The saga of Nomi Sunrider is intertwined with the fate of the Jedi Ulic Qel-Droma, who fell to the dark side while trying to hunt down the Krath Sith magicians who killed his master. This is a journey through the thoughts of Nomi as Ulic prepares to leave for his journey.

This work of fiction uses characters out of Star Wars: Dark Lords of the Sith, but is not in any way used for private profit. All names and situations copyright of LucasArts. If you want to distribute this, go right ahead.

A Parting

As they passed through the door into the sweet scent of the outdoors, she could feel the morning sun on her face, warm rays through the cool air bringing her a hope she did not feel. The wind whipped her hair, his cloak. She could feel him beside her. She could feel his burning hope, his racing pulse. She could feel his fear.

After Master Arca died he had not been the same, but this was the first time she had sensed this misgiving in him. After all it had been his idea, this penetrating the Krath from within. She knew it was unwise. He of all people should have known it as well, but it was as if Arca's death had pulled a dark veil over his thoughts, obscuring everything but the need for vengeance.

She sighed inwardly, closing her eyes and seeing the sun-made golden patterns on the insides of her eyelids. A tug on her pants leg. A small, sticky, child's hand grasping hers.

"It's cold, Mother."

"Just a little longer, Vima. We'll be back inside in a minute."

He turned his face a little towards her, the sun highlighting his brown hair with strands of fire, glancing off his high cheekbones and throwing his eyes into shadow. They glinted as he curved his lips into a half-smile.

"So eager to get rid of me, are you?"

"Ulic-"

He laughed, throwing his head back, though his sense remained troubled. "I know this is dangerous. But I must do this. I have to do this."

She looked at him, trying once more to visually decipher what lay beneath that handsome young face, burning with a righteous zeal. She had been like that once, fiery, impetuous, daring. But those times were past. Long past.

But that didn't mean she had forgotten.

Oh, how she missed him!

A hand on her shoulder, a concerned voice. "Nomi, are you all right?"

She nodded, swallowing. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" The hand lingered there, its warmth and strength comforting, yet disturbing. Too many memories, still. She nodded again.

"Yes. I'm fine."

He did not look convinced but let his hand drop reluctantly back to his side. His sense was suddenly a turmoil of emotions. He did not look at her again.

They mounted a hilltop and started down the grassy slope towards the stolen frieghter that lay parked in the distance like a sleeping thrasher. Carbon- scored metal plates twinkled in the sunlight. The breeze picked up, whipping strands of her hair into her eyes. She could sense his nervousness. The silence stretched. She felt like she had to say something. Anything. She cleared her throat.

"So...how do you plan to get close to the Krath?"

He still did not look at her, though his sense lightened a bit. "Disguised as a smuggler I should be able to enter the city of Cinnagar. Once I'm in I'll watch for my chance." He laughed suddenly. "A simple plan, really. But one that will work."

She could see the repair crews finishing their last touches on the stolen craft. It still looked like something the Sarlaac had thrown up but it would do for his mission. She realized he had stopped, was intently looking at her. She glanced at him, saw his anxious expression, felt her heart clench in fear of his safety.

"Ulic...Please let me help you in some way." He frowned, shaking his head.

"Please. I can visit you in Cinnagar and report on your progress to Master Thon."

He kept shaking his head adamantly. Her lips compressed slightly. She knew him. Once he had made up his mind no one would sway him. She opened her mouth to try again, but he stopped her with a gentle touch on the arm.

"No."

His face suddenly grew tender as he looked at her. "I'll tell you the same thing I told my brother- don't follow me."

"Ulic-"

The only warning was the flash in his sense. His arm came around her, crushing her to him. His lips met hers. She closed her eyes, feeling his warm sense surround her, felt his fingers in her hair. It felt...right, somehow. She hadn't felt anything like this since...

Andur.

With a flash she opened her eyes, pulling away. She felt his reluctance, pushed against him. "No. Ulic, I can't. Ulic, please."

She sensed his confusion as he let her go, saw the hurt in his eyes. But she couldn't. Not without damaging the memory of the man she had loved.

But...who did she love now?

She felt his eyes on her, remembered his touch. It would not be fair to him to turn him away now. It would not be fair...to her.

Andur, forgive me.

Follow your heart.

She leaned towards him, wrapping her arms around him. She felt his mouth on hers, the hard muscles in his shoulders and back tightening.

This time it was he who gently pulled away from her. She let her hands slide back down to her sides, but he caught them in his large ones, smiling at her. Then he raised her hands to his lips, kissed them gently.

"My lady."

Before she could answer him he had turned away, was hastening down the slope to his ship, hailing the mechanics. The muscles bunched in his raised arm and his armor gleamed.

"Mother?"

She remained immobile, staring at his retreating back, his cloak whipping in the brisk wind. He did not look back as he climbed into the hatch. The engines roared.

She tore her eyes away from the ship, knelt down and picked up the child in her arms, clinging tightly to her as the tears came. Engines faded into the distance.

Andur...please forgive me. I will always love you. But I have followed my heart. And my choice is made.