FULL SUMMARY:

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away...

Everything is dark. It's a time of ongoing war, a new Sith has risen to power and the Jedi are no more.

Except for one. One that was left to mourn the loss of his friend and brother, mourn the loss of fellow Jedi, and mourn the loss of his old life.

Obi-Wan Kenobi has been living alone in the desert to shadow over Luke Skywalker for seven years. Seven long years, and he is still unable to adjust to his new life.

However, he is unaware of the new dangers silently arising in this war. Dark Force preparations are underway as a new revelation has come to light. One that the Empire will stop at nothing to acquire.

And not even the Force could warn Obi-Wan that he will be at the center of it all...

Hello all!

Thanks for reading this, I hope this story will live up to your expectations. It is a little something that I have been inspired to write for a long time and I'm excited to finally share it with you all.

Feel free to leave me comments if I make a mistake or something does not make sense. I'm happy with constructive criticism, as long as that's what it is, constructive. I'm my own editor so chances are I could have missed a mistake.

This story will be broken up into parts... how many parts? Not sure yet. There will be a decent amount of chapters within each part.

IMPORTANT: Obi-Wan has been de-aged by 10 years in this story. This makes him relatively closer to Anakins age.

My disclaimer is this: the general plot is mine, the original characters are mine, however the Star Wars universe and characters are not.

Now, read on! I promise action, adventure, plot twists, heart break, romance and much more.

May the Force be with you all!

Obi-Wan woke with a start. He sat up on his elbows and took deep breaths as his dream world slipped away and reality set in. He is on his cot, safe and sound, not in the nightmare that he can never remember when he awakens. His heart rate began to slow.

It is the same dream every night, Obi-Wan is sure of it. It wakes him early in the morning with a racing heart and an ache in his gut. If only he could remember what it is he is dreaming about, then maybe he could find the root cause and stop it.

He has a theory. If he can remember correctly, the dreams did not start until after he tried contacting Qui-Gon a week ago. It was the first time he has tried since Master Yoda showed him the way. It took seven years until Obi-Wan finally felt ready to face his late Master. After everything that has happened with his ex-padawan, Obi-Wan couldn't face Qui-Gon with his failure.

Master Yoda was the one to reach out and make Obi-Wan see that he needs to try. Seven years is long enough to think about something to say.

Unfortunately, when Obi-Wan tried nothing happened. He reached out to Master Yoda again, and he gave him no solution but continue to try, you must. Obi-Wan continued trying for a week and still, nothing has happened. Nothing but these dreams that is.

So, until Obi-Wan finally breaks through to the other side of the Force, he will be plagued with dreams he cannot remember.

Obi-Wan sighed and swung his legs over the edge of his cot. He can see the faint streaks of the sunlight begin to shine through his windows, and the glow of the ignited purple-red sky. There is something different about today, Obi-Wan can sense it, even when he can't quite make out what it is or where it is coming from. Something is shifting within the Force.

He ran his fingers through his shoulder-length hair, and scratched his too scruffy beard. Maybe it's time he cut his hair, it is uncivilized to let it grow so unruly. Obi-Wan found a gray hair last week, it taunted him, reminding him that the rest of his years will be spent in solitude, and he will die alone.

His senses must be off today, after all what could possibly change when one lives hidden away from society?

Why bother with the haircut?

"You know that I can help you,"

"I'm not involving you,"

"You're running out of options, Azey."

Azelynn sighed and dropped her head into her hands. Arrin is right, it has been two weeks of hitting nothing but dead ends. All she needs is a ship to take her to the outer rim, she doesn't really need a pilot, just a ship. She thought it would be easy to borrow one, but she thought wrong. Nobody wants to give up their ship to a stranger, and nobody is willing to pilot for her without something in it for them. Silly her to actually believe someone would be kind enough to help without strings attached.

"What if I lent you something to use as currency? That wouldn't be involving me," Arrin continued, "and you know I have it."

"I couldn't ask that of you." She said. Azelynn only just bought herself out of slavery, using everything she has ever owned to do it. Arrin is short one scrap-metal piece before he can buy himself out... it is also everything Azelynn needs to buy a ship.

"You're not asking. I'm offering."

"Arrin-" She turned to him, ready to fight him on this.

"Fine," Arrin said and got up from his chair, taking his leather jacket as he went. "I can't sit here and watch you continue to struggle." He said, putting it on and adjusting the collar around the tips of his dark hair.

"Where are you going?" Azelynn asked, staring up at his suddenly too tall form.

"To do something I should've done to begin with." Arrin said and walked out of the bar.

Azelynn stared after him in shock, suddenly feeling like she knows exactly what he is about to go do, and got up to chase after him. She weaved around the occupied tables, bumped into a chair, and received strange looks as she rushed outside. She was too concerned to care, and found Arrin immediately when she made it outside. He is the only one she has ever come across that wears a leather jacket in this heat. But it was my fathers he told her when they met several years ago. They were fourteen, and she was surprised that a large, tough-looking guy is a sentimentalist. The more she got to know him, she realized appearance isn't everything.

Azelynn had to push through crowds of people to catch up to him, receiving glares and insults as she went. The heat from the double-suns burned into her skin, but she's gotten use to it after so many years of working in it. However, she didn't build a tolerance to avoid a light perspiration.

"Arrin," She said when she caught up to him, grabbing his arm and pulling him aside to avoid the traffic of pedestrians.

His dark eyes bore down into hers with one of his rare I'm serious looks. Arrin is not the type of person to take things so heavily. He is the guy you go to for cheering up, not for serious conversation. But now that he is giving her the look, Azelynn knows she should be concerned he has every intention of following through with what he is thinking.

"You can't," She began. "I would never forgive myself if you spent the rest of your life as a slave."

"Then let me help in another way," Arrin pleaded, face set in stone.

Azelynn bit her lip, it is either hear her best friend out, or let him throw his life away. The answer is obvious, but not an easy choice. This is a part of her life she has been trying to shield him from. Her best friend has done enough for her—has enough of his own problems—to get involved in hers, again.

"What do you know?" She asked him, reluctantly. She stood with her hands on her hips and staring at her boots in the dirt.

Azelynn looked up in time to see Arrin's mouth break out into a grin, his usual self beginning to shine back through. "Well, let's just say I know a guy."

"You know a guy?" Azelynn questioned skeptically. Arrin knows almost everyone in town, so that doesn't exactly clear things up for her.

"Okay, I know of a guy." He corrected.

Azelynn stared at him. "That's it? You know of a guy, how is that suppose to help me? It's no different from what I have already been doing." She felt the exhaustion from this search begin to weigh down on her. She placed a hand on her forehead, feeling the stirrings of an oncoming headache.

Arrin shook his head. "It's not just any guy," Arrin took her by the arm and moved them to a more secluded section near them. "Look, all I know for sure is that he has a ship."

"And what about not for sure?"

Arrin glanced around, unsure if he should continue speaking. Azelynn glanced with him, questioning why he is so worried. They are in a pathway between two shops. The nearest set of people are ten feet away, and the noise of everyday life is loud enough to mask their hushed voices. Arrin looked back at Azelynn and began to speak. "Rumor has it, he fought in the Clone Wars. No one knows why he came here, or why he secludes himself the way he does. Most locals know him as the Cave Man."

Azelynn glared at him and shook her head. "If this is a joke-"

"This isn't a joke." Arrin rushed to amend, placing his hand on her shoulder. "It's all I got, and I really think he could help you."

Azelynn closed her eyes to process this. "So, you're sending me to a man no one knows anything about, and is nicknamed 'Cave Man'." Azelynn nodded her head and pursed her lips. It's absolutely ridiculous, and no different a situation than she has been dealing with. He is just another stranger she can beg for help to. However, Arrin seems confident, so that is enough.

"I'm not sending you, I'm coming with you." Arrin corrected simply. "Do you really think me so reckless to send my friend to a potential Sith Lord?"

Azelynn laughed once. "Probably," She answered nonchalantly. "But I'm going on my own." With that, she walked away.

Arrin chased after her. "Hold on, you don't even know where to find him, or his real name."

Azelynn kept walking, but instantly took a detour to the nearest shop and approached the saleswoman. She's older, with thinning, gray hair and skin dark from the repeated sun exposure. Chances are good that she is dying from a skin disease. That's how most humans pass on this planet. "Excuse me, would you mind helping me a moment?" Azelynn asked her sweetly, putting on her most innocent persona.

The older woman looked at her and then at Arrin behind her who had his arms folded across his chest, and a scowl on his lips. "I want no involvement in your troubles, young lady."

Azelynn played ignorance. "Oh no no," She giggled kindly. "I'm actually just looking for an old friend of mine." The woman watched her, waiting for her to continue. Azelynn leaned in a bit closer. "I hear most of the locals might know him as the Cave Man."

The woman's face turned gravely, she leaned away from Azelynn to look at her. "You best stay away from that man, little miss. There are some bad story's about one Ben Kenobi." Her voice rang of nothing but alarm and warning.

Azelynn mentally smirked at Arrin, outside she smiled and laughed some more. "What, old Ben? Ben wouldn't hurt a mouse." She decided to change the subject quickly, the woman looked ready to have a coronary. "Could you tell me where to find him?"

"The outskirts of town, due East." The woman answered shortly. "Be gone with you, I want no more involvement with this." She said and went back to fixing up her trinkets, ignoring Azelynns presence.

"Thank you." Azelynn turned around with a smirk on her face, and walked past Arrin who looked concerned. If Azelynn wasn't so proud of her smart-aleck ways, she would've worried about Arrins sincere disapproval.

She walked back to the bar and went around back for her Speeder. As she got in, she noticed Arrin stood beside her Speeder still staring at her with disapproval.

"What?" She questioned him with growing irritation.

"Be careful, alright?" He said to her.

Azelynn grinned slyly. "I'm always careful."

"Not your kind of careful, Azey. The normal kind of careful." They both knew what Arrin is referring to. Azelynn has never been one to follow the classic rules of careful. Her version of careful is doing something reckless, and finding a clever way to get herself out of it. Arrin is no better, but he does play it a bit more safe than she does. Azelynn likes to get into situations that she isn't quite sure she can get out of (despite her constant arguments that she knew she would be fine), and Arrin doesn't put himself in those situations unless he is one-hundred percent sure.

Once they went sledding in the sand dunes, and Azelynn thought it would be fun to explore the parts that everyone claims are dangerous because of quicksand.

"Oh come on, it'll be fun!" She exclaimed to Arrin who watched her walk over to the top of the blocked-off sand dune. Arrin didn't go after her, but continued to call her back to him. He could do nothing but watch as Azelynn went sliding own the hill, slowed down towards the middle, and begin to sink. Arrin yelled for her, and some how she managed to jump away from the sand before it made contact with her. She laughed at Arrins concern and pouted when he wouldn't let her use his board.

"Maybe you shouldn't go sledding in quicksand." He scolded her. "Certainly you knew you would lose your board."

"I thought I'd be able to pull it out when I jumped away." She argued petulantly.

Azelynn started up her Speeder with a sigh, and gave Arrin a reassuring smile. "When has normal ever suited us?"

Arrin gave her a half smile, still lost in his memory. "I'll see you for dinner." She said to him.

Arrin nodded once, and watched her drive away until she disappeared in the Eastern horizon.

When has normal ever suited you? Arrin corrected sadly, yet fondly, in his mind.

So as distracted as Azelynn is, she never bothered to ask Arrin the important questions: how do you know he will help? What will he want in return? Is he as dangerous as everyone believes him to be? Which side of the war did he fight on?

That last question pulled Azelynn out of her pride and back to the real world. What if Arrin was right about sending her to a potential Sith Lord? That would explain why this Kenobi is in seclusion. The last Azelynn heard about the war, everyone fighting in favor of the Republic died. So who is this man?

Azelynn already reached her location before she could turn back. She never felt so nervous in her life, and now it's too late.

Obi-Wan felt it throughout the day, that strange twinge in the Force. He tried to reach out to Master Yoda but he received silence on the other end. He even tried Qui-Gon again, but still received nothing. Something is stirring and no amount of meditation and reaching out to the Force can tell him what it is.

That is, until it shows up on his doorstep.

He heard the Speeder pull up outside. It came to an abrupt halt and he listened to the footsteps approach his dwelling. Without a second thought, Obi-Wan snatched up his lightsaber, hid it on his person, and went outside.

That is when he stopped, and so did she, appearing startled. But Obi-Wan was not prepared for the heavy weight of the Force to push into him the way it did.

The Force absolutely radiated off this girl. It pulsed in waves from her to him. Obi-Wan had to throw up his mental shields quickly and harshly to keep from passing out. Does this girl know what she is doing? Does she know that she's projecting snippets of her thoughts of right place—need to know, and he can feel her emotions of anxiety and nervousness?

If the Force didn't make her bright enough, the sun certainly did. It danced off of her dirty blonde hair and sun-kissed skin like it's attracted only to her. Her hair is half tied up high on her head, and the rest fell down past her shoulders and disappeared behind her back. She is dressed like the others in town, in plain tunics. Her jaw and cheekbones are sharp, and eyes big and round. Obi-Wan couldn't see the color from his distance.

He couldn't help but feel like he knows this girl. Something's familiar about her and the Force she's giving off, but Obi-Wan can't name it.

"Ben Kenobi?" She spoke in voice like silk and unwavering confidence—despite the nerves Obi-Wan can still sense. Although his shields are firmly up, he can still faintly hear bits and pieces of her thoughts: not what I expected, much younger.

"Do I know you?" Obi-Wan asked, because he needs to know why she feels familiar.

"No," She answered with a frown.

"Then who are you?" Obi-Wan asked, crossing his arms firmly over his chest defensively.

The girl stood up straight, and placed her hands behind her back. "My name is Azelynn, and I'm told you might be able to help me."

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows. He's aware of the silly rumors about him within the town, but he never expected them to point another person in his direction for help. Perhaps they don't like her? Think she may be crazy?

"Why?"

She's confused now. "Why?" She questioned him.

"Why come to me? I'm just a lonely man in a cave." He made a grand gesture to his in-ground dwelling. "There isn't much I could do for you." He decided to play off of his rumors, it's not everyday he talks to someone. Besides, it is the best defense to protect Luke. Seven years of no one showing up, and suddenly a Force Sensitive does. That is no coincidence.

"You don't even know what I need." She argued, disbelief etching her features.

"I know that I can't help you." Obi-Wan answered simply, voice stern.

She put her hands on her narrow hips. "Why not?"

"Because I'm not a man that has the means to help." Obi-Wan stated and began to turn around, signaling the end of this conversation.

"You're lying." The girl announced bluntly. Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows and faced her again.

"I beg your pardon?" He scoffed, surprised at her boldness.

The girl, Azelynn, dared to look bashful. "Sorry, but I know you're lying." She shrugged it off like it is a fact.

Obi-Wan had to smirk, a bit of amusement coursing through him. The girl is challenging him. "And how's that? Your source? The rumors around town?" Obi-Wan leaned against the doors threshold, curious about her answer. He is lying, to an extent. Obi-Wan is curious about how she knows. He knows the answer the second he thinks it, but he needs to hear her say it.

"I feel it." She admitted shyly, like she's exposing an embarrassing secret. Perhaps she is, because Obi-Wan could feel her unease and worry with the answer. Huh, Obi-Wan thought to himself, perhaps the girl doesn't know she is Force Sensitive.

Obi-Wan took a moment to consider this, absently rubbing a hand through his blond beard. He considered his feelings within the Force all day. Then considered the Force he felt within her. He once again reminded himself that it cannot be a coincidence.

The girl appeared innocent enough, but then again, looks can be deceiving. Azelynn kicked at the sand with a frown, Obi-Wan felt her irritation at it within the Force.

"Come inside." He found himself saying, and turned around to lead her inside before he could change his mind.

Azelynn sat at the table glancing around curiously as Obi-Wan made them tea. It was an oddly comfortable silence... Well, as comfortable and silent as it could get with Azelynn's Force Signature running amok.

He refuses to mention it until he knows the intentions of this girl and if she is a danger to himself and Luke. Volunteering that Obi-Wan knows the ways of the Force is too risky for everyone involved, including Azelynn.

"It's very clean in here," Azelynn mentioned as she looked around while Obi-Wan made tea, "For a supposed Cave Man." She plopped herself down on a chair before his dining table. He brought over the mugs and sat one down in front of her. He sat himself across from her and immediately got lost in those large green eyes. They're hypnotic, and up this close he could see a light dashing of freckles across her nose and on her forehead. Combine all of this with the plush, bright-pink lips and Obi-Wan is glad he has self-control. She is absolutely stunning... and young.

He took a sip of his tea, and she followed suit, licking her lips afterwards, kriff!

Obi-Wan cleared his throat, "So, you need my help?" He got to the heart of things; all business before pleasure (not that he intends to get any pleasure here). The Jedi have taught him to put the situation first, and any personal opinions, thoughts and feelings aside for a more 'appropriate' time.

She wrapped both her hands tightly around the mug, he could feel her content warmth from it. It helped calm her for her next words, "I need a ship."

Obi-Wans eyebrows shot up. "A ship?"

"Yes." She confirmed, with no desire to expand on her answer. Her eyes skimmed past Obi-Wan briefly, looking at something behind him. Perhaps still curious about her surroundings, or nervous for an answer.

"What for?" He asked her.

Azelynn's fingers absently tightened around her mug, "I'm looking for someone."

Sore subject then. "Alright," Obi-Wan sighed. "Why come to me?"

"You know why." She answered, looking at him squarely.

"You have a feeling." He confirmed. Azelynn said nothing, and glanced over Obi-Wans shoulder again. This time it caught Obi-Wans attention, it is the same place she looked earlier. He decided not to mention it, he knows there is no one here except for the two of them, so it is nothing of immediate threat.

Obi-Wan leaned forward in his seat, glancing at a tendril of hair that fell loose from Azelynn's ponytail. "I'm safe to assume you've run out of options, then?"

"I've tried buying, bargaining, trading... and no one is willing enough. They either want more than I can offer, or they want to tag along because it's their ship. And if I manage to get them that far in the conversation, they want to charge extra for being a 'chaperone'." Azelynn air-quoted the last word with venom, and then shook her head in defeat. "I only have so much left. I recently bought myself free from slavery and it cost me everything. I don't even have my own home, I'm staying with a friend."

Obi-Wan watched the girl as she spoke. Frustration is evident in her Force Signature, her body says exhaustion and her voice spoke a silent plea for help. She is also telling the truth, another thing Obi-Wan is able to feel from her Force.

Obi-Wan had to think about this. He has a ship, of course. But is he willing for the girl to just take it with a promise she will come back? Not a chance, no matter how honest she is being. He cannot live in hiding on a planet without a possible way to escape it.

So he would have to go with her, which is absolutely out of the question. There is not a chance he will leave Luke alone. He has his aunt and uncle, but Force forbid something happened and the Emperor found him. It could be catastrophic for the Galaxy.

"I can't help you." Obi-Wan decided.

"You can't or you won't?" She questioned him with squinted eyes. She must sense his dishonesty.

"I won't." Obi-Wan answered.

"Why not?" She asked him urgently. He could feel the shift in her Force as the conversation continued.

Obi-Wan didn't know how to respond, so he stood up and pushed in his chair. Azelynn did not move.

Obi-Wan spoke shortly, "I won't risk my life while you search the Galaxy for some lost boyfriend of yours that doesn't want to come home." It was quite an assumption to make, and perhaps a bit harsh, but it's the truth.

Azelynn stood up, chair scraping the floor, and fury burning through her. Obi-Wan worried about the strength of anger she radiated through the Force. The girl is a loose cannon, it reminded him of someone he once knew. "I'm not searching for some lost boyfriend," She spat the last word. "and I'm asking to borrow a ship, not for you to come with me."

"I cannot give you my ship." Obi-Wan said, in a completely calm tone.

"Borrow-"

"And there is nothing that can change my mind." Obi-Wan stated, cutting off the angry girl. The Force burned through her, it was difficult for Obi-Wan to ignore the anger and focus on staying calm for the both of them.

She glanced over his shoulder again, same place, and then scowled. "Fine," She looked at him. "I hope you and your ship will be very happy together." She snapped at him, and turned to leave. The angry Force followed her out.

Obi-Wan sighed. He just lost the only interesting thing that has happened to him in the past seven years. He wondered what that girl would be like if she were trained a Jedi, would she be able to control those emotions? Would she be strong? With that kind of Force strength, Obi-Wan didn't doubt it.

But then again, the last person that had a large amount of Force strength and rushing emotions turned to the Dark Side...

Obi-Wan listened as her Speeder roared to life and she sped away. He stared at her half empty tea mug, having the feeling of loss fill him.

He glanced behind him, suddenly curious about what the girl could have been looking at. He found nothing but his cot and frowned. He could feel the pull of the Force in this direction. He followed it until he stood directly in front of his cot. He closed his eyes and let the Force pull him to his knees and further down until he is looking beneath his cot.

And then he knew.

Under his bed lay a wooden box Obi-Wan has not opened for seven years, and has no intention of opening in years to come. He reached his hand out and dragged the box forward. It sat in front of him and he stared. This is why the girl kept looking this way. The Force here called to her, like it is suddenly calling to Obi-Wan for the first time since he closed it years ago.

He placed his hand on top of the box, suddenly wondering if he should open it. He let the Force make the decision for him, and opened the box.

Azelynn flattened herself on her bed and stared at the ceiling. At this rate, she will never get off of this planet. She is beginning to hate it for holding her captive. She already hates the sand, and soon enough the double suns and never ending heat will join the list.

She needs to come up with another plan-a better plan. She never expected this initial plan to work, but she had to try, and had to hold onto the hope that it could work.

Maybe she could try to stowaway on someones ship, and jump-off on some unknown planet. She might have better luck finding herself a ship elsewhere. If not, she would stowaway again, and again, until she gets what she needs.

It's a dangerous route to take, but desperate times.

Azelynn heard a knock on her door and she knew immediately it would be Arrin. The one man she is not ready to face right now after confidently turning her back on him earlier. If she wasn't already feeling defeated, let's just add humiliation to top it off.

"Go away." Azelynn demanded at the steel door.

"You know I can't do that." Arrin replied with a sigh. "Please open the door."

"No." She pouted petulantly.

"Azey-"

"Don't Azey me. I said go away." She threw her pillow at the door, making a successful thump sound, and a plop as it hit the floor.

A pause. "Did you just throw your pillow at me?"

"No," Azelynn scoffed. "I threw it at the door."

"That's it, I'm coming in."

"Arrin-" The door already slid opened before she could stop him. She watched him pick up her pillow and throw it back at her, not too forcefully. She deflected it easily, and managed to catch it before it fell to the floor. She replaced it behind her head as Arrin shut the door and laid down beside her.

"Talk to me," He began softly. "What happened?"

"He won't do it." Azelynn stated.

"Mm," Arrin hummed, and placed his arms behind his head. "I figured if he couldn't help you, he might point you in the direction of someone who could." Azelynn stared at him and Arrin shrugged. "If he really was in the war, then the man has connections. It wasn't much of a leap to assume."

"It's a good assumption, but a wrong one." She looked back at her ceiling. "And we didn't exactly leave on good terms."

"I wouldn't expect any less from you." He said lightly. "What was he like?"

"Not a Sith Lord." Azelynn gave him a playful look and Arrin mock-removed sweat from his forehead with a phew.

"I'm relieved." He said with a smile.

"He's young, I didn't expect that." She answered in a serious tone.

Arrin shrugged. "A lot of men from the war started at our age. And it's been what? Seven years since the end of it?"

"Mmm," Azelynn hummed in confirmation.

"Now what?" Arrin questioned. "I could ask around for you, see if someone knows someone that can help." He offered.

Azelynn was already shaking her head before he finished talking. "No, you've done enough already. I can figure this out myself."

Arrin stared at her disapprovingly but said nothing. He knows how she can be when her mind is set on something. She is stubborn, and sometimes it is best to just let her be that way. He is glad he got the chance to help, even if it didn't work out.

They laid there in silence for some time. After many years of being close friends, comfortable silence became an easy way to spend time together. No one had to say a word-they just enjoyed one another's company. It's a constant when one or the other is having a bad day, and one needs the other as a silent supporter.

"I should probably go cook up some dinner." Arrin commented when the light outside had faded to a dim red.

Azelynn sighed and got up with him. "I'll help you."

"No, it's alright." Arrin protested.

"No I want to." She said with a small smile. Ever since Arrin suggested she move in with him, Azelynn has been trying her best to help out around the place. She has no way to pay him to live here, so all she can do is help maintain the place. Arrin has scolded her many times about 'over-compensating', but Azelynn can't help she sometimes feels worthless.

Arrin did suggest that she buy herself free at any cost. Unfortunately part of that cost was her home. Somehow she managed to save her Speeder, but that doesn't exactly provide a roof over her head.

Arrin supported her every step of the way, and has gone out of his way to make sure she feels at home and welcome here. Azelynn could not understand what she did to get as lucky as to have a friend like Arrin Poell Dameron.

"Alright," Arrin said with a smile and led them downstairs.

The two of them danced around the kitchen as they cooked. Arrin thought it would be funny to dust Azelynn in fluffy white flour. Arrin did not find it funny when Azelynn retaliated with Besuaskee seeds. They giggled themselves through dinner, and not so much when they had to clean up the mess they left.

It was a good night. Azelynn couldn't be more thankful for a friend like him. It is a shame that she might not see him again for several years. In the morning, when Arrin leaves to his slave duties, Azelynn will slip away to one of the local Space Ports and sneak onboard a ship-with the hope it will take her to a useful planet.

She knew the second she thought it up it's what she has to do, even if it's not the smartest.

She'll miss him no doubt, and she is scared for what is to come. But she needs to do this, she owes it to her mother to find her. She is out there somewhere, and Azelynn will find her even if it's the last thing she will ever do.