The Echoes Within
folder
Star Wars (All) › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
1
Views:
1,155
Reviews:
1
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Star Wars (All) › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
1
Views:
1,155
Reviews:
1
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Star Wars movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
The Echoes Within
Title: The Echoes Within
Author: FloweringWolfsbane
Author’s Email: flowering_wolfsbane@hotmail.com
Current Rating: R
Summary: A Voice is needed for the Emperor, and so she was created for the purpose of knowing and serving only the Empire’s best interests. A new character and a very different galaxy, far, far away…
Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to George Lucas; I play only with his ideas. Please don’t sue!
Warnings: Strange couplings, NCS
Author’s Note: I have tried not to make her MarySue, or self-insert myself. But I am of the belief that, to a certain degree, every author inserts a little of themselves into their writings, be it an experience, a feeling or a character. Dania is not me, and never could be, because we have very different experiences of life.
Chapter One: Catalyst for Change
It was a magnificent night, clear and warm, the stars twinkling overhead as Dania Laquila gazed over the balcony. Even now, with a few hours to spare before the official start of the party, the rich and powerful of Coruscant were arriving in droves, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Emperor.
“My dear, return inside, and close the doors.” A soft aged voice commanded. “The night air is not good for my health.”
She sighed inwardly, wishing the stars goodnight, and closed the overly-ornate doors, waiting a moment before her master called for her again. A few minutes respite from his orders were hardly a fair trade-off for her presence the entire night, but it was better than nothing.
Clad in the flowing red robes of the Imperial household, Dania longed for her specially made evening dress, something besides the undefined androgynous uniform assigned to all of the Emperor’s aides. But she was not complaining, for one of her age to be amongst those closest to their Ruler was an immense honour.
“Dania, you know what you must do tonight.”
It wasn’t a question, merely a comment. And she knew is she failed, it would be a threat. She had known this man almost all her life, knew the power he held and the control he had; he was capable of killing her without so much as a second thought.
The hair rose on the back of her neck as she felt his withered hand o her cheek, stroking a strand of her hair from her visage. She felt repulsed; the sensation of a dying hand, the almost tenderness behind the caress. Lowering, her gaze, she repined his robes, hoping he did not see her shiver.
“You must go forward a shining star of the Empire, you must speak on my behalf; have no fear, I will be there to guide you.”
“Of course, my master”
He gazed at her with sickly yellow eyes, and she was riveted, eyes locked. She could not hold his gaze, but she dared not break it. The caressing hand had now turned claw like, grasping her cheek and glaring.
“You know the important, you know my weakness at this age, you cannot let me down, Dania. Our very future depends on you convincing the citizens that the rebels are terrorists, undermining and spoiling the regime myself and your father have been upholding for decades. Remember it, girl, remember your importance.” He released her, finger marks on her face. She almost fell over with the misbalance, heart pounding. “Go now, to your handmaidens, you must look your best for your people. Tonight, you will belong to them.”
Dania fled as fast as she could, his cackling her retreating call. The door slammed by his Will, and he carefully returned to his chair. Yes, Dania has been the right choice, so easy to manipulate against her loyalist family and the Empire.
Her family would never dare threaten his positions, not with the grasp he has upon her, metaphorically squeezing her neck. A beautiful young virgin in an Empire ruled by men was a valuable asset, and a rare commodity.
He’d been careful to keep her away from all those who would otherwise corrupt her, in body or mind, against him. She was precious as long as she firmly in his control; the second any signs of betrayal became apparent, she would have to be killed. Or manipulated yet again.
Tonight, however, tonight was when the Rebellion would be undone by his Empire; the hidden plans none knew save him and the single double-agent would end the Rebellion in its infancy; for who could kidnap the fourteen year old Heir to the Empire on her begetting day and not be undone by their own stupidity?
~~~
The mirror’s reflection gazed sadly back at her, pale face now carefully made up with rouge, smoky eyes staring a soul searching gaze. Plump lips she didn’t wear often pouted back at her, and her long hair was piled, twisted and pinned in place. An elaborate hairpiece that must have been worth a small ransom was adjusted by a red clad maid as another buttoned up an underskirt, a third removing the upper dress from a mannequin.
Her mind replayed the speech she had rehearsed until the point of it becoming a mantra, her posture was perfect, her smile and body language all naturally graceful and elegant as a lady of her upbringing ought to be. There was just one thing out of place.
The sense of utter hopelessness.
She realised that she was one of the fortunate; she had been told often enough she was lucky not to have been married off two years previous. She had been educated privately, given everything she’d ever needed or wanted, and had a kind and most loving father, despite what others may see of him.
But it felt like a mask, a terrible lie to herself and to the world. Like the weight of her fine clothes, the lies were pressing down upon her, warping her body into one almost as twisted as the master she served.
“Ma’am, your father is on the communicator; he desires to speak to you.”
“Patch him through.” She sighed; undoubtedly, the Emperor will have delayed his return this evening, so once again he would miss her begetting day celebrations. Few knew the significance of the day, or that it was her begetting day, but it had mattered that her father had to be present. “Good evening, father. My respects would be paid, only I am being fitted at present, forgive my rudeness.”
“You do not even need to ask, Dania. I have been held up, an emergency has arisen. I will not be able to be present tonight.”
“I thought so, father. Perhaps you were right, in another time and place, my instincts would have served me well.”
“What you are implying is treason, Dania. You are fortunate this is a closed channel. However you are right; I have a bad feeling about tonight. Stay close to security, take no risks. If only I was here to protect you…Rebel activity is on the increase, I do not like the situation you have been placed in.”
“It is an honour to me, father. The Emperor must truly trust me if he wishes me to become his senior aide.” She said, almost hollowly.
“That may be the case, but still; take my advice, I will never forgive myself if something happens to you whilst I am not there.”
“As you wish.”
“Dania, if there was any way I could be there, you know I would.”
“I know.”
“Then I will see you when I return; have a good evening, but make sure you are protected at all times.”
“Thank you father. I love you.”
“I know”
The communication fizzed its connection out, and Dania was once again left alone with the handmaidens. It confused her that he never replied to her final words like any other parent would; but the again, their relationship was hardly average.
His sense of foreboding seemed to swamp her all of a sudden, almost to the point of strangulation. A sash was tied around her waist, carefully pinching in above her hips. Glancing once again in the mirror, she sighed deeply, now, more than ever, she looked like a china doll.
~~~
He remembered the first time he had ever seen the child that would grow up to become Dania Laquila, a small, sickly looking baby in the knarled arms of the Emperor, clad in white, a colour that should never be touched by Palpatine. The image of him descending a ship, holding a baby in white contradicted all that one would associate with the tyrant.
Dania would never know the true circumstances of her birth; that she had never had a mother, only an egg donor, anymore than she would know she was created only to placate his rage and desire for a child.
He sometimes considered how different Dania looked from his now dead wife; apart from the penetrating blue eyes, they could have been twins. Her ascension to becoming Senior Aide had nothing to do with honouring her or granting her recognition of her age; it was to draw her even closer to him, to suffocate any protestations she would have against his less than savoury policies. He knew better than anyone what happened to those who spoke against the Emperor, or considered it, even in their heart of hearts.
No; he felt uncomfortable with his new orders, which were petty and pointless; clearly given to him to keep him away from Dania, But why today? The Emperor had to have an ulterior motive, and he didn’t like it that a mere fourteen year old was being drawn into the politics of the Empire.
~~~
“…The Empire will move its people forward, into a glorious new age of prosperity, now that the remnants of the former regime have finally been moved out of the way. No longer will the regime oppress its people or their own safety against those that would otherwise corrupt, but give the people the rights to choose…”
Dania Laquila stood before the crowds gathered below, her speech in full throe, her voice loud and passionate, her enthusiasm now washing and influencing those below, who cheered at every pause.
Palpatine smiled. It was all going to plan…
“…No longer will anyone have to fear the terrorists that would otherwise cause us so much suffering, now that everyone of us has our identity and individuality back, it is up to us to …”
The window behind her shattered, shards of glass flying every which way. Dania ducked with her arms over her head. Amazingly, nothing penetrated her robes deeply, leaving her relatively unhurt. As she stood up, she saw pandemonium, terrified people running for the exits. The Emperor was gone, clearly, already recovered by his Royal Guard. But she...
She was exposed to all. The power went down, the lights fading so it was black inside, the stars outside the only source of light. She felt the draught of wind through the now shattered window, and carefully made her way to it, crawling over the glass that stuck into her exposed flesh, causing bleeding wounds and pain to shot through her.
He told me he’d lead me through tonight, that I couldn’t fail him….out of fear, she scrambled towards the light, away from those that screamed. Surely, only the City guard could have reacted so quickly…She reached forward to take the hand offered to her, and felt an insistent tug on her arm, and then lost consciousness.
~~~
I was unhappy with Wrath of Faith, and will probably discontinue it until I can make myself happy with it…
Here is the replacement SW fanfiction for it; all reviews/pageviews are very warmly received. Thank you so much for checking out my fic, don’t forget to drop by to check for updates!
May the Force be with you!
FW xx
Author: FloweringWolfsbane
Author’s Email: flowering_wolfsbane@hotmail.com
Current Rating: R
Summary: A Voice is needed for the Emperor, and so she was created for the purpose of knowing and serving only the Empire’s best interests. A new character and a very different galaxy, far, far away…
Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to George Lucas; I play only with his ideas. Please don’t sue!
Warnings: Strange couplings, NCS
Author’s Note: I have tried not to make her MarySue, or self-insert myself. But I am of the belief that, to a certain degree, every author inserts a little of themselves into their writings, be it an experience, a feeling or a character. Dania is not me, and never could be, because we have very different experiences of life.
Chapter One: Catalyst for Change
It was a magnificent night, clear and warm, the stars twinkling overhead as Dania Laquila gazed over the balcony. Even now, with a few hours to spare before the official start of the party, the rich and powerful of Coruscant were arriving in droves, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Emperor.
“My dear, return inside, and close the doors.” A soft aged voice commanded. “The night air is not good for my health.”
She sighed inwardly, wishing the stars goodnight, and closed the overly-ornate doors, waiting a moment before her master called for her again. A few minutes respite from his orders were hardly a fair trade-off for her presence the entire night, but it was better than nothing.
Clad in the flowing red robes of the Imperial household, Dania longed for her specially made evening dress, something besides the undefined androgynous uniform assigned to all of the Emperor’s aides. But she was not complaining, for one of her age to be amongst those closest to their Ruler was an immense honour.
“Dania, you know what you must do tonight.”
It wasn’t a question, merely a comment. And she knew is she failed, it would be a threat. She had known this man almost all her life, knew the power he held and the control he had; he was capable of killing her without so much as a second thought.
The hair rose on the back of her neck as she felt his withered hand o her cheek, stroking a strand of her hair from her visage. She felt repulsed; the sensation of a dying hand, the almost tenderness behind the caress. Lowering, her gaze, she repined his robes, hoping he did not see her shiver.
“You must go forward a shining star of the Empire, you must speak on my behalf; have no fear, I will be there to guide you.”
“Of course, my master”
He gazed at her with sickly yellow eyes, and she was riveted, eyes locked. She could not hold his gaze, but she dared not break it. The caressing hand had now turned claw like, grasping her cheek and glaring.
“You know the important, you know my weakness at this age, you cannot let me down, Dania. Our very future depends on you convincing the citizens that the rebels are terrorists, undermining and spoiling the regime myself and your father have been upholding for decades. Remember it, girl, remember your importance.” He released her, finger marks on her face. She almost fell over with the misbalance, heart pounding. “Go now, to your handmaidens, you must look your best for your people. Tonight, you will belong to them.”
Dania fled as fast as she could, his cackling her retreating call. The door slammed by his Will, and he carefully returned to his chair. Yes, Dania has been the right choice, so easy to manipulate against her loyalist family and the Empire.
Her family would never dare threaten his positions, not with the grasp he has upon her, metaphorically squeezing her neck. A beautiful young virgin in an Empire ruled by men was a valuable asset, and a rare commodity.
He’d been careful to keep her away from all those who would otherwise corrupt her, in body or mind, against him. She was precious as long as she firmly in his control; the second any signs of betrayal became apparent, she would have to be killed. Or manipulated yet again.
Tonight, however, tonight was when the Rebellion would be undone by his Empire; the hidden plans none knew save him and the single double-agent would end the Rebellion in its infancy; for who could kidnap the fourteen year old Heir to the Empire on her begetting day and not be undone by their own stupidity?
~~~
The mirror’s reflection gazed sadly back at her, pale face now carefully made up with rouge, smoky eyes staring a soul searching gaze. Plump lips she didn’t wear often pouted back at her, and her long hair was piled, twisted and pinned in place. An elaborate hairpiece that must have been worth a small ransom was adjusted by a red clad maid as another buttoned up an underskirt, a third removing the upper dress from a mannequin.
Her mind replayed the speech she had rehearsed until the point of it becoming a mantra, her posture was perfect, her smile and body language all naturally graceful and elegant as a lady of her upbringing ought to be. There was just one thing out of place.
The sense of utter hopelessness.
She realised that she was one of the fortunate; she had been told often enough she was lucky not to have been married off two years previous. She had been educated privately, given everything she’d ever needed or wanted, and had a kind and most loving father, despite what others may see of him.
But it felt like a mask, a terrible lie to herself and to the world. Like the weight of her fine clothes, the lies were pressing down upon her, warping her body into one almost as twisted as the master she served.
“Ma’am, your father is on the communicator; he desires to speak to you.”
“Patch him through.” She sighed; undoubtedly, the Emperor will have delayed his return this evening, so once again he would miss her begetting day celebrations. Few knew the significance of the day, or that it was her begetting day, but it had mattered that her father had to be present. “Good evening, father. My respects would be paid, only I am being fitted at present, forgive my rudeness.”
“You do not even need to ask, Dania. I have been held up, an emergency has arisen. I will not be able to be present tonight.”
“I thought so, father. Perhaps you were right, in another time and place, my instincts would have served me well.”
“What you are implying is treason, Dania. You are fortunate this is a closed channel. However you are right; I have a bad feeling about tonight. Stay close to security, take no risks. If only I was here to protect you…Rebel activity is on the increase, I do not like the situation you have been placed in.”
“It is an honour to me, father. The Emperor must truly trust me if he wishes me to become his senior aide.” She said, almost hollowly.
“That may be the case, but still; take my advice, I will never forgive myself if something happens to you whilst I am not there.”
“As you wish.”
“Dania, if there was any way I could be there, you know I would.”
“I know.”
“Then I will see you when I return; have a good evening, but make sure you are protected at all times.”
“Thank you father. I love you.”
“I know”
The communication fizzed its connection out, and Dania was once again left alone with the handmaidens. It confused her that he never replied to her final words like any other parent would; but the again, their relationship was hardly average.
His sense of foreboding seemed to swamp her all of a sudden, almost to the point of strangulation. A sash was tied around her waist, carefully pinching in above her hips. Glancing once again in the mirror, she sighed deeply, now, more than ever, she looked like a china doll.
~~~
He remembered the first time he had ever seen the child that would grow up to become Dania Laquila, a small, sickly looking baby in the knarled arms of the Emperor, clad in white, a colour that should never be touched by Palpatine. The image of him descending a ship, holding a baby in white contradicted all that one would associate with the tyrant.
Dania would never know the true circumstances of her birth; that she had never had a mother, only an egg donor, anymore than she would know she was created only to placate his rage and desire for a child.
He sometimes considered how different Dania looked from his now dead wife; apart from the penetrating blue eyes, they could have been twins. Her ascension to becoming Senior Aide had nothing to do with honouring her or granting her recognition of her age; it was to draw her even closer to him, to suffocate any protestations she would have against his less than savoury policies. He knew better than anyone what happened to those who spoke against the Emperor, or considered it, even in their heart of hearts.
No; he felt uncomfortable with his new orders, which were petty and pointless; clearly given to him to keep him away from Dania, But why today? The Emperor had to have an ulterior motive, and he didn’t like it that a mere fourteen year old was being drawn into the politics of the Empire.
~~~
“…The Empire will move its people forward, into a glorious new age of prosperity, now that the remnants of the former regime have finally been moved out of the way. No longer will the regime oppress its people or their own safety against those that would otherwise corrupt, but give the people the rights to choose…”
Dania Laquila stood before the crowds gathered below, her speech in full throe, her voice loud and passionate, her enthusiasm now washing and influencing those below, who cheered at every pause.
Palpatine smiled. It was all going to plan…
“…No longer will anyone have to fear the terrorists that would otherwise cause us so much suffering, now that everyone of us has our identity and individuality back, it is up to us to …”
The window behind her shattered, shards of glass flying every which way. Dania ducked with her arms over her head. Amazingly, nothing penetrated her robes deeply, leaving her relatively unhurt. As she stood up, she saw pandemonium, terrified people running for the exits. The Emperor was gone, clearly, already recovered by his Royal Guard. But she...
She was exposed to all. The power went down, the lights fading so it was black inside, the stars outside the only source of light. She felt the draught of wind through the now shattered window, and carefully made her way to it, crawling over the glass that stuck into her exposed flesh, causing bleeding wounds and pain to shot through her.
He told me he’d lead me through tonight, that I couldn’t fail him….out of fear, she scrambled towards the light, away from those that screamed. Surely, only the City guard could have reacted so quickly…She reached forward to take the hand offered to her, and felt an insistent tug on her arm, and then lost consciousness.
~~~
I was unhappy with Wrath of Faith, and will probably discontinue it until I can make myself happy with it…
Here is the replacement SW fanfiction for it; all reviews/pageviews are very warmly received. Thank you so much for checking out my fic, don’t forget to drop by to check for updates!
May the Force be with you!
FW xx