The Archer

Chapter Thirteen: The Chosen One

The Great Hall was hardly recognizable. The whole place had been rearranged, filled with chairs and tables, and there was a buffet and even a small bar set up. Which was where Leyla, Tony and I were standing right now, gathered around a high table while soft music was playing.

After Leyla had successfully used her persuasive powers on me - and also managed to make me look at least somewhat presentable - we'd eventually made it to the party. I put on my favourite dress which I also wore to my uni graduation - the only one I brought, specifically for a case like this.

I took a small sip from my drink after Tony had talked me into ordering something with alcohol in it. The plan was clear - stay for maybe one or two hours for Leyla, then get out of here. At least there had been no trace of Anakin so far.

We were approached by Master Ti, who greeted us with a gentle smile. "Hello, everyone. I'm glad you made it." All of us paid our respect with a small bow before she continued.

"I hope you have a good time - I know you have worked hard, so make sure to enjoy yourselves today," and with these words she left us on our own again.

It occured to me that even after all of us had been working here for several weeks at this point, we were still somehow secluded from the Jedi, forming our own small group. And I felt like that would probably never change.

"This really is the perfect opportunity to form connections - to network. You see all of those VIP-guests?," Tony asked, his gaze wandering around the place. "Hey, look - Senator Bail Organa is here," he exclaimed and pointed across the hall.

He was right. Our home planet's senator appeared to be in the middle of a conversation with one of the Jedi masters. I'd met him before when he attended our graduation and remembered him giving a speech I'd really liked back then.

"I'm not sure I'm feeling brave enough to network right now. I feel like I'd need another drink for that," Leyla said, raising her almost empty glass.

"Wait, is that the Chancellor-"

But I didn't pay any attention to the rest of Tony's words because I just saw someone else enter the room.

My eyes instantly found Anakin, and while he was wearing his usual robes I'd seen him enough times at this point to know that he at least attempted to comb his hair. To say he was anything but drop-dead gorgeous would be a blatant lie. I didn't know if I wanted to cry out of joy or despair. He was searching the room with his eyes, but it was only a matter of seconds until he found me.

"I think I need to head to a refresher," I mumbled so quietly I wasn't sure anyone even heard it, but it was too late anyways. Anakin had already set course on our table, briefly greeting others on his way, but keeping a stride towards us. Towards me.

"Oh, and it looks like another celebrity is fast approaching." Tony sharply exhaled through his teeth while shooting me a look from the side. "Someone who, as I've heard, you've been spending some of your time-off with."

So much for keeping a low profile.

"Good evening, m'lady," Anakin greeted me upon arriving, a subtle smirk on his face, radiating his usual confidence. He held his eyes on me for a brief moment, looking me up and down before meeting my eyes again. He turn turned his attention to the others.

I cleared my throat. "Hi, Anakin. Let me introduce you to some of the fellow externs - this is Leyla, and this is Tony... you guys, this is Anakin," I continued, before adding in a quiet mumble, "although you probably know that".

"It's nice to meet you, An- Master Sykwalker," Leyla said with a polite smile, and I realized how normalized it had become for me to just refer to him as Anakin. Which it evidently wasn't for others.