Private Crossed Wires

[Persephone Dashiell]

NABOO

SHIRAYA'S SANCTUARY

​

After a rigorous security check before she could even land, the struts of her small transport were finally able to touch down. She was trying out a new ship - her parents having barred her from public transport after a kidnapping attempt by pirates. Still waiting to take flying lessons from Thessa Kai , for now her bodyguard droid doubled as a pilot.

Dressed in one of her signature skirt-and-combat outfits, Persephone noted she stood out among the Jedi and was drawing some looks. It didn't help the droid followed behind, head on a swivel, looking as if it was going to snap anyone in half. Yet it was the only way she could travel so the minor inconvenience would have to do.

From what she gathered 'outsiders' weren't allowed to just roam the campus and the landing pad made it where she had to funnel into the main building. Yet upon opening the doors, she was thrust into a large lobby-like space but no information desk. No helpful looking concierge droid. Not the high-end five star hotels she was used to, where one was greeted immediately and helped.

She supposed it made sense. This was a school after all.

"Don't suppose there is a directory.."

Speaking to herself, Persephone looked around for a backlight board similar to a mall. A map of sorts. Nothing. Considering outsiders most likely had an idea on where to go, and this was a residence, there was no need for such a thing. Which made it all the more difficult for herself. So she had to bite the bullet and text Lysander von Ascania if she wanted to actually see him face-to-face.

[[ I'm on Naboo. At this Sanctuary. Where are you? ]]

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Persephone Dashiell

​

With the grace of a seasoned dancer, Lysander glided through the vacant area, his lightsaber an extension of his very being. Each strike was effortless, guided by the steady hand of the Force. Every twist and turn appeared as though imbued with unnatural agility and reflexes; the movements felt like second nature.

Dressed in pure white, his garments balanced regality with functionality; they were well suited for his rigorous to training.

Having lost track of time, he now soon stood calmly on the floor of the training terrace, beads of sweat trickling down his brow. The movements practiced for hours faded into the background. Energy still hummed in his muscles; the boy felt satisfied from a day well spent. Though it had only been a short period since training under his Master, Brandyn Sal-Soren , it at least felt like he was beginning to find a sense of both clarity and purpose here on Naboo.

Everything simply felt better and smoother without the buzzing of the nerf fly, Zaiya Ceti .

Turning towards the corner, he walked over to his worn satchel. He dropped down next to his belongings and unzipped the bag. Pulling out his datapad, fingers swiped across the screen. The blonde's heart quickened after noticing a new notification; it was a message that he had been anticipating.

I’m on Naboo. At this Sanctuary. Where are you?

A smile formed at the very thought of her arrival. Memories of their random adventures crossed his mind, along with a recent meeting that ended on a rather sour note. Still, he was glad that she had accepted his invitation. Lysander quickly typed a response.

[[ I just finished training. I’ll come to you. ]]

The Padawan stepped away from the training grounds. The massive columns of Shiraya's Sanctuary were in view. As he walked toward the main building, the tranquil environment kept him calm amidst the flurry of emotions he was currently experiencing. His footsteps echoed softly along the way, and before long, he spotted Persephone. She was flanked by a towering droid; he guessed it to be her bodyguard based on one of their previous discussions.

“I'm glad you made it here safely. I didn't think you would actually come," he said, glancing at the droid, wondering if it was a spy for her parents. He then refocused on Persie. There was a brief pause; his expression softened as he met her eyes. "I've thought about you every day since the carnival.”

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Having read the notification on her datapad that Lysander von Ascania was coming down to her in the...lobby? of the building, Persephone stayed put. If there had been a little more direction, like some found on college campuses, would be helpful. What if Jedi were coming to stay and learn for a few months? Being lost was just going to be a way of life for them apparently.

The pink-hued droid behind her wasn't particularly imposing, but everyone seemed to give her wide enough berth, maybe because she was a visitor. Or maybe because her parents were trying to make it impossible for her to be normal and make friends. Of course, she had friends, a small group of teenagers from other wealthy families. The type of kids who didn't bat an eye about seeing security following someone.

At least she wasn't grounded anymore.

Watching Lysander approach, her stomach suddenly twisted in knots, wondering if this was a horrible idea. Coming all the way to Naboo to see a boy? One who apparently just liked her because she didn't have mystical powers? That was still unclear. Things at the carnival had started well but then ended on a rough note. Truthfully she didn't expect to see Lysander again.

"I didn't think I would come either."

Again, she didn't have a lot of friends. Plus, she had kissed Lysander and there were a lot of confusing emotions there. The blonde was certainly her type but he didn't understand why she was hesitant - or maybe didn't care.

"Good thoughts or bad thoughts?"

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Persephone Dashiell

​

Lysander stood there, rooted to the ground with calmness. His posture was relaxed, hands resting casually at his sides, fingers ever so slightly curled. Countless hours of training had not only begun sculpting his physique, but his mind, too-–clarity washed over him; it felt refreshing. "I'm really happy that you came all the way here to see me, Persie. It means a lot," he said with sincerity in his tone. "Not many have made the effort to visit since my arrival on Naboo."

Taking a small step forward, the corners of his lips curled into a soft smile. ”Only good thoughts.” The boy’s brow then furrowed slightly. Vulnerability threatened to peek through his typical demeanor. Unlike last time, he was at least trying to embrace the emotions rather than shy away from them; perhaps this time would be different. “Ok, maybe a few confusing ones too.”

He considered the direction of their conversation, unsure if he should steer away from the topic of their last encounter for now or just embrace it completely. His mind began searching for the right words to convey the thoughts and feelings that had consumed him since their lips had met at the carnival. “I know I didn’t explain myself well last time,” he admitted. “It felt like everything kind of hit me at once, I.. was afraid of how you might react.”

His focus shifted to some of the people passing by. He didn't feel bothered even if fragments of their conversation drifted to their ears. Everything outside of the small space between them felt insignificant. “So, how have you been feeling lately? I've been thinking about you and hoping all is well.”

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Your friends have not visited you? Your parents?"

Brow furrowed, finding it off. Naboo wasn't terribly far away from the Core. Even her new home on Joiol wasn't far from many places she and Lysander von Ascania had visited. Maybe his parents were busy? She didn't know what they did for a living but she did know Lysander had many siblings - Cora had told her. Perhaps they were unable to be left.

Lysander continued to talk, referencing their time at the carnival and how they parted. She wasn't too pleased with her reaction but his words had hurt - it still did. Still learning some proper comebacks and witty remarks, for the most part she knew she was still emotionally driven. Couldn't help it. Cool, calm, collected wasn't going to be her anytime soon.

Students walked around them, overhearing their words. Persephone was aware what she had to say may not be prudent to do in an echo-y large room in public.

"Maybe we should go for a walk? Or do you have a room to yourself? I....I don't feel comfortable answering anything out here. Or saying what I want to say..."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Persephone Dashiell

​

“Cora and my close friend Roman visited recently,” he said casually. The Padawan shrugged his shoulders. "But that's it.” A flicker of disappointment crossed his face. Yet, as quickly as it came, it vanished. It was replaced by another soft smile. “It’s okay, really. I didn’t mean it in a bad way.”

Despite the complexity of emotions, he did at least understand the need for privacy. While his room promised solitude, the presence of security would make it difficult for anyone other than the students here to breach the area.

“I know a good place,” he said, his usual smile playing on his lips. As he led her through the hallways of the main building, they passed archways adorned with delicate carvings and then made their way through corridors that were illuminated with natural light. With each step, the sounds of chatter began to slowly fade away, bringing them closer to the quietude both of them needed.

Eventually, they arrived at the refectory; it exuded a sense of elegance. The atmosphere was filled with the blend of wood and stone, along with long tables and vines.

As Lysander drew her further into the garden area, he guided Persie towards one of the cozy nooks. It was one of his favorite spots. It was like a sanctuary to him, much like his room, but offering nature’s beauty. “This is like my little hideaway. I don't think anyone will disturb us here."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Quietly, Persephone followed through the grand building. It was done in that typical grand Naboo style, soaring ceilings and windows that bathed the interior with light. A blend of the outdoor and indoor, it vaguely reminded her of the family home on Gallinore.

Despite having no love for nature, Persie couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the grounds. Wood and stone but also flowers and vines, little pockets of quiet that were tucked away, inviting those walking through to sit and enjoy. Brushing the invisible dirt off the little nooks' seating, the teenage girl settling in to talk.

The pink security droid waited at the entrance of the refectory, optical sensors gently dimming as it processed a mass of information from the DarkNet and HoloNet. Sending one of it's reports while idle.

"So...uhm... Not sure where to start." The carnival loomed large over their entire meeting. She took a deep breath, trying not to back out of what she had to say. "The carnival. I - I guess I was wrong. I never should have kissed you. I don't want to be romantically involved with someone who only likes me cause I don't have mystical powers."

Shoulders squared, ready to do the mature, adult thing.

"I apologize. It won't happen again."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Persephone Dashiell

​

Lysander was still slowly adjusting to the new security droid, but at least it seemed like they could maintain some level of privacy. While his intentions felt genuine, he knew it would take some time to get used to. Nonetheless, he appreciated Persie’s visit, possibly in ways he wouldn’t have understood back on Coruscant.

Approaching the nook as well, he sank into a spot across from the girl. He then glanced at her; the weight of her gaze felt heavy while he tried to gather his thoughts. "Honestly, I don't even know where to start either," he admitted. The night they shared had replayed over and over since then. "I still find myself thinking about that night a lot… I mean, a lot," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I didn’t know how else to say what I was feeling at that moment,” he continued. He could feel heat rising in his cheeks. “I chose the wrong words, and I’m sorry. You mean more to me than that."

He leaned back ever so slightly. “And.. I just want you to know, I don’t regret kissing you,” he confessed. Each word felt genuine and clear. The Padawan shifted uncomfortably in his spot, glancing down at her neck for a second before quickly looking back up. “Hey, do you still have the necklace I gave you?”

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Confused look crossed her face as Lysander von Ascania spoke about kissing her. He didn't regret it? Well, she doubted he had in the first place. Mama always said men were dumb as a box of rocks. That a man didn't know what they wanted til you told them what they wanted.

Perhaps Mama was beginning to make a little more sense.

“I surprised you. Probably shouldn't have. You just…made me so angry by calling my kiss just ‘cool’... So I kind of lost it. Then insult to injury you didn't even seem to care. It's okay though… you don't regret it and that's great. Still, you won't have to worry about me trying it again.”

Sometimes lessons were learned the hard way. Persie was certain learning all the hard lessons at once it seemed.

“I figured you wanted it back..hold on…”

Persie took out a small velvet bag out of her pocket and placed it in Lysander's hand.

“I even cleaned and shined it up a bit, don't worry.”

Leaning back in the alcove, Persephone crossed her arms in front of her chest. She wasn't sure what to say or do. An awkward silence settled over her, a little lost.