[Center][h2]Korré [/h2][/center] I walk through the gardens outside Organa Palace, admiring the well manicured topiary and flower beds. I hold my belly, trying to feel the baby still growing inside me. He’s been quiet ever since we left Dantooine. I can’t decide if I should be happy or concerned by that. [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] I am patrolling outside, mostly trying to kill time, when I notice Korre by the garden. After a moments hesitation, I approach her. “Hey, Korre!” I wave, trying to look as non-frightening as possible. [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] I smile and wave back. “Oh, hello Iwan. I was just taking a short walk. Care to join me?” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] My heart quickens a little. “Really? I mean, I wouldn’t want to disturb you...” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] “Nonsense. I welcome company.” I continue on my walk. I’ve been trying to remain active, despite the increasing aches and pains brought on by my pregnancy. I guess I’m just stubborn that way. Defiantly, I walk towards a set of stairs that lead into the hedge path. [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] “Those look a little steep. Let me help you.” I offer a hand to help her down the steps. [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] I instinctively pull away at first, then offer an apologetic smile and take his hand. “Thank you. I probably shouldn’t even be out here; my ankles are hurting me badly. But I just can’t stand to stay indoors all day.” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] “I spent most of my life indoors. Myrkr isn’t the type of place you go wondering around.” I reach the bottom of the stairs, then help Korre down. “Now that I’ve seen what the rest of the Galaxy has to offer, I can’t imagine staying in one place for so long.” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] Once I’ve reached even ground, I lead Iwan into the hedge path. “Do you like it here on Alderaan?” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] “Oh yes. I love the wide open fields and valleys, and the mountains in the distance. And the sky... I could never see the sky through he tree tops back home. Too dense, you know?” I take a couple more steps before asking “Do... you like Alderaan?” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] “I do. Very peaceful and beautiful. I couldn’t have picked a better place to hide away....But, there is one thing I don’t like. The nights are far too dark. My homeworld, Naboo, has three moons that always keep even the darkness the night bright. But, Alderaan has no moon, so the nights are pretty black. And it’s also too quiet. Back home, I’d open my window and listen to the crickets and frogs as I went to sleep. But here, I can’t hear anything except the wind.” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] I crack a smile. “You aren’t saying your afraid of the dark, are you?” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] “No, of course not! It’s just... mild Nyctophobia. It’s a real serious condition. Ask anyone!” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] I laugh out loud. “Right. Whatever you say, my lady.” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] Iwan’s laugh is an unashamed snorty cackle. It’s a such a ridiculous sound that I can’t help but laugh too. For a few minutes, we stand there in the garden, laughing like idiots. The longer it goes, the more historical it becomes. Then, without warning, I feel a kick. My heart leaps as my son finally makes himself known again. “There you are! Did you think it was funny too?” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] The humor drains out of me, and is replaced by astonishment. “Is that... the baby?” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] I can feel the child moving more. “Yes. He hasn’t been this active in a long while.” I take Iwan’s hand and press it to my belly. “Here, feel.” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] I am reluctant at first, but then I feel the child lightly punch at my palm. I can also feel through the Force the raw energy coming from it, even without having to reach out with my sense. In fact, it might be more accurate to say that the child was reaching out to me. “That is... amazing.” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] “I think he likes you.” Let Iwan remove his hand, and I give a slight frown of guilt. “Iwan... I think I should apologize. For how I reacted when I first saw you...” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] “You screamed and nearly fainted.” I say, feeling a bit awkward. “It’s okay. I understand...” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] “No, it’s not okay. I shouldn’t have over reacted like that. What’s worse, I spent the first couple of days here purposely avoiding you. I judged you before I got a chance to know you, and that wasn’t fair.” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] “I can’t exactly blame you. My mad clone has been hounding you for so long, it’s only natural you’d hate this face.” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] “I do not hate your face! What an awful thing to believe.” I look him in the eye. “It’s a nice face. Don’t be ashamed of it.” I try to look reassuring. “When the Sith Hunters are finished saving the Galaxy, you will have plenty of time to make everyone love your face. You’ll make them all forget Gendry, and get to know the real Iwan Starsnow.” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] I feel a swell of emotions, though I try to hide it behind a smile. “Thanks you... You have a nice face too.” [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] Giggles. “Thanks.” I don’t move to return to walking, even though I probably should. Instead, I remain looking into his eyes. They are a beautiful shade of blue, my favorite color. I don’t realize it at first, but Iwan is leaning closer. I let him, and a moment later, his lips are pressed against mine. Iwan wraps his arms around me, and I allow myself to be pulled into the embrace. Closing my eyes, I give myself fully to this very sudden, yet extremely passionate,l moment. Then, as our lips parted and my eyes opened, I found myself staring into the grinning face of Darth Hexxus. My mood suddenly swinging to panic, I swat his arms away and scream, “STOP!!!” [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] I feel something hit me square in the chest; an invisible blast of conclusive energy that sends me flying back into the hedges behind me. I collapse in a heap of branches and twigs, dazed and very much confused. [Center][h2] Korré [/h2][/center] I grab the spot on my belly where my baby had just kicked hard, and I take a moment to steady myself. I almost fall to my knees, but I am able to keep on my feet. Still breathing heavily with dissolving panic, I look down at Iwan. My face reddens with shame. “I’m sorry. I... I have to go. I’m so sorry.” Picking up the hem of my dress, I run as fast as my swollen ankles will carry me, back towards the castle. [Center][h2] Iwan Starsnow [/h2][/center] I watch her leave, wanting to go after her but knowing it might only make things worse. This wasn’t my fault, I know. It as Gendry’s fault. Darth Hexxus’ fault. I can feel the anger and hatred filling my heart, and I allow it. When I finally meet up with him, and I know I will one day soon, I’m going to make him pay.