Stomping off towards it Runa stopped dead in her tracks as her eyes fell to Dormé who was clutching her precious stuffy.

Dormé knelt to her knees and offered the stuffy to her eldest daughter. 'There was a little tear on the fin, so I stitched it up,' she murmured softly, trying to reach and brush her hair, to make some sort of physical contact with her. She ached to hold her in her arms, to comfort her and tell her everything would be all right... She wanted so badly to have Runa back and it killed her to hear how evil she thought her parents were.

'Sea monster?' she breathed as all her rage melted away leaving behind confusion and concern. Her eyes wavered and for a moment she fell silent as she stared at the plushy like a frightened animal waiting to the right moment to fight or take flight.

With her rage fading away all that was left in its wake was a frightened and confused little girl. Swallowing hard Runa stared at the sea monster as her ama's murmured words caused her cheeks to warm. It wasn't the first time the sea monster's fin had to be stitched because of her nervous habit of twisting it. When Dormé reached to Runa the youngling stepped back her expression a look of guarded distrust and fear. 'Please can I have sea monster back, please?' she murmured in desperate and barely audible tones.

Dormé hardly realised how tightly she was holding Sea Monster until Runa mentioned it. 'Of course,' she said, her voice shallow. She held it to her, restraining the urge to pull her into her arms.

Runa gingerly accepted the stuffy and immediately began to twist the fin that Dormé had stitched as her nerves got the better of her. Her eyes wide but guarded flickered between the plushy and Dormé before they fell to the floor as she bit her lip. 'Thank you...' she murmured softly as confusion flooded her thoughts. It would seem there was more truth to Lady Tamé and her Uncle and Aunt's words about her ama than she thought. Even so Runa couldn't be certain how much she could trust the petite woman before her that her aunt revealed was like a sister to her. As she had been taught that there were two sides to the former empress, leaving her uncertain what to make of all of this. Silently she moved past Dormé and then past Anakin as she went to depart from the kitchen. It would seem her plans to escape would have to wait till tomorrow.

Anakin though absent from the room heard the entire conversation and was incredibly humbled and proud of Laic's intervention and it wasn't until the shouting fell silent that he dared to enter. Keeping a safe distance he watched in pained silence as Dormé tried to speak to Runa. It broke his heart knowing how much Runa's words hurt Dormé and how desperately her ama was trying to bridge the gap between them. It was only then that he felt Laic's eyes on him and returning his gaze he gave a hint of a sad but proud smile. He knew Laic was studying his Force signature and did nothing to hide or alter it despite how shaming and vulnerable it left him feeling.

Laic was confused, hurt, and emotionally drained as he endeavoured to clear his thoughts. It was then his eyes set on their father. He looked up at him, studying his Force signature so severely, trying to find a hint of the darkness he felt so strongly as a child. Laic didn't know how long he was staring at his father, reading him, knowing what he knew... Daddy didn't have any blocks up. He wasn't trying to hide anything, but gave Laic free reign to scan his Force signature. Laic saw everything, the good and the bad, but more of the good. His only thought, which he unwittingly vocalized, was his observation, '...not like Uncle Obi-Wan...' he murmured, though not intending to be mean.

Anakin on the other hand could only watch in pained silence knowing all to well how this was hurting Dormé and how undeserving she was of this poor treatment. He knew that Runa's anger in reality was meant for him, that she was now reacting out of fear and confusion, that Dormé was the unfortunate victim who was caught in the middle. The boy deserved to know the truth as shaming as it was and despite feeling both exposed and vulnerable for it he didn't stop him. Laic's murmured reply though entirely unintentional cut deeply and instinctively, he glanced away as he repeatedly told himself it was only an observation nothing more nothing less. Even so it was hard to accept leaving Anakin to consciously bury his emotions and pretend like he didn't hear what Laic said lest it encourage petty jealousies.

Laic immediately felt the shame, guilt, and slight jealousy briefly before his father struggled to hide it. He looked to his father's blue eyes, trying to gauge what he was sensing better, but after he couldn't get anything further, he broke his glance and left for his room.

Anakin's eyes met Laic's but despite his attempts to bury his emotions it was obvious that their son had picked up on them and it was a struggle to hold his gaze. But then Laic looked away and was leaving as well.

Dormé slowly rose to her feet as her tears were no longer able to be contained. She covered her mouth and rushed into the bedchamber she shared with her husband.

Anakin was quick to join her. He felt terrible for everything and equally responsible for her pain as well. Quietly he followed her into the bedchamber before moving to pull her into a tight embrace. Some times words weren't necessary and this moment was one of them. Struggling with his own emotions Anakin fought back his own tears of guilt and shame though knowing he was the real reason for Dormé's sorrow was what hurt the most. Gently rubbing her back with one hand while passing his hand through her hair with the other, he kissed the top of her head and held her close hoping to comfort her even a little.

'Why do our children hate us?' she gasped out between sobs, clutching Anakin tightly. 'What did we do? What can we do to—Anakin...' Dormé couldn't speak anymore as the tears overwhelmed her. She thought of how much she longed to see them again, how much she wanted to hold them to tell them she had missed them so much and never wanted to be parted again... Runa's uncertainty, her anger... It was something she didn't expect and it shook her to the core.

His heart broke for her and tightening his embrace around her Anakin shook his head as he kissed her forehead again. 'They don't hate you, Dormé, they're just confused and scared that's all,' he murmured softly wishing there was more he could say to ease Dormé's sorrow.

'She just sounded so...' Dormé mumbled into his chest as he spoke words of comfort to her. 'She wanted to run away...'

Anakin furrowed his brow and held Dormé tightly as his heart went out to her. She did not deserve this, none of them -save himself deserved it. Softly he tried to comfort her and tried to explain the reasons behind Runa's vicious behaviour. 'She's angry with me and its causing her to lash out,' he admitted softly. 'It's nothing you've done believe me you do not deserve this treatment, not in the least,' he murmured in sincere and gentle tones.

Dormé pulled back to look him in the eyes. Even though she knew she was not innocent and had her equal portion of blame, she was grateful for his attestation.

Anakin's expression softened as he touched her cheek. All he wanted was to ease her worries to alleviate her pain. Her silent gratitude warmed his heart and brought a small smile to his lips. 'Give her time, she'll settle in,' he murmured desperately hoping his words would become a reality sooner rather than later. But when she spoke of Laic his expression fell as he grew silent.

She recalled Laic nearing him earlier and wondered, 'Did you have a chance to speak to Laic?'

'Not exactly,' he admitted recalling Laic's reaction when he tried to speak to him and the observation made. 'I think he needs a little time as well,' he murmured softly.

'I can only imagine how hard of an adjustment it must be for them,' Dormé replied quietly. 'I wish I knew what I could do to make it easier for them.' She sighed heavily before embracing him once more, feeling confidence return to her in his arms.

Anakin just shook his head at her words as he tightened his embrace. 'You've done all you can Dormé. No child could have ever asked for a more loving and caring ama than you. They will settle in before you know it,' he said in soft and sincere words.

Runa on the other hand silently stared out the window uncertain what to make of it all. Her ama was hardly the fearsome woman she had learnt about in school and in her datapads. But then even the history courses admitted she had done some good which left her wondering if it was wrong that she thought Lady Vader was nice or if this was a prelude to something more sinister. Either way she was guarded about the matter though didn't dwell on it too much as her stomach growled reminding her that she hadn't eaten since morning because of her nerves.

Sighing deeply, she recalled the direction to the kitchen and grabbing sea monster promptly plodded off with the hopes that there was still some of that dish Siac had given her left. However she doubted it as Laic seemed to have eaten enough to satisfy an army. The thought made her snicker at the memory though she soon grew serious as she eventually found her way to the kitchen. Upon entering she sauntered to where the fridge was with the hope of finding some juice and perhaps some leftovers.

Very early the next morning, before the suns began their crawl across the sky, Dormé awoke having a sudden craving for one of the dishes she fixed the night before. Intent on having this dish, she disentangled herself from Anakin's arms, endeavouring not to wake him. She then slipped her nightgown on and padded into the kitchen.

She was surprised to find Runa there, but didn't say anything. Instead, she set about warming up a sampling of each of the dishes that were left over and placed on plate in front of Runa and another in the chair next to it, where she would sit. Dormé also got a cup of the juice Runa liked as a child, though she doubted she remembered and had a feeling she wouldn't like it anymore. Nevertheless, Dormé gave it a shot and tried not to stare at her little girl as she strained to gauge her reaction.

Runa was startled at the sight of her ama and immediately grew guarded for it. Watching her closely she stepped back as Dormé prepared a dish with a variety of different things that had been served the night before. Finally coming to her senses the youngling cautiously took a seat at the table and in barely audible tones thanked her ama for the food. Her eyes widened slightly as Dormé poured her a cup of her favourite juice. Though Runa shouldn't have been surprised the youngling had no memory of her mother feeding her this juice when she was still a baby and thus was pleased to see she had her favourite drink.

But soon the need to guard herself grew once more and though she was still a bit hesitant Runa slowly began to eat. The food as Laic admitted before was delicious and though she said not a word to her ama it was obvious she was enjoying it.

Dormé cautiously set the juice in front of her, but was utterly relieved to see that Runa liked it still. It relaxed her enough to begin eating as well, for despite having a craving, being given this chance to try to appeal to her long-lost daughter made her nervous.

She forced herself to look at her plate as she ate so she wouldn't stare at her daughter. This didn't, however, prevent her from stealing glances at her, so happy to see she was eating and enjoying the food she prepared earlier. She also couldn't help seeing how much Runa had grown, lamenting desperately all these years she missed.

Runa remained silent the entire time as she sipped on her drink and warily ate her food. It eased much of her nerves to see her ama eating as well though not because she feared the food was tampered with, rather because it meant she wasn't watching her so closely.

The food was quite good, despite her concerns and as she ate her curiosity grew. She wanted to speak of the past to clarify things as she had learnt them from school and her tutors. In truth she wanted to know why. But now was not the time for such questions and so Runa kept quiet until she was finished. Then slipping from her chair she collected her plate and drink to place in the sink.

'It was very good —thank you again,' she said softly with a hint of a smile.

Dormé was about to say she would clean up and not to worry about it when Runa moved swifter, putting her plate and cup in the sink for the droids. Words could not describe how happy Runa's assessment made Dormé. She smiled at her and she fought the not in her throat as she replied, 'You're welcome, Runa.'

Runa had her father's eyes, her ama's dark hair... Dormé withheld saying anything further to her, but her heart was once more filled with hope. Dormé's eyes were filled with love for her daughter, but she restrained herself from saying anything that would make Runa uncomfortable.

Runa studied her ama for a moment before returning the smile with a shy one of her own. But then her eyes filled with confusion and she bit her lip before quietly turning away as she swiftly prepared to depart.

For a moment, the wall between them was broken. Dormé's heart swelled at Runa's shy, brief smile and her eyes lingered on her even as she departed. Dormé eventually rose from her chair and had the droid clean up before washing up herself and returning to the bedchambers where she slipped back into her husband's welcoming arms.

Anakin murmured in his sleep and upon sensing Dormé's return soon was sleepily smiling though he wasn't awake enough to open his eyes. Instinctively his arms drew around her once more as he gave a contented sigh before drifting back to dreams.

Meanwhile, Runa wasn't ready to return to her room just yet and soon found herself plodding off to Laic's. But the hour was still early and she wasn't certain he'd be awake. Even so she couldn't resist shyly tapping on his door. 'Laic?' she said softly, 'Can I come in?'

For a moment, Laic thought he was dreaming sensing his sister's Force signature. But the rapping on his door made him bolt up in bed. 'Runa— yeah of course,' he replied groggily.

At Laic's groggy reply Runa shyly entered biting her lip she gave a sheepish apologetic smile. 'Sorry about waking you— but can I rest in here? I'd rather not sleep alone,' she admitted not quite ready to admit it was because she was missing her Uncle and Aunt and felt too lonely to rest in bed alone. As doing so meant she would only replay the brief interaction between ama and herself which even now still confused her.

Laic scratched the back of his neck as she apologised. 'It's fine,' Laic said. He sensed her loneliness and couldn't deny he felt much the same way. He budged up a little on his bed so she could crawl up next to him. Laic turned on his side away from her and was soon back to sleep again.

Runa gave another apologetic smile before quietly clambering onto his bed where she turned her side away from him as well and tried to get comfy. Unfortunately Laic was a noisy sleeper and his snores caused Runa to get frustrated. Using her sea monster she covered her ears and in time she too fell asleep. But while she was a more silent, Runa was hardly a peaceful sleeper and soon she was tossing and turning about as in her rest the uncomfortable was the only way to be comfortable.

It was not long before Runa's feet were all over and on top of Laic, unwittingly kicking him in the shins. In his sleep, Laic unconsciously used the Force to push her away. However, it did not prevent her from attacking him in her sleep once more. Laic ended up edging closer to his end of the bed and then when that still didn't give Runa enough room to manoeuvre, he fell off.

Waking up, Laic rubbed his behind and stood up, seeing Runa's interesting position of rest that looked incredibly uncomfortable. He grabbed a blanket and extra pillow before making a pallet on the floor.

It wasn't long after Laic made a pallet on the floor that Runa was waking up. Noting her body half on the bed half off she sighed before shifting herself upright. Noting Laic was no where to be found she peered over the edge of the bed and in her half sleepy state didn't take notice of the pallet he was resting on.

'You alright? Did you fall of the bed too?' she murmured as she rubbed her eyes. 'I'm always falling off the bed,' she admitted knowing it was nothing to be embarrassed about.

'Mmmrrrhhmm,' Laic replied sleepily, thinking it was a bad idea to invite Runa in. She wouldn't keep quiet and enjoyed kicking him out of the bed.

'You kicked me out,' he remarked sourly, readjusting his position on the floor.

Runa's eyes widened at Laic's words and she bit her lip feeling awful upon learning she had kicked him off of his own bed. 'Oh! Oh I'm sorry,' she murmured softly as she grabbed her pillow and the blanket before slipping to the floor. It wasn't her intent to hurt him and while she didn't want to return to her room Runa didn't feel that it was right to sleep on his bed while Laic rested on the floor. 'I sleep here, you go back to bed,' she whispered as she set up her pillow and blanket.

'It's fine,' he grumbled, struggling to go back to sleep. 'Just go to sleep, Runa,' Laic said, punching his pillow under his head to get more comfortable. Soon he was snoring again, returning to the world of dreams.

Runa sighed softly then and just nodded before curling up in her blanket and falling asleep once more. However soon Laic's snoring woke her up and sighing Runa tried to bury her face under her stuffy to drown out the noise. When that didn't work she attempted to inch away and used the blankets as a sound dampener by placing it over her head.

'Laic! Hush up! You're snoring!' she hissed when even this didn't work. But Laic was far too asleep to hear her words. But the events of the day had left Runa worn out and despite the snores she was able to fall asleep. While she didnt' have anywhere to fall off of it didn't stop her from becoming completely entangled in her blanket causing her to resemble a human sized cocoon.

Later that morning after getting ready for the day, Dormé stopped by Laic's room, only to find that Runa and she were asleep on the floor. She smiled at the sight of them before tending to Tistia—who had woken her parents up by jumping on their beds—helping her get dressed.

She then went to the kitchen to fix a large breakfast for all of them while Tistia played nearby. Siac bounded into Laic's room, saying they needed to get up so they could play with him.

Siac burst into the room and at his boisterous greeting Runa awoke with a start, 'what in the blazes!' she cried out before crying out again as she smacked her head on the handles of the dresser she was resting by. Trying to sit up she promptly discovered she was rather bound and tangled up in her blankets leaving her to frantically attempt to clamber out of them. 'I'm trapped!' she muttered in concern and frustration.

Laic mumbled and tried to go back to sleep, but when Runa yelled, he gave up and rubbed his eyes. 'What time is it?' he mumbled sleepily.

'You're fine, Runa,' Siac said, using the Force to free her from the blankets.

Runa watched in amazement as the blankets she was tangled to unravelled themselves from her form leaving her able to move. Giving Siac a sheepish smile she thanked him before shrugging at Laic's mumbled question.

'It must be later in the day it's so bright out already,' she remarked forgetting that Tatooine's suns made any time of the day bright.

'Oh,' Laic muttered before stumbling off to the fresher.

Siac pulled Runa up by the arm. 'Come on! You're gonna miss breakfast if you don't get up!'

Smirking, Runa just shook her head as she remarked that so long as Laic was washing up they'd be able to have a head start. 'Once he comes to the table that's when breakfast will be missed as he'll eat it all by himself!' she teased with a giggle before falling silent as she realized breakfast meant seeing Ama and Vader again. Suddenly she wasn't so certain she was hungry anymore.

Siac laughed out loud at Runa's remark, but when she fell silent, he took her hand. 'Come on! Let's go!' he said with a purpose. He wasn't about to miss breakfast, neither was he going to go without his big sister.

Anakin, having washed up, went to check up on Siac only to find his door open. From the next room, he could hear Runa shouting and couldn't help but chuckle knowing now where their youngest son was and what he was up to. He headed to the kitchen to help Dormé where he could though not without kissing their youngest daughter's cheek in greeting first. 'I heard Siac giving Runa and Laic one of his infamous morning welcomes,' he remarked with a chuckle.

'Really? Oh no...' Dormé replied, chuckling. 'At least Laic will be somewhat prepared for the attack...' She elbowed Anakin as he moved to help her with the cooking.

Anakin grinned to Dormé's reply and moved to help her before getting the hint as he made a face and poked out his tongue. 'Okay fine I'll watch you work your wonders,' he said with a wink before adding to Tistia with a grin. 'You want to be Ama's food testers like Daddy?' he offered already looking forward to stealing bits of Dormé's cooking whenever it's ready.

Tistia giggled, 'YES!' excited that she got to help too.

Dormé placed a dish on the counter. 'You can start with those, but leave some for everyone.'

Anakin grinned at Tistia's excitement and lightly ruffled her hair as he gave her a wink. When Dormé offered a dish Anakin's eyes immediately lit up as he took a small piece from the plate and offered it to Tistia before taking a bit bigger one for himself. As always it was utterly delicious.

Tistia pouted when Daddy messed up her hair and used her hands to make it straight again.

Dormé chuckled at Tistia's reaction. 'How is it?' she asked her taste-testers, though it was pretty obvious they liked it.

Runa didn't have much chance to consider her thoughts as Siac was swift to draw her away to the kitchen. Though she was pleased to have her little brother with her Runa wished Laic was around too, even if it was to eat all the food.

'Delicious as always!' he murmured as his mouth was full before moving to take another piece.

Laic finally puttered out of the fresher and sensed everyone was in the kitchen, Runa included. He avoided looking at his daddy, though he caught Tistia's glance a few times and smiled at her.

Tistia nodded to Daddy as she ate.

Dormé gave Anakin a few dishes to put on the table, which the droids already set for everyone. She was pleased to see Runa, Siac, and then Laic when he arrived. She hoped Runa was hungry and got juice for her first.

Runa was quiet throughout much of breakfast though she did give her ama a smile and politely thanked her for the juice that she promptly drank up. Anakin helped where he could while teasing and playing with Tistia until the rest of their children arrived. It was then that he grew a bit more silent as he did his best to keep to himself and respect Runa and Laic's need for space. It was hard as he wanted to talk to them and had so many questions to ask but Anakin knew now was not the time and so instead he ate ihs breakfast and chatted with Dormé and their other children.

Laic felt a bit out of place, sensing his ama and daddy's reluctance to speak to Runa and him. Tistia and Siac were so comfortable and easygoing with their parents and he had to consciously tell himself not to be jealous of them. He knew the younger siblings were not a replacement for Runa and him, but it was hard not to consider such things.

Tistia was far more sociable today, though it still took her twice as long to eat half as much as Laic because Ama had to help her manage her food. She spoke to Runa quite enthusiastically, though her language skills could use improvement. Only Ama and Daddy were really able to understand what she was saying. Even so, Dormé admitted to Laic and Runa that there were times when she just had to guess.

'Daddy, do that impression of Uncle Obi!' Siac said cheerfully. 'Laic, you're going to love this! Do it, Daddy! Please!'

Runa ate in silence and was relieved that their parents weren't talking to them. In fact, she appeared to be in far better spirits than she was yesterday though try as she might to understand Tistia's words they just left her more confused than ever before. Looking to Laic for help Runa bit her lip and instinctively used the body language she was learning with her aunt that was commonly used by handmaidens. She presumed the Jedi had a similar means of silent communication and was shocked that her ama knew exactly what she was trying to say. Blushing crimson, she chastised herself for forgetting that Lady Vader before becoming empress was a handmaiden in the service of a Naboo queen whose name she could never quite properly pronounce. Ama's admittance however was oddly relieving and she gave a hint of a smile in reply.

At Siac's eager words Anakin's expression grew sheepish. While he wanted to please Siac and in truth he loved how hard it would make their son laugh whenever he imitated his brother he knew this might be a delicate matter for Laic. But Siac was determined and in the end Anakin couldn't resist.

'All right but just as long as neither of you tells your uncle otherwise its certain he'll be doing plenty of imitations of me!' he teased good-naturedly. Then putting on his best expression of Obi-Wan he proceeded to mimic his brother and former master as he'd chastise him for not wanting to bathe or for wolfing down his food too fast saying he'd surely burst if he kept eating at that rate. Or him warning him not to make him have to tell him to return to bed whenever he attempted to sneak out to play at night.

Laic cracked up. 'That's true! That's just like him! He does that to me too! All the time—' Laic continued as he accidentally spat out some of his food at his dad's impressions. 'Isellé's just as bad sometimes...'

Dormé snickered at Anakin's impressions while Siac and Tistia, feeling everyone's happiness and amusement broke out in laughter. 'Exactly, bathing is a must,' she added, winking at Anakin.

Anakin grinned feeling as though for the first time since Laic's arrival home that a connection was being made. At Dormé's teasing he chuckled and murmured in her ear -more out of invitation then decency- that he'd be up for bathing any time anywhere so long as she joined him.

Anakin had no idea who Isellé was or the fact she was his niece. But upon hearing the name he presumed she was a friend of Laic's from temple and go his hopes up that perhaps their son had met someone special.

'Isellé? Is she a friend from the temple?' he asked curiously.

Runa on the other hand felt it was improper for Vader to mock the Master Jedi whom she learnt was a most noble warrior but kept this to herself as she sipped on her drink and focussed on her food.

Since Laic was too caught up in amusement over Daddy's imitation of his Master, he missed his ama's response and the indecent banter.

Dormé set her knife down, out of Tistia's reach before giving Anakin a kiss in response.

'Sorta,' Laic replied. 'She trains with Master Arxia, but I go over to her house sometimes since Uncle Obi-Wan invites me. Aunt Sabé isn't as good of a cook as you, Ama.'

Dormé smiled at Laic. 'Thank you, Laic.' It was then she realised that Isellé was her niece. 'How old is Isellé, Laic?'

'Seven, turning eight,' Laic replied matter-of-factly. 'Five years younger than me.'

'Isellé is Obi-Wan's daughter? He has a daughter?' Anakin balked.

'...yes,' Laic replied, not understanding why Daddy was so surprised. 'Isellé Kenobi...or Padawan Isellé, if you want.' Laic turned his attentions to Siac who began asking about the Jedi Temple again.

He already had a hard time wrapping his mind around the concept of Obi-Wan being married, nevermind having a child. 'Force, Obi-Wan has a daughter,' he murmured in shocked disbelief. 'Who would have ever thought!'

Registering her husband's shock, Dormé shook her head, grinning. 'Really, Anakin, it's not that shocking,' Dormé said. 'They've been married for a long time.'

Anakin was blown away by the discover and it was only at Dormé's words that he managed to snap out of his shock. 'It's just until I learnt he was married I could never imagine Obi-Wan even noticing women, nevermind falling in love with one,' he said unable to resist a snicker as he added softly. 'He's such a stick in the mud sometimes that's just hard to wrap my mind around that's all,'

Dormé laughed at Anakin's attestation about his brother. 'You never noticed the way he looked at Sabé? Really? It was subtle to be sure, but even I noticed that. I doubt he ever looked at anyone else that way.'

Anakin shook his head at Dormé's remarks as he laughed. 'I'm sure it was there. I think I just didn't want to look or know for that matter,' he teased though in reality he was happy his brother had someone that was perfect for him.

'They live in the Jedi Temple,' Laic explained, not understanding the metaphor of mud.

Runa on the other hand was curious about Isellé as well and couldn't help but ask about their cousin wondering if perhaps she'd get to meet her one day as well. 'What's she like? Is she shy or friendly? Does she like swimming? Or building things?'

At Runa's eager questions, Laic turned to his sister, explaining how she likes to get into all sorts of things and is very smart. He said he couldn't recall if she liked swimming, but figured she did. 'She definitely prefers to run around without shoes,' he added, grinning at Siac who thought Isellé was a neat person that he wanted to meet.

Anakin chuckled to Laic's confusion as he shook his head 'It's just an expression Laic it means they're too serious!' he teased with a wink.

Runa was only too pleased to learn of her cousin and decided that despite having never met her Isellé would definitely make a good friend. Laic's remarks about shoes solidified it all the more. 'She hates shoes too? I'm sure you'll love her then Siac!' she teased her younger brother as for hte moment her awkwardness with her family was forgotten.

'Yes!' Siac cheered at Runa's words.

'Oh,' Laic said when Daddy explained what it meant. He didn't even realise that he had just had a conversation, albeit a brief one, with his father. It was the first time in many years since they actually spoke to each other.

Tistia slid out of her chair and onto the floor, causing Dormé to gasp with concern. 'Tistia!' She dove under the table after her. 'Are you OK?'

Tistia was just fine, apparently, but wasn't interested in letting her ama finish eating her own breakfast as she crawled under the table, cackling. Though she normally didn't like getting her gowns dirty, she had a penchant for tents and things like tents which meant she enjoyed playing under the table.

Runa snickered at Siac's reaction before hearing a soft thud that caused her to raise a brow. Immediately she stared as their ama dove under the table after the youngest Skywalker leaving Runa unable to resist as she bursted into laughter. Peeking under the table she took in the sight and continued to laugh in amusement.

Anakin on the other hand was equally concerned about Tistia but was soon chuckling upon hearing their youngest daughter's laughter. It was only then that he realized that for the first time in years Laic and him were finally talking. The thought brought a hopeful smile to his lips though it was fleeting as he was soon helping Dormé try to get Tistia out from under the table so both their daughter and her ama could finish their breakfast.

Runa swiftly drew her head back from under the table when Anakin went under it though it was obvious she was still snickering.

'Tistia! You haven't finished your breakfast yet...At least come back up for your juice...' Dormé tried to get her to obey.

Anakin upon peering under the table just chuckled as he caught sight of Tistia going to Laic's socks. 'I think she's on a mission Dormé,' he teased in amusement.

Tistia just went to pull off Laic's socks. Everyone else had bare feet, even Ama and Daddy. She thought Laic was silly. 'Waic! No socks!'

Runa burst into laughter at Tistia's announcement finding the way she said Laic's name to be funny. But the lightened mood soon soured as Laic accidently kicked Tistia causing her to weep.

Laic laughed because his feet were very ticklish and he ended up kicking her by accident.

Tistia began crying.

'I'm sorry!' Laic said, now too panicked to be of much use in comforting Tistia.

Anakin was quickly to join Tistia as he drew her from under the table. At Laic's apology he just shook his head. 'It's all right; it was an accident,' he commented as he tried to calm Tistia while sending her soothing thoughts.

Dormé emerged from under the table, concerned about Tistia, but knowing she was not in any harm. She looked to Laic.

'I'm ticklish,' Laic tried to explain, but Daddy reminded him it was an accident. He felt horrible for kicking her and making her cry.

Tistia wailed and the three-year-old clung to her daddy, knowing he always made her feel better.

Laic pulled off his socks and held them up. 'See, Tistia? No socks!'

Anakin tried to calm Tistia as best he could, feeling bad now that Laic felt as though this was somehow his fault. Accidents happened all the time and he knew it wasn't purposeful. Using the Force he sent soothing thoughts to their youngest daughter while gently reminding her that Laic didn't mean to that he was just ticklish. 'Look, Tistia, he even took off his socks for you!' he said with a warm smile. 'Now no one is wearing socks just like you wanted!'

Tistia felt much better in her daddy's arms and when he spoke about the socks, she looked to Laic, who had a silly look on his face, holding up the socks. Tistia's eyes lit up. 'YES!' she cheered, clapping her hands.

'Put the socks down and wash your hands, Laic,' Dormé said, hardly realising she had given him a direct order. It was a motherly instinct and almost took it back, but Laic promptly obeyed which sent a wave of relief through her. She was taking a cloth to Tistia's hands as well, since she had been on the floor.

Anakin grinned at Tistia's cheer and chuckled to Laic's silly expression. When Dormé reminded Laic to wash his hands after playing with his socks and moved to wash Tistia's hands Anakin did his best to help by holding a squirmy Tistia still. 'You can't eat breakfast with dirty hands, Tistia, it will make your food taste yucky!' he explained as he wrinkled his nose and made a silly face.

Runa fell silent taking it all in with guarded silence. She was protective of Laic and it showed though much of her watchfulness was directed at Anakin as she was incredibly wary around him far more than she was with their ama.

Dormé was persistent in making sure both of them had clean hands, while Siac tried to get Runa's attention.

After finishing up his meal, Laic asked his little brother, 'Is there anything fun to do around here?'

'Oh yes,' Siac said, before going on about all the things they could do. 'And Runa too!' He enthusiastically showed them the playroom, which he hadn't had a chance to show them before. 'And there's the stuff that Tistia can't play with or touch because she's not old enough yet,' he explained, indicating the spare parts. 'Daddy has more in his garage, but these are OK for me to use sometimes.'

Laic's mouth dropped open upon entering the playroom. He couldn't move for a moment as he took everything in. He didn't hear half of what Siac was saying.

Runa was soon distracted by Siac who as always was up to something or another that made even the simplest things appear as a novelty. Once breakfast was over Runa was soon being dragged off to the playroom which was utterly massive. Runa took it all in politely that was until her eyes fell onto the heap of spare parts that Siac mentioned he used upon occasion.

'You build things Siac?' she breathed in awe as already her mind was exploding with ideas of things she could make with the parts in front of her. 'Laic just think of all things we could build,' she murmured in fascination as all of her plans for making a second escape was long forgotten.

'Yeah,' replied Siac, 'but I'm not very good...I only just was allowed to play with that stuff.' He shrugged.

Though Laic was content to spend a good portion of the day fooling around with the spare parts, Siac had a short attention span and after only a little while with his old siblings was off on his own thing, which happened to include stripping down to his undies because he was hot from running around.

Tistia tried to chase after him, into the playroom where Laic and Runa were putting something together, screaming and laughing.

Dormé watched them for a long while before it was time for Tistia and Siac's nap. Siac was the most adamant against napping and put up a big fuss. Dormé knew it was because he was very tired and because he so enjoyed spending time with his brother and sisters. In the end, Dormé won the argument and hefted the youngling into her arms, giving his cheek a kiss.

Runa grinned as she took a look over the spare parts. 'That's OK. Laic and I will teach you everything we know and together we'll build something really neat!' she remarked as she began to grab pieces while making suggestions to Laic about what they could build. Soon she was seated next to Laic and poking about with the spare parts while their younger siblings ran about.

The rest of the day was just as relaxing and enjoyable for Runa who was pleased to be able to get some further work done on her project with her brother. It was only in the late hours of the night that her attention returned to her plotting to runaway again.

Anakin for the most part did his best to respect the distance his eldest children required. But despite his wish to respect their need for space, Anakin's thoughts remained with them. As the day turned to night the former emperor found himself lingering about looking for an opportunity, an excuse to speak to Laic. Not about anything in particular, rather to just have an opportunity, a chance to communicate, to take a step to bridge the chasm that now stood between them.