I watch as the sun rises softly out my bedroom window. It's early morning here at the palace in Aldera. I think of the times I've watched the sunrise in my own home on Naboo, while waiting for Anakin to wake. Those are the times my memory grasps for now - the times when I was at peace, even in war. I had my home. I had the anticipation of a life with my family - my husband and my children.
A small sound comes from your crib in the corner of the bedroom. Soon my handmaidens will come. Then I will have to give up this quiet time and face the world again. I will have to be strong again. I tire of being strong more and more these days. I gave up on wishing and waiting for good things to happen the day Obi-Wan told me your father was dead.
My little Luke, I want you to know how I love you, in case something happens and we are not together again soon. I have learned to never put my trust in faith, for it will not get you far. I will have to make a life for us myself, with no one's help. This I promise, I will come for you, Luke. I will come when the danger is over and the galaxy is safe again. We will be a family. Even if we can't live on Naboo, we will find somewhere, and be happy. There used to be a time when I would willingly sacrifice myself, but I find myself more selfish these days. I've had to learn to let go. I've let go of your father, and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. I do not want to grieve someone I love so much again. Surely the Force will let me have you back, I've given up so much already.
All I want is to spend time with you and Leia alone, and look into each of your little faces. You remind me of your father so much, between the two of you. Your soft blue eyes, Leia's facial expressions, the way you both seem to shine brightly - these are the things that remind me of Anakin, of your father. No, I must not think of these things when there is so much to do. I must be strong for you.
I have so much to say to you, but there isn't much time. Your father was a gift to me when the galaxy went into chaos. We managed to love and cherish one another when everything else was uncertain, and if you ever find that, hold on to it. He was tall, strong, and very handsome. He wanted to protect us with everything he had. You are a very special child, Luke, and this is why Yoda and Obi-Wan tell me that we must hide you. I hope that by the time you are old enough to read this or have it read to you, I have already come for you and there is no need. It scares me to think you could grow up to be a Jedi like your father; I want to protect you from everything. The Jedi aren't safe anymore and the galaxy that I and your father had is being stripped from us little by little, layer by frightening layer.
I have every hope that things will work out soon. Obi-Wan will watch after you on your journey to Tatooine. The Larses are good people. You will be safe with them until I can return for you, then you, Leia and I can be a family again. Alderaan is a beautiful, peaceful planet. We'll go for walks in the meadow, and have picnics. We'll read and play and by happy.
Be careful on your journey today, my son. I love you. Until we meet again.
Love always, your Mother,
Padme Skywalker
Original cover by rhonderoo. HTML formatting copyright 2003 TheForce.Net LLC.
