Author's Note: This was written and dedicated to Cariel =)

The sand storm blew outside without mercy. Staring out the window Anakin could almost make out the granules of natural glass, as its dull beiges and harsh bronze streaks whipped past. Tradition spoke of legends where nightmares and great beasts alike travelled the mighty winds of the wet seasons.

It was the worst storm anyone had seen in years. Even Anakin could not recall his mother ever speaking of anything that was nearly this bad. It had been weeks since it had begun and still it raged on without mercy.

At first they made the most of their confinements finding comfort in one another’s arms as they so often did. Love could only protect them from so much and now there was no denying the truth of the situation any longer.

Unable to keep a job-first due to lack of manners, skills and good temperament, then later because of the Hutts- the former emperor struggled to make ends meet. It had been his honour to provide for his empress and queen Dormé. With the recent turn of events even she attempted to find work. It was not meant to be.

Despite having a plethora of skills and abilities that went far beyond her young years no one would hire Dormé. Interviews were given and rejections were messaged. It seemed no one was willing to risk hiring a foreigner, certainly not one who resembled the royalty that were responsible for the demise of the Naboo-Tatooine Empire.

When the times became difficult, she sold her hair and Anakin sold his lightsaber. Anything was better than going hungry or being without shelter. With nothing left save a few scraps of clothing and a run down abandoned building all they could do was survive.

Then the storm came and with it came new, unexpected complications. With no where to go and no means of communication they were entirely isolated.

Dormé remained hopeful. She had faith that the storm would fade so she worked her charm enabling Anakin to forget his sorrow, and fears for a time.

Nevertheless, it was difficult to ignore the way her skin lost its rosy colour, how gaunt her cheeks had become. Her bones felt so close beneath his fingers, her skin, now stretched so tight over them. Her eyes, never lost their life, nor did her smile cease to light up the room.

Though her spirit could not be touched, her flesh was rapidly fading. Even Dormé’s vibrant, passionate body could not withstand the harsh cutting edges of the sand.

As the weeks bled into one another their food and water slowly dissipated until there was nothing left to eat or drink. Not even Anakin’s skills could provide them with the simplest of necessities.

The hour was late and Dormé had to gone to bed, her body now too weak to carry on. Anakin longed to join her but could not bring himself to retire.

The harsh wind of the storm taunted him to step outside with its blustering rumbles it challenged him to face it. Anakin knew it had to be done, he just could not say why.

Departing to their simple bedchambers-a hollow in the wall separated by a sheet chewed up by womprats he parted the small curtain and stepped inside. For a moment he watched his wife as she slept on their small pallet. It was difficult to ignore how lifeless she appeared-only the slight rise and fall of her chest the only sign that her spirit still resided there.

It had been merely days ago when they were caught up in their passion play, now it was difficult for her to even get up to have a dry shower.

Biting back tears of frustration, and fear Anakin allowed his eyes to drift back to the window, to the blowing sand.

Let it go. If you want her to live, you must let it all go. Only then, can you save her.

Wisdom could only be received by those who listen. After weeks of ignorance, Anakin finally embraced the truth.

Kissing Dormé’s brow, Anakin whispered words of love before turning away. Parting the holed curtain Anakin stepped back out into the main room of their makeshift home.

The desert continued to call to him, and this time he did not refuse.

It was customary to dress in proper garbs when one was forced to ride the storm. However, Anakin did not put on his leather tunics or face mask. Nor did he wear the sand goggles or the respirators that would enable him to travel through the storm.

Instead, he removed all of his garbs and stepped out into the blowing sand. The harsh sand immediately tore at his flesh as the storm continued to unleash its rage. The pain was excruciating but the man known as Vader could not cry out; the sand had stolen both his breath and his voice.

He did not turn away, nor did he rush back to the comfort of the shanty. Closing his eyes he leaned his head back and spread his arms as though embracing a long lost friend.

Anakin felt a shift in the storm and immediately opened his eyes. A moment later he saw her. Emerging from the storm of sand came forth his great goddess and queen Dormé.

No longer was her body broken and weak from lack of nourishment or her skin pale and void of life. Instead she looked just as she had during the glory years of their reign. Standing before him the empress smiled sadly. With calloused fingers she gently touched his cheeks and whispered into his ears.

“This storm is not real Anakin. What you see, what you feel is nothing more than a reflection of your guilt, the pain of your loss, the sorrow of your mistakes.

“You must let it go before it destroys you, before it destroys us.”

Anakin could only stare at her as unshed tears came to his eyes. There was so much he wanted to say, so much that needed to be said, but the words did not come. It was not necessary; she understood what could not be said.

“Please Anakin, if not for your own sake than for mine, please end this madness.”

The sorrow in her eyes broke his heart. It also gave him the strength he desperately needed. With a loving smile she slipped her arms around him and leaned in to kiss his mouth.

Her lips were cool and refreshing like fresh water from a rain fall. It soothed his spirit just as her calloused fingers against his torn flesh cooled and healed his skin. As their kiss deepened, Anakin could feel the poison of darkness; the despair, sorrow, guilt and fear dissipating as though Dormé were removing it from his body.

It was the first time she had ever taken anything from him. It was also the first time he had ever freely given everything of himself.

All around them the storm that once raged wild began to calm and slow until finally it faded away. In its wake, there was nothing more than a cool breeze and the promise of rare morning dew.

As their kiss drew to an end Anakin felt complete in ways he had never known before Dormé had come into his life. His body, though exposed to the winds did not reveal any signs of damage, even his exhaustion was a thing of the past.

Uncertain what to make of the strange vision or what it could mean Anakin stood and stared to the desert in pensive silence.

It was not long before he felt the cool, comforting touch of callous fingers against his bare flesh. This time Anakin knew he was not dreaming.

Turning to face Dormé the former emperor could not help but gasp in surprise. Before him she stood as beautiful as the great goddess, and healthier than he had seen her in a very long time. Her eyes shone with a peace and joy, mirroring his own.

With a smile that made her freckles dance, she slipped her arms around his waist and drew him into a passionate loving kiss.

With the past finally behind him only the promise of a hopeful future remained. Though many trials still remained ahead Anakin knew with Dormé by his side anything was possible. Together could they usher in a new era, this time one built on compassion and peace.