Anakin distracted by Dormé’s joy, his own and everyone’s nerves was only too unaware of Runa’s warning and only snapped back to the present upon feeling her small fist against his jaw. Speechless, he immediately withdrew his arms from her shoulders and drew back. What could he say? The youngling’s warning reached him properly this time and while Saché was quick to step in just as Laic and Dormé were to react, Anakin couldn’t respond.

‘Runa! That was hardly appropriate!’ Saché spoke in her native tongue though her displeasure was evident in her features and spoke volumes.

Runa just bit her lip and remained frozen in position clutching her knapsack as though it was a life preserve. Her eyes flickered to her aunt as she swallowed hard.

Though Anakin didn’t understand Saché’s words he could feel Runa’s emotions through the Force and was immediately reminded of how Laic used to be around him.

‘It’s okay, I understand,’ he murmured in quiet tones before quietly departing back to Dormé’s side as though hoping to find solace in his wife’s presence. Though he did his best to mask his emotions, the shame and sorrow was evident in his eyes.

Feeling his daddy’s sorrow and shame over Runa’s reaction to him made Laic feel bad for him. Even though he was still wary about him, Laic couldn’t deny the emotions pouring over him in waves. He looked up as Ama rose to her feet and Daddy approached.

Though Saché couldn’t blame Runa for her reaction she didn’t want to further complicate things any more than they already were. While she knew that they were doing the right thing it was hard to ignore how painful it was proving to be. Through out the brief encounter she didn’t dare look to Soren for fear she would lose control of her tightly locked up emotions. All the years spent raising Runa Saché would tell herself that she was caring for her niece, yet deep down there was a part of her that secretly regarded the headstrong Skywalker as their own child. But now the time had come for them to let her go and like Soren she couldn’t help but wish there was some way they could make the transition easier on both Runa and themselves.

Soren wished he could make the transition easier. He wished Saché and he could stay a few days or even a week and just help their little girl, or rather the Skywalker’s little girl, get to know her family. There were tears in his eyes as he went over to say goodbye to Runa. ‘Runa...could I speak with you for a moment?’

Runa weakly nodded to her uncle’s request as she struggled to fight back the tears from spilling down her cheeks. ‘Please take me home, Uncle. This isn’t my home and I don’t want to stay,’ she whispered quietly as her eyes wavered.

‘Please don’t leave me here I promise I’ll be good and not punch anymore kids at school, I’ll even eat my shuura fruit even if it tastes like rotten berries and I promise I won’t play with my toys under the blankets after bedtime. You can even keep my nightlight I use to do it with so you know I’m serious, just please don’t leave me with them!’ she continued in desperate but soft tones as tears silently streamed down her cheeks.

Soren knelt to her level, pulling her in for a tight hug, lest he see his own tears. ‘Runa, this isn’t a punishment. Sweetheart...’ He brushed her hair with his free hand, only pulling back when he knew he could contain his emotions. He brushed her tears away with his thumb and kissed her cheek. ‘You can keep your journal and write us notes every day if you want. Any time of the day you can call us, OK? if we’re not home then we’ll just call you back right away, all right? You’ll be coming back before you know it. After all, you have friends on Coruscant and classes at school... I love you very much,’ he concluded before giving her another hug and telling her to go to her brother.

Anakin didn’t say anything further on the matter and did his best to keep to himself lest he make Laic equally uncomfortable around him. However despite his attempt to remain stoic he couldn’t help but silently reach out to Dormé with his hand marking his unspoken need for her presence and strength.

Runa’s words and tears struck Dormé like a knife through her heart. She almost wanted to just tell Soren to take Runa so then she would be happy. Runa already hated it here on Tatooine and she hadn’t even given it a chance. She had punched her Daddy whom she used to love so much... She squeezed Anakin’s hand, needing him as much as he needed her in that moment.

Laic didn’t have anyone else except for Uncle Obi-Wan and the kids at the Jedi Temple, whom he already left behind. Though he could sense and empathize with his sister’s pain and sorrow, he also knew that this was part of growing up. Even if he didn’t like it, they had to do it. Laic looked from Runa back to their parents again, wondering what was going to happen now.

Though her uncle’s words were meant to calm Runa they did little to ease her troubled thoughts and the concern felt from them. However his promises did give her a sense of hope and it reminded her of her plans for escape. Putting his words to heart she nodded as her eyes shone with hope. As he wiped away her tears and kissed her cheek she swiftly pulled him into a tight embrace.

‘Thank you, Uncle Soren,’ she whispered as she kissed his cheek. ‘I love you too,’ she murmured before drawing back slightly as he told her that she should join her brother. Nodding weakly she then went to say good-bye to her aunt who like Soren tightly embraced her and spoke words of love.

But as much as she wanted to remain with her surrogate family Runa knew she had to part ways with them. It was with great reluctance that she silently inched towards Laic keeping a safe distance -as safe as possible- from her parents. Her fingers never left her bokken and it was obvious that her thoughts were now elsewhere as she struggled to remain strong.

Anakin could only watch on and holding Dormé’s hand tightly he did half circles with his thumb hoping to help sooth her nerves while trying to ignore his own. Once Runa parted ways with Saché and Soren the former emperor wanted to suggest they return home but knew they would not wish to hear it from him.

Soren couldn’t help feeling horrible for Runa, though he knew it was time to leave. He knew she needed to be with her family and siblings and that she never really was his daughter, though it felt like it all these years. Saché and he had succeeded in their mission. They protected and cared for her and now she was back home with her family.

Dormé boxed the emotions away, not allowing herself to think about it anymore, for it wasn’t helping. She sniffed only once to prevent any tears from falling and turned to Laic and Runa. ‘Now, let’s get you both home so you can meet your brother and sister. I’m sure you’re both starving from your journey too... I have all sorts of good things to eat waiting for you!’

Laic’s eyes lit up at the mention of food, but was also quite curious about their siblings. ‘Brother and sister?’ he asked.

Saché having recalled the fact that Runa had forgotten her stuffy during their departure quietly approached Dormé while the youngling was still speaking to Soren. Offering her the small bag she carried she quietly explained that it held the stuffy Dormé had made Runa years ago.

‘Runa forgot to bring it with her. She usually carries it around everywhere she goes and can’t sleep without it,’ she admitted sheepishly.

It was with much struggle that Saché was able to quietly turn her back on their surrogate daughter but she knew it was time and without another word spoken she departed. Like Dormé she did not wish to shed tears in front of the children.

Runa remained frozen in position watching Dormé and Anakin as though they were about to attack her at any given moment. At the mention of food her stomach dropped for her nerves had taken away her appetite. The mention of other siblings caused her to furrow her brow though it was evident that she was relieved by the news. Additional siblings spelled into further distraction a trick she had learnt years ago from school. One thing she knew was the worst her classmates behaved for a new mentor or a back up mentor the easier it was to slip off to the training halls without being noticed or better yet to the play grounds.

Tears welled in Dorme’s eyes at Saché’s words. Despite the way Runa acted, she heartened to the fact she still had the stuffy she made for her. ‘Thank you, Saché,’ she murmured, feeling incredibly indebted to her for the years of care and love she gave to her daughter.

The trip to their Tatooine home contained more awkward silence than anything else, but once home, Dormé swiftly went to see Marta and their littlest ones, hoping they were up and able to join their siblings for a meal. Laic was mesmerized by the expanse of the place. Having been raised in the Temple, the only other homes he saw were his friends or Uncle Obi-Wan’s house and both were hardly decorated at all.

Saché gave a polite nod and offered Dormé’s shoulder a squeeze knowing the former empress had her work cut out for her despite both Soren and her own attempts to enlighten Runa to the truth.

The journey home was awkward and Runa spent much of her time working on her datapads sending messages to her friends on Naboo alerting them that she would be moving back soon. That she was currently packing up and was looking into transportation that would ensure a safe journey. She left out the detail that she was hoping Laic would be returning to her, just as she left out the details as to why she was returning to Naboo so swiftly.

Upon arriving Runa was quiet and withdrawn but observant as she took in all the passage ways and more importantly all possible escape routes. She had yet to register that she wasn’t the only who witness her thoughts or was aware of her plans.

However while Anakin was aware of their daughter’s mindset and more importantly the reasons she was dragging her feet he didn’t speak a word of it. Dormé had enough on her mind already without know of their daughter’s plotting and Anakin certainly wasn’t about to bring up the matter to Runa either. He knew she would believe he was reading her thoughts despite the fact even with his mind blocks her thoughts were so powerful it was hard to ignore.

Laic sensed the two bright Force signatures of what he would soon come to know as his brother and sister. This, amongst all the new things he was seeing and feeling from his parents as well, it was hard to also process the loud plans of his sister Runa. For now he was preoccupied, excited and nervous about this whole experience.

Siac and Tistia were up from their naps and soon abuzz with awe and wonder at the familiar Force signature of their Daddy and an equally bright and similar signature of someone they hadn’t met yet.

As soon as the door to the playroom opened, Siac bounded out of the room with only one sock on and Marta chasing after the precocious youngling. Dormé swooped Tistia into her arms and carried her out to meet Laic and Runa.

‘I’m sorry, milord,’ Marta apologised as she tried to catch Siac.

Siac laughed, but stopped short and stared up at Laic with wide eyes. ‘Whoa!’

Anakin beamed at the sight of their youngest son racing towards them and chuckled upon seeing the single sock on his foot while Marta attempted to catch him. When the little boy stopped before Laic Anakin couldn’t resist chuckling as he grinned and shook his head to Marta’s words.

‘It’s all right he’s just excited to meet his brother and sister that’s all. Although I have to say that’s quite an impressive entrance!’ he remarked proudly before giving Dormé and Tistia a loving smile. ‘And there is my other little princess,’ he remarked in proud tones.

Runa on the other hand was hardly impressed and was truthfully pre-occupied with thoughts of getting out. Studying her younger siblings in silent caution she said not a word and just stepped back. While the time was not right she was determined to take advantage of the distractions provided so as to escape.

Siac, if given the option would much rather run around starkers, however, his parents and Marta would seem to think otherwise, continually forcing him into clothing. Today, he refused to wear his socks and would soon be rid of them. He was mesmerized by Laic and stared up at him. ‘You’re the Jedi!’

Laic grinned at his little brother. ‘Yup! And this is Runa. She’s really smart and likes to build things that fly and stuff. We started to make something earlier. You should see it! It’s really neat, but not done yet.’ He looked over at Runa and motioned for her to come closer.

Tistia stuck her thumb in her mouth and watched everyone curiously, finding all the new emotions and Force signatures unusual, yet captivating.

Dormé kissed the toddler’s cheek, whispering to her that this was Laic and Runa she was meeting.

Anakin grinned at their youngest son’s words before feeling his heart swell at Laic’s eager reply. It filled him such joy to see how readily their eldest son accepted his siblings and how eager he was to return home.

Runa on the other hand was another matter entirely and she only snapped out of her thoughts upon hearing her name. Glancing to Laic in guarded curiousity as he motioned her to join them. Clutching onto her bokken with on hand, her knapsack with the other she took a step further but remained silent as she studied her younger siblings once more.

Anakin on the other hand was more than curious to learn what they had been making and was thrilled to discover their eldest children loved to build as he did. ‘What are you two working on?’ he asked before giving Dormé a secret smile upon hearing her whispering introductions to their youngest.

Tistia while intrigued was still groggy from waking from her nap and leant her head on Ama’s shoulder as she said who the people were.

Dormé was pleased to hear Laic and Runa still got along, unaware that they had only met for the first time less than a week ago after so many years. She returned Anakin’s smile.

Laic fell silent when their daddy spoke, questioning their project.

Siac said, ‘Ru-na! I’m Siac. I’m four. How old are you? Daddy told me before but I forget.’

Anakin immediately registered his mistake when Laic fell silent leaving him feeling once more awkward and shy. Runa frowned immediately picking up on Laic’s silence as she glared at Anakin. ‘Leave him alone Vader he doesn’t want to talk to you,’ she snapped feeling protective of her brother and well aware of his concerns about their father.

Anakin was about to politely correct Runa and inform her that Vader was no longer their surname when Siac cut in and immediately lightened the mood. The former emperor quietly neared Dormé and softly spoke in her ear.

‘I’m going to check up on Laic and Runa’s rooms to make sure everything is ready for them.’

In reality he knew everything should be as the servants were always ahead of them when it came to such things. But he also knew that his presence was making both Laic and Runa uncomfortable and decided that perhaps his absence would allow them to grow used to their ama.

At Siac’s question Runa gave a hint of a smile. Though she told herself she wouldn’t get attached to her younger siblings, as she would be leaving soon she couldn’t deny that Siac’s open friendliness was addictive.

Though it was a bit late Runa politely bowed to the toddler as she was taught. ‘Good to meet you Siac. I’m ten years old. I just turned eleven actually. When’s your birthday?’ she politely asked.

Dormé didn’t say anything to Runa though she was incredibly shocked by her anger. She murmured her assent to Anakin before he departed, understanding his need to get away for a moment and the reasoning behind it.

Siac informed Runa of his last birthday just a few weeks ago and how he was excited to meet them since that was what he wished for. Though he knew Runa couldn’t touch the Force, he didn’t fully understand why outside of something Daddy did that he didn’t mean to do and was very sorry for. For this reason, Siac understood why Runa was mad at Daddy.

Tistia murmured she was hungry and wanted some juice so Dormé invited them, to the kitchen area where another handmaiden would tend to serving them. By the time they got there, Siac’s other sock was missing.

‘Oh! you should have this,’ Siac said, pushing one of the dishes towards Runa across the table.

Laic began stuffing his face before anyone had a chance to inform him what any of the dishes were. Most of them he didn’t recognise but it was Ama’s cooking and therefore already good in his book.

Runa gave another hint of a smile at Siac’s words though she didn’t respond as in truth she had wished quite the opposite for her birthday. Which was in fact only a week or so later than Siac.

But soon she found herself following Laic and the others into the kitchen. As she wanted to slip away she knew now was not the time and that such actions would be expected. However as much as she wanted to leave Runa couldn’t deny that she found Siac to be rather amusing. After a failed attempt to make note of his missing sock she soon realized the boy had no use for them. It would seem she wasn’t the only one who loathed having to wear shoes and socks.

However once they were in the kitchen Runa grew guarded once more as she politely took her seat. Siac seemed eager for her to try one of the dishes but Runa was hardly hungry as her nerves had soured her stomach. Not wishing to offend the younger boy she accepted a piece from the dish though it was obvious she wasn’t keen on eating.

‘I’m not really hungry,’ she admitted quietly before gaping in shock at Laic who began to wolf down his food. Suddenly she grew fearful of her brother though it was obvious even to her that their ama had no intention of harming them. After all Siac was eating from the same dishes as them. Nevertheless she was still concerned for other reasons.

‘Laic, what are you doing? You’re going to make yourself sick if you eat all that too fast!’ she remarked remembering the time she ate too much cake too fast at a friends birthday dinner and was ill for it.

‘It’s so good!’ Siac said.

Dormé smiled at him, pleased also to see that Laic still enjoyed her food. However, it was quickly noticed that Runa was no in the mood to eat. Dormé worried that she hadn’t made something Runa liked and cursed herself for having not asked Saché what Runa liked before she left. ‘Would you like me to get you something else, Runa?’ Dormé asked.

‘Mmffwha?’ asked Laic when Runa chided him for eating fast. The rest of his words were incoherent as he continued tucking in to the various dishes. Once he was getting full, he paused to take a drink and looked at Runa curiously before asking, ‘Are you going to eat that?’ pointing to something on her plate that he liked.

Dormé helped Tistia cut up her food in smaller pieces while Siac managed all right on his own.

Runa furrowed her brow in concern as she shook her head. ‘How can you even taste it? You’re inhaling everything— nevermind,’ she concluded with a sigh deciding she’d have to remind him of this when he fell ill later.

Fiddling with her utensils Runa paid little heed to the food all around her as in reality she just wanted to leave and return to where she was supposed to stay for the night. However at Dormé’s question Runa just shook her head before remembering her manners. ‘I’m alright thank you,’ she politely said before catching Laic eyeing her plate with obvious interest. At his question she just shook her head and softly laughed as she offered him her plate. ‘You’d think you never ate a day in your life the way you’ve been going,’ she teased.

Dormé convinced herself that Runa had already eaten, though it would plague her later. Though she enjoyed their conversation, she was worried about Anakin as well, who disappeared off to check on their rooms. She wondered if he was all right, hoping Runa’s harsh words were not taking root in him.

Laic was going to poke his tongue out at Runa, but decided to just finish eating the desserts too. He couldn’t believe she wasn’t interested in any of this amazing food but surmised it was her loss and he would just have to enjoy it for her.

Siac soon slipped out of his chair, and his shirt, before running off to his room to grab something he wanted Laic and Runa to see. He was very keen on showing them things, even if they were hardly interesting to anyone else. ‘Come on!’ he said, pulling on Runa’s hand. ‘Laic too!’

Tistia was still working on her helping and Dormé needed to stay and aid her youngest to make sure more got in her mouth than on the table or front of her dress.

Anakin checked up on the rooms and ensured that Runa’s belongings all arrived and that Laic had additional clothes and other things he imagined the boy would need. Though it wasn’t much it kept his thoughts off of the awkward interactions between himself and the children. Even afterwards he was careful not to return to where they were located until he felt their Force signatures departing with Siac. On then did he return to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat and join his wife and their youngest.

‘So how is it going so far?’ he asked casually not really wanting to speak of his personal thoughts on the matter and knowing it wasn’t necessary either.

Runa could only stare in disbelief as Siac slipped out ofhis shirt finding his lack of interest in clothes to be a mixture of amusement and confusion. But before she had a chance to ask him what was wrong with his shirt he was grabbing her hand and leading her away. ‘Just where are you taking us?’ she asked in curiousity and concern as she found herself being half dragged, half led to Siac’s room.

Laic moved to grab Siac’s shirt, but didn’t have the chance when his presence was requested elsewhere. He followed them to Siac’s room where he eagerly pointed out all of his things and telling them stories about each and every thing. From time to time, Laic would look to Runa in amusement, feeling Siac’s joy pouring off him in warm waves. he would have to tell Runa about what he was feeling later.

‘The children seem to be getting on quite well,’ Dormé replied, offering to get a plate for Anakin as well. ‘I think that’s a step anyway.’ She informed him how Laic scarfed his food while Runa didn’t eat more than a bite, which concerned her.

Tistia soon finished, but wanted to play with her daddy instead of the others. She was a little intimidated by Runa who was rather beastly to her daddy and she wasn’t sure if she liked them or not. She didn’t know of Daddy’s battle with the dark side yet, nor was she able to fully understand it yet.

Runa was for a moment speechless as Siac eagerly showed them everything and anything he could. While normally this would have bored her the young boy had a way of making it all seem interesting and soon she found herself relaxing because of it. As loathed as she was to admit it Runa realized she was going to miss Siac when it was time for her to leave. Noting Laic’s amused looks she couldn’t help but grin before motioning Siac to explain the story behind yet another toy of his.

Anakin waved a hand to Dormé’s offer not wishing to trouble her as she already had her hands full tending to Tistia. Her reply was heartening and it brought a smile to his features. Though Runa’s lack of appetite caused him to furrow his brow Anakin was of the mindset that perhaps she had already eaten or that she was still nervous from the journey.

‘I think her appetite will return by morning,’ he remarked though already knowing it was going to be along night for them all, especially if Runa did go through with her plans. But not wanting to focuss on the negative he couldn’t resist playing with Tistia who was obviously eager to spend some time with her Daddy. It kept his mind off of things and lightened his mood considerably.

‘Daddy was telling me about the Jedi and the Sith and the wars and stuff and that’s what this was—it’s supposed to be a Jedi defeating the Sith like Uncle Obi, he told me about him and how you’re studying with him and stuff and that’s why I made this!’ Siac said about his little drawing. It wasn’t very good and the colours were completely off, but he was very proud of it.

Laic grew quite, though he didn’t want to offend his brother. ‘It’s very nice, Siac.’

‘What’s the matter? Are you OK? You seem sad. I didn’t mean to make you miss Uncle Obi. I’m sorry.’

‘No, it’s OK... I just...I’m glad to be able to meet you,’ he said, trying to change the subject.

‘I wanna be a Jedi someday too. Daddy said he started when he was nine and I can’t wait until then. I never saw another planet before. Ama said Coruscant is just a huge city like Mos Eisley, but bigger and all over the planet!’

Runa furrowed her brow as her eyes flickered to her older brother in concern. Biting her lip she tried to think of way to dissuade Siac from the topic at hand. But Laic handled it far better than she knew she would have and though Runa didn’t say a word she gave him an understanding look that didn’t belie her admiration.

But Siac was no fool either and sensed something was wrong though was unaware of the old wounds he had inadvertantly picked at. But as the little one continued on about his hopes for the future Runa decided it was time to shift topics and quietly admitted she went to school on Coruscant.

‘But you know I think you’d like Naboo better,’ she continued ‘Its filled with big forests with lots of animals and mountains and huge lakes! One day you’ll have to go there and see it all. I think you’d like it. Its not nearly as hot as it is here either and it snows int he winter!’ she said already missing home and looking forward to returning to it.

Laic was appreciative of Runa’s presence and understanding look, even if he didn’t deserve it.

‘Winter? What’s winter?’ Siac asked in eager tones, moving to sit closer to his older sister. ‘What’s snow?’

Laic chuckled at Siac, finding a little bit of himself in their younger brother. ‘And you said I eat too fast—he talks so fast I can hardly keep up,’ he remarked, grinning. Siac’s attention span was so short it amused him.

Runa blinked in shock to Siac’s words as she furrowed her brow. ‘Winter? You don’t know what winter is? Surely you’ve seen holo-vids!’ Runa balked before grinning as Siac asked about snow. Laughing softly as she caught Laic’s words she nodded in reply. ‘That makes two of us!’ she admitted before returning her attentions to the younger boy once more.

‘Winter’s a colder time of year on Naboo when the temperature drops so much that when it rains the water freezes and becomes snow. Snow is like ice but lighter and more fluffy,’ she explained before opening her knapsack and pulling out a datapad. Once she pulled it out she attempted to etch out a snowflake for Siac to see. ‘This is snow.’

Siac shook his head, having no idea what winter was or snow. When Runa tried to explain, he still didn’t get it, but then she showed him the pictures and he gasped in awe, amazed at the things she showed him. It still didn’t process with him that touching the snow would be cold. ‘Woah...’

Laic enjoyed Siac’s reactions to the winter and snow, thinking it was funny but cute too. He would enjoy speaking to Runa about Siac’s fascination with the world later.

Runa grinned as she gave him a rather awful example as she was hardly an artist. But soon she was attempting to draw what Naboo looked like in winter which was not so great either but it explained enough for Siac to hopefully understand. Glancing up to Laic she grinned struggling not to snicker herself at the little one’s eager questions and fascination.

She would definitely miss him when it was time for her to go.

Soon it was time for Tistia and Siac to go to bed, reluctant though Siac was to bid his siblings goodnight. He made them promise they would play together tomorrow and tell him more about snow.

Laic promised he’d play with him the next day and reluctantly departed for the quarters he had never seen before. Ama was there standing as though she had something to say but was reluctant to. He looked at her curiously, but refrained from asking her what was on her mind.

Dormé hoped to read to him, but didn’t think he would want her to. At the same time, just standing in the doorway, watching him turning down his duvet, filled her with such joy. ‘I’m so glad you’re home,’ she murmured, unable to prevent tears coming to her eyes.

‘D’you think you might be able to read me a story?’ he asked as he climbed under the covers.

Dorme smiled and nodded before sitting next to his bed and beginning one of the stories she used to read to him all the time.

Runa was hesitant to make and promises despite Siac’s insistence but in the end reluctantly gave in just because it made him so happy. Departing to her room she avoided looking at Laic and bit her lip as she knew the time had come to set her plans in motion. She didn’t need to be Force sensitive to know that Laic would be dead-set against her idea.

Once in her quarters Runa was quick to pull out her things and go over her hodgepodge maps. Quickly she scratched out a drawing of the building as she could best remember but soon realized they had been through too many rooms to properly recall the easy way out. With a frustrated sigh she ran a hand through her now half fallen out hair and stared back at her maps. This was going to be tricker than she thought however it didn’t stop Runa from quickly grabbing her favorite things and stuffing her knapsack with it. Uncle Soren said she could reach them at any time and with this in mind Runa decided she’d depart for the nearest city and then contact her uncle and aunt to come collect her.

But as she went through her bags her heart jumped to her throat. Sea monster was missing. At first she tried to clear her mind to back track and recall where she saw it last, but with all the events it was hard to remember when and where she saw it. Going through her bags over and over again her panicked mind completely forgot that she had left the plushie on the bed purposely upon learning her ama made it for her.

Now all she knew was that it was missing and she could not run away without it. Rushing out of her room the youngling raced down the halls with knapsack clattering and bouncing off her back as she tried to back track hoping to find the stuffy laying about.

Anakin went and tucked in both Siac and Tistia and as always told them stories of adventures that suited both of their interests. Once they were sound asleep he departed to Laic and Runa’s room, not with the intent of tucking them in as he knew they were still getting used to him. Rather it was his hope to just look on in on them to ensure they were resting properly.

It only then that he was reminded of Runa’s powerful emotions of before and her blatant thoughts that told him of her plans whether he wanted to know or not. With a soft sigh he decided it was best to look in on her to ensure she hadn’t tried to run away as Tatooine was hardly a safe plan to travel alone, nevermind at night. As predicted her room was empty and all of her things were strewn about marking a quick departure. Softly sighing he picked up her racing Force signature heading towards the kitchen which left him thinking she wanted to pack food for her journey. In reality Runa was certain her plushie had been forgotten there and could possibly be under the table. By the time she reached the kitchen and discovered it wasn’t there she had worked herself into quite a state and was trying desperately to keep from openly weeping.

In the middle of the story, Laic got distracted by Runa’s overwhelming emotions. It was worse when she was in the room near his, but then she was on the move and he knew it wasn’t a good sign. He was torn between remaining in the comfy bed and listening to Ama’s voice and chasing after Runa.

‘Ama—’ Laic began.

Dormé looked over at him. ‘Yes?’

‘I think Runa’s—upset about something...’ Laic was tentative about it because he knew how sensitive this topic was. He knew she was trying to leave. He slid out of bed and grabbed his belt with his lightsaber, reminding Dormé keenly of Anakin.

Dormé followed her eldest child out of the room only to run into Anakin.

‘I’ll talk to her,’ Laic said before moving past his parents to go into the kitchen area where he sensed her Force signature growing frantic. ‘Runa?’

Dormé immediately recalled the stuffy she had made that Saché admitted she couldn’t sleep without and went to grab it before following Laic to the kitchen, though from a distance. She remained within hearing range but out of sight so as not to interfere.

Runa frantically tore about the kitchen as she was certain she had dropped it there. Surely it was just kicked under a table or tossed aside. But as the panic grew she tore open the cupboards as tears began to stream down her face to which she quickly wiped away only to have more replace them.

Anakin on the other hand knew better than to directly interfere and was about to find a servant to speak to their daughter. Fortunately Dormé and Laic approached and at their eldest son’s words he could only nod. If anyone could reach her it was Laic. Remaining outside he tried to clear his thoughts and upon seeing Dormé return with the tattered stuffy his eyes widened in surprise and hope.

Upon seeing Laic Runa bit her lip and quickly turned her back to wipe her eyes and pull herself together. ‘Laic you remember sea monster? You know what he looks like don’t you?’ she began in quiet and sorrowful tones.

‘I can’t find him...I need your help, you have special powers maybe you can sense where he is? I—’ she faltered before biting her knuckle as she forced her thoughts to clear and blinked back more tears.

‘I can’t— I can’t go home without him.’ she admitted finally. ‘Please help me find him,’ she murmured in desperate tones.

‘Your stuffy?’ Laic said. ‘Did you check your bags? You had so much stuff with you, it’s bound to be in there somewhere.’

But then she said her plans of leaving. ‘Runa, you can’t leave! It’s dangerous out there, nevermind that we need you here—you hardly said two words to Ama... I know it’s hard coming back here and kinda scary, but we’re family and we need to get to know each other better. I’m going to try to—to deal with stuff that you know about too...but I need you here, Runa. I can’t do it on my own!’

Hearing that their daughter wanted to leave, to run away from them, tore Dormé’s heart to shreds. This was not at all what she expected would happen, not at all...

Runa weakly nodded to Laic’s offer before admitting she checked them a few times. ‘I think i dropped it from my knapsack,’ she softly admitted before returning to her search. But almost as soon as she admitted to her plans of leaving she regretted them.

Making a face she shook her head at her brother’s words as she continued her desperate search. ‘I don’t belong here Laic and we both know it. My home is with Uncle Soren and Auntie Saché! How am I supposed to help people that were hurt by our family, when I’m trapped here living with them? Everyone will just think that I’m as evil as they are!’ she snapped.

‘But why can’t you come with me Laic? Your home isn’t here either!’ Runa pleaded desperately.

‘Because Aené—’ Laic began, but fell short, knowing their parents were not far away.

Runa brought up evils of the past and Laic shook his head. ‘This is not just about you and what you want, Runa! Quite being so selfish. Think about Siac, whom you just met. He’s your family, just as much as I am. You can’t just abandon him.’

When she asked about him coming to, he refused. ‘This is what we are meant to do right now. We are willed by the Force to be here right now.’

Dormé clutched the stuffy as though it were a life preserver, wishing their daughter didn’t hate them so much and not understanding why she did.

Runa looked at him oddly as Laic began before scowling at his words as she glared at him in disbelief. ‘Selfish am I? Why not tell that to all of my friends who are missing their frakking parents because our wondrous ama and Daddy decided their lives weren’t worth enough to keep alive! Or maybe you want to talk to those who did live to talk about it but are so scarred by it all they’ve never been the same!

‘Look at yourself Laic! You want to be a Jedi and yet you’re scared and ashamed of being Force sensitive because of what Vader did to us and that you might one day end up like him! Your too good a person to spend his life living in a monsters shadow! I may not be a good person but I still want to help those who have been hurt by them and I can’t when I’m trapped here!’ she shouted in rage before turning to depart.

‘Willed by the Force...Did the Force will that so many innocent lives should die? Did the Force will it that our lives be turned upside down by the past? Forget the Force its done nothing but hurt all anyways!’ she growled before storming towards the door that led to the pantry. Opening the door she screamed in frustration before slamming it shut as she only then remembered that there was on exit and it was the other way around.

Runa’s words cut Laic like a lightsaber through the heart. He could only open his mouth to close it again in reply. He tried not to let it affect him. He tried to remember Uncle Obi-Wan’s words about how anger makes people say things they don’t really mean. It was hard because she was speaking truths, as hard as it was to hear. Even so, he knew this had to be done.

‘I don’t know, Runa, but I believe there is a purpose for everything, the good and even the bad stuff, as the Force wills it,’ he replied softly, but she was storming off in frustration. It was in the opposite direction of the true exits in this palace and that meant he succeeded. He tailed her from a distance.

‘The Force has no purpose in my life, and I wish it never did!’ she snapped before storming off.