His Kids. His Wife. And their Dinner.

[Kei Amadis]

His Kids. His Wife. And their Dinner.

Kashyyyk
Riverside Cabin.
Warm Fire. Log Floor. Quiet Evening

Three Things you couldn’t do well without.

Family.
Food.

And apparently LOTS OF PAINT. Around a large picture of her mother which Amelia was making. She was doing well for a two-year-old. Fingerpainting actually, on some paper but also all over the cloth below and some on the floor. Rags of a black t-shirt on, jeans and hololocket. Not dressed for dinner yet! Kei was also sat there, covered in paint. Because Kei was a bigger kid than Amelia was right about now. That and the Jedi Master was having fun.

Elara and Kei had not been out together for what seemed like an age. Not just them alone. How could they with two younglings fingerpainting all over the floor, and running around the house shooting a blaster gun…

“BLAST BLAST” Mathayus shot Kei.

Kei made a long dramatic pose of himself dying, worthy of any good diva, paint covered hands outstretched as he lay back.

Amelia crawled on over, he opened one eye and closed it again. So she giggled and painted his nose golden. While Elara….

[member="Elara Amadis"]​

 

[Elara Amadis]

Children they had two children and she was amazed by them still and all they could do at this young age. Amelia with her creative eye and Mathayus with his ever lasting need to hunt and shoot. They were definitely their children.

Elara watched from a doorway she gave Kei time with the children alone. He needed it to bond with them, his duties sometimes took him away a bit too long making the chileren and herself restless.

Mathayus was now stalking Kei as he moved between the futurniture. The gold paint on the tip of Kei's nose glistened warmly under the lights of the cabin. Elara whispered careful both children turned their hearing was not as good as her own but it was still above that of others. She wondered too what other gifts and talents they would inherit from her and Kei. Their mixed blood a blessing and a curse.

"OH MY GOODNESS is that Daddy!! Is he....dead?" Elara tiptoed closer looking down at Kei, "I think you got him....and he's so pretty Amelia good job!" Elara tried not to laugh.

"Shall we test to see if he's ok..." Elara reached down pulling his shirt to reveal his ribs, "Look right there that spot....go tickle tickle."

Amelia's little fingers wiggled against Kei's skin. Mathayus came from the corner wanting to help. It was tackle Dad time now...

[member="Kei Amadis"]

 

[Kei Amadis]

Amadis didn’t move. Strong as a rock. Jedi Master. Grizzled with years of campaigns fighting Sith.

Oh okay he was laughing. Mock fighting them both with his hands. “No more. No more. You win.” Amelia looked at him, Kei looked back up at Amela “Someone’s getting a fat belly!” She tried to run but it was too late! He grabbed Amelia and did a raspberry on her stomach. Then she started giggling. Mathayus got one too so nobody felt left out. “Daaaad!”

Yep that meant a certain Elara Amadis. Kei looked at Mathayus, then at Elara, then back to his son, winking at him. Plots were afoot. The boy reached his hands out and tried to tickle hug his mum back. Kei of course did the same lightly but his ended with a kiss to her cheek, and a long-needed embrace of her to him. She was pulled down to him at his side, arms firmly around her. Amelia not wanting to be left out tried to hug them both, but her arms couldn’t reach. Kei picked Amelia up on his right arm, and got her in a bit closer to both of them, squatting with Elara on the floor.

Family sized hug. A long time coming. Everyone joined in.

“How are you my love. ” Kei asked Elara. A small question, it felt like a lifetime since he’d seen her. It was hard to keep a straight grin with his daughter messing with his cheek, poking his nose now, but then she was his daughter, and liked to play the little terror. Mathayus just yesterday tried to climb the nearest tree, and Kashyyyk’s trees were never small. Kei had found him somewhere above the cabin looking down. Which was impressive for someone so young, also a bit frightening, and not surprising because he had his Mother's spirit. He'd have to cut some of the nearer ones down and put a fence up.

Kei had a scar down his cheek still, every day he looked older, but Elara to him, she was always that woman he’d met on Nar Shadda. He kissed her again, because he couldn’t ever not kiss her. Amelia leaned her head on her mothers shoulder, and Kei wondered if she'd like to take her, or Mathayus who was standing there a bit left out. “She’s getting better.” He looked at the finger painting, more of which had now ended up on Kei’s cheek. Well at least it'd get the diners talking tonight.

[member="Elara Amadis"]​

 

[Elara Amadis]

This was a life that she had never expected to have. This cabin with all it's touches that she and Kei had placed there, a blanket bought on a market day with credits that came few and far between, a holo on the day Mathayus was born sat beside the one of the day Amelia was born. A husband who loved as hard as he fought.

It was perfection a simple life filled with honest values.

"I'm fine." She was fine she was more then fine she was fulfilled. If something took her life tomorrow aside from seeing her children grow into adults she could die knowing she had everything.

The conspiracy however currently developing whilst she filled her head with wonder was something she was missing, a knowing wink betwen father and son, a giggle from an adorable daughter then suddenly the pressure of a hug, multiple hugs. At first she felt stiff within moments she melted into the arms of those with her. A welcome memory of a day she hoped would be filled with memories.

Mathayus their daredevil had not only her sense of adventure but he had his father's sense of justice of what was right and wrong. Even at this young age he hated to see bully's picking on others. The bruise on his cheek from a wookie slap more than the fall from a tree. He had not healed fully an indication that her healing abilities were not as strong in him.

Amelia was growing into her own person so much yet for her to learn. "She is getting better, I think they have both inherited some of your strength." She looked at Amelia hard to tell yet what she would do.

"I have missed you, we all have" She didn't want to imply hers was more wanting than the children but in truth he at times was her balance the one who kept the feral nature of her in check. "Shall we stand like this all day?"

The kids laughed, "no mom...I can't breathe" he pushed his tongue out and pretended to choke, which prompted Amelia to do the same. Drama llamas both of them.

 

[Kei Amadis]

Shall we stand like this all day.
“Yes.”

Air was an issue after a moment! He kissed Elara’s forehead, and then his daughters, giving them all room to breathe. Amadis placed Amelia on the ground, “if you are choking, remember this,” Kei took her hands and ticked his ribs. Which was a way of showing a young child something important for later, both where to apply pressure to remove food, but also to defend yourself. No child of his would grow up defenseless to life or to others.

He patted her head softly and stroked her hair. “Are we going shooting later Dad?” Kei cleared his throat, he’d never let his young son fire a weapon obviously but… “Not shooting. Hunting.” Kei winked, “shooting is for what?” Kei waited, “Stupid people.” Mathyius replied.“Hunting is for what?” He looked at his son. Mathayus tried to remember, “family and food.” Kei squatted down and checked his toy gun. “Good boy. You’ve got to look after your sister tonight.” Mathayus had a half look of ‘do I have to’ and ‘Okay then…’. “Family.” He reminded him. Making sure he understood. There would be responsibility in Mathayus, between Elara and Kei no child of theirs was going to be tame, and he wouldn't want them to be. Nobody had ever taught responsibility enough to Amadis growing up, so he would to both of them to temper it.

“Patches and Zacka are about an two hours away,” The impending dinner. First. Kei stood back up and came to Elara, “how is your sister.” His voice was caring, and the way he looked at her was always like the first time. Could be ten years, twenty a hundred, and he’d be standing there with that grin, looking right at her. Hand on her shoulder.

[member="Elara Amadis"].

 

[Elara Amadis]

She watched him pride showed on her face as he taught their children the values they both felt so strongly about.

Family First she would say to them, her heart though it knew as they grew these words could become whispers as they found their own paths. But while in this house they would understand family first.

They did not hunt for sport, they hunted for food. Both their children would know how, there were no princes and princesses in this house there never would be. Elara smiled as their won repeated the words [member="Kei Amadis"] Kei had spoken.

A small whine from Amelia told her that she wasn't happy about brother taking care of her either. But this was not just about a brother taking care of a sister, it was about responsibility, and bonding for the children as well as their parents. Though they wouldn't be alone but it was clear the Mathayus would bear some of the responsibilties, like getting them both a snack when it was time.

"Sister" Elara nodded, "she does well. There are still moments where she steps back in time but for the most part she seems to have found her path." That as because of him, her, Zacka, and Patches their extended family.

"Uncle Patches and Uncle Zak coming by tonight too." The children nodded sorta. It was the prospect she knew that they were going out and the kids staying in. "I thought you liked them coming over?"

Mathayus nodded, "yes..." He looked at his father, "We will go later?" Ahh it was coming out Mathayus wanted time with Kei. Amelia sat down with a thump and played with her rag doll. Still to young to care about some things.

 

[Kei Amadis]

Her sister. It was also because of her, “We did alright there.” He was happy, and took her hand in his, putting his fingers through hers. Couldn’t win them all, but they’d done alright. Looking at her to see how she really felt. “Yeah?” He didn’t move till he was sure. His eyes steadfast on hers, never moving an inch. Watching her face, and her feelings.

Amadis looked at the cabin, then to his boy with his other hand, resting it on his shoulder. “Yes. Tomorrow Mathayus. If you prepare, and remember what to bring, we’ll go for a weekend.” Kei grinned and held his son, his wife. “You and me.” He’d probably have five hundred reports on his desk taking two days off. He didn’t care one bit.

Didn’t get these moments back. Too many died before they got them at all. Speaking of moments long overdue. “Need to get ready?” Because he’d take her in anything. Probably should get in clothes not covered in paint first himself, not that wookiees cared much. “You need time, I’ve got the kids.” Kissing her hand. Then lowering it. If she didn’t he’d go change first.

He still wasn’t telling her where they were headed. If she asked, she’d find a firm grin not saying word. Which didn’t help the choice of clothes. Only that, “you’ll like it. Be yourself.” Typical thing a man said. In this case, it couldn't be any more right. He knew her. Better than anyone. Fangs and all. Amelia had finished her Mother's painting and was now wanting to show it. Small set of sharp teeth on the little girl smiling back, maybe even got a growl, or was she just hungry.

Whatever happened next. A few mintues early Patches and Zacka were soon at the door. Zacka had dresed up in a brown suit, still the same old hat, more wrinkled than ever. Patches had a white thick jumper with braces, huge boots, bald head and absolutely massive grey trousers. He'd been putting on a bit of weight it seemed, and he'd been big already. Dwarfing the older cage these days, who most of the time used the cane. Too much home cooking because people always seemed to be bringing him food for helping them out. "Elara," Zacka had his hat in his hands, "how are the young un's of the young un's?" Patches silently seemed to be carrying a bag of treats behind his back, wondering if he coukd get them in for the kids without being spotted.

[member="Elara Amadis"]​

 

[Elara Amadis]

More than alright really. She nodded to him accepting of his summary of how it had gone, it could have all gone much worse. "I will remember everything" he would try and his young mind would race ahead too all the things he wanted to do with his father, just as Amelia would stay with Elara and do other things. Not little girl things really, play with dolls, cook, all the things some societies considered a girls role. No.

Elara would teach Amelia how to survive even at this young age there were games she could teach her that later would make more sense.

She suddenly realized she liked this role of mother. "Time. oh yes." She couldn't go in what she was wearing she looked more like she was ready for planting something rather than dinner with her husband. Her mate.

"I'll be back shortly" She also wasn't one for the fuss of make up and jewelry, but she did invest in this dress for nights out with Kei. When she reappeared she smoothed the dresses very conscious of how it made her look. Curves. Her bright hair. Her golden skin.

She met the boys with a grin, "The youngin's are great, how are you two?" Kei was the next one in to get ready while Elara played hostess.

Mathayas was at the door, "Uncle Zak, Uncle Patches guess what Dad is taking me hunting!"

Amelia stood there holding her doll and smiling knowing that neither of her adopted Uncles could deny her cuteness. Patches was first to reach down and pick her up. Some connection they had really perhaps it was the lack of speech they both currently shared but it was evident that they had their own language.

"Huntin! You big nuf for that already?" Zacka knew he was getting old but damn this old that quick...

"Ya sure about allowing that Lara" She nodded, "Yes its normal for children of our worlds to learn young, did you learn anything young?"

Zacka turned a bit pink, "Yessum...but ah not hunting."

Elara laughed.

[member="Kei Amadis"]

 

[Kei Amadis]

I will remember everything. “So will I.” He told his boy. Waiting and playing with the children, encouraging Patches to hand over the bag with a shake of his head and a grin. The bald gentle giant dishing the treats out to the children as if he was one himself. “You are a lucky lad.” Zacka told Kei, looking over the two younglings with him, “betta be behaving yourself! No leapin off buildings or exploding ships ya hear!” The Cage grumbled something, and put his hat down, pulling back his dry grey hair.

“Gorgeous.” Kei walked up and kissed Elara on the lips as soon as he saw her. Hand on her cheek. “Eeeewwww Dad.” Mathayus said, chewing on one of the small pile of treats Patches had snuck in. The large bald man looking up at Elara quiet as he almost always was with a smile, and maybe some chocolate stuck to his face. Patches was one big kid right about now, in his element playing with both of them!

Then it was Kei's turn to get ready. A few minutes passed. Walking back through, with almost all the gold off his nose. Kei had gone somewhere between a suit and smart casual. Maybe someone had finally given him some clothing advice. Tailored dark blue blazer unbuttoned, black dress shirt unbuttoned at the top, smart casual black trousers, and shined shoes. Okay, the belt had missed a single hook on the side, his heels were scuffed, and he’d never lost that stubble. Not too bad. Amadis making an effort for their night together.

Joining a laugh from the group. He was leaning on the wall watching them. Ten years ago, he’d have never pictured this moment in front of him. The six of them were family. Tight as they came. Been through a bit together. He didn’t want to interrupt. His daughter came over and stood with him, watching and wondering what he was watching. Offering him another small thing she’d made, a paper bird. “Thank you Amelia, you are very good at his.” Putting the bird in his shirt pocket, safely wrapped up in a handkerchief, and holding her to his side. "Make sure you keep one for yourself, so you can enjoy them too." Balance.

Time passed. Glad they had the extra minutes together. All moments had to change. There was a wookiee roaring outside. Kei kissed his children and embraced them once more, “listen to Zacka now, he’s looking after you tonight.” Putting his arm around Elara’s waist and walking her out when she was ready.

This was Kashyyyk. So what arrived was a native driven silver speeder, with a white seat in the back for two. Open top, the Wookiee driver growled another hello, showing his own teeth in a smile that might match Elara's. Moving ahead of her, Kei first opened the door for his wife, “Mrs Amadis.” he said happily. Before she could react, he picked her straight up in both arms, and lifted her in, sitting beside her. In front of them on a small chest was a bottle of something on ice, two glasses and a single candle, unlit. The speeder started up, and they were away.

[member="Elara Amadis"]​

 

[Elara Amadis]

Was it really ten years? So fleeting it was time one moment running down the streets of Nar Shadaa to cruising around Kashyyyk with a cold drink and a man that she would die for. She knew that any woman who saw him dressed like this, Elara reached over and touched Kei's jacket, anyhow that woman would see what she saw a handsome man who could steal hearts.

As they walked out of the cabin Elara looked back, "Be good" a simple warning but she knew it fell on deaf ears not that the children were bad but that Zak and Patches would pretty much let them do whatever as long as it didn't result in bleeding and broken bones. She shook her head as Zacka and Patches waved bye. She looked at Kei, "I'll bet you either Zacka or Patches have their hair braided, and are wearing paint by time we get home."

Amelia had this connection to nature it seemed she loved animals. It was a good connection to have.

She was preparing to say something when Kei picked her up, "OH!" She reacted quickly to hang on bring her lips closer to his cheek, "a romantic you are my love" She settled in quickly and noticed the glasses, "ohh...trying to take advantage me early are you?" She winked at him teasing him with her words.

She inched closer to her husband smiling, "This is wonderful I love it." The speeder took off with a tiny jolt, "I love the stars here, you can seem them clearly..." Without speaking she rested her head on his shoulder, just watching the skies enjoying Kei's company.

[member="Kei Amadis"]

 

[Kei Amadis]

And every year of life with her, and now his children, was one he was grateful for.

Paint. “Might be an improvement.” Kei grinned. “Not sure patches has enough hair left, talking about getting a wig.” He tried not to laugh. Apparently, P had more than one admirer giving him free meals and wanted to look his best. Turning to the trees, Amelia, she’d be even more at home where they were headed than her brother. Not strange for two parents to be thinking of their daughter at the exact same moment.

Keeping an embracing arm around his wife and holding Elara there to him. Kei looked across with a mischievous grin. Advantage. “Trying?” He pulled her in close for a kiss. That kiss was love. Pure and simple in his eyes. He didn’t move, looking straight at the woman he loved. Heart on his sleeve. Resting his forehead on hers and watching her fangs. Till he closed his eyes.

The wookiee was much like a chauffeur behind a privacy screen ahead, taking them for a tour under the stars to start, along a riverbank, he was a careful local driver and knew the path like the back of his hand. It gradually extended to a long lake to their side, moonlight hitting the water. Three moons, and each of them on its surface, tonight was the tri-moon.

When Kei opened his eyes again. Turning to look where she was looking. Amadis tried to recognize star patterns. “Starting to see them.” It had taken some adjustment to Kashyyyk, “that’s the core,” he pointed where the clusters were brightest, “think that’s where Coruscant is,” he turned the other direction “over there toward that light,” spotting one, “Voss.” Not having a map exactly, a few he knew, “and,” he looked at her, because there was one he’d never forget. “Nar Shadda.”. Keeping his hand out, to where he'd first met her. Crazy as that day was, it was one that he'd never forget.

Toward larger trees, there were warming fires in there an amber glow. Their night drive was heading across the tri-moonlight lake now, flying across its surface. As they rippled past the water, the speeder left a subtle wake behind them. The glow from the three moons on the water were three shades of blue, like a near night watery sunset or moonset going on below them. “Mrs Amadis,” he looked down into her eyes, “anything, in this galaxy or the next that you want.” Keeping her there, “name it”

[member="Elara Amadis"]​

 

[Elara Amadis]

The kiss soft and gentle given in love and returned in love. Not that their passions had cooled but it had matured as they had. Their responsibilities stared at them each night before bed. Their children a representation of love complete and expanding to others.

This was a treat to be driven around by a their own personal driver she couldn't help but wonder how he arranged it. Kashyyyk was not Voss and they had lived on both she turned her head looking up to where Kei pointed, "it seems so far away." But then he pointed to Nar Shaddaa, "What a great day that was" She laughed as she reached out to line her arm to his interlacing her fingers into his as they both pointed to the crime world where they had met.

The Core there she could live without that. All the problems of the galaxy seemed to pool at the Core selfishly she thought let it be there and not here. Let them fester their hatreds and secrets there. She wanted not part of it. she looked to Kei it was those kinds of problems that had taken him from home. She wanted to fight the good fight she would not deny it but she wanted her children to know their father.

It was no small thing to ask really. She smiled and glanced out to the water the moons reflecting in the ripples like silverfish skimming the waves. This was peace.

"anything I want?" She looked up at him, "Kei, my dearest mate, I have everything and more. For this night though I will take in each of those looks that show your love for me and hope that you see it reflected back at you." She took her other hand reached up to touch his cheek lightly, "A fire, some dinner, and you though would be a welcome gift."

Yes time was precious and as much a gift as anything tangible.

[member="Kei Amadis"]