For Want Of Common Ground (Darlyn Excron)

[WolfMortum]

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The House Arenais - Eldritch Mountain Estate,​

Chasin City Outskirts,​

Commenor.​

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It had been some time since the last conversation Veiere Arenais had held with their former chief of Staff and current Minister of Justice over the world of Commenor, [member="Darlyn Excron"]; two sides to the same coin you might say, the two worked in vastly different attitudes to one another yet came together for the same goal in the end, the preservation of peace and prosperity across the worlds within the Systems Alliance's reach.

More often than not Veiere had however been rather vocal in his differences with Darlyn, one a Jedi Master raised to portray a sense of self restraint over his actions, to mediate his emotions and forever try to undermine the possibility of encouraging chaos about the masses where as from his perspective, Chaos was what Darlyn seemed to thrive upon for all his spoken love for things explosive and his affiliation with the Dark Side of the Force...

While the man was certainly no Sith by any means, and hardly counted among the Dark Jedi that had been known through out history to do things most on Commenor would be incarcerated for life for, Veiere had often struggled with trusting the mans reliability where as his wife [member="Lady Kay"] had never once found reason to doubt the mans motives and means of serving the good of the World. After all, for a number of years Darlyn had served as her personal body guard just as Veiere had and later succeeded to head of security not long after Veiere had been retired of her employ and the couple had sought a more intimate partnership together.

Alas, Veiere's doubts had begun to have something of an affect on their professional relationship, Darlyn and he. Kay and spoken to him in quiet about the mans wariness surrounding the King's lack of faith in their minister of Justice, passing comments that Kay had thought more of, from how she had explained it to him. By no means need for official concerns among their staff yet enough for Veiere to seek to clear the air with the younger man and ensure him that there were no hard feelings despite their differences.

Such was why he had invited Darlyn to their private residence, the first guest outside of their family yet had been with them long enough that he might as well be considered blood of their own; for he was certainly Commenori for all the time and effort, the blood sweat and tears he had dedicated to the growth and succession of Commenor's government.

Standing upon the deck looking out across the beauty that was their country side, Darlyn's private transport came into view; for which Veiere would begin to circle the outskirts of their estate leading to the landing pad out back where his colleague would be set to arrive.

 

[Darlyn Excron]

King Veiere.

Quite honestly a man worth respecting, and someone Darlyn held in high regard despite his lingering distaste for Jedi, a feat nigh impossible for most he met to achieve. Yet even so, the ever present sense of the King's, distaste, and even the feeling of judgement lingered over him like a tumultuous storm, waiting to break into something far worse. It was ever present, in the back of his mind as he did paperwork, or now as he spun his DL-18 around his fingers calmly. Taking another breath as he stood, putting the weapon into its holster, the man began to make his way off the transport. The ramp seemed to only lower as he himself stepped over the threshold, with his each step.

Which set on the ground first, the edge of the ramp or his armored boot, was almost impossible to tell, but what wasn't impossible to tell was the thoughts racing through Darlyn's mind as he began to head down the pad. Rather than his usual black robes, for respect of Veiere's Jedi sensibilities or not, had been left behind, yet instead he was donned in the Mand'alor armor he had bought quite some time ago, his lightsabers and a number of his pistols strapped to him as though he foresaw their necessity. The red cape of his armor was splayed out not unlike wings as he approached where he expected to soon see the King step forth.

And naturally his flask in hand, what could one expect? He unscrewed the top, taking a swig of the contents before returning it to his belt, and speaking clearly (as he could sense the King's light clearly). "I must thank you for being so willing to trust me with the invitation, your Majesty. You have quite the lovely home, from my perspective so far."

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

Formalities...-Why [member="Darlyn Excron"] felt the need to speak to him in such a way still eluded him.

"Outside of Chasin City I would hope you could dispense of such formalities Darlyn, never before have they been necessary from your part though certainly not within these grounds. You've been with us long enough by now to know neither Kay nor myself expect any such a silly play on words..."

He waved a hand at the man dismissively, a roll of his eyes quickly followed up by a brief smirk that his guest would see that Veiere was focusing on the humor of the matter and not simply lecturing him as soon as he's stepped off of his vessel.

"Truth be told, among those that we could consider inviting, you would be at the top of that list. I've not forgotten how many years you've served my Wife and it's she more than I that leads this world and those neighbored of Commenor. Officially I am King though my part of it all comes down to mere advising her where she might find herself uncertain or wanting of my help. The title of King only came as a consequence of our wedlock and between the experiences you and I share, I'd hope you feel comfortable enough to call me by a first name basis by now...".

The truth was that Veiere, while having gradually found his place in the role of King over Commenor and the Systems Alliance, still disliked having the title hang over him like a pedastal for others to expect him to be on some sort of a higher ground. The notion was frustrating and for such formalities to be thrown his way, always he was reminded of the irony against his better judgement and wish to be treated (and treat others) upon mutual ground for respect and better moral conduct.

"I appreciate your taste in decor however" He chuckled quietly under his breath, leading him on into the back of the house and moving across the main floor for which their largest living room opened up onto the outside deck and the hills of Commenor could be seen for as far as the eye might carry. "I put a great deal of thought into her planning and did my best to keep the construction quiet and away from the public eye. It's become a necessary haven for Kay and I...".

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Enjoy the formalities when I give them, it's not all that often I give them without sarcasm." He smirked a bit, and folded his arms as he finished walking up to the older man, slightly glancing up at him. The King was barely any taller than him, and his difference in age hardly showed. Though no less tired than Darlyn, Veiere held more than ample conviction to stay surprisingly youthful, at least in Darlyn's opinion. He didn't meet many individuals older than thirty some, Kay and Veiere being the major exceptions (or, almost exception) to the rule.

Darlyn listened quietly to Veiere's words as they walked through to the living room. His eyes lit up slightly at the view of Commenor's hills, and for a moment he relaxed slightly. Commenor was a beautiful planet, with grass, sand, dirt.. and more varied weather than 'snow'. He never got tired of it, exactly, as he moved to a window and stared out even as he replied. "It's good taste, truly. Comfortable, with a view to die for. With Kay's tendency to get into trouble it's more than what she needs, and you by extension. Well, that a reasonable defense besides hiding behind me and hoping I don't fall over." He hummed, stroking his chin with his thumb and index finger.

"I don't suppose you have Sapir tea? I'm afraid your Wife has enabled more than one drinkable vice."

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

"Force knows Kay needs a place she can relax...-And yes, as capable as you are Darlyn, it's less worrying for me when she's not out there stirring up trouble for herself" Veiere chuckled quietly, shaking his head in exaggerated dismay, "To easily it finds her and too often when I'm not around...-I don't think she realizes how much I worry, especially now with her pregnancy...".

He wasn't sure how much [member="Darlyn Excron"] was aware of though at this point it was rather obvious had [member="Lady Kay"] not told him, given that Veiere's beloved wife was showing now. "I'd love it if you could convince her to tone it down some, she does my head in with how much she pushes herself knowing full well she needs to take things slowly at the moment..." He complained though did so through a curious half smile, unable to tell if he was frustrated or caught up in his admiration for the woman.

Darlyn's request for Tea however made him laugh softly and his focus turned back for the kitchen that made up over half of the vast open area of the first floor. The Estate was rather comfortable in its furnishings and yet the design and shape of its layout had made everything so easily accessible that Veiere could enter the Kitchen and yet still be well within sight of the living and dining area's as well as within ear shot of his guest, should Darlyn simply raise his voice a little.

"How do you take it?" he called back, amusing himself with the fact that he was about to make one of his wife's signature drinks; "You'll have to excuse me but I'm hardly as gifted as our dear Queen with such things. I'd sooner take to a glass of whiskey had you only ask...".

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Drinkable." He chuckled a bit and stretched out an arm, turning around to look at [member="Veiere Arenais"] as he spoke. "Well, our dear [member="Lady Kay"] seems to think I may have a drinking problem. Consider it a quiet, polite reminder she has her own drinking problem in turn. As for getting her to tone things down, I've long since learned such attempts are futile at best and counter intuitive at worst. She's headstrong like a bantha and as idealistic as any youth. Best I can do is take charge of as much as I can to ease her load, and hope that we've got enough protection when she needs it."

He moved over to a seat, and after testing that it could handle his armored weight, slowly eased into it, cape pooling around him. "As always though I think I can get her to ease a little bit. If only on some topics, she's certainly not foolish enough to think she can do it all. She at least trusts me and the Ministers of Finance and Foreign affairs well enough to let us do our jobs. Hopefully I won't disappoint anytime soon." He lifted his hand and ran his thumb along his chin, again, as he watched the King. An odd man, putting trust in someone he fundamentally disagreed with.

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere chuckled quietly under his breath as [member="Darlyn Excron"] more or less echoed his opinion towards his wife's stubbornness, [member="Lady Kay"] was after all one to follow her ambitions and when she'd made up her mind about something there was rarely a chance of convincing her otherwise. She was a passionate woman which Veiere admired greatly about her, likely resulting in half of the great things she had done for Commenor.

"You've yet to disappoint either of us in your position over Commenor's justice department...-Though some of your methods are interesting to say the least, you've handled yourself well and the citizens of Commenor have seen a decrease in crime since".

Veiere smiled approvingly, soon moving to fetch himself a drink of the much desired whiskey hidden away in one of the cupboards, a glass to accompany the bottle, pouring it half way and turning back to look to Darlyn, raising it in quiet toast of his company.

"Most of which we've done has been going smoothly, mind you" Veiere turned his attention to the nearby window looking out over the valley separating the Eldritch mountains from Chasin City. "We've managed a great deal, expanding our borders and securing some rather powerful political ties with as minimal backlash as possible. There've been a few bumps along the road so to speak though otherwise...-Kay could not have done so well without your support Darlyn and for that I feel that I owe you a great deal".

 

[Kay-Larr]

Whether [member="Veiere Arenais"] and [member="Darlyn Excron"] knew or not, Kay was on her way to the Estate. She didn't take a speederbike herself. Instead she was escorted and just played the passenger. Walking was starting to become more of a task, as was the simple acts of sitting down and standing up. At least her beds were of a good height to make rolling out of them easy.

Fortunately for them, she was unaware of their conversation, for it would of resulted in a variety of smirks and amused looks if she knew. Something that they were sure to look forward to.

The sounds of the speeder's engine could be heard moments before Kay walked into the front door. A thump was heard as she dropped her bag, followed by a sigh of what could probably be described as relief. At the Estate she could be more or less stress free and her own person, instead of a Queen or a politician.

Veiere's voice echoed in the hall, the open-concept design making such a thing easy. She raised a brow and then stepped further inside, finding the two of them comfortable with drinks in hand. One of them was tea. "Hello there....Fancy seeing you here, Darlyn. But it's a nice surprise nonetheless." Kay approached Veiere and gave his cheek a kiss. "I managed to sneak away for a bit. I thought that I'd give myself a couple of days."

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Fear May be a dark thing, but it's vital to living. Criminals are just a bit afraid when the Law is able to do something to stop them. It's a healthy sort of fear, not paranoia or panic. After all, if the guy with a desk job is as zealous in duty as I, then surely it would be foolish to break the law. The beauty of being a leader rather than a boss." If it wasn't obvious, he had some ingrained beliefs regarding how one should be. Perhaps instilled by his father before...

He chuckled a bit, raising the tea cup in return before taking a sip."But it's a fine line. This peace Commenor enjoys gives me more than enough reason to walk a line, rather than dip to one side. And I like to think I manage it well, certainly better than some. I've yet to do anything parricularly... Ah Kay!"

He smiled brightly and nodded to her. "Yes, Veiere invited me over for, a reason? I don't think he specified. Slip away from security did you? I'll have to figure out how and put a camera up there for next time. Just to be sure you're alright."

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

"Actually, this was merely a request for a social visit if I'm to be honest, Darlyn" Veiere smiled somewhat warily to [member="Darlyn Excron"], uncertain how their guest would entirely respond to the idea given how little they had to do with one another outside of their duties to Kay and the Commenori People.

"You've been with us a long time and I realize I can, at times seem somewhat...-Critical shall we say. I've grown old and I'm easily frustrated when it comes to unnecessary adversity or shall we say the lack of restraint in certain individuals who ought to be deterring such drama's....".

He sought to clarify though it probably sounded like another accusation, a wave of his hand in quick and casual dismissal instead raising his glass in a gesture of acknowledgement to the minister of justice would soon be followed by his concluding sentiment, "I wanted to show that for whatever I may seem in times of business, I respect what you've done and more to the point, I appreciate your service to my wife...".

She of whom Veiere would soon turn to, to look upon with a smile in adoration of her, something of a remark made out in further jest, humor in her their expense; "I daresay you've kept her out of atleast a little of the troubles that might have come her way without your loyal friendship to us both and to the Systems Alliance"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked at the security remark from [member="Darlyn Excron"]. Of course she knew hat he was kidding. Or at least she hoped that he was. "Ha ha ha...It just so happens that I allowed myself to be escorted up here. And besides, I'm not in the greatest of shape to be able to sneak around anywhere."

She looked over to her husband and wrapped an arm around his waist. Another smirk was given as he made his remarks about her being a magnet for trouble. "I can't help it. I'm just bad luck that way. Trouble likes me for some reason...At least here we'll have a break from trouble." One could only hope anyways.

She broke from [member="Veiere Arenais"] so that she could make her own tea, crumpling the leaves into her favourite cup and pouring in the hot water. "I didn't interrupt anything, did I? No 'man's night in' or anything like that?" If so, she could always just head upstairs. But she didn't expect that they'd send her away.

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Please, Kay, when have you been an unwarranted, or unwanted interruption? I think your presence is a welcome addition." He smiled and moved to sit back a bit more, his drink resting in his lap a bit. Quite the happy couple they were, it made his smile softer than usual, though he wouldn't be able to say why that was. Instead, all he could do was kind of, watch quietly while [member="Lady Kay"] got herself a cup of tea, and [member="Veiere Arenais"] thanked him for his friendship to the alliance, as well as themselves.

Which made him pause a moment, and think. "If I were to be perfectly frank, Veiere, my friendship to the Alliance as a whole is dependent on my employment, though I have found no small attachment to Commenor itself. It is nice, though, to know you appreciate what I do, I always assumed you would rather another sit in my place. I don't think I've ever hidden my, distaste for Jedi from you have I? Believe me, you've grown to be an exception to that, in part from you not trying to convert, kill, or run me away."

 

[WolfMortum]

"Your flare for the extreme aside, you've been nothing but loyal and compassionate to us and the Commenori People. Truthfully, I've never thought to remove you from Government, Darlyn..." He smiled some, speaking softly though his tone would fade off for a moment in pause, soon to conclude with his explanation for their more controversial of moments; "I do not approve of your delight in chaos though it is not a far cry from those invested within their alignment with the Dark Side of the Force...-I won't lie and say that it does not bother me yet I have learned to trust you as a person and set aside our differences for the hope that they not deter us from working together".

There had been a number of times when he'd spoken against Darlyn's behaviors or made some sort of half assed comment about his lack of maturity when it came to certain serious conditions requiring more of a focused mind, yet these were simply part of the mans character and Veiere, as he had said, had learned to tolerate them. No doubt there were aspects of Veiere himself that Darlyn had sought to ignore for the sake of their friendship, no one was perfect after all.

Turning to glance back to his Wife he would reply to her remark somewhat out of humor, "You're not bad luck, my love...-You simply attract all the wrong kinds of people".

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay knew that it wasn't just employment that kept [member="Darlyn Excron"] around. It was their friendship too. Of course if he didn't have his job he'd be off world more, but still his loyalty to their friendship was easily felt.

"Darlyn, you're very good at your job. And you're an even better friend. So don't think otherwise." Shw hoped that he wouldn't have any doubts.

She cradled her cup in her hands and smirked to [member="Veiere Arenais"] as he made his little joke at her expense. I may attract the wrong kind of people at times, but I attract the right people too." Kay sipped her tea, giving him a wink. More than likely he knew just who she was referring to.

"So what's on the agenda? Discussing how you're going to stop me from working soon?" That could prove to be more difficult than childbirth.

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"I can appreciate honesty Veiere." Darlyn smiled at [member="Veiere Arenais"], it was true he had things he overlooked with the man as well. Though, he had to admit, many of his problems with Jedi in general didn't fit the man, who at least acted on his principles instead of giving pointless lip service. Still, other parts were definitely overlooked, such as the whole will of the force thing. Darlyn had never bought into that, true or not, and didn't plan on waxing poetic over fate or anything like that anytime soon.

He took a drink of his tea as he watched him banter a bit with [member="Lady Kay"], who once more expressed her confidence in Darlyn despite, well, everything Veiere had to overlook. He gave things a little thinking, before chuckling. "Well, more so how we're going to keep you able to work without stressing yourself as you are. It's not exactly our best hope that you're going to stress your pregnant body after all." Honesty. Then though, he looked back at his lap in thought. "Though I have been meaning to talk to you about something Kay, but with the Praxeum attack and the chaotic time that's followed, there's never really been time to ask your opinion about it. As long as Veiere doesn't mind me taking a bit of a detour to ask you something that is." Truthfully, Veiere's opinion on what was on his mind would be equally valuable to him.

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Darlyn Excron"] now had his undivided attention.

"This ought to be interesting..."

Veiere chuckled softly, glancing to his wife with a look of intrigue.

It was easily assumed that this had something to do with Darlyn's place as Minister of Justice. Did he wish to transition somewhere else? Perhaps take on a larger role upon one of the other worlds within their territories?

Being reminded of the Praxeum was something of a negative to bring to the conversation though he understood the facts. They had all been shaken by the loss of the students that had been killed in the attack as well as the life of @Calder Icehammer for whom Veiere had taken on the blame personally in his wish to restrain the great beorni in his rush on the attack.

What resulted from his attempt to hold the great bear back had been the swift and brutal retaliation of the Iron Knight for whom had struck a fatal blow in response.

"Speak your mind, Darlyn. I'm all ears".

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay gave a half smile as [member="Darlyn Excron"] spoke of her stressing herself out too much. Maybe she was. But she was working at delegating tasks as well as sticking as close to home, or at home as possible. Yet there were always big decisions to be made and with the latest tensions in the Galaxy, she wanted to know of it as quickly as possible so that she could find solutions. But even worrying about that probably wasn't good either.

A brow was raised as Darlyn expressed his desire to talk to her about something that was off topic. She glanced over to her husband, wondering if he had any idea. But his look and his words said otherwise. [member="Veiere Arenais"] didn't really know either. So more than likely it wasn't some plot of theirs.

Kay turned her attention back to Darlyn and gave him a little nod, urging him to tell her what was on his mind. "What is it, Darlyn? You're not wanting to quit, are you?" That would be worrisome, to lose one of her favourite Ministers so soon. Of course it wasn't her place to force anyone to stay. Perhaps he'd move on like others had, into bigger and better things. She'd be at a loss in finding someone else.

She sipped her tea as she waited, hoping that the warm liquid would wash away her paranoia.

 

[Darlyn Excron]

How was he supposed to put this? It wasn't an easy thing to ask their opinion on, at all, and far from something they really had any say in regardless. It wasn't like he had to do whatever they said here, despite wanting their opinions on it, yet perhaps they could elucidate how stupid the idea in his head would be. Did he want them to say it was a bad idea? Perhaps, perhaps he wanted to hear the words of people he actually cared about, at least somewhat, to decide for certain. "No, Kay. It's not a work thing." He lifted his tea cup, and slowly pulled a spoon out into the cup, stirring it with the Force to help keep him somewhat calmed. He could probably still back out of it now, tell them not to worry about it. Before he asked them their thoughts about...

"I'm considering adoption." Well there went the chance to karking back out of it. Had he honestly just asked their thoughts on the matter? Him, an arguably alcoholic, violent man with a tendency for extravagance, a father? Granted at least Kay would know he had a hell of a soft spot for children, but Veiere? [member="Veiere Arenais"] would certainly laugh at him wouldn't he? Ah well, it was too late to back out. So he would wait, quietly letting his words hang in the air for them, for their response to his absurd idea.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[WolfMortum]

"Adoption?"

Veiere glanced back at [member="Darlyn Excron"] as if he hadn't heard him correctly, though any assumption that he might be displeased or concerned would soon be set at ease with the smile that followed. "This is certainly a most unexpected surprise..." He added, turning to smirk to his wife, she of whom had changed his life for the better with the inclusion of [member="Bradshaw Ku"] and [member="Rae-Anna Ku"]. [member="Lady Kay"] and her family had become the world to him, and now with their own on the way, he couldn't deny the positives to what came with the responsibility of being a caregiver and parent.

"I think, quite honestly, it would be a very positive learning curve for you, Darlyn" He offered a half nod, lifting his head in an approving manner; "Learning to love this child as your own would open you up to a lot more responsibility and force you to mature where you might otherwise think you need not do. There will be trying moments, as you can probably imagine with Bradshaw around here but it's all worth it when you care for them so and seek to empower and enrich their lives with love and the security you can offer them...".

Despite what might have been considered an expected argument, Veiere believed that in much like the acceptance and dedication in taking on an apprentice, children brought as much learning to the parent as the parent did the child. Through his involvement and convictions towards his family now, Veiere had come to learn a great deal more about himself and there had been times where nothing else could have gotten him through like the knowledge that they were always waiting on the other side, cementing that image and sanctuary that was their home in the hills. It was his family that made Commenor what it was to him now and without them, Veiere wouldn't be who he was today.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay breathed a sigh of relief as she was told that what [member="Darlyn Excron"] wanted to talk about had nothing to do with work. That was good news at the very least. Still he was dealing with anxiety from whatever was on his mind. It was almost as though it was troubling him.

And then he layed it out. Kay blinked in surprise. Adoption? It rekindled the memory of [member="Ghorua the Shark"] and when he told her that he wanted to adopt. The two went to Chasin City's orphanage and he found in there a little girl named Minna. She was brave and smart, even Force Sensative. The life of a bounty hunter wasn't the right kind of environment for a youngling, but Ghorua made it work. The two were so well suited for eachother that it seemed as though it was fate that their paths would cross. And she'd never seen the Herglic any happier than he was when Minna was with him.

She glanced over to [member="Veiere Arenais"] spoke, pretty much taking the words right out of her mouth. She sipped her tea while he gave his thoughts, placing her hand on her belly as she felt one of the two inside rolling over or stretching, she couldn't really tell.

When her husband had finished, Kay spoke up. "Veiere is right. It could be a wonderful change for you. Did you have someone in mind? Is that what spurred this on?" Adopting wasn't exactly something that one would just wake up on day and decide to do. There had to be a catalyst.