Over the first few months in the Darklighters’ home, Dormé relied heavily on the assistance of her husband for even the most basic of needs. Anakin was only too grateful and willing to help Dormé heal in whatever way he could. He knew she was a proud and independent woman and was honoured that she would permit him this chance to help her through this struggle. It was the very least he could do after all that she had done for him. Of all his duties, his favourite had to be brushing her hair which was rapidly growing back and helping her shower, which brought back memories of simpler times.

Dormé, however, was more pleased that Anakin was looking more like his old self, far healthier than he had been in ages. These days as his strength returned, he had been voluntarily helping the Darklighters with repairs on their home and the store. Though Dormé often attempted to help out, even in the kitchen, Mrs. Darklighter always shooed her out, telling her she ought to rest. Every day, Anakin would set forth to make an effort to repay the Darklighters for their kindness and every night he would return to her arms, where he belonged.

As his health improved, Anakin wanted to find another job this time to repay the Darklighter’s for their kindness and to help in whatever way he could. In the end, he decided to help them around their home and in their shop as they needed it far more than monies. Though Anakin didn’t speak of their true identities or rather the history that brought them here, he had a feeling that even if they did, it wouldn’t matter. The though was a relief to say the least leaving him to remain silent on the matter as it often slipped his mind and when he recalled it the moment wasn’t right. In truth, save for the painful absence of their children, Anakin really didn’t miss the palace or the trappings of power he once held. With Dormé on the mend, there was only one wish that remained on his mind: that their children were safe and that one day they would return home to them.

On this night, Anakin returned home after spending the day working in the Darklighter’s shop mending some water pumps and harvesters and was greeted by a Dormé who looked more healthier than he had seen her in a long time. Kissing her in greeting, Anakin gave a wink and teased that he was going to wash up as he didn’t want to scare Dormé away because he smelled like a Gundark. Upon returning from the fresher a bit later, Anakin’s eyes fell to the elegant wedding band that now rested on Dormé’s arm. His eyes wavered at the sight of it as it brought back so many memories leaving him momentarily speechless as he studied his beloved wife before turning his attentions to the elderly couple.

‘Thank you,’ he whispered shyly recalling once more the Darklighter’s kindness and feeling incredibly humbled by it.

Mrs. Darklighter just gave a motherly smile before lightly suggesting that they sit down to some dinner. ‘I hope all of you are hungry as I’ve made a feast!’ she said eagerly. In truth the fanciful meal was in silent celebration of Dormé’s healing and the fact she was now safely out of the dunes.

Dormé was happy to partake of this meal, mentioning to Celia that it was about time as she had only been able to smell the aroma of her cooking for such a long time. She also thanked the elderly couple for returning the wedding band, taking Anakin’s hand and giving it a squeeze. She wondered if they owed it to their hosts to tell them the truth. ‘I can’t thank you enough for letting us stay here. I didn’t even know we had made it to Mos Eisley.’ Dormé admitted she had a feeling Anakin already told them that they had bee living in Mos Entha and had to leave once they were unable to pay their rent, having sold everything of value they owned. ‘We had to give up our children, so they could have a better life. I don’t even know if they are all right. I—I wish I could just see them once more,’ she said, struggling not to cry.

Anakin’s eyes fell to his plate while his natural hand slipped around Dormé’s small waist and the other slipped into her left hand.

The elderly woman fell silent as she studied them in caring concern as she reached out to place a hand to Dormé’s arm. ‘Oh my poor dears, I’m so sorry,’ she said softly wishing she knew how to help them in their plight.

‘It’s a small price we have to pay for all that we have done,’ Anakin admitted in barely audible tones. ‘I’m just sorry they have to pay the price for our mistakes…for my bloodlust and greed,’ he continued quietly. This was hardly how he imagined that he would admit to the truth but at the same time Anakin knew the time had come to share the truth. ‘It’s only fair that you know the truth,’ he began as his grip on Dormé’s hand tightened. ‘While Skywalker is our real surname, we were once known as the Vaders.’

Jorian was shocked as anything to learn that the young couple was in actuality the Vaders. The surname itself was full of hate and suffering. However, there was also the little know or talked about good that the Vaders did, bringing peace, ending wars, setting up hospitals and schools around the galaxy, of which Jorian was not unaware of.

Celia was stunned by the revelation just as much as her husband was, but like him the elder woman had no intent to judge. Even so it was a bit startling to discover that the young couple before them were none other than the emperor and empress of the now destroyed Coruscant Empire. They were hardly the arrogant images she had seen on the holo net during the rare moments when news was found. However while she knew of their crimes she also knew of their attempts to improve the situation especially for the children. She was also aware of the infamous lost princess and of the fact the Vader’s had longed to have little ones of their own. Though some more vicious believed the loss of their daughter was the price paid for their crimes Celia always felt pity for them. She was pleased to know that in the end they were able to have children of their own. Though now her heart went out to them all the more because they had finally received their hearts desire only to lose it. While many believed they deserved what was coming to them, Celia felt otherwise and was convinced that they had suffered enough and that the lessons taught to them had been learnt. With this in mind she listened to Ms. Dormé’s words with silent compassion and understanding.

Dormé added that it was hard to stay in one place because their faces would be recognised or something else would give them away. She mentioned living in fear that at any moment one of their enemies would do them in...not that they deserved anything better. ‘It’s just for the sake of our children that we pray they don’t find us. They have done nothing to deserve that fate.’

Anakin didn’t breathe a word as his wife spoke for it was a delicate topic and like Dormé he didn’t trust himself not to succumb to emotions. But everything she said he believed and was in agreement. Though he was grateful to have been finally able to share the truth with the Darklighters there was still a part of him that feared they would reject them or feel differently about their guests. However as he looked upon the elder couple Anakin knew they understood and more importantly were not about to judge or hold their crimes against them. It was such a relief.

When Dormé fell silent Celia quietly spoke as her eyes flickered to Jorian as she knew that he would be in agreement with her. ‘What is done is done. We all make mistakes and do things that we later regret, but in the end what matters is that we learn from them,’ she said in gentle and reassuring tones before adding. ‘We will do all we can to help you both.’

It was a predicament to be sure, but like his wife, Jorian believed that what was done was done. They were so young and had made mistakes, but they had more than paid for them, in his opinion. ‘You are welcome to stay with us as long as you need to get back on your feet. Don’t even think for a moment that we’re letting Ms. Dormé out of our sights until she’s fully healed.’

Celia nodded in agreement to Jorian’s words and gave a gentle smile to the young couple. Anakin was deeply touched by the elder couple and thanked them both as well. The relief was more than evident on his features as was his humble gratitude.

Dormé thanked them both before turning crimson at Mr. Darklighter’s words.

Once the meal was completed, Dormé immediately rose to help clear the dishes, but she must have risen too quickly for her head felt like it was spinning. She clutched the edge of the table to steady herself.

As their meal drew to an end Anakin rose to his feet just as Dormé did and was about to help where he could when he felt a shift in the Force and immediately slipped an arm around Dormé just as she was clutching the table. ‘You all right?’ he asked in obvious concern.

Celia too was quick to join Dormé’s side as she suggested she sit down for a moment. ‘You might be out of the dunes, my dear, but that doesn’t mean you can bustle about at full speed just yet. You just take it easy now,’ she gently chided Dormé in motherly tones.

Dormé would have nodded but her head didn’t like that. ‘I’m fine,’ she said, slipping back into her seat. ‘I just got up too fast.’ She was embarrassed and wished everything was as it used to be, knowing it would be some time before she would be back to normal. ‘I should probably have a rest with my non-gundark-smelling husband,’ she added, hoping to lighten the mood.

Anakin furrowed his brow as he nodded to her words though he was still wary of her condition and hoped it was nothing more than just her body adjusting and healing still.

Celia felt much the same but at Dormé’s attempts to lighten the mood she chuckled softly as she patted Dormé’s shoulder. ‘All right dear, I’ll leave both to relax.’ She soon slipped off to wash up the dishes and was once more exchanging teasing banter with her husband.

Anakin gave a lopsided grin at Dormé’s words as he shook his head. ‘It’s a good thing I did wash up beforehand or you would have surely fainted at the smell,’ he teased gently as he touched her cheek.

Dormé chuckled at his words, reaching up to give his hand a squeeze as Mr. Darklighter objected quite loudly to something his wife was giving him a hard time about.

Dormé turned her head slightly though she wasn’t able to make out the forms of their hosts before turning back to Anakin. ‘Perhaps it is we who should give them some privacy...’ She grinned at her husband before leaning in for a kiss.

‘That’s going to be us one day,’ he murmured thoughtfully as Dormé returned her attentions to him. Touching her cheek he nodded at her words before closing the distance as she leaned in for a kiss. Gently Anakin guided her back to their quarters before slipping into bed with her where he continued to gently kiss her while holding her close. Though the temptation to initiate the removal of her clothing was incredible Anakin didn’t want to rush things as Dormé was still healing and thus he contented himself with holding her while letting his fingers run through her hair.

‘You think so?’ Dormé asked. Thinking upon it, she smiled. ‘That would be nice.’ As much as Dormé wanted to partake of more carnal pleasures with her husband, the day had worn her out and after giving him a last lazy kiss, she was soon drifting to sleep in his arms while he played with her hair.

Anakin smiled in reply at Dormé’s words as he nodded before kissing her as she agreed with his thoughts. As Dormé drifted to sleep, Anakin continued to watch her while playing with her hair. Though she was still far too weak and small for his liking it was a relief to know she was able to eat on her own that soon her health would return to where it should be. But for now it was enough to know she was healing and with this in mind Anakin soon drifted off to sleep hismelf.

---

A week or so later, while Anakin was at work, Mrs. Darklighter received some horrible news. Dormé was working on getting a droid to help her clean their room when she overheard the elderly woman’s sobs. ‘Celia, what is it?’ she asked, rushing over to her side and resting a hand on her shoulder.

Celia sat at the table with her head in one hand and a datapad in the other. ‘Inga’s been captured—by the Hutts,’ she cried, finally looking up to see Dormé. ‘Poor Marta, poor, poor Marta...she’s their slave now...’

Dormé had no idea who Marta was, but she obviously meant a lot to Mrs Darklighter. She resolved she would do everything in her power to see that Marta was brought home. ‘First Inga, now Marta—’ Ceila wailed while Dormé did her best to comfort her. Though the curiosity was overwhelming, Dormé did her best to withhold her questions.

Meanwhile, a deeply concerned Mr. Darklighter informed Anakin that they would be shutting down the shop early today. Curious and concerned, the former emperor tried to learn what was wrong only to have the elderly man shake his head as he admitted he wasn’t certain. ‘Celia just said it was best we returned home and spoke of it in person,’ he said in concerned tones before adding that his wife sounded incredibly troubled and sorrowful.

Rushing back as swiftly as he could with Mr. Darklighter Anakin swiftly entered the cozy home of the Darklighters and rushed into the living space where Dormé and Mrs. Darklighter were located. ‘What happened? Are you both all right?’ he asked in concern as he joined Dormé’s side just as Mr. Darklighter moved to Celia’s side to comfort her.

‘We’re safe,’ Dormé answered her husband as Mr. Darklighter and he returned from the shop. She continued rubbing the elderly woman’s shoulder.

When she noticed Jorian, Celia practically jumped to her feet, grabbing his arms. ‘They’ve taken Marta—’ she exclaimed before rambling about everything that happened.

‘The Hutts,’ Dormé explained to Anakin.

Once Celia was calmed down enough, Jorian and she explained that Inga was their eldest son’s first wife, who was enslaved and inevitably killed by the Hutts. Now their other daughter-in-law of their second son—who died earlier that year due to an attack by the Sandpeople on their farm—had been taken.

Anakin furrowed his brow in confusion uncertain who these people were and what exactly had happened to them. His eyes flickered to Dormé but it was obvious that she too understood little of the situation. At her words Anakin relaxed a little though he was clearly troubled by the elderly woman’s sorrow and the explanation given to Mr. Darklighter who held Mrs. Darklighter close.

Dormé’s simple explanation said all that was needed to be said and Anakin frowned as he remained silent. He knew enough about the blackmarket kingpins to know what they were capable of and immediately started to think of a way they could help. But soon the Darklighters were explaining the entire situation and as much as Anakin wanted to depart to help them right away he knew that something like this would require some planning.

‘We’re going to find a way to get Marta back,’ Anakin stated suddenly as he knew Dormé felt much the same way as he did. ‘I don’t know how just yet but give us time we’ll think of something,’ he said as his hand slipped into Dormé’s.

Soon enough, Dormé was throwing herself into doing research on the Hutts activities, spending her days speaking to locals and keeping thorough notes. In the afternoon, she poured over holomaps, comparing notes and trying her best to find Marta’s location.

Anakin did his best to help where he could, going out to find locals much like Dormé and attempting to make contacts with those who tried to stand against the Hutts. It was no easy task as most were distrusting of him fearing that he was linked to the Hutt’s themselves. But Dormé’s thorough notes and discoveries proved invaluable and though his scouting of the region Marta was apparently last scene came up empty Anakin’s contact who had joined him admitted that they had only recently moved. Though she had yet to be found it was a good sign and it meant they were now close on her captures trail.

Tonight was no different, though Dormé was getting discouraged. Celia kept warning her that she needed to take care of herself, but Dormé felt she was well enough to do something to help. Anakin was scouting the latest location that they suspected Marta was being held and Dormé stayed up trying her best to dissect the underground holomaps before she got too sleepy. It had been like this for the past few days and Dormé missed spending her evenings with her husband, but knew this was for a good cause. After all, they owed the Darklighters so much.

As he returned home with the news Anakin soon joined Dormé who was still pouring over holomaps and going over what information was collected. Growing concerned at the fact she was still up and was working quite hard despite the fact she was obviously healing Anakin silently began to kneed at her shoulders finding knots in them. ‘You should take a break,’ he gently suggested before kissing her neck.

Caught up in her research and note compilation, Dormé didn’t even hear Anakin enter their private rooms. It wasn’t until she felt his warm, calloused fingertips massaging her shoulders that she registered his presence. While she leant into his touch, she didn’t remove her eyes from her work. While his suggestion was tempting, she was still so awake that she wanted to figure this mystery out right then and there in spite of her frustrations. But his kisses steered her attentions away from the holomaps.

‘You’ve been doing the work of ten men and you’re not even fully recovered,’ he continued in gentle concern before continuing to kiss her neck as he couldn’t resist the feel of her skin against his lips. While it had been some time since he had basked in her presence Anakin knew Dormé was far from healed and didn’t want to push her.

Anakin knew that there was no better way to ease his beloved from the stress of her new duties and wanted her to unwind. However, Anakin knew if he were to give into his own needs he would only end up hurting Dormé as she was far from well and so with this in mind he decided to refrain from his desires and focus entirely on hers. Dormé was his queen and in his mind her happiness made for his own.

It seemed like it had been years, though in actuality only months, since she was last in touch with her carnal desires and his kisses invited her to indulge in her husband now, lest time slip away from them. Dormé did not know his intentions for this night, so when she turned to face him, kissing his lips, she slipped her hands to his belt—which no longer held a lightsaber—unhooking it with the greatest of ease.

Anakin purred as Dormé turned to face him and was only too happy to return her passionate kisses. As her hands slipped to his belt slipping it off as though it were but second nature Anakin for a moment lost himself to her embrace and promptly forgot his personal promise to refrain from sating his own needs. That was until he pressed himself fully against her petite form. Dormé’s body was far from perfectly healed. Feeling her bones still so close beneath her skin (for her gown was quite promptly removed) Anakin was once more reminded of his desire to tend to Dormé’s needs over his own.

Dormé never thought twice about her appearance or that he would no longer desire her. Even with her hair chopped short, though now just past her shoulders, Anakin never once complained. If the way his body reacted to hers was any indication, their mutual suffering in the desert had not affected their passion negatively. As time passed through her recovery, she would come to realise how much closer they were because of their trials.

Mindful of this he used the Force to block her emotions from his own. Though this was something a non sensitive would not pick up on Anakin felt it was necessary to ensure he would not forget the purpose of this moment. ‘Let me worship you and bask in your presence only my beloved,’ he murmured in breathless tones into her ear before hungrily kissing her throat.

For now, conscious thought was fleeting as they somehow ended up in their tiny bed. At first she could tell that he was concentrating, which was something she rarely saw when they were making love, but she was soon too lost in him to pay it further heed.

Under normal circumstances Anakin would have eagerly lost himself to the moment basking and enjoying his queen’s presence while having his own needs sated in the process. But because he chose to refrain and focus entirely on his beloved the former emperor found himself discovering and appreciating his goddess in ways his impatience never permitted him to notice in the past. It was wondrous on a whole new level and as such Anakin lost himself in another fashion that brought him even closer to his wife.

Covering her body in kisses, while exploring her beauty with his hands the former emperor quite literally worshiped the one he knew to be his savior and empress. Not an inch of her flesh remained untouched and unkissed before he gently made love to her. While his use of the Force to block Dormé’s emotions was difficult to say the least as she cried out his name to the heavens Anakin was reminded once more of worthwhile his wish to tend to her needs only was.

The time of bliss was far too short for Dormé’s liking, but she was overcome by lethargy. This exhaustion was far more welcoming than that due to malnutrition. She fell asleep in her husband’s arms, breathing in the desert spices from his skin, which remained pressed like a warm blanket against her own.

With his empress’s passions sated for the moment Anakin found himself feeling more at peace with the universe than he had in such a long time. Silently he held her close enjoying the feel of her skin against his own while playing with her hair. It wasn’t long before he too fell into a blissful rest, one that allowed him to temporarily forget everything save his beloved.

Upon first hearing the cries originating from the Skywalkers’s room, Jorian assumed something was wrong, that perhaps they had been attacked by Sandpeople. His wife, however, was quick to explain the situation: that Ms. Dormé and Mr. Anakin were both healing. He didn’t quite understand it right away and made to go check in on them anyway. Celia was firmer the second time and it was the look in her eyes that informed him what exactly was going on. Blushing crimson, Jorian was sheepish at his mistake, but his thoughts turned mischievous and was soon poking Celia into giving him a kiss.

---

As the days passed Anakin continued to seek out Marta’s location and spent long hours scouting the terrain and searching for clues of her whereabouts. In time their hard work and quick thinking proved successful and soon they learnt of her current location and the caravan’s movement.

Dormé insisted, ‘I’m well enough to go with you, to free Marta,’ though she hadn’t a weapon of any kind. She had done most of the work reading Huttese, even though it was Anakin’s first language. Mrs. Darklighter spent a little time with her in the afternoons teaching it to her once she was well enough. Now Dormé wanted to be a more active role in this rescue mission, even if it wasn’t the wisest decision.

Concerned not only for her health, but her safety as well Anakin furrowed his brow in silence. He knew under normal circumstances Dormé would easily be able to hold her own. But she lacked not only strength, as she was not quite fully healed, she also lacked a decent weapon. However Anakin knew Dormé was a proud woman and knew how much this meant to her which made his need to refuse her wish all the more awkward. ‘You’re still healing, and there is the matter of finding you a decent weapon. Nevermind the fact we’re still uncertain of just what we’re walking into here,’ he began quietly not wanting to turn her down but at the same time concerned for her safety.

Dormé shook her head. ‘I’ll find a weapon. That doesn’t matter... Right now, there’s a woman out there suffering—a woman who is very important to the Darklighters who have been so good to us, even though we hardly deserve it—We need to get to her now!’ she argued, hardly worrying about her own safety, nevermind her health.

Anakin frowned as he shook his head his expression revealing his concern and fear for her. ‘I know that Dormé. You don’t think I’m not aware of the situation? But you must understand you’re in no condition to be rushing about in the desert and without a weapon no less. Nevermind the fact you’ll be entering territory that is foreign even to me. They have the upper hand and right now our only advantage is the element of surprise,’ he gave a soft sigh then as he caught Dormé’s final words.

‘All I’ve been doing for weeks has led up to this moment—’ She wanted to see the relief in the woman’s eyes and selfishly wanted to be the one to free her.

‘I understand you reasons for wanting to accompany me Dormé and under any other circumstance I’d be more than honoured to have you by my side. But right now you are not fully healed and I don’t want anything to happen to you. I am going to be distracted during the raid and if something goes wrong, if anything goes wrong and you’re hurt—I’d never be able to forgive myself,’ he admitted quietly.

Dormé exhaled in her frustration. She hated feeling weak and she hated not being able to do more to help. Running her hands through her hair, she tried to reason with Anakin, but it would seem he had the upper hand when it came to being reasonable. Deep down, she knew he was right, but that didn’t stop her from protesting.

‘But I’ve studied the maps, I know exactly how to get in,’ she maintained, but he would have none of it.

Anakin nodded in understanding to Dormé’s words. ‘I know, without you and all of your work Dormé none of this would be possible. You’re the reason we were able to locate Marta and you’re the reason I will be able to rescue her. But you have to let me do this, you’ve done so much already, now its my turn to help what way I can,’ he gently explained.

Stepping closer, she wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed. After a moment, she pulled back slightly to give him a kiss, her parting words written on his lips. She then nodded to him as she released him. ‘I await your return.’

Anakin slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her near. There was strength found in Dormé’s kiss as well as courage and at her parting words he gently touched her cheek as he studied her hard. ‘I will not return without her,’ he said in fierce sincerity before silently departing to the desert sands.

Returning his kiss with the love she bore him, Dormé’s faith in him was unwavering. She knew he would not fail and appreciated how much he too wanted to repay their hosts by freeing this woman. She studied him with equal intensity before he departed.

Just as Anakin was leaving, Jorian swiftly went after him. Carrying an old model of a blaster that hadn’t been used in years, the elderly man was confident his help would be necessary in finding and freeing the woman. ‘Mr. Anakin, I hope you did not think you would be going alone.’

Weeks of hard travel and labour left Marta weak, however, it only added to her fury and rage against her captors. She would make the Hutts pay for not getting rid of the Sandpeople who hunted and killed her husband. She would make them pay for stealing away innocent people and forcing them into slavery for their dishonest means.

Anakin departed with mind steadfast and determined and his heart filled with courage and strength bestowed upon him by his queen and beloved. But as much as he wished to do this alone the sight of Mr. Darklighter rushing to his side carrying an age old blaster Anakin found himself unable to deny the old man of his wish. While his training was far less than that of Dormé or him, Anakin knew that Master Darklighter was familiar with the territory and the politics of the region. Even if his blaster proved useless the elderly man would still prove useful in many other ways and Anakin already knew if things got tough Master Darklighter knew enough of the terrain to make it to safety with ease. ‘Who am I to refuse the help of an old friend,’ Anakin admitted with an appreciative smile.

Together they departed for the caravan that was now on the move to take Marta to the Hutt’s palace. Her beauty would make good money for those seeking a slave who was able to do more than just housework and menial labour.

---

A/N: It's just the beginning of what's to come! Will Anakin be able to resist using the dark side?