The one hundred step journey

[Rianna Organa-Ar'klim]

Ilia Sat on the balcony of her home she looked out across the lush green fields, the azure blue skies cloudless, and the yellow sun beating down on them. Warmth kissed her skin while contentment filled her soul.

Her father had a friend visiting, a welcome change from the line of suitors that seem to litter the steps and doorways of every entrance. Yes she knew they wanted her to find a suitable husband, one of wealth power. But wealth and power did not always make a man kind or gentle Ilia wanted that.

But who was this friend coming to visit and why had there been no mention of him before. Patience. Well anticipation grew to see this stranger. Her mother hovered close by. They exchanged looks and then laughed. So silly to be on edge, "what is his name again?"

Her mother smiled. [member="Remy Steele"] . Ilia shook her head, she still did not know the name. "Have you met him before?"

Her mother nodded only once a long time ago, he was tall with a strong jaw, and he spoke with an accent.

Ilia nodded,"ok" She looked at the door "I hope it is soon or we will all have kinks in our necks"

 

[Judah Lesan]

Remy arrived as was usual for himself, fashionably. That was the best way to put it. A dinner party wasn't usually his thing, but because of who invited him, he had to say yes. It had been a while, and apparently the man had a daughter now. The wife he remembered, pretty thing. The Corellian remembered wishing she wasn't married. Remy had one rule... don't get caught messing with another man's wife.

Walking up to the door of the manor, Remy had a couple of single stemmed flowers in his had for the ladies, and nothing for the man. Men didn't usually need gifts, and besides when it came to first impressions, Remy did try to be a class act. Even if he really was cigar smokin, whiskey drinkin, womanizer. Funny how life turned out huh. When the man was married he never thought he'd end up this way, but then life happened. Being widower changed a man, some for the better, others for the worse. The jury was still out on how it changed Remy, even though he was technically way past the grieving phase. It has been a little over twenty years after all.

He knocked on the door and waited. Servants sounded like they were bustling. Remy was greeted and told to wait again while the master of the house was fetched. At least he was allowed to wait inside. The main entrance was spectacular, and cost more than the ship he flew, he was certain. Seemed like life had done well for his old friend, something he couldn't wait to point out.

[member="Ilia Basu"]

 

[Rianna Organa-Ar'klim]

Location: Phelarion
Home of Rueben and Adhira Basu

Ilia nodded to her mother as she went to fetch her father, Ilia herself decided to go and greet their guest. Dressed in a light blue sari trimmed in silver threads the olive color of her skin highlighted by the color of the sari. The flats she wore were silent on the polished floors, her hair was pulled back making her features seem a bit more sharp. Her dark brown eyes rested upon him steady She smiled when she saw that he carried with him a pair of flowers, how gracious.

She came to the bottom step, "Welcome Mr. Steele, I am Ilia." She smiled warmly at him as she slowly crossed, "My parents will be along in a few moments, please come sit down. Would you care for a drink?"

He had a full head of hair a full mustache, and his eyes seemed to take in the details of the room. Since she was in her own home she felt none of the shyness or insecurity that plagued her when she left the sanctuary of it.

In her own home she was graceful and elegant with the right words spoken in the calmest of tones.

[member="Remy Steele"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Remy's eyes shifted from the room to the young figure which made her way down the stairs. She was pretty in an exotic kind of way. The difference in culture was always one that Remy scratched his head at. The ladies were always adorned in things Remy saw no use for, but the girl was pretty, a few years younger than his own daughter if Remy had to guess. Just like Remy liked them. What a nerf herder to even be thinking about that where his own friend's daughter was concerned, but Remy Steele was Remy Steele.

"One of the ladies of the house," he offered one of the longstemmed flowers. "And Remy, please. Mr. Steele is way to formal for me."

He followed her into the room, watching her hips sway as he did. Eyes darted back up when she asked about a drink. There was only one he was after.

"Corellian Whiskey," he said taking a seat.

[member="Ilia Basu"]

 

[Rianna Organa-Ar'klim]

"Remy it is then, as long as you call me Ilia" she took the offered flower putting it to her nose and breathing the scent in. "Lovely thank you" Keeping it in hand she walked as he followed

" With a water chaser? Ice no ice?" Ice she thought would ruin the taste but she knew to ask just the same she turned to see him sitting. Good she thought so far he was living up to the image she had formed of him in her mind when she first lay eyes on him. "My father is glad you were able to come Remy he misses old friends"

[member="Remy Steele"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Water for later perhaps, but I do not plan on getting drunk before dinner. Just the whiskey will do, sugar."

Yes, he was flirting, if anyone had the question. Remy always flirted, especially when they were young. She seemed confident in the house, but what was she like outside the house? Had she had any adventures? This was the time to find out how his friend had managed his daughter. She seemed more sheltered than his own daughter. Then again, having been widowed early, Eliza had been raised with him on his ship. Eliza learned the ropes early.

"So, Ilia, tell me, what kind of adventures does one have growing up in a place like this?"

[member="Ilia Basu"]

 

[Rianna Organa-Ar'klim]

[member="Remy Steele"]

She paused, "is sugar a name for someone you find sweet?" She looked over at him and smiled, "if it is then thank you" She poured the whiskey neat. The deep amber liquid coated the inside of the glass. Slowly she walked over towards him holding the glass out. He seemed to be thinking his eyes were on her, she gave him a tender smile.

"Adventures." She did not look away , "my father and mother do not allow adventures. They feel that it would detract from my studies and they prefer that I not be influenced by anything outside that could make me unfit to be a proper wife" She rolled her eyes just then. Clearly she did not agree with such thoughts.

She looked around, "Remy I think I would benefit from some adventure. Have you had many?" Her dark eyes looked up into his hungry for information.

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Flirting back are we," Remy said calling it like he saw it. "Sugar is definitely something you call someone you find sweet, and sugar, I do like sweets."

He was forward, that was Remy. She'd either slap him, ignore him, flat out reject him, or keep flirting. At least he'd know very quickly where he stood on the matter. For some reason he was not surprised at all she had not been allowed to have adventures. There was an aura about her that screamed sheltered. Remy just shook his head. Trying to keep your daughter innocent was one thing, but keeping her so sheltered she ran off with the first guy that promised her escape, well, that was foolish, and if that was her parents had did, then they deserved whatever happened once Remy got done being Remy.

"Well it only take about fifteen minutes to ruin your chances at being a proper catch for a wife dear... Adventure really has little to do with that, but yeah, I've had a few. Been smuggling for a long time now, spent a few years on Kessel after a bad set up, recently bought my favorite bar. If you want, I could show you every burn scar from getting hit by a blaster bolt. Bacta does wonders, but once flesh burns that scar will always be there."

Remy looked into the dark eyes of the young woman in front of him. She was eager, very eager. He could always ditch his friend and take his daughter with him on a smuggling run and bring her back after a solid adventure. That wouldn't be too friendly though. Besides, he was still in his white dinner jacket, and that just didn't work well.

"Maybe you might get your adventure sometime soon... never know when some tall, dark, and handsome, will walk in and show you the galaxy."

[member="Ilia Basu"]

 

[Rianna Organa-Ar'klim]

[member="Remy Steele"]​

She did not realize that what she had said would be considered flirting, did she? Not wanting to appear unenlighted she smiled, "yes" and then she blinked a few times as she thought about what she had just committed herself to. But he was forward she could fear her cheeks turning red, "I am told I am very sweet" now she smiled at him.

She knew nothing of him except he was her father's friend, if her father heard some of his comments that friendship might end.

"Why would it only take fifteen minutes? I find that confusing. Why would I not remain a proper catch?" she sat back, "I'm sorry you were hurt." So many things she felt that she needed to respond to.

"Well if he does come through the doors, my parents will most assuredly not let me go. But. Perhaps." her mind was working she shifted slightly, "if an old friend makes an offer, perhaps then my father would relent" She looked at him from under dark lashes, "perhaps if you were to offer to escort me to be my chaperone for a few worlds he would relent..." She had words racing through her mind, "I could pay the expenses.."

She had been very forward, and too eager to leave but to be this old and have to do the things she did to remain occupied, surely anyone would agree she wanted to escape.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Did she really know she was flirting with the old dog, or was she saying that because she was flattered by his attentions. The question she posed about why it would take about fifteen minutes to ruin her stock as a good bride in the culture he assumed she was in proved her innocence, and only served to make the gruff Corellian grin. He leaned closer, not wanting to speak of it out loud, and whispered into her ear exactly what he had meant by that statement, leaned back, sipped his whiskey as he waggled his brows.

"Hahahaha," Remy laughed, "If your father were wise he wouldn't let you anywhere near me, but I'll see what I can do. If you want off this rock, and are after some adventure, I can take you on tour with me."

Now he was the one making a commitment without really knowing what he was agreeing to. Likely he'd take her to Ord Mantell to see the Afterburner, then take her back. There was plenty of culture is finely established business. Lots of exposure for a innocent young lady all in one place. Besides, he'd be able to watch after her best there. Besides, she was willing to front the credits for the excursion. The businessman in Remy couldn't turn down a few credits, and neither could gambler.

"If you can talk daddy dearest into it, then you can come with me as soon I leave."

[member="Ilia Basu"]

 

[Rianna Organa-Ar'klim]

[member="Remy Steele"]​

​

Ilia sat perfectly still while he whispered with each word her cheeks turned a darker shade of red, "ohhh" She looked away and then down at the floor, "yes" she said softly, "that would ruin me and my family" She took a deep breath.

"my father might be convinced, but I would need to be assured that" she laughed slightly, "there would be no fifteen minute breaks along the way" Why would a man who so clearly was someone that enjoyed a faster pace of woman, and most assuredly lived a life wholly complete suddenly volunteer to take her on an adventure.

"Perhaps there is something else that could be offered, perhaps" she paused the words to be carefully chosen, "within all of your travels you have probably met a great many people, a great many eligible males" She was now rather hoping that he would catch her drift but he continued to smile at her.

"My family seeks a husband for me one equal to my station, I would want one who was willing to show me the galaxy. Do you know any that you could arrange an introduction to?"

 

[Judah Lesan]

"So you want me to play match maker and help find you a husband to whisk you away? Not sure I know anyone that fits the bill your parents are looking for, but your father doesn't need to know that."

Remy scratched his chin. He seriously didn't think he'd get shot down so easily, after all, the young woman certainly didn't seem to want to get married to some total stranger. This where if Remy were in her shoes, he'd just take the offer and run away. Besides all the men Remy knew, they'd want fifteen minute breaks, as she had called them. He chuckled.

"I can't promise who you'll meet, that's part of the adventure. What I can promise is that there won't be any fifteen minute breaks, unless you want them of course."

He winked. Remy was too old to change, so he'd flirt the whole time. She just had to deal with it if she were going to go around a tour of the Galaxy with him. There were all kinds of people. While some considered Remy a dog, he was genuine and sincere. You knew what you got with the man.

"So, you think you're up to actually going through getting of world?"

[member="Ilia Basu"]

 

[Rianna Organa-Ar'klim]

"I think the only way I can be anything like what a man might want would be to have more of an education of what the galaxy is truly like rather than what I read in books and see in holos" She shrunk down some she looked over at him.

If she were the type that took 15 minute breaks he most certainly had charm, wit, good looks and the ability to carry a conversation. All traits that appealed to her but she assumed that he would not be interested in her in such a manner as marriage even with his flirting and his lascivious gaze upon her.

"I want.." what did she want. No one really asked what she wanted, and truthfully she did not always know what she wanted. Right now. She wanted to know more about what lay beyond her home world, and when he asked, she looked at him with serious intent.

"Yes Remy I am"

It was then the voices of her parents carried into the room. Ilia stood up as her father left the side of her mother to greet his friend, while Ilia slowly drifted back to be by her mother. Rueben greeted his friend with a handshake and the traditional manly hug.

"Remy Steele it has been too long how are you my friend, I hope my daughter has kept you entertained, and since you have a drink you are at least being treated well. Come..let us catch up"

[member="Remy Steele"]