Private Stately Matters

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori had much to think about. With offers from her Mandalorian friends and family, plus her conversations with Dorthea and Burtch, she was at a crossroads. But not with just one issue. There was more than meets the eye and every decision had it's consequences. She needed to decide whether to act for herself or for others. To do both might not be at all possible.

There was another person that she had yet to talk with, one that was sure to have a different set of eyes on everything that was going on. And that was Var-Sulis . Having been Heath's bodyguard, he was sure to have some valuable insight. At least she hoped he did, anyways.

Not wanting to get any rumours going, she asked him to meet with her in the training room that they had sparred in before. Arla stood watch out by the door for him while Lori took some swings and kicks at a big punching bag to pass the time while she waited.

 

[Var-Sulis]

I approached the training room once more as memories of the first sparring match Lori and I had begun to flood in my mind. It was fun and educational in the sense that I learned alot about her that day. She asked me to meet her here again. After all..There was alot more we could learn from each other. With my current time off from base working with the E.I.A., I had the time to do what I actually wanted to. So then..Ms. Arenais...As I refer to her in my head...We have a rendevous. Using my entry card and hearing the door slide open what I expected I did indeed see...Lori and Arla, who was at the door.

"Oh...Arla...We meet again! I'm starting to think we are good friends too." I would smile with a greeting as I wanted to speak with Arla as well. I appreciated everything Arla did for Lori. As I stood there..With a thin layered cotton white shirt and loose-fitting trainers pants, knitted footwear for light movements I could only think about what lie ahead.

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

It was Arla that noticed Var-Sulis enter first. She gave him a nod and kept at her post, folding her arms across her chest as she leaned up against the wall, giving off no hint of emotion. She rarely did when she was on sentry duty.

Lori was working out some of her stresses on the punching bag, building up a bit of a sweat in the meantime. She stopped once she saw Var, however, and wiped her brow with her forearm before getting herself a drink from her water bottle. She was dressed the same as before, using the training as part of her cover. But there was no reason to not get in some exercise while she was here.

"Thank you for coming. I've got a lot of things on my mind that I need to work through and I'd like to have your point of view if I could. Your position allows you to see things differently than I do. So I could use your help."

 

[Var-Sulis]

As I continued in I snapped my fingers in a gun pointing notion at Arla as I Knew judging by the lack of response, She was in a different mode. Seeing Lori made a grinning smile stretch across my face as if I saw her for the first time. Approaching her, while hearing her subtle plea I thought it the perfect moment to assure her I am here for whatever she may need.

"My point of view is...Very unique....Perhaps we can help each other. But you go first Mi'Lady. How can Mr. Sulis be of assistance?" I asked as I gently put my hands behind my back, cuffing them casually. I was more than interested in Her. Her demeanor, Her passion...Her desires to seemingly life a life..Out of her life...Is that possible for someone like her? I Pondered....


Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori raised a brow slightly as Var-Sulis suggested that he needed her help with something. No doubt it had to do with fighting, for he was dressed for it and the training room was where she had asked him to meet with her.

She studied him in any case while she spoke, her thoughts pouring out in a bit of a ramble as they tended to do with her at times. Sometimes her mind was a floodgate that was hard to close. "I was recently on Commenor overseeing the Embassy as it's being set up in my old hometown. There was a festival and I met one of my friends there. He told me about clips he's seen on the holos in regards to Rex and I. People are talking about how we're not close at all. And if my friends see it, how many others do as well? Rex doesn't seem interested in much, including me. I suggested the Embassy be put on Commenor, but he ignored me. Burtch had to back me up before he listened. We're supposed to work together, but he ignores what I say as though it has no merit at all. My friends wanted to stage a kidnapping to get me out as they aren't fond of the arranged marriage at all. I keep hoping that I can make it work, but it's looking less and less possible every day. But if I go through with their plans...the Dobsons could sieze power. I stand in their way of a complete takeover and I'm sure that it was them that put Heath in a coma. I just don't have proof. Rex is easier for them to mould and with him not being around much, that gives them more of a chance to further their plans." Lori let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm just trying to decide what I should do...."

 

[Var-Sulis]

She spoke...well..vomited her words, but understood her frustrations and between the words..The desire to have a solution. As I looked at her and she finished her statement..I took a moment..Eyes sliding towards the lower right, focusing on the floor. I pondered...Then looked up at her into her eyes.

"Your heart...Follow it...On one hand...Your distance from Rex could be a good thing on many levels...Freedom...However...With your political nature...That same separation could mean a seizure of power.....If your heart has no answer..Then perhaps you can cover both ends....Agree to disagree..Separate from what is killing you personally..Even if it means...staging a kidnapping..However...Have forces in play that are ready to seize and detain the rest of the Dobson's that come out of hiding..As they surely will...That's my opinion anyhow." I said to her as I looked at her and took a step forward.

"Anything you decide..Whatever choice you think is right..I'm here...Right here...By your side.."

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori listened quietly as Var-Sulis gave her his thoughts on the matter. There was nothing definate in his answer to lean in one direction or the other. But it surely made her realize that she had to be sure that plans were in place to cover the consequences of whatever she chose.

She looked up at him as he stepped forward and her first instinct was to walk into his arms and just allow herself to be held, but she didn't move to do so. Yet to have his unwavering support was welcomed in any case.

"I'm going to have to think about this for much longer. My parents always put their people before them, except for when my brother and I were born. I wish that they were alive to guide me. Although more than likely they wouldn't of approved of the marriage at all. Even doing both as you suggest has different options. If Rex doesn't want me, then I was thinking of moving to Damascus Station. I helped to build it, so it makes sense. And if I am needed for anything, I wouldn't be far away. I might still have some influence over things, no matter how small. But at least there I'd be wanted. Would you visit me there on your time off if I go? We could keep up with our training and you could keep me up to date with intelligence." Unless the move was to change her clearance level, of course. She had no idea of how Rex would react.

 

[Var-Sulis]

"Damascus Station seems ideal. You know...You've been dealing with a lot of pressure lately...It can't be easy in your shoes. Now, I'm going to go on a limb and say your close to making the major and necessary changes in your life. Which I can understand completely. Having worth and value amongst your own is something to be cherished. There are a few..Just a few people I actually trusted as I've told you before..And it's those individuals that offer the best advice....Speaking of.." As i paused for a moment I moved in closer. Close enough to lean over her shoulder for a whisper in her right ear...."I'd advise....We continue our training session...After this..." I uttered and planted a kiss suddenly on her cheek. It was a peck of endearment. But something that wrapped up her value in my eyes as one simple action. I then quickly moved my face a few inches back awaiting the response. Either it would be welcoming..Awkward...or a combination of both.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori nodded as Var-Sulis seemed to approve of her idea of moving to the station. It was just one possibility. She could also live at the Embassy on Commenor, or her family's Estate there. She could also move to Mnemosyne. There were just so many choices. But it wasn't as though she had to decide on one and stick with it forever...

Var didn't answer her question about visiting her, however. At least he didn't do so verbally. But then he leaned in close. She could feel the heat of his breath as he whispered in her ear, suggesting that they start their training very soon. Maybe it was to support her cover story? Either way all those thoughts disappeared the moment that he kissed her cheek. Her jaw dropped slightly in surprise and she could feel her cheeks turning red as he looked into her eyes....

Feeling almost bashful about it like a teenager would, she smiled a little and averted her gaze slightly as she worked to come up with some kind of response as she cleared her throat. "Yes well...I...You said that you needed my help with something. Now it's your turn...What do you need from me?" Lori's eyes found his again as she waited for his answer. Maybe he just wanted some help in hand-to-hand combat? She did beat him the last time.

 

[Var-Sulis]

As she responded bashfully to my kiss I knew I would be around her for a long time. It's what i wanted..And what I was hoping for anyhow. As I looked at her and took her left hand, I slowly raised it up to the shoulder level with mine and interlocked my fingers with hers. "Wherever you go...I'll be there...I need some advice.....The E.I.A. has me going here and there...But i'm ready to develop my own base of operations...Do you think creating my own branch within the Empire is a good idea? Nothing is ever a bad proposition..But I feel like it's time to spread my wings and operate under my own command...." I said to her as I then let go of her hand. Her opinion meant a lot to me for several reasons..But most importantly..She was the first person I could say I cared about in a very long time. And it was ironic..We came there to spar..But I almost forgot about it completely...She had me into the universe of her eyes..In the most blissful way possible.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Var-Sulis spoke his words like a promise as he held her hand. Wherever she went, he will follow....Lori mouthed the words 'thank you' in response before he continued with his own request for advice.

Again she listened quietly, her mind only drifting enough to think of the various possibilities of his request. Var was very good at his job and he was quick to move up in the ranks. Having him to rise up even higher so that he had more control over his day-to-day wasn't a bad idea at all. In some ways it would give him more freedom as well.

"I think that would be a great idea. The E.I.A. can only benefit from it. I'll put the notion to the ears of a few people and hopefully they will be enough for Rex to approve of the idea and allow it. My own words just won't be enough. But I will try."

 

[Var-Sulis]

I gave a nod with acceptance. Her opinion meant a lot to me. Now that we were able to chat, it was time for the good ol' exercise machine. Then after, perhaps I could ask her where she would recommend going for military upgrades...Oh..I should ask that now....

"Lori...One last thing before I kick your ass..." (I winked) ...."Im in need of a deflection shield, and a blade...a long vibrosword to be exact. Any ideas?"

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori snickered a little as Var-Sulis figured that he was going to kick her butt at this next round. There was always the possibility of it, but her cockiness and stubborness wouldn't allow her to believe it.

She tilted her head to the side a little as she thought of his request. "We've got those at my company. Or at least we did. After a lot of the facilities were destroyed I had lost a lot of my inventory. But there should at least be the plans for them somewhere. I'll do a look for you later and and at least send you the information of what I have, then you can take your pick."

Var helped her, so she was going to help him. He was going to stand by her side and should have the tools to do so. It was only right.

 

[Var-Sulis]

I smiled and chuckled a bit at her response. I believed my reaction was due to how comfortable i was getting around her. My galactic star...Yeah...My private nickname for the Queen.

"Sounds like a plan.....Now then, Shall we?" I asked as I stepped back a few feet into a defensive position. I cracked my knuckles (purely for show) and readied myself. This was always a good time to test our skills..and learn from each other.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori smiled in agreement. At least he didn't turn her down. Var-Sulis was giving her a chance despite the setback that she had with such a great loss. At least she had a lot of funds to draw from to rebuild.

And then he was ready to spar. "Why yes, we shall...." She set aside her water bottle and then retook her position, widening her stance so that her feet were below her shoulders and with her knees slightly bent for ease of movement. Lori brought up her hands in a defensive position, her eyes meeting his so that she could anticipate his movements.

Yet instead of waiting for him to strike first, she rushed him with a swift kick to his left side underneath his armpit.

 

[Var-Sulis]

Taken off guard....Whoa! Quick hit to my left side..I let out a slight grunt with a smile as she was moving quickly. With her leg retracting I figured a kick to her left leg to attempt a sweep and knock her sideways to the floor below would be the best move. And here we go! If she blocks..Then time for plan B...What is plan B? No fracking idea...

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori thought that Var-Sulis would of grabbed her leg or something. She had kinda planned on it too. But he didn't. Instead he knocked her down (again) onto her side. Yet instead of getting up right away, Lori rolled quickly into his legs so that she'd either knock him over or cause him to jump over her, in which case she'd kick him in one of his calves from behind.

 

[Var-Sulis]

I jumped over with haste and let a chuckle out as I landed on my feet. “Whoa!” I yelled aloud in excitement as my adrenaline kicked in.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Well, Var-Sulis dodged that one.

Lori quickly got to her feet and hoped to lodge a kick to the back of his right knee before he turned around. Hopefully her reflexes were quicker than his.

 

[Var-Sulis]

I turned around in time and would lift my right leg...fighting the wind..That's what it started to look like. But I could be wrong..If I had learned anything from our previous encounter, She was surprisingly quick and get the jump on me when I least expected it. I took a step back And swung my left hand towards her shoulder in a chopping motion to hit where the upper arm was..If connected She could stumble into position for a knee strike to the nose.