Sword of Light (Lady Kay)

[WolfMortum]

"We?" Veiere turned to glance to her curiously at the notion of the two of them being invited to meet with representatives of the First Order, in truth he did not know much about them save for the fact that many of their followers were made up of the remnants of the old Empire. He had heard of rumors around the practice of the dark side of the force among them, yet had to try to see things clearly without the perspective that came with his former life; "From what little I know of them, they appear to be well financed..." He admitted, "It's difficult to know who is on the right side these days and who is not...-If it means looking out for Commoners best interests, then yes you ought to pursue it. Politics of course, isn't a moral game...-I know I don't need to remind you of that" He finished, giving her a look of caution. Perhaps the First Order was sincere, perhaps not yet he did not want to see Kay walk into something blindly with open arms.

As she questioned as to how he himself was doing, Veiere's brows lifted somewhat, initial surprise and then resignation in that he still wasn't entirely comfortable talking about himself so openly, yet if there were anyone he could confide in, she were the one. "I'm not sure I know how to live a life that isn't in the service to the Jedi Order" He spoke almost sourly of himself, "A while back you and I talked about how our lives might be different had we not been put on the path, I suppose now that I have a chance to experience those things without the restrictions I once kept to; yet it has shaken my resolve..." His right hand lifted to scratch the left side of his beard in subconscious effort, his expression thoughtful and uncertain. "I came out of exile with a clear vision believing that all Jedi would gladly seek to return to the Order we all once served yet in their separation and new found freedoms, I hadn't expected that they would all refuse. I wasn't prepared for failure and in that sense, I had already lost, arrogance and blindness...-That's what it was".

Waving a hand almost dismissively of himself, he turned to reach for his cup of tea once she had finished making the drink, taking it for himself while gesturing to for her to follow him outside. The entrance through the back of the kitchen led to an outdoor patio that overlooked the rest of the land, Veiere had a table and several chairs lined around it to which he approached and moved to sit at, the warmth of the planet not going unappreciated while the wind was still just a gentle breeze, refreshing yet not a hindrance to their comfort. "How have you progressed with acquiring the components for our latest project" He asked her, happy to change the conversation and return to their primary focus of building her new lightsaber.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

"Sorry, I didn't say 'we' as to mean you and I specifically. I was meaning Commenor....I tend to have a certain way of speaking when it comes to politics as I don't quite get to be myself. I know that the political game isn't a moral one, but I can at least try to make it that way.

Kay listened as [member="Veiere Arenais"] spoke about how lost he was, given the way that the Jedi have changed. They lacked discipline, but she included herself in that bunch. And that was mostly due to the fact that her path was elsewhere. Yet why she was to be both connected to the Force and be a leader in politics was still a mystery that she needed to solve. The two didn't go hand in hand in her opinion. "No one can predict what decisions others would make when they are at a cross roads. It isn't blind or arrogant to hope for the best. I always hold onto hope."

She picked up her tea and followed Veiere outside, taking a seat nearby so that she can see both him and the view. She had a sip and savoured it for a moment before swallowing. The first sips were always the best. "I think that I had gathered all of the pieces. I brought them in my satchel. I had no idea that there were so many components. I just didn't bring any tools with me. I figured that there would be some here."

 

[WolfMortum]

He lifted a hand as if to disregard her explanation, [member="Lady Kay"] being the last person needing to apologize to him; he had simply wondered if she had wished that he join her in the endeavor. "It's fine" He smiled faintly, lifting the cup of herbal tea to his lips soon after and taking a sip from the drink. It had become a familiar taste and one that warmed his chest when he drank, he hadn't really been much of a tea drinker before he'd met her and had found the thought to be near laughable when she'd first suggested it yet these days, it seemed to be such a comforting thing, perhaps more to the point that it meant they were once again sharing in conversation and company. "I am always here if you need me; hell it's not like I'm doing a lot of much else these days" he chuckled quietly, placing the cup back to the surface of the table and turning to glance off to the side looking out across the distant view.

Veiere didn't spend much more time focusing on himself though her remark didn't go on deaf ears and he appreciated her support, there was just the simple fact that in his uncertainty, voicing his concerns didn't come easily. "We can assemble the hilt in one of two ways..." He moved on to elaborate on the construction of the weapon instead, "I have all the tools necessary, you'll just need to plan around the placement of the parts and the way the lightsaber is to look. Something that's unique and speaks loudly of yourself. Your creation, your design and most importantly, your signature tool. Something I hope that you'll carry with you for the foreseeable future...." He paused a moment before continuing, "Otherwise if you wish to do this the way that was intended for students of the Order, we will need time to prepare you for the meditation required to fuse the pieces together through the harnessing and control over the force...-It's a longer process and won't really affect the lightsabers completion save for your own sentimental value I suppose. Completely up to preference...".

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well that was an open invitation, if there ever was one. [member="Veiere Arenais"] still wants his job. Kay smiled a little to herself as she sipped her tea. Knowing that he was going to be nearby gave her confidence. She didn't have to watch what he said or did, for he always had good intentions. Some in her Cabinet were not so mindful of their actions or words. They were also darker than probably even Veiere would like. But....she needed them and knew that they would never try to hurt her or usurp her position. The Elders wouldn't allow it anyways.

And then he brought the subject back to the lightsaber. Kay cradled her mug in her hands as she pondered on it. No doubt he wanted her to carry her lightsaber with her almost all the time. That could be difficult in some places as weapons weren't always allowed. But maybe on those times she could leave her satchel behind with security and hope that it doesn't get snooped in. But as for her style, she wasn't quite sure. "I think we'll go with the first option. But I don't know what to make it look like. Something small and easy for me to use, yet I don't need it to accidentally turn on while I'm digging through my satchel to try to find it."

 

[WolfMortum]

"Given your need for secrecy, my best advice would be to keep the activation on the inside of the hilts shell. Plan out the creation, know your lightsaber as your own, meditate and learn to trigger the blades initiation through the use of telekinesis. This way not only will your satchel be safer..." He gave something of a mock smirk, continuing "But also in the case that someone else finds it, you can ensure they will not know how to use it. Only you will know the layout of the weapons interior and so only you will know where to apply the ability in order to activate it..."; this was not a tactic foreign at all to the Jedi, many had used their ability in such ways to ensure that younglings did not stumble upon the weapon in the off chance that a Knight had misplaced it in training, nor could the enemy take advantage following the disarmament of the Jedi and use their own lightsaber against them.

Personally, his lightsaber was always carried upon the left hand side of his belt, hidden often by his robe though not far from his reach should he be forced into a hostile situation deeming the use of the Jedi weapon. "The lightsaber is a very personal item, the creation of ones first hilt is marked as a significant step in ones learning and Knighthood is usually followed not long afterwards. Obviously you're not a usual case compared to the life that I used to know however I still believe that the shape and make of the hilt should be entirely up to you. Your lightsaber isn't only an extension of your arm to be used in battle, but also an expression of who you are as a force user...-How you choose to go about this is completely in your hands, I will guide you where I can should you stumble but it's best that you tackle as much of the job as you can".

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded a little as she listened. Yes, her secrecy was needed right now. Maybe at some point it will be out in the open, but not yet. Not yet. It was the ace up her sleeve, a hidden weapon in it's own right to use against her enemies that would try to attack her.

She sipped her tea as [member="Veiere Arenais"] mocked how she valued her satchel. It might seem silly to some, but it held a lot of sentimental value to her. Maybe he didn't mean it in a mean way, but he wouldn't be the first to make fun of her for it if he was.

But his idea for hiding the switch inside was a good one. "Alright. We'll put the switch inside. Then if someone finds the lightsaber, I could just tell them that it was a gift, a good luck charm....or something. So it should be both decorative and functional at the same time."

Her thumb traced the rim of her cup, staring out at the view as Veiere spoke of how in some aspects, she was just a beginner in Force training. It wasn't entirely her fault, it was just how things ended up. At times everything felt so messed up and she just wanted to hide again. Keeping everything locked up inside was what she did best. "...Who I am as a Force user...right. I will try, and not allow myself to get too frustrated, Veiere."

The whole idea of replacing the lightsaber that was lost to her still hurt. It was cutting loose another of the few things that she still held onto when it came to her late husband. He made her old one for her, as a gift, a token. But as difficult as it may be, she had to move on.

 

[WolfMortum]

Gingerly, he nodded whilst studying her and remaining quiet for a time. It was interesting to note that Kay didn't seem quite as confident in all of this as what he'd assumed she would be; the matter of acquiring a new lightsaber was out of her need to be able to protect herself and as a Jedi, it was one of the few ways Veiere felt of any significant worth to her as her friend and adviser yet there seemed to be a hint of reluctance in her presence, something that was well kept hidden yet the Force around them seemed to be able to reflect.

Seated upon the patio, Veiere turned to look out across the sprawling view of greens and the small hint of a city far off into the distance. Nostalgia seemed to settle in, that and a hint of longing, something to fill in the missing pieces of his life. "You know..." he began to speak though wasn't entirely sure he wanted to voice the truth about himself in todays light, "...The more time I spend out here, the easier it's becoming to loose myself from the restrictions of the Jedi Order. I found it the same upon Alzoc Three though it was different back then, I still had hope that the Order would succeed me; I never expected it to be the end of my path as a Jedi Knight". His right hand swept in under his robe to which he detached his lightsaber from the brown leather of his belt and brought it to the tables surface between them, placing the object facing sideways so that the blade should point anywhere but at them upon an accidental activation; though it was a matter and treatment of safety, Veiere wasn't that clumsy. "On the inside looking out, I thought of Rogue Jedi and those outside of the Order's reach to be of a completely different circle. Selfish in that they refused to behold to the Order's restrictions and instead find themselves wielding the force like a weapon for their own purposes. I treated the prospective life as a very black and white matter when I should have known better and now I'm on the outside, one of them with no desire to return...". His brows furrowed, a light frown crossing him as his emotions seemed to conflict, both understanding why he was in this position and not having much other moral choice but so too blaming himself for the way he'd acted in the past. "Perhaps I am the selfish one nowadays in that I am considered a Rogue now too. I fight with and for you because there is nothing left that I care about outside of this..." His hands gestured to where the sat, silent emphasis on the company they were sharing; "If you understand the Jedi Order's discouragement for emotional attachments and such absolute perspectives, you will know that this is a far cry from the life I used to lead. I could've gone anywhere in the Galaxy when I was forced to turn to Exile again, yet the only place where there was something left worth fighting for, was here".

His gaze returned to [member="Lady Kay"], his eyes settling upon her for what felt like a rather long moment. It wasn't until his left hand lifted and he gestured to the lightsaber resting upon the table between them that he spoke again and this time, took the conversation so quickly back onto the matter at hand that it'd be difficult to ignore that he was trying to avoid leaving himself in an awkward moment of silence with her, "My Lightsaber, it is yours to use as a guide should you require it until you are done". He reluctantly pulled his eyes off of her to bob his head in a sideways nod left of them, "The workshop is open, it's clean and the tools you need are there. If you wish me to be there while you begin, you need only ask...".

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked at him, shifting her eyes from the view while he spoke of being on the outside. It was almost as though he regretted it. She was on the outside as a necessity. Things weren't so black and white for her and the way that things were for her was the way that things needed to be.

It wasn't so bad on the outside. That was what she had wanted to tell [member="Veiere Arenais"] , but then he began speaking about her being someone that he cared for and was worth fighting for. And then...he stared at her. Kay held his gaze, studying his eyes as though they would reveal some truth that his words held back. Did he really care about her that much? Or was it similar in the way that [member="James Justice"] and [member="Gray Raxis"] cared for her? They would fight for her too, and had done so on many occasions. But...how did she feel about him? She was very comfortable around him, that was for sure. And when he wrapped his arms around her and forced her down to protect her from an assassin during the election campaign, it felt....Kay couldn't allow herself to complete the thought, for she felt her cheeks starting to turn a shade of red.

But then the subject was changed to constructing her lightsaber. Thankfully. Kay placed her tea cup on the table and then carefully picked up his lightsaber. The weight of it was as she expected it to be. She cleared her throat a little before speaking. "Thank you. I would greatly appreciate the help to be sure that I don't accidentally blow the workshop up as soon as I turn it on for the first time."

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere could not help but chuckle softly to himself at the notion of Kay somehow managing to blow up the workshop, not because of the fact that he had only just built it but also due to the fact that a lightsaber would not be able to cause that great of an explosion. Before getting started on everything else, Veiere had set to work on the small little shelter just on the inside boundary of his new found home, the garden wall at it's back, the enclosure was something of an open room where the roof slanted down to keep from a build up of rain damaging the wooden overlay. "Worse case scenario, you will only lose a hand, my grounds will be relatively unharmed..." He smirked back across the table at her and for a moment had forgotten the genuine and therefore awkward words he'd offered her only a moment ago; sarcasm and a strong hint of amusement made it quite obvious he was teasing now. Fixated on their conversation, he had almost forgotten entirely about the tea before Kay sought to drink her own, he quickly finishing the last of his before rising to his feet and pushing the chair back beneath the table, pausing to wait for her to follow when she was ready.

The outdoors were well kept and resembled something much nicer than the interior of the household thus far; stepping off the wooden decking, Veiere led Kay across the trimmed lawn towards the corner of the yard where the workshop stood sheltered by the tree's that surrounded the outside of the grounds. A homely little getaway hidden within the mountain-forest, peaceful and completely private. "A lot can be done in a week when I'm not preoccupied with keeping you out of harms way it would seem" he smiled as he turned to look to [member="Lady Kay"], gesturing for her to step into the enclosure and take a look at the wall lined with tools all separately latched to the boards, ready for use. "Putting aside the fact that this place still needs a lot of work, the equipment here's been kept out in the open for Cillian as well in the case he needs to borrow something for The Vegabond. It wouldn't surprise me if he sticks his nose into our business from time to time to see what we're up-to out here..." He wasn't meaning to suggest that they had something to hide but simply point out the fact that the young pilot was a rather nosey kid when it came to Veiere's personal life; if the Exile didn't know any better, he'd guess that the youth might be trying to take a vivid interest in the Force and the way that Veiere was fluent in using it.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay finished up her tea and then got to her feet, tucking his lightsaber under her arm before picking up both tea cups and returning them to the kitchen. On her way out she grabbed her satchel and smiled a little as she followed [member="Veiere Arenais"] to his workshop.

She took in the crisp air as she walked and just listened to the animals, letting their inner peace flow to her. Kay then walked inside the workshop. It was quaint, but large enough to get plenty of work done. She smirked a little as she poked fun at her and her penchant for getting into trouble. "Me? Get into trouble? No...isn't that why people had me run in the election? So that I would constantly have babysitters to keep me out of trouble?" She laughed a little in spite of herself, though deep down she figured that that was true.

Kay set her satchel and Veiere's lightsaber down on the table while he spoke of Cillian snooping around. Then she began to unpack the parts that she had gathered. First and foremost was the green decorative metal tube that she wanted to use for a hilt. Then came the other components like the stabilizer ring, power cells, fibercords and emitters. Lastly she brought out the small pouch that contained her lightsaber crystal. It was returned to her by the Herglic that stole it; a thank you for saving his life on Bespin. She held the pouch tightly in her hand for a moment and then opened it, dropping the pale blue crystal into her palm. It almost sang to her, or at least it did so in her head, and it seemed to pull energy from the core of her being into itself. It had been 14 years since she had held it in her hand like this. "It's beautiful, isn't it? I had forgotten how it felt to just hold it."

 

[WolfMortum]

"The first excursion the two of us went on, if I remember correctly, wound up with us hiding away in some warehouse watching a man held hostage begging for his daughters life to a crime syndicate smuggling goods through one of your neighbors..." Veiere chuckled quietly under his breath, offering a shake of his head in mock-accusation; "This was only five minutes after meeting me on Alzoc Three...-You really can't blame people for wanting to keep you tied down but on that note, I'll also remind you that between the two of us, you were the one pushing for this presidency, I've simply been there to cover your ass when someone lights a fire under it" the smirk he was wearing was wide and rife with amusement. It faded however as Kay pulled the crystal from out of it's pouch and held it in her hands, the connection between her and the fragment itself already strong even after the long time spent out of her reach and thought to have been lost, forgotten.

"Attuning ourselves with our Crystal was always a lengthy process. I watched my former apprentice meditate with his for hours on end, sharing in his bond with the force, embedding it into the stone. These Crystals are very sensitive to our presence, the potency that we have in being able to shift the flows of energies, as natural as the rock in your hand..." He smiled faintly, watching her and taking a moment to study [member="Lady Kay"] as without anyone else around, she seemed to be in her element; an element kept secret from the rest of the galaxy and one that was rare to see. "Clearly, you're already familiar with this step however and it seems to me that we can press on with the make of the hilt".

Moving to stand at her side, he looked to the components that she had gathered and placed on the table before them. Reaching for the outer casing, he held it up in inspection before nodding briefly and setting it back down in-front of her, his gaze falling to the other pieces of the so-called puzzle. "In order to have a good balance of weight across the lightsaber, though you don't have to do so, I'd advise you put the heavier components at the back of the hilt...-The Power-field conductor, diatum power cell, the inert power insulator and the vortex ring I'd install first before moving on to the mid-section..." he gestured to each of the pieces as he spoke, though only out of suggestion for her benefit. "A good weight at the base of your hilt will work as an anchor during it's use, your strikes shouldn't be hindered by an awkward grip of the weapon".

"The Focusing Crystal, the primary crystal chamber of which yours will be placed in, ought to be held in the center. The modulating circuit and the field energizers above that to keep the energy flow stable and controlled..." He paused a moment to glance to Kay, wondering if he hadn't completely lost her in his guidance of the make. A slight chuckle escaped him as he stood by her, her eyes down and a look of focus over her that he found admirable; perhaps more so than he should. "Beyond that, the rest is simple aesthetics and preference. The activation and toggle for the mediation of power sent to the blade will obviously be on the inside so you will want to focus on where you place those specifically if you're to use telekinesis to ignite the blade...".

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked as [member="Veiere Arenais"] laid out just the first bit of trouble that they had gotten into together. Well, she got into it, Veiere merely followed. The amusement written on his face was nice to see. It was almost care free. Almost. She laughed a little when he spoke of him having to cover her butt and that she pushed herself into the election. Well he was partly right.

She turned her crystal over and over in her hands, studying it, caressing it with her thumbs as Veiere talked about attuning oneself to it. Kay liked being able to be this open with someone and not having to hide. It made her feel more free and more like herself. There was a time not long ago when she was worried that she might have forgotten who she really was. But that notion had passed.

It was time to work on the hilt. Kay switched her focus from her crystal to the other components that Veiere was pointing out. There were plenty, but he gave fine directions.

Hours had passed. Kay was so focused and determined that she just didn't want to stop. There was never a guarantee that she could come back tomorrow or the next day or the day after that to work on it further. So she wanted it done tonight. She double-checked each component before setting them in place, checking the weight balance as she went along too.

Veiere was a perfect guide, there to stop her if she was about to do something terribly wrong, as well as answer any questions that she had about it, no matter how silly they were.

It was nearly midnight when she was finished. She sat back in her chair, holding the hilt in her hand. Her eyes went to Veiere then. "I'm almost nervous to try to turn it on..." It was normal to have a bit of anxiety after so much time was spent on a project. It'd be humiliating if it didn't ignite.

Kay got to her feet, stretched out her muscles in her arms, legs and back before stepping outside of the workshop. The stars sparkled above them and Chasin City sparkled in the distance below. Time to see if she could add a little more light to the dark. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm her anxiety. Her focus was turned to the hilt and where her right thumb rested on a pressure point, knowing that underneath on the other side of the tube, was her ignition switch. With a gentle push of the Force, she hit the switch below her thumb and the sky blue blade sprang to life. Kay listened to the hum, felt the vibrations in her hand. She slowly arced it through the air, getting a feel for the balance and weight as it was a little different from her old one, a little bit lighter.

Once she was satisfied, she lifted her thumb from the pressure point and her lightsaber shut itself off. Kay smiled in spite of herself. And yes, she was proud. "Thank you. This means a lot. It's a step forward, instead of being stranded in my past." Her mind drifted away slightly as she thought of her late husband. He would of been proud. One of these days she would have to go to his resting place and say goodbye one...last...time.

 

[WolfMortum]

Night had come, and yet the time that had passed had not felt nearly so long as was expected. [member="Lady Kay"] had been working on the weapon with utter dedication and in her absence of attention on Veiere, he found himself studying her the majority of the time more so than the weapon itself. Kay Larr was right in claiming that the creation of the lightsaber was indeed a very significant moment and Veiere dipped his head with a gentle smile feeling privileged to have been there to witness it; She wasn't a commonly known Force User, in fact few outside of the grounds that they inhabited were even aware of her sensitivity to the Force as she had learned how to hide it so well over the number of years that had passed her by. To guide her through the process was not only important to her yet so too important to Veiere as it allowed him the moment to recognize the level of trust she obviously held for him; a level of trust that was mutual in her more so than anyone.

When she had ignited the weapon, and sent the light blue splash of energy snapping out from the hilt in a controlled and sharp hiss, his head tilted forward a little as if to ensure he knew what it was that he was seeing. The Vibrant blue light that cascaded from the blade itself only seemed to compliment the woman who stood there wielding it; the scene caused his gaze to falter somewhat and push himself away from leaning against the wall, trying to clear his throat and collect himself from focusing to much on his feelings and in doing so negating the accomplishment that was the successful creation of the lightsaber. To have completed the make on the first attempt was not unheard of during his time in the order though it wasn't easy either, even when using tools as she had, Veiere could not help but be proud of how well she had done.

Glancing skyward, his brows furrowed a little as he looked to the stars and for a moment felt a sense of wonder for the life that he had left behind him, yet this was quickly set aside as Kay spoke out in appreciation for his part in the ordeal and to that he simply lifted his left hand in a gesture of dismissal, politely replying "I am honored to have been here for it..." His eyes settled on hers a moment before he lowered his head in a second more humbled bow and show of respect and acknowledgement, "I am here for anything that you need and will do all I can to ensure your safe, even if it means encouraging you to learn how to better fend off others on your own. Though I hope we can avoid that as much as possible...". It wasn't just out of concern for her safety but these days also his concern now having become something closer to fear or worry that she might one day find herself in a position too far over her head to be able to talk herself out of. If that were to happen and she were to be harmed or worse than that, killed, Veiere's life would take another drastic turn not knowing nor imagining that he could deal with that kind of loss a second time. It was the same fear that he knew the Jedi Order of old had been discouraging of, had sought to ensure that those of the path were not consumed in their desire for another. It was also becoming quickly apparent in recognizing this, that he also knew that avoiding that fear or need for concern was well out of his hands now; already too deep in it to be able to simply steer clear of.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay couldn't help herself then. After [member="Veiere Arenais"] bowed and spoke of being there for anything that she needed, she ran over to him like a school girl and wrapped her arms around him in a hug, resting her head against his clavicle so that it was just below his chin. She just wanted to feel what it was like, to have his arms wrapped protectively around her. It had been so long since she had ever just been hugged or held, and she just closed her eyes, revelling in it for as long as he would allow.

Or at least, that's what she imagined had happened in her head. In reality however, Kay bowed deeply as well, her eyes leaving his for a fraction of a moment before she spoke. "I promise that I won't go looking for trouble. And that I will try to delegate the more dangerous tasks to those that could handle them better than I. And....I will continue to try not to give cause for the Clans to attack." Of course that meant that she was going to ignore the Mandos, in hopes that they would forget about her. It was better that way.

She looked down to her lightsaber and then to the view overlooking the distant city. "It's late, but I don't have the energy to drive back yet. Mind if I have another cup of tea before I head back?" At least her security knew who she was with, so there was no reason for them to panic just yet with her absence.

(Haha, I'm such a tease! )

 

[WolfMortum]

When Kay asked him about the possibility of perhaps staying about a little longer, Veiere couldn't help but manage a chuckle in response; "I'm not itching to get rid of you if that's what you think..." He smirked warmly to her before gesturing to his left, in the direction of the estate that she had secured for him. "I only have you to thank for all of this, Kay, you're welcome to stay as long as you want. The company does me good, honestly". Veiere wasn't an openly emotional sort of man, having been trained to mediate and manage his life with little of his feelings fueling his actions, he wasn't able to express himself outright as much as the [member="Lady Kay"] might be accustomed to. He knew it wasn't uncommon for her to come across other men who sought a little more of her than just her diplomatic pursuits; taking her into his arms would have been a very enticing feeling, yet it was difficult to put the forty odd years of instinct and training behind him. Following his own selfish desires, as much as he had come to the acknowledgement of his desire for her, taking that plunge was not looking like it was to be an easy leap of faith. "Perhaps you ought to stay..." He concluded, moving to her side and looking to the estate once more in what he hoped would be more distracting than the self consciousness that he was feeling this far into his age; "Commoner isn't going anywhere and your people are in daily communication with me, especially since the influx of outside parties interested in entering into business here. I doubt you're people will complain all too much if you want a break from it all for a night". While eyeing up the place, he was considering where best she could sleep and find some comfort over the night. Frankly, he had done so little that his bedding was probably the only capable place to facilitate the lady with any shrug of dignity, thus he decided in the moment he could simply rough it out if needs be; yet neglected to explain himself in the moment, possibly coming off rather too forward.

(Two can play that game )

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled a little as she turned to look at the estate. "Whenever I retire from politics and liberating the oppressed, I can see myself retiring in a place like this. It's quiet, it's peaceful, and it'd be tough for me to get into trouble." She winked and then laughed. After leaving politics twice, it had found it's way back into her life again. Maybe she'd never leave it.

Did [member="Veiere Arenais"] ask her to stay the night? Well he wouldn't be the first. Even when she had her own room, she would sneak off in the middle of the night as she didn't want people to assume that she had a lover. What would her brothers think? No. She would tell no one and advise her staff to keep it to themselves. Their imaginations would probably get the better of them. "Alright. Because of the lateness of the hour, I will stay. And I can sleep pretty much anywhere. I haven't always held such a high station. I've slept in trees and caves as well."

It was nice to know that he wanted her company. Or maybe he just wanted to keep an eye on her in order to keep her safe from others, as well as herself. Regardless, she didn't quite want to leave him right now anyways. His voice and his presence was very comforting.

 

[WolfMortum]

"You will have everything that you need, I believe I heard Cillian drop by earlier with the supplies I had asked for though he prefers the liveliness of the cities as opposed to this place, reckons he's not nearly old enough for retirement...-The smart little blighter" Veiere grinned a little before beginning to make their return journey to the estate; it wasn't much of a walk thankfully, the air had gotten a little too crisp for his liking now with the warmth of the sun having descended beyond the mountain range. "Though the furniture is another story, I'm afraid the only decent bedding in there is my own and I'm not going to be putting you on the hard floor so don't bother to argue it. I will find a comfortable pillow and use the night to meditate on my thoughts of late. In the quiet of the night, perhaps the Force may be kind enough to offer some clarity to the life that I have become so accustomed too once more". There was in fact a great deal to reflect on, between his loss of direction without the Jedi Order at his back, his life now on Commoner and his growing attachments to his former employer, now a trusted friend and quite obviously more as far as what his feelings were telling him. Veiere wasn't even sure if it was right or could be considered plausible, to be attracted to her with their opposing lifestyles and his former dedications. Still, they always said that the forbidden fruit always tasted the sweetest and perhaps that was partly the case here, the awareness of the risk not simply in being turned away but also crossing the line that would inevitably lead to spiritual corruption in the Force and his affinity to it.

Moving to push the door open leading back through the kitchen, he held it open for Kay before moving on in himself. "All things considered, you seem to be doing rather well sitting at the head of the table to Commoner's future, so to speak" he spoke up while moving to prepare them a fresh batch of tea, which given his knowledge basically meant boiling the water and getting out of her way as she seemed to have a particular method of making the herbal remedy; "Any future plans that I should be aware of...-Fending off invading forces for example or busting a major spice cartel operating in the region..." He smiled to her though spoke with genuine curiosity, wondering what lay in store for them both, ahead.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay laughed a little at [member="Veiere Arenais"] ' remark on Cillian's fondness for the city and that peace and quiet were for retired people. Terrac would certainly have something to say about that. Or at least he will once he returns to his old grumpy self again.

And then he remarked about the lack of furniture and telling her not to argue about using his bed for the night. She lifted a finger and took in a deep breath in a mock attempt at wanting to argue, but then stopped with a smirk. So he was just going to meditate all night? Well, that'll certainly stop her from sneaking out in the wee hours of the morning as she often did.

Then they were in the kitchen. She smiled and bowed her head as he let her walk past. And while Veiere started to prepare the water, she began to put the tea together, once she set her new lightsaber down. It was all second nature to her, crumpling the leaves, knowing how much to put in each cup. She could do it in her sleep.

"Am I doing well? I haven't had to lead this many people before, let alone an entire planet. I just hope that I'm making the right choices." It didn't take long for the water to boil, so she poured some into the cups. Now they just needed to steep. Kay brought the two cups over to the table and sat down, placing one in front of each of them. "I haven't thought too much into the future. The Embassies are still under construction, and so are our defensive shields. I plan on buying some military vessels as well. On the illegal spice topic, that seems to be slowing down. The screenings are working well and I think that they are getting the message. We have a good group of Ministers that are not keen to bribes. Just have to take this one day at a time. So no, I'm not looking for trouble." She smirked and then picked up her tea, taking a sip as it was now ready.

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere nodded slowly as he listened, both hands cupped around his drink keeping them warm and looking to the table while she spoke of Commoner, confirmed that there was in fact a smuggling trade going on and her intent for the military fleet. "You've been doing well from what I've seen; you've stepped out to meet with other Governing bodies that most feel intimidated by, not only leaving your territory but going with minimal security. While I wouldn't recommend this to be a regular thing, I feel your confidence both in yourself and those you're entering into business with shows a great deal of strength in your leadership. The only problem is that if you catch the attention of those not so honest in their dealings, your knack for going things alone will end up seeing you in trouble and if something happens to you, Commoner will suffer for it"; as it is with most things, cut off the head of the snake and the body suffers for it.

"I can only imagine the amount of pressure you must be feeling" He glanced back to her with a wary smile, "Perhaps I worry about you, more than I should" He dipped his head briefly in acknowledgement, not wanting her to feel like she was being restricted at all. "At the end of the day, as the Lady President and the overall leader of this world, the only person you need to prove yourself too, is yourself. If you strongly believe in what you're doing and then learn to be confident in that and show it, you will do fine".

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sipped her tea as she listened to [member="Veiere Arenais"] speak of her lack of a heavy security detail and how dangerous that could be. It was true. It was dangerous and perhaps stupid. But she was the type that liked to give others the benefit of the doubt. Even though at times she was wrong to do it. "I don't want to catch the attention of those that might try to harm us. And even Gray says that I should be wearing armour. But in my experience, such things show a mistrust to those that one is in talks with. Commenor is at war with no one. And my platform ran on me being the type of politician that was approachable. It's a little intimidating to try to talk to someone that is surrounded by bodyguards. But...if it will make you and others more comfortable, then I will increase the number of people that will be with me."

Of course she was having some stressful times. She wanted everything to be perfect or close thereto. And the issue with Gray and the Clan joining the Crusade not sitting well with her, there was a lot that she kept bottled up inside.

She smiled a little though as Veiere said that he worried more about her than he should. It was something that she hoped he would never give up on, and never give up on her, even when it seemed at times as though she has given up on herself. "Knowing that you worry for me means that you care. And given what has happened recently, I don't want you to stop caring. I want you to feel as though you are a part of something...something special." Then maybe he would choose to stay for a long time. Hopefully he could find a purpose here that would make him happy.