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Author	Topic: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) - Completed - Replies 9/29
Knight_Aragorn Registered: Jun '03	Date Posted: 6/13 1:47am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Great AU! I love the complexity of the relationships, and that the familial ties aren't necessarily known to all. Palpatine must be pleased with himself. He does like weaving his webs. Oh, and Korriban! KOTOR flashbacks Very creepy, and I have to say it's typical of Luke and Mara to end up in possibly the least romantic place in the galaxy together. They seem to have that habit, AU or not. Luke and Leia as rivals is a great idea, and I love the competition between them. Looking forward to more. -----signature----- Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so. Pieces of Air (ESB short story, complete) - http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27283200/p1
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 6/13 8:56am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	nabooqueen2008 - Yay! First post! I like this story even though it is so different from alot of the other ones. --Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. If you have a pm list could you put me on it? I'd like to stay in touch with this story. --You are added! divapilot - Great story! I love how the characters have transformed into these darker images of themselves. --Thanks! It's always fun to twist the characters while still making them recognizable. What could be hunting Mara? Why? And what part of the hunt will Luke play here? -- Hmm, we shall see... leia_naberrie - 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. --Exactly! Poor guy. LOLOL! --Luke does seem to have a problem separating his fantasies from reality. Just because he's infatuated with her doesn't mean she feels the same. Good luck with your finals! I'll be looking forward to more when you're ready. --Finals are over, at last! I have a swim meet, work, and two family events to attend ( ) over the weekend, but I hope to find some time to get the next post up. Gabri - Shyracks sound creepy. Obviously I should play KOTOR. --LOL, yeah, they are creepy. Plus they're pretty annoying in the game. And if you enjoy video games at all, I think KOTOR would be fun to play. I was in it for the story, mostly, but I made it through the first one and almost all the way through the second one. I love the simplicity of that statement. (I also love that Luke and Kyle ditched Corran. ) --That's how I keep things mysterious. And I don't know why I like picking on Corran so much. Ha, she'd have had him there without that Force shove. Never underestimate Mara. --No kidding. Luke may have raw talent, but Mara's been trained as an assassin from day one. Thank goodness his reflexes were quick enough. 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 . . . --She didn't know at first that he was a Sith adept, so when she realizes he can read the runes, she's suspicious. She doesn't trust the Sith. (And she doesn't realize Palpatine is one either.) I wonder if I've said too much. I think you'll find more answers soon. Ah, Mara's ego is intact in this AU. --Of course! 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. --does dance o' angst 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. --Makes you wonder what kinds of things Luke's really capable of. Hee, lovely work. --Thank you, dear! LP - 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. --OMG, you printed out the posts?! I think I might die. I know it's going to sound weird, but that is a huge compliment, just that someone's willing to use their paper and ink to print out something I wrote. pulls self back together 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. --Thank you! I really wanted to convey the shadowy world beneath the surface, or behind the veil, if you like. Glad to hear I've succeeded so far! 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. --crosses fingers There is a reason, and hopefully it makes enough sense. 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? -- I couldn't resist. And as for age, Luke actually came to the palace at a much earlier age. Sorry if there was some confusion about that. The flashback was when he was 8, after he'd already been there for quite a while. As for Vader - nope. He is unaware. Beautiful. I'll be looking forward to updates on this! --Thanks so much. I hope it continues to please! Knight_Aragorn - Great AU! I love the complexity of the relationships, and that the familial ties aren't necessarily known to all. --I'm having a great deal of fun with that aspect. Palpatine must be pleased with himself. He does like weaving his webs. --He sure does. Oh, and Korriban! KOTOR flashbacks Very creepy, and I have to say it's typical of Luke and Mara to end up in possibly the least romantic place in the galaxy together. They seem to have that habit, AU or not. --I know! Not sure how Luke plans on wooing Mara on a planet like that. Luke and Leia as rivals is a great idea, and I love the competition between them. --Me, too. I love writing it, probably more than I should. Even better that they don't know they're related. Looking forward to more. -- I'll try not to disappoint! Well, I'm done with exams, but I'm starting a new position at work, and my weekend is looking pretty full between swimming, work, and family get-togethers. I hope to have the next post up sometime this weekend, though, and I hope it's worth the wait! Also, I saw that this fic was nominated for a few awards, so thanks to whoever nominated me! I am deeply honored. -----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: 6/15 7:19am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated - Date Edited: 7/21 9:53am (1 edits total) Edited By: ViariSkywalker
	~~ 7. Whisper Eight Years Ago “I’ve seen you sleep.” Luke frowned at her over his spoon. “No you haven’t.” Leia nodded somberly. “I have. In my head.” Luke put the spoon in his mouth, gulping down porridge that was already too cold. She pretended not to notice him gag it down. “I don’t believe you,” he declared loudly, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “I think you’re lying.” She glanced over to his right where Kyle and Corran were sitting silently, watching them. Kyle nodded his head at Luke and smirked at Leia. Luke felt his face grow hot at the older boy’s approval. He had waited so long for this. But Leia didn’t back down or draw inside herself. Instead she leaned forward and whispered in Luke’s ear. “I see you cry for your mother. You don’t even know who she is.” Luke slammed his fists on the table and stood up, shoving his face close to hers. “Take that back.” “Whoa there, easy, Starkiller,” Kyle said with a laugh. “We haven’t even finished breakfast.” Leia stared unflinching into his eyes. I see you cry. I’ll kill you. You will try. Leia smiled at him, a peculiar little smile that he had never understood the meaning of. Maybe it was mocking him. How dare she mock him? So what if she knew who her parents were? So what if she happened to remember them? Everyone knew they were Rebel traitors, the worst kind of scum. If he could have killed her with a look he would have done it right there. “You’ll pay for that, Organa,” he hissed, placing special emphasis on her treacherous family name. Leia shrugged. “Perhaps.” Then she walked away. ~~ Now He watched Mara’s shoulders sway with each breath. She was much smaller lying there than she had been while awake. He crawled slowly across the cave and sat down at her side, staring at her tightly-bound red hair. He reached out to touch her shoulder, but something stopped him. Just this morning he had been so consumed by his desire for her that he had flown halfway across the galaxy to see her. He would have given anything to touch her, to hold her. As one of the chosen adepts, there was little that was denied him. And now here she was, centimeters away, and he couldn’t give in. Luke shook his head and returned to his side of the cave. He leaned against the wall and gently smacked the back of his head against it. “Stupid,” he muttered in disgust. “Weak, stupid…” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. After five seconds, he exhaled forcefully and allowed himself to sink into a slightly more comfortable position. Within a few minutes, he was asleep. ~~ As soon as Starkiller began to snore, Mara opened her eyes. It had been difficult to conceal that she was awake, especially when he had approached her like that, getting close enough that she could feel his breath across her skin. Another minute or two of that and she would have had him in a headlock. Mara remained still, letting her gaze wander about the cave. The dying fire cast pale tendrils of light across the walls. The aggressiveness of those tendrils sent a shiver through Mara’s spine, and she reached instinctively for her abdomen. “It’s okay,” she whispered softly. “Everything’s going to be all right.” The words were mostly for her benefit; there was something oddly reassuring about talking to the thing that was growing inside of her. It’s not a thing, she reminded herself. It’s a baby. It was still hard to believe, but she was more accepting of it now than she had been back when her master had given her the news. Mara extended her senses across and beyond the cave. Everything was quiet. She could feel distant hints of violence and aggression, but for once they were directed elsewhere, perhaps at each other. She hadn’t planned on sleeping tonight, but after two straight days of vigilance, she could feel her body giving in. Good night, little one, she whispered through the Force, touching the tiny lifeform as gently as she knew how. Mara wrapped one arm around her midsection and closed her eyes. ~~ The hunter smiled. Dawn was approaching. ~~ -----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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Rigil_Kent Registered: Jan '04	Date Posted: 6/15 9:01am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	But whose the daddy? Wouldn't it be totally screwed up if Luke was the papa yet neither parent knew this fact? Might also explain Luke's dangerous attraction to Mara here... -----signature----- You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once. -Robert Heinlein Tyranny Reborn: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28516174/p1 Shattered Dreams: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/
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nabooqueen2008 Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 6/16 5:26pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	whoa...did not see that one coming.....interesting development. Just promise me......keep it coming!!!!! Love it! ~nabooqueen~
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leia_naberrie Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 6/19 4:07am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	It’s not a thing, she reminded herself. It’s a baby. I know this is hard to believe, but I actually thought she was pregnant before I read this chapter. But somehow, I didn't think I was right. Wow, this story is getting better and better! Love the way you're keeping the "no contact" rule. But Leia didn’t back down or draw inside herself. Instead she leaned forward and whispered in Luke’s ear. “I see you cry for your mother. You don’t even know who she is.” Luke slammed his fists on the table and stood up, shoving his face close to hers. “Take that back.” Gosh, the twins are so cute as mortal enemeies! -----signature----- Mortal Instruments {Palpatine/Padmé/Anakin} http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27482874/r27847574
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 6/23 12:02pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Rigil_Kent - But whose the daddy? Wouldn't it be totally screwed up if Luke was the papa yet neither parent knew this fact? Might also explain Luke's dangerous attraction to Mara here... --That would be pretty screwed up. Although I'd have to say there are plenty of other reasons for Luke to be attracted to Mara. nabooqueen2008 - whoa...did not see that one coming.....interesting development. Just promise me......keep it coming!!!!! Love it! --I like to surprise every now and then. And I promise to have a new post in the somewhat near future. I was watching my sister's kids for the last four days, and I just started summer classes, so in between that and work, I'm pretty swamped. I will try though! leia_naberrie - I know this is hard to believe, but I actually thought she was pregnant before I read this chapter. But somehow, I didn't think I was right. Wow, this story is getting better and better! --It always feels good to guess something and later be proved right. I love that feeling. Love the way you're keeping the "no contact" rule. --It can be difficult at times, but luckily I've been able to manage it. Gosh, the twins are so cute as mortal enemeies! --LOL, I think so, too. It's so fun to write them that way. All Readers - I was pleasantly surprised to see this fic nominated in so many categories for the Awards, so thank you all! Veil of Shadows has qualified for the voting round in the following categories: Best Drama Most Underrated So now I need to send in excerpts of 800 words for each category. If you have any suggestions for which sections I should send in, please either respond here or PM me. I think they might prefer that the excerpts be from within the qualifying period, so anything posted before June 1, but I don't know if it's required. I appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks guys! -----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: 7/7 11:22am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) - Updated 7/7
	~~ 8. Tainted It was dark inside the cave when Mara woke. She turned over onto her other side and pulled a glowrod from her pocket. Starkiller was slumped against the opposite wall, still snoring gently. A cold wind blew across their little camp, pricking at Mara’s skin. She rubbed her arms and shoulders as she stood up to stretch. Mara Jade. She snapped her head around and held the glowrod up against the darkness. There was nothing there except the entrance to that damn tomb. Blowing out a tired breath, Mara stepped over to the carvings Starkiller had been reading the night before. She couldn’t decipher the ancient runes, but even if she could, she doubted she would ever trust anything they said. The Sith were ambitious and dangerous. She knew her master valued their skills, but she didn’t understand why he let them have so much power. Mara ran her fingers over the runes, and as she did so, she saw a small globe of white light appear inside the tomb. Enter, Mara Jade. This time she was sure it was not her imagination. The globe of light began to sway, growing smaller and smaller as it retreated into the tomb. Enter. She stood frozen to the spot, remembering the voice that had beckoned her into the other tomb. She couldn’t follow it. She shouldn’t… she shouldn’t go in. Enter. Mara reached for the light, and the tomb’s outer stone door opened. She stepped across the threshold and followed the light into the chamber. ~~ “This is Lord Vader, my child. He will instruct you in the art of dueling.” The little girl looked up at the Emperor, her eyes wide. “But I already learned how to duel, Master.” The Emperor laughed and placed a gentle hand on her head. “You have not learned this, my dear.” He looked across the room at the black shadow-creature and nodded. “Lord Vader?” Mara watched her younger self in awe, wondering how it was that she could physically witness a moment from her past, a moment that had happened a decade ago. Darth Vader reached for his lightsaber. With the press of a button, the crimson blade came to life. The little girl’s mouth formed an O as she stared at the red beam. “What is it?” she whispered. “That, my dear, is a lightsaber.” Mara blinked several times. I must be dreaming. The scene melted, and another appeared in its place. I’m definitely dreaming. The girl had aged about two years, and she was kneeling before the Emperor, looking thoroughly chastised. “You must not interact with any of the adepts, do you understand?” “Yes, Master.” “The Sith are not like us, Mara. Do not forget that.” “I won’t, Master.” “If I didn’t control them, they would be a great threat to the galaxy. A careful balance must be maintained.” Younger Mara lifted her head and nodded. “I understand, Master, but the adepts—” “Are Sith-in-training. A necessary evil. They are the price I pay for Lord Vader’s service. You are not to go near them, and that is all I shall say on the subject.” “Yes, Master.” Mara studied her younger self as the girl stood and bowed to her master. She didn’t remember being that skinny. “Emperor’s Hand.” Mara spun around at the sound of Darth Vader’s voice. The scene had changed once again. She was standing in the Emperor’s throne room. This time, however, there was no other Mara. Vader was speaking to her. “Emperor’s Hand, it is time.” “Time for what?” Mara stared past Vader at the shadowy throne where the Emperor was seated. For the first time since she was a little girl, the sight of her master sent a chill through her. “Mara, my dear,” the Emperor said softly, rising from his seat. “You have been trained and molded for a single purpose: to serve as an extension of my will. Now you must mete out punishment to our greatest enemy.” Mara looked back and forth between Vader and her master. “This isn’t real. I don’t understand what’s happening.” The Emperor waved his hand, and the doors opened to reveal two stormtroopers dragging in a hooded prisoner. The soldiers came forward and dropped the prisoner at Mara’s feet. She could not tell who was under the hood. “Who is this person?” she asked. The Emperor smiled. “All that matters is that this person is an enemy of the Empire and must be executed.” Mara shook her head. “No, this is a dream. I’m not an executioner.” The Emperor walked slowly down the steps, his eyes glittering under his cowl. “This traitor is too dangerous to be left alive. You must do it, Mara.” The stormtroopers lowered the prisoner’s hood, and Luke Starkiller stared up at her. She took a step back, unable to look away. “I can’t,” she pleaded. Blue eyes, she thought absently, wondering why she hadn’t noticed before now. The Emperor’s smile faded, replaced by a vicious snarl. “Do it!” He raised his hand toward her, and tiny bursts of lightning crackled from his fingertips. “Do it, or I will take back the child I gave you!” Mara twisted away from the lightning and tripped over the prisoner. On her way down, she saw a flash of red and knew that Vader’s lightsaber was about to slice through her body. She raised her hands defensively, realizing too late that she had lost her control over the Force. She shut her eyes and braced herself. Open your eyes, Mara. The voice was completely unfamiliar. Without understanding why, she did as it told her. Something sizzled overhead, and Mara looked up to see Starkiller standing over her, his lightsaber ignited. “Are you all right?” he asked. “Sure,” she replied, trying to figure out whether she was sleeping, dead, or just having another really bad day. She glanced at the floor where the Emperor’s prisoner had been, but she saw only stone. So it was a vision after all. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Mara rose to her feet and dusted off her clothes. “Don’t I look all right?” “A little dazed, maybe. Did you not see that creature coming at you?” “What are you talking about?” She picked up the glowrod and examined it. “The tuk’ata,” he replied incredulously, staring at her as if she’d sprouted an extra limb. “A Sith hound used to guard the tombs. You really didn’t see anything?” Mara eyed him suspiciously. “I saw the throne room. Are you saying you didn’t?” “No, I just felt that you were in trouble.” He averted his eyes. “When I got here I saw the tuk’ata about to attack.” He looked off into the darkness. “It won’t bother us again.” She noticed that her arms were shaking a little. She crossed them tightly over her chest so Starkiller wouldn’t notice. It was humiliating enough that she’d nearly been killed while having some stupid vision. And then there was that strange voice. She was so sick of all these voices – it felt like she was losing her mind. Starkiller deactivated his lightsaber and hooked it to his belt. “At least you’re okay.” Mara nodded silently, barely able to see him in the dark. The glowrod must have been damaged when she fell; it was losing power. “Starkiller?” she said hesitantly. She could feel him staring back at her, probably with that same anxious expression she’d noticed when they met the day before. “Yes?” His voice was much too soft to belong to a future Sith Lord. Maybe that was what made him so dangerous. Just say it. “Thank you.” She saw his lips quirk in a wry grin. “You’re welcome, Mara.” Then something about his presence stiffened, like a rope being pulled taut. “Why don’t you get your stuff together so we can get out of this cave?” Mara felt a stirring of the dark energies that had drawn her in, and she knew with sudden certainty that those energies had been after her baby. They might even have been directed at her by her pursuer. Or maybe this was what the Emperor wanted. He had said that Korriban was an ideal place to stay during the pregnancy. She assumed there would be power here, but nothing like this cave or those bat creatures or the deranged man who had chased her from the other tomb. Did the Emperor know about these dangers? Had he sent her anyway? She didn’t want any more of Korriban’s darkness. Mara nodded at Starkiller. “Are you coming?” “I’ll be out soon,” he said earnestly. “Right.” Mara wrapped the Force protectively around her womb. Then she turned away and ran. ~~ Luke watched Mara for a moment as she jogged off in the direction of the tomb’s entrance. Again he was struck by how petite she was. “Luke?” He continued to watch Mara’s backside, his lips quirking into a wry grin. “Hello, Leia.” Luke turned his head and met the girl’s brown eyes. She was wearing dark gray trousers and a black sleeveless shirt. Her skin radiated a faint blue light. “You ready, Starkiller?” She raised her arms and spread her legs, settling into a combat stance. Luke shook his head. “You’re not even real.” The vision before him shifted, and when Leia smiled up at him, he found himself looking at a slightly younger version of her. “Now you see it,” she murmured darkly. “You ready?” Luke closed his eyes and remembered. ~~ Four Years Ago “Stop!” Luke held his blade at Leia’s neck with one hand while he wiped his brow with the other. He tried to regulate his breathing as he looked over at the Sith Lords. His eyes met the Emperor’s. “My lord?” The Emperor waved a hand at him, and Luke immediately deactivated his saber and took a few steps away from Leia. The Emperor nodded at Darth Vader. The Dark Lord’s respirator hissed in the silence as he approached the sparring circle. “Explain yourself.” Vader’s tone sent a chill through Luke’s body. Leia rolled onto her hands and knees. “He defeated me, my lord.” She shifted into a kneeling position, her head bowed low. “You let him.” Luke’s eyes went wide. Something hot and ugly reared its head inside of him. “I did not, my lord, I swear it.” Leia’s voice was quiet but steady. “Stand up.” Leia did so. The Dark Lord towered over the girl. She stared up at him, her eyes bright with fatigue. Luke exchanged a quick glance with Katarn and Horn as they all held their breath. Vader bent his helmet toward Leia and said in a dangerously low voice: “You lie.” “No, my lo—” Vader backhanded her across the face, knocking her to the other side of the mat. Horn’s eyes widened, and he made a motion as if to go to her. Katarn put an arm out in front of Horn, his eyes never leaving the girl on the floor. Luke folded his arms across his chest and glanced over at the Emperor. The old man’s yellow eyes were glittering darkly. “Get up,” Vader rumbled dispassionately. Leia looked up at him, her eyes burning. And then she smiled. “Thank you, Lord Vader,” the Emperor called out. “Now, my dear, I would like you to fight young Starkiller again.” His lips twitched as though he were holding in a smile. “The right way.” “Yes, Highness,” Leia replied, rubbing her jaw as she stood. Her eyes found Luke’s. “You ready, Starkiller?” ~~ Now Luke opened his eyes and stared at Leia’s specter. He could feel Mara outside the tomb, gathering her belongings. She seemed badly shaken. “No, Leia,” he addressed the vision. “I will not fight you.” The apparition seemed annoyed. “You must fight me, Luke. Our master wishes it.” Luke remembered what had happened after Leia got back up. He remembered how his shame had turned to anger, his anger to rage. He remembered the Emperor forcing them to continue the fight even after he’d disarmed her. He remembered the naked fear in Katarn and Horn’s eyes as the medical droid carried Leia away on a repulsorsled. “I wonder sometimes,” he said wearily, “if we could ever have been friends.” The false Leia shook her head. “As long as we both pursue the same goal, it can never be.” “I won’t give up. Neither will you.” “The dark path is a lonely one.” She gave him a sad, knowing smile. “And you’re still afraid.” Luke blew out a disgusted breath. “You’re not even the real Leia. You’re just a vision.” “I am more real than you know.” Outside the cave, Luke sensed a flash of concern coming from Mara. “It doesn’t matter now,” he replied dismissively, turning his back on Leia as he began to run toward the entrance. He could feel the dark energies of the tomb swirling angrily around him, but he pressed forward. Foolish boy, the tomb whispered. So weak. Luke emerged from the tomb to find Mara pulling her bag onto her shoulder. She adjusted the strap and looked over at him expectantly. “You ready?” Luke exhaled forcefully, trying for once in his life to expel the darkness from his body. The tomb had been saturated with it; he had never felt anything like it. And Leia was right, if not in the way she had imagined. He was afraid. But Mara was enough to make him face his fears. She took a step toward him. “Starkiller?” Luke couldn’t help the grin that came to his face. Was she actually worried about him? Maybe he would get through to her after all. “I’m fine,” he replied. “I’m ready.” He almost asked her if she wanted him to carry her bag, but he thought better of it. Her experience in the tomb must have been equally difficult, and in their brief time together he had figured out that she preferred to deal with her problems alone. Mara led the way through the series of caves until they came to the edge of the valley. Luke stepped to her side and looked out over the Valley of the Dark Lords. The sun peeked above the horizon, hitting the tops of the Sith statues. The work of his predecessors didn’t seem quite as impressive this morning. Mara pulled out a small datapad and held it up in the air. “What’s that?” “Tracker. It was dark when I entered the valley, and in the confusion I lost my direction. This will tell me where my ship is.” “Confusion of what?” Mara dropped the hand that held the device and let out a frustrated sigh. “It’s gone.” “Your ship? How?” “He must have destroyed it.” Mara tucked the tracker into her jacket and folded her arms across her chest. “Damn,” she muttered. “Now what?” Luke gazed across the canyon. “Come with me.” “Excuse me?” “My ship fits two. You can ride with me.” “No,” Mara said, shaking her head. “You’re an adept. When we get back to the capital, we’d—” “What? We’d be in trouble? If you don’t come with me, you’ll be dead.” Mara looked away. Despite his frustration, Luke wanted to pull her into his arms. How did she manage to look so tough and so vulnerable at the same time? Maybe it was something only he could see. “Mara,” he said, gentler this time. “What happened here? Who is chasing you?” She looked over her shoulder, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I don’t know who he is.” She took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes. The tears receded. “I know he’s dangerous,” she finished gruffly. Luke looked down at his feet. A gentle breeze ruffled his hair, blowing a few strands across his face. “You act like you don’t need my help, but I know you do.” “How dare—” “Please, just listen! I’m here for you, Mara. Only for you. So why don’t you let me help?” She closed her mouth and stared up at him, her green eyes alight with fury. He couldn’t tell whether she was going to punch him or just take off without him. She let out a long breath, and the fire in her eyes faded just a little. “Okay, Starkiller,” she said slowly, spreading her hands in a conciliatory gesture. “We’ll do it your way. Lead on.” ~~ -----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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Rigil_Kent Registered: Jan '04	Date Posted: 7/8 1:03pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Whoa. Great addition. I will admit to some minor confusion, however (which may be your intent...) The line “Do it, or I will take back the child I gave you!” icks me out and I kinda hope it doesn't mean what it initially appears to mean. If it does, that's yet another bit of pure evil from Palpatine since it seems he's not content in raping her mind but raped her body as well (even if she doesn't consciously think of it in that way). The stuff about Luke and Leia is where I get slightly confused. From reading that, I inferred that they dueled four years earlier and Leia died ... yet she's been hanging around in ghostly form. Has she always been dead (throughout this story)? If so, that means Vader can see her as a sparkly ghost. But he's also physically interacted with her previously, I think... Unless, of course, I'm reading it wrong. -----signature----- You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once. -Robert Heinlein Tyranny Reborn: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28516174/p1 Shattered Dreams: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/
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nabooqueen2008 Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 7/8 4:49pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	That was scary. Were they facing real fears or was someone behind those "hallucinations"? And Luke and Leia fighting each other is something that does not feel natural. Thanks for a great post though...and as always....hope that next post is just around the corner!!! ~nabooqueen~
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Darth-Semians Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 7/8 7:43pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Dude, just caught this and am loving every second of it. I think Luke and Leia would've been great Siths and the battles between them is intense. Can you add me on the PM listing? Darth-Semians -----signature----- Peace, Love, and Prosparity everyone. :-) GO SEAHAWKS!!!
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/11 9:02pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) - Thanks for the Noms! - Updated
	Rigil_Kent - Whoa. Great addition. I will admit to some minor confusion, however (which may be your intent...) --Thank you! And while I do attempt to mislead at times, but I never want to confuse. I'll try to clarify below. The line “Do it, or I will take back the child I gave you!” icks me out and I kinda hope it doesn't mean what it initially appears to mean. --Don't worry, it's not what it sounds like. While I don't think it's beyond Palpatine to do that sort of think (break them in mind and body), I think he gets far more pleasure out of psychological manipulation then he ever could out of any fleshly pursuits. The stuff about Luke and Leia is where I get slightly confused. From reading that, I inferred that they dueled four years earlier and Leia died ... yet she's been hanging around in ghostly form. Has she always been dead (throughout this story)? If so, that means Vader can see her as a sparkly ghost. But he's also physically interacted with her previously, I think... --Sorry for the confusion! Leia did not die; I meant to show that she had been badly injured, near the point of death, perhaps, but not actually dead. Luke remembers that particular duel because of how close he came to killing her. Hope that clears things up! nabooqueen2008 - That was scary. Were they facing real fears or was someone behind those "hallucinations"? --I'd say both. There was a lot of dark side energy in the tomb, but Mara did feel like someone or something may have used those visions to attack her on purpose. And Luke and Leia fighting each other is something that does not feel natural. --Could it be that Luke is realizing this as well and is trying to avoid fighting her, even in visions? Or maybe it's just that we're so used to them being loving brother and sister. Thanks for a great post though...and as always....hope that next post is just around the corner!!! -- Thanks! The next chapter is with the beta, but I will likely not post until I return from my trip next Sunday. Darth-Semians - Dude, just caught this and am loving every second of it. -- Glad to hear it! think Luke and Leia would've been great Siths and the battles between them is intense. --Hee, that's one of my favorite parts about writing this. It's interesting to see how Luke and Leia would react to a Sith upbringing. It's also interesting to explore how differently each of the twins reacts to said upbringing. Can you add me on the PM listing? --You are added! Mini-Announcement: I will be out of town from the 13th-19th, so the next post will have to wait until after I return. Hope to see you all right here when I come back! -----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: 7/14 1:12am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) -Thanks for the Noms! - Replies
	::sigh:: I am so behind, it's not even funny! Mara studied her younger self as the girl stood and bowed to her master. She didn’t remember being that skinny. ... “Sure,” she replied, trying to figure out whether she was sleeping, dead, or just having another really bad day. I love the way she focuses on the oddest of things in her vision; her ironic voice, even within her own thoughts. You write her voice very well - it's not as hard as it usually comes across in a lot of the stories I read, nor is it so soft that it's completely unrecognizable. “Yes?” His voice was much too soft to belong to a future Sith Lord. Maybe that was what made him so dangerous. He's dangerous to you, all right, Mara. But not in the way you think. “I wonder sometimes,” he said wearily, “if we could ever have been friends.” I'm finding the relationship between Leia and Luke as intriguing, if not even more so, than the one developing between Mara and Luke. So Palpatine gave Mara a baby. And I re-read that sentence and freak out completely. [face_green] -----signature----- Mortal Instruments {Palpatine/Padmé/Anakin} http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27482874/r27847574
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/21 10:21am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) -Thanks for the Noms! - Replies
	leia_naberrie - ::sigh:: I am so behind, it's not even funny! -- It's okay! I'm not going anywhere. I love the way she focuses on the oddest of things in her vision; her ironic voice, even within her own thoughts. You write her voice very well - it's not as hard as it usually comes across in a lot of the stories I read, nor is it so soft that it's completely unrecognizable. --That's exactly what I was going for, and I'm so glad Mara is coming across that way. She definitely has edge, but she doesn't just bite everyone's head off for no reason. (And if she does, she feels just a little guilty about it ) He's dangerous to you, all right, Mara. But not in the way you think. --LOL, the perils of love. I'm finding the relationship between Leia and Luke as intriguing, if not even more so, than the one developing between Mara and Luke. --raised hand I'm with you. Don't get me wrong, I love writing the interaction between Luke and Mara; but I really love throwing Leia into the mix. I think it provides an interesting tension to Luke's relationship with Mara, especially since he doesn't know Leia is his sister. He loves one and hates the other... but does he truly hate Leia? Does he truly love Mara? These are some things to ponder... So Palpatine gave Mara a baby. And I re-read that sentence and freak out completely. [face_green] --I promise it's not what it seems. Next post coming up in a moment! -----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: 7/21 10:23am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	~~ 9. Mesmerize The hunter stepped over the ashes of a small fire and examined the runes carved into the wall. This was the girl’s hideout, but the girl was gone. And now a new presence had arrived on Korriban, one that struck the hunter like an old tune half-remembered. It called to him. “You are distracted.” The hunter looked away from the runes, but there was nothing in the cave but air. He grinned and pulled a pyramidal device from his cloak. “It seems I missed a tomb all those years ago.” The hunter ran long, calloused fingers over the runes. “‘Here lies Ludo Kressh, the true Dark Lord of the Sith.’” A spirit-like figure rose from the device. Silver-blue light radiated across the walls of the cave as a woman’s face took shape. “The servant of your enemy is near.” “Are you sure the shyracks didn’t get her?” “She is alive. If she escapes, there is nothing I can do to help you.” “I destroyed her ship.” “There are others.” The hunter growled. “I’ll catch her soon enough.” Mara Jade, the hunter called. Come to me. Join us, and live. You and your child. ~~ Join us, and live. You and your child. Mara tightened her grip on her blaster as she followed a step behind Starkiller. “You okay?” he asked, turning to look at her. She really hated that he was picking up on her distress. It wasn’t like she was broadcasting it. “I’m fine,” she snapped, biting her lip after Starkiller had faced forward. Cool it, Jade, she told herself. This isn’t his fault. “We’re almost there. See that ridge?” Starkiller pointed at a line of jagged walls at the end of the canyon. “The ship’s just beyond it.” Mara felt the midday sun on her back as she came up to Starkiller’s side and looked in the direction he was pointing. “How can we be sure it hasn’t been destroyed, like mine?” Starkiller shrugged his shoulders. “We can’t.” Then he kept on walking. Mara glared at his back and followed. ~~ Luke held his arms out for balance as he slowly made his way down the craggy surface of the ridge. They were on what was once a flight of stairs. Now it was little more than a treacherous indent in the canyon wall. Mara was navigating the steps with relative ease, to his mild annoyance. She was certainly graceful, and for a moment he allowed himself to wonder what other areas that skill might affect— “Where is this ship of yours? You said it was over the ridge.” Luke grappled for the last moments of his daydream, but it floated away like smoke on the wind. “It’s just around here,” he replied, turning to look at her. She had one hand on the canyon wall, and several loose strands of hair had fallen across her face. The wind ruffled her shirt and blew her hair to one side. She readjusted the rucksack on her shoulder and looked up into Luke’s eyes. For one second, he forgot how to breathe. Mara seemed to have noticed. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly when he didn’t look away. Before either of them could say anything, a howl echoed off of the canyon walls. It was the same bloodcurdling cry they had heard the night before when they were in the caves. Luke felt paralyzed, not by fear, but by recognition. He couldn’t place it, couldn’t pin it down, but he knew that sound from somewhere far back in his memory. “Starkiller?” Mara said urgently, stepping down next to him. She waved the hilt of her lightsaber in front of his face. “If we’re going to leave, I think now would be a good time.” Luke absently reached for her arm, but she ducked away from his hand and glared. “Don’t try it,” she warned, shaking the saber hilt at him. “I mean it.” Her voice trembled, and he realized that she was afraid. “What is that sound?” he whispered. It was hypnotic, in its own way. He was drawn to it. Mara jumped down a few steps and looked back at him, her eyes wide. “That’s the sound I heard right before that crazy man tried to kill me. Come on!” She turned and sprinted down the steps. Luke shook his head and ran after her, trying to clear the monstrous call from his head. It continued to reverberate off the walls, howling in his ears, in his soul, as if it was calling to the darkness within him. He leapt out into the air and used the Force to bring him down lightly on the canyon floor. Peeking out from around a jagged rock was his ship. He chased after Mara, who had an impressive lead on him. She was nearly there when he felt something go wrong. “Mara, no!” The ship lifted into air and launched itself toward Mara, as if it had been flung. Luke sent a wave of Force energy at Mara, but she had already ducked down to avoid being hit. Luke threw himself onto the ground as the ship flew overhead and crashed into the ridge. The vessel erupted in flame, sending plumes of thick smoke high into the air. He wondered, briefly, if Artoo had been aboard. Luke pushed himself up onto his feet and staggered over to where Mara lay on the ground. She rolled onto her side and peered over Luke’s shoulder at the burning wreckage. “Part of your plan?” she asked evenly, as if she had not almost been crushed by an unmanned ship. Luke opened his mouth to answer, but before he could speak he heard a deep, rumbling laugh. He and Mara turned toward the source of the laughter. A tall figure appeared where the ship had been. It was swathed in black robes, and its face was hidden beneath a voluminous hood. “Hello, Mara Jade,” the figure said with dark delight, reaching out to Mara with both hands. “I’ve been waiting for you.” ~~ -----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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