DREAMS ↠ A. SKYWALKER

FOUR

   The sun streams softly against Liana's lightly freckled cheeks as her eyes flutter open the next morning. The windows are open and a soft breeze is rolling into the room.

Liana tugs the soft satin sheets off of her body and climbs out of bed. Her room is simple yet rustic, much like the rest of the vineyard villa, and she chooses not to waste too much time in it. There's far more to be explored, after all.

The birds and other fauna are cooing gently as Liana steps out onto the grand balcony overlooking the majestic lake. She's surprised to see Anakin's figure sitting crisscrossed amongst the stone ground. Suddenly, she feels self-conscious glancing down at the pink nightgown that she's still wearing.

His shirt is made of cream-colored linen and is breezily thin. She can just barely see his muscles ripple against his tan skin underneath the gauzy fabric.

"Oh, Ani, I'm sorry," she exclaims upon noticing him meditating. "I didn't mean to interrupt!"

"Not at all," Anakin replies, turning his neck to look at the blonde girl. "Your presence is very calming to me,"

She smiles gently. "Were you meditating?"

He nods, his thin Padawan braid shaking behind his ear as he rises to his feet. Liana leans against the balcony railing watching a bird chirp from a nearby tree.

"How does it work exactly?" she asks curiously.

"Well, first close your eyes," insists Anakin as she tentatively shuts them. "What do you see?"

"Nothing," she replies in a confused tone. "It's just dark,"

Anakin's tone holds amusement as he speaks, stepping closer to her and trailing a hand up and down her soft arm. "Think of what brings you peace, Liana,"

She nods, squinting her eyes shut more as she struggles to concentrate. It's impossible with him in such close proximity. Images shift and swirl in her mind as she pictures the lake country.

"It's not working, Ani," she tells him at last. "It must be because I'm already at peace right now,"

・゜✭・.・✫・゜

    The sun sits high on its regal throne in the sky as Liana hurries down the stone steps towards the water's edge. A small beach of smooth tan sand separates the grassy island from the waters of the lake. She carelessly kicks off her sandals into the sand, which is soft and warm beneath her bare feet. Her figure is covered in a mid-length, powder blue dress that she figured was perfect for an afternoon swim.

"You know, I really don't like sand," grumbles Anakin apprehensively as he follows the girl down to the beach.

Liana turns to look over her shoulder at him, her wave of golden curls bouncing around her head like a halo. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid it's your job to be protecting me," she reminds him slyly as she steps closer towards the water. "What if I were to drown? Or get eaten by a lake monster? Or—"

"Alright, alright, you win milady," Anakin sighs in defeat, rolling his eyes jokingly before he tentatively steps onto the sand.

Liana flashes a grin at him as she begins wading into the refreshing water. As she looks behind her back, she notices Anakin pulling his linen shirt off, and her eyes widen at the sight of his lean, yet sculpted chest. He suddenly feels her gaze, and smirks as he trots through the sand and into the water, sending a splash of water right at her.