A Frozen Treasure

[Valae Heavenshield]

Focused completely on Jake, Valae was nearly oblivious as Rania slipped out of the room. The silent exchange between Jake and the Twi’lek had also gone quite unnoticed. Still grasping Jake’s hand, she gave his palm a squeeze. She was quite touched by the gesture behind this gift, and of course, she was still finding that she was a bit speechless about it. Truly, it would be wonderful to have a place to call home – and place that she could be at ease.

Even on her home on Tatooine, she’d never had the chance to be relaxed. The stressful situations surrounding her father, his drinking, and their lack of funds had never made for much of a happy home.

As Jake sat up, she gently removed the cold cloth from his forehead and wiped his face. Her lashes fluttered as he mentioned her Master. Yes, this area was quite close to the town where he and his wife were well-known figures. “I didn’t realize that I talked about Midvinter so much,” She said, smiling softly. “But I guess I do bring it up now and again, don’t I?”

Thurion’s presence had always brought her a deep sense of security. Just knowing that he was close by was a comforting thought. Valae could already tell that Jake was uneasy sitting in bed; he wanted to be up and about. And she leaned in to place a small kiss on his forehead.

Canting her head to the side, she was interested to hear that Jake had been working another job. Valae hadn’t been worried that he’d borrowed funds from the Order; she knew that he liked to do things for himself. It was something that she admired about him. Jake always was a very hard worker, this she knew.

“I still don’t know what to say,” She said, hands smoothing the blankets down. “Thank you, Jake. You don’t know how much this means to me.” Valae blinked, a bit choked up.

Turning at the sound of Cody’s voice, she offered a slight chuckle at his remark about being sappy. Of course, if they had been allowed to continue, it would only have gotten much, much worse. “Ok, you’re right,” Valae said with a nod, and she perked up again upon hearing that Rania wanted to see her downstairs.

“Oh,” She stood up from the bedside, nodding again. Grinning from the doorway, she trusted that Skillet would keep a close eye on Jake. The little droid took his job very seriously. Following Cody, she walked carefully down the stairs. She hadn’t gotten the chance to really see the workmanship on her way up, but now she took a long moment to really see it.

Returning the embrace given by Rania, she gave the Twi’lek’s back a gentle pat.

“Let’s see here,” She glanced around, unsure where to start herself. Valae had heard that Cody and Umako were cooking; she didn’t want to be underfoot and in the way. “How about the living room?”

And as her eyes widened to take in her surroundings, she glanced at Rania again.

“Were you three here the whole time?”

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

“Well… not technically no.” Rania said in response to Valae’s question. “We helped out since construction began but on Midvinter? Not the entire time. Jake had us running about. When he has a specific item in mind nothing similar to it will do. It has to be that one. Which is why furnishing this place took so bloody long.” Rania lead Valae straight to the living room.

“I’m not a fan of his choices for this room.” A sneer appeared in the corner of her lip. “Wood table, leather sofa and recliners and two cloth covered chairs?” Rania exaggeratedly flicked her nose at the cloth chairs with a smirk, “Lord I wish you were hear to talk him out of buying those hideous things. Guess where he makes me sit! There!” Green fingers pointed to the chairs, “For no other reason that because he knows I hate them.”

A deep sigh and a look around, Valae began to explain. “I love the design he has here. Far different from his old family home on Honoghr. He made this as open as possible. Large windows on one side which show the snowy mountains. While here,” Rania turned and looked up, “He refused to build a wall. It shows the staircase to the second floor and there is a balcony for the second floor above us. You’ll noticed that through any communal rooms we go into. It’s as must open space as possible while ensuring each area has a set perimeter.”

Rania placed a hand against one of the few thick wooden support beams. “These go to the ceiling and down through the various basement floors. All the wood indoors has been treated twice over with an anti-rot agent and sealed off with a water-proofing finish. Humidity is a b!tch which it comes to wood.”

Rania didn’t hover around Valae, she allowed the Master Jedi to roam as she pleased, “Each wall has two small built in cupboards that can house any small knickknacks you wish. Ignore the cruddy old looking tele. Cody set that up because Jake hasn’t found the proper tele he wants for this room, if at all. Pfft, men and their taste in things.”

Rania moved the tele from the cabinets on the far wall and set it on the floor, “Don’t get me wrong. I love the home. It’s just these cloth chairs that do me in here.” Yes Rania harped a bit too much on what she didn’t like. “I built the flooring myself. I used a wood that’s been sanded and polished to look like stone slabs. Stone would be far too cold for this planet. Wood isn’t nearly as cold to the touch.”

“The home has a central heating system that floods warm air top and bottom.” Rania explained. “In the second floor basement there is a heating system with four vents. One is in here, behind one of the cabinets. The second is placed near the front door. The third and fourth are on the second floor. The idea is to trap the cold air in the middle of constant circulation. So long as the power remains on, the heat will as well. On top of that, if the power goes out, the coldest the home should get if everything is closed up tight is fifty five degrees or so. Even though there is no insulation, there is enough wood on the outer layers of the home to keep the heat in. The windows themselves are double pained sound proof glass. There isn’t an ounce of air getting in or out unless you want it too.”

Rania’s plopped herself onto the leather sofa. With legs dangling up and over the back, she looked to Valae, “When I was a little girl I always wanted a house like this. Not this particular one, though I wouldn’t mind it, mind you, but a nice place to call my own. I also dreamed of being a Queen. Royal. Important with subjects to do my every bidding. Guess you could say I have that now with those two lug heads in the kitchen,” a small chuckle emerged, “but that’s what I wanted. What did you dream of being when you were just a wee’ lass?”

​

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

When Rania mentioned Honoghr, Valae’s thoughts traveled back to Jake’s family home. Though she had never set foot there in person, she knew what it looked like. She actually had Jake’s father to thank for that. There wasn’t much she could be grateful for when it came to Andre, but he had shown her pieces of Jake’s past. Drawing her attention back to the present, she did notice small details that distinguished this house from the old one he had built so many years ago.

As the Twi’lek explained the way the support beams were put up and treated, a soft smile formed on the Jedi healer’s lips. Her fingertips slid along the nearest wall, she could almost feel the sweat and blood that had gone into the construction.

Coming to a window, Valae turned her gaze out towards the white landscape of Midvinter.

So many years ago, standing on the sand of her desert home, she would have never guessed that she would come to love a wintery world such as this. Glancing over her shoulder, she chuckled at Rania’s quip about the chairs. “They look mighty comfortable to me,” She said, shrugging. And as the Twi’lek had a seat on the leather sofa, Valae had a seat on one of the said chairs. Her hand smoothed over the upholstery fabric, it was nice.

“I could see you being a Queen,” Valae nodded, grinning.

Thoughts turning inward once more, she considered Rania’s question. Life had been different on Tatooine. Thinking back to her past, it was almost as if it was just a dream. It was like recalling memories upon waking, they were there… but somehow fading.

“To be honest, I didn’t dream much about the future.” She said, sighing softly. “Back then… I wasn’t sure that I’d ever be anything more than the salvager that I was – picking apart ships for money. I always thought I’d end up running my father’s scrap heap. I thought my future had been decided.”

It was probably not the answer that Rania had been expecting. Valae’s faraway glance broke when she blinked, and she offered a smile to keep the mood light.

“I’ve said it many times,” She started, “But I’ve been very lucky. Midvinter is my home now; I can look to the future with such excitement.” Valae tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. “I’ve got to say, I was curious as to where Jake was runnin’ off to.” A chuckle escaped, “Not that I suspected anything bad. But he did mention a side job, you know anything about that?”

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

The question did catch Rania off guard ever slightly if one were to be most honest. Just as Jake had always been respectful of her and her families privacy, the Twi'lek had always ensured that same respect was returned. She never told anyone of what Jake did, where he went, or what he was up too. The One Sith couldn't break her, the Noghri couldn't, nor could any of the Silver. Though the Silvers never asked. Jake was an enigma to many of them. He was a teacher of saber combat, a fallen Sith seeking some form of redemption. What type of redemption? Even Rania wasn't so sure. Still what she knew she kept to herself.

That was until she met Valae.

"Come. Let me show you the basement." Rania said as she leapt from the sofa before pausing, "Err... I mean basements." Extra emphasis put on the plurality of the word.

Taking Valae by the hand she nearly dragged the Master Jedi through the home like a child would a doll. She made no mention of the rooms they passed for the moment. There would be time for that. Without a chance to take in the sight of the dining room, Rania flung a door open. Lights flickered to life to reveal a deep stairwell.

"I want to be out of earshot of the boys." Rania whispered as they both set foot on the first basement. "This is a storage floor. This floor is a mixture of cabinets and open space to store everything you can think of, up to and including food preserves if needed. The walls are double layered hollowed brick. In each brick is insulation. We coated the wall in cold resistant epoxy and shaped it to look like stone. This room is semi-temperate but as we go lower it'll get a tad colder. Ignore the big metal contraption and piping in the center. That's the water filtration and plumbing system. I don't exactly know how it works. That's for Jake to explain."

"Now as for your question about Jake. I didn't want them knowing I'm spilling the beans but as I show you everything, I'll explain what he's been up too." Rania said as she opened some of the cabinets to show just how much storage space there was in each. "When he first set out to build this home he needed money. We both know Jake has a very particular set of skills which really gear him towards jobs that aren't exactly in line with Jedi teachings."

"He didn't do anything illegal, mind you. We even offered to cut him in on our smuggling operations and he turned it down. He didn't want to sully this home with less than admirable means when building it. So in between Kashyyyk and Midvinter he began working as a private security escort for some diplomats from his homeworld of Dantooine. He may not be Sith but his reputation still dictates respect." Rania turned to look at the rest of the basement, momentarily motioning Valae to follow her to another flight of descending stairs.

"This second floor is about ten degrees cooler than the one above and is clearly meant to preserve meat and food. Don't put anything else down here. Jake said the temperature regulation is just right to keep food safe here. You'll also notice there air is just a bit drier. He added insulation to the plumbing contraption here." Rania pointed out.

"Jake doesn't have the best patience with people. Being bossed around by snotty politicians tries them worse than most. So he quit; or so he says. I think he lost his temper and told the Diplomats where they should stuff their more righteous than thou' attitudes. He won't admit it though." The Twi'lek laughed before pointing out the various whiskey barrels. "They're filled with salt. In the salt is game meat from Honoghr. Jake calls it the M.R.E.s of true desperation. Only in a pinch will you ever eat that meat."

Rania turned to Valae, "Please... for the love of god don't run out of other food. I know from experience. Think the taste of unwashed cattle kidney to a third degree of pungentness." She shuddered at the memories, "So he found a job on some junk world helping to run a recycling yard. He'd sit in a picker all day and simply move metals and plastics around for hours on end. Pay wasn't great but it was honest. He didn't want us knowing. Didn't want you knowing. A pride sort of thing I think. How could someone whom once led a search and rescue brigade, a galaxy renowned Apprentice, and highly respected Warrior be found hauling trash about? I would have viewed it admirably but Jake still has a bit of pride. I will say the surprises aren't through just yet for you. He has something else but that's all I can say."

Leading Valae down to the third basement floor, again down another flight of identical stairs, the room was much colder than the prior too. That was because this had actual water flowing through small channels that were built into the floor. Like the floors above, the room was square. The plumbing contraption was dead center but about four meters from it was a square channel built into the floor.

"It's about a meter deep." Rania said, using a finger to point at the water. "That's where the homes water supply comes from. The water flows from two portals. East and west walls. The construction crews found underground water wells that don't freeze and won't dry up. To prevent overflow, there are several holes dug into the ground in those waterways. Any water not used is returned to the earth beneath us. Nothing wasteful."

Now that they were at the bottom most floor of the home, Rania knew she could ask Valae anything.

"Watch this." Rania said as walked towards the wall opposite the stairwell. Looking at the apoxy walls, she found a bulge that seemed ever slightly larger than the rest. With a push of her palm, a section of the wall pushed outward and slid to the side. "Jake built a secret passageway. Come."

Rania led Valae through a small passageway that only allowed them to walk single file. Before them though was an opening that lit up as they drew close. Both stepped out into a beautifully constructed room, "I thought this was a study he built. Its actually a vault. Well, it could be both I guess."

Rania looked at Valae, "It's yours. A place where you can keep everything you hold dear safe and sound. Jake plans to set up a panel on the door we came through that would only allow you in; not even he. This is your space."

"Since we're alone I wanted to ask... this isn't too much is it? Jake is devoted but even I know all of this is alot. Again though, he's deeply devoted to you. I know you are to him. Would you say you're devoted to the point of wanting to spend the remainder of her life with him?"

Rania was treading dangerously close to inadvertently revealing Jakes biggest surprise. She needed to be extremely careful in how this conversation proceeded.

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae’s brows rose slowly when Rania mentioned the basement, or rather, basements. There were houses that had a reason to have more than one? This was the question on her mind as she was pulled away by the Twi’lek. Without time to even utter another word, she let the other woman drag her through what seemed like the whole of the house before they began their descent.

It was true that she was no stranger to underground living. Back home, most of their home had been built below ground level to help guard against the Tatooine heat, the wind, and the sand.

But a basement in a normal home? It was something she’d yet to really see, as odd a thought as it was.

It wasn’t at all dark or dank like the spaces in her imagination, but rather it was neat and quite orderly. Valae’s finger followed the wall as Rania provided a very useful explanation. “Lots of space,” She murmured, glancing at the cabinets and storage space. She’d never had enough food or preserves to fill such a place before. Then again, it had been quite a while since she’d set roots down in a place of her on – a home of her own.

Next, as Rania’s hand pulled one of the cupboards open, Valae’s chestnut eyes widened slightly. It seemed that she was going to be let in on Jake’s secret. The way the Twi’lek started, it almost made her wonder if she should be worried. But, she remembered that this was Jake they were talking about.

The Jedi healer listened closely and continued to follow along on the tour of the underground levels. But as the layers of the story unfolded, Valae found her expression softening. Jake was a proud man, she could only imagine him putting up with stuffy diplomats and the like. And when Rania mentioned his work scrapping junk, she could only smile. Of course, she could understand why Jake wouldn’t want her to think of him in that sort of occupation, she understood best of all. It was the life she came from, after all. It wasn’t the most notable or important work, but it was hard and it was honest (most of the time).

“A secret passage?” She echoed, jumping slightly as the wall slid to the side to let them in.

“I see,” She answered simply upon learning that this space was truly a vault. Having visited Jake’s secret storage place, she immediately saw the connection – he had a place of his own… she didn’t. Until now, that is. “Goodness, my.” She smiled, marveling again at the amount of work that had been done here.

“Too much?” She asked, glancing at Rania. “Well, to be honest, I’m overwhelmed. I never expected anything like this, ever.” A hand rose to scratch her head. “It’s… it’s quite something.” Her words may have lacked eloquence, but she truly was amazed. “I never dreamed that I’d be given such a gift.”

“Of course I’m that devoted,” She grinned. “I wouldn’t be standing here if I wasn’t.”

Valae knew that Rania was like a guardian to Jake, she was protective of her friend. She hoped that this was just a bit of girl talk, and not leading to an awkward conversation where the Twi’lek would tell her she wasn’t good enough. But that was the kind of thing that happened on the holos, not real life.

“Why do you ask?” She blinked.

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Rania bit at her finger nail as she casually walked around the room. For a few moments the Twi'lek worked on formulating her answer. Valae had answered and Rania believed her. That's all she could ask for. Hopefully Valae would continue to be up to the challenge of helping Jake keep the cap on the darkness in his soul.

"I was only curious." Rania replied. "I know Jake has been thinking a lot about the future. Call me a bit overprotective of him, I just wanted to make sure there aren't any speed bumps to come up. Well..." Rania tilted her head as she looked at Valae and chuckled, "except for when he gets himself into trouble."

Rania continued to look around the room, taking in the simplistic beauty of it, "I know Midvinter wouldn't be the first target for most governments to attack but if anyone ever did, at least the home has fortification beneath the ground. A cold ground is as strong as concrete which is why I believe built the home with the majority of the footage beneath the surface."

"Now, how about we eat?" Rania grinned as she intertwined her arm with Valae's and pulled her along, "The boys had better be done by now!"

As Rania and Valae emerged from the basements the smell of the food had already filled the first floor. Closing the door behind them, Rania followed the salty scent to the dining room where Cody had already partially set the table with silverware. At the head nearest them sat a pale Jake. His eyes closed though he was awake. His breathing was still labored.

"You were told to stay in bed." Rania said.

Umako snorted as he walked in carrying some food, "That's what I told him. Man's too stubborn for his own good. I would have brought him a plate upstairs."

Jake perked a brow but didn't open his eyes, "We eat together."

Rania motioned for Valae to take the head opposite Jake. In terms of dining, the heads of the table were meant for the heads of the family. Together they oversaw all gathered. It was her right. Rania took a seat near Valae.

Umako set out everyone's plates, "Lamb lung and loin with rice. Red wine to enhance flavor. Simple but filling."

Cody set out several wine glasses and carefully filled them. Both men then took their own seats. One next to Rania, the other opposite and close to Jake.

"See? We didn't burn anything." Cody said with a hint of self-righteous pride.

"I guess they should have seen the piece of loin you blackened when I let you cook it while I used the restroom." Umako chimed in.

"Shhhh..."

Jake laughed, "So that's why I picked up the hint of what I thought was burning paper upstairs."

"Ha.... Ha...." Cody replied witha frown before slamming a fork into a piece of meat.

"We kid cause we love ya." Rania replied.

Jake's eyes slowly opened. A smile formed as he spotted Valae opposite him, "How did you enjoy the tour? If there anything you want to change, just let me know and it'll be done."

​

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae canted her head to the side at the quiet that met her question. Watching carefully, she noted the way that Rania nibbled at her finger nails and paced her way back around the room. But when her answer came, it satisfied her curiosity. However, there was something that tugged at the back of the Jedi’s mind. The words were true, yes, but there seemed to be something hidden away. It wasn’t her way to pry, and Rania hadn’t given her a reason to be suspicious.

“Right,” She said, echoing her friend’s chuckle. “He certainly has a way of finding trouble, doesn’t he?”

Valae nodded in response to Rania’s assessment of Midvinter’s safety. Yes, they would be fairly safe here, she thought. There were guardians of this world that kept it safe; her Master was one of them. Her head turned swiftly at the mention of food, and she gave an enthusiastic nod. Letting the Twi’lek lead her by the arm, she followed at the other woman’s side as they went up into the dining room. Already the aroma of a home-cooked meal had found her and it was heavenly.

The sight of Jake at the table was a surprise, but not really.

Valae paused by his side and gave his shoulder a squeeze on her way past. Taking the chair at the opposite end of the table, she had a seat and scooted in. The palms of her hands came to rest on the rustic tabletop, it brought warmth to the room – amplified greatly by the fact that friends were gathering around it to share a meal.

“Thank you, boys.” She said, giving a nod to Umako and Cody. “This looks great!”

Bringing a polite hand to her mouth, she stifled a chuckle at the mention of burnt food made by Cody. After spreading a napkin across her lap, she wasted no time in digging in. She scooped some food onto the plates of those closest, and then her own – making sure to then pass the dishes down the table. Taking up a fork, she tested out the rice. Her brows rose, it was very good. Next, she cut a piece of the loin and had a bite. Looking down the table at Jake, she hoped he’d have an appetite. But she knew that it would be best for him to take it slow.

“I loved every bit of the house,” She replied, grinning across at him. “I wouldn’t change a thing; I want it just as you made it.” A wide smile grew on her lips. “I’m looking forward to spending some time by the fire.”

Valae then coughed, realizing how that might have sounded.

“Anyway – I’ll be so happy to have a real home, you’ve outdone yourself.” But after another bite, her expression softened. “How do you feel? Are you alright?”

[member="Jake Daniels"]