StarWars Shadows of the past (revising + adding)

Chapter 22

Back on Coruscont, the day was early morning. Leia had woken for an early political meeting, which was with all of the senators of the senate. It would be the first time she would stand before the large body, so her nerves were on edge. She slipped out of bed, trying hard not to wake Han. He stirred, but he didn't wake. She sighed, walked into bathroom, dressed and headed out. After, she decided to go and meditate inside one of the quiet rooms of the Jedi temple, knowing that it would be quiet and she could remain undisturbed. She wanted to calm her nerves before facing the senate. Leia walked into the room and perched herself on a round meditating stool and began to calm herself. She sat there for a few moments concentrating, but the overwhelming feeling of being watched made her stop. She opened her eyes and looked around. From the corner of the room a being stepped out of the shadows. He was dim at first and then he brightened when he spoke.

"Hello Leia," he said. She sat there motionless. "Luke asked me to appear to you again."

"He mentioned it," she spat.

"I know you're angry. I did a lot of wrong to so many. I can't ask you to forgive me, all I can ask is... for your understanding. Han is only one of the many. If I could appear to him I would." Leia said nothing. His heart sank and he was about to leave, when she spoke up.

"Father, if I hold this, I would be no different. I can't give you his forgiveness, but I do understand. I don't know how much guilt you must feel, or how much you must have beaten yourself for it. I could not punish you more than that. So I do forgive you." She finally smiled. "Luke was right, I needed to let this go. Please forgive me, for being angry," she whispered. Her reaction took him by surprise. "Oh Leia, you have nothing to be forgiven of," he replied and she smiled again.

************

On Zenoben, day had fallen into night. Luke and Ulonna were preparing for the celebration. They were brought to the great grandstand where Ulonna had performed the music that changed their world. She knew the place well, and the music that was being played there. She stopped dead in her tracts. Luke stopped too.

"What is it?" he asked. 

"Zell," she called out. She was up in front leading the party. She stopped and smiled before turning, she knew exactly what Ulonna was thinking.

"What is it?" she asked. Ulonna moved toward her.

"Did they want me to sing?" Zell took a deep breath.

"I think that was idea." 

"Why, so they can put me back in prison again." 

"No, Ulonna there are so meany reasons behind it."

"Then why don't they just tell me?"

"Because you're stubborn and you don't listen." Luke snorted. They both looked over at him.

"She is right." Ulonna stared at him. "Ryessa, don't take offence."

"What do you propose I do?"

"Prove them wrong. Control your anger and sing," He said.

Ulonna stopped to mistakenly hear the crowd cheer as the music stopped and started again. Luke looked around, he couldn't see past the tall trees that lined the cobblestone road into the grandstand. Ulonna just smiled and turned back to Zell, but when he called to her she turned back.

"Are you going to perform the new ones?" he asked as they started to move again.

"No, it will take several months for the group to learn them," she replied. Luke looked concerned.