Bestine

[Ethan Matumaini]

Ethan lived on one of the largest islands of Bestine, inhabited by roughly 100,000 humans. It was hard to have a capital with the land being so inconsistent across the planet but it had been concluded that the island he lived on, and the island the government was based on was the capital. This particular island wasn't very densely populated but then again, it was hard for it to be as all the islands on the planet were rocky and jagged. Settlements had initially been hard to make but most of the citizens lived by the ocean as the planet was heavily aquacultural. This often left a little space in the centre of islands, if they were big enough, for food to be grown -provided there was fertile ground.

The Prince may have been the first in line to the Bestinian throne, but he didn't act like it unless he had to. When he was younger he would climb across the jagged rocks that the island was built of which often led to him getting into trouble with his parents. Although he had always been rather adventurous and daring when he was younger, he had always been protected from the harsh realities of the galaxy and he has a lot to learn about the world and his place in it. He didn't know he was force sensitive as he had never had anyone to tell him what it was like or what it meant to have such a responsibility.

Ethan enjoyed spending time away from his family and had become somewhat detached from his parents since his older brother was assassinated. He climbed down from the window in his bedroom, having become quite adept at it since he was young, and jumped to the ground once he was at a safe height. He wore a hood to conceal his face from the knowing citizens and although he had the best of intentions for the Bestinians, they were far too insistent. Ethan left the grounds and the safety of his home, making way to the streets. He wandered through the small city lazily before coming to the docks at the edge of the island. There were docks for boats and docks for space travel, it was quite a wondrous place really, quite unique.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

Solan was leaning back in his chair, looking up at the sky and breathing in the air that rolled off the water and blew over the docks that were devoted to the ships. It was kind of amazing to see sea based travel after there were so many advanced worlds it was nice to see something like this too. He never got to really sit back and just relax which made this moment nice as he tended to be in places that were either blowing up around him, or just too loud.

His eyes were drawn to the side though, not sure if it was out of habit or because he felt something was off but in a moment his eyes focused. A hooded man was coming to the docks, passing him and he turned his head to stand up and rolled his neck as he walked over to him. "Hello there." He smiled as he waved his hand to the hooded one that he was not sure who this person was but he was curious about him for some reason. Kind of like a moment of interest and intrigue.

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

Ethan hesitated for a moment, deciding whether Solan was waving to him or not, unsure how to respond. He enjoyed talking to other people and getting to know them and making the effort wasn't hard. "Good greetings, sir." he said before inclining his head politely as he was taught to. He could tell that the man wasn't a native. "What's your name?" he asked, deciding it was somwhat safer talking to him rather than a local.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

"Solan Charr, and a good day to you too." He looked over the one infront of him for several moments before smiling a bit wider and nodding. "So anyways, whats your name if i might ask and whats with the hood?" He let his amber colored eyes run through and around the area. IT was a habit, and a small habit that wouldn't be all too noticeable. He was... curious to say the least about the one he was now talking to. He didn't seem that old though, atleast not more than solan... maybe,,, eighteen? He wasn't sure but that wasn't important.

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

"I'm Ethan Matumaini." he said, knowing it didn't really matter if this person knew who he was or not. He wasn't likely to harass Ethan like the Bestinians did, or even turn him in to his parents. "Oh um, it's cold." said Ethan unsurely, knowing it was a stupid answer but it was too late to change. He pulled the hood down sheepishly.

"What brings you to Bestine?" he asked, always curious as to why people would visit their planet, though he was aware it wasn't exactly your ordinary planet by any means.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

"I got bored at home and decided to look around the galaxy for people of like minds and what not. That and a certain vulpine leader of mine got a bit annoying what with his barking. I swear i cant tell what kind of noise the guy makes some times." He smiled as it was clear he was simply joking as he said the words. "No but really, i am going around the galaxy and seeing what i can find in terms of like minded people and having a good conversation with them. Keeps me active and i think i needed a break from what was going on back home."

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

Ethan listened and smiled once Solan had finished speaking, it was good to have someone with a sense of humour around, everyone around here was so serious it was agonizing. "That sounds fun, I've never left this planet before, so much for me having any interesting stories." he smiled and shook his head. "Is there something happening on your planet? What planet is it?" he asked, wondering if he could do anything to help, then realising that would probably be a strange question to ask. Bestine wasn't exactly overrun with tourists to Ethan took any opportunity he could get to talk to outsiders and further his knowledge of the world.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

"Oh just some leadership roles being shifted around and what not. The King on the planet is a real stiff sometimes so i took a vacation to get away from him for a bit. My home is the world of Kesh, nice little world. Not too important that everyone knows about it but it is a planet that values beauty among other things and oh i cant take my eyes off some of the sights it presents to you at times. You should take the time to visit it in the future. Its sometimes a bit chilly though if you pick the wrong time. Temperate world and all."

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

"Ah, yeah that's always a hard time." he said, nodding in agreement. "The King here is the best leader I've ever known, though I may be biased, I hope to be like him one day, though I hope that day doesn't come any time soon." said Ethan, his voice trailing off at the end. "I'd like to visit, and given the opportunity, I would go. It sounds exquisite and besides, it's pretty dull here. Once you've seen part of the ocean, you've seen it all. There's not much more to look at other than that. As much as I love my planet, it's not exactly a tourist attractor."

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

He laughed and looked at his younger, a mischievous grin on his face as there was something behind it. "Oh come now, you have only seen what the blandness of the sea can be, from the viewpoint of a boat maybe? Have you ever seen it while flying just over its waves? There are many things that can be done to make the most dull of things..." He smiled and turned over his hand so his palm was up before a small flame appeared in it. "... I tiny bit brighter... also. Your words kind of hint at who you are, unless you mean for me to believe that the words, 'i hope that day doesn't come any time soon.' mean anything past simply looking up to your king." He laughed, the care of the galaxy kind of faded when it came to Solan's mind set. "Though... if you ever would like to visit i can pretty much assure you its a place you would have a interest in. Kesh's people are lovers of beauty, be it in art, people, or even a simple garden. But in no way are we soft."

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

"Well... no, I've never flown before." he said, somewhat shyly. Having seen the ocean everyday, all the time, for all his life, he had already begun to take it for granted many years ago. Not many planets had the privilege to have such a large ocean or oceans, though he wouldn't know because he hadn't been there.

Ethan stared at the flame in awe and his lips slowly turned into a smile. "It's not particularly a secret who I am, I was just avoiding security to be honest." he said, not looking at Solan as his eyes were transfixed on the flame. "How do you do that?" he asked finally.

"That sounds interesting, I'd love to see a planet with such a culture and believe me I will, I will get my way." said Ethan, before realising he could've sounded like a snobbish brat had it been taken the wrong way.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

Solan, just laughed. There were plenty times when his public persona dictated he sound like a self absorbed pain in the rear. But for now he was content with learning about this new one. "So what are you then if i might ask? Oh and the flame. Its a trick that took me years to get the hang of. You know, that whole space magic thing some of us can do. Thats pretty much the gist of it... Not sure if i would be able to teach you though." He thought for a moment and looked at the person beside him for a few seconds before thinking. "I could attempt to see if you have what it takes to learn, but if you would rather we continue to talk i can do that too. I don't have much planned today and was really just interested in finding something to do, this conversation with you has fit the bill perfectly."

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

"I'm the first heir to the Bestinian throne." said Ethan, though he used to be one of the princes, now he was just the prince of Bestine. "But that doesn't mean anything, other than the fact I get a free political job." he said, his voice tinged with sarcasm at the end. He didn't particularly enjoy politics but it was necessary and it had to be done.

"Space magic?" he repeated, frowning in confusion, having never heard of it before. "It sounds complicated.." he said, his eyes lifting back up to meet Solan's. Ethan smiled. "Well it's nice to meet you because I didn't often get to talk to outsiders until... recent events." he said, not mentioning that the recent event was the assassination of his brother. He had been given much more freedom since his brother was killed and even his own guard, so he was allowed to go where he wanted... most of the time.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

He watched the one and smiled as he motioned. "Wheres a park... or a garden or something. I think there is something more the two of us can talk about if you don't mind the advice of a traveller that is searching the galaxy for moments like this." He smiled and reached out to place his hand on the man's shoulder. Smiling at him for reassurance in what he was going to say to him would be worth the listen.

He probably would sound preachy and oh did he hate when people were like that but he was a hypocrite at heart and if you can't follow your own words you hope someone else can... and if they cant you hope they spread the message. IF it takes a million tries, one is bound to believe the words and become greater than all the others to hear the words. That is why he knew he would be no greater than the boy infront of him.

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

"Not at all, I'm happy to take advice from anyone." he said politely, but of course it was true. There were a limited amount of gardens on the island since it was built mainly from rock. "Um, there's one just around the corner." he said, leading Solan to a small public garden with a few fruit trees and benches in. There were only two or three on the island. It was small, but so was everything else on the island, since it all had to be compressed into a small amount of space.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

He would talk as he nodded and walked. "A line someone told me was that they always talk about how much the crown weighs on a head, but never did anyone look at how a crown weighs on the heart. She told me this when we were talking and i had always found this ideal to be curious since that meeting. It was something that left me wondering, and curious but never to the point of interest that now i talk to you about. IT comes in no shocker this means for you too in another way..." He paused and looked around him. "There are thousands in this city, their emotions all tied and many of them i can feel now, a perk of empathy while also a danger. You see. People deserve and enjoy their freedom, yes, they look to get themselves out of their place and into a higher standing but you seem reluctant. You said you were the first Heir, i would assume that you know then what that means and what will come, but you look at such a time with... worry. Your people will look to you for hope though when it comes and if you second guess yourself then they will start to worry. A Strong leader is not one with a strong army, or one that can bend the wills of others to follow him. A Strong leader is not one that uses religion or fear to inspire or oppress his or her people. A Strong leader is someone that is confident in what they are doing, that can inspire hope and leave yet his people free to make their own paths. I hope i make some sense, im not the best one to talk about this sort of thing."

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

Ethan looked down, listening but not meeting Solan's eyes. "I never thought about that... I never thought about what would happen until it happened, I'm not very good at thinking ahead." he frowned, curious. He lifted his head for his eyes to meet Solan's. "You can feel their emotions? How is that possible?" he asked.

Ethan sat on one of the benches, his hands in his lap. "I am worried, I want to do a good job like my father. I don't want to let people down if they don't get what they want. They deserve good things, they are good people."

"I don't want to oppress people, I believe they are free to do what they want. I'm just here to make their lives easier and keep civilians safe. I want to inspire people and I want to be confident in what I'm doing, but since my brother died, I've always been more... hesitant." he sighed.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

"Hesitating is like regretting something you haven't even done before... granted at times hesitation is good and i would never say to act on base instincts but you must understand Hesitation can also bring to you something that looks poor in the eyes of your people. I am sure that you would be a good ruler. Yes, i barely know you but you must understand that wanting to do good for your people and for their lives is pretty much saying that you will... you just have to push for that. Granted again, you can't make everyone happy all the time. There are tough decisions, times when you must take humility in order to protect those that are under you. Times when you must do the hard things to create a better world for them... but there are also times when you must do what is best for your people against teh wills of others. And as for feeling emotions... lets just say its a Genetic thing, im called an Empath by people. If i tried to explain it, you would get a bit confused."

 

[Ethan Matumaini]

Ethan smiled at Solan. "Thank you, I really appreciate this. No one has ever spoken to me about this before, they expect me to know what to do and to get on with it." he nodded in agreement. "I will try and I will push for it. I don't make decisions alone, I always consult my long time friend and guard." he said quietly, somewhat ashamed that he still needed help in making even the simplest decisions.

Ethan looked up at Solan with a quizzical look. "What about you? Tell me about yourself." he said as more of a command than a suggestion.

[member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Ethan Matumaini"]

"Me? Well... hmm..." He thought to himself as he leaned back and nodded. "My family were Jedi, two that left the order when they had me. Thought it would be safe and calm to go and live out in the no where land of Dantooine. After an unfortunate time there i became a mercenary and worked with a criminal consortium... odd i know. But there was something that i owe them. Even criminals understand loyalty and honor and these men were in no way different. After that i helped out a group that was founded in the outer reaches of the galaxy called the Shadow Empire... they died out though sadly."