The Badlands stretched before them in all their surreal beauty, a place where the land seemed to both soothe and energize the soul. Vast fields of roses swayed gently in the breeze, their vibrant petals bursting in hues of red, pink, and gold. The roses blended harmoniously with the towering baobab trees, their massive trunks and thick, gnarled branches reaching toward the sky, their silhouettes an almost mystical sight against the fading twilight.

Liora inhaled deeply, the sweet scent of the roses and the earthy air filling her senses. For a moment, the troubles of the galaxy felt far away, as though this hidden paradise had offered her a brief respite from the constant demands of her royal duties. She smiled, her heart swelling with a quiet sense of peace.

If only the galaxy were at peace, she thought. If only this land could be the home for all of us, without fear of conflict or war.

Obi-Wan, walking beside her, noticed her smile. He didn't need to ask, but he did anyway. "Like what you see?" he asked gently, guiding her along the path.

Liora chuckled softly, her eyes still taking in the tranquil landscape around her. "More than you know," she replied, her voice carrying a touch of nostalgia. "It reminds me of home."

Obi-Wan hummed thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I can see that," he said quietly, almost to himself. "It has a calming effect, doesn't it?"

Anakin, walking a few steps ahead, turned back at the sound of Obi-Wan's voice. He caught Liora's content expression, and his eyes softened with understanding. "You deserve this peace, Liora," he said, his tone sincere. His usual cocky smile was replaced by a more grounded look, one that spoke of his respect for the woman who carried the weight of her world.

Liora's heart warmed at Anakin's words. It wasn't often she saw this side of him—the side that was thoughtful and genuine. She gave him a soft smile in return. "Thank you, Anakin."

Obi-Wan, sensing the moment of quiet reflection, broke the silence with a lighthearted tone. "I know it's been a long journey, and you've earned some time to relax," he said, his eyes twinkling with a playful gleam. "We better pack our things, and I'll show you the beach."

Anakin, who had been momentarily lost in the beauty of the land, suddenly pouted, his youthful impatience returning. "Hey, what about me?" he asked, crossing his arms in mock indignation. "I want to see the beach too!"

Obi-Wan laughed, shaking his head with a smile. "You too, Anakin," he said, offering a reassuring glance. "Don't worry. There'll be plenty of time for all of us."

As the trio walked toward their campsite, the soft wind played through the petals of the roses, and the sounds of the land seemed to whisper ancient secrets to those who were willing to listen. Liora felt a deep connection to the place, something that resonated within her bones, as though the island itself had known her for centuries.

They reached the small camp where their belongings were laid out on woven mats, and Obi-Wan began organizing their supplies, preparing them for their next journey. The warmth of the setting sun bathed the Badlands in a golden hue, casting long shadows beneath the baobab trees, and Liora took a moment to sit on the ground, her eyes closed as she let the peace of the island wash over her.

"How long do you think we'll stay here?" she asked, her voice soft as she looked up at Obi-Wan and Anakin.

Obi-Wan gave her a thoughtful look, his gaze lingering on the horizon. "As long as you need," he replied. "We'll stay here until you're ready to continue, or until you find what you're looking for."

Anakin, now sitting next to her, flashed her a playful grin. "But you know, there are still a lot of adventures to be had," he said, nudging her lightly with his elbow. "And you haven't seen the beach yet."

Liora couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "I look forward to it," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

As the evening stretched on, the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, and the three of them settled in, knowing that for now, at least, they were safe, together, and surrounded by the beauty of a place untouched by the wars and conflicts of the galaxy. They had earned this moment of peace, and for tonight, that was enough.

SCENEBREAK

The sun cast its golden light across the beach, making the sand sparkle like diamonds. The gentle waves lapped against the shore as the wind rustled through the trees, adding to the serene beauty of the place. Liora, now in her Utahraptor form, felt the sand beneath her claws as she sprinted along the beach, her powerful legs carrying her effortlessly across the terrain. She had left her clothes behind at the house, knowing that her raptor form would easily tear through them. It felt liberating to be in this form—free to move with such speed and agility.

Anakin and Obi-Wan watched from a distance, a mixture of awe and concern on their faces. While they were accustomed to Liora's shapeshifting, her raptor form still carried an air of wildness that was hard to ignore. The sheer power and elegance in her movements made it clear that she was a force to be reckoned with. Though she appeared fierce, there was a calm in her demeanor that reassured them—this was the queen they had come to know, even in this intimidating form.

Liora sniffed at the dead seagull on the beach, her sharp, predatory senses picking up the unfamiliar scent. Obi-Wan frowned. "That's unusual. That wasn't here last time, and there are no native predators here," he observed, placing his hands on his hips.

Anakin stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he carefully rolled the dead bird over. He examined it closely, revealing bite marks on its belly and throat. Its beak was broken, and it seemed to have been viciously attacked.

"That's strange," Anakin said, his voice low. "There's no predator here that would do something like this."

Liora growled softly, her keen instincts sensing that something was off. She couldn't communicate with words, but her body language spoke volumes. She crouched low, her muscles tense as she scanned the area around them. It was clear she was unsettled by the disturbance.

Obi-Wan stood beside Anakin, his face serious. "This isn't a random death," he said quietly. "Something attacked this bird, and whatever it is, it's not natural to this island."

Anakin's gaze hardened as he looked around. "Could someone have brought a predator here? Or maybe something else?"

Liora's eyes flicked toward the dense jungle that bordered the beach. She stood taller, her tail flicking behind her, a sign that she was ready for whatever threat might be lurking nearby. She seemed to urge them forward, her movements a silent suggestion that they investigate further.

"I agree," Obi-Wan said thoughtfully. "We need to find out what caused this. It doesn't fit with the peaceful nature of the island."

Anakin nodded and stood up, brushing the sand off his knees. "I'll check the surrounding area for any signs—tracks, anything unusual."

Obi-Wan followed his lead. "Let's split up and search. Be careful, both of you. Whatever's responsible for this might still be close."

Liora gave a soft click of her jaws, crouching as she prepared to move swiftly through the brush. She was a hunter at heart, and whatever had disturbed the peace of this island, she was ready to track it down.

With determination, the three of them—Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Liora—set off in different directions, each one focused on finding the source of the disturbance and uncovering the truth behind the mysterious death of the seagull.