Home is where the heart beckons.

[Alexandra Porte]

Breathe in... And breathe out.

Alexandra stood still in the middle of the lush meditation garden of the Jedi Enclave on Svivren for a few more moments with her eyes closed, drinking in the serenity and natural beauty of the Outer Rim planet through the Force. The world was humming with vibrant life including those of Alex's two young children. The light side of the Force too filled her with peace, but more so hope... Something the Taanabian hadn't felt fully in a long time. Yes, longing and/or desire within seemed to grow with each and every heartbeat... Hope was being rekindled.

Kahne is coming... He's coming home! she mused silently to herself in elation, and relief as well.

The brunette's eyes flew open as Alex's booted feet began to move on their own accord. A hand stretched out quickly and called the outer tunic of her burgundy and charcoal Jedi robes from the stone bench it rested on nearby as the apprentice immediately left the gardens for the Enclave's hangar where all arrivals were routed.

Hope's Pride was sitting on the landing pad where Alexandra had left the SoroSuub Horizon-class star yacht when she and the twins came to live and train at the Svivren Jedi Enclave while Kahne and his master were out on their sojourn or whatever the two Jedi Masters were calling it. She didn't understand fully the whole reasoning behind the sudden need to go off but supported her husband nonetheless without question as the Force spoke to him in ways Alex could not understand. Perhaps he would open up and explain it more so after their reunion.

Brandy brown orbs peered up into the sky as a ship broke through the light cloud cover and vectored towards the hangar on approach. The sight of the Legacy brought a smile to Alex's lips. The Taanabian beauty reached up and pulled the tie holding her high ponytail in place, then shook out the long sunkissed-brown tresses with her hand before smoothing over her Jedi robes while waiting patiently at the edge of an open landing pad next to her heavily modified star yacht... well she tried to anyway. The anticipation of being in the loving arms of the Naboo again was killing her.

Breathe in. Breathe out.


Kahne Porte

 

[Kahne Porte]

It didn't take long for the ship to touch down, settling into the steel frame of the landing pad. Kahne reached for his bag as he placed the strap over his shoulder. Kahne instructed to gala to run some diagnostics to see if there was anything that needed to be repaired while he was here. The ramp lowered and the Jedi Master took in the fresh air and he couldn't help but smile. He descended down the ramp and the first thing he could see in the distance was his wife, Alexandra Porte

She looked as beautiful as ever, as great as the first day he met her. Which was always still in his mind and held a special place in his heart. That fate, or the force had brought them together that day. He would be forever thankful...

He could sense her impatience, that caused him to chuckle.

"Excuse me? I'm looking for my wife, you wouldn't happen to know where she is would you?" Kahne inquired to Alexandra in a teasing tone, stopping just a few feet from her. "She's got brown hair, toned,and she's incredibly beautiful." Kahne couldn't help but stare at her with a huge smile on his face. He knew in just a matter of moments they would be in each others arms.

He missed her terribly.

 

[Alexandra Porte]

"She definitely has all those qualities I would agree and smart too," Alexandra quipped back lightly in the same teasing tone; her brandy brown eyes continuing to gaze into Kahne Porte 's blue pools with longing. Yes, so much longing. Gods how she'd missed him! "And I happen to know exactly where your wife can be found too. How about I show you to her personally?"

And with that said, the brunette closed the gap between them in a couple of quick strides, then she jumped into her husband's waiting arms; long legs wrapping around his waist while lips devoured the Naboo's in a welcoming kiss for the ages.

After a moment or three, the kiss ended as oxygen needs prevailed. Even Jedi have to stop and breathe.

"Erm... Is that your lightsaber or are you just happy to see me?" the Taanabian questioned in a husky voice as their foreheads touched one another in a tender state. I know, I know it's cliché to ask, but something was indeed poking her.

 

[Kahne Porte]

Kahne smirked and chuckled at her response, and she she started forward he in turn dropped his bag and met her as she leaped into his arms. The Jedi missed her terribly and it showed as he kissed her passionately. His arms wrapped around her and his lips explored her neck and back again in show of love and just how much he missed her.

"It could be a bit of both." Kahne said with a laugh. "I've missed you so much Alexandra." The Jedi said as he leaned in and kissed her once again. "Shall we go somewhere private." The Jedi said with a small laugh.

Alexandra Porte

 

[Alexandra Porte]

Oh my.....

Alexandra could feel her cheeks begin to grow hot with Kahne Porte 's response.

"Oh, you... Get out of my head," she chortled, knowing her thoughts were most likely broadcasting on loud with no filter, then the brunette dropped her legs down to the ground and stood before him on booted feet. "Yes, lets... " came Alex's answer with a conspiratorial wink added before taking his hand and spinning around to lead them back to their quarters at the temple.

~~~

A contented sigh crossed Alexandra's lips as she nestled up against Kahne, wrapped in his loving arms. It was times like this the Taanabian cherished. They were all too few in her book, but that was the life of a Jedi couple. Dedicated to serve others and to follow the Force where need be. The Jedi Master had never faltered in that regard. Why he was gone so much.

"Well I think we have seriously vetted the theory distance makes the heart grow fonder today," she chuckled softly as fingers drew lazy circles upon her husband's chest.

"The children have adjusted to being here nicely... Speaking of which, Aiden and Addison will be released from their morning youngling class in about forty minutes. I usually pick them up, then we have lunch together before they go back for an afternoon session. The Twins will be so happy to see you, sweetheart, and show off I'm sure what they have learned since you've been away."

Her dark head turned from where it was pillowed on the Naboo's shoulder and eyes looked up.

"So... anything special I should know about your latest adventure? How is your master? He didn't return with you."

 

[Kahne Porte]

That passionate time they spent together was always something special and great. Kahne cherished every moment that he spent with Alexandra. As she nestled up against him he leaned in and kissed her forehead. The Jedi listened attentively to his wife as she spoke of their children, and he couldn't wait to see them at lunch. He missed them a great deal and now that he was done he would be spending as much time with them as he possibly could.

"Tiberias had some things to take care of back home on Midvinter. There have been some interesting developements from what he explained to me." Kahne knew that Tiberias had his own life and his own things going on. He was just happy he came to visit and had helped him with his quest. It was something that needed to be done.

Kahne turned in towards her hand in his as his other gently caressed her thigh. "I need to tell you something Alexandra." Kahne said with a small smile, showing that it wasn't something terrible that effected their relationship but something that did affect the family at a good degree.

"You remember, the shadow from my past." Kahne inquired, referring to the woman whom turned to the darkside and was an old flame and Jedi to Kahne. "I received some information that she had gathered a force deep in the unknown regions. Tiberias, myself and a handful of old friends Jedi and Alliance soldiers alike went out there and ended her plans before anything else could happen."

Kahne raised his hand to the side of Alexandra's face as he caressed then her cheek. "We won't ever have to deal with her again, I promise."

Alexandra Porte

 

[Alexandra Porte]

"Many of the Silver Jedi call Midwinter their homeworld. I heard them talking about it in the mess hall at Silver Rest when we were staying there. Everyone speaks so highly of the world espeically of the planet's rugged beauty, cold and snowy as it is," Alex commented in a soft wistful voice. "I would like some time to visit there with you, and the twins too perhaps when they are older so they can appreciate the experience more. Right now their attention spans are a bit short."

She had seen many a part of the galaxy during her time in the military and flying with Rogue Squadron, but the Tingal Arm had been one of those far away places out of the elite pilot's reach in that regard.

As Kahne Porte turned more inward towards her, Alexandra lifted up her outside leg and draped it over his. The tender touch of his hand caressing over the silky smooth skin of her toned thigh nearly took her breath away. It was the perfect balance of fingertip pressure and drag to make it feel so good. He knew just how to make his wife go hmm.

When their eyes met again, she searched his. They were so full of love yet something else lingered. The Jedi Master's initial words of "I need to tell you something" made the Taanabian bite her lower lip in anticipation of bad news, but it seemed to be quite the opposite indeed!

"So the Dark Lady is no more? Oh, that is such a relief... Ever since that fateful day she attacked us on the space station, well I've always been looking over my shoulder at the shadows," Alex replied, then added with some concern. "Are you okay with this, Kahne?" she asked, cupping his face lovingly with her hand. "I mean there could only have been one outcome for the sake of all, and it couldn't have been an easy deed knowing your history with her. I am glad Tiberias was by your side when I could not."

 

[Kahne Porte]

"I know you guys would enjoy it there. The scenery is amazing and there is so much history with the planet itself." Kahne leaned in and kissed his wife on the lips and he gently touched his nose to hers ever so lightly. "We should plan a trip there sometime soon. It would be a good vacation." Kahne did in fact miss Midvinter, his first trip their was nothing short of amazing. Despite the circumstances of his arrival their, it was always somewhere nice to be. And now that there was a newly crowned King and Queen, it would be even better to go now. Kahne was present during Thurion's and Coci's inauguration.

He glanced down to Alexandra's leg as his moved over his affectionately. And as he listened to her response, he thought about it for a few brief moments and everything seemed the same as it did before in reference to the shade from his past.

"She's gone, my lightsaber pierced her chest and she's no more." Kahne said as his voiced turned almost remorseful yet determined. "I'm okay with it, and it needed to be done. I couldn't imagine her doing something to harm you or the children. And not just you guys, but the rest of the galaxy. I'm glad Tiberias was there, it was tough, but it is done."

He closed his eyes as he leaned into her cupped hand. "I've missed you." The Jedi whisphered to Alexandra, almost showing a moment of weakness. While the deed itself was easy to do, the aftermath seemed to have a lasting repurcussions on his soul and mind. And he was almost at a place to where he didn't want to leave Alexandra's side again.

Alexandra Porte

 

[Alexandra Porte]

Alexandra wrapped her arms around her husband and pulled Kahne Porte closer. "I've missed you more than you'll ever know, and love you with all my heart, Kahne, always have, always will. Don't ever forget that especially when times are troubling," she whispered lovingly, then pressed her lips to his in a tender and impassioned kiss.

The Force seemed to be flowing with soothing warmth in and around the couple as they laid there in each other's arms. It wasn't by accident when they met on Sullust seven years prior; he with the New Jedi Order, and she with Rogue Squadron. It had been their destiny to do so by the will by the Force. And here they were now, stronger as two, together as one in both heart and soul.

An alarm that had been preset on Alexandra's iComm started to sound. She had set to alert her when it was ten minutes until the time to pick up the twins from their youngling class. The brunette reluctantly disentangle herself from the Naboo and slipped out of bed to find the communication device haphazardly left atop the dresser next to her lightsaber across the room.

"Come on, lover boy... " the Taanabian beauty teased lightly. "We need to get dressed. It's almost lunchtime with the kids. This is to be continued later," she winked mischievously, then reached down to grab the Jedi Master's clothes off the floor and tossed them over to him before stepping into the fresher with a renewed glow about her.

Gods how she cherished homecomings!

 

[Kahne Porte]

When she wrapped her arms around him and held him close, he couldn't have felt more at home. Kahne knew that he never couldn't forget that. But the fact that she was telling him just made him feel more at peace. The alarm was heard and that was pretty much a signal that their time was up as they had parental duties to tend to. He caught his clothes with a chuckle and just smiled.

"Of course, I can't wait to see the children. I missed them so much." Kahne said as he stood up and after taking a quick shower he got dressed. Lacing up his boots he glanced over to Alexandra.

"You almost ready sweetheart?"

Alexandra Porte

 

[Alexandra Porte]

Alexandra was already redressed and out in the kitchen area preparing another 'sack' lunch when Kahne Porte walked out from the bedroom in stocking feet with his sturdy yet well-worn leather boots in hand.

"I am almost there. It's just a minute's walk. We still have time."

The brunette flashed a bright smile back at her husband as he sat at the small dining table lacing up those boots. Now, this was a sight she'd like to see all the time. Yeah it was selfish of her to think so, but it meant that the Naboo was home all to herself, well mostly. All those months away on his missions and them parted, well it took its toll even if Alexandra tried to deny it. Even meditation could not relieve all of her wistful thoughts and nightmarish-scenarios that circulated her mind especially when alone at night in the dark.

"Believe me, they have really missed you too. It will be good for all of us to be together as a family again," Alex replied, then finalized the basket that held the food topping it off with more napkins and wipes for the messy marvins of the group.

"The twins and I had planned to take the short hike up the hill to the green meadow that overlooks the temple grounds and the valley. Aiden and Addison both love to be in the outdoors exploring nature. Plus, they get to run off a little steam and just be kids too. That's important at this stage of their development I feel," the Taanabian added, grabbing the basket off the counter and heading towards the door of the Porte family quarters, then once outside Alexandra led the way around the edge of the courtyard to where the classrooms were located on the other side.

"Their teacher is quite impressed with the skills the two have already excelled at for younglings... It will be interesting to see if they already have sensed your presence. Our children seem to be strong in the Force like their father... " she nodded knowingly, then a tick later flashed a lopsided grin at the dark-haired Jedi Master strolling next to her. "And have their mother's stubbornness."

 

[Kahne Porte]

He felt content, serene, it was very nice. As he tied up his boots and dressed up in his casual gear. Something not fitted for as if he was charging into battle against the entirety of the Sith Order. He couldn't help but giggle slightly as he glanced over to Alexandra. She was happy to have him him, he didn't need the force to see that. And he was happy to be home.

The Jedi Master found himself with a little pep in his step as they walked across the courtyards He was excited to see the children, and just to be with his whole family in general. When Alexandra Porte mentioned the meadow were they liked to go it seemed like a great place. The Jedi could feel the presence of his children, and their force signatures were strong.

"I'm not that strong my love." Kahne said as he reached around her waist and pulled her close to him, as they neared the classroom. He backed her up against the wall, which was empty. He didn't want to make too big of a scene. "Your not that stubborn either." He said as he leaned in and gave her a strong passionate kiss on the lips.

 

[Alexandra Porte]

She certainly liked it when Kahne Porte got frisky. It was good to see him this way; in a lighter mood and not so serious. He took the call of duty to the heart sometimes at the expense of his overall well-being more often than not it seems as time went by.

"Mhm, well you are plenty strong where and when it counts, in my eyes at least," Alex answered with a knowing waggle of her sienna brows just before her back was pressed up against the wall of the building and the Jedi Master's lips devoured the brunette's briefly leaving his wife a bit breathless afterward.

Alexandra chuckled softly as two separated again and continued on walking to the entrance to the youngling classroom hand-in-hand.

"I thought you liked it when I was determined... " she quipped with a glint in her brandy brown orbs, then her free palm came up and hit the wall panel opening the door to the happy voices of children.

 

[Kahne Porte]

"I'm glad I'm strong to someone." Kahne responded playfully to Alexandra as the duo shared a kiss before breaking up and heading back down the hallway. He watched as Alexandra hit the panel athat opened the door to the room. As soon as he heard the door open he heard the voices of his children as well as the scattered voices of the other younglings. Their instructor must've known who he was because he didn't object as he heard "Dad!" and "Daddy!" Kahne moved forward quickly and knelt down as he hugged Aiden and Addison as if life depended on it. The Jedi Master placed a kiss on either of their foreheads as he held on to them for a little bit longer before looking up to meet their instructor.

"You must be Kahne Porte, Alexandra and the children have talked about you a lot."

"All good I hope." Kahne said as he stood up and extended his hand to her. "My name is Kahne Porte. It's nice to meet you....?"

"Oh forgive me, I am Master Dinn. I've been here since the enclave was restored."

Kahne glanced over to Alexandra as he gave her a small wink and then looked down to the children. He missed them so much, and it was clear that they missed him as both were holding on to either of his arms.

"Thank you again for everything. I'm sorry I have to steal them away from you in the middle of the lesson."

The instructor waved her hand dismissively at Kahne at laughed. "Not to worry, we were just wrapping up anyway. But same time tomorrow though. They still have much to learn."

"That they do...." Kahne said as he looked to Alexandra with a smile on his face. He couldn't have been any more happy or at peace right now.

Alexandra Porte

 

[Alexandra Porte]

Alexandra just stood back and let the children and Kahne Porte reunite. It made her heart swell with joy to see. In fact, the Taanabian's brandy brown eyes got all misty at the sight. She quickly blinked the moisture away, then gave an appreciative nod to the Jedi teacher.

"Yes, thank you for accommodating us, Master Dinn. We will definitely see you tomorrow," Alex smiled, then followed her husband and the twins, who each held a hand of his, out the door.

"Are we still going on a picnic today cause Daddy needs to see our spot so he knows how to find it?" Addison asked, then Aiden piped in as well. "And I want to show Dad how I can move the rocks... We can move the rocks, you mean," Addy corrected with a sisterly glare at her brother. Aiden made a face back at her.

The brunette gazed over to Kahne with quiet amusement, then back to the children. "Yes, of course, Just as we planned but with one more for lunch," she grinned, then tapped the picnic basket carried. "I already made your father a sandwich so why don't you two lead the way."

"Yay! Whoopie!" the two Porte kids shouted excitedly, then they dropped their father's hands and ran ahead towards the bridge that would take them across the river.

Alexandra's long legs brought her up beside Kahne, then she slipped her eager hand into the Naboo's now empty, enterlacing their fingers together lovingly. "I am so happy you're home, sweetheart," she voiced softly, then kissed his cheek tenderly as they walked together contently along the path that would take them to the meadow across the way from the temple with Aiden and Addison in sight ahead.

 

[Kahne Porte]

Kahne couldn't help but laugh at the excitement of their children. He thanked Master Dinn and turned with his son and daughter holding a hand on either side of him. They had grown so much, and he hated every minute that he was apart from them. The life they had in them was something of spectacular. Such joy and happiness, it was something that Kahne could bask in every single day. He heard the mention of lifting rocks and he just chuckled and shook his head.

"I know you both are going to do great." Kahne called after them as they let go of his hand and ran up ahead towards the bridge.

Just then he could feel Alexandra Porte 's hand slip into his own and interlock with his fingers. Gently then accompanied by a kiss on his cheek.

"So am I my love, so am I." Kahne said he turned to her and gave her a big smile. He thanked whatever entity he could for bringing her into his life. He knew he would have to remain here for awhile. Spend some much needed time with his family. The laughter of his children chasing each other around as his gaze turned to them for a moment and just watched them from where he was.

"They are beautiful, just like their mother."

 

[Alexandra Porte]

"They are hopeful, just like their father," Alex smiled back warmly giving Kahne Porte 's hand a little knowing squeeze as the couple walked across the bridge. "Aiden and Addison are seemingly a pretty good mix of us, hmm?"

When the Porte family got to the "special" spot atop the hill as dubbed by the Twins, Alexandra spread out a blanket in the middle of the grassy meadow and started to unpack the picnic basket with the prepared lunches ~ sandwiches, fruit, and bottled drinks. There was a dessert too, but that was for later.

"The kids and I come up here at least once a week or more if time allows... The view of the valley is just spectacular, don't you think?" she queried, then waved the children over to come back as they had run off to explore already.

"Mommy... Can Aid and I eat over there on the big rock?" Addy asked, then corrected herself. "I mean, may we please?" the young girl shrugged a lopsided grin; one that looked a lot like what the older brunette would sport from time to time.

"Yes, you may as long as your father says it's okay with him. He's the guest of honor here today," the Taanabian answered, giving the Jedi Master a sideways glance with an amused glint in her brandy brown orbs as she took a sip of her diet fizz pop.

 

[Kahne Porte]

"They are perfect." Kahne whispered as he glanced to his wife and winked at her before his gaze being cast back to their children. They reached their spot and Kahne found it quite amazing. But he knew more than anything he was just happy to be back with his family and that was what made the scene perfect enough. The Jedi looked back to Alexandra Porte and simply smiled and nodded his head.

"It's really great out here." He spoke softly and took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Kahne reached for a bottled water and he opted to hold off on the sandwich for the time being as he listened to the children wanting to go to the rock and he nodded his head and laughed..

"Of course, go on." Kahne said with a big smile as he sat down with his boots touching the ground and his hands rested on his knees, water bottle in hand.

Kahne took another drink from the water bottle as he let out a small happy sigh. His thoughts drifted to his wife, past,present and future. Everything they had ever been through. She wouldn't ever know just how much he loved her. He took a small glance towards her. Her eyes,smile her mannerisms and everything single part of her body. She was by every intent, flawless.

Kahne glanced back to the open view and took another deep breath. He was happy, and content. More so than anyone could ever know.

 

[Alexandra Porte]

A couple of years later...
Silver Rest, Kashyyyk

And here they were once again at Silver Rest. With the Outer Rim Planets Alliance dissolving, Alexandra felt with Kahne Porte gone as much as he was doing Jedi Master business, the family should move back to Kashyyyk where the Silver Jedi had a full-sized temple with all the amenities. Also with Alex being knighted now, she would have her own missions to go on. In order for the Taanabian to feel comfortable in doing so, the mother-in-her would need to know the kids were safe and being taken care of while absent.

Addison and Aiden were okay with this plan as the Porte children liked the Wookiee world and the youngling clans were more active than at the small Jedi Enclave on Svivren. Maybe when the two of them were younger it was a more favorable situation being tucked away in the protective alcove of the Outer Rim. But now that the twins were tweens they wanted, no needed, to be in and around more kids their age and like them. It was the best of both worlds, hopefully.

Alexandra was unpacking their things in the master bedroom when she sensed her husband as he entered the small three-bedroom family suite.

"In the bedroom, sweetheart," she replied, stepping into the walk-in closet to hang up a set of Jedi robes.

 

[Kahne Porte]

Kahne dropped his bag in the hallway against the wall as he stood for a moment and took a long deep breath. Perhaps the travelling was starting to take a toll on him, or perhaps he was getting old. He was still in his thirties, yet he wasn't a twenty two year old Jedi Master anymore. Kahne chuckled lightly and thus he heard the voice of his wife Alexandra Porte as she announced her location to him. The Jedi walked down the hallway and leaned against the door with his arms crossed as he caught glimpse of his wife in the closet.

A grand smile came across his face as he watched and stared at his wife for what seemed like the longest time but in reality only a few seconds had past.

"Hey there, wife." Kahne said with a chuckle as he glanced back behind him just shortly. "Where are the kids at?" Kahne inquired as he looked forward again and moved towards her and pulled her into his embrace. "It's so good to see you." Kahne leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth gently before leaning in and kissing her on the forehead.