Epilogue

Anakin and Dormé were never ones to celebrate their own birthdays, since they both were unaware of the exact date of either of theirs. Since Dormé was hardly a religious person, she herself didn’t celebrate any specific holidays from her hometown. From his Jedi childhood, Anakin wasn’t allowed such recognitions, so the two of them only celebrated two holidays: their wedding anniversary and the day they arrived on Tatooine. The arrival on Tatooine marked the end of the years in darkness and reminded them of all they had sacrificed, giving up Laic and Runa, because of their sins.

This year would mark what would have been Anakin’s fortieth birthday. It was the time of year for their traditional Celebration of Epiphany. Dormé had hidden one of Anakin’s favourite tools because she for her gift to him, she had a new one custom made for him, as the old one was falling apart. He had, in turn, hidden one of her favourite necklaces because he wanted to replace the chain and clasp. But Dormé’s greatest surprise for Anakin was that she had rounded up all of their children and was able to get them to come to supper at their Tatooine palace. After all the years since the downfall of their Empire and the installation of the Republic, the Skywalkers had been invited to return to live on Coruscant many times, but they had continually refused the offers. It would have dredged up too many memories, though they often visited their eldest princess’s memorial.

Their eldest, Laic, was on Coruscant with the rest of the Jedi Order, reluctant to leave his girlfriend, Isellé Kenobi, but Dormé persuaded him by saying he was welcome to bring her along. Runa was very busy with the Naboo faction of the senate, training alongside Saché’s daughter, who was a few years younger, to become handmaidens. Siac and their three little princesses were still at home, though Siac would soon be heading off to Coruscant as well, though not to train as Jedi Knight. His interests seemed to be more into the healing arts than weaponry or diplomacy. It had been quite awhile since Anakin and Dormé were able to have everyone back at home at the same time and Dormé was thankful that she was able to accomplish this on this special day.

As wonderful as the feast was, just being with their entire family was heaven for Dormé. It was equally apparent that Anakin felt the same way. She was also pleased to visit with Isellé since Laic was very interested in her. Soon enough, Laic, Isellé, and Runa had to return to Coruscant and the entire event, including planning and preparation seemed to have taken its toll on Dormé. A few days later, Dormé was still quite worn out, so much so that she relied on the nannies for a good portion of the days for their little princesses and minding Siac, though he was most often reading rather than getting into trouble. The three little princesses were as impatient and demanding as their parents and it took sometime four servants to get them to calm down (where oftentimes, it only took a stern look from Dormé to get them on their best behaviour).

It was unusual that Dormé was still so worn out a week after their eldest children’s departure that she had one of their personal healers take a look at her. Perhaps, nearing forty herself, she was getting too old for such grandiose events? The results, however, surprised Dormé and she knew without a doubt that she needed to confront Anakin about this.

Tinkering with his old, beloved speeder, Dormé came upon her husband in the garage. Despite his sweaty and greasy appearance and the fact she was wearing one of her new gowns, she crept over to him. ‘I have some news, though I have to say this may come as a shock to you…’

Anakin looked up from his speeder at Dormé’s words with a concerned look. Despite having read her Force signature without any effort, as their bond had quite surpassed most over the years, he was still unclear as to what to make of her mixture of emotions. Hardly registering his own dirty appearance, he pulled her down into his lap saying, ‘You’ve seen our healer.’

Dormé nodded, taking a breath before smiling mischievously.

‘No,’ Anakin gasped. ‘Really?’

Dormé’s smile widened as she chuckled.

Anakin laughed, hardly believing it himself, though he most certainly wasn’t complaining. He held her more securely, only to jump up with her in his arms and twirl her around.

Dormé giggled and threw her arms around his neck as he twirled her in the air. Before he even set her back on the ground, she was kissing him. Perhaps, she thought, this seventh little one would be another boy…but another little princess would be lovely as well…

A/N: A big thank you to all of our readers! We hope you've enjoyed reading this four-part story.

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