LEILANI SERENNO bridged the past and the present, born into a family of cruelty and then groomed to fulfil a role in the grand scheme of things. She was a puppet manipulated by her brother, ensnared in a larger narrative orchestrated by the Force. Y...
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The descent onto Naboo was smooth, yet Leilani felt the turbulence within her more keenly than the ship's landing itself. Anxiety coiled tight in her chest, an ever-present weight pressing against her ribs. With Anakin and Ahsoka flanking her, the absence of Nia lingered in her mind like an unhealed wound. The moment the deception had begun, everything seemed to unravel. And now, with Obi-Wan nearing the completion of his mission, the risk that had hung over them all like a storm cloud would soon dissipate. She told herself that. She repeated it like a mantra. Yet, the sense of foreboding remained.
As the boarding ramp lowered, the warm air of Naboo embraced them. The scent of fresh blossoms and dewy grass filled her senses, contrasting starkly with the tense thoughts swirling in her mind. The city before them gleamed in golden light, its stone-paved streets adorned with colourful banners swaying gently in the breeze. The Festival of Light had already begun, its jubilant energy spilling into the very air around them.
Leilani stepped forward alongside the other Jedi, her gaze sweeping the familiar beauty of the capital, but her focus remained sharp. The Queen of Naboo stood at the base of the landing platform, draped in elegant silks, her regal presence accentuated by the torchlight that danced along her intricate headdress. Beside her, Padmé Amidala greeted them with her usual warmth, though Leilani detected the slight crease in her brow—subtle concern masked by diplomacy.
"Anakin, Ahsoka, Leilani, welcome to the festival," Padmé greeted, her voice smooth and inviting as she gestured for them to follow.
Leilani forced a gentle smile, though her lips twitched in faint disagreement. There was no time for celebrations, not when the shadow of war loomed so closely. But for now, she obeyed.
"I've never seen the Festival of Light before," Ahsoka remarked, her bright eyes scanning the lively town square. The streets were already filling with citizens, the hum of laughter and music blending into the evening air. "Sounds like a big event."
Leilani inclined her head slightly, her gaze flickering over the gathering crowds. "They're expecting a large turnout," she observed. "Which means it will be difficult for Dooku to stage an attack during the ceremony."
Padmé turned to her then, her expression carefully measured. "Are you certain an attack is imminent?"
Before Leilani could respond, Anakin answered for her. His voice carried a rare edge of certainty, a sharpness that left no room for doubt. "I'm afraid so." His posture was rigid, his protective instincts flaring as he glanced at the security detail surrounding the Queen. "Which is why I'm assigning Ahsoka as your personal bodyguard. If anything happens, she'll make sure you, the Queen, and your staff get to safety."
Padmé's lips pressed together, her gaze lingering on him before softening slightly. "And what about you?"
Leilani exhaled a quiet breath through her nose, a wry smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Oh, likely planning to save the day," she remarked casually, glancing sideways at Anakin.
