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

"Nightsisters?" Leia shouted above the droning music of the club.

Isolder watched quietly as Leia reacted to his news. He'd tried to put it in as diplomatic a way as possible, but his own agitation with the situation was leaking through.

Han sighed and rubbed his eyes from where he sat in the central area of the clubs' lounge in downtown Coruscant. He glanced up as a young, barely dressed, girl strode by with her boyfriend wrapped around her like an extra appendage. He looked at his wife, resignation on his face. She smiled weakly at him.

They had decided to convene here since Isolder and Teneniel had not trusted the security of the palace. After asking the kids where they normally went to loosen up, Jacen and Jaina had suggested 'The Zyrk's Eye', one of the more trendy places on Coruscant. At the moment, the twins and Tenel Ka were somewhere among the bodies milling around, dancing the night away.

"I thought that the Clans had united to make a peaceful existence..." Leia began as she swept by Isolder to sit at Han's side, her frosty drink in her hand.

"They have," Teneniel spoke up, moving her legs aside to let another young couple pass. "But you know as well as I do that there can be no light without dark."

"There are a small group of clan members who are young and inexperienced. About six months ago, they left the clans of their upbringing and banded together to form a 'New Order'. Unfortunately, their force powers are extremely strong. Worse yet, they have found a new use for the men that is more dangerous than sitting around the huts cooking," Isolder explained.

Leia raised her eyebrows at this news. The males of Dathomir were rarely considered beyond being used as drones or toys. Isolder himself had been "captured" by his wife.

"And what would that be?"

"They are trained in combat and 'charmed' by the witches. They care not for their lives. It is as if they fight through the men. Many of the clan have been slaughtered in these attacks."

Teneniel nodded. "And they are being financed from outside sources."

Leia blanched. "The Empire."

Teneniel's eyes flashed. "We have no proof, but it is my belief, yes."

Han leaned forward. "And you can't find them?"

Isolder shook his head. "None of our intelligence has been able to keep them tracked for long. They disappear before our eyes. As if they were holos. The village itself is hidden. It seems to change location at will, though more than likely, that is an illusion."

Leia felt her head beginning to pound with the pressure build up. She needed to contact Luke. She reached out with the force, through the smoke and odor of human bodies in the club, to the dark cold of space and time, searching for his presence. She felt a glimmer at the edge of her conciousness where she always found him.

'Luke. I need to see you.'

In return came the corporeal tingle that always accompanied his acknowledgement of her message. 'I'll be there as soon as I can.'

'Where are you?'

'Don't worry. I'll be there.'

'Hurry.'

Leia withdrew from the space, returning to the sounds and smells of the packed club. She opened her eyes to see the trio staring at her in concern. "You okay, honey?" Han asked.

She smiled and smoothed her hair with her fingers. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just starting to feel a like an old hag in this place."

Isolder smiled and patted her knee. "Ahhh, come now. You look younger than most of the girls here. Both of you do." He nuzzled Teneniel's forehead.

"I'll drink to that," Han leered at his wife, who swatted his arm in mock indignation.

"Hey mom," Jacen called to her. He had Tenel Ka by the hand as he strode to his mother's side. Jaina and Zekk followed slowly behind them.

She shook her head as she watched him. He looked so much like his father, it amazed her at times. But tonight, more than ever. He was dressed in a light tunic and pants of deep green with black piping. Tenel Ka seemed to be just glowing, her long red-gold hair falling in ripples around her face.

'I don't blame her,' she thought as she glanced over at Han. He grinned and sipped some of his Corellian ale.

"What is it honey?"

He stretched his hand out to his mother. "Wanna cut up the floor with your son?" he grinned lopsidedly at her, a lock of his tousled hair flopping on his forehead. Tenel Ka burst out laughing as did Han and Isolder. Jaina just shook her head, rolling her eyes skyward. Leia smiled and took his proffered hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.

Why not?

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

Shrira Kai sat quietly meditating in her room in the hidden village of the northeastern mountains of Dathomir. She sat as straight as a laser. Her mind, body and soul as one. Her manservant, Tifren, waited quietly in a corner of the abode.

The village's only camoflouge was the concentration of the witches. They're life forces were attuned to it day and night. It had been difficult in the beginning, but with the help of their recent allies it was now a simple task. They no longer needed the chants of the Old Ones.

It had been six years since the destruction of the Shadow Academy. Six years since the death of her aunt. Tamith Kai. Shrira had looked up to the warrior. Her only desire had been to make her proud. That debt would be paid in full, very soon.

Shrira breathed deeply as she let herself go into the vision that was approaching. She could see the fog beginning to clear and recognized figures of humans moving about. As they came into focus she saw that the people were in face the members of the other clans of Dathomir. She recognized Augwynne, sitting upon her throne surrounded by several of the other witches. They seemed calm and at peace. And then she saw her.

Tenel Ka Djo Ta' Chume.

How Shrira despised her.

The young woman was sitting next to her grandmother, talking animatedly about something. Shrira called upon force, having been strengthened by her anger and hate, she was able to focus in and hear what they were saying.

"I do love him, grandmother," Tenel Ka sighed. Shaking her head as if in disbelief. "He makes me so happy."

Augwynne smiled at her granddaughter and stroked her head. "I see good in him. You will bear many children. Strong children."

Shrira flinched. Tenel Ka was to be married. This was to prove interesting.

Tenel Ka laughed loudly. "We're not thinking about that now. We have plenty of time."

Augwynne smiled. "Yes, my child, you do. But don't wait too long."

Tenel Ka nodded her head, as if to appease the old woman. "Yes, grandmother, we won't wait too long."

Augwynne looked up and gestured with her hand. Shrira saw a young man enter and confidently make his way over to the old woman. He kneeled beside Tenel Ka, taking her hand in his own. Tenel Ka was practically beaming with pleasure.

"Jacen, meet my grandmother, Augwynne Djo," she took Jacen's hand and placed it into Augwynne's. "Grandmother, Jacen Solo. Son of Leia Organa Solo, our fellow clan sister."

"It's a great honor to meet you. Tenel Ka speaks of you often," Jacen said.

Shrira breathed in sharply as she took in the young man. His force sense was strong. So strong. It resonated from him like a burning star. She took in his face, memorizing all of his features in an instant. She had to forcefully calm herself to maintain the vision.

"You come from a fine family, young man," she eyed him appraisingly. "I assume your intentions toward my granddaughter are honorable?" She tried to hold back a little smile.

Jacen glanced at Tenel Ka before answering. "I love her very much. She's my whole life."

Augwynne was quiet for a moment as she watched the young ones stare into the other's eyes. "I sense fire in you, young Jacen. Much like your mother. Your parents are regarded highly here."

"My mother holds you and your clan in the same high regard," Jacen said with the finesse of a diplomat.

Augwynne raised an eyebrow. "You sound very much like your mother. I would not have expected it since you look so like your father." Jacen and Tenel Ka looked at one another, trying to hide their laughter. "I sense your mother and her brother's teachings in you." She released Jacen's hand and put it back in Tenel Ka's. Rising from her seat she raised her voice for the others.

"I find no objection to this union. Let us recite the chant of happiness, prosperity and protection for our clan sister and her betrothed. Jedi Knights, Tenel Ka Djo Ta'a Chume and Jacen Solo."

The other clan sisters stood, their men dutifully behind them kneeling, and paid tribute to the couple.

Shrira smiled. So, he was a jedi knight. And he loved Tenel Ka. Well, he was about to trade up.

She watched a bit longer, enjoying the sight of him, his strength. It was something she'd never encountered in the men of Dathomir. The only strength they had, had been forced into them by way of spells. And even that was only brute strength. This young man had a silent strength, the kind that was the most dangerous. She almost regretted having to do battle with him.

Almost. It would prove for stimulating coupling after.

She reluctantly withdrew from the vision, bringing herself back to the present. She slowly opened her eyes, shining green gems with pale skin and long dark hair. Stretching luxuriously, she stood and gestured to Tifren.

He rose quietly to his feet, staying bent low enough beneath her. She smiled at him. Tifren was attractive, but he was so weak. She sighed. That was the role that the men had been cast in though. He could not be something he was not. Still, he was attractive. From his reddish-blond wavy hair to his leanly muscular form, he satisfied her needs. For now.

He looked up at her cautiously, the brown eyes betraying nothing of what he'd seen with his mistress.

The witches knew nothing of his powers. He'd never told anyone. Because what would he do with them? He had nowhere to go. No other family. No other choice. Instead, he used his intuitive powers to please his mistresses. Anticipating what they needed, making sure they wanted for nothing. And all the while, he watched.

He felt jealously at Shrira's attraction for the man in her visions. Though Tifren sensed the young man was an acclomplished fighter and extremely strong in the power, he still feared what would happen when Shrira captured him. Where would he be put? What would happen to him.

He musn't think of that now. He glanced back up at her. She'd seated herself on the edge of her sleep mat, partially surrounded by the sheer fabric that hung from the top of the cavern. He slowly made his way over, laying his head in her lap.

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

Jacen repressed a series of giggles as he watched Tenel Ka and Jaina practice their lightsaber drill. Tenel Ka was smiling and thoroughly enjoying herself. Jaina had a big grin on her face as well.

Anakin sat off to the side with Jacen as they watched the pair practice with ease, their movements fluid and confident. He still couldn't believe that this was the same warrior girl who wouldn't have known a smile if it had bitten her on the.....

Well, people can change.

What a change. He leaned his chin on his knees as he observed her. Beautiful? Gods yes, she was that. Quick-witted and intelligent? That too. But now he had to add humorous to that list. His mind wandered as he thought of the kiss they'd shared the night of the banquet. Though he hadn't meant to overwhelm her with his passion, he was glad now that he had. After the dinner, they'd gone for a long walk and talked almost until dawn. He smiled to himself as he remembered how tender and understanding she'd been as she listened to him tell her of his feelings for her and how much he'd missed her. He didn't want to crowd her. But at the same time he thought he'd never be able to stop hugging her.

But what really blew him away was how open she was and the fact that she didn't hide her affection for him. She'd held his hand all night and kissed him often. Even last night at the club, she'd allowed him to teach her dance steps he'd picked up and had gotten into it so much that she'd worn him out.

Yes indeed, Jacen was a happy guy this morning.

His attention was drawn back to the present as they finished their drill. Both were sweaty, but smiling. Jaina flopped down next to Anakin as he handed her a cloth. Tenel Ka came towards Jacen, drying her hair. She smiled at him broadly, unable to suppress a wink. For a moment she looked like she had back at the academy, clad in her supple lizard hide exercise suit which left her legs and arms bare.

'Damn', he thought. 'She doesn't care who notices.' He grinned happily then looked over at his sister and saw that she hadn't missed the exchange. She dropped her head as she smiled. He knew she was probably just envious because Zekk had gone this morning on a mission and wasn't due back for a week.

"So what do we do now?" Jaina asked.

"You said you'd look at my shield generator today," Anakin spoke up, his ice-blue eyes twinkling as he smiled hopefully.

Jaina forced back a sigh. "That's right, I did. Let me get cleaned up and we'll check it out," she stood and headed toward the fresher. Anakin jumped up and ran toward his room, ecstatic.

Jacen watched him go, then glimpsed back at Tenel Ka to find her staring at him. Her eyes were flashing and glittering at him. He looked away, a little embarrassed, though he didn't know why. He chanced a glance back as he ran his fingers through his hair. She took two strides and before he knew what had happened, she was in his arms, kissing him desperately. Her hands in his hair, as his arms went around her waist. Time seemed to stop again, and all that existed were her lips, her smell and their passion.

"Uhhhh.....hmmm...."

Jacen jumped away from Tenel Ka as he looked up and saw his father smiling at them. Laughing at the startled look on Jacen's face, Han Solo brushed past them on his way toward the cabinet that held his special set of tools that no one was allowed to touch. Not even Jaina. "Excuse me," he said gruffly.

"Sorry, Dad," Jacen apologized sheepishly.

His father looked up from opening the lock, his brow wrinkled. "For what?" He turned back to the box, banging it.

"Yes, Jacen. For what?" Tenel Ka teased. Jacen looked at her in mock amazement. 'Absolutely remarkable,' he thought again.

"Oh...nothing." He grabbed Tenel Ka's hand and pulled her from the room. Han looked up again at the departing pair, grinning lopsidedly, then continued his battle with the lock.

Jacen pulled her around the corner toward the door that led to the garden. Closing and locking the door behind him, he turned back toward Tenel Ka. She leaned her body into his, covering him with her warmth.

Jacen sighed contentedly. "Now where were we?"