Serious Business (Siobhan)

[Mirien Valdier]

"Yes, you." Mirien said softly.

"I know, I know one of us has to leave this house. Might as well be me. Wasn't mine to begin with." The brunette said to the next statement. She did nod to the rest Tegaea's words and followed her up the stairs and into the room to find Siobhan.

Awkward .... You are telling me sweetheart... She thought to herself as Siobhan began.

Mirien's lips soon fell into a sharp frown, and for the part of her that wanted to comfort Siobhan as the woman apologized, she didn't move. It wasn't her place. She glanced to Tegaea, and sighed. This already was harder than she expected.

"Don't worry about it, Siobhan. Forgiveness is yours, not that you need it. I equally played a part in this." She sighed, "Thing is, I should move out. Find my own place, and probably get some distance and space for a while. You both need it from me. And I very much hope that you both manage to put your marriage back together and get on the right track." She said softly, her eyes drifting to the floor, trying hard to keep a tight wrap on her emotions, despite it killing her inside. "Last thing either of you need is a reminder of me. So, I'll make myself scarce for a while, a few months. Then ... we'll see what happens from there. I just .... I don't, I can't be in the way. So, I'll do you both a favor and go." Though, she waited just a moment, "I do love you Sio. But, yeah ... I need to be somewhere else right now." She said before she turned to start for the door.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Mirien Valdier"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Awkward City, population 3.

Since it was time for confessions, Tegaea reached out to stop Miri slipping away so quickly. She had things she had to say.

“Siobhan, of course I will try to make things work again. I do not blame either of you. A lot of blame must rest with me. For some time, especially since we’ve come to Tygara, I have been detached, absent. I started to have trouble relating to you and how you’ve developed, but rather than try to bridge the gap I gave you space and focused on other things. This was a mistake. You’re my wife, and you should come first, above business, war or peace.”

“Miri, don’t beat yourself up about it…don’t be a stranger.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Mirien Valdier"]


"We got estranged a long time before Tygara. Even before you and Galina vanished into the netherworld. I should have brought it up a lot earlier, but I didn't,," Siobhan said quietly. Yep, it had been a long time coming. Saying it was all because of the Exodus would have been an easy explanation, but alas, things were not so. "But I accept your apology. Let's try working on things. It won't be the 'good old days' again, but maybe we can make things work and rekindle the fire," she gave Tegaea's hand a squeeze and kissed her. Her wife's words had touched her though. Would this be enough? Time would tell. Deep down the doubt was strong.


However, through her Force bond she could feel how...uncomfortable Mirien was. As a matter of fact, uncomfortable did not cover it. Tegaea was trying to stop her from sliping away, but Siobhan could see staying was the last thing her bond sister wanted. What were they now? Siobhan did know, but she quickly stepped over to her and gave her a loose hug, then released her. "You need distance...I'll give it to you. Your suite is still yours. If there's stuff you need to take with you from here, the servants will help you. Go on vacation, no buts. I'll get you a hotel on Laekia. All expenses covered. You can leave tomorrow."

 

[Mirien Valdier]

Mirien cringed as Tegaea stopped her. At that moment, Miri wished to be anywhere but where she was standing. Anywhere was better than there. She sighed, her eyes still down on the ground, feeling every bit as guilty as she looked. They might not blame her, but she would blame herself for a while, without a doubt.

"Yeah, I'll try not to..." She lied. Blatantly and flat out. A lie seemed easier than the truth of the matter. Mirien still just wanted to escape that room and run like hell without looking back. It was the same thing she'd done after missions gone bad, or really anything terrible that she didn't know how to deal with... Mirien always did one of two things, ran or got extremely drunk. Both dangerous for their own reasons.

"Thank you." She muttered as she loosely hugged Siobhan in return. "Laekia. Right." Trying to remember details that her mind didn't want to cling to in that moment. Mirien was in full on flight mode, ready to bolt. Nothing else seemed to really matter to her, except escaping the painful discomfort of that room, between Siobhan and Tegaea, she needed out. Because right then she just felt like she was suffocating, in things she had no place in.

"Fine... fine, tomorrow. I'll be out of here and back at my suite tonight, don't worry." She tried to smile, "Don't worry about me. I'll survive. Been through worse." Or so she tried to tell herself. Though, she'd never been through a broken heart. With that Mirien pulled away, and walked out of the room and back to her own to pack what few things she kept here.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Mirien Valdier"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Tegaea didn’t stop Mirien this time. The woman had effectively chosen for them, and taken the honourable path. Tegaea should have felt triumphant, should have felt like this was a victory. Instead she felt bad. She liked Mirien a lot, and well…had gotten to know her very well. So instead of happy, she felt bad for bringing it up at all.

Still, she gently gave Siobhan a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll make it work, I promise.” And if we can’t…well…Mirien’s not gone far, she thought sadly.

Performance anxiety filled her. She feared whatever she did would be defective in some way. If she tried to get too close Siobhan might think she was smothering her, if she let things take their course then Siobhan might think she’d not changed. It was hard.

“I think…I think we should start, well….” She trailed off. “Siobhan, if you want I think we should move back in together. We’ve been apart for work, but even when we’re in the same house we’ve not been in the same room enough. That’s a start I think. I should spend some more time with Galina…maybe we could do some things together, the three of us?”
It was very awkward, but she would try. If it didn’t work…well then she knew who was the problem; her.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Mirien Valdier"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Awkwardness intenfisies.


It was hard. Mirien's heart had been broken and Siobhan felt awful. Indeed, for a few moments she physically recoiled and looked shaken because the pain Mirien felt was reflected upon her through their bond. It actually physically hurt. Theoretically she could have put up her barriers to protect herself against the empathic backlash, but she did not.


After all, she was the reason Mirien was hurting and she felt it unkind to shut her out like that. No, she had caused this, so she should not have the privilege of averting her eyes from the effects. As the brunette walked away, it felt to Siobhan like a part of herself was being torn out. I'm sorry. Yep. Cheesy fairy tale romance. She was living one of those tales she loved to read. How odd that it was the former Inquisitor being chivalrous and honourable, yet to Siobhan it was not odd at all.


Deep regret besieged her, but then she turned her attention to Tegaea. The woman on whom her focus should have been. She accepted the kiss on her cheek. "Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Spending more time together and Galina. I know there's lots of work to be done for Firemane, but maybe we can go on a camping trip with her. She loves the wilds and she looks up to you. Just gotta make sure she doesn't adopt every dangerous pet she meets," she said fondly.


Her wife was trying, so she would have to as well. It took two to make a marriage work. "I need to go sit down. My leg's hurting me," she said, looking a bit embarrassed. Showing weakness and drawing attention to her disabilities was something she hated. As would become apparent, she was leaning rather heavily on her cane and was trying hard not to show that she was in pain.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Tegaea took Siobhan's hand and helped her sit on a bench placed on the balcony. She smiled at her wife, keeping her hand in hers. Now determined, she was resolved to make this work, no matter what.
"That sounds great! I do love camping...the best part is that every planet you're on has different stars. I've spent so much time flying through them I barely look up any more...but I'd love to try it with Galina."

"Shall we get some lunch? It's not exactly gourmet, but I can cook something up with what we've got in the kitchen."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


It was night time, so by now it had grown dark and gotten a bit cold. Regardless, Siobhan gratefully accepted Tegaea's help in getting seated. Small gesture, but she found it sweet. At least over the years Siobhan had become less obsessed with being the one who had 'the strength'. Ironically one probably also had Coryth and Mirien to thank for that. Yep, still thinking about Mirien.


She could walk normally when she used the Force to still the pain and strengthen her muscles, but that was tiring if she did over an extended period, which is why she mostly only did so in battle - or if she wanted to appear particularly authoritative in front of minions or slaves. She gave Tegs a nod, smiling thinly. "That sounds great, darling. I've missed your cooking. Nothing against our servants, but it's not the same if they do it," she admitted, sounding a bit tired.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
"Alright, well come inside and I'll get started. Would you like some wine?"
Helping Siobhan in, she sat her near the kitchen and put a pair of wine glasses on the counter, pouring herself one and offering the bottle to Siobhan.

That done she headed over and started the burners up, then dug through the refrigerator to find what she needed.
"Nerf steak with wyin pepper sauce sound good to you?" she called. It was one of their favourites so she suspected it'd not be turned down!

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Neither Siobhan nor [member="Mirien Valdier"] had been the cooking type. Well, Sio was banned from doing any actual cooking ever since she had exploded potatoes in the oven. It had only happened once! At most she did ready meals. Whenever Mirien got really busy with work, she sometimes forgot to take care of herself and eat things. However, Siobhan had always enjoyed fussing and mothering over her. She did enjoy fawning over women she cared about, after all.


She gave Tegaea a small smile. The food seemed to cheer up a bit. It was one of her favourite dishes after all! "That sounds lovely. One of my favourites. Wine is good too. I'll set the table," she said and so she busied herself with putting knives, forks and plates up there. After all, despite her disabilities she wanted to be somewhat useful! Besides, telekinesis came in handy. "Galina really looks up to you. She'd enjoy spending time with you. Besides, she wants to stay away from the Force as far as possible and you've done just fine without it," she added. Was this a slight reproach because Tegs had not made much of an effort to connect with the wildling? Maybe. "She can help out with company stuff a bit. She's a smart cookiee, some responbility and experience would be good for her."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
“Agreed. It’s time we move Galina up a bit. I can give her some jobs around the office to start off with, get her used to office life, then go from there. I think it’ll do us both good.”
Tegaea had resolved to mend fences with their adopted daughter too and spend some more time with her. Perhaps working with a non-Force user would be a good step. She had no ability to wave her hands and make things happen, so it might be a good example for the girl as well if she didn’t like that part of herself.

The steaks sizzled and the vegetables and sauce cooked. The smell was very appealing.
“Medium rare for you?” she called out to Sio. Tegs herself liked a bit of blood in hers but figured it was good to check if Sio felt the same way. So much else had changed, this may have too. Besides, this writer can’t remember Sio’s meet cooking preferences!

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Mirien Valdier"]


Whenever Mirien got to her suite and entered her bedroom, she would find that a certain something had been left behind for her on her bed. For one, there were two small, gift-wrapped presents. They even had shiny ribbons! Upon opening them, she would discover a very expensive looking silver crystal necklace and an ornate silver collar. Not just any collar, but one Adril had given Siobhan many years ago. Likewise she would also find a letter that had clearly been hand-written by Siobhan. It would not take much familiarity with the woman to figure this out based on the handwriting.


"Dear Mirien, this is not a goodbye or a farewell because I refuse to believe we won't see other again. Rather it is a thank you for everything you've done for me. What happened between us was not love on first sight. Even I'm not so corny to believe in that! But we had a connection from the start. Somehow I knew there was something that made you special and that I knew I could trust you. Even after my memories of you had been stolen and I let you into mind.


Then I grew to love you. You're brave, beautiful, kind, sweet. You make me laugh, sometimes when I'm around you I feel like a princess. I guess that makes you the honourable knight then, protecting your lady! Yes, I just called you that, suck it up. You're not perfect, neither am I, but you've always been there for me, and you helped me a lot. You showed me I didn't have to deny my darkness, that I could still be a good person with it. I suppose one has to be a Forcer who touched darkness in order to understand it. When the chips are down, I can rely on you. You know how I hate depending on others...but I feel safe in your arms. I'm not afraid of being vulnerable around you.


Our bond is a connection I have always treasured. Not once have I wanted it to be broken. Not after Atrisia (and I apologise for my outburst, it was wrong), not after the revelations about your past. I kicked that door down and I'd do it again. You have a big place in my heart and nothing will dislodge it. I do not know what the future holds. I know your decision and I respect it. I shall speak with Tegs and then we shall see. Maybe our marriage will get on track again...maybe not. I don't know, but I still love her. It is all a confused mess and I am deeply sorry for the pain I've caused you.


There's only two things I ask of you: Please, forgive yourself. The woman you used to be is dead. When I look into your eyes, I do not see her. And don't shut yourself out, take time but come back. I'm rambling, but I just want you to be happy...even if it is not with me. Whatever happens, I shall always be there for you. I shall always love you.


Your Sio."


[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


This one does not recall defining Sio's meat cooking preferences. Anyhow, Siobhan gave her wife a nod, having finished setting the table. "Medium rare sounds good, thanks," Siobhan replied, smiling slightly. Her wife wanting to spend more time with Galina pleased her. She had never resented the fact that she was the young wildling's primary caretaker, for every moment with her had been precious, but still it had felt to her as if she was rasing their daughter alone. Perhaps things would be changing now.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
A few moments later Tegaea emerged into the dining room and laid the two plates on the table. She smiled and gave Siobhan a kiss before sitting in her seat.
“I was going to have some romantic music playing, but I couldn’t figure out the stereo system…so we’ll just have to talk instead!” she said cheerfully.

“So tomorrow there’s some business matters I’d like your opinion on. But for tonight well…what did you want to talk about?”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Her wife was making an effort, Siobhan could see this. It took two make a relationship work. This meant that the onus was on her as well. Was it treacherous that part of her was still thinking of Mirien, that she could not help compare the two? She did not have an answer ready for that.


"Well, not sure, but I'm glad we're talking again," she said, sounding a bit awkward and uncertain. She reached out and touched Tegaea's hand. "We can watch a movie later, if you like. Not sure whether Chesna told you, but Semiramis 'gifted' me a couple slaves from her personal household. Couldn't really say no or just set them free. I've been trying to help them, but it's...difficult not to enjoy their fawning attention and obedience, before you realise the reason behind it." Dimly Siobhan was aware that she was enjoying being a slaveholder more than she should and it made her uncomfortable.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Tegaea paused for a moment, blinked, then finally nodded. She was a little confused. After all, they had been freeing slaves for years and giving them productive new lives. It was a bit of a shock to have this brought up. Still, not wanting to break the moment, she smiled. Besides, she was sure Siobhan was just waiting for the right moment to free them.

“Sounds good. I’ve got some movies in the hard drive we might like.” A pause. “I’m glad you’re looking after the girls Semiramis sent, getting them away from that life. You’re going to free them when the time’s right, yes?” she asked.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Siobhan gave her wife a nod. At this point in time she did intend to do that. Whether that would change was another question. Or whether the slaves would want to be freed. "Yeah, I do. Slowly started teaching skills, to read and write, to speak our language. Most of them obviously can't do that since they were Semiramis' harem girls." She was quite genuine in her intent, but at the same time rather receptive to their skills.


There was a pause before she spoke again. It looked like Siobhan was feeling rather embarrassed and a bit upset. "You can pick the movie. I think we'll...have to take things a bit slower in bed tonight. Not much, but my injuries are being a queen. Is that ok for you?" she asked shyly. Was she feeling performance anxiety? Maybe. "Should be back in shape tomorrow."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
“That’s fine love, I think we should have a quiet night,” Tegaea agreed. “I did get some of those Eldorai flicks you wanted. ‘Ariane vs the Rock Demons’, and ‘Tassaria: Warlady of Kaers’. They’re pretty trashy, but it’s fun to watch. They’ve got subtitles too!”
Eldorai movies were a bit hit and miss, seeing as it was not a form of entertainment which had existed for long. There generally seemed to be two categories; serious dramas with long involved plots, and films which could be charitably called ‘Elf-ploitation’ and seemed mainly to appeal to off-worlders and Eldorai who were getting ‘corrupted’ by the galaxy.
Naturally the Priestesses had declared the whole genre an ‘Abomination onto Ashira’, but the people who watched them tended not to really care.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Siobhan was quite certain that there was one Priestess who probably enjoyed the aforementioned Elf-ploitation movies...despite vehemently criticising the bad plots - or lack of them - and general inaccuracy when it came to depicting Eldorai religious ceremonies and traditions. Anyhow, she was not in the mood for serious drama or romance, so trashy and cheap were just fine for her.


"Sounds great, dear," she said cheerfully. It seemed her anxiety had been banished from her mind for now and she felt more at ease. "Hmm. Let's put the Tassaria vid on first. The girl playing her is a real babe." Well, Siobhan had slept with her some time ago. Siobhan was feeling lazy and so she telekinetically pulled the vid from the shelf and then slid it inside the recorder. Or whatever device people used in this Galaxy. Somehow we never really hear about mundane appliances.


Soon the vid was on and Siobhan snuggled up against her wife, leaning her head on her shoulder. It was...like in the old days. Or like many evenings she had spent with Mirien. As it turned out, Siobhan really liked to cuddle. Only thing missing was a slave fawning over both of them.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Tegaea cuddled up with her wife, stroking her hair and kissing her neck tenderly.

The movie itself was somewhat laughable. It could be said that the costume was not entirely historically accurate, the script was mockable, and the romances there just to provide mandatory T&A, but on the other hand it was something which could be watched without thinking much, and without distracting from the rekindling romance.

Spoiler

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


And the scene was so sweet to make syrup taste four. Siobhan sighed in contentment, feeling very happy with the affection her wife was displaying. Deep down a part of her could not help feel guilty and hope that Miren was doing alright. Not that she doubted her lover, but she still worried. Yep, she was still torn and that would not change for a while. How things worked out remained to be seen.


But she appreciated the new closeness she was feeling with her wife and so she unconsciously reached out to entangle their fingers, holding their hands close. As for the movie, it was trashy, did not have much of a plot, the battle scenes were absurdly over the top, such as wen the heroine moved a mountain, and the romance an excuse for raunchy love scenes. Unsurprisingly Siobhan liked it a lot. "That was fun! We should do this more often," she said cheerfully, planting a kiss on Tegaea's cheek.