Private Pieces of Eight

[Abel Denko]

The Darkness was relentless.

Palm's hand shot up and tensed around Abel's own. That minimal sum of contact opened his psyche to the abyss which threatened to swallow his comrade. There was so much...There was an ocean of anger and a sea of pain. But with each breath, the waters of darkness began to recede. Abel relaxed ever so slightly as Palm locked eyes with his own. She'd see a smile waiting.

Now, there was just the matter of tending to the vermin who had caused this storm to brew. Loyalists were truly a disease that was very difficult to stamp out. Palm spoke her thoughts aloud, wondering how deep the infection of their "cause" ran. Abel folded his arms and contemplated. He knew nothing about the society that housed these individuals, but he knew a thing or two about radicals. During his time in the Suns, there were plenty of sordid souls who fought for an ideal. And during his time with the Knights, there were plenty of adversaries who hid within their very ranks.

Hell, there was even a time when one of their brightest led an invasion against their home.

"We'll have to be a scalpel, not a hammer." he said finally. "Those who perished today had collaborators. But beyond that, they had family. I've found that, for every radical put down with the fury they deserve, the loved ones they leave behind take up the cause. One man's death can turn into a tsunami." The warrior shook his head - rebellions were built on "hope." And it was very difficult to stamp out an idea.

But as he had said, and Palm affirmed, they would do it together.

"Regardless, we'll figure out the best way forward and secure your people's future." With said affirmation on his lips, the two began to head back to check on the guests and staff. As they moved, Palm's presence was...closer? Though the hall was certainly cramped in terms of dueling, it was certainly wide enough to comfortably provide elbow room. Yet, the woman was close - enough that his shoulder grazed hers a few times. Close enough that he could faintly note the perfume which subtly hugged her. Close enough...

Abel averted his eyes as they ascended the stairs, clearing his headed by running his fingers through his hair. After a fight like that, it could have been seen as switching his brain into "politician" mode. But truly, the man was telling himself to get his shit together.

Now within the ballroom, the gilded space was a shadow of its former self. However, the guests - who had begun filtering out of their safe rooms when the defense systems stopped shooting - seemed no worse for wear. There were plenty of pirate bodies about. Broken furniture. Shattered finery. But as far as Abel could tell, their fellow passengers were safe.

The arrival of the Knights did not go unnoticed either. When all else ran away from the danger, two stepped up to fight it. The survivors began to cheer and applaud. Abel rubbed the back of his head, offering a modest smile.

"I guess you're a celebrity now." he quipped.

Tag: Palm-Imer

 

[Palm-Imer]

A C C O L A D E​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Abel Denko

The ascent from the depths of the ship felt longer than it actually was, each step carrying the weight of what had just transpired. Palm's mind churned, still processing the Loyalists' attack and Abel's words about the need for precision. He was right, of course. A scalpel, not a hammer. It was a strategy that required patience and a steady hand. She had honed over years of leadership, and she had also failed at them many times. Yet, there was something about the way he said it, the way he understood the complexities of their situation, that struck a chord within her.

As they walked, the proximity between them was almost unspoken, a silent understanding that neither felt the need to break. Each time their shoulders brushed, she could feel a warmth that was different from the mere physical connection. It was as if the brief moment of vulnerability they had shared had woven a thread between them, something delicate. For as easy going and physically affectionate as she was, she had always been cautious about letting others get too close, a necessity in her position, but with Abel, it felt… natural.

When they emerged into the ballroom, the sight that greeted them was the complete opposite from the tidiness and luxury in which their night had begun. The remnants of the battle were everywhere. But amidst the wreckage were the faces of the guests, filtering out from their safe rooms, their expressions a mixture of relief and gratitude.

The applause started slowly, a hesitant ripple that quickly grew into a wave of cheers. Palm’s gaze swept across the room, taking in the faces of those who had been spared. Their safety was a victory, one that mattered far more to her than any personal accolades. And yet, as the applause grew louder, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of something she hadn’t expected—a small, almost reluctant pride. Not for herself, but for the fact that they had succeeded together.

Her eyes found Abel’s, and for a moment, the noise around them faded into the background. His modest smile, the way he rubbed the back of his head as if deflecting the attention, made her own lips curve into a softer smile. Their closeness had taken on a new weight, something unspoken that she hadn’t expected but she found herself holding onto it nonetheless.

When Abel quipped about her newfound celebrity status, Palm let out a quiet laugh, a sound that was as much for him as it was for herself. “I think you mean we are,” she replied, her tone light, though her eyes carried a depth that spoke of the many times she had been in the spotlight. “But it's not the applause that matters—it’s that they’re safe. That we kept them safe.”

The words were simple, but the meaning behind them was anything but. She wasn’t just acknowledging his presence during the fight; she was acknowledging the way she had felt fighting by his side, the trust that had been built in such a short time. It wasn’t something she took lightly, and she wanted him to know that.

As the applause began to die down, Palm took a step closer to Abel, her voice low enough that only he could hear. “Thank you,” she said softly, her tone carrying the weight of all that had passed between them. “For being here. For everything.” She allowed the moment to linger, the closeness between them a comfort she hadn’t expected to find.

The crowd begun to disperse as they followed the instructions of the liner's crew. But even as the room began to clear, Palm remained close to Abel. She took a look at herself, a small grimace etching into her features. She was bloody, dirty, and her muscles were beginning to make their fatigue and discomfort known. "I need a bath. And I can't wait for the day I never have to wear clothes like this again." She had never been one for fashion. It was beautiful, yes, but so utterly impractical. Thank the Force she hadn't chosen a dress.


​

 

[Abel Denko]

I think you mean we are.

There was a quiet laugh that seemed to eclipse all of the applause thundering around them. Though there were so many souls in the room, it felt - even for a moment - that they were alone. It was odd. Abel had never felt this way. He couldn't put words to it, but he was certain that he didn't want this to end. All of it, really. From finding a fellow Knight to remembering what it felt like to fight for something that mattered. Hell, this was the first time that he had succeeded in saving anyone since the Confederacy fell. Palm was right, they kept the people safe.

He couldn't have done it alone.

The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. It was like looking at an unfinished puzzle and finding the missing piece. All this time, Abel tried to do it all on his own. When the flames consumed Naboo all those years ago, he stood alone to defend those he cared about. He was a part of something much greater, but even in that ocean of comrades, he was alone. But here? For the first time...he felt like someone had his back. Felt like he wasn't alone in the heat of battle. Because of that, he couldn't help the smile which dominated his face.

"Hey now, I'm just the supporting cast, you've got top billing." he said, poking back ever so slightly. Yet the nod which followed said everything without words. The people were safe. They had done that. It would have been so much worse without them. Hell, his life would have been the same, mundane mess it had been without he-

Palm stepped closer to him and Abel blinked. Her words...why could he feel his heart in his ears? But even still, why did her being so close feel natural? The warrior just did what felt right. He faced her, wordlessly, and his arms enveloped her form. "I've got you." he said simply, before lowering his arms. Soon, the crowd dispersed and Abel ceased the invasion of Palm's personal space.

She then mentioned her discomfort and Abel's eyebrow raised. "For what it's worth, you look great. But I feel that." he said. "Best part of being in the Suns a lifetime ago was the uniform: whatever you had lying in the closet. Now look at me - in a suit and tie." he shook his head.

"So how 'bout this, why don't we both get cleaned up and into something comfortable. Then, assuming my room wasn't blown up, let's meet and figure out our next move." The offer was simple enough. Plus, he had more than enough samples of his family's Skywind Reserve to make any stressful conversation palatable. Force knows they could use a drink at this point.

Tag: Palm-Imer

 

[Palm-Imer]

A C C O L A D E​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Abel Denko

Palm’s smile softened at Abel’s lighthearted jab, and for a moment, she let herself bask in the warmth of the connection between them. The nod he gave her, though simple, resonated deeply. They had done this together—there was no room for false modesty or misplaced credit. This was a shared victory, and it was a rare feeling, one that made her heart feel just a little lighter.

When Abel stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her in a brief but sincere embrace, Palm felt a surprising sense of comfort wash over her. His words, “I’ve got you,” were simple, but they carried a weight that she hadn’t anticipated. She leaned into the embrace for just a second longer than necessary, only then takinig notice of how much she'd needed a hug. The gesture felt so natural, and that in itself was unexpected. It felt… right.

As they pulled apart, Palm chuckled at his comment about the suit, meeting his amused glance with one of her own. “Well, I suppose we both make sacrifices for the cause,” she replied, her tone playful but with an underlying warmth that matched the moment. “Though I have to say, it’s not often I get compliments while looking like I’ve been through a warzone.”

Her words were light, but inside, she was still processing everything that had transpired. The way they had fought side by side, the trust that had been established so quickly, and the ease with which they now stood together, speaking as if they had known each other for much longer than they actually had.

As the crowd began to disperse, the reality of their situation settled in. The adrenaline that had kept her going was fading, and with it came the creeping exhaustion and the awareness of every ache and bruise. Abel’s suggestion to get cleaned up and regroup was not just practical—it was exactly what she needed. She nodded in agreement, feeling a small but genuine smile tug at her lips. “That sounds like a plan. I'll me you there in a bit.”

With one last, lingering glance at Abel, Palm turned and began to make her way out of the ballroom. The remnants of the battle were still scattered around them, but the tension had finally begun to dissipate. As she walked, her mind wandered back to the recent events. There was a comfort in knowing that she wasn’t alone in this, that someone else understood the weight of the decisions they had to make, the sacrifices they had to bear. It was a rare feeling.

The journey back to her cabin was a blur, her thoughts still wrapped around the events of the night. Once inside, she took a moment to survey the space—her belongings were scattered, a reminder of the chaos that had just unfolded. But right now, all she wanted was a moment of peace. She made her way to the shower, shedding her battle-worn clothes along the way.

As the warm water cascaded over her, Palm allowed herself to relax, the tension slowly easing from her muscles. She closed her eyes, letting the water wash away the grime and blood, both physical and emotional. Her mind wandered, to the bigger picture and how it had shifted after tonight's events. Palm knew her battles were far from over, but she had not expected them to rear their head up again so soon. It was strange, how she had found herself here, how this discovery had gone down, even how quickly she had come to trust him, to feel that his presence was something she could rely on. The thought lingered like a whisper, a subtle warmth that spread through her as the water continued to flow. She had been through countless battles, faced down enemies without a second thought, but this —this feeling was something new, something she couldn't quite define but felt in the quiet moments like this one.

The warmth of the water soothed her. It was a small thing, easily dismissed, but it had meant more to her than she wanted to admit. There was a comfort in the simplicity of it, a grounding presence in the midst of chaos. She didn't dwell on it, but the feeling lingered, a subtle undercurrent to her thoughts.

Finally, she stepped out of the refresher, feeling somewhat rejuvenated but still lost in thought. She dressed quickly, opting for something comfortable yet practical, and took a moment to look at herself in the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked tired, yes, but there was also a spark in her eyes, a determination that hadn't been there before. She knew that whatever came next, she wouldn't have to face it alone. That thought brought her a sense of peace.

With her thoughts still swirling, Palm left her cabin and made her way through the ship, searching for Abel. The corridors were quieter now, the aftermath of the battle still evident but fading into the background. As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder how he was processing everything that had happened. They had both been through so much, and yet, here they were, still standing, still ready to face whatever came next. The uncertainty gnawed at her, but it was mixed with an undeniable sense of anticipation.

Finally, she found herself outside Abel's quarters. Taking a deep breath, she knocked lightly on the door, her heart beating just a little faster than usual. Whatever came next, they would face it together, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of hope, of possibility.

​

 

[Abel Denko]

There was a part of Abel that worried about overstepping. After all, for as long as they had been Knights Obsidian, the duo hadn't encountered one another. Moreover, she was the ruler of a world. He was a noble of Naboo, yes, but that hardly translated. There was sure to be some rule of decorum somewhere that he was breaking but...he did what felt right. It seemed as though Palm agreed, for she leaned into his embrace. The moment caused him to smile brightly and, when they pulled apart, he couldn't help but want another.

Nonetheless, they shared a chuckle when talking about their attire. Palm's own playful quip about his compliments caused another to fall from his lips without thinking. "It's not often that warzone chic is in fashion, but hey, you're rocking it." he said, before laughing - mostly at how stupid he sounded. Before he could insert his foot into his mouth any further, the warrior made a suggestion that Palm eagerly accepted.

After all, while warzone chic looked appealing on the woman, tending to her wound was of the utmost importance.

They shared a final glance before parting ways. Abel navigated the broken remains of the ballroom and ran his fingers through his hair as soon as the door slid shut behind him. His thoughts were a blur. Mostly, he picked apart every word he said to Palm and was excessively hard on himself for the jests he deemed to be "dumb." Outside of this, his mind went to the situation that awaited Palm back home. Whoever had put together this assault was powerful and didn't lack for funding. It wasn't cheap to put together a force like this, especially those who could use the Force.

Fortunately, he could do a little digging of his own using the lightsabers he picked up from the assailants.

Abel did put a pin in his thoughts long enough to step into the shower. His was hung over the restroom door and he took his time scrubbing the warzone away. Afterward, he opted for something comfortable and casual. The man did not have any additional networking in mind and hoped Palm would forgive him for not dressing up in something more business-appropriate when she arrived. A simple white tee and a pair of black sweats were the ensemble. At least in these he could fight comfortably if another wave of attackers came after the liner.

Shortly after getting situated, Abel procured a bottle of skywind reserve wind and a pair of glasses. The wine he chose was of the dessert variety: sweeter than most, but still wine. He then set the glasses down on the coffee table and sat down on his couch. By the time his posterior hit the cushion, a light knock sounded at the door. Abel was to his feet in a millisecond.

Palm would be greeted by his warm smile. "Well hello there stranger, long time no see." he began, motioning for her to come in. Abel would then return to his seat on the couch. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

Tag: Palm-Imer

 

[Palm-Imer]

A C C O L A D E​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Abel Denko

Palm waited just a moment after her knock, and when the door opened to reveal Abel, her chest felt lighter. His warm smile washed over her like a welcome breeze, and she found herself smiling in return, softer but equally genuine.

"Felt like forever," she replied, her eyebrows momentarily rising in a dramatic fashion and her tone mirthful, as she stepped inside with an ease that felt more natural than she would have expected after everything they had gone through. The tension of the evening had dulled to a distant hum, though the memory of it lingered still, in her posture and expressions. Yet, as she crossed the threshold into Abel's quarters, she felt the weight of it ease just a bit more - even if loomed like a tall mountain at the back of her thoughts.

She glanced around, noticing the way he'd prepared the space—a bottle of wine, glasses set out, his choice of casual clothing. A small chuckle escaped her lips, a quiet acknowledgment of the shift in atmosphere from the battlefield to something far more comfortable. Palm let herself relax further, more than happy to match the energy of the room as she made her way toward the couch. Her eyes and her hand went towards her shoulder as she sat down next to him, checking that the bacta patch remained in place, before her amber gazed returned to him.

"Thank you," she said softly, accepting the glass he offered. She raised it in a small gesture of acknowledgment before taking a sip. The wine was sweet and smooth, grounding her as the day's events began to settle in her mind - and her approval of it was immediately visible. "Wow. I had high expectations but this really is something else." Her compliment lacked any of the formality she would have dispensed to anyone else.

Palm allowed herself to enjoy the moment, even if only briefly. The sense of peace, however fleeting, was something she hadn't realized how much she needed. It felt comfortable now, this quiet closeness between them. When she set the glass down, her gaze drifted back to Abel, thoughtful yet steady.

"It's hard to believe this night started as a diplomatic mission for me," she said, her tone laced with a touch of disbelief and quiet humor. "Now here we are, trying to piece together what's next." Her words carried the weight of all that had transpired, but there was also something lighter in her voice—a hint of relief that they had come through it together.

Palm knew she couldn't stay in this peaceful bubble for long. The realities of her responsibilities began to resurface. "I'll have to return to Geminidae soon," she began, her voice softening as she spoke of her home. "The situation there demands attention, especially after tonight." There was a pause as her thoughts drifted to the dangers still lurking in the shadows, the unknown forces that had targeted them.

Her gaze flicked up to Abel, and she found herself hesitating, though only briefly. The ease with which they had worked together—it all felt like something more than just circumstance. She couldn't deny that anymore.

"You know," she began, her tone shifting slightly, more personal now, "Geminidae has been closed off from the galaxy for so long. Since before I became Sovereign, very few outsiders have been allowed to set foot there." She paused, feeling the gravity of what she was about to say. "But I'd like to invite you to come with me."

The offer was significant, more than just an invitation to a distant planet. It was a gesture of trust, one that meant more than Palm could easily put into words. He had shared a path she now yearned she could still walk, and one she wanted to keep alive for as long as she was to lead her people. Abel reminded her of it, besides the fact that he knew how to handle himself.

Her expression softened as she met his gaze. "You'd be one of the first to visit since the isolation ended. And I think… after everything that's happened tonight, it might be good to have someone with me. Someone I can trust."

There it was—honest, sincere. She didn't shy away from the implications of her words, nor did she overstate them. She believed she had found someone reliable, and that was not something she was willing to take for granted. "I understand if your own duties call you elsewhere, of course."

A faint smile touched her lips again. "Although," she added with a touch of lightness, "I'm sure you'd enjoy seeing the vineyards of Geminidae. They're also... quite something."
​

 

[Abel Denko]

It was a relief to see her smile.

Though the pair had been greeted with enthusiastic applause by the passengers, Abel was no stranger to what silence did to the mind. When the applause was done. When the Knights briefly parted ways to get themselves sorted out. The warrior could only imagine what was raging through his comrade's mind. Yet, when he answered the door, the concerns were as snow at the beginning of Spring. His own smile would grow as she replied and they made their way over to the couch. At his invitation, Palm would gracefully descend onto the seat before reaching for the glass of wine.

And in that moment, Abel was suddenly...conscious about the taste of his product? There was a twinge in his stomach. A nervousness that was never present when he was presenting his wares to businessmen and other nobles. Why did he care so much if she liked it? He watched as she took a sip...and his heart danced in his chest when she approved immediately. "There's nothing like it, especially after a long day." he said, beaming. There was a pride in his smile, but also relief. Abel raised his own glass and attempted to drown his nerves in a light sip.

Palm shared her thoughts next, and the warrior could relate. He set foot upon this vessel intent on selling more of his family's product. Yet, now, he had found someone who reminded him of what he wanted to be. He fought for something greater than profits. What came next? He didn't know. "You're in good company there." he began, "It's hard to imagine going from this" he motioned towards her with his free hand, "back to the usual grind. It's like I'm on a different planet right now."

Of course, as much as Abel would have liked to live on this different planet for a moment longer, Palm's thoughts returned to home. She had to go back to Geminidae and for good reason. Loyalists were a parasite that, if left unchecked, could undo everything she had worked so hard to accomplish. What's more, innocent lives - including her own - could be at risk. Abel nodded. He understood the demands of duty, but there was...a sadness in his eyes? "Your world needs you, now more than ever." he agreed simply.

Abel was just about to try and wrap his mind around what his immediate future would hold when Palm caused his jaw to drop. He blinked. Silence ruled him for a moment as his mind caught up. There were responsibilities on Naboo. Duties that he had to attend to as Lord of House Denko. Dut-fuck that. Abel sat up in his seat. His heart moved and instinct ruled for a moment. The warrior's dominant hand rose and settled upon her shoulder. "You had me at felt like forever." he said, grin forming upon his face. "I'll have to make some calls, and piss off a lot of people, but all that be damned. I won't have you facing all of this back home without backup."

"And, I'd also love to try that wine of yours." He offered a wink as he retracted his hand and leaned back in his seat. Abel then continued. "But, if I'm to be your comrade in this bold new world of yours, I'll need to know the lay of the land. What's your home like? What do you love most about it?"

Tag: Palm-Imer

 

[Palm-Imer]

A C C O L A D E​

WEARING: XxX.
TAG: Abel Denko

Palm let out a small laugh at his reply, a genuine sound that came from deep within, soft yet full of warmth. She hadn’t expected the ease with which Abel accepted her invitation, but hearing his response brought a lightness she hadn’t felt in some time. His confidence in her—no, his willingness to stand by her, even when it meant challenging his duties and responsibilities on Naboo—was something Palm hadn’t realized she needed. It wasn’t just comforting; it was empowering.

Her amber gaze flicked to his hand resting on her shoulder, the warmth of his touch grounding her in the moment. She met his eyes, her smile lingering, something more heartfelt than mere relief. "You really are full of surprises, Abel Denko," she teased gently, the mirth in her voice evident. "Though I shouldn’t be surprised at this point. It’s becoming something of a habit, isn't it?"

As he leaned back, she felt a faint pang of guilt at the thought of him having to deal with the fallout of his decision. His life, his responsibilities—they were as real and heavy as hers. Yet, here he was, ready to drop everything to support her, to stand by her side. Palm’s expression softened further as she considered this. Her mind briefly wandered back to the isolation of Geminidae, how for so long she had been accustomed to carrying these burdens alone. But now, it felt different.

As Abel asked about Geminidae, Palm’s gaze drifted for a moment, her thoughts traveling to her home, a world of extremes that shaped every fiber of her being. She smiled again, this time a wistful one, as she gathered her thoughts. "Geminidae is…" She paused, trying to find the right words. "It’s a world of contrasts. The brightest days and the darkest nights. Towering mountain ranges that seem to touch the stars, and deep valleys shrouded in mist. It’s a place where nature feels untamed, where every step reminds you of the balance we strive to maintain."

Her gaze returned to Abel, and her voice grew softer, more personal. "But what I love most? It’s the silence. Not the kind that makes you feel alone, but the kind that connects you to everything around you. It’s… peaceful, in a way that I’ve never found anywhere else. I never want it to be anything but, ever again."

She took a slow breath, letting the memories wash over her before continuing. "How are your climbing skills, tough? There'll be a lot of that going on." She offered him a bright smile, before returning to the more practical matters of their conversation.

"The Loyalists—they know the land just as well as I do, and they’ve been waiting for a chance to strike. I can’t afford to let them gain any more ground." This return would be another reclamation, and she was still coming to terms with that. Of what was lost and what still needed to be protected.

There was a weight in her words now, but it was tempered by the trust she felt in Abel. He was right to call this a bold new world—it was a world Palm hadn’t dared to imagine until now, with someone at her side to face the uncertainties that lay ahead.

She reached for her glass, taking another sip of the wine, savoring the taste. "I don’t expect it to be easy," she admitted, setting the glass down again. "But having you with me… that changes things. I’m glad you’ll be there."

Palm’s expression brightened slightly, a flicker of mischief in her eyes. "I just hope," she added with a light chuckle, "I'm not selling my homeworld, and our wine, only to come short on the expectations I'm setting. I'd like to say I'm totally unbiased, but that would be a lie."

She allowed herself to relax into the moment again, content in the knowledge that the next steps, though challenging, would be faced together. But there was still work to do before they could return. "I’ll need to make preparations," she said, her voice shifting to something more purposeful. "I’ll make sure to inform the authorities on Geminidae to expect us, once you take care of things on your end." Her gaze settled on Abel, her smile soft but steady. "When you’re ready, we’ll go."

The night had been long, and yet it seemed that the most important journey was just beginning. Palm felt a renewed sense of resolve, knowing that when the time came, she wouldn’t be facing the road ahead alone.

Just then, the ship’s sound system softly hummed to life. A rich, but soothing melody filled the room, its notes warm and lively. Palm raised an eyebrow in amusement. “It seems we’ve earned ourselves a little ambiance,” she mused quietly, tapping her fingers lightly against her glass.

A knock at the door broke the momentary quiet, and Palm exchanged a glance with Abel. When they opened the door, a couple of smiling crew members would be standing there, pushing a small, elegant hover cart laden with a lavish display she had not expected.

“Good evening,” one of the crew member began warmly, “on behalf of the ship’s crew, we wanted to express our gratitude for everything you did. Please accept this gesture—a selection of delicacies from our kitchen. We hope it helps you enjoy the rest of your evening, and if there's anything you might need, let us know.”

Palm glanced over the assortment—delicate plates of exquisitely prepared foreign appetizers, exotic cheeses, savory cuts and fruits, and an assortment of elegant pastries and desserts, each artfully arranged. Alongside them were a selection sparkling drinks in beautiful crystal decanters. A shining grin formed on her lips, gratitude and warmth ruling her amber eyes.

After a few brief words of thanks, the crew would exit and close the door. Palm stood at Abel’s side with a smile that felt lighter now. The unexpected gesture added to the warmth of the moment, making the room feel more like a private retreat from the chaos they had faced earlier.

“Well I was hoping to have a night of indulging originally, I suppose.” she joked lightly, seating herself beside him once more, though there was a subtle shift in her posture—a little closer now, more relaxed.

The world outside could wait just a couple more hours. For now, it was just the two of them—music softly playing, the scent of the exquisite spread before them, and a rare chance to share something peaceful together amidst what she was expecting to be impending chaos. Palm allowed herself to rest into the moment, to let the it settle around her like a quiet embrace.

​

 

[Abel Denko]

There was a small laugh as Abel literally resolved to put his world on pause for awhile. Though his words had been amusing, the feelings behind them got across - or at least, that was Abel's assumption. When his gaze found her own, he saw the relief that resided in her eyes, coupled with a radiant smile. This was enough that he felt sure in his decision. "And you, Palm-Imer, are a ray of hope in this dismal life I've been living. Though I shouldn't be surprised at this point." His response was uttered with the same, light-hearted tone as her own.

From there, Abel posed his own question, wanting to get a feel for the world that his comrade called home. There was no one better to paint him a picture of what they were fighting for than one who was so devoted to its defense and prosperity. Thus, he began to listen as Palm paused. And with her words, she painted a picture that his mind's eye could see vividly. He thought first of Naboo, but...differently. A world that didn't feel prim and manicured. A world where nature was free to do whatever it so chose.

Ah but there was more. There was a blessed peace to be found there in the quiet. Abel nodded - and his thoughts briefly went to his brother. He wondered if that was why he decided to retreat from society and to reside on Monastery. Was it the connecting silence he was seeking? Palm's question shook the man from his thoughts. "Climbing?" he began. "I've done a lot of urban climbing, not sure if that'll translate over." After all, breaking into facilities alongside the Suns was vastly different than scaling a mountain.

Palm's words after the initial question took on a...heftier edge. There was a severity there and Abel understood it all too well. He was reminded of those days a lifetime ago, when the Suns were planning to strike out into rival territory. He was reminded on those evenings where the Knights were planning to fight alongside Confederate forces. That edge was very familiar, and Abel offered a nod. "We'll pluck them from the root." he said, his own tone severe. "However we must."

When Palm returned the wine glass to her lips, the severity of the moment passed. What laid ahead would indeed be perilous, and they would have their fair share of preparations to make, but, they could at least enjoy the ambiance for the moment. "I don't take you as the type to embellish, I'm sure that your home will be everything you've described and more." He offered yet another warm smile and briefly leaned his head back, staring at the ceiling. The ambiance was indeed nice, until a knock caused him to sit up straight. They shared a glance and he rose to open the door. What a pleasant surprise.

After the crew provided their lovely gift, Abel and Palm were left with quite a bounty. Bottles of wine from his own skywind reserve? Check. Finger foods of every shape, size, and flavor? Check. Exquisite company? Check. The warrior took a moment to arrange the spread before them on the table sitting back down beside Palm. "Y'know, I never really get to enjoy the food." he began. "I'm usually chatting the night away, attempting to get our wine in someone's business...this is a nice change of pace."

Abel then looked to his comrade - this woman who had managed to restore the embers in his soul over the span of a single evening. His dominant hand moved, briefly taking her own. His own gesture of gratitude was simple: he pressed his lips to the back of her hand before speaking. "I say, we let tomorrow worry about tomorrow. We can make our calls and plans when the sun rises. But for now? Stay with me."

The world could wait one night, right?

Tag: Palm-Imer