Prologue

A long time ago, and far, far away a young girl's sleep was disturbed by
dreams; haunting dreams of a raging demon and an unknown heroine, both
nameless.  Upon awakening, the child was terrified of the darkness that
pervaded the images, and of the certainty that they were visions of a
fate that awaited her when she left the comforting fold of her home. 
She did what every child does when frightened.

//Mother!//

Instantly, the child was enfolded in a comforting embrace and soothing
projections of peace oozed into her consciousness.

//There, there, Aura.  Mother is here, as always, my love, and as ever
she shall be.  Look within, my darling...reach inside of yourself and
pull up your Strength.//

Aura obediently quieted, concentrating on her connection with her inner
being.  Drawing on its protection, she wrapped them tightly about her,
like a cloak.  "Tell me the story, Mother," she begged in her
little-girl voice.  "Tell me about the beautiful Princess and her
Handsome Prince."

The child was lowered back against the pillows, and covers arranged
snugly over the small form.

//I have seen her.// Mother began, her richly melodic tones resonating
throughout the cavern.  //I have seen the Princess in my visions many
times, strolling along our forest paths.  A small woman of commanding
presence, with luxuriant chestnut hair that swings long and loose.  At
her side is her mate, tall and lean, with dancing yet dangerous eyes and
a merry, crooked smile.//

Aura's bright blue eyes shone with rapt attention and Mother was pleased
to detect the retreat of fear.  The child would face her Destiny all too
soon - this was a sad certainty.  Shielded only for so long as she
remained within Mother's care, Aura would lose that protection once she
left her sanctuary, and Mother would be lost to the child.  When the
inevitable conflict came among the Jedi, Mother would stand helpless
witness to the upheaval that was to follow, along the wildly erratic
path that Aura was destined to travel.

Darkness was poised to descend upon the land, loathsome in its sinister
depths.  Mother drew strength from the collective Sense of all of the
little beings entrusted unto her care.  Long had she, and forever would
she, nourish the Jedi, care for the young ones, provide sustenance for
the innocent.

The time was rapidly approaching and soon would there be a meeting of
Darkness and Light, a confrontation planned for three decades.  It had
lain, patient as a feline, waiting for the proper moment to strike;
patience would soon be rewarded - for destiny approached, and quickly.

But there was time for a story.  There would always be time for a
story.  Mother projected in soothing tones, warm with the colors of
nature, rich with the heat that lay within.  She favored the child with
a treasured fairy tale,  and Aura listened, enraptured, to the saga of
the beautiful Jedi Princess.

For now, Aura's dreams would be filled with visions of a ravishing
heroine, a dashing knave...and Aura's own heart's love.  Adolescent
fantasies come to life, her Jedi Knight would provide Aura's own
awakening - to a great many things.  But that would come later.

For now, the girl would dream of a beautiful Princess, chosen by Fate to
carry the torch of the Lost Ones into battle with Darkness, and ensure
their triumphant return, back into the Light.

For now, there was the Jedi Fairy Tale.