That night, Laic asked Runa if she wanted to sleep in his room, but she seemed keen on trying to sleep in her room again. ‘The offer still stands, for whenever,’ he said before padding off in the direction of his own room.

Anakin watched Laic shyly uncertain what to say or how to say it or even where to begin. The former Sith Lord could feel the boy’s uncertainty and was hesitant to approach fearing it would only make things more awkward. But in the end Anakin knew that no matter what he did until things between them had worked themselves out there would be many awkward moments to come. He had to try, if not for anything then out of the desperate hope that perhaps one day even a fragile connection could be made between them.

It was then he noticed his father lingering about the hallway. Laic could tell that there was something on his mind, but wasn’t sure if he wanted to know what it was. He paused for a moment before slipping into his room, not to sleep, but to work on a piece for the flying contraption.

Quietly Anakin approached Laic’s room and upon seeing what it was that he was working on the former emperor couldn’t resist a look of curiosity. ‘Adding upgrades?’ he kindly asked as he did his best to keep things light.

Laic sensed his daddy’s presence, but he didn’t look up from his toy just yet. ‘Yep,’ he replied, while trying to get a part to fit that really wasn’t supposed to go in that spot.

Anakin fell silent then as he scrambled to think of something further to say that would encourage Laic to open up a little. It was then that he noticed he was attempting to fit a part that didn’t really belong. Shyly he approached before kneeling down to Laic’s level as he motioned to the flying contraption. ‘You might want to put it over here and then connect the wires from to this point,’ he explained gently. ‘I found it works a lot smoother that way and it’s easier to handle,’ he admitted as he spoke from experience.

Laic was getting a bit frustrated because he was tired. His grumpiness increased at being corrected, but he didn’t say anything in reply. However, when Daddy’s suggestion actually worked, he felt like he succeeded all by himself and whooped aloud.

The little motor finally got running and no longer made cranking noises.

Upon looking up and meeting his daddy’s eyes, he grew sheepish and his cheeks flushed red. ‘I probably shouldn’t have been so loud...’ he said in a quieter voice.

Their eyes met and the former emperor like their son grew sheepish as he struggled to hold his gaze. At Laic’s shy statement Anakin just shook his head as he gave an understanding smile. ‘It’s OK. It’s not like I haven’t done that on a few occasions myself,’ Anakin admitted with a shy grin.

‘There was a time I tried to bake your ama’s concoction as a surprise. I got up in the middle of the night to bake it so it would be ready by morning,’ he began. ‘But of course I can’t cook to save my life, but I wanted to prove to your ama that I could make her famous desert. So what happens? Just when I think I had it figured out I realize I had used the wrong container to bake it,’ Anakin continued with an embarrassed grin.

‘So the container melts and then catches fire. Oh Force, what a mess that was! And there I am panicking, screaming for Dormé and Force help me one of the servants, as smoke billows out of the oven while my dessert is turning into some makeshift bonfire. So believe me, we’re all used to waking up to all sorts of surprises,’ he concluded with a chuckle.

‘Really?’ Laic asked, unsure about his father’s admittance. However, the story reminded him of his first time learning to cook from Aunt Sabé and laughed aloud. ‘I can’t cook either. Aunt Sabé stopped allowing me anywhere near the kitchen.. OK that’s not entirely true, it’s more Isellé protesting against it...Aunt Sabé’s really patient, but she’s not that patient to deal with me,’ he said, shaking his head.

Anakin couldn’t help but chuckle as their son explained of his own experiences in the kitchen. ‘Your aunt won’t let you into the kitchen? Force and here I thought I was the only one who was banned from the kitchen!’ he admitted sheepishly. ‘I just hope your cooking creations turned out a bit better than mine. I’ve been trying for years and even now I need your ama to walk me through it otherwise its safe to say I’ll only end up burning down the kitchen,’ he teased before adding. ‘Although it would seem we both have much better luck creating things from metal and wires over food,’ he remarked proudly as he studied what he believed was entirely Laic’s creation.

Laic shrugged. ‘I don’t know. I haven’t really had the chance to try anything anyway.’ He turned his attentions back to the flying machine to shut it off.

Anakin nodded in understanding at Laic’s words as he grew thoughtful. ‘I’m sure your ama would be more than happy to let you try whatever you’d like. If you’d like I could mention it to her and she could find something that you might be interested in learning how to make. That’s how she tried to teach me,’ Anakin suggested in kind tones while watching as Laic shut off the flying machine.

‘Did you make stuff like this when you were my age?’ he wondered curiously. The only things he knew about his daddy were related to the Jedi and what he did during those days.

The question brought a smile to his features as he nodded. ‘It wasn’t anything as complex as this but I used to build all sorts of things. Most were disasters but some turned out pretty good.’

‘Well, I had help,’ he said, in reference to the complexity of the machine.

Anakin watched Laic in silence taking in the complexity of the machine and was unable to deny the pride felt at the sight of it. ‘Oh? Who helped you with it?’ he asked curiously wondering if it was one of his friends at the temple or perhaps his cousin.

‘Runa,’ he replied. ‘She actually made me one, a flying ship...I think it’s a wookie one, but we worked on this together. She’s really smart.’

At the mention of their daughter Anakin briefly fell silent as the topic of Runa was a delicate one. However, it made him so happy to learn that the two were getting along so well. It gave him hope that in time Runa will come to care about the rest of her siblings as much as she cared for her older brother.

‘You know, a few of things I worked on when I was your age, I ended up using later on as inspiration for a starship I once had,’ he admitted quietly as his thoughts turned to the memory of the famous Tempest.

Laic thought it would be neat to make his own ship someday. ‘A starship. You built it yourself? How old were you?’ he asked, eager to know more about it.

Anakin felt his cheeks warm at Laic’s interest and soon he grew shy to the questions. ‘It took me years,’ he admitted softly before explaining how he would spend hours working on it. ‘When I met your ama I had almost finished its basic layout. It was barely flyable but in the end it flew,’ he commented quietly before rising to his feet. ‘Actually I have something to show you,’ he said with a shy smile. ‘I think you’ll like it.’

Though it was getting late, the prospect of seeing something his father wanted to show him filled Laic with eager curiosity. He sensed pride and shyness which left Laic eager to find out what this surprise was. ‘What is it?’ he asked, also rising to his feet.

He gave Laic a smile as he motioned him to follow. ‘You’ll see soon enough,’ he said with a sheepish grin before guiding him to his workshop and garage. As they entered he activated the lights and before them was revealed the crude makings of a starship. While it was far from complete upon further examination once could see that it was even in this state capable of flight -though only if one remained within the atmosphere.

Laic followed with a spring in his step. What he found when the lights went on astounded him. ‘Wow,’ he gasped, his eyes wide. Usually droids made ship, so far that he knew, but to see something of this size made by his daddy was so neat and he wanted to learn how to do it too.

‘It’s far from finished to say the least, but in time I hope it will one day resemble the original Tempest,’ he said with humble pride. ‘Did I ever tell you why I named the ship The Tempest?’ Anakin asked curiously.

It took him a moment to register his father’s question. Without taking his eyes off the ship, he shook his head, wanting to hear the story behind the name.

Anakin could feel Laic’s joy and awe and felt his heart swell in humble joy to it. He wanted to ask if he’d ever be interested in helping him build it again but felt shy about the entire matter as he knew things were still very fragile between them. Even so the boy’s reaction was a good sign and despite his nerves and fears Anakin decided that perhaps if things remained positive he’d ask soon. The boy’s awe however caused his thoughts to turn to the past as he recalled Dormé’s awe when she first laid eyes on The Tempest. It was then he began to speak of how he decided that he wanted to name the ship after Laic’s ama so that when he went into battle he could have a part of her with him.

‘She’s saved me so many times I can’t even keep count anymore,’ he shyly admitted as his expression grew pensive.

‘She saved your life?’ Laic asked, almost finding it hard to believe. From what he had seen recently and remembered of his ama, she didn’t seem like she would be able to do anything like give courage. His daddy went on to talk of Ama being a storm and water and none of this made any sense to Laic who just looked up at Daddy in confusion.

Anakin nodded in sincerity to Laic’s question as his expression grew distant. ‘In more ways than you can possibly imagine. Your ama has also given me courage to face my enemies, both the external and internal ones,’ he quietly explained before turning the subject to lighter matters. With an impish grin he admitted he thought the name Tempest was perfect for Dormé as she embodied the storm and was in his mind the goddess of water. ‘Amoungst other things,’ he continued as his impish smile widened and his eyes briefly grew distant before he registered his surroundings and more importantly their son. Growing curious Anakin glanced over to Laic as he gave a proud smile. ‘What about you Laic? Surely you’ve found someone special? Or at least have your eye on someone you feel is worthy of you?’ he asked.

His confusion only worsened when asked if he found anyone special. He had no idea what Daddy was talking about. Laic began speaking about his friends from the Temple, most of whom were boys, his little cousin, and aunt and uncle, not understanding the question, but doing his best to answer. He got a bit sidetracked talking about skivving off practice to see the newest items in a junk dealer’s shop.

Laic obviously didn’t understand what Anakin was referring to but the former emperor was only too happy to hear of their son’s friends and the family he grew up with. At Laic’s admittance to skipping practice to check out new things at a junk dealers shop Anakin grinned and chuckled. ‘Force help me, I used to do that all the time! I can still remember your uncle catching me red handed trying to barter with dealer for spare parts. Needless to say he was not impressed at all,’ he said with a laugh.

Laic grinned at his daddy, pleased to find this similarity that no one else seemed to understand. ‘Uncle Obi-Wan didn’t really say anything to me about it, but that’s probably because—’ Laic looked away and grew silent for a moment, not sure if he was ready to talk about his fears just yet.

Anakin studied the ship intently wondering if he should risk asking Laic if he’d like to help him work on it when he could. However he was still concerned about Laic’s reaction and for the moment refrained. ‘Your uncle was and still is the finest mentor any Jedi could ever ask for,’ Anakin quietly said. Though he was unaware of the full extent of Laic’s fears Anakin knew the topic of the Force was an awkward one when it pertained his daddy. The thought was shaming but he did his best to ignore it as the past was in the past. While he might not be able to undo what he had done before Anakin was determined to try and mend things in the present as best as he could.

Laic sensed the shame radiating from his father after mentioning how Uncle Obi-Wan was a good mentor. Laic exhaled before facing his father once more. ‘I wanted to get rid of it...for a long time. I thought it was something I could get out of me,’ he said, speaking vaguely of the Force sensitivity.

Laic didn’t need to explain what he was talking about as it was painfully clear to Anakin who couldn’t meet his gaze as he stared ahead to the half built Tempest. He had no idea how badly the past had scarred their son and hearing Laic speak of his fears and struggles was hard. At the same time Anakin felt incredibly humbled at the fact Laic was willing to speak of it to him.

‘I didn’t want to have it because I thought it would mean I would do bad things. I envy Runa even though I know I shouldn’t think like that...part of me still does...’

For a moment he couldn’t respond the shame and guilt had rendered him speechless. But something hd to be said and swallowing hard Anakin forced himself to ignore how dry his throat suddenly felt, or how wet his eyes had become. ‘There is so much I’ve done that I deeply regret. So much more that I know I’ll never really be able to forgive myself for doing. Even more I want to apologize for, but can’t because I know no one will accept my apologies and even if they did I’d rather show it through action,’ he hoarsely replied as he continued to stare ahead before quietly turning his gaze to Laic.

Laic had always been wary around his father. He never felt comfortable when he was in the same room as him. When he used the Force, he was constantly reminded of the evils done by his father and it was hard to ignore it.

‘What I did to you, and to Runa, nevermind your ama, was unforgivable. I wish I knew how to undo the damage I’ve done, I wish I knew how to take away your fears of the Force or return Runa’s sensitivity to it—’ Anakin faltered as he glanced away not wanting his emotions to take control and yet finding it so difficult to keep them in check. After a moment’s pause Anakin managed to force his thoughts clear returning his attentions to the young boy once more he continued in quiet tones.

However, standing here, in the presence of his father, hearing what weighed on his heart and feeling the sincerity and power of the emotions felt, Laic couldn’t deny that even though his Force signature bore the scars of the dark side, he was desperate to make amends for it. Forgiveness was something denied to him by many.

‘You never need to fear the dark side, Laic. You’re strong and your wise and unlike me you’re not weak.’ Anakin never believed he would ever be given this chance, that he would ever be able to properly apologize, to tell Laic that he was sorry for everything. It wasn’t to say he didn’t imagine or dream of this moment, replaying the words in his mind, the apology of all he would say of his hope that the youngling would permit him to speak it. That Laic wouldn’t hate him for it, that Force willing, he might even forgive his daddy for being weak.

Though Laic didn’t necessarily believe he didn’t have to fear the dark side, nor was he confident enough in himself to ever believe that he was strong or wise, his daddy’s words moved him. ‘I forgive you, Daddy,’ he said softly.

The topic was a delicate one for him and one he feared he’d never truly put behind him. Nevertheless all of this paled in comparison to Laic’s soft and sincere reply. How such a simple statement could touch him so deeply Anakin couldn’t say. But Laic’s forgiveness meant everything to Anakin who was once more rendered speechless for a moment. His eyes shone with unshed tears as a hint of a humble smile crept into his features.

Laic moved closer to his daddy than he had been in many years. Cautiously, he wrapped his arms around him in a tentative hug. What he felt from his father was the type that when he felt that way, he wanted a hug, so that’s why he did it.

Anakin was startled by Laic’s embrace and for a moment was too shocked to respond. But the gesture meant so much to him and truthfully was exactly what he needed. Silently he shyly returned the boy’s hug as he furrowed his brow and gave another soft sigh. Laic’s simple gesture held so much meaning for Anakin and it was something he would not soon forget. ‘Thank you,’ he exhaled softly feeling as though he had been holding his breath through the entirety of the conversation. He didn’t need to say anything further was Anakin knew that Laic would already know how much this meant to him.

After a moment’s pause, Anakin’s eyes drifted back to the half made ship. The moment was awkward already and Anakin knew that there was little he could say to make it better. ‘I don’t suppose you’d be interested in helping me build the Tempest would you? I mean you don’t have to if you’d rather not, I just thought seeing as how you are into building things that you might like it,’ Anakin rambled on before catching himself as his cheeks grew warm.

At the offer of rebuilding The Tempest together, Laic’s eyes widened as he beamed with joy. ‘Yes!’ he cheered, mimicking his little brother.

‘Excellent! If you like we can start as early as tomorrow morning -after breakfast of course,’ he said feeling a rush of excitement himself at the prospect of being able to do this with Laic.

Laic was just as eager to begin working on the ship as his daddy was, but at the mention of starting tomorrow, he realised just how late it was. ‘Yeah tomorrow,’ he replied, grinning. ‘Maybe Runa can help too,’ he added, ‘if she wants.’ He was unaware that she would be preoccupied with their little brother instead.

Anakin gave a grin to Laic’s words as his eagerness couldn’t be denied. Though as Laic spoke of his sister Anakin’s expression grew a bit serious as he recalled Runa’s reaction to both Dormé and himself. ‘She’d be more than welcome to join us if she’d like,’ he said as deep down he hoped she would but knew better than to expect her to join them.

Though he was still a little wary around his father, Laic was feeling more comfortable than he ever had before which was a definite improvement. There was still a little distance that only time would be able to mend. ‘I guess I should go to bed,’ he said, trying not to show he was tired as he headed to the doorway. Not wanting his daddy to think that he was growing shy again or having second thoughts, he turned back around to add, ‘I can’t wait to start building tomorrow. G’night, Daddy.’

As Laic turned to depart Anakin remained where he was and watched the boy in silence feeling so much better now about the situation between them. Though they still had far to go Anakin found much hope in their brief conversation and was in good spirits for it. While he wished he could have talked longer with Laic for now it was enough and at Laic’s parting words the former emperor felt his heart swell as he gave a genuine smile and nodded. ‘Me too. G’night Laic,’ he said quietly.

With that, Laic turned on his heels and headed for his room. He was a little disappointed to see that Runa decided against crashing in his room, but was asleep and snoring soon after his head hit the pillow.

Once alone he gave a contented sigh before wandering around The Tempest once more as he went through the list of things needed to be done and figured out which tasks might be a place for Laic to start. Just the thought of being able to do this filled him with such joy and as he eventually departed for their bedchambers, Anakin smiled to himself as he hummed a tune he often heard Dormé sing to their younger children.

Anakin awoke in the early hours of morning to the familiar shift in the Force that marked Runa’s movement. It was her second attempt to run away since her return home two days ago. The first attempt, though painful, left Anakin with a sense of hope that Runa would gradually settle in. It was obvious that Laic’s words held a great deal of weight for their daughter and from this, Anakin believed she had moved on from her initial plans to run away. Sadly, he soon discovered that his hopes had been misplaced.

Carefully slipping out of Dormé’s embrace, Anakin slipped into his trousers and swiftly went after their wayward daughter. At the sight of Laic silently emerging from his room with the obvious intent of intervening once again, Anakin quietly informed him that he would speak to her. As loathed as he was to confront her, the former emperor knew it had to be done. Wandering down the hallways his thoughts immediately turned to the past to those final fateful days when the Empire as he knew it was dying, when the only rays of hope in his life was his family.

His expression softened at the sight of Runa bounding over to him as best as her sleepy legs could carry her. Picking her up, Anakin kissed her cheek and gave her a loving smile. But when their daughter spoke of going home, the emperor’s expression grew troubled as he furrowed his brow. ‘We’ll go home soon,’ he assured her before gently adding, ‘but right now, you two should be getting some rest.’

‘I want Daddy stay,’ Runa mumbled sleepily, growing content in his arms and not wanting him to go.

He kissed her little brow and nodded to her sleepy words. ‘Daddy’s not going anywhere little one.’

Even now he still meant those words and despite everything that had passed Anakin wasn’t about to give up on her. She just didn’t understand and he hoped that perhaps if only she could give him the chance to speak to her that maybe he might be able to bridge even a little of the gap that now stood between them.

It wasn’t hard to locate the youngling, who was moving as fast as her small legs could carry her down the narrow security halls. While her footsteps were barely audible as she ran in her socks, her Force signature was vibrant enough to those sensitive for it to be impossible to miss.

‘Runa,’ he called out as he neared.

The youngling whirled around simply gasped in shock before racing down the halls once more. ‘You can’t stop me. I won’t let you!’ she shouted.

Her anger hit Anakin in waves, causing him to briefly pause to clear his thoughts of the despair it encouraged. He couldn’t be certain she would listen to his words. In fact, he was certain she wouldn’t, but something had to be said. Her family–whom Anakin believed were entirely undeserving of this treatment— was hurt by her actions. Once he was able to clear his thoughts, he silently took another route and promptly cut off Runa’s exit, forcing her to either face her father or turn back the way she came.

The young girl came to a quick a halt upon seeing her father and swiftly staggered back. Her eyes widened at the sight of him before promptly narrowed as she frowned at him. ‘If you stop me, I’ll only leave again,’ she warned though for the moment she didn’t move.

‘I’m not trying to stop you; I just think we need to talk—’ Anakin began.

‘I have nothing to say to you, Vader,’ Runa snapped.

Anakin furrowed his brow before kneeling down to meet her eyes.

Runa instinctively took a step back. One of her hands gripped her knapsack while the other was inside of it, twisting at something nervously.

‘We no longer go by the name of Vader anymore, Runa. Your surname is Skywalker now,’ he politely corrected.

‘I don’t care! Just because you changed your name doesn’t mean you’re a good person,’ the youngling sniffed in disgust before walking past her father and continuing down the hall.

The former emperor turned his attentions to the door she was nearing and with a sad sigh, he touched the Force and silently locked it. ‘I’m sorry, Runa. I know you feel that there is nothing to discuss, but there are some things I need to speak to you about.’

Runa ignored him and in silence tried to open the door only to promptly realize it was locked. Whirling around, she glared at her father. Her eyes flashed in rage. ‘Let me go,’ she said in low tones.

The former Sith Lord could only shake his head. ‘I can’t let you do this, Runa, not because I want to force you to stay against your will, rather, because I need you to understand that what you are doing is hurting more than just me. I know why you are doing this and I don’t blame you for it. As much as it shames me, I know I’ve done more than enough to deserve your anger,’ Anakin admitted quietly, watching her reaction and closely gauging it through the Force and her stern expression.

Though she was still angry, her eyes flickered and through her Force signature, Anakin could see his words had caught her attention. Finding hope in this, the former emperor quietly continued. ‘Your ama as well as your brothers and sister haven’t. You may believe that your anger is directed only towards me, but your actions have been hurting them as well. I readily admit that I’m deserving of this, but we both know the rest of your family isn’t,’ Anakin concluded.

Runa remained silent as she took it all in. Her expression though guarded, softened slightly, only to turn stoic once more. ‘Laic may be able to forgive you for what you did, Anakin, but I’m not Laic,’ she said finally. ‘If you are so good, then why haven’t you don’t anything to show the people you hurt that you’re sorry? Why haven’t you proven to them that you aren’t evil anymore?’ she asked in determined tones. ‘That is why I want to leave. That is why I am leaving. I want to go back to Coruscant where I can help people get better from the pain you gave them. I can’t help them when I’m stuck here and I know they won’t let me help them if they know I’m related to you,’ she continued in quiet tones.

Speechless, Anakin could only stare at their daughter, startled to learn of the reasons behind her actions and yet not entirely surprised. From what little time he was able to spend with her, Anakin had come to understand that she was by nature very protective of her siblings and of those she felt were being treated unjustly. Just like her ama, he mused with a tinge of pride that didn’t quite hide his shame to her words.

‘They won’t let either your ama or me back to Coruscant Runa. They’re not ready to give us a second chance just yet, so instead, we are showing that we are sorry by helping the people here on Tatooine,’ he explained.

Runa just gazed at him with distrust in her eyes as she knitted her small brow.

‘Perhaps in time we will slowly be able to earn the right to properly apologize. Until then, we’re doing all that we can to prove that we truly aren’t the villains we once were,’ he said softly, struggling against the memories of the past. It seemed like only yesterday that Runa was racing into his arms, begging him to tell her another story, asking him to braid her long brown hair, and telling her daddy how much she loved him before he tucked her in at night.

Anakin wondered in that moment if he’d ever know his daughter’s love again or if Runa would always hate him for a past that even he could never forgive himself for. Swallowing hard, he forced his thoughts to clear, reminding himself that this wasn’t about him: this was about helping her understand the weight of her actions and how it was hurting the rest of her family and not just her Daddy.

‘What about Laic?’ Runa pressed on as she folded her small arms. ‘When do you plan to apologize to him? When are you going to show him that you’re sorry? Do you have any idea of how badly you hurt him? Or do you even care?’

Anakin opened his mouth to speak only to close it again. What could he possibly say to such words? ‘Runa, things aren’t that simple—’

‘I know that, but it doesn’t change the fact you’ve been ignoring him as much as I’ve been avoiding you. You tell me that I’m hurting Ama and the others because I want to leave, then you tell me that you’re showing that you’re a good person now because of all that you’re doing for the people on Tatooine. What about my brother? What about his wounds? Laic’s hurting just as much as the other people and yet you’ve done nothing but pretend things are normal between you both, despite the fact it’s obvious that it isn’t!’

Anakin nodded at her words knowing she was unaware of the discussion that he had with Laic. ‘I’m doing my best, Runa, to undo the damage I’ve done to your brother. It’s going to take time, but we’re starting to mend things,’ he admitted quietly.

Runa narrowed her eyes as she studied him intently her distrust still evident in her petite features.

He didn’t expect her to believe him, but Anakin also knew that she would speak to Laic and that their son would not lie. ‘I’m not asking you to forgive me, Runa, or pretend everything is perfectly fine. Perhaps in time I will be able to prove to you that I’m truly sorry for everything. Maybe one day you’ll even let me apologize to you for it, but I know you’re not at the point right now and I respect that. I just want you to know that there are others who love you deeply and who will be hurt if you left,’ he said quietly.

Whether his words had any effect on her, he couldn’t truly say for her expression was stoic and guarded, much like her emotions that revealed themselves to him through the Force. But as she took a step back and quietly turned away, Anakin knew that his words truly hadn’t fallen on deaf ears.

In silence, he watched as Runa quietly departed down the way she came already before disappearing through another door that Anakin knew would take her back to her quarters. With a shaky sigh, he swallowed hard and quietly turned to depart, while forcing himself not to dwell in sorrow. But as his footsteps echoed down the silent corridors Anakin couldn’t help but be reminded of his little princess and how she used to love racing down the halls. How hard she would try to convince her Daddy to play with her even though it was well past her bed time. Pausing mid-step he leaned against the cool walls of the palace halls as he closed his eyes losing himself once more to the past.

Runa’s eyes lit up at the sight of her daddy and she called to him, almost getting out of bed to do so, but daddy was soon kissing her goodnight. She kissed him back and gave him a big hug before being tucked in. Though she was still learning to speak, she did the best she could as she said goodnight to him.

‘Good night, my little princess. Sleep well and know that Ama and Daddy love you so very much.’

With a shaky sigh, Anakin forced himself out of his thoughts, as he knew dwelling on the past would do little to help him deal with the complications of the present. How he missed the little girl who loved her daddy so much! Despite his need to focus on the positive, as he returned to his bedchambers, Anakin couldn’t help but wonder if his little girl would ever return again.

Though Dormé was no consciously aware of her husband’s deft escape from her arms, as time moved on, she felt colder. It was only when his cold feet slipped back under the covers that she fully awoke and registered his former absence.

Slipping into bed Anakin tried not to think of Runa’s words or of the little things like the way she kept calling him Vader or Anakin instead of daddy. Focussing on the positive he reminded himself that things were finally beginning to mend between Laic and himself. Though there was far to go it was a beginning and was enough to give him hope.

‘Is everything all right?’ she asked, figuring his Force sensitivity alerted him to something awry that he attended to. Dormé’s first thought was of their youngest. Even though she was sleepy, she saw the sorrow in her husband’s expression. She drew him closer.

Slipping his arms around her Anakin tried to bury his thoughts, to clear his mind but it was hard and at her question he gave a soft sigh as he weakly nodded. ‘It was Runa,’ he admitted carefully. ‘She tried to leave but we spoke and now she’s returned to her room,’ he commented quietly as he tightened his embrace around her just as she was drawing him closer. Though he continually reminded himself of the his discussion with Laic it was hard not to think of Runa’s hard words and it left him feeling so grateful to Dormé for her silent support. How he needed this more than words could ever say.

‘Oh,’ Dormé replied upon hearing of Runa’s second attempt to escape. Though Runa and she had begun forming a relationship once more, it was heartbreaking seeing how much she had changed. Anakin and she were thick as thieves when she was a baby, but now, she seemed to hold the universe against him and it wasn’t fair.

Dormé kissed him and ran her fingers through his hair, saying, ‘You are a good father, Anakin. Runa will come to see this about you. It’s only her second day back with us. It will take time for her to get used to being here.’ She exhaled.

Anakin said nothing further as he tightened his embrace around her while struggling to clear his thoughts of the sorrow encouraged by his discussion with their daughter. As though sensing his thoughts Dormé kissed him while her fingers ran through his hair easing his troubled mind. Her words spoke volumes to him and in silence his blue eyes now filled with unshed tears met her amber orbs as a hint of a grateful smile crept into his lips.

After a moment, she added, ‘I think patience is something we’ve gotten pretty good at.’

At her final words he began to relax as he gave a soft sigh. ‘It certainly took us long enough didn’t it?’ he admitted with a wry smile.

She couldn’t agree more with Anakin’s statement. He seemed to take the words right out of her mouth. While cognisant of the tears in his eyes, Dormé was confident that whatever was said tonight was a step in the right direction. She kissed him again until she grew too sleepy and fell asleep with her fingers still woven in his hair.

Her kisses spoke of silent understandings and held a sense of comfort that no words could ever provide. Readily returning them Anakin tightened his embrace as he buried his face in her hair while his fingers played with the loose strands until sleep welcomed him once more.

The day went by as normal though Runa seemed to keep to herself. Though Anakin wanted to take this as a good sign, that perhaps she was just mulling over his words and making sense of them he had a sinking feeling this wasn’t the case. However he knew better than to bring up the matter or to try and confront her about it. Nevertheless it troubled him and left him feeling helpless as to what he could do to change her mind. In the end he decided that if this was truly what she wanted then he would let her follow through with her plan though being careful to watch her from a distance to ensure she didn’t get hurt.

As such by nightfall it came as no surprise to him that Runa was once more on the move. He tried to bury his sorrow telling himself the words his brother often spoke to him that it was the will of the Force. Even so his heart went out to his family whom he knew would miss her dearly. Keeping his distance he trailed her watching as she entered the kitchen with packed knapsack strapped to her back and her sea monster in arms.

After the conversation with Anakin the youngling was more determined then ever to return to Coruscant. She didn’t expect him to understand and though he claimed he was sorry it was hard to believe him after all the horrible things he had done.

Runa though loathed to least her fellow siblings and even ama felt it was necessary. The the only way to make things right, to help people understand that she was sorry for their pain as was Laic and her other siblings, was to return to Coruscant. Surely she could help them understand that while she like her siblings were related to Vader they were nothing like him. That htey were sorry for what he did to them that even ama was sorry. That she was only mean because Vader was a bad influence on her.

But the journey she knew would be a long one and after figuring out the way to the nearest city that would get her a ship home Runa plotted her next attempt. She hoped that Anakin wouldn’t stop her this time and as day turned to night Runa decided to take a different route. That was until she realized that her journey would require her to take some food. Recalling some of her ama’s cooking left over Runa departed to the kitchen where she proceeded to search for a small container where she could away some of the leftovers.

The day went about similarly as the day before, with Dormé trying to heal their family and having moderate success. She desperately hoped Runa wouldn’t try to run away again, but had a sinking feeling she would. Anakin spoke to her about following Runa from a distance to make sure she escape safely and she reluctantly agreed.

However, as the evening turned to night and everyone was asleep, Siac awoke to Runa’s determined Force signature. Though he didn’t witness it first hand, he did overhear something about Runa leaving. Thinking she was going without saying goodbye, he stumbled out of his bed and tracked her into the kitchen.

Runa was caught boxing some of her ama’s leftovers when Siac’s voice caught her off guard. Whirling around she stared at him in surprise before furrowing her brow as she grew guarded as though expecting Anakin to soon join him. But Siac was alone and his question caused her to pause as she studied him in stunned silence.

Rubbing his eyes, he asked, ‘Runa? Why are you leaving?

‘I...I need to go back to Coruscant, Siac. There are things I must do,’ she admitted carefully.

Siac was dumbfounded when she said she was going to Coruscant and didn’t want to stay on Tatooine. He didn’t understand why. He had become quite attached to his older sister, even if she wasn’t Force sensitive. ‘Do you not like me? I’m sorry—I won’t talk so much anymore and make you look at my stuff or play with me if you don’t want to...just don’t go!’ He looked to her with sad eyes, now welling with tears.

The youngling felt utterly torn. As much as she wanted to leave there was a part of her that wanted to stay. Upon hearing Siac’s words she couldn’t help but be reminded of Anakin’s words and in that moment she finally understood them. ‘No, it’s not about you Siac, please don’t say that,’ Runa said quietly as for the moment her runaway food was forgotten. Biting her lip, she moved to his side as she gave a deep sigh. ‘It’s not that simple—’ she began before catching herself as she realized just whom she sounded like. Falling silent she studied him for a moment before shyly pulling him into a hug.

When she hugged him, he hugged back tightly. ‘I don’t want you to go, Runa! You only just came and now you are leaving...’ He continued protesting until he was crying.

Siac’s words deeply moved Runa who held onto her little brother tightly. Suddenly the urge to runaway seemed to fade as though her brother’s tears were washing away the desire, leaving behind only the need to be near her siblings. Bowing her head she felt a rush of shame as she truly understood the weight of her actions, the damage she had been causing and reasons why runaway would do little if anything to help them. Tears collected in her own eyes as Runa bit her lip. ‘I won’t go Siac. I don’t think I can, not anymore—I’d miss you, Laic and Tistia—-even Ama too much,’ she finally admitted as tears of her own began to fall.

‘It’s OK,’ Siac said, wiping his eyes with one hand, sniffling. He was very tired and it made him more emotional. ‘I’m glad you’re not going to go. I love you, Runa! You’re the best sister ever. Older sister I mean...I love Laic and Tistia too.’

‘I’m sorry I scared you. I’m sorry I hurt you too and made you think I didn’t want to be around you anymore. I’m just- I just need to get used to all of this that’s all. I guess I was scared,’ Runa quietly admitted as she held onto Siac tightly.

Runa relaxed a little herself upon coming to terms with the fact she wouldn’t be running away anymore. Drawing back she grew sheepish feeling terrible for scaring her little brother, though his words deeply touched her. Blushing deeply she gave him a shy smile. ‘I love you too Siac. And Laic and Tistia too,’ she admitted.

He continued enthusiastically between yawns. ‘We can play every day and you can show me how to do that flying ship—’

As Siac spoke of his plans for the future she too found herself yawning. ‘I think thats a great idea,’ she murmured before giving a sleepy smile as she took his hand. ‘And you have to show me more of your drawings,’ she continued before showing him sea monster. ‘And I’ll let you hold Sea Monster and Laic will play with us—’ she said before yawning.

Siac nodded to her words about his drawings, eager to do so. ‘What about now? I can show you now!’

‘For now I guess we should go back to bed before we wake everyone else up.’ she suggested in sleepy tones.

‘Oh!’ he gasped, his attentions turned straight to her stuffy. But then Runa mentioned sleeping and he objected, saying he wanted to stay up, though he was clearly just as tired as Runa was. ‘But I thought we were going to play,’ Siac said sadly, rubbing his eyes with his free hand.

As much as Runa wanted to see Siac’s pictures she knew she was too tired to do so and thus suggested they should do it in the morning. ‘We are but it’s probably better we play in the morning when it’s light and everyone’s up that way we can be as noisy as we like and not get into trouble,’ she said with an impish grin at his objections.

‘Oh OK,’ Siac said maturely in a tone mimicking his older sister. ‘We can play in the morning.’

Then remembering how Laic permitted her to sleep in his room when she didn’t want to be alone Runa offered Siac her sea monster. ‘Would you like to sleep with Sea Monster? I’ll let you sleep in my room too if you like, so when we wake up we can play right away!’

He followed her back to the hallway where their rooms were. At the offer of Sea Monster, his face lit up. ‘Yes!’ He took Sea Monster in his small hands, hugging it tightly and agreeing that it was a good idea to sleep in her room too. It would be his first sleepover and he was overjoyed.

Runa smiled at Siac’s words and the tone he was using. She wasn’t used to playing the role of big sister but found she rather liked it. It was then that she came up with the idea of having an impromptu sleepover with Siac who was quite thrilled. Once in their room she clambered back into bed making plenty of room for Siac to join her before turning her back to him as she prepared to sleep.

Siac climbed in after his sister, holding Sea Monster tightly. He was very happy and soon drifted off to sleep, clutching the stuffy. However, as he fell into a deeper sleep, he moved around a lot, not unlike his older sister. He was easily sprawled out across the bed with the stuffy in one hand, hanging off the bed.

A/N: Coming up, the conclusion and epilogue of the tetralogy.