader wasn't really talking to Luke after all, and Luke didn't realize it. Or maybe he was talking to Leia. Only I don't see Leia as much of a dreamer?? I love the Luke/Artoo banter. Nice to know that Sith-Lords-in-training aren't above making friends with and being owed favours by droids. -----signature----- Mortal Instruments {Palpatine/Padmé/Anakin} http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27482874/r27847574
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Gabri_Jade Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 6/4 9:52pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Those last words had always struck him as strange. It seemed to imply that all but the Sith Master were in bondage. On some level, he supposed it was true, but there was a part of him that rebelled at the idea. Maybe it was that part of him that had caused him to come here. That's our Luke. Still rebellious, even as a Sith. Mara sat in the cave, examining the holoproj she’d been foolish enough to drop. Of the numerous items that had fallen from her rucksack the day before, this was the only one she had spared a second to recover. It had nearly cost her her life. And the damn thing was broken. Now this really does interest me. Why would Mara take that extra second for the holoproj if nothing else was worth it, and what about recovering it nearly cost her life? She picked the smashed holoproj up off the ground and tucked it into her jacket pocket. Wouldn’t do to leave any clues for her pursuer. So she knows she's being pursued . . . It was some kind of bat-like creature with no visible eyes, long razor-like teeth, and the ugliest mug she’d ever seen on anything that flew. Dark side Qom Jha! And Luke to the rescue - but not a particularly gratefully received rescue. He does keep getting the ones who don't want to be rescued, doesn't he? -----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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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 6/7 8:24am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	leia_naberrie - You're really churning the posts out fast. Impressive! --LOL, well I was, but things might slow down a little bit now. I'm coming up on finals week. I wonder if Vader wasn't really talking to Luke after all, and Luke didn't realize it. Or maybe he was talking to Leia. Only I don't see Leia as much of a dreamer?? -- I feel like being ambiguous today, so I'll just say . I love the Luke/Artoo banter. Nice to know that Sith-Lords-in-training aren't above making friends with and being owed favours by droids. --Glad you liked it! I really liked writing the banter between those two. No one can resist Artoo, not even a Sith. Gabri - That's our Luke. Still rebellious, even as a Sith. --There are some things that will just never change. Now this really does interest me. Why would Mara take that extra second for the holoproj if nothing else was worth it, and what about recovering it nearly cost her life? --It was the holoproj she used to communicate with the Emperor when she landed on Korriban. If it's broken, that means no communication. As for why it nearly cost her life... So she knows she's being pursued . . . --Yep. Dark side Qom Jha! --I read that thinking "Wha...?" so I looked it up on Wook. The creatures in this scene are actually shyracks, native to Korriban. But now I can see why you'd mistake them for Qom Jha. I don't think shyracks are sentient, though. I got them from playing KOTOR II. (As a matter of fact, the cave Luke and Mara are in is in the game, too.) And Luke to the rescue - but not a particularly gratefully received rescue. He does keep getting the ones who don't want to be rescued, doesn't he? --Poor Luke. Guess none of his Sithly instruction prepared him for girls. Next chapter coming up! -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae Veil of Shadows (OT AU, L/M) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28500417 The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028 ANGST!
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 6/7 8:26am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	~~ 6. Rescue Love hadn’t existed for Luke until the day he and Katarn had accidentally stumbled upon a pair of dancers returning from the guest wing of the palace. It was pure chance. If they had waited for Horn like they promised, Luke might never have seen her. He certainly wouldn’t have felt her probing him through the Force. She stole his very breath, she was so beautiful. Normally he would have left Katarn behind to make a fool of himself, but Luke hadn’t been able to stop himself from staring into the girl’s bright green eyes. Her red-gold hair was pulled back in an elaborate braid, laced with fine gold bands. Over her dancing outfit she wore a sheer violet cloak that made her skin shimmer as she moved. Luke knew then that he had to have her or die. The other dancer tried to flirt with Katarn, but the green-eyed girl pulled her by the arm, leaving the two adepts in gaping silence. He felt her still, in the Force, trying to shield herself. She was quite good at it, but he still felt the power of the Force in her. Adepts and Hands were kept separate for a reason, he was told. She was forbidden. He would love her anyway. ~~ Wind whistled past his ears as he stumbled through the dark cave, drunk with desire, with the promise of fulfillment. He held his saber out as a light, guiding him to his prize. He doubled back as she jumped out at him, lightsaber angled toward his neck. With a startled cry, he raised his left hand and shoved. She went flying backward into the rocky wall before dropping to the ground. Her lightsaber deactivated and tumbled from her hand, rolling toward him for a moment before coming to a stop. Luke lowered his hand slowly, taking in what had just happened. The heady pleasure of the chase was gone, replaced by surprise and wariness. He approached her carefully, keeping his lightsaber ignited between him and the Hand. She stirred and shook her head, pushing herself onto her hands and knees. “It’s all right,” Luke assured, leaning forward to see if she was hurt. “I’m here to rescue you.” “Well, you’re doing a great job.” She leaned back on her heels, rubbing one hand on the back of her head and the other over her stomach. “I fail to see how giving me a concussion helps the situation.” Luke frowned. She was entirely missing the point. “I saved you from those things.” “I was just fine without you,” she retorted, picking up her lightsaber. “I don’t recall asking you to jump in.” As she stood up, Luke took a cautious step back. “Are you all right?” She removed her hand from her head and stared at him suspiciously. “Who in the blazes are you? How did you even know I was here?” Luke swallowed hard. He hadn’t realized she would be so stubborn. Things were not going quite as he had imagined. “I’m Luke Starkiller,” he said, offering a hand. She eyed it skeptically. “Right,” she replied disdainfully. “Starkiller? You wouldn’t happen to have a holotransceiver of some kind, would you? “Um.” Luke reached into his pocket for his comlink only to find it missing. “I did.” She rolled her eyes and muttered something in a language he didn’t recognize. “I’m sorry,” he said, searching his other pockets. “I must have dropped it in the fight. I could go look for it.” “If you want to be meat for the other monsters out there, it makes no difference to me.” She turned and walked deeper into the cave, pulling out a glowrod to light the way. “What other monsters?” She didn’t reply. He followed after her until they reached an elaborate doorway carved into the rock. She sat down on a blanket that was spread out just outside of the doorway. Luke stood in front of the archway and stared in wonder. “Another tomb?” he asked. “I haven’t been inside.” He looked over to see her opening a small ration bar. She took a bite and met his gaze, glaring all the while. With her free hand she pulled out a lighter and lowered it over a ring of stones. She had already piled kindling on top of the remains of a fire, and it was this that she lit. Luke watched as the fire grew, casting its warm light across the cave and the tomb. Luke attempted a smile. “It’s a very impressive entrance.” “Uh-huh,” she said between bites. Though she had stopped watching him, he could tell her entire body was on alert. Maybe he should try a different tactic. He ran his fingers over the carvings in the stone. “These are Sith runes,” he informed her. He drew back his hand in surprise, then pressed them against the characters as he interpreted them. “What?” The Hand’s voice was like ice as she snapped her head toward him. “What did you say?” “This tomb,” Luke answered evenly. “It belongs to an ancient Sith—” A bloodcurdling howl echoed through the cave, silencing Luke. He turned slowly from the runes and took a step toward the sound. “I heard that sound yesterday, before I found these caves,” the Hand said gravely. “It was just before nightfall.” She shook her head. “Don’t worry, it’s nowhere near us.” Luke took another step toward the sound, mesmerized as it echoed once more off the walls of the cave. “I feel like—” “Feel like what?” He blinked his eyes and looked down at her. The fire crackled loudly between them. “Nothing.” Her eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t recommend leaving now. Even with a lightsaber this planet is dangerous at night.” “I thought you wanted to get rid of me.” She set her ration bar in her lap. “Listen, Starkiller, I won’t have your death on my conscience. Just keep your distance and we’ll be fine.” “I thought you didn’t care if I became meat for the monsters.” She threw him a rude gesture as he continued. “Besides, I’d feel safer here by the fire.” With you. A hint of his thoughts must have leaked into the Force, because she was really studying him now. “I’ve seen you before,” she said after a moment. “In the palace.” Luke’s cheeks reddened. “Yes.” “You’re one of the Emperor’s adepts.” She managed to make those words sound like a curse. “Yes,” he replied, wincing slightly. She sighed and wiped her hands on her pants. “I suppose you know who I am, then.” She gave him a pointed look with those green eyes. “You’re an Emperor’s Hand.” “The Emperor’s Hand, Starkiller. An extension of the Emperor’s will. While you adepts play with your lightsabers inside the palace, I travel across the galaxy in service to my master.” She folded her arms across her chest and smirked at him. “I am Mara Jade.” Mara. He finally had a name. Now probably wasn’t the best time to tell her there were other Hands, though. “I’m impressed,” he said softly. “And I don’t play with lightsabers, whatever you may think.” She waved his response away and picked up her ration bar. “Why did you come here? Surely the Emperor didn’t send you.” “No, he didn’t.” Luke took a deep, steadying breath. He could tell her now and have her chase him from the cave. Or he could lie and buy himself some more time. “I wanted to see the tombs.” Mara laughed mirthlessly and took another bite of her ration bar. “You don’t want to go in these tombs, believe me.” “Why should I?” She fixed him with another one of those looks that said he was trying every shred of her patience. He liked how it made her look. “Okay, sorry. But I’m not afraid of whatever’s in those tombs. Those Sith are dead. I’m the living heir of their legacy.” Mara snorted. “You adepts are all alike. Arrogant braggarts.” She closed the wrapper of her ration bar and began to tuck it back in her rucksack when she stopped. “You hungry?” she asked, holding out the remaining bar. Luke shrugged. “I’m fine. I don’t want to take your food.” She rolled her eyes and tossed the package at him. “That’s for killing those creatures. Just eat, and don’t look at me like that.” She blew out an annoyed breath and rolled over on her side, away from him. Luke frowned. His skin prickled as if from a cold wind. For a moment he thought it had come from the tomb, but when he didn’t feel it again, he dismissed the idea. On the other side of the fire, Mara readjusted and bent her left arm under her head for support. Luke leaned up against a wall and began to eat the leftover ration bar. He noticed a tiny tremor in the Force and was startled to find himself genuinely worried. “Are you sure I didn’t hurt you earlier?” “Starkiller, if you want to live through the night, leave me alone.” ~~ -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae Veil of Shadows (OT AU, L/M) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28500417 The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028 ANGST!
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nabooqueen2008 Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 6/7 8:42am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Yay! First post! I like this story even though it is so different from alot of the other ones. If you have a pm list could you put me on it? I'd like to stay in touch with this story. Thanks ~nabooqueen~
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divapilot Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 6/7 9:08am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Great story! I love how the characters have transformed into these darker images of themselves. What could be hunting Mara? Why? And what part of the hunt will Luke play here? -----signature----- Never tell me the odds. AKL
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leia_naberrie Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 6/8 11:29pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Adepts and Hands were kept separate for a reason, he was told. She was forbidden. Mmm... I really liked the anti-climax of the meeting. Luke hurtling into the cave, guns blaring, ready to claim her and then realizing that she wasn't reading from the same script. “It’s all right,” Luke assured, leaning forward to see if she was hurt. “I’m here to rescue you.” Luke frowned. She was entirely missing the point. LOLOL! He hadn’t realized she would be so stubborn. Things were not going quite as he had imagined. Good luck with your finals! I'll be looking forward to more when you're ready. -----signature----- Mortal Instruments {Palpatine/Padmé/Anakin} http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27482874/r27847574
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Gabri_Jade Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 6/9 3:34pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Shyracks sound creepy. Obviously I should play KOTOR. Adepts and Hands were kept separate for a reason, he was told. She was forbidden. He would love her anyway. I love the simplicity of that statement. (I also love that Luke and Kyle ditched Corran. ) He doubled back as she jumped out at him, lightsaber angled toward his neck. With a startled cry, he raised his left hand and shoved. Ha, she'd have had him there without that Force shove. Never underestimate Mara. He ran his fingers over the carvings in the stone. “These are Sith runes,” he informed her. He drew back his hand in surprise, then pressed them against the characters as he interpreted them. “What?” The Hand’s voice was like ice as she snapped her head toward him. “What did you say?” Mara's reaction is interesting. Had she not believed his claim of being Starkiller before then? Is his presence and recognition of such things going to complicate her mission? Surely she couldn't have been unaware of Korriban's history herself . . . “You’re one of the Emperor’s adepts.” She managed to make those words sound like a curse. “Yes,” he replied, wincing slightly. She sighed and wiped her hands on her pants. “I suppose you know who I am, then.” She gave him a pointed look with those green eyes. “You’re an Emperor’s Hand.” “The Emperor’s Hand, Starkiller. An extension of the Emperor’s will. While you adepts play with your lightsabers inside the palace, I travel across the galaxy in service to my master.” She folded her arms across her chest and smirked at him. “I am Mara Jade.” Mara. He finally had a name. Now probably wasn’t the best time to tell her there were other Hands, though. “I’m impressed,” he said softly. “And I don’t play with lightsabers, whatever you may think.” Ah, Mara's ego is intact in this AU. As is the Emperor's deception, apparently. Very interesting that Luke knows of plural Hands and Mara doesn't; makes for lots of narrative potential. But what really impresses me here is Luke's utter restraint. That actually makes him scarier than any bluster or fighting skill could, I think. Hee, lovely work. -----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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LadyPadme Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 6/12 5:57pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Gabri mentioned this story, and I've been meaning to read, so today I took a little time to download the posts and print them out. This story is amazing. It's beautifully written with wonderful descriptiveness. Even though it's AU, you make us all see this world in exquisite detail, really made me feel as though I was in the palace with all the hidden intrigue and corruption, almost smelling the stench underneath the gilded, polished surface. How interesting that in this story, there are multiple Hands and Sith adepts. I thought the rule was one master-one pupil, although I'm certain you'll have a great backstory to explain the changes in this story. And that Luke is called Starkiller! How intriguing! And how did he get taken at the age of 11? How did Leia get taken? How much does Vader know of their parentage, if at all? Beautiful. I'll be looking forward to updates on this! -----signature----- Crest MD Naimé Evil Twin of Gabri_Jade When a baby smiles the world is happy VOTE OBAMA '08
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