Private Mazara or Bust (Tuuli)

[Adara Raxis]

Tuuli Miles

Illumination globes hovered around the Mizaran Throne Room high enough to cast multiprismic light on the painted vaults high above Adara’s gold throne. Delicate hands poised on the arms, which although appearing antique, held the buzz of technological components hidden within each cranny. The throne’s seat was cut with velvet crafted by local artisans, dyed with local plant madder and embroidered by the same seamstresses who fashioned her regal and mostly formal dresses with the cultural patterns of her Panathan homeland and Lahosian kingdom.

Mahogany hair swept under her circlet, half-braided as Queen Adara Fitz-Kierke was yet unmarried. Deep, black sclera surrounded ruby irises, which were occupied not in the grandiose vaults or delicately carved columns of local marble, nor the massive transparisteel decorative window, but at the Citizen squirming in a one-knee kneel on a pillow his droid set beneath the chersilk of his fine cut trousers.

“D’ouwshe Kanou, you were given royal patents to conduct trade and commerce for our city. The deal was to provide employment to those who would become Citizens, not bring off-planet third party droids in by the bale full, covertly sending back the humanoids who would be citizens in one more cycle.”

“Your Highness, there’s nothing wro-”

“Finish that. Finish the statement, right in front of me, Sir. I dare you.” Adara kept her voice strong but level, the rights of Mazaran Citizens were supreme.

“Seven cycles. Seven, to go from outsider to Citizen. And you’re sending them away after six. Explain yourself. This is your only chance.” She expanded her mind outward, searching for the familiar sensation of her lover, Tuuli Miles. Where Adara ruled in the light of the Lahosian sun, her heart remained with the shadowy figure making his way through the darker places. What had Tuuli found? What could possibly explain such things?

 

[Tuuli Miles]

Tuuli sighed as he strode through the dark alley ways of the city head tilted back as he neared one of the few buildings he retained full control of knowing that he was here to deal out justice in his own way. The black Shadow mask he wore hiding his features even as he drew the force in around his frame hiding his force presence from all but Adara Raxis the one woman who his mind and force presence would always be open to. Finally he pushed open a door and strode in his steps echoing loudly even in the room filled with various under bosses that maintained control of the shadowy underworld on the planet ruled by Skorvek.

Finally he stopped in front of a throne drawing a dry chuckle from the young man as he spun around his long coat flaring as he did before sitting on a throne made of obsidian. His hands rested on skull hand rests as he finally spoke his voice modulated as he looked down at the gathered criminals. "I leave the planet for three days off to get things you can't get yourselves and I return to find out that someone has been helping someone smuggle sentients that were nearing citizen ship off planet. I BELIEVE MY ORDERS ON THIS WERE KARKING CLEAR WERE THEY NOT?!" As his words rang out savagely he released his control of his presence the dark oppressive pressure forcing the two men who weren't even captains of any group to their knees a satisfied smirk on his lips as he heard the brutal crack of their knees shattering from the action. Shaking his head after a moment he turned his attention to the large wookiee that stood nearby. "Ojuck make sure that all evidence that is required to see the citizen aiding them is sent to the Queen the delicate balance we maintain requires this service. Also as these two have broken one of the planetary and my personal laws see to it that they are given the maximum punishment. Take them to space and leave them floating in space suits in the middle of no where. My warnings were clear I hope that this proves I am not just speaking empty threats."

Sitting there he feels as familiar mind brushes against his instantly the greater part of his rage melts away at the touch of Adara's mind against his smiling under his mask as he looks upwards. Listening as various captains step up and give reports and lay their tributes at the foot of his throne all the while the loyal Ojuck a wookiee who had been a slave when Tuuli first liberated him stood to the side. Ojuck knew more than any other he knew the young man behind the mask and he knew his connection to Queen Adara he also served as the final line of defense in case either was threatened the pair of Rykk blades at his waist already having bathed in the blood of many.

 

[Adara Raxis]

There were many ways to rule, it gave no good prudence to ignore half of a city's natural underbelly, because of the heights Adara encountered. She felt outward for Tuuli Miles , Epicanthix mind closed to all but the most prescient telepaths, and to him. Trying not to count the years on her knuckles as she sat on her throne, Adara smiled. They all but grew up together, in tempestuous teenaged years ran away to pirate the stars themselves. Sure, responsibility found them, but so did the spacelanes, time permitting.

For Tuuli more than her. Adara's chest constricted when she felt Tuuli so close, he was back and their reunion was once again postponed by their duties. Enough time later, she supposed.

"Well, Kanou? No doubt your… multiple accomplices will come forward with looser tongues if you will not."

"My… you can't possibly… I act alone!" Kanou muttered, seeking some form of friendly eye in the room. No one reciprocated, finding other bits of masonry and art far more intriguing.

"Do you!?" Adara laughed, her smile wide without reaching her demonic eyes. "Intrigue me even more, how do you pilot multiple ships, take on many simultaneous projects, do tell, I did not realize you were such a master of efficiency. Educate me then, that I might have Mazara function with three maintenance droids, a C-3 unit and a common ball of string. My, that would be lovely, wouldn't it? I could take a stroll in the gardens for hours and the city would continue mercifully on."

"My Lady… it is… our Citizenry receive such gifts, how can we manage the increase of our population? Think of the coffers, I'm doing the city, nay, the planet itself a service! These… people, they are people, but… wouldn't you rather the most glowing than the mediocre?"

"And that is to you, the decision I mean, of their quality." Adara nodded, finally realizing what, in fact, Kanou's motivation was. "Here I thought you were acting on greed. You were, just… a different kind. One rife with egotism."

"Mercy."

"A thief loses their thumb first, then fingers one by one, then the hand to the wrist. We take bits until there is nothing left but a droid built in pieces. But the fitting punishment for a thief of time? Now that is my predicament. If I treat you too harshly, the courts will be rife with people suing their chatty neighbour for hours back of idle conversation. Too lenient and the people thrown to the Galactic wolves have no justice." Adara leaned against the back of her throne, playing with a dart on her skirt, embroidered in fine red silk thread. "Whatever to do… take your patents and licenses, surely. Don't want your children to starve, your spouse, they'll be at the nation's door receiving charity you denied others… death is too simple. Again with the petty people going 'oy oy, this'un took me to town for years with time wasting school work, justice, I say!'. Now if we had the manifests of people you ghosted off-world…"

"Manifests!? I don't know what kind of record you think I'd possess, your majesty."

"Hm. You wouldn't make it simple for us, would you Kanou?" Adara fought against a loose pout, feeling down to where Tuuli was in the shadows, attempting to glean more information on whatever he was able to find.

 

[Tuuli Miles]

Tuuli lounged in his throne as the two men started to struggled to work through the pain of their shattered knees gesturing towards the underboss they both worked for Tuuli used the force to drag the man to the forefront mismatched eyes glaring out of the shadow mask at the man before finally the young man started to speak. "So I come home ready to relax and enjoy a day off only to find out that one of my underbosses can't keep the majority of his men in line and isn't even really leading them. I find this out from my contacts in the authorities none the less who wanted me to deal with it. Do you realize how embarrassing that is for me?" Tuuli sighs and shakes his head leaning back against the throne looking at the man with a frown before he shakes his head and surges to his feet. Stalking forward Tuuli finally reaches down to grab the head of one of the first two men eyes narrowing before he uses the force to rip the information he required from the mans mind before releasing him. Turning away he returns to his throne sitting in it as he starts to record the information he had acquired on a datapad to send to Adara with Ojuck. As he sat there the underboss decided to speak up from his position.

"My lord I swear I did not know they were doing this. I swear to you I will see all the traitors dead as I reclaim my auth..."

His voice cuts off as Ojuck uses one of his Rykk blades to behead the man leaving his lifeless body on the ground as Tuuli sighs and looks up at the rest of the underbosses. "I believe that I informed you all that weakness and cowardice would not be allowed. You are supposed to be my hands running the the empire I have created while I am away. Any weakness from you can be perceived as weakness from me and I REFUSE to allow weakness to fester. As of now my enforcers will be going to each of your territories to determine if your power base and loyalty are maintained at a level I desire any who are not will be removed and replaced. Those who are will see themselves rewarded." Tuuli finishes speaking as his head cants to the side sensing Adara searching for information in his mind he sighs and waves his hand tiredly at the men gathered before him. "Return to your territories and insure I am not disappointed again." He ignores the sounds of the various beings scrabbling to get out of the room and away from his presence turning his attention to Ojuck he speaks calmly and quietly to the wookiee. "Prepare the enforcers to go out in force. I want obvious and covert investigations into the various holdings on the planet. I am going to go and actually relax for a time. If you require me you know where I will be at."

Ojuck looks at the young man and nods his head before moving off in the direction of the pseudo barracks within the building that fell solely under Tuuli's command and control. As the wookiee wandered off Tuuli sent soothing feelings to Adara Raxis even as he stood heading towards the far door from the entrance and through it towards the passage that would lead him closer to the castle so that he could reunite with her and give her the information he had gleaned.

 

[Adara Raxis]

"Take both hands as an initial cautionary measure, and keep Kanou in custody. Freeze his accounts, but for a small, and I mean small, stipend for his wife and children." Adara waved, and the offensive man was dragged begging by two battle droids standing to either side. The courtiers continued to remain silent, a pleasant enough sort of quiet, if not for the growing sensation of proximity in the back of her head.

Tuuli was on planet. Not just on planet, but detangling this mess from the underbelly of Mazara's criminal element.

Easier to control, a planet like Lahos, when both sides of people, whether the orderly or the criminal or chaotic thought they had their way. She was the odd bit of black light, where Tuuli remained in shadow, and although it created stability, gave them the chance to build Tuuli's empire (and thus make his mother happy, Adara prayed with baited breath), the distance was an absence in the room.

Their bed cold and unslept in, she didn't really need sleep, a meditation session and she was back at it, until the return. Until she'd hear his boots on the hall, loud enough for her instead of the relative silence he usually walked with in his trade.

"This isn't over, Kanou. Perhaps more time will loosen the tongue. We will continue to offer seven year's work for Citizenship. Citizens, whether naturalized or no, receive of our plenty. Leave me." A wave of her hand, and the courtiers and guards dissipated from the Throne Room.

Once the last pair of shoes echoed less than a whisper down the hall, Adara sat back on her throne and bit her lip. Did they want them all? Did it matter, when the sensations pouring into her shoulders were such delightful things?

A timid smile raised her lips, she pressed them together, then realizing how dry they were, secreted some balm from the throne and ensured perfect application. She telekinetically summoned a mirror, checking her face, the cosmetics applied, the coif of her hair… the partlet on top of her dress was removed, to reveal more of her decolletté. She stood, then sat, fiddled with the front of her skirt, fluffed it up.

Waited… then tore off the throne and opened the secret passage with a wave of her hand, letting it close before speeding down the corridor, nearer to where she felt his ascent.

Maybe one more stop to check that the rush hadn't ruined her hair… Adara wanted to look perfect.

Tuuli Miles

 

[Tuuli Miles]

Tuuli strode along the tunnel absently the mask tucked away in one of his inner pockets as he went through the information scowling as he sent orders to the small handful of frigates that he had command of that could see about heading off any ships still in the progress of transporting the citizens of Adara's planet off world. As he walked along he felt the use of Force ahead of him frowning he tilted his head curiously before chuckling. Making his way along the path at a steady pace knowing that his beloved would desire more than anything to make sure her rapid movements had not disrupted her appearance even if she was always beautiful to him.

Finally he approached the final turn before the entrance that lead into the throne room rounding the corner he allowed a small grin to cross his lips at seeing Adara pausing a short distance away from her he allowed himself to swoop down into a bow to her before looking into her eyes. "It is good to see you once more your Highness Queen Adara." His lips quirked into a small grin before he calmly stepped up and swept the young woman into a firm hug pulling her close as he planted a gentle kiss on top of her head whispering softly to her. "I hope that you have not had to many issues while I was away beloved." He finally stepped back before slipping one of her arms through his to guide her along the passage towards the entrance that let out into their room within the castle gently guiding Adara Raxis along with him as he walked.

 

[Adara Raxis]

Maybe the lips again, no they were fine. Hair? Hair. Was it too much? The half-up braids were customary, but was it… no. This was silly. She was almost certain Tuuli Miles could view her in a form of flimsi packaging material and still have positives to say… Near turning around in a tactical retreat to her throne, Adara's breath caught.

Boots on the ground. And there, her Tuuli. He swept into a bow and she answered it with a regal curtsey, chin high as was her station. "My Lord Prince, what a pleasure once again."

Swept into his arms, Adara squeaked and flung hers around his neck, eyes fluttering shut when he kissed her below the thin coronet of fine gold. Her grin burst upon her face despite the urge to be subtle, to act the Queen… but this was their tiny corridor, and no eyes existed they didn't want. "You're home. Few issues top the lack of you, when you're off adventuring."

Weaving her fingers along his sleeve, she tucked in beside him and matched his step, easy enough to do after the years they had together. "Only the one. I have three quarters of a mind to make Kanou eat his own hands, but I've every hope we can yet fix at least part of the situation. At least for the near-citizens who might benefit Mazara the most."

The passage eventually opened up to a nondescript bit of wall, which with a wave of her hand, became a door that rumbled softly to the side. The private apartments were furnished with items from across the Galaxy. Naboo marble, Panathan hand-carved chairs, Seltosian and Contruumi devices. Well appointed and decorated with the sentimentality of the once displaced Princess in mind, it spilled into a sightly view of the palace gardens, with a royal sized bed in an alcove off a table and chairs set for two. Cut in black stone and amethyst crystal, the place swelled with familiar energy, and a lifeforce built upon their secrecy and safety.

Heart slamming into her ribcage, Adara looked over at Tuuli, then blushed and turned her face away. "I trust your underlings aren't too overwhelmingly dim, hmm? Or… oh that was a terrible conversation starter. It's been days and days and… you're home."

 

[Tuuli Miles]

Tuuli smiled gently as he listened to her humming as he used the force to open the door to their room guiding her inside and to one of the chairs for her to sit before he turned to the wardrobe set aside for his belongs opening a hidden alcove in it he started to remove the items he wore when acting as lord of the underworld carefully folding and setting them within before turning to Adara Raxis smiling gently at her question he chuckles. Donning a simple jacket of silk he moved to sit beside her at the table comfortably relaxing alongside her as he shrugs. "It would appear one of the men appointed as Underboss was not worthy of his post. He is being demoted and the enforcers are being lead by Ojuck to retrieve those who assisted in the removal of the near citizens of your city. I have some frigates setting off to reacquire them before they can get to far and those guilty will be given a fitting punishment."

As his words trailed off a cruel grin crossed his lips before he turned his attention back to the woman who held his heart smiling gently. "I always return to you Dara no matter how long I am gone. Luckily this time it was only a brief trip to a shipyard to take official custody of ships acquired legally for the defense of our new home." He sighed as he leaned back on the chair stretching his arms overhead popping his shoulders before he used the force to guide a datapad over to her. "This datapad holds the information I was able to rip from one of the men supporting Kanou on my end. It appears that these men approached him so he is just greedy. From what I can see he also has a Mistress on the side they use to influence him see if you can find a way to separate his family from him without to much harm and they can still be of use to the city." He glanced over at her and smiles gently at the blush on her face one hand reaching over to gently brush his fingers against the back of her hand soothingly.

 

[Adara Raxis]

Prim as ever, Adara sat with corseted posture and played with a flower from the vase on the table, fingers busying about the petals. But there he was, her Tuuli Miles putting his shadow persona away, or as away as they could get it in the moment. It would do. Sniffing the flower as she searched his mismatched eyes, Adara warmed the room with a gentle push of Force.

"Fitting indeed. I ought to flay Kanou alive, but reason also ought to prevail and sometimes it is hard not to… mmrrh!" Adara clenched her fist, and the flower stem crumpled. She caught the blossom, setting it softly down on the table. "I'll chide the security forces to other parts of the city on a schedule, then. Keep some eyes off your gloom."

A decanter of wine and two stemmed glasses floated to the table, the amber liquid poured into the stems, with a twist of Adara's attention. She bit her lip, releasing it slowly as she memorized his face. There were no new lines on it, no scars she could see. The years hadn't touched him, and barely breathed on her. "It's silly really. We've been together thirty years, and… I can't help getting giddy when you come back. I know you'll come back, I keep faith… and I'll ensure our spaceport continues to expand on schedule. It's close. We're almost double capacity, which should help Lahosian trade, but I do worry about the relative instability of our neighbours."

She clutched the datapad and her eyes narrowed into a shrewd examiner, flicking through bits of information and tables of supplies. The cypher opened to her eyes, crates becoming people, and the tale swerving toward the sordid. "He's in the cells, should be easy enough to get the wife and children pulled… I wonder if the mistress is off-world or on? Heavens, looks like his poor wife didn't know a thing. Well, see if that maintains itself, once we have a little Queen to Lady chat… Darn fool… thank you. This solves… many…" Adara sighed, "… of my problems."

The soft touch on her hand had Adara glancing up and with another timid blush, setting the datapad down. Her skirts rustled, when she rose, crinkling over the arms of Tuuli's chair, as she sat gingerly in his lap, frame aided by the cut of her dress. She scanned his face, stared at his lips and the smile. Leaning down, Adara set her hands on his chest and kissed him, her breath catching as a tiny bolt of electricity echoed down her spine.

Tuuli Miles

 

[Tuuli Miles]

Tuuli smiles as he sips at his wine listening to Adara Raxis speak as he looks out the balcony and down into the city with a quiet hum just as he sets his glass down he feels a movement just as Adara moves to perch on his lap one arm wrapping around her waist gently to secure her in place a smile crossing his lips as he leans in to kiss her gently in return. Finally he breaks the kiss and leans back relaxing with Adara perched against him his eyes gleaming in their half-closed state one hand caressing her waist gently. Finally he opens his eyes and grins at her lightly as he winks. "Is there anything you would like to do Dara or are we just going to relax here at peace together?"

 

[Adara Raxis]

Their silence was companionable and full, a peace at their reconnection. Adara laid her head against his shoulder, seeping in the contact.

"How fast do you think you can get this dress off without ruining it?" Adara's eyebrow raised, her demure smile turning into a timid grin. "I like this one."

She nodded to the wardrobe, where her more battle-ready armourweave body suits and cape was located. "There's adventure afoot, and I cannot think of a better way to fill our day than leaping over rooftops to chase it."

Tuuli Miles

 

[Tuuli Miles]

Tuuli raises an eyebrow at the bold statement before he chuckles shaking his head he gently stands her up to help her remove the dress before he grins lightly at her. "Well if adventure is afoot I suppose we must prepare for it." Tuuli starts to remove her dress carefully laying it aside before he walks to the wardrobe to retrieve some more casual cloths for her as he set aside his own work cloths changing into a pair of light pants and a robe top. Walking over to her with a light robe and slippers her admires her before helping her slip on the robe chuckling. "So adventure or retire for the night and begin a new adventure in the morning beloved?" Tuuli turns his mismatched gaze to Adara Raxis grinning at her baring teeth as he does.