Dreams of the past (complete)

[Rianna Organa]

The present

Rianna was once again pacing back and forth her mind trying to make sense of the dreams. Oh god the dreams
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The past (the dream)

"This way Ri, you're falling behind" Rianna moved as quickly as her small legs would let her, following her father and mother up the paths to the cabin by the lake. They were going to stay there until someone could come get them.

She didn't understand why there were guards all over House Organa the palace near the water was open for anyone to come but why where there guards, why were they shouting, and why was her family running through the forest.

"I don't understand" She sputtered as she kept walking her boots were soaked through this part of the forest heading up the mountain was cold, and wet.

Her father grunted as he carried Arianna. Her mother seem to be dragging poor Maeve along she kept turning around and giving her looks of stop complaining.

Rianna knew the emblem on the front of the troops, it was one of the first things they were taught to recognize the other noble houses. The troops bore the House symbols of Panteer and Ulgo.

Rianna would much rather focus on the earlier part of the evening, her father had just announced that Maeve would marry Ulrich of house Panteer. Rianna didn't understand marriage, or why it was so necessary right now. She heard her father say something about how it would align the houses with common goals and put an Organa on the throne.

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The present

Rianna looked out the window at the darkness, the stars above looked silently back at her. There were no answers there Rianna had looked for so long for Maeve. It was so difficult, how was it they could find Arianna but not Maeve, it made no sense to her. Rianna leaned against the wall wishing she had an answer.

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna withdrew the house she occupied when on Alderaan was nothing like the official residence of the Organa family. Rianna often felt lost inside the halls looking up at reproductions of paintings of ancestors lost long ago, she could barely stand to look at the painting of her parents, too often she stared at wondering why, why this had all happened.

She could stand outside and in her mind see the path that led through the mountains. She could walk through the old palace with her eyes shut now, in ways she was ever so thankful that no one had ever brought anything from there, one touch and she was sure to lose her balance and have grief wash over her. Rianna played nervously with her fingers, a terrible habit.

Since her return back to Alderaan the dreams had become more vivid, pressing into her thoughts at strange moments. She tried hard to hide this from those around her, but she could see it in their faces they knew something was wrong, something was bothering her.

Arianna did not remember anything from that night, too little Rianna imagined to have that memory. Rianna was the only living member of the family who saw what happened, and what emblem the soldier wore. Rianna shook her head, she needed a cup of tea to warm her.

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna could take no more it did not matter that it was dark, and that the manka cats would be prowling at this hour something within her was driving her out, driving her to walk the path and peer into the past.

She wrapped herself into the warm cloak, making sure her lightsaber was within reach she left the house and began the journey. What was it about that night. Rianna paused and turned the troops were coming in silent on thranta, and transports. How had they made the transports so quiet? Or was her memory faulty? Rianna shook her head, dark curls circled her face, she could feel the cool breeze now as her cheeks turned red from the cold.

The low growl in the distance caught her offguard, they were so close tonight. For a moment she felt her heart pound harder as she swallowed, half smiling out of her nervousness. Ok Master Jedi, she thought to herself, keep walking. Rianna's feet moved taking her in the direction she remembered, they had been far from the coastal palace that night. They. had. Rianna struggled for a moment. Yes. They had come from House Panteer, Rianna's gaze automatically went to the mountains where House Panteer stood across the great divide. Rianna remembered looking over the edge of the bridge, as her father grabbed the back of her shirt pulling her backwards, "Ri, if you fall there's no way to pull you back" Rianna had smiled and nodded, not sure why.

Then she looked at House Panteer, the family that had put the most Kings on the throne of Alderaan. They held power, and allies both of which House Organa also needed. But more important the Panteer family needed to secure a bloodline. She remembered looking at Maeve who had cried all the way up and only on approach to the front doors did she finally stop and accept her fate.

Rianna walked across the valley, headed toward the path. They had to walk her father said anything else could be tracked. Tracked by their own world, why? Rianna stopped, that night there was the sound of...voices? Even now it was out of focus, garbled. What was that? Her father said keep moving, and so they moved.

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna wished her mind were clearer wished that the events had gone differently, she wished she had not been so young. The darkness was not the calming friend it had once been now it was full of images, and voices that were hushed and watching. Rianna knew not why, pulling herself back to that time back to walking this path.

It wound, it still wound. There was the smell of...cold. Cold had a smell just like heat there was another smell too, something thick, metallic. She had shook her head then as she did now. The trees had all grown and the path was overgrown in places the mud was slippery Rianna felt herself sliding backwards she waited till she stopped, she.....slowly she looked to her left. It was so dark, there were voices again, behind them. Rianna quickly turned as if to see who it had been standing there grinning at her, but no it was only the darkness revealing nothing. The questions began to build up, Rianna looked up the path, she had to keep moving.

Look for the rock that points north, and then go east into the rising sun. Rianna trudged on, it would be hard to see the rock in the dark, and it might not even be there. It might be gone just like her memory of then, of after. Rianna shook her head again, she was beginning to get a headache. Maybe she needed to turn back. She exhaled as she thought on what to do.

 

[Rianna Organa]

The pounding in her head was drumming steadily every beat of her heart matched the thump at the back of her head. Her eyes began to tear up, the pain was overwhelming. She caught herself leaning against a tree, when had she done that. The pain showed on her face as she squeezed her eyes tight, "whats wrong with me?" She had never felt this pounding in her head.

"oh" she moaned in pain, a jedi who let their agony show through she felt her shoulders drop down, and soon she was on her knees. Blood dripped from her nose. Rianna quickly wiped the thick warm blood from her face. She couldn't go on, and now she knew she was in trouble she needed a doctor, someone who could look at her. She was not sure, everything felt normal within her except for the stabbing pain. Within moment she turned and vomited, her eyes could not stay open. "oh god" She fell to the side clutching her head until the pain became so intense, she passed out.

 

[Rianna Organa]

It was near morning the grass was wet heavy with dew from the night's cooling. Rianna slowly sat up, had she been here all night the sun rising to the east gave her the answer, she looked down at her clothing her hands, covered in blood caked onto her skin. She felt a heaviness at the back of her head, and the steady dull ache in her right temple.

Slowly she got to her knees before she pushed herself up, standing on the path that lead to the cabin. She shook her head, and began the walk back to her the garden house. She needed to change, needed to understand what had happened last night.

She needed to prepare to go again.

..........

She entered the garden house silence filled it. It was what she liked about it, except for today. Today it was a reminder that she was here alone that no one shared in this time with her. what to do, she tried to clear her head she did not like prescribing pain pills she would meditate after the shower to find more out.

Her hair dripping wet hanging loosely down, clinging to her shoulders she slipped the simple white shift over her head and headed to the garden to meditate. The air had grown warmer, and the sky turned form shades of yellow and gray to brilliant blue. Beneath the sun Rianna closed her eyes and focussed on the force to show her what had happened and to help her understand why she failed.

 

[Rianna Organa]

The force Rianna felt it all around her the flowers, the grass, the people who walked slowly to begin their morning chores. Rianna could feel herself taking a breath the warm air flowed to her lungs slowly she began to relax to forget the pain of the night the loss of consciousness, the stabbing pain, and the blood. She found herself walking the path again in her mind her steps careful even as she slipped back slightly each time.

Then she remembered where she fell, she turned her head as if seeing everything from the night before. There were shadows among the trees, the sounds of the night softly calling to one another as they moved. The glistening eyes in the dark that Rianna failed to notice, manka cats down from the high mountains. But they came no closer to her even when she fell to the ground unable to defend herself she would have made the perfect prey instead they moved around her. Growling. She did not remember that.

As she thought on the huge manka cats she felt cold again it slipped gently onto her skin. The soldiers were coming, they were running up the path. Rianna felt a stabbing pain again she pulled back from the flow of the memory slowly opening her eyes, confusion filled her. What was it that was preventing her from seeing this memory? Why?

 

[Rianna Organa]

She knew she should get help that trying to find this memory that was so elusive to her could cause her damage. Her on Alderaan there were only a few that she felt she could call upon to help her. The tension between houses was thick as if each were waiting for the other to pounce upon them. Rianna knew they had to change this they had to come together. Their way of life depending upon them coming together against outsiders wanting to change their way of life.

It was civil war that took her parents, she couldn't bear to watch it happen again.

She turned her thoughts again to the memory, she would need to talk to someone who was there. There were only soldiers there, but they were from one House. Rianna looked in the direction of House Ulgo, yes she would be paying them a visit. She would arrange to meet the Duke, and take a body guard with her, and her lightsaber. And whatever else made her feel comfortable and safe in his presence.

 

[Rianna Organa]

She had practically invited herself but here she was walking up the staircase outside of House Ulgo, the Dukes' men were every where watching her as she carefully took each step. She had never thought or intended to be here. This house, their soldier chasing her family through the woods that night. What had it accomplished! She knew the Duke was not the one who gave the orders then he was closer to her age, a child at the time. But his father, or his grandfather even had been party to it.

She entered the foyer the grand stair case swept upwards to the second floor Rianna gaze traveled each step to stop on the landing the entry way into the living quarters of those of this house. The grandball room was before her through the foyer through the archway she could see the open room and the windows which faced the landscape. It was a marvelous view, she would admit that.

"Lady Organa" the voice echoed around her she looked to her right and there standing in the house colors, in uniform quite formal stood the Duke. Rianna felt her heart pound with anxiety he represented what haunted her dreams. "Duke Ulgo, I thank you for taking time to see me" She made a few steps toward him her feet felt as though they were held down by cement block.

"A pleasure to see you once again Rianna, I do not know if you remember me" Rianna peered a little closer, "My memory fails me I'm sorry" He nodded to her, "please come in" Rianna moved toward him, turning sideways to slip past. "it is my memory, or it is because of my memory I am here" She looked him in the eye, sharp blue with jet black hair. "Will the Duchess be joining us?"

She asked to be pleasant, "No Lady it is just us" There was no Duchess of Ulgo but he did not need to tell her that, and she did not truly need to know. But this slip showed that she had not read everything on his family.

Rianna moved to a seat richly covered in deep reds quite the comfort it was.

"I" She paused.

"Lady do we need to get to business so quickly should we not inquire of one another before launching into whatever issue there remains between our houses?"

"By all means forgive my bad manners" She was tired and frustrated with all of this.

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna looked over again at Duke Ulgo, what she could remember they were close in age, perhaps. She tried to keep her air of confidence but it was waning she was not usually so forward.

"I" she closed her eyes for a moment, "how is your family doing Duke?" She could do small talk, and do it well she was after all a diplomat at one time in her career.

He sat down across from her looking her over, she had turned into a fine noble woman, and he had heard though that she had married a mandalorian. The brutes he thought nothing more than a bunch of dogs that needed a master to teach them right from wrong. Now if he had been a Sith, or an Imperial perhaps that would have been more fitting for a noble of House Organa.

"My family does well Rianna, you may call me Orem." He had taken the liberty with her first name he would allow her the same.

"Orem then" She tried to relax as she started to make her second inquiry a maid arrived with a tray of tea and delicacies. He pointed to a table and the young woman immediately moved, her eyes looking over to Rianna. It was not often that they got to see members of House Organa, it had been thought that all the Organa were dead.

Rianna could feel the curiosity from the maid as she moved around, Rianna could not help herself she smiled trying to put her at ease. Within moments though she was gone. Once again Rianna was alone with Orem.

He was watching her, she met his gaze. "You have a question.." a slight hesitation, "Orem?"

"Yes, several. Is it true you married a mandalorian?"

She arched a brow, "Yes it is true. His name is Jasper "@Ordo" Ar'klim." She said it with pride her head held high.

He nodded, "I wondered, gossip when it reaches me is generally so well repeated that it is no longer of value, or has only a ring of truth to it" He reached for a cup, and then offered it to Rianna.

She moved to get the cup, such manner and pleasantries found here. "One should not listen to gossip it is better to go to the source, least I have found" yes the source, this was the source.

She stirred the tea, taking nothing it except the black leaves. "Your family does well Rianna, sister Arianna, nieces, and nephews?" Was he taunting her with his knowledge of her family, or was he truly interested. Oh she knew this game, "They are all well, the picture of perfect health"

Yes perfect health there could be no unexplained deaths. "Is your family doing as well?" she countered. He smiled at her, "Yes they are all quite healthy" Rianna had to laugh to herself look at them playing this little charade back and forth.

"I guess now would be as good a time as ever to ask what brings the Ducha of House Organa to my doorstep quite unannounced" He set the cup down, he really hated tea but he knew she liked it.

Rianna sipped the tea, "I am trying to piece together the night my parents were killed." What she was getting ready to do could start a war between them but she needed to know. "House Ulgo soldiers were in the woods that night"

He tented his hands together, "Yes I have read the diaries of my father" This was not an easy conversation, for anyone. "It is true they were there, and before you think any further yes it is true there were there to capture your family"

Rianna wanted to jump up and scream, but she held fast to her seat. "Duke Ulgo, did your soldiers kill my parents?" She went from looking into the cup that now seemed bottomless to looking over into the eyes of the Duke as he pondered how to answer her.

"That as not their job Rianna, their job was to find you and bring you here. There were others in the forest that night, according to the journals House Rist also had soldier there, not as many, not as noticeable except that we lost a few men that night to knife wounds very silent"

He stopped he remembered that night too. Civil Unrest was never something they could forget.

Suddenly Rianna was unsure, she had her entire life faulted House Ulgo, was she wrong? Were there others that her young mind just failed to see. Uncertainty crossed her face.

"I see" the steely tone gone from her voice as she questioned herself.

"My father had a great deal of respect for your father Rianna. He had tried to see if your sister could be betrothed to me, but as you know Stephen Panteer was given that honor"

"Yes" she was still thinking, but now about the night at House Panteer that fateful night. Why were her memories so jostled. She set the teacup down, "I have another question if you will be so kind"

She clenched her teeth hard, "Do you know anything about my sister Maeve from that night, is there mention of her in the journal?"

He looked at her, he could see she was looking not only for the answers to her parents death but also of her sister. "There is no mention of her, perhaps you should speak with Stephen. He would have access to sources we do not" He rose up, "Rianna, you should come again. But right now it is time for me to go"

Rianna stood up, "Yes, I will come again" She set the cup down, nodded to him, and then headed for the front doors. Orem watched her go, it would seem not all was clear to her of those events that night. Stephen had best explain it all to her.

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna left her thought mangled with memories that had made so much sense only an hour ago, and now she questioned herself. Was she too young to remember? She looked back at House Ulgo, things her father taught them.

We are all of Alderaan Rianna, no matter what. And it is only when we stand together that we are at our strongest. Do not think disagreement is another word for enemy.

Her father had been a wise man she wished she had more time with him. With them all.

House Panteer, Rianna looked up to the mountains there among the high ridges across the great divide stood the great house. She remembered it well, how could she not. It was the last happy place her family had been.

Rianna returned home and sent a request to see Stephen Panteer. A few days later the answer came.

She could always easily take transports and many did but she loved flying and on this day she would do just that, with on guard to accompany her Rianna walked out to see the thranta waiting the great beasts. There were only two places to find them, Alderaan and Bespin.

She looked over to the Captain of the guard, "Captain Lyndon, I presume"

"MiLady" he bowed. Rianna pulled on her gloves, "shall we, we are expected for lunch"

Pulling herself up onto the creature Rianna immediately felt at home, at ease. Tapping her heels against the creature slowly they began to rise, the great flapping of the wings silently lifted them into the clear skies. Rianna looked about keeping a firm grip on the reigns. The wind blew so cold against her cheeks soon they were cherry red, and leaned down and with the soft touch and simple words she spoke with the creature.

How I envy you this ability, she could feel the steady breathing, the strong heart beat, the muscles as they flexed to move the wings. She smiled and could see ahead their destination, there, she guided the thranta.

On the ground and without incident Rianna was met by the guards of House Panteer, weapons drawn. Had they forgotten she was coming. She could easily wave the weapons from their hands but what would that do, she felt Captain Lyndon tense up. She looked over, "its alright, I'm Rianna Organa here to see Duke Stephen Panteer" The weapons did not drop. Slowly she lifted her gaze someone was watching. Was this the Panteer sister Lisbeth that she had heard so much about.

"Weapons down, this is our guest" Rianna looked to the man standing now on the balcony, "Rianna I apologize for this unexpected behavior" He strode down towards her, in that moment she could see shades of the boy in the man before her. The same piercing blue eyes, and easy smile but everything else had changed. "Stephen, it's been a long time" She walked uneasily toward him, "I'm sorry if I took them off guard, I thought I had sent word I was coming by traditional means" She looked at each of them, strange their faces were so passive.

"Come inside I have tea, and those tiny cookies you were always so fond of" Rianna laughed, "I have not had lemon cookies since..." she nodded, "since I was here" her voice had grown soft.

"I imagine that Orem Ulgo has contacted you already"

Stephen nodded, "Of Course, you took him quite by surprise and brought up a subject that we were wondering when you would come asking the questions." He put his arm out for her. Rianna placed her hand on his forearm.

"Nothing it seems is as I remember Stephen. If you had asked me a week ago anything about my parents, I would have stated with the most certainty that House Ulgo killed them." She shook her head, "but today, I don't have that answer."

It had always been easy to talk to him even when they were all children she could remember sitting with him, and his sisters talking.

He kept looking over at her what was he looking for, "you're staring".

"yes forgive me. I remember your family and in your face I see the gentleness that I knew your mother had, but the dark eyes that intense gaze that seems to look through people giving them pause that is your father. He could make anyone stand still with that single look"

Rianna laughed, "Yes he could" Someone who besides her could remember her parents. For a moment she was young again, until she remembered someone robbed her off them. She frowned and clenched her teeth tight.

Then words of steel were uttered, "I will know what happen Stephen, and force help them when I find out" She was so intense, so upset. He could feel the very room change with her anger.

"What happen to the little solemn Jedi who stood in the corner that night watching everything, but saying nothing." He pointed to a corner of the great ball room that looked out on the balcony.

She looked at him, "someone killed her family" she stepped away, "and I mean to find out who it was" She folded her arms.

"Rianna Mae" again the use of the name her mother had called her, "finding an answer to what happen to Maeve I understand, but your parents you might want to let that rest, let them all rest." There was a look in his eye, he had suffered loss too he knew how much it could weigh on a person, how much life it could flitter away. "Come again Rianna Mae, bring your family. Let us form bonds to create a stronger Alderaan"

Rianna nodded, this was becoming more confusing. Everything she thought she knew, she didn't know. Hearing someone call her by the name her mother used, one that she had forgotten until it fell so effortlessly from his lips. She nodded, "I have to know what happen Stephen. The way has always been because of the throne, but maybe my memory is faulty on that too"

He guided her to the table, pulling out the chair, the tea and cookies waited. So familiar, and a comfort.

"Let's have tea, cookies, and then lunch. Then let me show you the journal from that night"

 

[Rianna Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]The lemon cookies were everything she remembered tart and soft. But unlike the time before when she was only allowed milk with her cookies, she drank the hot tea which soothed and comforted her like a familiar friend.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna looked at Stephen he if all had gone along without interference would have been her brother-in-law. He and Maeve would have had beautiful blued eyed babies, with lots of blonde hair of that she was certain.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The meal and the conversation reminded her of times past when it was the socially acceptable convention to lunch together. Now, while many of the young nobles held true to the Alderaan traditions this one single thing seemed to have slipped through their grasp. How to get them to understand how much was gained from simply sitting, and talking. Perhaps in time she could focus on this but right now with the troubled heart and mind over the past Rianna knew she had to find the answers.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She smiled a genuine smile as Stephen talked about his family, and his parents. They were both gone now to, age having taken them. Thank god Rianna thought it was not at the end of a sword, or a blaster. She frowned at the thought.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Stephen caught the look, “Rianna, come let me show you the journal, you’ve patiently waited while I completely bored you to silence”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna laughed, “No it wasn’t that at all I was just thinking about how fortunate you were to have parents for so long” Yes it pained her at times to feel this she could accept their death, it was her sister that haunted her nights where was she, and why had she not come home like Arianna and herself.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Stephen nodded, “Come, but now you’ve been very quiet and I expected that you would tell me all about this mandalorian that managed to sweep you off your feet”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Rianna nodded, “I think you would like him very much Stephen, he is man of the land which is only enhanced by his ability to lead, inspire, and” she got this far away look as she thought of Jasper. “He has this ability to make you want to be better. His heart is so big Stephen, you wouldn’t think by looking at him that it was so. He amazes me in ways that I never thought would happen”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They walked through the halls of the great house as Rianna spoke of her husband how they met, and what things they had done together. How often they were able to find time, to remind one another that in the galaxy where evil can at times run rampant that goodness and love find time to nourish, and build protective walls.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“You will have to bring this paragon of love and devotion, and warrior skill to meet me then Rianna, it has been some time since any of the houses here on Alderaan had such a leader of men. I am not surprised that House Organa would be the one to revive the old tradition”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Stephen opened one of the great doors, adorned with etchings of scenery from around Alderaan, the coast, the mountains, the lush green valleys it was a piece of art.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Stephen’s mood changed noticeably, “Now Rianna I have marked the passage for you to read, I ask that you only read that which I have marked and no other place, for it is a personal journal of House Panteer and some things must remain unseen by anyone outside of our home, do you understand” [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Rianna looked at Stephen for a moment yes all houses had secrets their dealings, their alliances, their trades that might be questioned. “Of Course Stephen, nothing but the passage” He went over to what appeared to be an old style bound book.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]He shook his head, “I finally got them to use the data pads a year before their passing, but until then my father insisted on writing every word himself” Stephen flipped the book open, exhaled as though he were relieving himself of a great burden.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna approached and looked down the words were bold, clearly written by someone of confidence, and purpose.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=20pt]This night has brought about a great sadness to all houses across Alderaan. We found out too late about the plan, our lack of resources and the delay of the riders only contributed to the fiasco. Duke Ulgo, and I have sent our forces after them we can bring them to safety within the walls of House Panteer. The traitors were faster than we expected and we arrived too late. All that we could find when we found them was the two youngest girls. The youngest was screaming so much that they finally sedated her, the other it is hard to tell the Jedi training could be the key to why she has not yet cried has not said a word, but my dear wife thinks the child is in shock. And Maeve God forgive us for being so late. Forces are already at House Rist looking for the traitorous filth that has nearly wiped out my close friend and his family. He has escaped, and now no one can rest.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna looked at the words it confirmed what Orem had said earlier, House Rist had executed her family. But it did not say really what happen to Maeve, it made mention but nothing more. Rianna looked over at Stephen, “Is there something about this night, that is not written clearly here?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Stephen looked over at her, she could already sense that he was upset. He came across to her reached over and closed the book. He remembered when they brought Arianna and Rianna into the house that night, Arianna seemed almost dead the sedative had made her a living ragdoll, but Rianna stared ahead looking at something that no one else saw.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I think in time you will have that answer” Rianna could tell he was keeping something from her, she just did not know what it was, if she was the intruding type she would have plucked the emotions from him but she was not, and would not break her friendship with Stephen to do so.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna only stayed a little while longer she kept reading the words over and over in her mind, House Rist, why House Rist. They were a small house, with some power they had been long time allies of House Organa, even now Rianna and Theo worked to keep relations with them. They had even gone as far as offering their daughter for Theo to marry. She had not told Theo about that, but it had been an offer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]So. What was happening then that would have made them so. Rianna stopped, a small house with little power, an alliance with a larger house. Rianna needed to know more about House Rist at the time of her parents death, it was becoming clear what may have happened but she needed to be sure.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Meeting back up with Captain Lyndon, they rode back toward the house near the coast. All while Rianna kept thinking, it could be that, it could be that simple. But, why?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The Household guards were waiting when Rianna arrived, something was wrong. “What is it?” Rianna stood still as Lieutenant Biven told her they had received word the Orem Ulgo was dead. The new Duke would be installed immediately to protect the House interests, and the only thing they could tell her was that they had a young daughter named Elaine.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]

Spoiler

[member="Ordo"] [member="Elaine Thul"]

[/SIZE]

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna attended the funeral of Orem Ulgo, she wore the dark fabrics that showed mourning and her mind was working it was strange that he had died so suddenly. She could not help but wonder if he had a health problem she did not know of, or if someone had gotten to him. But who would have reason to kill him. He was helping her. She wasn’t sure, she was speculating but she knew she had to talk to someone about it.

That night Rianna sat down to write to Jasper

Dearest Jas’ika,

I thought coming home would help me to find out the answers regarding Maeve and for some reason I find myself only with more questions. And then the worst news Duke Orem Ulgo is dead. A man and his house who up until just a short time ago I would have said was an enemy. How did I get that part wrong? With his death I can’t help but think that there’s more to it, call it Jedi sense, or intuition the new Duke I’ve no knowledge of.

Wish you were here, some of this might be easier to deal with. I read a passage today from Duke Panteer’s diary, I’ve been thinking on it. He mentioned Maeve but not what happen or maybe he did and I’ve just not accepted it.

I’ll be going to House Rist in a day or two, I thought we had friends there. Not so certain now.

My heart and soul I miss you. Love your Rianna

Spoiler

[member="Ordo"]

 

[Rianna Organa]

It had been days since the funeral Rianna had put off going to House Rist out of respect she knew she needed to calm her anger before it went any further before she said something that she could never take back. Now following protocols she sent a message to House Rist asking for a day to come and renew old ties. the response did not come as quickly as she had hoped it was two full days before House Rist finally accepted and invited her to come.

Her senses were tingling a warning one that she knew she needed to adhere to but before going she sent this message


Stephen, I have finally gotten the invitation to House Rist I will let you know what I find out, but my senses tell me it will not be good, and it will not be what i want to hear. May your continued health be protected. Rianna

Then she took off in a transport with two guards to House Rist, she secured her lightsaber to her person, and remembered she was in control, she needed only to ask the questions, and then she would know whether they tell the truth or lie. But if lie, why??

The transport glided over roadways as they made their way to House Rist.

 

[Rianna Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]House Rist even as she looked upon it she felt her skin crawling she was willingly walking into this den of murderers. She had thought about all the Nobles houses of Alderaan listing them in her head -[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]House Alde[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Antilles[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Baliss[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Cortess[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Frayus[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Girard[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Killesa[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Organa[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Panteer[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Qel-Nosh[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Rist[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Serrus[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Syrush[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]HouseTeraan[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Teral[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Thul[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]House Ulgo[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Long histories some of them not so good some of them had never even seen a day of battle. The transport stopped Rianna stepped out of all the Houses on Alderaan why House Rist. Slowly she climbed the great staircase leading to the front doors which opened as soon as she approached.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]A Servant met her, “MiLady Organa, may I get you some tea?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna nodded, “Yes it is cold and a cup of hot tea would be most welcome” Rianna gazed about the room this room that welcomed guests into the home. Here was the first impression made and still Rianna could find nothing that said there was issue with House Organa and House Rist.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Tell your Master I am here” Rianna turned she could see the sitting room, “I will wait in there” Rianna walked towards the room removing her gloves as she did. Normally she would not she protected her psychometry, but not today. She wanted to feel it see it whatever it would be. As she walked her hand glided over the furniture but she did not linger she needed to hold it in her hand not merely run her hand on it. She sat down on the settee that looked out the window to the mountains, again the mountains were there.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Majestic and silent looking over Alderaan, a constant reminder to Rianna of what had happened to her family. Her hand came to rest on the arm of the settee flashes of memory but nothing that would give her cause to suspect.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Lady Rianna, welcome to House Rist” Rianna turned , “Malachai Rist” Rianna stood up and crossed the room to greet him. “I am sorry I was not able to come sooner” She looked into this man’s eyes was his ancestor responsible, and did he know if they were.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Malachai Rist was a man just a few years older than Rianna. His soft brown eyes, and dirty blonde hair had made him quite handsome, add in that he was heir to the titles of House Rist and women who saw him immediately preened for his attention. Rianna barely remembered him from the night of the party at House Panteer, had he said anything to her. The boys had all gathered around Stephen after the announcement was he among them. The memory was too fuzzy for recall.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I must be honest with you” Rianna stepped back, “I am here to ask a very personal question” she felt her courage waning on this, was she prepared to fight if she had to, she was alone and depending upon how many soldiers would come in Rianna did not know if she could hold them all off.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Malachai nodded, “by all means ask, but let us sit at least” he smiled at her guiding her back to the settee.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Malachai” Rianna had to remember diplomacy, “is there any reason why there would be, or could have been an issue between my house and yours?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]There she asked without accusing Malachai looked at her confused by the question, “We have had a long standing relationship with House Organa, why would you ask this”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Rianna knew what he spoke was truth he had no idea what she could be talking about. Rianna nodded, “I am investigating the death of my parents, and there is documented proof that House Rist was in the woods that night”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Malachai sat back thinking, watching her Rianna watched him, “No Rianna if there were House Rist soldiers in the forest that night I do not know why, but my mother she may know, let us go and ask” He got up his steps sure, as he considered what Rianna was asking him.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]He stopped, “Rianna, you don’t mean you believe House Rist soldiers killed your parents do you?” She could hear it again that sound of disbelief. He did not know. “I am trying to find that out Malachai”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]He walked along, “her rooms are just over here, she doesn’t get around much.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They walked in and there she was Yvonne Rist sitting proudly as if she ruled over the very planet of Alderaan looking at them as if they had intruded.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]“Mother this is Lady Rianna Organa”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She looked down her long aristocratic nose at Rianna, “I am quite aware of who she is, and I am aware of why she is here.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]A cold stare was shared by the two women, she knew. Yvonne Rist knew. Rianna took a deep breath holding it to steady her nerves. “Malachai, leave us” his mother ordered.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Rianna did not go closer any closer and she feared what she might do, how she might react. “Lady Rist, you know why the soldiers were there”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Lady Rist pursed her lips together and tried to make Rianna back down with just a look, “Your parents committed a terrible mistake that night, betrothing Maeve to Stephen for as long as we have had our alliance not once did your house offer marriage” Lady Rist stood up and with her came the blaster which she leveled at Rianna.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna saw it, it would be nothing to disarm her, it would only take a small wave of her hand but Rianna wanted to know more. “But why kill them?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Lady Rist took a feeble step towards Rianna, “To force their hand”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna shook her head, staring at Lady Rist. This did not make sense there was a falsehood here she could feel it touching her. Why was Lady Rist lying to her?[/SIZE]

Spoiler

[member="Elaine Thul"] [member="Thalia Rist"] [member="Ordo"]

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna could not shake that feeling of being dumbfound. The woman before her would have known her parents, her sisters how could she think that murder was an option.

"Was it so important that your son be betrothed to Maeve?" Did Rianna miss the importance of an alliance between houses. Rianna shook her head her emotions had been running high ever since that night on the path. She was so close to having answers.

Rianna let go of her emotions, as difficult as it was they must bleed off become nothing. As she felt the force wash over her reminding her of who and what she was, Rianna lifted her hand and called the weapon Lady Rist had to her hand. The woman shrieked her protection of a single weapon taken from her.

Lady Rist shook her head and began backing away from Rianna. "You will never understand, never see the true potential of House Organa without alliances of the other houses."

Rianna walked slowly, "Murdering my family was not the way to try and make a point, you must pay for your crimes, and" She paused, "You must tell me what happen to my sister Maeve, and did you take her?"

Lady Rist gave her a laugh, "You don't know, after all these years you still don't know"

Rianna unshaken kept pushing for an answer, "Don't know what?" Rianna moved a little quicker to get to the side of Lady Rist. But Lady Rist must have seen the weakness in Rianna at that moment.

The woman must have been evil at the heart for when she looked at Rianna the words she would speak would haunt the Jedi Master for the rest of her life.

"She stepped in front of you, and was killed. My men were to bring Maeve here, the sole survivor of the awful massacre. But instead she protected you and the little brat Arianna"

Rianna stopped she didn't remember that. Maeve was dead, that couldn't be. Maeve protected her Rianna blinked stepping back as if knocked by an unseen hand. "No, you're wrong, you have to be wrong"

Lady Rist looked at the Duchess of House Organa, the trained Jedi Master for all her power was now leveled by a few simple words. Lady Rist moved quickly to her desk, taking out a small blaster, she leveled a shot at Rianna.

Rianna had turned in that single moment her mind reeling that her sister was dead, and dead because she protected HER.

Rianna's danger sense saved her life Rianna dropped to her knees the shot going over her head. The explosive sound echoed through the house, the doors burst open as Malachai entered with a number of his guards.

Rianna still on her knees looked up, the soldiers were moving. Malachai was heard barking orders to take Lady Rist into custody. The tears that were stinging at Rianna's eyes blurred her ability to see.

She looked over at the woman responsible for the death of her family. Lady Rist smiled, and fell to the floor.

Epilogue

Rianna dressed completely in black wearing the crest of her family at her shoulder walked slowly up the path she had taken that night with her family.

The answers were finally found perhaps now there could be some peace for them.

The sun filtered through the trees, this path was so familiar to Rianna if you followed it long enough it came out by the Lake House. Where they had spent many summers swimming, learning to fly and forgetting who they were. Her father and mother had taught them many things on the shores of the lake or in the rooms lit with golden light from the lights the adorned each room.

Rianna was starting to put the pieces together, the realization of what Lady Rist said had taken a few days to seep in, and a few days more for the block that Rianna's mind had placed on those events.

Walking slowly remembering that night how her father urged them along, Rianna remembered his voice like yesterday.

Rianna Mae you are walking slow like molasses we must get to the Lake House." Her father knew the urgency he did not want to scare the children. His wife kept looking behind them as if someone was chasing them. Rianna would look too, she could feel someone out there. There were so many but what did they want. As a padawan she was still learning.

The first shot came through the trees blazing, until it hit her father in the chest. He looked so surprised by it. Rianna turned to see where the shot came from, just in time to see another shot come hitting her mother in the side as she kneeled beside her husband.

Rianna had run over to her mother, forgetting about her sisters. But Maeve, brave true heart Maeve stood in front of her mother and father as a shot hit her in the chest. The slightly built girl was no match for a blaster.

"MAEVE" Rianna screamed watching her sister crumple before her the blood there was blood, but it stopped as quickly as it had begun. Rianna's mother touched Rianna's hand, "Run Rianna Mae, run"

Frozen to the spot she couldn't move her family, Maeve's eyes were lifeless she had stood there to protect them all.

There was a rustling in the woods, and lights were shining towards them. She heard screaming and then remembered to go to Arianna, running over she grabbed her small hand, "COME ON!"

A soldier stepped in front of her, the symbol of House Ulgo blazed on it. Ulgo was killing her family, "I have them Duke Ulgo they are here"

Rianna was trying to get Arianna up, get her moving. All Arianna kept doing was screaming, and Rianna overwhelmed suddenly stopped moving.

Duke Ulgo came upon them, "Take them to House Panteer, see to their safety"

Rianna remembered a member of the Jedi coming to collect her, and Arianna being sent off with a servant to a place she didn't know.

Rianna grew up in the Temple thinking that House Ulgo had killed her parents"

Rianna all grown now, a married woman, her memory finally complete stood now at the spot where her parents and sister had died. She learned that House Panteer had seen to the burial of her family. She owed Stephen a great deal, she did not know right now how she would ever pay them back but one day she would.

That was what he could not tell her that day, knowing that she didn't remember it would have been too much of a shock.

"I miss you all you so much. I will never forget as long as I live" Giant tears fell from her eyes, a heartache that in time would heal, a bit of guilt to over come, but she had someone that she could tell this story tell. It was time to go home.

Rianna walked back towards the Garden Cottage.

[member="Ordo"] ,

Jas'ika I've found the answers I have longed looked for, I'm coming to Mandalore there's so much to say. I do not want to be parted any longer, my place is with you.

Love, Rianna

A few months later Rianna would learn that Malachai turned the title over to another member of House Rist. The family of [member="Thalia Rist"] were the new nobles of Alderaan's House Rist.

The time of civil unrest seemed to be at an end.