Jedi Council Forums - Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) - Completed

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Author	Topic: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) - Completed - Author Update 10/2
leia_naberrie Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 7/22/08 5:33pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	--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... This just made me insanely happy for some reason. “‘Here lies Ludo Kressh, the true Dark Lord of the Sith.’” Mind bender! 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. O. Sweet. How can she be so unaffected? He wondered, briefly, if Artoo had been aboard. NOOOO! Not Artoo!!! -----signature----- http://io9.com/5111680/avatar-casting-makes-fans-see-white Upset about the casting for the Last Airbender movies? Write to Paramount about it. http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/1007.html
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nabooqueen2008 Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 7/22/08 7:50pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Creepy...who is this guy? He seems to want to do something scary to Mara or the baby. Maybe Luke needs to stop being so obvious about his certain liking for Mara!!! Great post....and we will wait for your return!!!! ~nabooqueen~
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Gabri_Jade Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 8/3/08 3:31am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Gorgeous stuff, as always. 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. grins Whether he doesn't know how irritating that is or just doesn't care, I don't know, but either way it cracks me up. 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. So sweet. “Part of your plan?” she asked evenly, as if she had not almost been crushed by an unmanned ship. That sounds about right for Mara. But what happens next? You can't leave us hanging like this, Vi! -----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 Serendipity (Leia-Mara vig) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/30178069 !!11!1eleventy
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darkjedileia Registered: Jul '07	Date Posted: 8/4/08 10:16pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Was that guy at the end sent by Leia, it would fit since she's the one who sent Luke to the planet.
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 8/19/08 10:56am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	leia_naberrie - This just made me insanely happy for some reason. -- I thought it would! Mind bender! --Hee, I stole that cave from the KOTOR games. Which I absolutely love. I think I have a tendency to channel the SW video games I play into writing. O. Sweet. How can she be so unaffected? --Mara's always so cool in the face of danger - even when that danger is a lovesick Sith adept. And who says she's unaffected? NOOOO! Not Artoo!!! -- nabooqueen2008 - Creepy...who is this guy? He seems to want to do something scary to Mara or the baby. Maybe Luke needs to stop being so obvious about his certain liking for Mara!!! --All shall be revealed... er, well, okay, I can't promise that everything will be revealed, but things might get a little clearer as we come nearer to the end. Great post....and we will wait for your return!!!! --Thank you! I will try to have the next post soon! Gabri - Gorgeous stuff, as always. -- grins Whether he doesn't know how irritating that is or just doesn't care, I don't know, but either way it cracks me up. --Ah, how I love snarky!Luke. So sweet. --And you know I try not to fall into the realm of super-sweet, blech-inducing frillery, because he is still a Sith adept, and he is, um, still sort of evil. So just plain ol' sweet is what I'm shooting for. That sounds about right for Mara. --That's like the seal of approval, when you tell me I've done a good job with Mara. But what happens next? You can't leave us hanging like this, Vi! --I'm sorry! I promise I'll have the next chapter to you soon for betaing! darkjedileia - Was that guy at the end sent by Leia, it would fit since she's the one who sent Luke to the planet. --Actually, that guy wasn't sent by Leia at all. Just an unlucky coincidence that he happened to be on the planet Luke and Mara went to. All Readers - I am working on the last few chapters of this story, and I hope to have them off to the beta soon. Sorry for the long delay - I've been working extra this last month, and have had a few more RL obligations. I'm still planning on wrapping this up before classes start up again in September. Thank you for hanging in there, and I hope it's all worth it! -----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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angry_bendu1 Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 8/21/08 10:46am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Replies - Date Edited: 8/21/08 10:47am (1 edits total) Edited By: angry_bendu1
	Wow. Just, uh... wow. If you wouldn't mind adding me to your pm list it would be much appreciated. I want to be sure to catch the end of this one! I still think it's Mara that Vader's talking to about demons. Guess I'll have to wait and see. And kudos on sticking to the requirements! That must be tough. Good job! -----signature----- Ramblings of a Jedi (snarky Jesika's diary- filled w/ romance, sarcasm, etc.): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28753761/p1/?0 I was staring at the orange juice because it said "concentrate". Proud owner of a '96 Geo Metro. "To the Crapmobile!"
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Jedi_BMK Registered: Sep '04	Date Posted: 8/21/08 2:50pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Replies
	This is great. I love the mysterious feel of this story. Can't wait to read more. If you could be so kind as to PM with updates, it would be appreciated. Thanks. -----signature----- Destiny of the Skywalkers II: Splintered Paths OT AU (L/M H/L A/P) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28042042/
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Ocelotl_Nesto Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 8/21/08 4:28pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Replies
	Just found this story. It is tripping. I like the implied backstory; I wonder if Yoda or Obi are still around or if they were discovered too. I hope to see Luke/Leia reconciled sometime too.
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SilverWolf77 Registered: Feb '08	Date Posted: 8/21/08 5:18pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Replies
	HI! I just found this & I can't wait for more!! I love both the Luke&Mara and the Luke&Leia interaction!! Could I please be put on a pm list?? ~SW -----signature----- Proud supporter of: Benella, Kyp OR Jag/Jaina, Mara/Luke, Tahiri/Anakin, Mirax/Kyp, Syal/Valin & Leia/Han Janson/Kettch '12 I'm back from a hiatus that went too long. Benella: They're ONLY 3 years apart!! Pittsburgh Penguins: Stanley Cup Champs!!
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 9/2/08 3:20pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Replies
	angry_bendu1 - Wow. Just, uh... wow. --Hee, I like getting that reaction! If you wouldn't mind adding me to your pm list it would be much appreciated. I want to be sure to catch the end of this one! --You are added! I still think it's Mara that Vader's talking to about demons. Guess I'll have to wait and see. --Maybe, maybe not...I like to be tricky. And kudos on sticking to the requirements! That must be tough. --It's starting to get really hard, but for some reason I enjoy the challenge. Glad to hear you're enjoying it! Jedi_BMK - This is great. I love the mysterious feel of this story. Can't wait to read more. --Thanks for responding! I'm happy to hear you like it! A new post will be up in a few minutes. If you could be so kind as to PM with updates, it would be appreciated. Thanks. --You are added! Ocelotl_Nesto - Just found this story. It is tripping. -- No one's told me that yet, but I like it! I like the implied backstory; I wonder if Yoda or Obi are still around or if they were discovered too. I hope to see Luke/Leia reconciled sometime too. --Hmm, all I can say is we shall see... SilverWolf77 - HI! I just found this & I can't wait for more!! I love both the Luke&Mara and the Luke&Leia interaction!! --Thanks! I've really enjoyed writing this story, and those aspects especially. Glad to have you aboard! Could I please be put on a pm list?? --You are added! The next chapter will be up in a few minutes! -----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: 9/2/08 3:22pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Replies
	~~ 10. Call of the Dragon “Sorry about the ship, but you see, I can’t let you leave here.” Luke climbed to his feet and stepped in front of Mara. “Who are you?” he demanded. The figure lowered the hood, revealing a man’s heavily-tattooed face. “Who I am is of no importance.” He ran his hands over his graying hair, which was pulled back in a long braid. When he brought his hands back up, there was a lightsaber in each one. He ignited them both and crossed the emerald-colored blades in front of his chest. “Have you made your decision, Jade?” Luke glanced back at Mara, who was standing with her saber in her hand. “What decision? What’s he talking about?” Mara looked past him and activated her weapon. “What’s in it for me?” she shouted across the distance. The man smirked. “I’d let you live, for starters. Then you would become my apprentice.” He extended his arms so that both sabers pointed diagonally toward the ground. “Join me, Mara Jade, and together we can make this a better galaxy.” Mara snorted. “I already have a master, and he’s the one bringing peace to the galaxy. Not you.” The man rolled his wrists, spinning the colored beams in twin arcs. “Foolish child. Blinded by your precious Emperor.” Luke interposed himself between Mara and the saber-wielding stranger. “Enough. If you’ve come to fight, then you can fight me.” “Starkiller, don’t,” Mara said from behind him. “It’s me he wants.” “I’m going to have to kill him anyway,” Luke responded coldly. “Might as well take care of it now.” He took a step forward and drew his lightsaber, angling the blood-red beam at the other man’s heart. “Brave of you, boy.” The man considered Luke for a moment, then smiled. “You must be another of Palpatine’s projects. Don’t worry; I will deal with you in turn.” “You will deal with me now,” Luke growled, drawing on the darkness that radiated from the planet. He remembered that day, four years ago, when he had given in completely to his rage and nearly killed Leia. Intoxicating though it was, he had always been too afraid to ever call on that rage again. Now he reached hungrily for the black energy that had permeated the tomb, wrapping himself in its shadow. It was more power than he was ready for, more power than he could safely control, but he had to do it, or Mara would die. The planet seemed to groan with its efforts to feed Luke’s fury. He called on every painful memory, every injustice ever committed against him, every nightmare that had chased him through the years. Tears pricked at his eyes, but he blinked them away and began to circle the stranger. The stranger’s eyes widened as he lifted his weapons up in front of him. There was uncertainty in his gaze. “What is your name, boy?” “Luke Starkiller,” he spat. “Not that it will matter when you’re dead.” The other man chuckled and shook his head. “Another desert rat, swept far away by an unfortunate twist of fate.” He smiled darkly. “The galaxy is much smaller than we think. How long have you been a slave to Palpatine?” “I am no man’s slave,” Luke snarled. “I see. You don’t remember.” The man stretched his arms out, sabers pointed toward the sky. “Perhaps you will remember this.” And when he opened his mouth next, a horrible, frightful howl echoed forth. Luke’s arms wavered as he stood transfixed by the sound. He never would have guessed it was human. The stranger grinned. “You do remember.” “Remember what?” “The dragons, Luke Starkiller. The ones whose screams pierced the night. The ones no man ever hunted alone.” Those words unlocked a flash of memory, the brief sensation of running across soft ground, staring up at a clear night sky, a million stars winking back at him. A deafening roar, a blue light that split the darkness, and a man’s bearded face. “Are you afraid?” He closes his eyes and huddles against the bearded man, shaking his head. “It’s all right to be afraid, young Luke. We all have something that scares us.” “What are you scared of, sir?” He opens his eyes and looks up at his rescuer. The bearded man stares up at the stars, but he doesn’t answer. Luke wrenched himself from his memories and planted himself firmly in the present. “That’s a nice trick,” he said softly, a wicked smile creeping across his face. “But I’m not afraid of monsters.” He raised his lightsaber to his right shoulder and charged. ~~ As soon as Starkiller and the mysterious Force-user clashed, Mara knew who would be the victor. Despite the Sith adept’s raw power, despite his bravado, he was still just a boy who had grown up in the relative safety of the Imperial Palace. Whoever this other man was, he was stronger, more experienced, and better armed. She had only one option. Mara lunged forward, thumbing her lightsaber to life as she vaulted through the air. “No!” Starkiller raised his left hand and sent a wave of energy at her, knocking her off her feet. The stranger grinned and took advantage of the distraction, shoving Starkiller backward with both his sabers. Starkiller launched himself into a high back flip, landing several meters away from his opponent. Mara picked herself up and sucked in a deep breath. “Idiot,” she growled, reactivating her weapon. “Mara, stay back!” “You go to hell, Starkiller,” she snapped. “We’ll fight him together.” She stepped over to his side and raised her lightsaber. The stranger spun his sabers in a slow circle and laughed. “Maybe I’ll just let you two kill each other.” Mara’s eyes narrowed. “Listen, Starkiller,” she whispered. “You can’t fight him alone.” “I’ve handled—” “I don’t care. I’m not putting my life in your hands. We fight together.” Starkiller kept his eyes locked on the tattooed stranger as he nodded his head. “Fine.” He activated his weapon and raised it with both hands. “Stubborn girl.” Mara raised her lightsaber, noting how smoothly and naturally he shifted in order to accommodate a partner. Before she could respond, the stranger surged toward them, both blades held high. Starkiller blocked an overhead slice while Mara ducked a sweeping blow. She balanced herself on one hand and kicked out at the stranger’s legs. He jumped into the air, giving Mara time to stand up as Starkiller parried and pressed his attack. They were on either side of the tattooed man now, each of them blocking and parrying, trying to wear their enemy down. He moved with preternatural speed, able to fend them off even when they were both lunging forward, striking with all of their strength. The man held both blades horizontal and spun in a half circle, viciously batting away his attackers while he switched sides. “You’re looking tired, Jade,” he said, swinging the left hand saber in a low scoop that caught her weapon and knocked it from her hands. He ended the motion with a quick stab, but Mara had already rolled away, reaching for her lightsaber. Temporarily freed from his second opponent, the stranger twirled to block Starkiller’s powerful lunge. Mara flipped into the air and came down on their enemy from above, drawing his other lightsaber away from Starkiller. “Don’t count me out just yet,” she said darkly, batting his saber away as she landed. Mara tried an upward cut that would have split the man groin to chin, but he blocked it easily while stopping a sideswipe from Starkiller. Then he met Mara’s eyes and smiled. The stranger snapped his wrist up and forced Starkiller’s lightsaber into the air, kicking out with his right leg in the same motion. His foot connected with Starkiller’s chest, sending the Sith adept rolling over backwards in the dust. He spun toward Mara with the free saber, battering her weapon with it before leaning in and elbowing her hard across the side of her head. Mara felt her lightsaber leave her hand, and then there was only darkness. ~~ “NO!” Luke scrambled forward, raising his lightsaber before he had even gotten off of the ground. The tattooed man turned and smiled at him. “Finally,” he muttered. Their sabers connected with a crackle of electricity. Luke slammed his weapon against the stranger’s, pushing him away from Mara’s still form. He growled as he drove the older man back into one of the canyon walls. Using both his sabers to block, the man was seemingly pinned against the rocks. “Do you think your anger will save you, boy?” He leaned into the block, the sinews in his muscles bulging grotesquely as he tried to push Luke away. “I have braved this world for years. What makes you think you can defeat me?” Luke glared at him through the crimson and emerald light. “If she dies, no place in the galaxy will be safe for you.” The stranger roared and exploded forward, driving Luke away from the canyon wall. “I’ve been hunted for a long time, and still I survive.” Luke took several quick steps away from his opponent and let out a frustrated breath. The two men circled one another, watching each other carefully while they rested. The stranger smiled, his tattoos stretching across aged skin. “You think you’re different from all the rest, but you’ll see. Palpatine will betray you just like he betrayed me.” The man laughed, but his eyes were dark. Luke’s eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?” “I would have thought he’d be bragging about it for years to come.” The man’s voice was hard and bitter. Luke tightened his grip on his lightsaber and stopped circling. “Who?” He knew it was a distraction, but there was something about the way this man spoke, as if he had seen things too horrible to imagine. The man stopped moving as well. He lowered his lightsabers and stared at Luke. A fire seemed to blossom in those eyes. “The so-called Emperor, boy. The man who destroyed my people, my way of life.” He shook his head and leered at Luke. “But we’re not here to talk about me. We’re here to fight.” He vaulted into the air, coming at Luke with both sabers held like spears. Luke sidestepped and swung his blade through the air, catching the man in the shoulder. His opponent howled, but it lacked any real evidence of pain. “You’ll have to do better than that, Luke Starkiller. I can do this all day.” And then Luke saw it. Mara’s lightsaber lying about three meters from her body. If he could just keep this guy talking and facing away from Mara… “I have trouble believing that you could be any kind of threat to the Emperor,” Luke sneered. He wrapped mental fingers around the hilt and lifted it a few centimeters into the air. “Not now, boy. Not as I am. But soon, I will be ready.” He launched a brutal assault, pressing Luke backward. Luke flipped away from his opponent and settled into a more solid defensive stance. “What do you mean?” The lightsaber was floating slowly along the ground toward them. The man shook his head. “Enough talk!” Luke forced himself not to look at Mara’s lightsaber. He raised his own blade up high. “If I’m going to die, why not tell me?” The man came at him again, spinning forward to create a pinwheel of deadly energy. His sabers battered at Luke’s defenses. The Sith adept crouched down and scissor-kicked the man’s legs, causing him to fumble. “I was a Jedi Knight,” the man roared, slicing sideways with one saber while he brought the other up to defend. “My name was A’Sharad Hett. Palpatine murdered my kind, hunting down all who escaped the initial purge.” Luke nearly lost his hold on Mara’s lightsaber. “A Jedi Knight?” He had heard of the Jedi when he was younger, but up until now he had thought they were a myth. Hett’s sabers clashed with Luke’s again, and he pressed them toward the younger man. “Yes, boy. I was a Jedi, and I had a name. I have shed both those skins. I was the hunted, but now I am the hunter.” Luke shoved Hett’s sabers away and lunged forward with his. Lunge, duck, block, parry. They twirled around each other, kicking up dirt and dust. Mara’s lightsaber hovered near Hett’s knees. Just as he was about to activate the saber, Hett slipped through his defense and, with a fierce snap of his wrists, sent Luke’s lightsaber flying away from him. Luke fell onto his back and tried to scramble away. Hett held his sabers on either side of Luke’s head and smiled. “Before you kill me, answer me this,” Luke said quickly, holding up a stopping hand. Hett looked at him like he was a foolish child. “What now, boy?” Mara’s lightsaber activated right next to Hett’s left elbow, shearing off the lower part of his arm. As Hett screamed out in agony, Luke leapt to his feet and called both his and Mara’s lightsabers to his hands. He charged the injured man, deftly knocking away his other lightsaber. Instead of making a run for it, Hett roared and raised his right arm. Luke felt a wall of energy slam into him, carrying him several meters across the canyon. By the time he got up, he saw Hett scrambling up the canyon wall. Luke chased after him, but he stopped short as the ground began to shake. He looked up and saw Hett standing with his good arm stretched out toward one of the higher walls. He pulled his arm back as if tugging a rope, and part of the ridge began to shift and crumble. Boulders tumbled down into the canyon, blocking Luke from following after Hett. “You have won today, Starkiller, but I will have my revenge!” He punctuated his vow with the call of the dragon. Instead of climbing the rocks and hunting down the wounded man, Luke turned and ran toward the spot where Mara had fallen. He knelt down at her side, examining her for injuries. He wasn’t a medic, and he had no way of knowing how badly she was hurt until she woke up. Luke stood and held out his hands toward Mara, using the Force to lift her gently into the air and to keep her spine from moving. He floated her a few meters over to a small niche in the canyon wall and laid her down. He could feel her presence in the Force. It wasn’t as strong as usual, but for now it was steady and calm. Something told him she would be fine; he just needed to wait for her to wake. Luke settled down on a rock and watched Mara as the sun started its slow path down toward the horizon. ~~ -----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: 9/3/08 4:57am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	The stranger spun his sabers in a slow circle and laughed. “Maybe I’ll just let you two kill each other.” LOL! I've always wanted the bad guy to say that in a situation like this. Mara raised her lightsaber, noting how smoothly and naturally he shifted in order to accommodate a partner. Twin intuition? “My name was A’Sharad Hett. Palpatine murdered my kind, hunting down all who escaped the initial purge.” The Tusken Raider guy, right? This will be interesting... I wonder what his story is. I wonder what will happen next... -----signature----- http://io9.com/5111680/avatar-casting-makes-fans-see-white Upset about the casting for the Last Airbender movies? Write to Paramount about it. http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/1007.html
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ginchy Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 9/3/08 10:58am Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	Wow, very intense! How have I been missing this? I'm really enjoying the stark feel of the story and how even in an AU some things remain the same. Excellent fic! -----signature----- Something wonderful has happened... EDD: April 25, 2010
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 9/9/08 7:07pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated - Date Edited: 9/10/08 6:38pm (1 edits total) Edited By: ViariSkywalker
	leia_naberrie - LOL! I've always wanted the bad guy to say that in a situation like this. --So have I! Twin intuition? --Ah, very perceptive. The Tusken Raider guy, right? This will be interesting... I wonder what his story is. I wonder what will happen next... --Yep, he's the Tusken Raider guy! I've learned a lot about him lately because of the Legacy comics, and when I realized he was on Korriban during this time period, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. ginchy - Welcome! Wow, very intense! How have I been missing this? -- Posting got a little sporadic throughout the summer, so it was probably fairly easy to miss. I'm really enjoying the stark feel of the story and how even in an AU some things remain the same. Excellent fic! --Thanks! That's always been really important to me in writing AUs, to make sure the characters are recognizable as the characters they are in canon, just twisted a little. (Or a lot ) ~Announcement~ The remaining chapters have returned from the beta. Including today's post, there will be 4 more chapters spread across 3 posts. After today, the next post will be on Friday, September 12th. The final post will be on Monday, September 15th. We're on the home stretch, gang! Enjoy! The next post will be up momentarily! EDIT: Corrected the dates for the remaining posts. The days of the week were correct, but I put down the wrong dates. -----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: 9/9/08 7:10pm Subject: RE: Veil of Shadows (Luke/Mara, Leia, Vader, OT AU, angst, romance) SJRS Wordless Romance - Updated
	~~ 11. Collapse She was sitting against a rock, tied to it with thick ropes that burned her skin when she moved. She recognized the entrance to the tomb, the one she had entered when she first arrived on Korriban. The rock that held her prisoner rested just outside the entrance. As she struggled against her bonds, she half expected one of those tuk’ata creatures to come out from the depths of the tomb and tear her apart. Something warm dripped into her eyes and down her nose. As it passed her lips, she tasted it with the tip of her tongue. Blood. And then something emerged from the tomb, something so wrapped in shadow that she couldn’t make out what it was. Maybe it had been lured by the scent of her blood. She cursed herself for being so helpless, for allowing herself to be injured, even though she could not for the life of her remember how it had happened. The shadow leaned forward, peering into her eyes. She squinted up at it through the blood and realized she was looking into Luke Starkiller’s eyes. “What’s the matter, Mara?” he asked sweetly, extending his hand. She tried to clear the blood by rubbing her shoulder against her eye. “Get me out of this, Starkiller.” He walked behind the rock and untied the ropes. They fell around her, coiling at her feet like serpents ready to strike. She eyed them warily. Starkiller came out from behind the rock and smiled. “You’re free.” The leering grin on his face said otherwise. She tried to move away from him, but the ropes tangled around her legs, holding her in place. Starkiller approached her slowly, his eyes roaming over her in a way that made her senses rebel. She reached instinctively for her abdomen. “Don’t come any closer.” His lips twisted into a frown. “It’s okay, Mara. Touch me, and we’ll fall together.” She stared at his outstretched hand as the serpent-ropes climbed her thighs, wrapping around her waist. “No!” she screamed, trying to rip them away, to protect her child. “We belong together. Just take my hand.” She woke up screaming. ~~ “You hid?” Artoo whistled an affirmative as he rolled over to the rock where Luke sat. “I’m impressed, Artoo. I thought you were a goner when that madman destroyed the ship.” The droid chirped defiantly, his dome swiveling back and forth. Luke chuckled and placed a hand on top of the little robot’s dome. “Well, I’m glad.” A strangled cry echoed off the canyon walls. Luke turned from examining Artoo and saw that it was Mara making that horrible sound. Her eyes were open but unfocused. “Mara!” He ran and dropped to his knees at her side. She sat up quickly and sucked in a deep breath, holding her palms against her forehead. Luke stayed back and let her bring her breathing under control. She closed her eyes and took in a few more gulps of air. Finally, she opened her eyes and stared directly into his. “What’s happened?” she asked steadily. Her voice was carefully controlled, but the look on her face betrayed her anxiety. Luke reached out to touch her shoulder, but she shied away from him. “You were unconscious,” Luke explained as he raised his hands defensively. “I moved you so we wouldn’t be out in the open.” Mara rubbed her arms and wrists as if trying to wipe something away. Her eyes darted about suspiciously. “How—?” “I didn’t touch you, if that’s what you’re worried about.” He couldn’t hide his resentment. Frankly, he didn’t care right now. He ignored the dirty look she shot him. “I levitated you.” Her gaze softened just a little. “I didn’t—” “Listen, we’d better get to Dreshdae and find some way off this planet before that guy recovers.” Mara held his gaze for a moment. His heart pulsed just a little quicker as he wrestled with his emotions. She looked around for her rucksack and raised a hand to call it over. “Did you kill him?” Luke stared over her head at the wall of boulders. “No, but he won’t be able to hold two lightsabers anymore, that’s for sure.” “Best news I’ve heard since I got here.” She stood slowly, testing her balance. Then she pulled out her tracker and pressed a few buttons. “Dreshdae it is. Let’s go, before that lunatic decides he wants revenge.” She dusted off her clothes and gestured toward a narrow pass leading out of the canyon. “After you, Starkiller.” “Why exactly am I leading, again?” “Because I’d rather keep you in front where I can see you.” “No trust, huh?” “None.” “Not even after I saved your life?” She looked at him strangely, as if she was seeing a different person. The expression on her face told him it wasn’t a good thing in this instance. “Okay, fine, I’ll go first.” Luke walked ahead of her, surveying the trail. “So much for gratitude,” he muttered. Luke led the way through the pass, crossing over another high ridge before he finally spotted Dreshdae. The city jutted out of the side of a jagged mountain at the far end of the Valley of the Dark Lords. Mara came over to his side and held up her tracker. Artoo whistled that he was perfectly capable of locating and identifying the city. “Yep, that’s it.” Mara, who didn’t seem to understand Artoo’s binary language, tucked the tracker into her jacket pocket. Luke shrugged at the droid and began the slow climb down the ridge. Once they reached flat ground, it wasn’t long before they came to Dreshdae’s outer wall. Luke, Mara, and Artoo crossed a short bridge and approached the ramp that led to the city’s main entrance. “Let’s hope they’ve got some space-worthy ships in there,” Luke said as he keyed the doors open. He looked back at Mara and shrugged. “Otherwise we’ll be spending even more time here together.” Mara grimaced, but he wasn’t sure if it was a joke or if she really did dread the thought of staying here with him. Then she let out a pained cry and started to fall. ~~ Three Months Ago “Do you have any other questions, my child?” Mara looked up into the Emperor’s wrinkled face and shook her head. “No, my lord. I am ready to serve you.” The Emperor smiled. “This will be a very important mission, the most important mission of all. Succeed, and we will no longer need the Sith. A new line of Force-sensitives will be born, a line rooted in justice and peace.” “Yes, Master.” “This child represents a bright future for our Empire. Remember that.” “I will, Master.” “You were always a special child, Mara. Make me proud.” ~~ Now The blood rushed to her brain, leaving her lightheaded, breathless, unanchored. She reached out with one hand to catch herself as she stumbled to her knees. The other hand cradled her stomach, shielding it from impact. KILL… She gasped for breath, sucking in the dead air. Starkiller kneeled on the ground next to her and reached out to support her, but she held up a stopping hand. “No!” she shrieked, remembering the nightmare-vision. She would not be party to anyone’s fall. Not even his. —you have been trained and molded for a single purpose— “Don’t touch me,” Mara ordered, trying to stop the memories, the Emperor’s voice, anything and everything that could reach inside and hurt her child. —serve as an extension— —a special child— —the most important mission of all— “Mara, please,” Starkiller insisted, drawing closer. “Let me help you up.” She squeezed her eyelids shut, as if doing so would drown him out. She didn’t need his help. She needed to get away from this place, away from the darkness in him. From the darkness in herself. —an extension of my will— A vision opened up before her of the Emperor’s throne room. Disjointed sensory details flashed through her brain: the smell of burnt flesh, blue-white electricity crackling through the air, the hum of multiple lightsabers, six red-robed Imperial guards lying dead on the floor. Two figures approaching the throne, a small one she didn’t recognize and a large one that she did. YOU WILL KILL… Mara scraped her nails along the ground, grinding them into the dirt. “No,” she whispered fiercely, trying desperately to hold back tears. “I won’t do it.” She thought of the child growing inside her, and an image filled her thoughts, a vision of a little copper-haired boy tumbling in a sea of grass. He raised his palms to the sky and laughed. She shook her head and the vision retreated, leaving an emptiness that quickly filled with righteous anger. YOU WILL KILL DARTH VADER. I won’t do it! YOU WILL KILL LEIA ORGANA. Get out of my head! Mara screamed, and then the pressure on her mind lifted suddenly and with a finality that could only mean one thing. Emperor Palpatine was dead. ~~ -----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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