We’ll meet again soon

[Sorel Crieff]

From deep space, the planet Ragoon-6 lay concealed by a blue mist shimmering in the midst broke into sparkling particles that swirled around the viewscreen. Her ship broke through into a planetary atmosphere so clear it seemed as transparent as water. Glinting below was a planet as green as a flashing jewel.

Sorel’s breath caught as she leaned forward. She had never seen such a beautiful approach to a planet. And she was both pleased and surprised to learn it had not been colonised. The government had ensured that only a few tribes of natives were able to inhabit the planet. Only Jedi and small groups were allowed to visit at any one time. The were no air lanes, no factories, no cities. Just a planet in a form that nature intended.

But once it had a booming population but a sickness came and finally, only a handful were left. Was it wise to take the stance to not permit immigrants? As a Jedi, Sorel was trained to suspend judgement. As was her preferred way, Sorel did not take a stance on the decision. Maybe it was easy for her as she did not have a home. Not truly. The Temple was as close as she could identify as one. But she did not dwell on the possibilities or permutations. Instead she guided her craft and skimmed over a meadow lush with wildflowers and tall green grass. Above the grassy field, snow-capped mountains hugged the tiny meadow. The sky was deep blue streaked with violet. If you closed your eyes, you could almost smell the fresh scent of flowers.

The air was thin and sharp on this world, especially so since Sorel had landed high in the mountains. A place of spectacular, remote beauty.

Why was she here? In part to visit a place that held a place in history for a certain Jedi Master, who visited here with his Master and later with his Padawan. And she was also here to meet someone.

So she stepped out of her craft and onto a high, windy plain. Below her she could see a sea of bright yellow wildflowers in a mountain meadow. The sky here was very blue. At night she heard it turned purple. And you could see every star. The atmosphere was unpolluted as there were no cities or industry or transports to give off emissions to cloud the pure air.

In short, a perfect place for a rendezvous.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He had only recently returned to the Iron Empire after Midvinter and the events that took place on his home world still very much at the forefront of his mind. Theo's mind now set with greater purpose because of it, internally he had changed and whether it would be for the better was yet to be realised. He was not just going to let the events pass into history without doing something about it, and he was hiding his feelings well. Time enough for that later.

Today was a breath of fresh air, a day he needed to rejuvenate his soul and body, Sorel and he had arranged to meet here on Ragoon VI, in part to visit a place of renown, especially for the Jedi, but there was more enticing reasons for him to come here then to look at a rock on which famous Jedi once sat, or the swaying of flowers on the soft breeze and although the planet is beautiful in its pristine nature, there would be more beauty to be found once she arrived.

And she had.

The scanners picking up her ship perched on a mountain plain, but not enough room for his ship and so he found an alternative place to land. And after what would be the better part of an hour, Theo finally reached the top of cliff that afforded him a most perfect view, the young girl standing alone of the side of the mountain, her black hair gently pulled by the high mountain winds watching the meadow flowers dance below in the sun.

It only took him minutes to descent before he could walk up behind her ship with a smile, and as he walked around it, his hand glided across the surface while his eyes remained fixed on her. "They dance for you", he said on approach referring to the yellow flowers below.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

She heard his ship before she saw it and turned her head to face it, her hand instinctively coming up to her brow to shield her eyes from the sun. She didn’t know it was his ship, not precisely, but in a different way, she did.

It had to be his. Not only for the coincidence of the location but because she simply had a feeling it was Théo. It was not the Force at work and Sorel did not know what sense was at play — but she trusted it and smiled as she saw the ship coming closer.

A matter of minutes later, he had landed and was walking towards her. She resisted the urge to run to meet him. It was not that she was playing hard to get, or even coy — she just wanted to savour the moments that would lead up to their meeting again.

Work meant their only opportunities to unite were formal or dangerous — or both. So they’d had to bide their time to find an opening that allowed them to simply be Sorel and Théo and not two Jedi. And now the moment was here, she was not going to rush it.

She gave a small bow as he approached — a habit she could not and would not break — but then she beamed at him and his words. “Of course,” she said softly, only the sound of the gentle wind to rival her words, “Can’t you hear the music?”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He was pleased to sense the happiness come from her and it only matched his own, yet he sighed a little as she bowed to him, not that this was negative but she would never have to do so to him. Theo knows her however, the only person he has ever met that is Jedi to the core and she knows what that means to be so .. better then he does. So he returned her bow for respect to the Jedi before him but mostly because it means a lot to her, to adhere to the ways of the Jedi. It was simply impossible not to smile back even in this moment of reverence for each other, and all that was in his mind was the feeling of holding her in his arms, what that felt like up on the roof when they danced. And that kiss...

Theo came within but yard or so of her and stopped, his head tilted to the side slightly as if concentrating of listening to something, he was teasing her of course before he spoke. "I can, the music travels on the wind .. it is the wind", and he raised his hand to stop a wayward strand of hair falling across her face and he tucked it behind her ear. The flowers in the meadow had lost his attention, they never really had not once he set eyes on her.

"There is nothing so soft in the galaxy that could compare to you", he added so softly that not even the wind could take it away. The back of his finger graced her skin on her cheek. She had not been alone in resisting urges, for all he wanted to do was to kiss her once more.

"Shall we go for a walk? but not too far, I have a picnic prepared for us".

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel sensed at much as heard the sigh. She was sure she knew the reason why. But she was a Jedi and she wasn’t going to change — not for anyone — even Théo. But the smile on his face suggested he was pleased to see her, despite his reaction to her bow. But then, she never doubted it.

And the smile never left her lips as he joined in the joke about the music — also a reference to their own first dance when the music was secondary to the company, just as it should be.

Her nose wrinkled as he continued to speak. She did not take compliments well, let alone personal ones. But the touch of his hand on her cheek was electric and all she wanted to do was be close to him. Words were superfluous yet welcome.

So she took his hand in hers and took a step forward, her shoulder nuzzling his upper arm as they now faced the same direction and began their walk — albeit a short one. “Did you bring any beer?” she asked, as she took in the scent of her companion and rested her head against his shoulder. “And what did you tell your father about our last meal?”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

A silly grin did not leave his face the entire time and his eyes rested on her nose to watch that cute wrinkling before his gaze fell to her lips once more. There was no hiding their emotions for each other and he sensed her longing to be close which was only matched by his own desires. And as she stepped forward, taking his hand he could feel his blood rising and on fire. “No I didn’t bring beer, I brought something much better .. Midvinter mead”.

As they walked, a slow pace as they are in no hurry to get anywhere, he felt her gently rest upon his shoulder. He let go of her hand only to place his arm around her by the waist pulling gently closer to him. “I told him .. the Ale was cold, the burgers cooked to perfection, although the side dishes where a little under done .. didn't you think?”, he teased her knowing what she was actually asking of him.

He gazed down into her face with a smile, “I have not had the chance to tell him, or mother anything”. Which was true enough, after the meeting on Csilla, life for the both of them returned to duty which never stops. He wanted to tell them of course.

Theo stopped and turned to stand directly in front of Sorel, his arm never leaving her waist but a gentle pull brought her closer to him until their bodies pressed, for a moment he allowed himself the selfish pleasure of looking into her face taking in all her beautiful features which had burned into his mind. “Were it possible, I would travel the galaxy and tell all the stars”. There was no denying his desire any longer, one hand reached for her face cupping it in his palm as he kissed her warm red lips.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel’s smile was permanently fixed now, but her eyes told that there was a serious thought lingering and would surface before too long.

“Mead, mmm, that will be another first. I presume it’s alcoholic and if you say it’s better, I’ll take your word for it.”

And as they walked, she relaxed into his arms and took his gentle teasing in good stead. “I’m sure you must have hinted at more, or in some way your emotions were read by him. But it’s not a problem at all. I was just curious is all.”

And before the serious though could reach her mouth, Théo’s own lips beat it to the punch. She allowed her emotions free reign and only when they had kissed for what seemed an eternity did she put her earnest face on and look Théo in the eyes.

“I have something to tell you. Nothing bad,” she added quickly, “But news of importance none the less. Your father has asked me to become the Grand Master of the Silvers and I’ve said yes. And he told me to be more than a Jedi too. To live and to love. So I wondered if he suspected anything?”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He knew of his parent's intentions to resign from their commission as leaders of the Silver Order, but he was not privy to their decision making process over the appointment of the new grand master. When Sorel spoke and told him this, Théo was over joyed for her. "This is wonderful news Sorel, or should I say Grand Master .. congratulations", he smiled. Thinking about it all, she was perfect for the position, although young and still with much to experience in life, Sorel is wise beyond her age and there was no doubting her power within the force and that would grow greatly over time as well.

He thought about her next question, father always had a knack for 'reading' him, as a child father would know what was on Théo's mind but that was to be expected but now even father would find it difficult to see through him as Théo as also grown in strength within the force. "I have not said anything, but maybe he does suspect something". He pondered more, "But my father is wise and he had been grand master for a long time and I think what he might been trying to tell you was that there is more to being a grand master then power and the ability to lead".

Théo looked down into her pretty face and once more his hand caressed her cheek, "Is it not a Jedi mandate to seek knowledge?", he smiled. "I am not talking about what you would find in a library or training and seeking knowledge in the force. It is only through experiencing life do we truly learn the best lessons, about what is important in life, especially for other people. The things that are important to them, like freedom, justice, family - to be able to care for them. Everything we learn informs us and enables us to be better Jedi. Even the most mundane things can teach us something, living life simply even more so then what we do as Jedi can show us and teach us self reliance". Théo could go on and on about this topic, having the experience of growing up on Midvinter taught him the meaning of being humble. "Experiencing life also teaches us about ourselves". Mostly likely the most important lesson of them all.

In a moment of pause, Théo began to laugh, "I am sorry Sorel, I did not mean to lecture you and I am sure you are aware of all this". He had not spoke of his views of love in this situation or why father would have spoke of it. All he knew was that he was grateful for love, to be able to love in return for if it did not exist between his parents for one thing, he would not be standing here today in the company of a woman that he not only admired beyond any other, but was forming deeper feelings for her.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled at Théo’s words. “It is a great honour and privilege but I suspect it’s also a burden at times. Not just the Grand Master bit, but the fact I’m following your father. You must experience that, albeit in a different way. But I don’t intend to dwell on that. I am honest and know my strengths and weaknesses and I shall do my best. It’s all I can offer the Silvers and I hope it’s enough.”

“And I trust your father’s judgement and so I will take on all of his advice and experience life. Seek knowledge as you put it. But not in a Jedi way, in a human way. To lose the control I’m used to having and see what happens. I expect and will accept whatever life has to offer and maybe it will be a welcome and healthy distraction from the weight of the mantle I’ve accepted. But I know I have to at least try.”

She smiled. “Or rather I shall ‘do.’ There is no try of course.”

“Which leads to the subject of us. How do we continue when I want to spend every minute with you yet can only steal moments. Will that suffice for you? Can it work?”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Good", he smiled once more, "My Papa would not want you to try and fill his shoes and I know he will never ask that of me either", he sigh slightly know his own words correct and it was time he took this advice himself and get on with life to make his own way in the galaxy.

"Quoting little green men again Sorel?", he grinned hoping to lighten the mood a little but they did need to talk about such things as she wished, Theo would talk about the advantages of watching grass grow with her if that is what she wanted. "Speaking of Jedi passed .. lets get to my ship and that picnic. I have something to show you as well", he took her by the hand and led a clipping pace to his ship. It would not take them too long a climb back up the ridge but what awaited Sorel in the valley on the other side, she would find most interesting and a distraction.

But as they walked, he thought about her last question with the utmost importance, and the idea of separating after this visit was something not appealing to him as he too wished to spend as much time with her as possible. "Mother and father found the time to be with one another and both of them very busy with duty as Jedi. Although they were stationed on Voss .. we .. have a wider gap to bridge", he stopped walking and drew her close to him, "This is why these meetings we have are important, every moment we spend together away from our duty becomes a jewel to be treasured in our hearts. And the next time we meet, will grow in more importance. I know it is not ideal, but for now it is all we have. If .. if you truly want this, want me .. then that is all I need to know". Theo leaned down and kissed his love.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled. For as much as she did not expect Thurion to replicate his tenure, it was good to hear Théo’s version of the likely future was congruent to her own. She knew instinctively it was a fool’s errand to attempt to fill Thurion’s shoes and she had already decided to be her own person.

And she was pleased to have broached the subject and to have been able to move through it to get the conversion back on to something less formal and to get closer to the picnic and that promised mead. She was curious what it might taste like if it were truly better than ale.

Théo set a brisk pace back to his ship and she would have struggled were she not so fit. “We’re surely working up an appetite,” she said, “This mead had better be worth it.”

She wondered if she’d offended him as he stopped when she mentioned their continued relationship. But his words and his actions told a different story.

“Then I shall cherish the time we have, and like my role as Grand Master, I shall be myself and see what the future holds. What shall be shall be. And that’s not taking advantage of my ability of Farseeing but instead simply accepting that whatever my best endeavours reap then I shall sow.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Both his hands slid down her arms from the shoulders and took her hands in his, "Come on", he said softly as he gently pulled her along toward the ship. Once they had reached the boarding ramp it was only then did he let go of her, "Climb up on that top most boulder there and see what is on the other side", he said with a smile before turning away to enter his ship to fetch the picnic. One of other side, in the valley below is the famous place in which Jedi had once visited to train, a beautiful natural waterfall that cascades into a deep pool, the waters still but in looks can be deceiving. There are pockets of smaller pools in which one could swim and take in the delights of the surroundings.

Meanwhile, Théo entered his ship and gathered the picnic and made sure the mead was safely packed in the basket, he found a blanket on which they could sit and relax in peace for a while. Returning to her, "Shall we go down there?", it was the perfect place to luncheon and yes his appetite had grown considerably in this place with warm crisp air, and his company only added to fueling this appetite, partly for food.

The climb down was easier on this side, and as they descended the sun fell on their backs warming them and the natural vista was like something from a dream and could take the minds and spirit of anyone to a different place, one in which there is no dangers, no duty .. just them. A patch of long grass by the edge of the pool would be the perfect place to lay the blanket which he did and set the basket down.

Théo kicked off his boots and socks wanting to feel the texture of the grass under foot, his gaze had not left the waters and before he knew it, he was down to his boxers and smiling. This body would bare the scars of war, but a large scar indented in his lower torso the most evident the result of the tusk from the boar of Midvinter which had ran him through. "Want to do something silly .. or maybe something 'sensible'?", he turned to smile at her before walking into the water.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel left Théo at the ship and did as he requested and headed to the boulder. She wondered what she might see there and suspected the climb would be worth the effort.

A few minutes later and she was at the boulder and climbing onto it. She deliberately cast her eyes to the rock as she did, not wishing to spoil the likely surprise. So when she made it to the top, she finally looked up, out and then down.

The view was truly breathtaking. The waterfall was the centre point of the valley and the pool it cascaded into looked enticing.

And no sooner had she taken in the view than Théo had caught her up and she turned to face him. “It’s wonderful,” she said, “But my hunger wins out over any imminent exploring.”

They climbed down and enjoyed the warmth of the sun and helped Théo set up the blanket and sat cross-legged on one corner. Smiling at Théo, she followed suit and removed her boots and socks, not wishing to get dirt on the pristine blanket.

It was only then she realised he wasn’t stopping at his boots and before long, he was down to his undergarments and heading for the water. She shook her head. Food would have to wait and she discarded layers as she followed him before running into the water in her own underwear.

“Since when did we ever do sensible?”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]