Light and Dark

[Jaron Lesan]

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There was nothing like having some time away from everything to recharge and rest. Jaron hated it. The man needed to be busy, doing something, and working. Dianah would have none of his complaining that he needed to take some of the time off that had been offered after a very intense schedule. The Confederacy had spent several weeks on at least four campaigns and the engine of the machine needed to rest. That meant the people who served, at will, the wishes and commands of the Vicelord. It was directly from his generals that time off be taken to recharge as the final push into what remained of the Imperial holdouts. The remnants of the empire would not be there for long, and another system would be free of tyranny.

Dianah had it in her head that Jaron needed to be seen in more than just black. The outfit he wore to the club opening had only made her dig her heels into the idea. She had chosen the mountain that she was going to die on if she had to, and Jaron had no desire to make it more than what it was. He was going along with the idea, even if it was begrudgingly. For a Mando'ad female, Dianah liked to look pretty. That was certainly not from her father's way of life. Practical was valued over stylish, and yet Dianah knew how to do both. The spar, and yellow silks that Jaron had originally scoffed at had proven to be chosen for a specific purpose, which they had accomplished.

This was why they were walking through the streets of Theed. The bustling market square was loud, and the clothing vendors displayed outfits that were just as boisterous as the tone of the market itself. This was the last place that Jaron would have ever come to find himself anything to wear. She insisted on seeing him in some of the high fashion of the season for men, and while Jaron could have cared less, and truly loved his black, he loved the smile on Dianah's face even more. That was the true reason his small protest had failed. His aim was to keep her happy, after all, she ensured that he was happy as long as she was.

His hand ran along some of the rich and expensive fabrics that were on display at some of the booths which offered custom tailoring. He stopped at one in particular that his fingers found to be comfortable, firm, yet light to the touch. How could something be just so? It seemed near indestructible, but at the same time appeared to be no different than what he usually wore. The only visible difference was that it was a deep crimson. It was still a dark color, and he knew that Dianah would like to see him in something bold, but this was his first attempt at compromise.

"It's not black," he said holding it up under his chin. "What do you think, cyare, is it still too dark and brooding for your tastes?"

[member="Dianah Vi'dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

Naboo was a welcome change from the past few months. The beautiful capital city had been something Dianah wanted to see for a very long time so she was more than excited to explore every inch of it. Not only that, she had finally managed to convince Jaron it was time for a wardrobe change. It was very rare for Jaron and Dianah to be out together for no reason other than the pleasure of each other's company but finally they had a chance. Between them there were no worries, no ulterior motives, no time limit. They had a whole day and night ahead of them and it all promised to be perfect.

Jaron and Dianah couldn't have been more different than they were walking through the markets together. The contrast was glaringly obvious. Even in the colorful decor of the streets Dianah stood out for miles in her bright summer dress. Despite this she seemed to be completely in her element. Busy market streets brought out the best in her personality, she was completely encapsulated by the smells, the colors, the loud animated crowds. Ever the social butterfly she was completely at ease bantering back and forth with bold market stall owners.

At Jaron's words Dianah turned her head away from a shiny silver necklace that had caught her eye. A wide smile caught the corners of her lips as she moved toward the booth and the deep colored material he held up to his pale skin. As she got closer her scrutinizing gaze flicked eagerly over his choice. For some reason, even against her many protests, he insisted on wearing darker colors, but there was no denying it. The material was very flattering.

'I think it suits you very well. I'm impressed.'

Progress had definitely been made in short time they had been wondering the streets of Theed. If she was honest with herself just being here was progress, never mind that he had picked something out that wasn't black for once. As usual though Dianah had her sights set on bigger, brighter things. She offered him a sweet smile that crinkled her nose and the corners of her eyes. Her fingers reached out to smooth along the line of his jaw.

'You're getting better, but you're not there yet. We'll keep it in mind...'

She peeled her stare away from the material to the sign above the stall they were standing in front of. The name was somewhat familiar to Dianah. She recognized it from some of the clothes Metus had gifted to her on a number of occasions. A playful smile crossed her expression and she took Jaron's hand in hers, tugging him further into the winding maze of tables filled to the brim with bright materials.

'I was thinking purple or yellow or maybe eve-...PERFECT!'

Dianah dashed forward, leaving Jaron in her wake. The tailor's head shot in their direction at the sound of an intrigued buyer and soon he was over by the table lifting the bolt of cloth for her inspection. An ocean blue material flowed through Dianah's hands like water as she held it up to the light. She couldn't resist turning it around and placing it by Jaron's face.

'Now this is more like it.'

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron smiled when she said he was headed in the right direction, however inwardly he was getting nervous. Purple was fine with him, but yellow... and OH FORCE HE WAS RELIEVED when the word pink did not come rolling off her tongue. The Manda forbid she would ever get him into a color so loud and not him.

His eyes looked over the blue. It was loud, vibrant, and he shook his head right away.

"You're joking right? When would I ever wear something so bright?"

Even in the moment Jaron could not think of any practical reason for such a loud color. Granted his mind always viewed his attire from what he would wear on missions as it was an extreme rarity that he did anything social. The party she had convinced him to go to was simply because it had been her. Jaron would have never gone to that club opening had she not told him they were going. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as the cloth was placed by his face. Inside he desperately wished she would not like, but he already knew she was going to, and that she was going to take it.

Jaron was under no illusion that they could actually leave empty handed. Dianah saw him as a makeover project in the moment, and a makeover is what he was going to get. His mind's eye had him walking behind her with his arms full of shopping bags by the day's end, and that was not a far stretch. Every color she ever wanted to see him in was going to be purchased, and in many shades. There was one color he would not wear though.

"As long as we stay away from green. Too much the color of Corellian Jedi like my uncle and cousin."

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

His smile captivated her, as it so often did. Even when it was coupled with his words of protest against the beautiful shade of blue she held up for his inspection. The whole thing brought a bubbling laugh to her lips. Why on earth he was so confused by the idea of a little color was beyond her. She couldn't help but grin at him and shake her head in disbelief. Behind her the merchant had a frantic expression at Jaron's distaste and looked like he was about to protest, but Dianah hushed anything he had to say on it with a wave of her hand.

'We talked about this, remember cyar'ika? You don't have to be in black all the time. Life isn't a funeral. If I can find a reason to wear color no matter what I'm sure you can find a reason to wear blue on occasion. Maybe when you come to visit me?'

Turning back to the tailor she nodded her head and he eagerly whisked away the bolt of cloth. Dianah knew for a fact there would be no further protest from Jaron and she loved him deeply for catering to her wild fantasies of getting him to actually wear something other than black. He might grumble and moan about it for a while but his voice had become music to her ears, so it didn't matter what he was saying.

She lent against Jaron's chest and looked up at him with wide brow eyes, which she coupled with the soft pout of her lower lip.

'Will you at least try something green on? I think it would really suit you...'

Green was the color Dianah was looking forward to seeing him in the most. She'd had her heart set on a shade similar to the lush forests of Arbra where the two had met. The day was fixed firmly in her mind and she often remembered the way the deep green leaves had complimented his eyes. The memories forced a soft blush to form on her cheeks as she stared into his deep brown orbs and she found herself leaning in to catch his lips in a gentle kiss.

'I promise I'll buy you the best dinner you've ever had when we're all finished.'

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron already knew that Dianah could find an occasion for him to wear blue. She didn’t need an excuse to wear color, everyday was that for her. The reality of Jaron’s predicament was that she was right. Black was a morbid color for dark men, and while Haron was exactly that, he did need to live more. Ever since Dianah showed up in his life that was something he had been doing a lot of. Living in whatever moment they found themselves in had led to this one, and while he was dragging his feet, he loved it, and he loved her.

He did frown when she asked him about the green. Jaron shrugged.

“You know why not... it’s Corellia, love. You’re right it does suit me. The color has a lot of meaning behind it that is attached to some deep wounds. Tell you what... since I can’t say no to you if you can find something we both like, then I’ll try it on. No fabric, and it has to be a full ensemble.”

There Jaron turned it into a game, and why not. The two had always been playing with each other, and finding him clothes that were not black should be as well. What fun would it be if Jaron was a willing participant. The man didn’t have pretend like he was going along with it to appease her. Jaron knew Dianah well enough that he could protest all he wanted and she would still find a way to make him give in. He loved that she had power over him in a way no one else was allowed to. She had it because he let her, and she had it because she had earned it.

Jaron smiled into the soft kiss. It was short, but perfect. How her kiss could make all his wounds seem so small in an instant was beyond him, but it did. When he was with her his world was right, and when they were apart it was not. He would give up the Galaxy for her, and she knew it.

“I love you,” he said when she pulled back from the kiss, a smile still on his face. “Don’t forget to buy yourself something too. I still owe you a replacement for those silks I destroyed.”

He smirked thinking about the spar and the passionate ending it had. Jaron knew if she had not been called away they would have done more than share a few passionate kisses on the dojo floor. His cheeks did not blush at the thought. The idea only made him hungry for her.

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

A wide grin spread over her face at his words followed by a tinkling laugh. The longer they spent together the more he was willing to indulge her eccentric habit of turning everything into a game. Whether she intended to or not Dianah was bringing him out of his shell. She was showing him how to forget the horrors of the Galaxy, to enjoy the beauty in it instead. In turn he was the balance she needed when the scales tipped in favor of her exuberant nature. He was the guiding light on her dark and dangerous journey to power.

'That sounds like a good plan to me, I'll have you all green in no time.'

Those three words brought her lips up into an enamored smile. It had been a good few months since she had first heard them during their picnic by the waterfall but they still made her heart flutter. They still made her feel light headed and giddy. Another kiss was stolen from him in the silence between his sentences.

'I love you too.'

The sweet moment didn't last forever though. It was cut short by Dianah nipping Jaron's lower lip playfully and offering him a coy smile. Something had been bubbling on the surface of her mind since they'd landed on Naboo and she was dying to get it out. When she spoke her tone was laced with excitement and a little bit of pride.

'Usually I'd say it wouldn't matter, I've got a million and one robes just like it. But this time I'm glad you mentioned, because I'm going to need something truly amazing to wear for a very special occasion.'

Normally his scent was too intoxicating for her to willingly part from him, but she did have exciting news to share. Peeling herself away from their quick embrace using all the will power she could muster, Dianah turned her attention to the sea of multicolored material stretched out before them. If it was at all plausible she probably would have walked out with an outfit in every single available color, but for now she was looking for something in specific.

Her quick eyes scanned over the tables. When she finally found what she was looking for it elicited a high pitched squeal that carried far above the din of the marketplace. A shimmering purple sheet caught the wind as she flicked it up. Bright rays of sun danced across it, illuminating brilliant silver sparkles across the expanse of the material. Dianah held it to her face with a gleam in her eye.

'What do you think? Perfect for the new Viceroy of Krant?'

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron did not buy for one second that Dianah would say that it didn't matter about the fact he ruined one of her dresses, if that is what that yellow silk robe thing could be called. Dianah loved her dresses, and in fact, any occasion she had to be in one, she usually was. He chuckled, but kept it to himself. This was one of those things that made Dianah who she was, and he loved everything about her. The dresses to him were not anywhere near as important as how ruthless she was in battle, though he would be lying if he did not say he was terribly happy that she was the most beautiful person in the galaxy to him. It wasn't a Mandalorian value in a partner, but everyone still appreciated beauty.

Regardless of whatever he reasons were at this point, Jaron wanted to get her something too. This wasn't a trip that was just for him. While Dianah wanted him about of the black, this was about them. He smiled as she found just the right fabric at just the right color. The way it sparkled and dazzled, it was not only her, but it was certainly royal looking. Then she gave the news. Jaron was stunned. His jaw was the first thing to pick up off the ground. The Confederacy had just annexed Krant, Dianah's birthplace, and now she was to be named, or had been it seemed, the Viceroy.

A wide grin tugged at Jaron's face. This appointment had opened an opportunity that Jaron had been looking for, for some time now.

"Perfect," he said not looking at the fabric, but at the woman holding it. He walked up to her, and paid for the cloth before taking it out of her hands and adding it to the growing pile of their purchases.

"It seems this trip gives us a lot to celebrate. I'm happy for you, and us, because that means you will be assigned a contingent of the Knights Obsidian as your protection. You don't need it, but it is protocol. Perhaps a certain miserable scout should be leading that detail? What do you say... the two of us in the sameplace... me going where you go? Because honestly, the weeks apart are getting harder and harder to stomach, ner cyare. Duty is duty, but I need to be with you."

Jaron let his words hang in the air for a moment. She was his future, and nothing would change that, but they needed a season of life that allowed them to actually be together. RIght now it was stolen moments, hoping for missions together, or trips like this that had to be planned enough in advance to make sure they would work. The part of him that was Sith had already decided, because they took what they wanted. Even if Jaron had to leave the Knights to be with her, he would.

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

The shocked expression on his face pleased her beyond measure. To be honest the news had come as somewhat of a surprise to Dianah herself. Krant was not only her birth place but the chosen home of Metus himself, it held an important significance to their family. The fact that she was entrusted with its care and proper governance was an honor beyond any she had ever received before. Pride was clearly shown in her face as she grinned back at him.

Silvery purple streaks of cloth slipped from her hands when Jaron took it. All of it would be taken back to Sinner's Well for their personal tailor use. He would design outfits in each one that would be more than worthy of her wardrobe. Dianah had grand plans for all the material she had picked out for Jaron as well, meaning this shopping adventure they were on would last far longer than he might think.

His words brought an unbridled smile to her face. Though they were already deeply committed to each other the topic of one of them leaving their positions in the CIS was relatively untouched. Both were equally devoted to their responsibilities so the majority of their time consisted of stolen moments here and there or the good fortune of being put on a mission together. It seemed almost surreal to her that he was willing to give it up and not just the job, but his home as well. After all he'd have to move to Krant to accomplish what he was asking, which meant leaving Arbra behind.

Still, the joy she felt at his suggestion overtook her and cast any questions to the shadows for the time being. Dianah jumped up to wrap her arms around his shoulders in a tight embrace, emitting a shriek of delight down his ear as she did. In that moment nothing else mattered except the fact that she held him close. When she pulled away from the hug Dianah peppered a hundred kisses over every inch of his face.

'Yes! A thousand times yes.'

One more kiss met Jaron's lips with a passion unmatched by any they'd shown before. The smile on her face was full of excitement for the moment, for the step their relationship had just taken and for the future that lay just ahead. When the kiss was broken her eyes met his deep brown ones, with a slightly more cautious look to them. Even though she was deathly serious about her acceptance she still wanted to make sure it was really what he wanted.

'Have you thought about what this means though?'

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron was assaulted with Dianah's kisses. He had honestly not been sure her reaction would be full of as much excitement as it had been, though he was happy it had been. Jaron had come to expect nothing short of whatever version of bubbly personality he was going to see from Dianah, but this had been the most excited he had ever seen her. Could he blame her? There was a lot in what Jaron had just suggested, a lot more than just a simple change in what he did for the Knights Obsidian.

He was a good scout, likely one of the best the Confederacy had. They had met because it was how Metus saw fit to utilize him, and Dianah had learned a lot about stealth as a result. It was going to complicate things for the Knights, but another scout could be trained, and found. In face, there was no reason they could not simply be trained on Krant.

The kiss to his lips was something else entirely. Jaron had no words to describe the amount of passion that was exchanged between them in that moment. Any attempt would fail. He loved these moments that were too great for words because they displayed the strength of what they were together. That was what it all came down to as well. There was nothing that Metus, or the Confederacy, would be able to offer Jaron that would be able to come close to the power and the magnitude of what being with Dianah could. It was not just a relationship they were trying to maintain, but in truth, they were one. Dianah filled every bit of the void which Jaron had carried with him for a long time, and he knew that he did the same for Dianah.

As the kiss broke, Dianah asked him a question. Jaron nodded without taking his eyes away from hers even once.

"I don't have to think about this. Yes, I will have to leave Arbra, I will have to be reassigned within the KO, but none of those things can hold a light to what I am gaining. I have known from the moment I first told you that I loved you, even before then, that you are the one I want to be with. This only speaks to that... and to the fact that I do not just intend to live with you. I am already yours, so why shouldn't I be where you are. Arbra and the lonely hovel of Sanctuary Rock is my past, it just is."

Jaron smiled, and kissed her forehead.

"I am not that man anymore... even if I will always be your miserable cyar'ika."

He winked, then took Dianah's hand. There was bolt of gold fabric, one with muted sheen to it that caught the light just right. She needed that one as well to compliment her eyes.

It was then that several ships flew overhead and sped off in the direction of the lake country. Jaron scratched his chin.

"Wonder what that was about..."

The look on his face was obvious. He was considering an adventure over shopping... it was likely going to get him in trouble.

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

His gaze locked onto hers and the rest of the world faded into nothing. A soft smile curved the corners of her lips as she listened to him talk. Dianah didn't know why she had doubted his intentions in the first place. At the end of the day, when you took away the complexities, the only thing they both desperately wanted was to be together. There was nothing more to say on the matter so she spent a few precious seconds savoring the moment. Dianah shut her eyes as his lips met her forehead with a tender kiss.

'Yes, you will always be my miserable cyar'ika. Even when that smile on your face is a permanent feature.'

Suddenly he was pulling her in the direction of another possible purchase. He might not have been keen on wearing color himself but he did have a good eye for things that suited her. She beamed at him and nodded her head eagerly, taking the fabric from his hands.

'Wow, I'm seriously impressed. I can just picture the dress. I didn't realize you spent that much time looking at me.'

It was a simple jest but it held hint of the banter that had begun their entire relationship in the first place. For Dianah it was a sweet reminder of the beginning and a shouting testament to just how far they'd come.

When she tore her eyes away from the gold sheet the look she found plastered on Jaron's face was as familiar to her as the stone corridors in Sinner's Well. Considering her ears had pricked to the sound of ships overhead just moments ago, it could only mean one thing. He was after an adventure bigger than the market streets of Theed. If she didn't love him so much Dianah would have put her foot down, she'd been begging him to come shopping with her for weeks and weeks, but as it was...

She sighed heavily and shot him a glance that was filled with mock displeasure. After all, she was curious herself. What would that many ships be doing flying toward the middle of nowhere on Naboo? Dianah shook her head and slipped her hand into his. After giving it a firm squeeze she tugged him in the general direction of where they'd landed.

'Come on then. Let's go back to the ship and find out.'

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Darth Miseria]

Double post

 

[Jaron Lesan]

There were certainly moments the two shared which were likely to make onlookers become sick with the amount of affection the two seemed to lavish upon each other, but this was who they were. Jaron would never once miss an opportunity to be affectionate with Dianah, as it was not often they were together. Of course this display of affection was due to the fact he had just put voice to changing that. When Dianah officially stepped into her role as the Viceroy of Krant, Jaron would move into his role of protecting her. She did not need him to do that, but the detail would allow them to be together, and where she went, he would go. Being the Viceroy meant that unless Jaron made this move, their would be no more missions or adventures like the one which had brought them together on Arbra. Those days were not over, but this was certainly a change.

A smirk played at his lips as she commented about how often he looked at her. This was another opportunity he would not miss.

"I have been stealing glances, and memorizing every detail of your body from the moment you stepped foot onto the stone covered surface of Sanctuary Rock. Even when you think I could not possibly be looking, I have been looking. And why shouldn't I? Your body is pure perfection, there is not one thing about it that I would change, even though with you... you can be whoever you want."

Her sigh landed on his ears as his curiosity had matched her own. Jaron knew the direction the ships were taking. There was a cave that direction which had a pool inside it, and the bottom of the pool were crystals. When the sun peeked through at the right moment of the day, the cave would light up with a display that was too glorious for words. It was something he wanted Dianah to see regardless of whether they followed the ships or not. He hoped this was not where they were headed. There was another destination that direction. Jaron had yet to mention his uncle owned a winery in the Lake Country. Judah was likely never there, which would mean they could raid the wine room if they wished, but it was a topic for another time perhaps.

Jaron smiled when she acquiesced. His lips found hers quickly with excitement of giddy school boy.

"I promise we will return. In fact, since I let my curiosity get the better of this tip, I shall let you pick out something in yellow, or even pink, that I will have to wear."

There was no mock in his voice at all. He knew she wanted him in many colors, and since he had interrupted them, Jaron wanted her to know that he did not want out of their arrangement. The ship was not far, and considering Jaron could cloak the ship, they were able to follow without being detected. It was essential lest they get shot out of the sky. The ship itself had no weapons, so a fire fight was not what they needed while he was flying, and Jaron was flying because Dianah was still learning. Another promise he had made to her, to teach her.

Jaron motioned to the scanners.

"Go ahead and flip that, let's see what we have going on out there..."

He felt it before he could see it. The light side of the force, yet tainted somehow. It was the signature of the Templars. The group claimed to follow the light side, looked and sounded like Jedi even, but in practice were not. They were more than hypocritical, and Jaron detested them. They had been the same ones that had him seen going to great lengths to keep Dianah safe as she was still coming into her own strength, power, and skill in the force. She had saved his life that day as well. Today was full of reminders of what had happened at the beginning, even the same uneasy feeling from that encounter settled in the pit of his stomach. His head turned to Dianah.

"We are going to need armor."

His words were definitive. He knew she had felt them as well, and hopefully she knew that meant they would be stopping them. This was Confederacy controlled space after all, and Jaron had a duty to uphold, and oath sworn to Dianah's father.

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

There was no shortage of wild ideas running through her mind as she stared at the gold cloth. Mostly they were about where they would live and what sort of things he'd let her get away with when it came down to decorating. From the moment he had said yes her brain was off in a shot thinking about how many colors she could fit into a room before it started to look tacky. Luckily enough both she and Jaron were wealthy enough to give her a multitude of choices in that respect. She could probably build and tear down a thousand grand houses before they even came close to running out of money.

A blush graced the curve of her cheeks as he complimented her and her lips broke into a flattered smile. Her head shook slightly causing her soft curls to catch the breeze and dance around her face. He was one of the only people in the entire Galaxy that could make her completely speechless with just a few words, which, considering her personality was an incredibly hard thing to do. Dianah was drawn in by his intoxicating scent as she leaned over to kiss him again.

'You've improved your worship greatly, my devotee. Your goddess is pleased. I won't forget, but if I do, remind me that you said all this later on tonight.'

As they weaved their way out of the markets Dianah shot him a rather suggestive wink that confirmed what she meant in no uncertain terms. His promise to return and allow her the freedom to put him in a more garish color made Dianah clap her hands together in excitement. Instead of replying to him she simply nodded her head and put a wicked smile on her face instead. In all honesty she was scared of making him backtrack, especially considering her first choice would be something salmon colored. She was firmly of the belief that not enough men wore pink or even considered it an option.

In no time at all they had made their way back through the crowds to find the ship again and Dianah found herself settling into the co-pilots chair. Only recently had she began to study the complexities of flying, the first time Jaron had let her fly she flipped his ship entirely, he hadn't really let her try since then. Leaning over the console, she flicked the switch Jaron had pointed out as they sped over the city of Theed. The screen flickered to life and cast a sapphire glow over her tanned skin, bringing forth the hazy image of several lifeforms.

The signature was recognizable instantly. Dianah had fought and nearly been dismembered by two apprentices who had the exact same confusing presence. In fact, it hadn't just been those two. Jaron and Dianah's first mission on Arbra together had been filled to the brim with force users who couldn't make up their minds about whether or not they were light or dark. At first she hadn't been able to pick out such a complex fact when using force sight but she'd improved massively since then that it practically screamed at her.

'Whatever it is, it looks like trouble.'

She span around on the chair at Jaron's words to slip away into their quarters. Despite how little time they spent together Dianah had made a point of keeping a few things on board Jaron's ship. She'd also made a point of making it more... homely. His once barren room was stamped with her eccentric personality in the form of vivid pictures, colorful items of clothing and bright fairy lights that stretched across every wall. Finding what she wanted wasn't much trouble, their armor stood pride of place against the back wall of the room. Dianah gathered it all in her arms and skipped her way back to the cockpit.

'Here you are, cyar'ika. Two sets of armor ready to go.'

After dumping them rather carelessly onto the floor Dianah shimmed out of her dress to slip the tailored suit of armor on.

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

The smirk on his face only communicated that he knew exactly why she wanted the reminder. Jaron and Dianah were not lacking in the passionate side of their relationship. Considering they did not see each other as often as they wanted to, it was quite a regular occurabce for them when they were. Of course Jaron wasn’t going to complain about that at all. It was truly one way that he worshiped her, and was rewarded for doing so all at once.

It wasnt that he didnt trust Dianah with flying his ship, but Jaron was wanting to be sure they were not detected. They followed until they were over the signatures.

“But why Naboo...”

He still wasn’t saying anything about the winery, but once they were done he would. The guest cottage and the main home were usually abandoned these days. Not even JJ stuck around.

His comment aboit armor had her bounding off to the quarters they shared. That had changed. What once had been a plain and bleak space now looked like something out of some home edition of Couruscant Weekly. Dianah has just made changes here and there to make the space more hers, and since Jaron didn’t care much either way, he let it happen. The one thing she had done which reminded him of how much she understood their heritage was leave their armor on display. It held a prominant place.

Jaron threw the ship into autopilot and turned out of his seat just in time to see Dianah step out of her dress. His brows waggled at her when she caught him looking, and without much more fanfare, he started into his own. The armorweave kute was out on first, followed by the gray and red plates of his armor. The red helmet which contained his heads up display was secured in a moment.

Walking back to the controls he put in landing coordinates for the ship knowing that it would take care of itself. He walked back to the boarding ramp and lowered it as the ship was still flung over the group of insurgents. Without a word he leaped from the ship and fell. His sabers, one red and one violet, ignited as the ground cake closer. Padding his fall by focusing on himself, Jaron landed and began to back away at the Templars. His only retort to Dianah was a reference to something he had said after Caid Centurion had made an entrance like that.

“Told you I could do it too, now get that pretty shebs of yours down here... there are five to left for you...”

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

Dianah pushed her own helmet over her wild curls with a flourish as Jaron sat down to type in the coordinates. Her eyes followed him as he walked down the ship to the boarding ramp. Why he was releasing it now and not when they were down there was beyond her. She had her answer soon enough when he tipped over the edge into a crazy high free-fall. Dianah couldn't reach the door quick enough. By the time she had he was on the ground. One whole Jaron opposed to the flat pancake she had expected to see.

A loud laugh was thrown into the wind when she realized what he'd done. Dianah came to the conclusion that had been pretty obvious what he was going to do but in her panicked state she hadn't even given it a passing thought. When his voice sounded out in her mind she could do nothing but smile and shake her head. He was about to get a surprise of his own, Dianah was following him out of the door. The wind streamed past her as she fell gracefully through the air. Her target was one of the Templars who had been slowly backing away from the ruckus Jaron had caused.

When she was close enough the force surrounded her, both slowing her fall and bringing her crashing into the poor man in her way. Her foot slammed against his head with a horrific crunching sound as she broke bone and organ. Once she had fully reached the ground his head held more of a resemblance to minced meat than anything human. Dianah stood from her crouched position, swept the dust away from her visor and turned to bow at Jaron.

'I suppose now I owe you all the credits in Metus' account, huh?'

There was only time for one quick quip before the other four Templars had recovered enough to start making their way toward the two. Dianah sent a surge of telekinetic power toward the closest, spinning round to face him as she did. Wherever he had landed it didn't look like he was coming back. With her other hand she made a tight fist, completely crushing another advancing adversary's legs. He crumbled to the ground with a deafening scream as his bones turned to dust. Enjoying it all a little too much, Dianah reached out of her saber which was clipped to her belt. It hummed as it burst into life, casting a pink glow over her shining silver armor.

'You know, shopping is fun but you can't beat a little violence.'

An electric buzz sounded out as 'Bubbles' cut through the air to meet with the flesh of her fourth enemy. In no time at all he was two halves of a man instead of a full one and Dianah had begun to advance on the final Templar. The only sound in her ears was the rush of blood as the adrenaline sent her heart into a frenzy. He was just beginning to walk away when she wrapped him in her tendrils of dark power and dragged him screaming toward the tip of her blade. Somewhere in the seconds the gap between them closed he came to his senses and brought his own blue saber rushing toward her. Dianah had no choice but slip under the oncoming attack, dis-ignite her saber as she did so.

She was quick enough and agile enough to duck under with no harm done. A simple step, coupled with a rather showy turn, brought her round to face his defenseless back. She pressed 'Bubbles' against the cream colored robes he was clad in, fortunately they provided no protection at all. There was a satisfying hiss as it ignited and entered through his spine only to emerge moments later on the other side. For a few seconds nothing was heard save for strangled moans as the life slipped from his eyes. Dianah dis-ignited her saber and let the limp body fall to the ground in a heap.

'Good job, cyar'ika. What shall we do with that one?'

Her head turned toward the Templar who's legs were now nothing but jelly and broken shards of bone. Throughout the whole battle he had been emitting a constant stream of screams, but at least he was alive. Perhaps they could get something out of him. There was no sound reason for the Templars to be here on Naboo, yet here they were. There had to be a reason for it all.

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

It was unnecessary what he had done, but Jaron’s pride and ego had been wounded by Dianah’s doubt in his ability. This had been their first meeting since that day, and his first opportunity to show off since she threw down her challenge. He had wasted no time in cutting down those who approached him. Two were dead by the time Dianah landed next to him and the sound crushed bone and mush psalter reached his ear. He canted his head to the side and smirked underneath his mask.

“Why am I not surprised,” he said with a chuckle before nodding his head in reply as the Templars attempted to surround them.

The enthusiasm at which Dianah moved about with her pink lightsaber was a sight to behold. Jaron often wished he could afford more time to simply watch her work as she systematically worked through each of her attackers. She was not just a violent woman when it came battle, but she was meticulously sadistic in how she dispatched her enemies. Jaron found her increasing skill something to be proud of, and certainly it was a thing that aroused him. The Mandalorian spirit in him loved that she was as violent and skilled as she was beautiful.

Jaron’s own attackers were met with the same end, and no less brutal than anything Dianah had dealt out. He ran ahead to the first, cutting upward with his blade as he twisted and brought the other down. Stepping through the halved Templar, the warrior crushed the chest of the man behind him with strong wave of the force released the moment his fist landed on the sternum. A third cake from his left, swinging a emerald blade at Jaron’s head. It was easily ducked, allowing Jaron to cut the man’s legs off at the knees, followed by his head with another turn and pivot. The Templar which flanked him now ran into the blade Jaron pushed out, and as he pulled the violet blade, the red claimed another head with ease.

“Apprentices, all of them,” Jaron said as he walked toward Dianah and looked at the only living Templar left. His eyes narrowed as he considered her question, and without a word, Jaron crouched and grabbed the man’s head. His thumb pressed against the forehead and his eyes closed for a bit. “Let’s find out how strong his mind is,” the reply finally came as the former Jedi Shadow pressed into the mind of their captive.

A loud and shrill scream erupted from the mouth of the young Templar. The mental shields broke with Jaron’s bombardment. A twisted smile pulled at Jaron’s mouth once he knew he had broken through. His eyes opened once again and he turned to look at his armorclad warrioress.

“Where are the masters... what are you planning?”

Eyes went wide as a picture flooded into Jaron’s mind, which he pushed to Dianah through their unique and close bond. It was the market place at Theed, where they had just been. Jaron saw masters disguised as shop keepers and vendors. Then it flashed to several devices, bombs. Jaron was unsure what it meant, and then the cave, water and crystal. Suddenly the voice of the young apprentice pushed back.

“The Confederacy is controlled by Sith, and we must remind Naboo of what that can bring...”

They were sick, but Jaron and Dianah had to do something. The crystals could make the bombs devastating. With a shift in focus, Jaron sent a wave of the force to the Templar’s brain, making it mush. Another scream rang in their ears and the died as the apprentice took his last breath.

“We must make it to the caves,” Jaron said knowing he was taking Dianah to fight masters now. “You are more than strong enough to face a master.”

With that, Jaron and Dianah were speeding off toward the caves to meet the masters before they could succeed in their terrorist plot.

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

Jaron crossed the distance between himself and the wounded Templar. In one swift motion he had knelt down and pressed his thumb against the man's forehead. Dianah didn't have a single clue what he was about to do but her curious brown eyes watched eagerly. When the mental shields crumbled, coupled with a shrill scream, Dianah couldn't help but bring a smug smile to the corners of her lips. Ever since they'd met Jaron had been slowly but surely growing darker and darker. At some point, during their first mission on Arbra, the two had had a very interesting conversation about what dictated an interesting kill.

Dianah had proved brutality and mercilessness were the only skills needed but Jaron had insisted the kills that take more time and need to be calculated were so much better. There had been a heated debate right then and there in the middle of the stone corridors, both had then made a point of killing the remaining enemies in the most garish ways they could. It had both amused and impressed Dianah greatly. In a way his affinity for the dark side grew just by being near her. Dianah hadn't said much to him on the subject but she could feel it radiating off him like heat off an engine. If he was going to spend the rest of his life with her he didn't have much choice in the matter either way. Her entire family had ties to the dark side so strong not even the purest soul could last a month staying with them without tasting a little of what they could achieve with it.

Before to long Jaron's baritone voice sounded out over the pain-filled screams. The questions seemed more than easy to answer and would have been if it weren't for the fact that he was invading his mind. Instead of screaming out an answer at his assailants the injured man remained silent in terms of information, the only actual noises he made being the torrent of screeching from his throat. In some ways she wished she could just silence him. Each pitch he rose felt like a million hot knives on the surface of her eardrums. A flood of images invaded her minds eye and broke her malicious thoughts regarding his tongue and the tip of her saber.

The streets of Theed stretched out before her, hazed over in the fuzzy filter that visions often were. In the midst of the colorful atmosphere and bright, bubbling crowds lay something sinister. Something that didn't quite belong there among the trinkets and expensive materials. It didn't take too long before she found out exactly what it was. Aggressive images of thick multicolored wires, ticking machinery flashed in her eyes, a booming sound unmatched by any other, fire and then it all faded to black. The lingering sound of a cacophony of screams was all she had to remind her it was a real vision and not just a dream.

The broken man spoke out for the first time, using actual words instead of a noise that reminded her of nails on a chalkboard. Dianah's eyes narrowed down at the apprentice, who looked to be no older than herself. For the briefest of moments an anger like no other glazed over her eyes. It grew so great that for a moment the air was filled with such tension you could have sliced through it with a finger. Then, all of a sudden, it disappeared. Dianah turned her head to Jaron and grinned widely, all that pent up energy making her practically dance on the spot.

'Hurry up and shut him up, we have things to do.'

A shudder ripped through her spine as the apprentice took his last breaths. There was a modicum of satisfaction that came with killing someone or something that had angered you, but there was little time for her to enjoy it. Dianah was off before Jaron had even finished his sentence. His declaration wasn't lost on her though. Dianah didn't doubt that she was ready to take on someone supposedly beyond her abilities, it helped that Jaron would be there too. Nothing and nobody could hurt her when he was around. The Mandalorian woman in her had at first been highly upset by the idea of a safety net, but as their relationship developed it turned into something entirely different. He wasn't just there to protect her or see her safe from harm. He was now more akin to a second weapon or a third arm. The two were so deadly together in combat that they were rarely defeated.

The force wrapped around her muscles as she took the first steps toward the caves. Dianah couldn't help but feel liberated as she streamed her way through lake country with the thought of an adventure with Jaron to motivate her. She looked back only once to allow her thoughts to float through his mind.

'Keep up, cyare... You're getting slow.'

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron had grown darker because of his relationship with Dianah, just as she had learned to enjoy the more discrete ways of killing a person. They had no time for Jaron to be slow and drawn out with this kill, but he still wanted this apprentice to suffer. After the vision of what they had planned Jaron enjoyed the shriek which came from the man's mouth as he gave in to his final breaths. Fear consumed him as he died, and spit on the carcass as he cursed under his breath. These were no better than the Sith they claimed to want to stop. It was the hypocrisy of the Jedi brought to light once more, and Jaron had no room for it. It was not just that being around Dianah made him darker, but the more Jaron met Jedi like this, the more his soul wanted nothing to do with the supposed light side of the force.

Dianah was as angry as he was, and her command to silence the templar apprentice was already in the works as she spoke. In her furry she was already heading toward the caves before Jaron could leave, and her call to him was as cheeky as she ever had been. Usually it was Jaron with the smart quip the earned a retort from Dianah, but this time she seemed to take a page from his own repertoire.

Cute.

Jaron grinned and started to run after her. Feeding the force into his legs, Jaron sped to catch her quickly, slowing just long enough to playfully smack her perfectly shaped backside as he passed her by.

"I am not sure I am the one who needs to worry about keeping, ner cyare," he said with a playful smirk that reached his eyes. The dark hue of his chocolate eyes even sparkled with the playful spirit only these types of adventures brought out in him. The killing would be enjoyable, but the endorphins of what they were about to do would last well beyond the end of the day, which was why Jaron began to flood her mind with images of what the worship the after adventure promised for her later.

The cave came into view, and Jaron slowed his pace, slinking into the nearest shadow. Surprise was their element, but he had to know how many, and their locations. This was not a moment to just bust in and start killing, not the way Dianah would have when they first met. However, it might also be a good part of the plan once they knew where these masters were. With is eyes closed Jaron identified four signatures. Four masters waited for them inside. They must have still been harvesting the crystals.

He inclined his head to Dianah.

"Two at the entrance, and two near the water. This time we do it your way. We rush in and kill."

Jaron nodded and rushed into the mouth of the cave. He would rush at the two furthest in to distract those at the entrance. Dianah would be able to draw them out, and while he was confident in her ability, there was still a part of him which was wanted to keep her safe. The Mandalorian in him won over, and he focused on the task. Dianah did not need his help.

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Darth Miseria]

Wind whipped through her thick curls as she zipped through the clearing, gaining speed with each step she took. Her helmet had been clipped to her belt and clanked nosily against the metal encasing her thigh. Behind her she could feel Jaron's force signature growing steadily as he gained on her. The first indication that he had caught up to her was a sharp sting of his hand across her backside, it caused Dianah to throw her head back in a fit of laughter. There were moments when she loved him the most and a fair few of them came when he was being unbelievably cheeky. She followed him with her gaze as he pressed on ahead of her, but he moved too quickly for her to think of a decent response. Instead she simply willed her body forward in an attempt to keep up with him.

It wasn't long before he was slowing to a steady pace. Dianah was still getting used to the whole stopping part of using force speed. Just as she came to Jaron's side she grabbed onto his arm with her hand and used it like an anchor. He was big enough and steady enough that she came to a complete stop, though her curls carried on and completely covered her face. A wide grin spread over her expression as she swept the mass away from her eyes to examine the clearing before them. One nod of her head was all that was needed to show Jaron she was ready.

'Off you pop then.'

Usually her fingers would have curled around the hilt of her blade, but not this time. Jaron sped past her toward the mouth of the cave and straight through the dumbstruck Jedi guarding it. Now they were on their guard they were well aware Dianah was there. She had only moments before they would ready themselves for a fight. There was no time to get wrapped up in the idea that they were far more advanced than her in both force and lightsaber combat.

In those few moments Dianah called on the dark twisting nether, gathering it around herself like a shroud. The rage she had felt minutes before came flooding back and filled her to the brim with an anger so powerful she could feel it in the air around her. There was no need to be near them for what she needed to do, but she did need them to see her. Dianah took a step out from behind the safety of their cover, making as much noise on the bushes and leaves around her as she did. Two heads snapped in her direction, followed by four angry eyes. Nobody was here to watch her or defend her. Jaron was at least a mile deep into the cave now. It was just Dianah and them.

Two brilliant streaks of blue extended toward the sky, humming and fizzing against the humid atmosphere. The sabers were impressive but their presence did not deter her, it was unlikely they would even get close enough to swing at her. Dianah lashed out with the dark power she had been steadily fueling with spite for the adversaries before her. A piercing scream filled the clearing as she used the force to rip the younger looking Jedi's face off, from one ear to the other. Lightsaber abandoned, he sunk to his knees clawing at the flesh and bone that used to be covered by skin.

The last remaining Master roared with anger, taking only a single step forward before Dianah reacted. With one hand raised she squeezed her fingers, curling them up slowly till they made a tight knot against her palm. There were a tense few moments were nothing at all seemed to be happening. What followed was the only indication that she was doing anything at all: the gasping sound he made as he clutched at his chest. A bright smile formed on Dianah's face, she had gone in half convinced that it wouldn't work at all. She could almost hear the pop as his heart gave way to the pressure she exuded. Her fingers released with a satisfying sigh that came from the depths of her chest, as if she had been holding her breath.

There was a swagger to her step as she walked forward. Her hands lifted and flipped carelessly over her shoulders, sending the bodies flying limply through the air and clearing the entrance to the cave. Dianah afforded herself a little nod of pride as she slipped into the dark depths of the cave. Telekinesis was such a fun ability to play around with, there seemed to be an endless amount of possibilities when it came down to it. You just had to be creative. She was almost half way through before she realized Jaron was still waiting for her by the pool.

I'm coming!

She reached out with her mind hurriedly and skipped into a sprint with only Jaron's signature to guide her way. He had probably already dealt with the two Masters inside but she was prepared for a fight either way. The rush of her win was still coursing through her, making the remaining distance between herself and Jaron a rather short journey.

[member=Jaron Lesan]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

The dank and murky smell of most caves was from absent in this one. The water which was deep inside moved and circulated enough through the air that it had a sweet aroma to it. The only thing about the environment that tainted it was the corrosive presence of those who claimed to follow the light side of the force yet were bent on mass genocide and terror. For what? To make a demonstration out of those who chose to allow the Confederacy to being its peace and order to their world. They expanded into free worlds, yes, but those worlds remained free. Others gladly came along to rid themselves of Imperialistic poison that had infected them for far too long. The Confederacy was good despite the darkness at its helm. Jaron and Dianah were proof of that. They were the ones stopping the terror, not causing it.

His head canted toward her direction as her raw power could be felt rippling through the force. The walls of the cave were no barrier to what he could feel through their bond, and she was strong. A twisted smile pulled at his face as he could hear the screams and feel the satisfaction which emitted from the core of her being. This was the woman he loved, a creature so beautiful, but so dark. She made him stronger, and he fed off her deep desire to bring the galaxy under her thumb. Dianah would make a name for herself, and it would strike greater fear than Darth Metus itself. The day would come, and Jaron would be there to see it.

Despite his speed, the other masters would be aware of their presence. They would have felt the strong darkness which cut through the atmosphere the moment the two neared the cave. This was not a moment of surprising them, no, Jaron was about to prove his raw strength and power was greater than anything these masters had seen before.

A playful smirk tugged at his cheek as the men looked at him. Their sabers were drawn and ignited. Jaron quickly called his own to his hands and stepped through their first attack. His speed was just enough to make them miss, and turning he cut them at their wrists, disarming them with two precise cuts. They hissed in pain as Dianah's words came to his mind. Good. She would be there to see him dispatch of at least one of them. His blade plunged through the heart of the nearest master, and a quick flourish of his violet blade sent his his head rolling to the feet of the second master.

Jaron let his sabers fall to back to his belt, the force setting them back in place. The master was already shooting rocks at him which Jaron tossed aside. One came directly for his face, and in one motion Jaron raise his hand to slow the boulder and with one finger, he channeled the dark energy of the force into the center of the stone and made it fall to dust.

"I wonder what this would do to a human?"

The question was directed toward Dianah as she emerged. Tendrils of dark energy were released from Jaron's fingers as the master rose in the air. He held his lungs as Jaron was crushing him from within. Allowing the body to drop, Jaron focused his mind on what he wanted to do. Calling deep to the darkness that had laid dormant for so long within him, Jaron bathed himself in the very substance he had denied himself for so long. His eyes shifted as he did, red and yellow lined his irises and his aura changed.

Swiftly Jaron's hand pressed against the man's chest as he dropped to a knee, and the energy Jaron had been building up was released. In an instant flesh melted and bone turned to dust. What time would do gradually, Jaron managed in seconds. It was way more a merciful death than the master deserved. Time and practice would allow Jaron to perfect the technique to use at his leisure. For now the masters were gone, and the only remaining question was whether or not they could recover the bomb.

"That was... thrilling," Jaron's deep baritone spoke as tainted eyes looked to his lover. "You seem to have enjoyed yourself. I could feel you... the darkness... this bond between us grows stronger."

Jaron stood and started to move toward the way they had come.

"Shall we see about getting back to the market and trying to intercept that bomb. They do not have the crystals, but I am certain these Templars will still try to use it."

With a smirk, Jaron moved closer to Dianah. A deep kiss was planted to her lips. While she loved him most in his cheekier moments, Jaron had fallen in love with the way Dianah was both warrior and princess, and today she had shown him both once again.

[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]