Private The Way of Water

[Rekha Kaarde]

One of the things she liked about being on board The Little Gem was how the boat gently rocked while she stared up at the stars. Tonight there were millions to be marveled at from where the Keladian lay on the ship.

Behind her somewhere she heard Jarrod clunking about as the hired staff began stocking the ship for the cruise tonight. This was a party she was throwing for her friends, and some customers who had crossed her path.

For the first time in weeks Rekha felt calm on sudden rush of adrenaline, no one shooting at her, and no one hunting her. This was as close to safe as she could get.

The thranta were home on Bespin enjoying freedom on the currents, and the staff on Coruscant was busy preparing for Life Day. She would have to be back for that. She missed Coruscant sometimes. She had to admit that Canto Bight was growing on her. It was the water.

She had an appreciation for it. She had memories that surfaced whenever she was near it.

"Cap'n you wearing girl clothes tonight?" Jarrod leaned over the railing looking at where Rekha lay.

"Me? Nah..no one wants to see me in girl clothes. I'll stick to my usual. You headed home to Zoey soon?" Rekha smiled Jarrod was her oldest friend, best first mate.

"Yep. She'll skin us both if I dun't"

"Yeah she will." The brunette laughed, "go home see you in a few days. My luv to them all' Jarrod nodded, "k"

He had seen her at her worst, and her best. She limped some from the worst and reaped the benefit when it was good. She lived comfortably, lacked for little in the way of material things that she wanted, and didn't look over her shoulder.

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

The night was interesting on this planet, or this location in particular to be exact. This was where one came to lay waste to their bank account or party like a millionaire. To be fair though, one probably was a millionaire if they set foot inside the casino. Akabane sure wasn't one of those. He had the potential to earn it through criminal means or by working various jobs if he desired that lavish lifestye. Money just wasn't in his interest at this time.

Akabane was interested in something else and it wasn't anything bad. The company of another person is what he sought after. It didn't have to be romantic or anything as serious as that, just the presence of someone there beside him. Conversating and cracking jokes. Maybe he wanted a friend? Not that he'd never had any... finding that one really good friend was hard is all. He felt as if he'd found someone truly unique and enjoyable to be around recently that'd help him out with this task, that task being acquiring such a friend. The only issue with that was she had incredibly good looks. Flirting with her never came short with Akabane when around her. He was not afraid of being bold bout it despite overdoing it. Someone so eager to be near her would certainly freak her out considering they were not too far from being strangers. So that was his problem at the moment.

It was weird though, he actually did know her. After getting his memory wiped he'd lost so many memories, good and bad, but one survived with some altercations. The time and other details were lost to him but he was certain she was in the same location as him at some point in the past. Nar Shaddaa, strip club, brawling... that was the parts he recollected. She was the one person he remembered pretty well. The outfit she chose caught his eye, giving him the impression that she was a pirate. It was possible she could be one still but he remained out of sight that night because of his pursuers. He kinda lugged ay the thought of seeing her in a fighting stance. She didn't seem all that gangster before when they rode the beautiful beasts.

He planned on finding out a few things about her tonight since she apparently owned a boat. Akabane made his way to the boat and gave her visit. Walking out to where she was, he carried two half-full wine glasses and spoke in a loud voice, their distance in between each other almost needing it. "I think I fancy you, love." He grinned with the two drinks resting nicely in his hand.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

The timbre of his voice caught her off guard, she looked up to where she saw him. Oh yes the thrill seeker...or was her? She smiled, "Well then let fancy be my name." She moved around to where she could sit to extend a hand for a glass.

"Ya know, I am beginning to think you're following me." She winked for fun, "So was it my green eyes or the glint of credits in the casino that has brought you to another planet far far away?"

She knew nothing about him, save for his name, and how he looked. He had an air about him though that made her cautious. Loup had that air, that...confidence maybe...she didn't need another Loup in her life.

The boat began to rock gently the sway made her smile, she loved how it felt how it moved. It wasn't the same as flying, or dancing, it was unique all by itself. She wondered if [member="Akabane"] understood such emotions. She had a few friends...and the occasional lover...but nothing that lasted. She was just too sarcastic for the likes of most people.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

When she gave him a smile and reply, he couldn't help but grin. It appeared she recalled the feeling of his presence, maybe? Or perhaps just his face? Either way he was happy to be remembered. That was a horrible feeling to be forgotten by someone he planned to visit, since the whole reason for being there was that person. His grin slowly turned into a half-smile. Akabane delivered the glass of wine to her hand while taking a seat next to Rekha. He chuckled at her comments, the wink too, even though she was in fact right about the following her part. "Your eyes are so lovely, enticing even. Gems to be treasured... but I came to party." He stood up and walked over to the railing, leaning over it and taking a small sip from his liquid's container. "I've actually come to return the favor."

Akabane quickly turned around with near-perfect posture and stepped lightly towards the lady, glass in hand still. The young man gave her his free hand once he stopped in front of her, inviting her up to stand with him. It was like his own personal performance. His outfit was a simple black suit with black dress gloves. Akabane's bright red eyes waited for any movement. "Dance with me for a moment, will you?" He expected different clothing than what she wore but he didn't mind. Making his friend feel comfortable is all that mattered.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

[member="Akabane"]​

​

He came to party she felt only momentarily sad a feeling that she couldn't put a finger on at the moment. "Well you're in the right place for a party, there are plenty of guests, clients here." She held back the rest of her comment something inside her said don't go that far. She smiled instead as he sat down for an instant then as if she had stuck him with a pin he was back on his feet.

Edgy?

A single brow arched up. The comment about her eyes made her cheeks turn pink and made her feel warm inside.

"Return the favor?" Intrigued she stood up just as he turned and asked her to dance. "oh" She really had not expected anyone to ask her to dance tonight, or anything other than steer the ship. She looked at his suit and realized perhaps Jarrod had been right girl clothes would be needed tonight.

How long since she had danced? Years actually more than the number of fingers on her hand long. "You're going to deprive me of air, make my heart pound, and come close to passing out?" She smiled.

She didn't want to refuse but she in her head knew she was grossly under dressed for dancing with him. She however did take his hand and stood before him. Maybe she should run off and change..

"I'd like to dance...with you." It was suddenly important to be perceived as a woman and not one of the boys.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

She mentioned something about being in the right place for a party, as there were many interesting people around. That was certainly convenient but the man Akabane chose his working days. Tonight he had no work on his mind, other than the obvious seeking of Miss Rekha's attention. He figured she knew that much though, so he decided not to reinforce his reason for being here. Akabane nodded when she seemed confused about the favor. The gentle words he used appeared to flush her face. He could only smile. Her comment before taking his hand gave him laugh. "If that happens I will unfortunately have to take responsibility and hold you until you feel better." Akabane joked although it was in his character to do just that if something did happen to a woman's health.

Soon after making that joke she accepted his invitation. He smiled and raised her hand gently above their shoulders, resting his other on her hip. "You're familiar with slow dances, right?" Akabane chose something simple so it wouldn't be a mess for the both of them. "Just place your unoccupied hand on my shoulder." He doubted she needed an explanation for such an overused dance but girls were known to act ignorant at times. When it came to sensitive things like these at least.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

[member="Akabane"]

"Well that's not a bad offer ya know" to be held until she felt better who knew how long it could take to feel better! She grinned real big wondering if from her laugh he knew what she was thinking.

He raised her hand to above the shoulder, "yes I am familiar with a slow dance." She was now quite aware of how close she was to him even if it was just a hand spread she could feel the warmth that radiated off his form, she could catch a whiff of his soap, and she could see into his eyes.

Slowly she lifted her other hand and placed it on his shoulder, "it's been some time since I've danced so if I step on your toes forgive me as I will get better it." She took a deep breath. She gave him a soft smile this time nothing large but genuine in every upturned lip.

"Do you dance often?" She would learn about him through these little questions.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane knew that being held by such a beautiful beast as himself could only bring delight. Of course that was a stupid joke. He believed himself to be somewhat attractive but not that much, or not enough to be praised for at least. Akabane noticed she was being playful back with him. This was fun. She was fun. Gradually, he felt himself falling into some sort of box. A box he was familiar with and one that crushed his entire being once before. However, he didn't know or remember anything. It was only a matter of time until he reunited with fate.

For now though... he roll on and enjoy himself. Life goes on, he could deal with it later. Rekha did know how to slow dance after all. Akabane smiled the whole time, although it lacked some authenticity. The reason for that was somewhere in his subconscious, but again he had no memory of anything sparking this feeling. She apologized in advance for any smashing of toes. He chuckled, "It's quite alright, love. It's our dance, you may do whatever you please." Akabane moves on to answer her question as they swayed back and forth. He looked up at the sky in thought. "I danced often in my youth. Now though... I rarely dance outside of parties." He kept it short and simple, allowing more questions to be asked to carry on conversation. He had no interest in making things awkward. No, not the sleek and smooth Akabane.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"Do as I wish, oh if you knew me better you might not say things like that." They moved slowly within the confines of the deck the soft lapping of the water against the hull slowly rocking the boat giving them a bit more sway as they moved. She looked into his eyes for a moment and then away she just wasnt' sure sometimes what to say or do.

"You would think that as the own of two cantinas I would dance more. It seems though I converse more." They moved again towards the rail, Rekha looked up, "Do you like to sail?" She had an ulterior motive going already. But not one that would be harmful to anyone. She couldn't help but feel the pull of wanderlust on her heart and soul as she looked up.

The Gem could take them high enough safely enough to almost touch the stars...well just below the atmosphere.

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane kept his eyes locked on hers even during the silence, although the water and ship colliding filled in the blanks. His father called it good etiquette but he simply wished to view the lady since she was up close. Admiring a woman was very important in the first place. Well, to him it was. He couldn't speak for any other man. That didn't matter at the moment though. His consent to allowing her to do anything she wished during the dance earned him an interesting reply. As well as many thoughts clouding his mind. He leaned forward a bit to whisper in her ear. "Do your worst."

She offered up an explanation for why she may step on his toes. Owners of bars would seem like they have more dancing experience than the average person, but who knows. He'd met high officials and nobles who could barely dance at all to a simple beat. People with those titles should've had something to show. The galaxy was vast however. He was sure anything was possible at any moment. For example, tempting a lady to fly high enough to almost suffocate him to death. Akabane thought about what to say when she asked if he liked sailing. "Not often but it's nice once in awhile. The company of a lovely lady such as yourself makes it worthwhile." He didn't hold back on compliments.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"Oh you are a smooth talker my friend." He said all the right things with just the right intonation and every word just seeped in and made her feel a bit like jelly. She be telling herself lies if she said she wasn't comfortable as they danced.

Do her worst huh she laughed again looking down embarrassed by all the thoughts of what she could do. "I love sailing actually, its....a connection to the flow of the currents how fast you go, how slow, you and the water..having a duel. There's an ancient poem that goes I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife, And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long tricks' over."

There were other lines to the poem about a tall ship and star to steer by but the last of that poem seemed to fit her more than the rest. It was one of the few poems she knew by heart one that sparked life within her.

"Let us dance upon the stars then." The ship began to move and increase speed. Rekha paused a moment, taking her companion by the hand for the moment pausing their dance. She lead him to where they alone would move the ship inside the wheel house she looked back, was it her imagination or were his eyes red?

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Being called a smooth talker filled him with pleasure once again. Compliments usually did something similar as this but something was different with her. The woman he shared a dance with was a great work of art, one to be appreciated. Akabane was of a different kind of social class and he recognized it too. Maybe that's why it felt different being complimented by her compared to others. He only continued to smile after her comment.

She started to quote a poem to express her love for sailing. He couldn't remember any poems that went as that one did so he looked blank for a moment. Afterwards, he said one simple thing in response to it. "Interesting." He said it while thinking bout whether he had ever heard it or not. Suddenly though, she stopped the dance and directed Akabane to the wheel house. He had some shock on his face due to the sudden interruption. Not that he was mad, he just didn't expect her to be serious about the notion of battling with the atmosphere.

And yes... eyes red like a demon. Akabane knew they were like that, but as for why? He was unsure of the answer to that one. Subconsciously there was an answer. Something worked within his body to support his battles. Of course he was oblivious to that part.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

[member="Akabane"]

She was pleased that he was with her, she took his hand and brought him to where she stood placing it on her stomach, "put the other around my waist" She looked back at him smiling content to be herself, she swayed slowly as she began to move the ship.

"The rock of the boat" she swayed, "it's a dance, slow and steady" the ship moved out to cross the dark waters. All around the lake shores lights lit the path along the shores. Parties, private and public peeked out from the shadows.

She wanted to mention his eyes but something right now felt wrong...the engines began to hum, she'd engage the shields when the lifted up. A slow gradual climb. Slow enough she could turn within the tiny circle of an embrace. "We can dance under the stars, no death defying leaps or dives...but you see when you get closer to the atmosphere the stars are so bright in the distance you might feel like you could reach out and touch it. It's just beautiful."

She looked down for a moment, "anyone can take you on boat and paddle around the water its a simple pleasure one that I love dearly, but this..." she waved her hand to try and indicate all, everything here. "this is where I breath, live, and soar....the stars...a ship....anyone who wants to know me..really know me that is...know that this is where I open up to be just me." She looked into his eyes again the hint of red still there.

She had set the course and the ship could now steer itself they'd reach maximum altitude.

She wanted him to understand really. Everyone always saw the sarcastic devil may care pilot but maybe this time she could show someone that she was more than the labels others put on her.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

So the retired dancer was being taught a new move one all of a sudden? This one was a little uncomfortable compared to what he was used to. Akabane obeyed however and placed his arm where she told him. Being so close to someone like this was strange and made hesitation surface, but he recollected himself everytime. Just for tonight he'd try so hard to act normal. Something traumatizing happened in his past... but what was it? He couldn't figure that part out. Until then, he'd sway with his friend.

She informed him on the dance that went hand in hand with her love for sailing. Akabane averted his eyes to view the various lit scenes all over the world. That was perhaps the most enticing thing about night. Many feared it due to paranoia of being attacked or maybe ghosts, but darkness no longer became an issue due to wonderful advancements in technology. Not like it was something that came out yesterday but he appreciated simple things in life such as that.

"You advertise it quite well, love." He said that in response to her talk about dancing so close to the stars. Akabane wasn't that interested in dancing closer to stars but she did make it sound fun. Either way, he would stay in line and not ruin the mood. Rekha really began to speak on a different level. He wasn't expecting something like this to come from her. To be entirely honest... he was surprised. Only have known her for such little time, this was a performance he shouldn't have been allowed to see.

Akabane laughed and released his light hold of her, abruptly ending the dance. "That's great, ya know? Having a bond with the air around you, that is." He spoke from heart as a wind shaper. Everyday he thought about air. Akabane never had a day where he didn't. If there were one, something serious probably happened to him. That was a frightening thought for him.

Out of any time to be an asshat, he chose when the mood was lighthearted and fun. Even he sighed before moving a finger though. Akabane noticed she seemed to have an interest in his eyes. Either that or he was a narcissist who thought good eye contact meant someone cared about his eyes. Nonetheless, he used the current mood to catch her off guard. Pulled straight out of his jacket he held out a lightsaber, crimson filling the area. He laughed once again in the most evil way one could fake. Then, he stared at Rekha with those red eyes and blade at his side, humming and buzzing. "Miss Rekha, I've been fooling you this entire time and I won't do it any longer. My leader has sent me to collect you for the crimes you've committed over the years. Come peacefully will you, love?" He improvised the story but spoke seriously and confidently like he really was there for that reason. Between the red blade and eyes he hoped to scare her. Deep down though, he did feel bad pulling a stupid joke like this.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

She didn't see anything wrong in what she had shared it wasn't like she told him something terribly personal but then maybe that was her flaw what she felt was personal compared to what others felt. She shared to give understanding for the moments when she did something unusual. Course he wouldn't know about the unusual.

Like collecting a few of those meat eater plants in hopes they'd grow big enough to...well....live up to the reputation of eating people. She wanted to feed Marcus to one when she found him again. Dirty rotten...she smiled pulling back her thoughts. That was the other things she flitted between subjects like that pet that runs after the squirrel.

Hmm.. well..

She was ready to say something more to him when he pulled the light saber. Instinct made her step back, she looked at him again....and then grinned big, "And which crimes would that be cupcake huh...I'd love to hear........" She tilted her head ever so slightly, "the list..."

They were bordering on a territory that could prove to be problematic...or....something else... The red hint to his eyes....did that mean Sith? Was she really standing here with a Sith?

Was he one that had bombed her home? Or killed her friends? Or any of the numerous other things that had happened over a life time.

"Is it for swiping the ewok slippers Akabane...they are incredibly cute...espeically on me." She wouldn't jump to a conclusion....if he was a sith....maybe for once there was a way to understand them.....maybe.

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

The reaction he witnessed was somewhat how he expected it to be. She stepped back immediately after he ignited the blade. When she asked initially about the crimes, Akabane let out a snort to add to the role. The mention of a list kinda caught him off guard but the only indication of it would be a brow raising. She then made a joke about stealing some slippers. He wanted to seem completely serious so he refused to laugh. With a straight face, he spoke. "I am unable to tell you that I'm afraid. However I can tell you one of the more serious accounts happened on Nar Shaddaa."

Akabane referenced that night because it would make some sense technically. She was one of the troublemakers if he remembered correctly. "Whether you remember or don't remember, know or don't know, I must take you in. I'm a nice guy so I'll make sure your nerves stay intact. The other guy they'll send is a former inquisitor though, and he'll leave more than a scratch." He grinned once again. "So what will it be, love?"

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"Oh oh oh..." Rekha now was grateful she wasn't wearing the fething girl clothes. "Yes sweetie I'm not the kind of girl that goes all peaceful like. I as you probably could deduce like a fight." Inquisitor huh she though never met one of those....

It was 2 on 1 last time and she had gotten her arse handed to her but she had gone down swinging.

"Nar Shaddaa such a fun place at times. Last time I was there I wanted a drink and walked into a fight...well battle. The folks fighting weren't too happy with me as I waited for the droid to bring me my drink as I sat behind a table....is that the thing you after me for?" She had literally walked into it all. What a time that had been, she had gotten so much grief about wanting a drink that she had just sat there the whole time listening to blaster fire, grenades, and fist fights.

She would have taken bets but no one was up to a wager.

"So you're a Sith [member="Akabane"] ?" Might as well as the big questions now.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Her comment about the type of girl she was made Akabane smile a little. She spoke of her travel to Nar Shaddaa and offered up an interesting question. After an exhausting sigh, he turned off the dark blade. He placed it in it's original spot and threw his hands in his pants pockets. "I suppose a battle would take place... if you were that kind of lady," he said ignoring her question for a moment. Akabane began moving, taking tiny slow steps towards his acquaintance. "I have no intention of striking you though." He expected her to move away after seeing the blade but he'd adjust direction if needed. Stopping suddenly, Akabane sensed something negative in her question so he was scared he'd went too far.

Instead of approaching her, he moved to the railing on the side of the ship where he leaned on it and gazed out into the sea. Watching the waves, big and small. He quickly found himself in thought. Sith were probably not the best people so he could see her perspective, if she disliked him now. Akabane figured answering only yes would be pointless so he said something else as a reply. "I'm not evil. I know we aren't particularly liked by many light users, but I am different." He glanced over at her for a moment if his neck was still intact. "And... the ewok slippers are indeed cute, I pardon you of your crimes."

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

So she thought this isn't what I thought it was going to be....a nice night of sailing......and now...I've got a Sith on board the Gem. What to do....he really hadn't done anything...that made her go....running screaming like her hair was on fire so.

It was a good thing she was the fighting kind really it kept her going. She smiled. Leaning back slightly. He stopped moving ut oh...but he didn't do anything else. Rekha let out the breath she was holding. Ok...let's see.

"Ok....let's define evil then. You say you're not...care to expand that a bit" She felt her heart pounding was it fear, feth probably. What she knew of Sith was...well thunder bolts and lightning very very frightening....oooo....yah BOOM SHACKALAKA!

She looked to the water around them it was peaceful slow movements a reminder to her it was ok. The world had not chnaged in the last few breaths. She laughed, "I like my ewok slippers, they are cute...." She laughed more..."Forgiven and pardoned....well...this is a night for interesting things...."

He had not said yes I'm a Sith but he had said he wasn't evil. "My thranta thank you. They hate being left alone"

So...let's see what he says about evil.. She smiled and tried not to look like he was going to lop her head off.

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Define evil? Akabane was confused when she asked him such a trivial question. Didn't everyone know what made someone evil? Perhaps she was asking to test him? Either way, he turned around and leaned his back onto the railing. Arms crossed and one hand rubbing his beard, he pondered the question. His red eyes fell on Miss Rekha time to time as he imagined what'd she might say in reply to his answer. "You want me to expand on why I'm not an evil being... that's fair but I'm not sure anything I say will change your view on me. Now that you know." He was certain nothing would help acquire any trust of her's now.

"Well." He let out an exhale, while realizing the severity of the situation. Things could get messy at any moment. She even claimed to be a fighter and he had no intention of taking part in any brawl tonight. Perhaps a good answer would let him off the hook. "An evil person is very selfish and arrogant. They murder, steal, and ruin other people's lives for personal gain. Hurting women, children, and even regular adults." He paused and looked to the side, as if be were remembering something. "I couldn't forgive someone who did that. The greatest sin in my eyes is harming women and children for no good reason. If the day comes that I go that dark... I'll take my own life." Akabane turned his head back and attempted to lock eyes with Rekha. "So, do you hate me now?" He put one foot forward as if he was going to walk towards her. Eyes of crimson hue stared into Miss Rekha at the same time.

Akabane started moving towards Rekha, slowly and in a cautious manner in case of an attack. He expected her to dislike him now after all. "I will clarify, though. I was not born Sith and these eyes are not red because of my alleged alignment. My eyes reflect the raw power that I possess, ever since a young child. And none of that power is evil." He stopped moving, opening his hand up and pointing it at Miss Rekha. Akabane assumed this would seem threatening so he spoke quickly, and he was quick to release too. "Trust me and don't move." It wouldn't matter if she moved or not though. All he was doing was sending a rush of wind her way. The only damage this move would cause is a bad hair day. "That's my power, is there anything evil about air?" He smirked to top it off.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]