Midnight in Nomaani's Garden

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The shuttle ferrying her to Carshoulis had been decidedly more comfortable than the ones she normally traveled in.

The invitation from Taataani Meorrrei to spend a few days with her had been met by the usual fare; the usual excuse of 'time permitting'. Should it've come as any surprise that an entire week of required R&R had been thrust upon her? Of course not. It was her way more often than not, and s'Il so many times fell upon that poor excuse to divert herself away from so many invitations. She had perhaps used it up? Or more likely, the woman that had sent the invitation was in such a place that she could make the time appear. And like it or not, Loklorien found herself whisked away from her ship, escorted to the Cluster for... she had no idea.

And it was that that slightly worried her, while at the same time caused a measure of anger to well up from within. She had lines to watch, and drops to make. She had lost herself in the duties of her post and the necessities of her position out of some effort to survive. Her children offered brief respite, and the few times that she saw Zem were often marred by unfortunate happenings. Boz Pity was still fresh in her mind, and though there had been a reawakening of sorts, there was still duty. Duty to the Alliance, and to her ship. To the countless eyes of those above her watching her every move.

She was a mynock on a wire, walking that thin line while somehow managing to dodge the cannonfire that was fired at her.




Slowly she stood, after the shuttle had landed. The normal space sickness tabs she always kept on her person had been depleted after the third waypoint, and moving cautiously to the opening boarding ramp, the Lupine couldn't help but place a hand to one of the support struts, leaning against it in relief at finally being on sold ground once more. She'd not brought much with her, a single duffel with an extra change of uniforms and a single set of civilian clothes. This was taken up by the Cizerack attendant that had accompanied her.

Sunlight burst in through the growing opening, and blinking, s'Il took a few deep breaths, not quite ready to make the trek down the ramp. At least the gentle breeze that met her was welcomed, and she breathed deeply.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Holding a pose this long ought to be some manner of creative punishment. Taataani Fai'sheea Igaarrai Meorrrei wasn't a particularly over-active person, but this amount of imposed sedentary state had long since abandoned the realm of charm.

"We arre nearrljy done, Rrou'a Barronesss." her portrait artist assured as she continued to peck at the large canvas with a brush. Her tedious work remaining infuriatingly out of the Senator's own sight.

"jI sshould hope sso." Taataani replied, mindful to be restrained with the movement of her mouth, or any other part of her for that matter. Even her wandering tail had been reigned in, with only the last few inches and the tuft allowed to lethargically trace at her ankle. At least she could stay seated for this, there was her golden lining. If she had to endure three hours on her bare feet, she'd paint the rest of the picture herself with the artist's blood.

Still, endurance was daunting enough. The mantle and garments she wore were at least seven layers thick, and even though most of those were light silk, it still caused enough perspiration to trickle down the small of her back and from the under-side of her breasts down her belly. Then there was the jewelry. Literally pounds of it. The rings, the bangles, the necklaces, the earrings, and even the jeweled House Meorrrei head crest - only released from it's velum and hardwood case with the most serious of reasons. It was weight that had seemed inconsequential when put on, but now Taataani could feel it's gravitational insistence at the base of her neck and her ears. At least there was no makeup applied with which to further suffocate her. No, that was the allure of the ritual. To be painted as a Rrou'fai should be - wearing the finery of a dozen star systems and a city's wealth, but leaving the person within those trappings to be painted in unflattering reality. Women of quality who had spent years hiding their crows feet, double chins and other such betrayals of age paid a great deal of du'arri to have painters expose these faults on gigantic pieces of canvas, so that Cizerack hundreds of years later could see that they were very much mortal creatures.

And so Taataani continued to pose. In her right hand, a goblet of wine she could not drink. In her left hand, a spear with which she could not threaten this common artisan to hurry up already.

Kirro approached, keeping a respectful distance. Taataani ventured to track him with her eyes, leaving her head irritatingly immobile.

"Come, sspeak."

He was, among so many other talents, a husband with discretion. After a reluctant nod from the painter, he approached the dais upon which his lady reclined, whispering into her ear.

"Rrou ss'jIlancjy hass arrrjived."

What rotten timing. Taataani had thought she'd be done with this ordeal an hour ago. If the painter was true to her word, perhaps this would be as small an inconvenience for the both of them as possible.

"Ssee herr jin."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She'd insisted on a brief stop to the fresher, the contents of her stomach finally rebelling thoroughly enough to insist upon removal. Certainly not flattering in any way, but the Lupine was beholden to her own faults, and she obeyed the whims of her own weaknesses. At the very least, her escort was cordial enough about the affair, and displayed no outward signs of disgust at her sudden need to empty her gut. After all, it would be better served doing so in private rather than at the feet of Taataani herself. And for that, s'Il was exponentially grateful.

Her business in the fresher took a minimal amount of time, and lifting her head from the toilet, she gave a last clutch to the porcelain sidewalls before heaving herself back to her feet. Her eyes closed, and she reached out to depress the button to flush, and sidestepping, let her head dip low.

The sink faucet was turned on, and bringing a few handfuls of water into her mouth, swished. She spit, then repeated the process another four times. There was never anything graceful about emptying one's lunch from the same direction it'd originally come from, but she was in some small form determined to make the attempt at glossing over her weak stomach.

A look up to the face in the mirror. A sigh.

Why couldn't she just be on Schwartzweld? Alone, with her children and Karrnage? Left to enjoy the simple joys of quiet days?



When she left the fresher, her escort was still waiting.

"Thjis wajy," he gestured.

And she followed. Led through the villa of Taataani Meorrrei, s'Il felt out of place. It was opulent and richly furnished, with bright colors of red and gold. Even the inconsequential things were lavishly accented, with vibrant character and life.

She felt so vastly out of place, her uniform at least providing her some level of constrained comfort.

And as the double doors to what she guessed was a sitting room opened, the s'Il couldn't help the instinctive tug at the bottom edge of her duty jacket.

Spotting Taataani was no hardship; the other woman was seated before a magnificently large window, draped in who-knew-how-many hundreds of credits worth of finery. A portrait artist paused in her work, turning to look silently at the new arrival.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Ja irra korra'nai, Suun'da'rrou s'jIlancjy."

Taataani maintained her damnable pose, somehow filling the room with her patrician lilt without breaking the scene.

"Don't make jyourrsself comforrtable, jI am asssurred jyou won't be long jin wajitjing."

If the artist was paying attention to the casually-flung barb, she didn't make any indication. Indeed, she seemed to be painting completely in the zone.

"Can Kirro offerr jyou rrefrresshment frrom jyourr trravelss?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Feeling slightly more than awkward, s'Il stood for a few more moments in the threshold before finding herself once more. She gave a light cough, then stepped further inside.

"I'm fine, Rrou'fai."

She bit her lower lip, a small tick that lasted but a fraction of a second. A drink would be nice, she had to admit, but so soon after emptying her stomach, the Lupine was loath to tempt the will of her damnable frailties past what they would be willing to handle.

"Thank you, though."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani's ears skewed only slightly at Loklorien's words. There was a time in which Rrou'fai would have been the appropriate title to use in this conversation. She wondered if the decision to use her familial title rather than that of Senator was done out of their past association, or if the use of it now showed an inappropriate level of familiarity. It was a blurry enough line to ignore, no matter. She had once been merely a Rrou'fai the way Loklorien s'Ilancy had once merely been a Jedi. Decorum deferred to friendship.

"jYou have a djissagrreeable colorr to jyou, arre jyou ssurre? jI know how sspace trravel can leave one jin a wrretched sstate."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

There was a certain level of tired exhaustion that met Taataani, mingled with the colors of that deeper understanding that only a Jedi could see. Her words had not been received well, and she closed her eyes. Even now, in this moment in time, surrounded by things that made her feel out of place, she now stood in a space below the woman that she'd once thought of as 'friend'. Heavily insistent friend, but friend none-the-less. It was saddening.

It also caused a hard edge to creep into her eye, and her posture to become a touch more rigid.

She was - despite the invitation - an outsider here. Foreign. Forrda. To a woman that she had once raced to the bottom of the sajoi bowl. In the back of her thoughts, it was just another thing that she had lost.

"I am fine."

An inhaled breath through her nose, and her hands wound around to find themselves at the small of her back.

"One learns to endure."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Oh, but cerrtajinljy," Taataani agreed emphatically, nodding her head in emphasis which caused the painter to rebuke the extraneous movement with an overly-respectful "Rrou'a Barronesss, pleasse."

Endure indeed. Remaining in this unnatural poise for as many hours as she had. Taataani saw her arduous plight in no less the same weightiness than Captain s'Ilancy's own soldiery concerns. "Wjith grrace, asss alwajyss."

In this moment, Taataani studied her friend's expression. Beyond the mere pallid tone of her, there was some other discomfort. It wouldn't hide from her for long.

"jI am pleassed to fjind jyou sstjill jin unjiforrm, though jI trrusst jyou brrought otherr attjirre wjith jyou. Therre jiss no enemjy to fjight herre, at leasst not the ssorrt that jI sshould rrequjirre jyourr prrofjicjiencjy jin handljing."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"I brought a change of clothing, yes."

Still so formal. But the nature of this visit was still a bit of a mystery to her. Perhaps she was too internally frustrated at being essentially ordered away from her ship? There was no distrust that Samus would handle things in her absence; indeed, she trusted him without question. But there was something more; something underlying that she couldn't quite divine. And it was that that made her uneasy. As well, the formality of everything as they stood, right now.

But, the Lupine held her head high regardless. She was an Apex, even if no one else knew. Quiet dignity held her aloft now. And though her back was straight and her words were curt, there was no denying the weight they carried.

There was sadness, too. Mixed in with the tiredness. Hidden well to be sure, but it was there for the discerning to spot.

She stood quietly then, unsure exactly of how to act or what she could possibly say. Best to simply wait, her hands clasped together behind her as she maintained her precise posture, shoulders hitched back.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"A few morre sstrrokess, and...we'rre done, Rrou'a Barronesss." the painter declared at last, taking an appraising step back.

The effect on Senator Meorrrei was immediate. Her regal posture slouched, her ears perked, and she tossed aside the decorative spear.

"Ugh...fjinalljy."

And with a perfectly good goblet of wine in her other hand, Taataani mirthfully gulped, pausing only to lean back against the padding of her high-backed chair as she let some of the slack out of the decorative knot in her waist sash.

"jI feel ljike the dead come back to ljife."

Finally able to actually see her friend from more than a glancing angle, Senator Meorrrei smiled, beckoning her to approach. Taataani met her at the periphery of her ornate chair, eager to leave it's confines. She wrapped her free arm around Loklorien while peppering the space to the right and left of the Lupine's face with a pair of air kisses.

"Sso wonderrful to see jyou agajin, mjy frrjiend."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"And you."

She wasn't exactly dwarfed by the other woman; more to the point, it was Taataani's clothing that seemed to try and swallow even her up. Apparently one person was not enough for the many layers of fine silks.

"I hope that I've not disturbed you too much."

Which was a silly thing to say, all things considered. After all, it had been the Meorrrei Matron's own hand that had brought her here.

But, the Lupine at least allowed a small smile to tug at the corners of her lips. A nervous uptick, but it couldn't be helped.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Sso modesst," the Baroness chided with a smirk, pulling back to get a glimpse of the Lupine at arm's length.

"jYou've come at mjy behesst, ne? jI thjink the apologjiess forr upssettjing the balance of the galaxjy arre mjine to gjive..."

Taataani paused in mid-statement, a thoughtful look on her face as she glanced just past her friend's shoulder.

"...werre jI jinclined to gjive them..."

The Senator's eyes returned to her Captain with a mischievous glint and a smile to match.

"...and jI am asssurredljy not. Neverr assk forr perrmjisssjion to ljive, Loklorrjien ss'jIlancjy. Take what'ss jyourrss."

The artist beyond began to pivot the large easel about, affording her patroness the first glimpse of her handiwork. Senator Meorrrei turned with an arm still draped around Loklorien's back, taking stock of the grandiose and intimidating piece of art before them.

"Perrhapss the arrtjisst'ss brrussh addss ten poundss." she replied coolly, swirling the remnants of her wine in it's glass.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il let her eye pass over the painting, taking note of the artist's style and the particular manner in which Taataani had been immortalized. It was singularly unique, and there was a certain beauty in it that drew in any who looked upon it.

"It is difficult to capture life," she began, "... and you have a fair amount. It would not surprise me if any artist in the entire galaxy would be able to do any better."

A pause, and she bowed her head in a respectful nod to the artist.

"My compliments."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Manjy thankss, rrou'a." The artist's ears raised at the reception of the foreigner's praise. She busied herself with tidying up her easel and paints, but the smile didn't diminish by much.

The bit of praise and the reception didn't go unnoticed by the artist's benefactor, who clasped a hand at Loklorien's shoulder as she appraised the work.

"jIndeed, ne? What a sskjilled arrtjissan we have jin ourr companjy. Now that thjiss matterr of patrronage jiss ssettled, perrhapss sshe could do ssjimjilarr wonderrss forr jyourr ljikenesss, Captajin."

The Senator's tail navigated around Lok's waist, continuing the friendly embrace.

"Wouldn't that be a fjittjing trrjibute?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She blinked in mild surprise at the sensation of Taataani's tail around her waist, but otherwise did nothing. She did, however, answer the matron's question.

"I am not sure that I would make a good painting subject."

In the back of her mind, the Lupine couldn't help the growing curiosity; fueled of course by a small bit of worry, at why Taataani had gone to such lengths to make sure that she spent a brief period of time in the Cluster. It wouldn't do to ask right now, but she would certainly do so once the two were in private.

"It is a nice thought, but I'm afraid I must decline."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Therre'ss that famouss Jedji modesstjy!" Taataani laughed, pausing only to take another gulp of wine.

"Ssurrvjivorr of Palpatjine'ss purrge, champjion of the Alljiance, and herro of Osssuss. Mjy frrjiend, jif everr therre wass ssomeone desserrvjing of ssuch aplomb, jit would be Loklorrjien ss'jIlancjy. Forrget pajintjingss, jI sshould fjind a ssculptorr. Sstone would hold morre fjittjing tesstament, ne?"

So she was having a little fun at her modest friend's expense. No matter. Taataani returned her attention to th painter, gesturing with her wine goblet.

"Thank jyou. jYou majy go now. Pleasse ssend the bjill."

The artist gathered up her things, making her way toward the side exit of her villa, away from guests or other people of importance. Taataani watched her leave, finished her wine, and promptly kicked out of her shoes. Now standing two inches shorter, the Rrou'fai began to dismantle before Lok's very eyes. Two of the Meorrrei husbands arrived to help their mistress out of her outer mantle and her jewelry.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Survivor of Palpatine's Purge...

... she'd been not much more than a child, running terrified for her life and desperate for safety.

Champion of the Alliance...

... she had been with the Alliance since those fledgling days yes, but had again run - yet again - into a self-imposed exile. Coming back only because her safety on her sanctuary world of Cathar had been shattered.

Hero of Ossus...

... she had been the cause. The reason that the Jedi on Ossus had been nearly destroyed.



After each seemingly lofty accolade was given, the Lupine's own thoughts could not help but internally lay bare the truth behind each one. She bowed her head, troubled but with at least enough forethought to mask her initial reactions in a nod of gratitude.

"Your words are kind."

Her mind took her back to the many busts and statues of her ancestors, littering the great hallways of her home on Schwartzweld. They had been comforting to see, to walk past. Never once had she thought to have such a thing done of her, and the thought of it was daunting in a way.

"Perhaps at a later date," she offered in compromise while sending an eye to the Meorrrei matron as her husbands went to work peeling away the layers of silks, jewelry, and other articles of clothing.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Now who was being too kind? Taataani smiled at Loklorien's deferral, knowing full well that the Jedi would be unsettled by any such ostentatious display.

"Ssomethjing trroubless jyou..." The Senator began, her blue eyes searching the Lupine's face, "...and jit'ss not the poorr qualjitjy of the fljight.

Gesturing with her hand, Taataani bade s'Ilancy to follow her to a waiting couch, where each could talk in a modicum of comfort.

"jYou'rre concerrned overr bejing rrecalled herre?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"That would be a rather large understatement, yes."

There was honesty in her voice, and not a little bit of worry.

"I made sure that Koensayr-Meorrrei was paid in full from Thrule's accounts, for my ship... "

Which was a silly concern perhaps, but it was one that she wanted to be sure was addressed. The Lupine had taken pains to transfer every last credit from her dead husband's numerous accounts to offset the cost that Taataani had so graciously shouldered in good confidence.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani reclined against the richly-upholstered couch, and waved off her friend's hand-wringing.

"jYou'rre not herre to ssettle accountss, Loklorrjien ss'jIlancjy. Even jif jyou djid owe monejy overr the prroject, jI'd conssjiderr what jyou've done to be a ssujitable charracterr rreferrence to prrovjide an extentjion."

For the next moment, Taataani watched Lok's demeanor with careful eyes. Her smile dimmed a little.

"Brreathe. When wass the lasst tjime jyou djid anjythjing that wassn't jin sserrvjice to ssomeone orr anotherr? jYou'rre tjirred. No, exhaussted."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"I... do not know."

The question had caught her off-guard, and s'Il blinked in mild surprise. The more she tried to come up with an answer, the more that answer eluded her. It was quietly infuriating, and yet even now she buried the feeling. Instead, she let out a long breath. Her eyes closed as her head bowed.

"Taataani," her voice was a bare whisper.

"I do not deserve rest. Not yet. Perhaps... perhaps not ever."

And before the other woman could interject, the Lupine went on.

"I have done much evil. I killed younglings in cold blood. My existence now is in service to their memories, and because of that I cannot stop."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

It was one thing to read the reports; one thing to consider the accusations. It was another to hear the admission from her own lips in this vulnerable moment. Taataani's ears held an even array as she listened, thinking of not only what Loklorien s'Ilancy said, but also what it meant. The Senator had purchased her favors dearly in the tribunal fight to keep s'Ilancy's commission. In the end, she'd prevailed with the compromise of a demotion. Friends paid the price. It would be nice to think it was all selfless altruism, but Taataani was no stranger to black deeds. The time might come one day in which the bodies that were buried by Taataani Meorrrei may come to light. If that day were to come, having a friend like Loklorien s'Ilancy might very well save her.

"Majybe jyou don't desserrve rresst. Majybe jyou'll pajy that parrtjicularr debt forr ssome tjime. jIf not rresst, then what? Do jyou not desserrve love?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The words brought thoughts of Zem crashing to the forefront, but the Lupine pushed them back down just as quickly.

"I have my children still; I could not ask for much more than that."

She folded her hands together in her lap then, memories taking her back to a time not long past. A time on Bothawui when Taataani had taken it upon herself to visit her so soon after Markos had been born. The Meorrrei matron had very nearly swallowed Dan with her fawning before sending her attentions to Markos. It had been a nice memory, though in retrospect now spoiled and poisoned by the truth of Dan Thrule and the creature that he had turned her into. A creature that was hidden.

Another moment passed, and s'Il angled her head to afford Taataani a direct look.

"Taa," her voice was low.

"Why did you bring me here?"

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Becausse jI majy neverr know what jit'ss ljike to be a Jedji, but jI know what jit jiss to be a woman."

Taataani's expression was serene but serious. s'Ilancy had to take the first step to climb down from off her own pyre. She had to allow herself the chance to be a person again.

"Therre arre thjingss morre valuable than crredjitss, morre prrecjiouss than powerr, jyet sso ssjimple to be eassjiljy overrlooked. jYou don't owe anjyone jyourr ssufferrjing orr pajin to desserrve love."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"Well, I'm not really a Jedi... "

The words tumbled from her mouth on instinct, and the Lupine looked away from her friend in the next instant. Unsure of exactly how to explain, s'Il settled for lightly giving a shake of her head.

"It's... complicated."

There was a brief moment that passed before she went on, her voice still low.

"I once thought that I could earn the love of a man by fulfilling his every desire and needs. He told me to kill, and I killed. He told me to sow discord, and I did. Everything that I did, I did in his name... for whatever scrap of affection that I could pull from him."

The old native lilt slowly began to show as she spoke; shorter vowels, stronger consonants, halting pauses as she seemed to almost consider each word that she now spoke. Perhaps it was her own way of reopening a friendship that had been too far colored by the politics of station and formality. Perhaps it was her earnest attempts at allowing Taataani a bit further past the normal barriers that she had spent so many years putting up.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani listened. It was a skill she had honed for decades, and had few peers in the craft. One thing appeared plain, laid in between the confession of s'Ilancy's crimes and sins.

"Whateverr jyou thought the outcome would be, jyou loved hjim. Whateverr wrrong jyou djid, that wassn't jit. Don't let that parrt of jyou go. The awful thjing about love jiss that ssometjimess jit can be unrrequjited. But jif we held ourrsselvess back forr that fearr, who would be left to love each otherr?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She mulled over the words as they hung in the air, trying to divine what she could over them. They were pure, and their meaning more than clear. Closing her eyes, s'Il bowed her head, her finger clutching that much tighter to one another. This direction of the conversation... it seemed so precise and planned, almost. As if her old friend was trying to guide her along a particular path to some sort of logical conclusion. It was a conclusion that eluded her, truth be told. Being pulled away from her ship and duties to travel to the Cluster... and while time spent in the Cluster was a rare treat for someone like her, there was always an underlying reason. Cizerack always had reasons, and Taataani Meorrrei was certainly no exception. In fact, one might venture that the matron was the model for such behavior.

But on the same token, there was still the notion that Taataani was due so much more. That she deserved to know the ugly history. Taataani Meorrrei was a singular woman, and even though s'Il knew that she herself would far outlive the other woman, she was not so sure that she would ever be as wise.

After a pause, she spoke once more.

"What should I do."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

The Rrou'fai's blue eyes glanced at nothing in particular across the room. She simply shook her head.

"Whateverr jI mjight tell jyou would come onljy frrom mjy own ljife. jIt mjight be good forr a sstorrjy, but ljittle elsse."

Taataani returned her attentions to her guest, and shook her head.

"Sso no, jI can't answerr that. Therre'ss onljy one perrson who can. And jit'ss harrd to fjind the wajy, ne? But majybe therre jiss ssomeone who mjight help. Ssomeone closse."

There was a a lot of knowing behind the matron's smile at that moment. What was the phrase that the Jedi were so fond of? Search your feelings. It seemed dogmatic when one lifted stones in thin air, but it was universally sound advice.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She blinked in the face of the expression that Taataani now turned upon her. She could read well enough the other woman's intentions and passive prodding without any need for the Force. It was obvious, yet in the same breath whatever was supposed to be divined was not so obvious. The Lupine turned away then, looking to the far wall of the room with a somewhat brooding expression darkening her features. The path of this conversation was not one she'd expected to take, and it was certainly not the sort of subject matter that she had thought Taataani to touch upon. Truth be told, s'Il was almost certain that the reason for her being called to the Cluster was of an official sort.

And so this? Now?

Taataani Meorrrei was a shrewd woman who had eyes most everywhere, and a sudden suspicion began to grow in the pit of her stomach.

Finally, she looked back to the other woman.

"What game are you playing, Taataani," came her quiet demand. Nothing spoken out of anger, but her tone was more curious than anything else.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Me? jI am not plajyjing thjiss game."

Rising from the sofa, Taataani glided along to the adjacent wall, approaching a door.

"Therre arre onljy two plajyerrss. jI onljy sset the boarrd."

And with an inscrutable smile on her lips, Taataani opened the doors, leaving the room.

[Zem Vymes]

A moment following the Rrou'fai's exit, a familiar face stepped through the same door. Like Loklorien, Zem Vymes had worn clothes that were proper for his official capacity. His long brown robe swished as he rounded the corner.

And then he saw her.

A smile formed on Zem's face. He glanced back at the door he'd come from, but the Senator was nowhere to be seen. He turned back to Loklorien.

"Captain." he nodded as politely as he could fake. The smile didn't quite wipe off.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She was on her feet in less than a moment, mouth slightly open in no small amount of shock.

"That conniving cat," was all she could get out, her voice a low, rueful sound.

Seconds later her jaw clamped shut, her hands moving to fold together at the small of her back. Whatever... this was... she could not even begin to suss out. She felt as though she was swimming in a lake of mud, her senses stunted. All of the things that were natural for Taataani were foreign to her; where Taa employed subtleties, she was painfully direct. Where Taa spoke sometimes in riddles, she spoke as though she was simple-minded at times. More than once she'd been compared to a rancor running rampant through a Chandrilan crystal shop, and now in this moment, she finally understood the descriptor completely.

Staring at Zem, there was a pause as she said nothing, only blinking in recovering surprise. Her mind worked feverishly to try and explain away his presence here, now. Perhaps there was an issue with Koensayr-Meorrrei that needed an officer and a Jedi? Or maybe it was an issue stemming from the Pride government itself? There was also a possibility that Taataani had more business with the Banking Clans.

Her brow knit, and she decided that it was more than likely an issue with Parack Bell. Again. In which case, it would make sense to have an Alliance captain and a Jedi on either side of her.

Eventually.

"Master Jedi."

[Zem Vymes]

"It seems that our paths cross again once more."

Zem closed the distance. A step here, then another.

"A Jedi and a navy Captain summoned to a private audience with a Senator."

He couldn't have asked for better company.

"I don't suppose it's for the same reason, do you?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

For all that she told herself; that there was some official capacity that she was here, as well as Zem...

No. Not a one of those silly justifications held enough water for her to put any weight to them. And in her heart she knew now why she was here. Why he was here.

The Lupine watched him close the distance between them, but still she held back. But, she was not entirely bereft of decorum. With a measured gait she stepped forward, determined to meet him halfway. Stil her hands were laced together behind her. Still he tight control.

"I'd not be surprised," she answered in a wry tone.

"Taataani Meorrrei is often a devious woman with too much at her disposal."

The closer they drew, the more his scent filled her senses and she very nearly broke her facade; very nearly ran to him. Instead, s'Il felt a thin-lipped smile grace her features.

"But I suppose that that is a good thing... "

The last three steps were her undoing, and the Lupine felt her fingers break away from one another, her arms coming around to reach up. One hand grasped the front of his robes as the other found purchase at the side of his head, pulling him down as her own face angled upward to greet him with a kiss.

[Zem Vymes]

"Hmm, yes that sounds familiar. I seem to remember my master warning me about trusting politicians."

Zem may have maintained restraint in posture, but he allowed his feelings to run their full course. This meeting, in this place. He'd been told nothing of the details. He had a feeling that his former student held just as much information.

"Still..."

He pried his eyes away from her, looking around the rich furnishings of the sitting room. Ceiling to floor curtains. Artwork. Flowers arranged in any receptacle that could hold them.

"I've been stymied in worse places."

Zem's eyes returned right back where they belonged.

"And with far worse company."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"I could not tell you what has possessed her to do this," she started slowly, still lost in his presence.

He smelled so familiar...

It hit her so sharply, that she pulled back only a slight bit, eyes closed as she tested the air. The earthy notes of his robes, that particular homespun note that seemed to trail every Jedi. It was unmistakable. Her eyes were slow to open, as she reluctantly pulled back. She wanted to shut all away in this moment. But, she also knew that that would not happen in the here and now, and so she settled for simply allowing herself small liberties and even smaller indulgences. Fingers thumbed at the sleeve of the robe he wore.

"But I can tell you that it is most likely... "

For the first time in a long while she drew a blank. Her Basic failed her, and the Lupine gave a helpless look to the side.

"Surprisingly welcome meddling?"

[Zem Vymes]

Zem's eyes shone at the artful description of Senator Meorrrei's machinations.

"That's positively praise, isn't it?"

At that moment, the doors opened again. A well-coiffed Cizerack man, roughly in his mid thirties, entered with a silver tray carrying two cups.

"Herrbal tea forr the rrou'a, and Njikto caf forr the arr'u."

He flashed a polite smile, easing the tray to the table before the two guests.

"Compljimentss of mjy rrou'fai. Sshe rregrretss ssome bussjinesss hass come up whjich hass delajyed herr meetjing jyou. Pleasse make jyourrsselvess guesstss of the vjilla. Whateverr jyou need, we wjill prrovjide."

An impressed look on his face, Zem carefully took his steaming cup of caf. She even knows my preferred bean, he thought.

"Tell your rrou'fai that we are grateful."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A thankful nod, as she likewise closed an almost reverent hand around around her own beverage. It was invitingly warm, and smelled gentle and soothing. It would go a long way to smoothing over her ruffled (though pleasantly ruffled) feathers.

A respectful bow was given to Taataani's messenger, who wasted little time in retreating back through the doorway and closing it behind him with a soft click.

A deep breath, and s'Il finally turned away from Zem, moving back to the sofa that she previously been sitting on. What in the world was she supposed to say now? 'I'm glad you're here'? Or maybe 'So funny meeting you here'? Neither option was particularly satisfying. Like a gundark in the room her feelings were hard to miss; elated, cautious, worried, hopeful, and gods she wanted to just go away, with him in tow. She wanted to be alone yet not alone. It was like a maelstrom of emotion that raged and died down, whipping about with a frenzy that wanted nothing more than to pull its' chosen into the wild storm of each passion that manifested itself.

Slowly the Lupine lowered to sit.

"She asked me a month ago to visit," a sip, "... and I told her that I was busy with patrols."

There was a bit of silence before she went on.

"And so, she apparently decided to forcibly have me put on temporary leave to come to the Cluster."

A ghostly flutter in her stomach reminded her of her unflattering arrival.

"I threw up when I got here."

[Zem Vymes]

Zem took the spot on the couch next to Lok, allowing the rising steam off the caf to work it's psychosomatic charm. He already felt more at ease. It was interesting that even a Jedi was not immune to such a simple pleasure.

"A ruthless tactic. Apparently the Senator of Keppaa Brens does not take no without a fight."

Vymes took a tentative sip. The complex roast of the caf was everything telegraphed by the aroma and more.

"My compliance was somewhat simpler. The marines on Ossus built our house. One day, I was tending to matters on the Council, and a certain dour-faced Major insisted on an audience. I think she was more unhappy about that than anyone in the room - being called to ferry the message, that is. She said the Senator of Keppaa Brens requests an audience with you in person, Master Jedi."

Zem shrugged, a faint little grin on his features.

"I seem to remember that we once served a Senate."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

There were two words that arrested her attention in his telling, giving her pause in the midst of bringing her own glass up for a second sip.

Our house.

She blinked, finding her gaze ahead on the far wall rather than on him. Her brow knit, and she instinctively bit her lower lip as her mind rewound his words, making sure that she heard him correctly. Last she knew, he had been living in a tent. Well, it was a nice tent, as far as such temporary quarters provided, but still.

Our house.

He'd not said 'his'; he had so distinctly said 'our'. And it made her thoughts come to a sudden halt as if running into a wall. Confused, the Lupine tried to once more parse such a simple pair of words. On their face they were so uncomplicated, and any other time she supposed that there would be no confusion. For all of the time that she had known Zem Vymes, they had been transient; they'd only had each other and whatever safe place they could lay their heads. They had flitted about from planet to ship, back to planet, then sometimes a space station. The small, scratch-built cabin on Pakuni had probably been the closest thing to a home they had shared, but even that had been abandoned.

She still sometimes wondered if it was still standing.

The cup was lowered slowly to her lap, as she finally turned to regard him as he sat close, a quiet voice conveying her confusion.

"... Our... house?"

[Zem Vymes]

Zem winced at the secret that had slipped. He'd never been one to truly commit to a proper surprise. Vymes had a lot of time to think about how he would reveal it to her. He figured that when the path she'd set out to walk came back to him, that would be the time, but beyond that, he hadn't put much into planning.

It seemed, as with everything today, that Taataani Meorrrei had made certain to handle all arrangements.

"It was Teagan's idea."

Pausing after a sip, Zem held the etched ceramic cup close to his lips, a soft laugh on his features.

"Her insistence."

Zem searched his partner's features. She'd defied the age that he wore so plainly on his face, but he was so accustomed to her. So familiar. The miles were hard to see, but Zem had walked so many of them with her, and he could see that journey in her expression.

"It seemed like the right thing to do."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Yet still the words held her in thrall.

Our house.

She turned them over, examined them in every detail. She repeated them in her mind, trying each syllable and marveling at how they sounded together, spoken by her inner voice. There was a creeping, dawning sense of wonderment that fell over her features in that moment then, as she felt her entire being react to those singular words. Those wonderful words.

His explanation, that Teagan had been the one to 'insist'... it caused a faint smile to touch her lips, and she closed her eyes, head bowing.

The Lupine was speechless, unsure exactly of how to respond. She felt awkward and lost in a sea of so many feelings, unable to decide which tether to pull at. Each one dangled in front of her, begging to be taken and held close. Joy. Surprise. Happiness. Wonder. Comfort. Satisfaction. Elation. Delight. Astonishment. Fascination. Awe. Reverence.

But one in particular called to her, and she reached out invisible fingers to take hold of it. She held it close.

Love.

"She can be persuasive," was all she could think to quietly say, speaking with a small, trembling laugh.

[Zem Vymes]

"Been working on how to spring the surprise for so long. I wasn't sure what to say."

He had to admit, being forced into an unexpected situation was probably the best way to make it happen. Zem wanted to tell her about their home. Wanted to show her. But most important of all, he wanted her to be there.

"Maybe I do now."

Zem placed a hand on Lok's knee, setting his saucer aside momentarily.

"Loklorien. Come home."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

It was a surprising question, but had she known it was always the one he asked? Even if never verbalized, wasn't it in his eyes? She'd seen it, as they had stepped out into the sun on Boz Pity after their encounter with Gethira. It was unmistakable then, and it was unmistakable now.

One hand inched away from its' hold on her cup to slide over the top of his as it rested on her knee.

"And do what?"

Words not spoken out of frustration or spite or nastiness, they were spoken with pure curiosity.

[Zem Vymes]

Why was she even asking? Had the uniform she wore suffocated all of who she was? Didn't she remember what it meant to search her feelings? Zem gently squeezed her thigh.

"Be a Jedi. Be a mother."

And there was something else he needed to say. One more plea.

"Be my wife."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

That stopped her. It plucked her away from everything like a piece of flotsam and cast her about into a wide unknown. Dragged her idle thoughts of the room they now occupied and set them firmly to the forefront.

And then the panic. It fell upon her in a sudden crashing wave, unrelenting in its' desperation. Her mouth opened in shock, then clamped shut in short order. The tea was set on the endtable beside the sofa they both sat upon, and s'Il utterly disengaged. Not intentionally, but there was a strange sort of defense mechanism at play now, shutting everything off and causing that old defense mechanism to throw all the old walls back up into place.

The control was slow to return, but it did. She slowed her breathing, dismantling those walls piece be piece once more while inwardly chiding herself for allowing them to spring up. A deep breath. Another. Then another after that.

"I... "

Why did he always do this to her? Why did he have that infuriating ability to strike words from her mouth?

And where was Taataani?!

[Zem Vymes]

"Loklorien, if you don't listen to me, listen to yourself. Listen to what you know is right. Not safe, not easy. Right."

He leaned in closer, his other hand closing on top of the one she'd placed on his.

"I need you."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"Your wife," was all she could whisper.

It made her smile grow ever so slightly, the thought of what he was asking dredging her up and out of the morass of inner indecision.

This day had been - so far - a whirlwind of confusion and happiness. It'd been so far removed from her normal daily activities.

His hand atop hers was reassuring. It was firm, protective, and above all else gentle.

The Lupine exhaled a long breath, almost sagging against him as they sat together. She let her head fall to rest her temple on his shoulder.

When she spoke again, there was the beginnings of a surer tone lacing her words.

"Your wife."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Elsewhere in the Meorrrei villa

In the midst of transitioning out of her previous attire, Taataani gently waved off the encroaching hand of Lyaster, one of her husbands. The Zeltron's pinkish hue rouged a bit as he carefully withdrew the sponge he was using to apply light foundation to her cheeks. The Rrou'fai swirled her cocktail - a zaai'heera, causing the tiny rainbow-hued ro'hau fish in the tulip to swim against the current. The alcohol would eventually kill the living garnish if not eaten soon, but the Senator was occupied with more interesting fish.

The hologram before her showed the two Jedi seated exactly where she'd expected them. There was no mistake in placing a loveseat in that room. It framed the conversation. It set the discourse. The intimate distance encouraged the mood.

"jIss sshe not gojing to kjisss hjim?"

An anxious ear flick betrayed Taataani's expectation. Oh this was voyeurism of the worst sort, and sordid even for her, but if either of her guests parted from her home without finding each other, the Rrou'fai would be convinced the entire notion was not meant to be.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Sidling past Lyaster, Kirro Meorrrei rolled his shoulders, moving to stand beside the Meorrrei matron.

"Perrhapss sshe knowss that jyou arre watchjing?" he teased, cerulean eyes shifting to look down at her in impish delight.

His features were strong, though often considered common. But, Taataani Meorrrei had still taken him, and Kirro - even his name was common - had been happy of the union. A closely manicured 'scruff', a well-groomed head of hair, and a sturdy body had served him well.

His tail tuft tickled at Taataani's right ankle before halfway wrapping around it.

"jI hearr that Jedji can ssensse thjingss ljike that," continued the good-natured ribbing.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani's eyes reluctantly tore themselves from the act of Jedi-watching, and met those of her youngest husband. She rolled her shoulders in nonchalant form, and allowed Lyaster to continue applying makeup on the other side.

"jIf sshe can, then sshe ought to make theaterr of jit. jI put a lot of damned efforrt jin gettjing thesse two bjirrdss jin the ssame cage."

Taataani watched Zem in that pivotal moment. His eyes on Loklorien. Leaned in ever-so-slightly. No doubt he'd be knocked over by a feather. Lyaster presented a tube of lipstick, and the Senator frowned. "Not that sshade."

As the Zeltron went to his next choice, Taataani returned to her drink. Alas, the fish within had turned it's belly up to her. She hooked it out of her drink with a claw, flicking it onto a saucer with disinterest.

"Doessn't he look ljike Fasshieerro?"

Pursing her lips in consideration of that evaluation, Taataani revised the assessment.

"Well, jignorre the age ljiness. What a sstag he musst have been when thejy fjirrsst met."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Looking up from Taataani, Kirro passed his eyes over the image of Zem-El Vymes, studying the older Jedi's features for a short time. His wife's fascination with the two Jedi was enough cause to generate interest from him; though it was mostly born out of watching her pull the strings.

"A bjit, jyess."

It wasn't long though, before his gaze returned to her.

"jIf jyou wissh jI can trrjy to djig up old holoss; jI'm ssurre therre arre ssome ssomewherre on the holonet."

An idle thought, "... esspecjialljy jif he fought jin the Clone Warrss."

His tail tightened just a hair before releasing her ankle and flicking away. Licking his lips, the Cizerack gave a fleeting look to Lyaster as the Zeltron picked another shade of lipstick, holding it up for inspection.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Laterr, laterr..." Taataani waved off Kirro's suggestion but definitely didn't refuse it. She would not mind making that comparison when she had less living theater currently ongoing.

Lyaster's second choice merited a nod, and the Zeltron began to apply it to his lady's lips, mindful that those lips had a habit of moving as a notion struck her.

"Kirro..." Taataani ventured between applications, mindful to press her lips to even the work. "what wass jit ljike when jI assked jyou?"

She wanted his perspective. Taataani well-remembered it from her own. She'd had him for sport at a friend's ski lodge on Taltimant, but he'd charmed her so much that she began to abhor the notion of saying goodbye. Was love a random firing of neurons as careless as being in the right place at the right time, or was there something else to it? If she hadn't married other husbands before Kirro who were sons of women with important names, would she have even seen the son of an accountant?

Jedi believed in destiny and fate. They had no time for things like coincidence or luck. And that belief was deeply romantic to her.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro blinked in a bit of surprise at the question, not exactly expecting it. He'd thought about it often enough, but never offered those thoughts as she'd never asked. Except, now she had. He stared a moment longer at her, then let his eyes wander down her neckline.

"jI wass happjy," which was the truth. He knew she'd only come to him initially for fun. A change in her probably normal diet of higher-bred fare.

"jI couldn't beljieve jyou, at fjirrsst. jI mean," he trailed off then, but soon enough picked back up.

"jI mean, ssomeone ljike me doessn't rrealljy get ssecond lookss fjrom women ljike jyou."

It'd happened often enough before Taataani Meorrrei had snatched him up on Taltimant, and he'd - by that point - become used to being that common, practically loutish flavor that some went for. But, under her roof, Kirro had been practically transformed. Oh, he was still 'common', but there was a veneer applied that allowed him to shine in a strange sort of way. And Taataani had encouraged it. To a degree of course.

He could still remember pawing at her that first night, eager to please her every whim until he was physically unable. And then again the next morning...

A hand came up to scratch idly at his chin.

"jI wanted to do everrjythjing forr jyou jin that moment."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

If Lyaster was envious of another husband's praises sung in earshot, he didn't show it. The Zeltron applied the finishing touches to his lady's veneer, glancing up to Kirro with an easy smile.

"You've worked harder at it than most of the house, that's for certain."

The Meorrrei husbands, like the harems of most Cizeri women of quality, had a close yet competitive kinship. Everyone worked to lift each other up, but each of them hoped it was their name she called. Each of them had their qualities. Fasshieerro, the Arr'fai, had the most experience next to the late Taurrifar. Ruulathaai was a natural doting father to their children. For himself, Lyaster knew that it was his muse and creativity that charmed Taataani the most.

"No one's ever had cause to doubt your love."

Kirro's family didn't come from money. The dowry for the kaa'ri union had been ten thousand du'arri and a pair of breeding kiibjiks. He was beautiful and he could have settled on his looks and managing to say the right thing, but he'd come into the family with drive. Kirro spent months in etiquette and finishing. He learned how to handle the administration of the house from the Arr'fai - so much so that he'd been brought to her newest home on Bothawui to be Taataani's most public spouse. Kirro had even learned to play the kiisau - the most romantic of Cizeri instruments - from Lyaster, who as a natural musical talent had taught himself by ear.

Kirro's place was well-earned, and he'd taken nothing for granted. Lyaster had spent years learning to let go of jealousy. After all, he was one of three forrda taken into the family by vow. He knew he'd never be Arr'fai or hold the same favor as a Cizerack, but he'd found contentment in Taataani Meorrrei's universe just the same.

"I remember when you first came home. All wide eyes and walking on air. I think you were afraid to blink, in case it was a dream. I still see that look occasionally."

Buoyed by sweet words, Taataani kissed Lyaster, then Kirro in turn, taking each by the hand.

"jYou'rre both makjing jit verrjy djiffjicult to sstjick to the evenjing's machjinatjionss, jyou rrealjize that? Gjive the Moon God a rresst, he'ss clearrljy got hjiss worrk cut out forr hjim tonjight."

Rising to her feet, Taataani draped a hand around each man's waist. Those hands didn't remain there long, before drifting down to each backside in a comfortable state of rest.

"Sso, mjy lovebjirrdss, what would jyou do forr thesse two herre?"

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro leaned into his mistress at the first touch, and felt that deep, familiar rumble in his chest begin has her hand wandered... lower.

Lyaster's words had been taken with a large degree of pride that made him smile, casting a grateful look to the Zeltron. He could still remember those first looks of resentment that had - over time - melted into something deeper. There were layers now, to how Lyaster viewed him, and Kirro acknowledged that with grace. He'd eagerly taken to his lessons and everything else that Taataani's husbands had chosen to share with him. After all, as he had said, it was not a common thing for a woman such as Taataani Meorrrei to take in a man from a family such as his. And if they did, it was usually out of pity and sometimes duty. But, the Meorrrei matron had brought him into her family and treated him with kindness and caring. He could only repay her in kind, growing his talents and blossoming into the husband that she always knew he could be.

Again his tail wrapped around her leg, though this time a fair bit higher than before. The tuft flicked up to her inner thigh, tickling soft skin.

"jI would get hjim out of thosse rrobess, fjirrsst of all."

Kirro spoke without a hint of suggestiveness. Rather, it was simply stating the facts.

"Clean hjim up and put prroperr clothjing on hjim."

A moment passed, then Lyaster spoke up.

"A haircut, too, I'd wager."

Kirro nodded in agreement. He couldn't help the slight frown that formed as he stared at the older Jedi's uncut locks. But, the Alliance Captain wasn't completely ignored either.

"The Captajin could usse yourr perrssonal touch, ass well."

[Zem Vymes]

Back in the sitting room

He'd crossed the divide to say those words, timing be damned.

Now, Zem waited for reciprocation. He could feel the stirrings in Loklorien. The yearning, the love. All of it. But he needed to know that she wasn't going to put all of it on a shelf again. He needed to know that she didn't just feel that way too, but she was ready to take the leap with his hand in tow.

Zem needed Lok to say it. And as the seconds ticked away, he wasn't sure if she was ready to.

Letting his intentions out had made him tired. Vymes glanced away from his love.

"I need to take a walk."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"No wait."

Words spoken quietly, but with iron laced through all the same. She'd not moved from his shoulder, and her eyes closed as she relished the stability he represented. The stability that she so desperately tried to project herself.

Her free hand moved then, daring to reach up, palm coming to rest on the side of his face and return his eyes even as she finally looked up, ready to meet his gaze with her own mismatched stare.

"Don't leave me," words spoken so low that only he could hear, carried so tenderly on her breath.

Her thoughts and feelings reached out to him, drawing him close as the very last brick in her wall ebbed away into ethereal dust.

A tentative kiss, halting as she allowed so many old memories coalesce into who they were now. Shaped by so many years, each had found one another yet again; each had answered the call in their own way.

Only now did she understand his reservations of returning to the Force. Only now did she make that very same leap that he had, years ago in the hold aboard Layla. She'd held out his old saber, and he had taken it with reluctance. But, he had taken it regardless.

Fingers moved to gingerly wind through the fringes of his hair.

"... ever."

[Zem Vymes]

"I've made that mistake before." Zem spoke low as their lips parted in tender embrace.

"I don't aim to make it again. You're the one. I didn't understand what drew us together before, but I know it clear as seeing now."

Speaking of what drew them together, another piece fell into place. What they'd begun to suspect seemed more and more close to the mark. He grinned at the woman he'd asked to marry.

"Do you have the feeling that we're being watched?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Eyes closed, s'Il let her forehead rest against his. She couldn't help the growing smile that met his own upturned lips. A soft laugh, and her hand withdrew from the back of his neck to smooth down a wrinkle in the neckline of his tunic.

Her words remained low, though with a trace of amusement laced throughout.

"I would be surprised if she wasn't watching."

A pause, then she went on.

"I've known Taataani for long enough... "

Her hand still held tightly to his as the other slid down the front of his chest to settle in her own lap, and she pulled away to give a cursory glance about the sitting room. Silence as she let her gaze sweep across each piece of immaculately placed furniture, each bit of art, each sculpture, each gentle curve of the tall embroidered curtains that framed grand windows. The Lupine blinked, settling her eye on a particularly exquisite bust in one corner of the room. It was beautiful; polished marble chiseled into a remarkable likeness of some unnamed Cizerack woman. It sat upon a fluted column of gold and polished wood.

s'Il stared into the white eyes, her gaze unwavering.

There was no need to say anything, her unspoken words conveyed well enough in the look that she knew Taataani was receiving.

I see you.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Well, that'ss that."

The Senator shrugged as she tilted the remnants of her cocktail away, mindful to daub with an offered napkin to leave as much of Lyaster's work unspoiled as possible. Once the fourth wall was broken, the spirit of theater went with it.

"Kirro, sshall we trrjy jyourr gambjit then? Letss take ourr guesstss forr a tourr of the garrden, ne? A bjit of a djiverrssjion, wherre we can pull them jin djifferrent djirrectjionss at ourr lejissurre."

Passing her empty glass to Lyaster, Taataani put her Zeltron husband to another task.

"Make prreparratjionss forr djinnerr. Ljight farre, nothjing ljive. Have Mrr. Vaaun prreparre..."

The Rrou'fai made a flitting gesture with a hand, to substitute for an actual suggestion. She retained the Besalisk three star chef for when the situation demanded that she entertain foreigners, though she rarely subjected herself to the pleasure of his craft herself.

"...ssomethjing the Massterr Jedji majy apprrecjiate."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro gave her a crooked grin, reaching a hand out to take her own, and with gentlemanly ease leaned in to deliver a light kiss to her temple, also mindful to not disturb Lyaster's handiwork.

"jI'd love nothjing morre," he purred. There was indeed a passing interest in the two, though not nearly as much as Taataani's. He took his pleasures from seeing his wife happy, and if this flight of matchmaking fancy did that, then he would make sure that she remained so.

His tail unwound from her leg, and he half-stepped back, his free hand going out in a gracious gesture to indicate she lead the way from the room.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Goddess, was there nothing better than a beautiful husband with the drive to match your own? Taataani purred in polite timbre, fading as Kirro disassociated himself in preparation to greet their guests. When at last they made their way back into the sitting room, Taataani wore a gown in small red floral print, with a wig of auburn hair in ringlets. Kirro's cream blazer and the starch-necked but tieless periwinkle shirt had a warmth to the look that seemed to attract the sun.

"A thoussand parrdonss, frrjiendss. Affajirrss on Ssullusst have djisstrracted me frrom jyourr much-prreferred company." Taataani lied with polite radiance, gliding along the room's accent rug as she stopped at Zem's place.

"Massterr Vjymess, jI prressume? A trremendouss pjitjy thjiss jiss mjy fjirrsst tjime meetjing jyou face to face."

She took the Jedi Master's hand in her own, pressing the knuckles to her lips in a tender ritual of salutation.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

For his part, Kirro stopped in front of Captain s'Ilancy. His genial smile warmed his features as he graced her with a gentle bow, one hand reaching out to take her own in almost a perfect mirror to Taataani's own hold on Master Vymes.

"Captajin ss'jIlancy," his words were crisp despite his accent. He seemed to recall that Taataani mentioned in passing that the woman knew enough Cizeri to get by, but he knew that Basic was the order of the day.

"jIt jiss a pleassurre havjing jyou ass ourr guesst."

Still he smiled, holding her bizarre, broken gaze out of pure curiosity. It was a strange thing to see; a woman so scarred, yet so comfortable with such a handicap. Perhaps the Force aided her sight? It was a question that he would ask Taataani once they were alone. Well, it was one of many questions he wished to ask her, though there was a time and place for everything. Now was neither the time nor the place.

"jI have hearrd much about jyou."

His blue eyes finally broke away to afford the Jedi an initial look. Face to face, the man looked a bit older than how he had appeared on the holo, but beneath the years lining his features, Kirro had to admit that Taataani had been correct in her summation that there was a resemblance to Fasshieerro.

[Zem Vymes]

Though he didn't vocalize it, all Zem could think was Oh, as the Senator took the initiative in glad-handing him. And it was something of a surprise to see the initiative turned, though not a bad one.

"Senator Meorrrei, your hospitality does not disappoint it's reputation" the Jedi Master replied as the Cizeri matron released his hand. The man with the Senator had not been introduced, but Zem suspected that he was one of the Rrou'fai's many husbands by the familiar manner in which he aquainted himself.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her mind raced, trying to pick out the man's name from any point in time that Taataani might've mentioned him. Nothing came to mind immediately, and she hazarded a guess that it was entirely possible that Taataani had taken another husband since first regaling the Lupine with the list of her marital conquests.

At his words, s'Il could only afford a polite nod. She had risen to stand, as had Zem when the two entered the sitting room, and biting her lip as her hand was released, instinct took over and her hands found that ever-comfortable spot behind her back, fingers twining together.

At Zem's words, all she could think to do was smile gently, her eye going to the Meorrrei matron.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

The Senator was at ease in reading people. Even without the benefit of the force, she considered herself adept at the craft. The brief expectant glance exchanged between the Captain and the Jedi did not go unnoticed.

"Thjiss jiss Kirro, mjy newesst hussband."

She allowed her young paramour to take the spotlight for a moment, before once again becoming a proper host.

"jYou'll forrgjive me jif jI'm takjing carre of two bjirrdss wjith the ssame pounce, but jI had matterrss to addrresss wjith each of jyou and a sshorrtage of tjime to do sso. But jyou arre both well-acquajinted, ne? Then thjiss jiss forrtune. Perrhapss a consstjitutjional thrrough the garrden would gjive Loklorrjien'ss sstomach tjime to rrecoverr, and we wjill hosst jyou forr a djinnerr?"

[Kirro Meorrrei]

With his hands clasped together before him, Kirro looked sidelong at Taataani as she smoke, a faint grin ever-present on his features as he continued to stare at her. She was radiant when deep in the throes of her machinations; whether they be for business or - as in this case - pleasure. He could see it in her body language, how she stood, her tail's motions, every little thing he noted spoke of her supreme satisfaction in continuing this project of hers. It was infectious though, her enthusiasm, and Kirro gave fleeting glances to both the Jedi and the Captain.

He already knew that he'd have his work cut out for him with Master Vymes; at least Captain s'Ilancy might be more accustomed to attire that wasn't a uniform. Taataani had once told her that the woman could present herself in many styles; military, Jedi, civilian... there was a keen interest forming to know exactly how his mistress would choose to present her. Of course this was all idle speculation for now. Taataani wished to take them to the gardens, using the walk as a means to separate the two. It was a task that he was readily willing to be accomplice to.

"The afterrnoon jiss pleassant," he spoke up, attentions returning once more to the Captain.

"... jYou wjill be jyourrsself once morre jin no tjime at all, jI asssurre jyou."

[Zem Vymes]

"I was just talking about a walk, actually." Zem smiled in seeming agreement with Taataani's suggestion, suspecting full well that she'd been privy to that to begin with.

"The garden, you say?"

He glanced to Lok, gauging her expression. She was hardly the most gregarious of people, but she seemed to have a generally good rapport with the Rrou'fai Senator.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She only gave a nod, but at least punctuated it with a ghost of a smile.

"That sounds... nice."

Except the fluttering in her stomach was no longer due to the shuttle ride, but rather it was a reaction to such recent events and the wholly new level of existence that she found herself facing.

Already her thoughts were racing, her inner eye awash in visions of being able to give her children something that had been so violently torn away from them.

A family.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Oh, but she did have to drag eloquence out of her friend, didn't she? Kicking and screaming. Nice was such a plain, milquetoast, little slip of a word. Another colleague might have been called out on such noncommittal fluff, but Taataani allowed the Captain her vanilla flavor of cheer.

Eyes pivoted from s'Ilancy to Vymes, who seemed a bit more of a sport.

"The flowerrss arre jin beautjiful forrm thjiss late jin the ssprrjing. Of courrsse, jI have landsscapjing rrefrressh the annualss, and ssome of the morre accent colorr along the walk path, but the rreal charrm arre the old grrowth busshes. Thjiss vjilla hass been jin the Meorrrei famjiljy forr...one hundrred and ejightjy jyearrss. jI'd conssjiderred sselljing jit, but jI'm apparrentljy ssentjimental forr the vjiew."

Escorting her guests, Taataani the host was in full cheer. Her tail buoyed behind her as she walked hand-in-hand with Kirro, allowing her guests to flank the couple. It was a subtle means of driving the pair apart at the decided moment.

As they departed the veranda-covered landing for the garden path, the air around them filled with the perfumed splendor of Haiee'rathee' in spring. Colors of all shades invited the eyes. The deep green of carefully-maintained leafy foliage in the old bushes. The flare of ja'auuma flutes, an impossible scarlet that was rimmed by pink. The tiny lii'wa hummingbirds in a blue blur around their nectar-filled honeypots. Even the water in the adjacent decorative fish pond seemed an impossible blue, owed to the vein of agamite that ran rich in the soil in the hill country.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

He'd detected that tiniest of tiny tells; that bare flick of her tail that usually meant she was inwardly rolling her eyes in silent exasperation. It caused him to smile wide in reaction as his large hand closed around her smaller one, strong fingers locking with delicate and well-manicured ones. He listened as she spoke, eyes going from her to the wonderful views surrounding them.

And when she finished speaking, he picked up the dialogue.

"We have taken grreat pajinss to make ssurre the grroundss rremajin well carred forr. Not manjy vjillass can boasst of havjing the djiversjitjy of ourrss."

Kirro was mindful as he spoke, one eye making sure to keep Master Vymes in his peripheral vision.

After all, when Taataani gave him the quiet signal, he would be responsible for the older man for the rest of the late afternoon up until dinner.

[Zem Vymes]

The country here reminded Zem of his short service on Naboo, many years ago. The topiaries and gardens were every bit as well fussed-over, and though the climes and the flora indicated a more balmy and tropical biome, there was the same exhaustive flair for the artisan to be found on Carshoulis Prime in it's own way. Nothing was left to chance. Eyes that were drawn to bright flowers moved along lines of hedgerows that allowed decorative columns to bisect at determined points. A massive pergola extended overhead, to which dozens of potted arrangements seemed to wreath passers-by with every hue of the rainbow and a perfume of nectar.

"You've spared nothing to make this a beautiful place. I'm glad you decided to keep it up."

Zem slowed his gait to watch a hummingbird dance along an array of trumpet blooms, quickly darting into one of them, then flying out just as quickly. It was a fever dream of color and sense.

"A Jedi takes time to appreciate nature and how we all interact with it. There's a deeply renewing spiritual aspect to that."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Keeping step with Taataani, s'Il let her eye wander the pristine gardens, passing her gaze over the lush and vibrant life around her. It was teeming with such beautiful energy, and the whispering tendrils of the Force - so beautiful and pure, she found herself somewhat enraptured as she watched the hummingbird that'd caught Zem's own attentions. She listened to his words, though her own thoughts had become lost in the moment. She let each inviting call pull at her, beckon to her with the sweetest of voices. It was a siren sound, and blinking, the Lupine finally let her gaze sweep to the Meorrrei matron.

Whatever Taataani's reasons, a small budding part of her was glad that she'd been forced away from her ship. Essentially ordered to the Cluster, s'Il had been resentful at first. She had grudgingly obeyed, to the detriment of her gut, even. But, she had come. And that small part of her was happy for it.

It of course did not escape her notice that Taa and Kirro were so strategically positioned between herself and Zem, but it was easily overlooked in the face of such life that surrounded them. So many brilliant colors presented themselves not only in the form of plantlife, but wildlife as well. It was a feast for the senses, and the Lupine hungrily consumed as much as she could.

"It is beautiful," was all she had the wherewithal to get out.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Well, that's better than being...nice, Taataani's thought entered and left in the same beat. It wouldn't do to quash her friend's budding-yet-miniscule flowery prose, the moment it seemed like it was getting somewhere.

"Cizeri culturre emphassjizess excellence jin harrd worrk, but not at the expensse of lejissurre. Thjiss jiss rrenewal. We take sserrjioussljy the thjingss that ssusstajin uss, sso that we do not rrun emptjy."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro smiled warmly, his head tilted up to enjoy the sun's rays, eyes closed but for a moment.His tail swayed behind him in lazy loops, the tuft flicking every so often.

"A ssatjissfjied ssoul jiss crrucjial to ourr exjisstence."

One hand went out to encompass the part of the garden that they were in.

"jIf we honorr Saanjaara and arre the besst of sstewarrdss to herr crreatjionss, then sshe blesssess uss wjith the gjift of herr enerrgjiess and love."

He turned a disarming smile to the Jedi.

"Ssurreljy the Jedji can underrsstand ssuch a concept, ne?"

[Zem Vymes]

There were tens of thousands of sentient species throughout the galaxy, and many believed in things they could not see or quantify. Though the Jedi path was steeped in practical application, Zem could not be so arrogant to discount the good that faith could merit.

"We do." Zem regarded Kirro with a reverent dip of his head.

"Harmonious existence through the force not only benefits those around us, but it uplifts and enriches each of us in turn. For us, there is no boundary. The Force permeates all things. You, me, this garden, and even the things beyond that may be less obvious. Sometimes it helps to find one's focus in a place that accentuates the feeling."

Vymes' thoughts then turned to Lok, and he could not help but wonder if she maintained that basic tenet in her time away from the Jedi.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She listened as he spoke, knowing that for her own self there had been little as of late that she took such fulfillment from. The Lupine had allowed herself to be swallowed by work in an effort to forget her actions of the past, and it had worked.

To a degree.

There were still nights that she sorely missed her children; wished so much to hold her son and comfort her daughter.

Perhaps in the future she would be able to. Or at least she often told herself.

Now, surrounded by such beauty and peace, s'Il bowed her head as the four walked, lost in a moment of regret.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

The lack of reciprocation on Loklorien's part did not escape Senator Meorrrei's attention. It was a hidden clue not acted upon, but one that may bear fruit later on. And did she detect a note of longing in her friend's expression, so fixed as it was on Master Vymes.

"Kirro," she glanced to her young husband at her side, mindful to keep her suggestion spontaneous, "perrhapss Massterr Vjymess would fjind the old bayossa grrove to be jinterresstjing?"

She offered a bit of a teaser to the Jedi in case he considered her move to divert him a cheap one.

"The trreess therre prredate the vjilla bjy a good centurrjy. One of the rreassonss thjiss home wass bujilt."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Ah, and there it was. Kirro beamed wide, latching on to his wife's words and turning to afford the Jedi a respectful nod.

"The Bayossa arre trruljy a wondrrouss ssjight, Masster Jedji."

Stepping away from Taataani, the young Meorrrei husband gestured for the older man to follow.

"jYou would cheat jyourrsself jif jyou djid not ssee them."

[Zem Vymes]

A quizzical look flashed to Loklorien, quickly smoothed over by a polite smile back to the ever-eager Kirro.

"I would be a poor guest if I didn't accept the chance."

He had no inkling what a bayossa tree was, but judging from the rich flora in this space, it must be an entirely singular spectacle. Curiously, the gesture was intended only for him. Did Senator Meorrrei have some discrete business with Lok? They did share a bit of history.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She only blinked curiously in response to Zem's look, unsure herself of what exactly was happening. Her eye shifted then, to Taataani. Of course there was concern, but she knew the woman, and while the Meorrrei matron was a friend, she was also not above wringing out from a situation something that was beneficial to her. It was a trait that s'Il was ever-cautious of. And as Kirro led the older Jedi away, the Lupine watched in partial concern as the two rounded a bend and passed out of sight.

And for a short moment longer she stared, until, pursing her lips, the Lupine turned to Taataani.

"You brought me here," she started slowly, her voice suddenly dangerously low, "... to this... ? To satisfy some twisted urge of yours?"

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Musst everrjy machjinatjion be ssorrdjid?" Taataani countered anger with sweetness, her face as sunny as the light cast upon it. "Come now, ss'jIl, jyou arre gojing to denjy that we want the ssame thjing?"

The Senator knew the Captain knew what she was speaking of. There was no need to even glance back at the retreating figures of Kirro and Zem headed toward the bayossa grove.

"jIt'ss not out of charrjitjy orr sselflesssnesss, what nonssensse. Therre jiss no ssuch thjing asss a sselflesss act. jYourr happjinesss becomess mjine."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Still, she could not help the frustration on her features. The uncomfortable downturn of her lips as she stared at Taataani.

"Taa," she started quietly.

Old memories flashed through her mind, and the elder Lupine brushed them away as evenly as the breath she now exhaled.

"We are both too old to play this game... " a hand came up then, to run fingers through her hair in exasperation, and she broke eye contact to send an almost wild look to their surroundings. Her thoughts were in turmoil, her emotions threatening to break free from the constant cage she kept them penned within.

"It's... it's not like how things are here, in the Cluster. Gods I don't even know how to explain it," the words tumbled out in a terse tone, and s'Il let her hand shift, covering her eyes as her head bowed low.

The muscles in her jaw flexed, as her mind raced to find an explanation.

Finally.

"What you're doing is sweet. It is thoughtful... "

Her thoughts strayed then, to the question that'd been asked of her. To the question that had waited decades to be asked. And when the words had been uttered, she could only react in panic and eventual wonderment. She'd not even given him an answer! It was that that made her feel so useless. As though she was once more a young Padawan, staring up at Master Windu with wide eyes and a blank expression in answer to whatever simple little question he'd asked. It was as though she was so young all over again, and it set in motion a strange, unwanted sense of uncomfortable notions.

"I just," how to even explain everything?

She ultimately gave up, finding solace in her downward gaze, hand still over her eyes.

"I don't know."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"jYou don't know...what jyou'll ssajy to ansswerr the quesstjion?"

Taataani abandoned the pretense of ignorance. There was no need for the charade, especially since Loklorien had moved on to properly discuss the matter.

"jYou arre rrjight about one thjing. We come frrom djifferrent worrldss, and jI have neverr been put jin a possjtjion to have that quesstjion assked of me. Perrhapss jI am morre comforrtable jin asskjing, and knowjing how to be perrssuassjive."

Taataani moved along the path toward a rose bush, inspecting the rich, velvety blooms at their apex. Finding a suitable one, she picked it, easing the offering to her friend.

"jIf the placess werre changed, what would jyou ssajy to hjim?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Peering out from between two fingers, s'Il slowly let her hand fall away to reach out and take the offered flower. It was beautiful, like everything else around her. The fragrance alone was wonderfully relaxing, and wove an intricate olfactory tapestry that mingled with the other scents all around.

But, the question posed was not one to easily brush aside, and she found herself pondering each word.

"It isn't something that I have thought about," came her final admission.

She brought the rose up to brush its' petals gently beneath her nostrils, eyes half-lidded as she let her thoughts overtake her.

"I was married for so long to a man who held no true interest in me other than to further his own agenda and desires. I... " was she scared? Perhaps.

"... I don't know what I would say to Master Vymes," came the answer that she was sure Taataani wouldn't accept.

She went on.

"I just don't know if I'm ready to have another Life Partner so soon."

A scowl, as she knew that that would also be something her old friend wouldn't accept.

"I suppose that I would say the same things that he has said to me."

A weak answer, but she could think of nothing else.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani listened to her friend hand-wring her explanation in that tortured, careful way she'd grown into. This wasn't Loklorien s'Ilancy's natural state. It had taken misfortune after misfortune for this once-Jedi to become so gun-shy.

"jI won't beljittle jyourr losss. Whateverr Dan wass when jyou put an end to hjim, jif jyou had feeljingss forr hjim, thejy no doubt cut deep. When Taurrifar djied, jI wanted nothjing morre than to turrn the nojisse down arround me. Closse the doorr and ssleep. That helped to dull the pajin forr a whjile, but jI sstarrted notjicjing that mjy sself-jimpossed deprrjivatjion wass changjing me."

The Senator eased up the hem of her dress, allowing her to kneel by the wading pool they'd stopped at. She ran her fingertips along the cool blue water, watching the trailing wakes ripple across the surface, scattering the ornamental fish within.

"jYou'rre sso qujick to tell me that jyou arre no longerr a Jedji, and that jyourr dutjy jiss to ourr navjy. jI won't debate that pojint. Massterr Vjymess too hass a dutjy to hjiss orrderr. jYourr chjild jiss ljivjing a ljife ssomewherre jin between."

Taataani looked up to Lok, her ears level in a neutral expression.

"jYou ssajy now jiss too ssoon. Make cerrtajin that now jissn't too late. jYou'rre herre. He jiss herre. jYourr sstarrss have aljigned...wjith ssome help, but neverrmjind that. Jedji beljieve jin desstjinjy, but jI beljieve therre'ss desstjinjy, and therre jiss the desstjinjy that jyou make."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A sigh, as she let her eye look downward to Taataani as the older woman knelt at the pool's edge. He shoulders seemed to hitch back of their own accord, and the Lupine cast her gaze back up to stare out at the serene view before them. It was beautiful, to be sure. Calm, peaceful, yet so full of vibrant life and cared for with the utmost attentiveness. s'Il made a strange face then, and as though she was a gangly, lanky Rodian wispspider, she let herself sink down to sit on the soft grass. Her body had become like a taut spring, ever ready for the need to rebound and escape; and yet, there was nothing to escape from, here. Here, all was well. All was as it should be.

Pursing her lips, sheran slender fingers over the delicate blades of lush green grass.

"Jedi also believe in fate," and now came a further glimpse into her deeper held beliefs.

"Which is something that I do not."

Her fingers curled inward, then back out so that her palm slowly pressed into the earth.

"A person's will is so much stronger than fate, I think. Will shapes the galaxy and the people in it."

A slight laugh, as she looked to the side.

"My will has been weak as of late," she admitted, perhaps a bit too harshly criticizing her own failings.

"But... my desires are as strong as they have ever been."

Sitting beside her old friend, the Lupine sent her a look. Now came the first gentle introduction into exactly what Loklorien s'Ilancy truly was.

"If this galaxy allows, I will live for a very long time, Taataani. My people take their mates for life, and if one passes, then the other lives in solitude for the rest of their years." She looked down then.

"And four hundred years is a long time to be alone."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

The Senator's eyes widened only slightly at the revelation of Lupine longevity. She let the surprise pass, lest it deviate from her argument.

"That jit jiss, cerrtajinljy bjy a human'ss sstandarrdss. Sso too jiss jit wjith the Cizeri. Goddesss perrmjittjing, jI wjill get the full 150 jyearrss expected of a woman jin mjy sstate of prrjivjilege."

Taataani allowed a glance back, toward the bayossa grove.

"Tjime jiss on ourr ssjide, Suun'da'rrou. Forr Zem-El Vjymess, jit jiss not. He'ss gjiven a ljife of sserrvjice to hjiss Orrderr, and jit sseemss to me therre jis but one thjing he'ss assked forr hjimsself. Not monejy, norr fame, norr accoladess orr honorr. One thjing."

The Rrou'fai returned her eyes to her friend.

"Enough of Vjymess. Thjink of what jyou want, asss jyou sshould. Jusst know that jif jit'ss hjim, jyou don't have the luxurrjy of fourr hundrred jyearrss."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She stared down at the rose still held in her hands, turning it about slowly and with an amount of care lest she damage it somehow. As of late she'd had a bad habit of damaging things. It was what drove her cautious behavior now.

Taataani's question was mulled over in her thoughts, as she let herself wander the halls of her subconscious in search of that one beacon of light she had so many times tried and failed to catch. It had been torn from her violently when she was barely old enough to even be considered a youngling, and as the years passed it was always set in her hands, only to slip through her fingers after seemingly only moments. But, in those moments she had clung to that shining notion, that things that she had always wanted. Her mother had died only a year after her birth, having descended into The Madness before finally taking her own life. Her father had been violently cut down before her fourth birthday. Her master as well had been taken from her. Zem himself had stepped away, and she had let Dan fill that empty void. He had done much to comfort her, and she had given birth to children of her own. But, as always, that tenuous grip had been in vain as the love and acceptance that she wished for so dearly was taken and dashed to pieces. She had watched, wide eyed, as she delivered the two killing blows to a man that she had spent most of her life with, thinking that he was meant to be the other half of her.

She had been so wrong.

And now her children were on Ossus, and she was wrapping herself ever tighter into the trappings and duties of her rank.

But still that shining beacon, that one thing she wanted more than anything, was still there. Stoked back to life by a man that had come back for her. A man whose faith in her had never faltered. A man that loved her.

"I want a family," she finally admitted, her voice a bare whisper.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani replied with only a look at first. Limpid blue eyes softening as a knowing smile barely manifested itself. There was something in herself that she saw with Loklorien s'Ilancy, and the Rrou'fai remembered her first encounter with Taurrifar. All of her selfish plans and ambitions, undone in a single look. A shared moment between wild hearts who never knew they needed anything or anyone until crossing another's path. Taataani had often wondered what would have become of her if she'd resisted that urge, and blazed a trail beholden to no one else. Would she have been successful? Probably. But she would not have been complete.

Loklorien s'Ilancy had the wisdom to see down that other path not taken. The least Taataani could do was to show where the path forked once more.

"Then jI thjink jyou have found jyourr rrepljy. Now, perrhapss jI can help sset the venue forr jyou to gjive jit."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

* * *


The trip to the bayossa had gone much as he suspected it would, and Kirro had been a mindful host. He plied the Jedi Master with stories of the trees and the history they held. From their time as saplings until they had grown into the wonderful trees they were now. As he spoke, the two walked through the magnificent grove, their pace somewhat slow so that Master Vymes could take in all around him. Kirro allowed himself the luxury of running two fingers along one trunk, feeling the deceptively smooth bark beneath the pads of his fingers. Each striation had a tale to tell, though the younger Meorrrei husband at least spared his guest the complete version. As it was, he spoke mostly of the long line of Meorrrei matrons who had tended to the bayossa grove and their numerous accomplishments which only served to elevate their family name. It was a family name that Kirro now proudly wore.

But, as all things, their trip to the grove was interrupted by Lyaster, who beckoned with a silent hand that they return to the villa. The sun was beginning to dip low, and despite the colorful clouds above showing off their violet, orange, red, and pink hues, there were other matters that needed tending to.


Twenty minutes later found the three men in a small room toward the back of the villa, closed off to most. In the center was a slightly raised dais, and kneeling in front of a shelf that'd been inset into the far wall, an aged and thinning Falleen busied himself with ordering a small stack of crisp white shirts.

"Mrr. Rosskarrji," Kirro started as he led the way inside, "A pleassurre sseejing jyou ass alwajyss."

The old man turned to look over his shoulder, slowing rising to stand.

"Of course," Elerin Roskari grumbled out. He often enough found himself called to the Meorrrei villa to help clothe the matron's husbands, so this trip was nothing that seemed out of the ordinary.

[Zem Vymes]

The brief tour through the grove had been a pleasant bauble, a distraction Master Vymes didn't realize he needed. Even Jedi tended to dwell on matters longer than may prove healthy, and his thoughts had lingered fiercely on the words he'd shared with Loklorien before the Senator arrived to suck up all the air in the room. Kirro Meorrrei gave equal measure of sights and story, and was a thoughtful curator of the Meorrrei villa's old garden. A pity they were operating on the Senator's timetable, because Zem would not have minded the opportunity to lose himself among the trees in meditation. That was a luxury he was only recently remembering to partake in on Ossus, and this part of Carshoulis Prime - away from the bustle of the megalopolises - offered the possibility of soothing the spirit.

It appeared that Kirro had another idea in mind - further diverting him from the Senator and Loklorien's company. He met with a Zeltron man - who was introduced as Lyaster Meorrrei, yet another spouse of the Rrou'fai. The trio returned to a far wing of the villa to tend to some business. Master Vymes expected some manner of social interaction of the men of the family, cocktails and chit-chat. What he got instead was rather unexpected, as the Meorrrei men approached an old Falleen tailor.

Ah.

It hadn't even occurred to Vymes to take note of the cut of his hosts' attire. Both Kirro and Lyaster were smartly-appointed in bespoke fare. To them, he must appear so shabby. He'd never been self-conscious of the clothes he wore. The vestments of a Jedi were as formal or as casual as they needed to be. They transcended fad and fashion, and were garments equally at ease in the torpor of meditative thought and the rigor of combat.

Yet, perhaps they were lacking something here.

For his part, Zem simply stood at the periphery as the Meorrreis addressed the house servant.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

"jI hope that jyourr trrjip frrom the cjity wass uneventful?"

The Falleen nodded, then slung his measuring tap up around the back of his neck so that it hung down the front of the simple, black suit he wore. "It always is, Kirro," his answer sounded as though it had been given many times, and Roskari let his eyes shift to Lyester. A gracious nod to the Zeltron, and then his gaze swept to the man who had come in with them. It was unmistakable that he was a Jedi; the cloak was of a sort you really only knew to be from one order. It was as iconic as the Imperial gear.

Taking that as his cue, Kirro gave a wide smile, half-turning to lift an arm to Zem.

"Thjiss jiss Masster Vjymess. He jiss herre at the behesst of my Rrou'fai."

Roskari let his gaze linger on the Jedi, blinking slowly before reaching in the breast pocket of his shirt to remove a pair of spectacles.

"A Jedi. The Senator certainly keeps interesting friends."

Kirro kept his smile, letting his hands clasp together with a light clap.

"jYes well, sshe would alsso ljike forr you to fjind uss a ssujitable enssemble forr djinnerr."

[Zem Vymes]

Vymes had an inkling that modesty and humility might not become him in this situation. However, he was entirely out of his element. Dinners with a Senator, how long had it been that Jedi Knights once did such things? Even in the old days, it wasn't a common occurrence. The Senate largely respected the formal divide between institutions. There were exceptions, of course. Vymes recalled that Anakin Skywalker attended his fair share of events, usually at the request of one of the senators of Naboo. To his recollection, he never remembered the young prodigy ever doing so in a state of dress outside Jedi decorum. If Jedi robes weren't too humble for the likes of the Naboo, why not the Cizerack? But when on Carshoulis...

"Is there something wrong with my robes?" Zem asked Kirro innocently, already aware that the gears were turning. He was a guest here, so that would be the extent of his resistance. And honestly, he was intrigued as to what they'd actually have him wear to this event.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

"Of courrsse not," Kirro soothed, "But how often do jyou let jyourrsself, how jiss jit ssajid? Drresss to jimprresss?"

There was no need to elaborate further, as Kirro was reasonably sure that the Jedi Master knew well enough what he was speaking of. His smile remained, though there was a knowing uptick to the corners of his lips, and the Cizerack let one eyebrow raise as he looked to Zem.

To his credit, Lyaster hid his smirk with a strategic turn, choosing to inspect some of the garments that the old tailor had brought with him.

[Zem Vymes]

They weren't empty words. Zem was hardly an authority on fashion, but even his lay sensibilities could be impressed by the handsome array the Meorrrei husbands wore. Vanity was not the Jedi way, but then again, Jedi were diplomatic if they were anything.

"I defer to the expert, Arr'u."

Without prompting, Vymes shrugged his shoulders out of his voluminous cloak, revealing the high-shouldered tunic beneath. He carefully folded his outer vestments, setting them aside with his lightsaber resting atop as an afterthought. No sense letting that impediment get in the way of the tailor's tape.

"I look forward to extending my compliments to the Senator for her foresight and thoughtfulness."

Of course, that may not have given Kirro and his Zeltron peer enough credit. There was an entire domesticated world here that was alien to him, and they seemed effortlessly in their element.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro let his smile go wide once more, and looked to Mr. Roskari.

"jYou will be able to have the necesssarrjy alterratjionss jin tjime?"

There was a look of hurt that descended upon the Falleen's features as a hand went out to beckon the Jedi closer.

"I've worked for the Senator for long enough to know that a speedy turnaround is paramount."

Lyaster looked over his shoulder to Kirro, then to the Falleen.

"Mr. Lyaster, I already know," came the grumbled acknowledgment even before the Zeltron could get a word out.

As Master Vymes stepped onto the small dais, Roskari couldn't help the chuckle that escaped from between his lips as his tape was zipped off of its' resting place around his neck.

"You've a big night ahead of you, Master Jedi," he graveled out ruefully.

[Zem Vymes]

Well, that sounded ominous. Of course it wasn't, but Vymes couldn't help to amuse himself with a gallows humor observation. Maybe it was the added effect of something rope-like drawn around his neck?

"I somehow doubt that Senator Meorrrei makes a habit of doing anything in half measure." he quipped with a grin, keeping his head unmoved for the tailor's benefit. As his measurements were taken, Zem wondered exactly what the esteemed Senator and Captain s'Ilancy were up to. Was Lok being similarly preened? She'd appeared at the villa in her duty jacket, which was a notch more homely than dress whites.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

* * *


"Taataani!!"

The sharp bark didn't seem to instill any amount of hesitation on Taataani's part, as s'Il found herself the center of attention, stood up like a prized show-Anooba. A dour-faced Cizerack woman ran a length of measuring tape over every inch of her body. It was a particularly foreign affair, to be sure. And in the eye of the storm, like a womprat wallowing in its' own filth, Taataani Meorrrei encouraged everything onward like a hungry Sarlacc intent on making the digestion process as uncomfortable as possible. She held up dress after dress, fabric after fabric, ignoring the Lupine in favor of finding just the right thing.

Well, 'thing'. Dress. They were all the same to s'Il.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Too much?"

Taataani pulled the gilded-trim scarlet mantle back from her fussy friend, still appraisingly kneading the light material with a finger and thumb as she did so.

"Hmf."

The seamstress assistant caught the outer garment before it could fall to the ground, abandoned by the Rrou'fai's attentions. Oh well. It was traditional enough, but the bold hues perhaps overstated something when worn by Loklorien s'Ilancy.

"Perrhapss an exotjic, then? Do we have anjythjing Chandrrjilan?"

The assistant hurriedly returned the discarded mantle to a hanger, seating it on a large wardrobe carousel as it began to move along a circuit. It was a silly question to ask of her artisans, but Taataani opted for plain-dealing in s'Ilancy's presence to keep the outbursts to a minimum.

"Ssomethjing to attrract attentjion, but not to ussurrp jit."

From me, was the unsaid object. It was as much procedure as it was pride. She was the Rrou'fai, the Baroness, and the Senator after all. Accomodating guests knew it's limits, and it would appear tacky if Loklorien's attire were more lavish than hers. But still, she needed something special, guaranteed to ensure that at least someone's eyes didn't stray far from her.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Eyes wide like an overcautious animal, s'Il looked from the seamstress to Taataani. There was a measure of frustration in her gaze, as she felt penned and put on display.

"I have my dress uniform," she offered in the beginnings of desperation, in the hopes that it would curtail this maddening endeavor.

"I can wear that, yes?"

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"We'rre not jinsspectjing ssome..."

The Rrou'fai paused, flitting a hand dismissively as she reached for a suitably derisive example.

"...battlecrrujisserr. Don't losse ssjight of the objectjive, Captajin."

Taataani's hands went down to her hips. She felt like she was dealing with one of her stubborn daughters now. If this was going to devolve into a parental situation, she could play that game.

"Bessjidess, jI would thjink that jyourr tjime jin the mjiljitarrjy would teach jyou to embrrace evolvjing tactjicss. Now, jit'ss tjime to evolve. Pajinful, perrhapss, but all the good thjingss jin ljife rrequjirre an ounce orr two of pajin."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

There was an instant scowl at Taa's last words, and the Lupine's eyes narrowed. Pain? A small flare of anger erupted, though she kept her posture from becoming too entirely aggressive. As it was, the assistant's constant hands kept her from being able to move much at all.

"That's not funny," she hissed.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Who'ss jokjing?" Taataani retorted, despite a rather-amused expression remaining on her face, even if restrained a measure. "jYou sstjill haven't put on sshoess, and jyou don't sstrjike me asss the woman who hass everr worrn a prroperr pajirr of heelss."

She wasn't going to be diverted for an instant by Loklorien's whinging or grumbling. This was all for her own sake.

"When the chjime ssoundss forr djinnerr, jyou'll be beautjiful enough to turrn the head of a B'omarrr monk."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She opened her mouth to fire another retort, but just as fast closed it once more. There was certainly no turning back at this point, and the Lupine had an inkling that there was really no way to avoid all of this from the moment that she'd first tried to put off Taataani's first invitation. It was simply to be, and that was that. No amount of resistance would free her, and so s'Il resigned herself to whatever machinations her old friend had planned. Truth be told, it was a touch worrisome, but again - too far beyond the point of no return.

"I've worn heels," she finally got out in a small mustering of defense.

"And a dress." She opted to not mention the length of time that'd passed since then.

"It was on Dac, at a charity dinner that... " her voice dropped a level, "... that I was made to attend."

It didn't need to be said who had insisted she go.

Blinking slowly, she looked at Taa as the assistant held up a silky white dress (http://www.cstylejeans.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/formal-evening-dresses-online.jpg), the sides adorned with a glittering gold leaf pattern expertly woven into the fabric in such a way as to accent the curves of anyone who wore it.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

s'Ilancy's defenses and her moping were bouncing harmlessly off Taataani's unceasing offensive, and the Rrou'fai wasn't going to allow her to wallow in it for a second.

"Goddesss below, jyou arre asss cheerrful asss a consstjipated gundarrk. Do go on, though. Get jit out of jyourr ssjysstem now wjith me, jinsstead of at djinnerr."

Before the Captain could be further upbraided, however, the tailor's assistant procured a piece of Chandrilan fancy that elicited a rise from both of the Senator's ears.

"Well now..."

Feeling the material, Taataani's eyes glittered as she excitedly gestured for the assistant to hold the garment against s'Ilancy's body.

"...jI thjink we majy have bottled ljightnjing, mjy dearr. A drresss ljike that, jyou'll enterr the hall ljike Vaaiyerrai Naaissuula."

Something salacious and delicious caused the Senator's lips to turn upward, exposing a single lascivious fang.

"Arre jyou ssettled on the jidea of onljy Zem Vjymess? A thjing ljike that and jyou could posssjibljy attrract a harrem."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Blinking, s'Il looked at Taataani in a moment of incredulous shock before the dawning notion that her old friend was perhaps teasing sparked to life.

"I am," she answered simply.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Of courrsse jyou arre." Taataani replied, a little water thrown on her fun.

"Well, go on then. jInto the prrjivjy wjith that. jI want to ssee jusst how djivjine jyou look when jyou actualljy trrjy."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

* * *

Their time with Mr. Roskari had been well spent, and Master Vymes had proved to be a compliant and willing 'patient' as the tailor went about his measuring. All in all it'd not taken long for the old Falleen to gather what he needed, which allowed Kirro and Lyaster to lead the Jedi to another room. Lavishly decorated with lush furniture and decor, the interior housed a small corner with mirrors and a seat.

Now was Layester's time to shine. The Zeltron had a particularly good eye for hair, which he usually used when putting together Taataani's wigs. But for tonight, he would take charge of Master Vyme's follicle situation. He gestured for the older man to take a seat.

"Right here, Master Vymes. This shouldn't take long at all."

[Zem Vymes]

The old man knew a barber's chair when he saw one. His daily shave ritual was up there with caf as the best parts of the morning. However, it seemed that Kirro and Lyaster had more ambitious ideas. The Jedi Master raised a tentative hand up to his head.

"My hair too?"

This really was much ado for a simple meeting. He wasn't shaggy. The hair was neat around the ears and neck. Sure, it probably wasn't keeping with any fashion, and he'd always stuck with a simple style, but was this really necessary?

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Lyaster stepped in masterfully.

"Oh don't worry, we're just going to clean up the lines a little bit more."

The Zeltron smiled as he prepared his tools.

Kirro hung back, though he at least allowed a genteel nod to the Jedi.

"Nothjing to worrry overr, Massterr Vjymess, jI prromjisse."

"Just think of it as a touch-up," Lyaster finished with a smile, his gesturing hand ever-patient.

[Zem Vymes]

Why even worry? A glance at Kirro and Lyaster alike showed that each man's hair was perfect. You'd be hard-pressed to find an errant strand. Good enough for a Cizeri Baroness, no doubt. The Senator's harem seemed to keep their grooming as an in-house affair, considering they had a dedicated room in the villa for it.

These were the kind of people he was dealing with. The kind that specifically had rooms in their houses where one went to have their hair cut. The thought of that alone nearly made Vymes laugh out loud as he sank into the chair. Once there, he was reclined into the adjacent sink, a jet of hot water immediately applied to his scalp. It was bracing, and had the effect of making him sink a little further into the chair once he got used to it. A pair of hands worked unseen, massaging through Zem's hair to his scalp. Something herbal and aromatic began to fill the air. Shampoo maybe? The Zeltron worked it in deep, and Zem's eyebrows raised and lowered with the motion as his hair was cleaned thoroughly.

"Does the Senator have guests take touch-ups often?"

[Kirro Meorrrei]

"It's been known to happen," Lyaster spoke with an airiness that was jovial.

"Manjy guesstss arre trreated to the besst that Ssenatorr Meorrrei hass to offerr, and ssometjimess that jincludess a ssmall bjit of... pamperrjing."

Deft fingertips worked themselves in through each strand of hair; from tip to root. Another few moments, and the Zeltron rinsed the shampoo out before applying a conditioner. This too he worked in, then let sit for only a moment. The water soon enough rinsed that out as well, and sweeping a towel around the back of Master Vymes' neck, Lyaster helped to ease the older man up.

"It's not often that we're able to entertain a Jedi master," he allowed a crooked smile, "... so we hope you understand our enthusiasm."

[Zem Vymes]

It was all Vymes could do to avoid laughing at the enthusiastic attempt to appeal to ego. The gold star service did help to quell that feeling, at least. The barber on Ossus was serviceable enough, but Zem was enjoying himself and he'd only just gotten his hair shampooed and conditioned. No sense in looking a gift bantha in the mouth, and certainly not when it was Senator Meorrrei's gift bantha.

"Well, when you put it that way, I guess this is an experience for us all."

His hair was toweled dry briskly, and Zem watched the Zeltron begin to coax his locks into orderly array with a comb. A pair of shears appeared out of nowhere, and Lyaster began to quickly draw, then snip. Draw, snip. The motions were quick and precise, and all done with the least amount of man-handling possible.

No, this wasn't at all like an Ossus haircut. It was easy to let the mind fall into the rhythm of the motion - achieving a near meditative state.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Lyaster worked with a controlled quickness that spoke to his experience, and in short order had cleaned up a number of errant cuts that seemed to elicit the odd tsk as he worked. Kirro watched in silence, knowing that the Zeltron would need no direction, and so he simply let the man do what he did best. Ten minutes later, and Lyaster set down his scissors, picking up an ornate, gold-inlaid razor. He inspected it for only a moment, then set it back down once more while simultaneously turning the chair about and reaching for a Kaanoi-bristle brush that was nestled in a small crystal jar of cream.

"Perhaps you should come back the next time you are due a trim," he grumbled good-naturedly while running the soft brush over the Jedi's face, applying a thick layer of shaving cream.

"I shudder to think of the ordeal you go through on Ossus to maintain a proper haircut."

[Zem Vymes]

"I'll certainly keep that option open." Zem quipped, amused at the amount of Cizerack largesse he'd managed to accumulate through no doing of his own. A house built by the Jaani'saarri marines, and now personal touch grooming from a Baroness's harem.

"Until today, I'd considered myself rather tidy. I can think of a few Jedi who might greatly benefit from your expertise."

His thoughts drifted in particular to Anbira Hicchoru and young Hwooroc. There was no telling how many scissors might be sacrificed in either of those efforts.

At last, a more welcome sight appeared. A blade, a bristle brush, and hot lather. As Zem listened to the Zeltron strop the blade against a strip of leather, he seemed to relax even more in anticipation. If there was any possibility of trouble to come, the Jedi Master thought this might be the moment when his guard was the lowest.

At last, the moment came, and Zem was tilted back while Kirro applied an aromatic hot towel to prepare for the lather to follow.

"I never thought I'd be so happy that Senator Meorrrei has high standards," he spoke in a lethargic tone, considering whether or not it might be in good form to nod off in the chair.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

* * *
A few hours later...



She felt like a ronto barely treading water. Like a shaak strung up with glittering baubles and made to walk on two legs. It was an awkward feeling, and though she certainly had worn more formal attire on enough occasion, Lok s'Ilancy felt completely out of her element.

Her blonde hair had been put up, strands seemingly woven together and sculpted into a work of art in and of itself. Taataani had provided an assortment of earrings that the Lupine had perused before settling on a simple pair of golden teardrops suspended by the thinnest of gold chains, with an array of tiny corusca gems suspended by glittering filaments that seemed to drape around it like some delicate meteor shower. A matching necklace, tiny, delicate white ivory beads inlaid with gold layered from the middle of her neck to where her collarbones met, circled her neck, leading the eye down to the dress that she now wore. It was simple, yet elegant, and she wore an unseen pair of heels that were of equal quality.

Standing just outside the dining area, s'Il bit her lower lip. She blinked, and let her eyes wander the small hallway that she now stood with, letting her gaze sweep over the luxurious decor and sculptures that were partnered with no doubt priceless artwork framed in gilded frames.

Her hands coming together at her middle, she settled for staring at a painting of who she could only guess was an ancestor of Taataani's, the proud eyes and uplifted chin very similar to her old friends' own features.

And now she waited. Or well, was told to wait. So that was what she did.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Rrou'fai Vaarraissa."

The clack of heels against hardwood should have betrayed Taataani's approach, but something ponderous must have been weighing on Loklorien's mind. Taataani could imagine a few subjects, the most impressive of which was the rare specimen of Zem Vymes. Hopefully, her friend didn't stay too fixated, lest nerves suppress her appetite and betray her control.

"Mjy grreat grreat grrandmotherr. Ourr famjiljy'ss fjirrsst Barronesss. The fjirrsst of ourr housse to amasss herredjitarrjy wealth and powerr to rrajisse uss to the nobjiljitjy."

Taataani stood just behind her guest, clad in a jade dress with a plunging neckline and accented in silver. Let it never be said that she wasn't magnanimous - deferring the golden spotlight (and jewelry) to her dear friend. However, that didn't require looking the frump. Green as the venom on Nomaani's arrowhead and equally as potent. A wig of bright red hair drawn into an elegant bun. If she turned the Jedi Master's head during the dinner, then it would simply be a test of his faithfulness, wouldn't it?

Smiling at that moment of lascivious fancy, Taataani placed a hand on Loklorien's shoulder, bidding her to turn to face her.

"Let me have a look at jyou."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il obeyed in silence, pivoting on a heel as her eyes seemed to follow the motion of the rest of her body.

Taking in Taa's own attire, the Lupine couldn't help but admire the Meorrrei matron's sense of immaculate style. It was perfect, and she stood with confident poise. A far cry from how s'Il herself felt inside. A sudden thought; a passing wish that she was aboard her ship, in her quarters, eating her normal fare of rations and actually enjoying the tasteless 'meal' for the first time in her life. But no, she stayed the course outwardly, at least offering a timid smile to her insistent host.

"You look... beautiful," her voice was quiet and the hesitancy apparent.

And truthfully, Taataani did. She was like some glittering, blue-eyed jewel.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Oh thjiss?"

Taa demurred, gesturing to her dress as if noticing it for the first time.

"Ssjimple thjing. Prractjicalljy fjit forr a handmajiden, rrealljy. jI couldn't drream of djimjinjisshjing jyou forr an jinsstant."

The Rrou'fai's hand traced down, not resisting a last feel of the material before returning to clasp it's partner.

"Ljike an avatarr of Saanjarra Herrsself. Purre beautjy, darrljing."

Taataani's smile radiated more than enough confidence for her friend to borrow, and from the disagreeable posture and conflicted facial expression, Loklorien could stand to borrow a sizeable quantum.

"Come now, sshoulderss ssquarre, chjin up. jYou wearr the drress asss the drresss wearrss jyou."

The Senator studied her friend for a moment, then snapped her fingers decisively.

"jYou haven't had a thjing ssjince jyou arrjived, jyou musst be famjisshed. Poorr thjing. We'll ssoon rremedjy that. jYou musst keep up jyourr sstrrength, darrljing. When poorr Zem Vjymess catchess ssjight of jyou, he'll rrjisse ljike the wessterrn ssun."

Taa's ears rose as well, piqued by her own scheming double entendre.

"Then jyou'll have jyourr worrk cut out."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Again she obeyed, her shoulders going back as her spine regained a measure of its' usual stiffness. Blinking, s'Il pulled in a long breath as her hands shifted down to her sides. She felt as out of place in the dress as she had so long ago, on Baroonda. Though thankfully now, she was not being made to wear a scant few stitches of cloth that had been billed as actual clothing.

Taa's last words didn't exactly connect, their double meaning lost on the Lupine's sometimes painfully literal mind, and so she simply gave a single, hopeful nod.

"Mmhmm."

And then the worry began to grow once more, a nervous gnawing at the thought of what was to come next.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Goddess Below, she'd devolved from banalities like nice into conversing in nearly guttural animal noises. A barely-pent look of frustration crossed Taataani's face as her ears fell.

"jI don't ssupposse jyou'll be woojing wjith ljyrrjic poetrrjy, then." Taataani said, more to herself than to Loklorien as she glanced sidelong to dampen her dark thoughts. A moment later, she was back in the moment, placing both hands at Lok's upper arms for a physical show of support.

"jIt majy ssound sstrrange of me to ssajy, but one can't ssjimpljy expect to sstamp one'ss feet and have a loverr fall jinto bed. jYou majy have to do morre than ssjimpljy appearr beautjiful. The men worrth conquerrjing ussualljy rrequjirre extrra."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Blinking, the Lupine looked at Taataani with a somewhat quizzical look.

"I don't understand... "

Her words trailed off then, as she thought more on the other woman's words. There was truth in them yes, but they brushed over a mind that was unsure of how to act in this environment that was so fluid and changed from what she normally was comfortable in. Taa's grasp was taken as the show of support that the Meorrrei matron had intended it to be, and s'Il finally looked away. There was no frown or scowl on her features, but rather a gentle sense of confusion and unsure nervousness.

"No," she finally spoke, her voice quiet, "... no I understand. It's difficult, is all. I am not often in situations that demand," she let her gaze shift downward at herself.

"Well, situations that demand... all of this... "

She made a face; more out of frustration than anything else.

"But, I will try."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

A warm expression of relief brightened Taataani's face.

"Va'i e' yaai, Captajin. A woman doessn't trrjy. Sshe doess. jIt'ss not a quesstjion, jit'ss a pojint of fact. jYou want Zem Vjymess, sso make hjim jyourrss. Beljievjing jiss dojing."

A consoling pat on the arm, and Taataani broke contact. Just at that moment, a second pair of clacking heels approached from the far end of the hall. The Rrou'fai pivoted her head, her smile broadening enough to show teeth.

"Aleeha, ja irra na'iee auehrra."

From one embrace to another, Taataani carefully negotiated to hugging her middle daughter, mindful of the dozing bundle of granddaughter in Aleeha's arms.

"jI'd thought jyou'd taken off forr Idantis bjy now..."

"jI posstponed mjy trravel forr a few morre dajyss of sshoppjing. Well, sshoppjing and rresstjing. jI'm not gettjing much ssleep, what wjith Irraaithaa."

As if responding to her name, the little cub in Aleeha's grasp fidgeted, a hand reaching up lethargically to grasp at air as she cooed. Unable to resist a lure like that, Taataani supplied a finger for her first granddaughter to grasp. Little fingers closed over the larger one, and the Rrou'fai grinned.

"Oh, what a grrjip jyou have, ljittle one." she teased, testing Irraaithaa's grasp by feigning to pull away. The cub was having none of that, and held fast her hold on the digit.

Remembering her company, Taataani glanced up from the baby, to s'Ilancy.

"Captajin, jyou haven't met mjy daughterr Aleeha. Aleeha, thjiss jiss Captajin Loklorrjien ss'jIlancjy, a dearr frrjiend of mjine."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il gave a respectful bow of her head. Aside from T'yeellaa, Daani, and Cirr, the Lupine's exposure to Taataani's children was rather limited. She knew of them, but had never actually met them.

"Ja irra korra nai, Aleeha," came her greeting.

Each word was spoken with the proper inflection, and gave no indication of stilted or halting tongue-tripping that many had while trying to speak Cizeri. A smile was sent to the little one held in Aleeha's arms, full of warmth.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

It never failed for the correct use of the mother tongue to impress, when wielded by a forrda. Aleeha's ear's rose at the proper inflection in Loklorien's voice.

"And good forrtuness to jyou asss well, Suun'da'rrou. jYourr rreputatjion prreceedss jyou."

Even in the harried reality of maternal life, Aleeha didn't stray far from the image of Cizeri Baroness nobility. Her chestnut hair was well-coiffed, ringlets spilling down over the bare shoulders of a periwinkle dress that color-coordinated with the onesie of little Irraaithaa, which was either adorable or nauseating, depending on one's capacity for such things.

"Motherr hass no sshorrtage of sstorrjiess of jyourr herrojicss. jYou'd thjink sshe had adopted jyou jinto the housse."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her smile stayed on her features, adopting a gentle air.

"It certainly feels like that at times."

The way Aleeha carried herself, holding her child, reminded s'Il of herself in a way. There was a firm protectiveness that new mothers seemed to exude when they clutched their young ones close that she recognized well enough; after all, she had held Teagan so much the same for a long time after the girl had been born. And even Markos...

A note of fleeting sadness came and went, as she focused on the good and banished the heartache. Such worries were not for this night.

"Your mother is beyond generous in her kindness."

And very, very persuasive.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Aleeha's smile was genuine, but knowing. She rocked Irraaithaa softly in her arms as the cub began to stir, a soothing act to the motion to convince her daughter to settle down.

"Ourr famjiljy holdss frrjiendsshjip asss the hjighesst trreassure. A woman wjith frrjiendss rremajinss rrjich afterr the lasst du'arri jiss sspent."

Taataani's smile remained a placid fixture on her face as Aleeha imparted one of the first lessons she'd been taught as a child. And now she was in position to teach her own daughter in turn.

"Though hopefulljy jit neverr comess to that," the Rrou'fai quipped. "all the ssame, jI prreferr to keep both frrjiendss and du'arri well jin hand, ne?"

From the dining hall, Lyaster approached, his hands clasped in front of him.

"Rrou'fai, the arrangements have been set. Shall I seat you?"

Brightened by the promise of repast, the Senator's tail rose in it's sway.

"Not a moment too ssoon, jI'm famjisshed! And jI jimagjine Captajin ss'jIlancjy jiss too. Pleasse ssee to herr arrangement. And, Ljyassterr?"

"Yes?"

She gestured for her Zeltron husband to approach within earshot. He dutifully obeyed, and Taataani whispered for his ears only.

"Make ssurre that Kirro arrrjivess wjith Massterr Vjymess afterr we arrre attended to. jI want hjiss entrrance to be ssomethjing sspecjial."

Understanding completely, Lyaster bowed his head.

"It's well in hand. I've already spoken with Kirro on the matter."

Taataani simply gave the Zeltron a pleased smile, then broke contact to attend to seating herself, leaving him with the duties of an escort for her guest.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Taataani's Zeltron husband angled to look at her, and s'Il gave a nod as he extended an arm. She took it with ease, allowing Lyaster to lead her into the dining area.

Lavishly decorated, s'Il allowed her eye to travel over the perimeter, noting the inset columns and the richly textured marble that glittered with flecks of gold. The deep blood red trim of the wainscot panels contrasted with the golden hued panels and their embellished etchings. The entire room was as a museum exhibit, and the table in the center was certainly no exception. Richly oiled Kaa'aiaamfa wood, overlaid with a delicately embroidered silk runner that ran its' length. Porcelain plates, inlaid with Kaminoan pearl, flatware cast from the finest silver, crystal glassware.

Hesitating, the Lupine could not help but admire her surroundings.

A gentle nudge from Lyaster, and she pulled herself from her own internal musings, moving to a seat that had been pulled out for her. A hand ran over the smooth backing before she finally lowered herself slowly down.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

With her guest now seated at her right hand, Taataani surveyed the scene from the head of the table. Aleeha took her own seat to Loklorien's right. The chair further down from the Meorrrei daughter was removed to make space for a small bassinet, giving Aleeha a moment's reprieve to have dinner, while still able to keep an eye on little Irraithaa.

Indispensable as always, Lyaster turned to the role of a sommelier, retrieving from an adjacent buffet table a chilled bottle that had been resting in a silver basin. He presented the bottle to his Rrou'fai for inspection. Taataani, for her part, didn't take the opportunity for oversight for granted. The Senator adjusted her glasses, leaning in slightly in examination. She spent a moment in thoughtful silence, finally glancing up to the Zeltron with a nod for him to proceed.

"Oh, jI forrgot to mentjion jin jintrroductjion, Captajin. That adorrable ljittle bundle wjith Aleeha jiss Irraaithaa Meorrrei."

There was more than a small amount of pride in Taataani's words as she looked to Aleeha.

"Mjy fjirrsst grranddaughterr."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her eye shift from Taataani to Aleeha, and then further down to the nestled Irraaithaa, ensconced in the bassinet. The pride in Taa's words was palpable, filling the air around them practically.

"She is gorgeous."

s'Il allowed a smile as she let her senses drift over the cub, invisible tendrils of peace and gentleness. She was so pure, as all were when so new to the galaxy, and even so young there was a definite sense of the Meorrrei strength embedded in her tiny, glittering light.

"And very healthy."

Again she let her gaze meet Aleeha's.

"How old?"

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Nearrljy fjive monthss." Aleeha replied, looking down to her now-dozing daughter as she brushed a careful thumb against the blonde curl of hair on her forehead. Irraaithaa stirred, yawned, and settled back against the pillow she rested against. The mother remained understandably preoccupied, and only turned back to the conversation reluctantly.

Lyaster was busy filling the glasses of Taataani and Loklorien, understandably giving the still-nursing Aleeha a pass. The rose-hued wine in the glass began to breathe, revealing a delicate bouquet of spice and acidic stone fruit.

"Irraaithaa wass ssjirred bjy Jaarrausso, frrom Housse Korraheea," Taataani explained, swirling her glass below her nose in inspection. "Barronesss Korraheea offerred a sson jin marrjiage to ssecurre ourr alljiance. Jaarrausso jiss herr ssecond sspousse, and ssujitable to sstud...forr poljitjical rreassonss."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

And just like that, the spell was broken. Talk of bearing a child with a man given out of political machinations left a sour taste in her mind, though the distaste was hidden behind a multitude of walls. Instead, the Lupine kept her smile, eye going back to the little one. She blinked owlishly, then finally turned her attentions to the wine before finally settling on Taataani.

Her hands remained in her lap however, as she waited for the Meorrrei matron to have the first taste.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

As Taataani took her first sip of wine, she watched her guest to gauge the direction in which to take the conversation. Like so many times before, the Jedi-turned-Captain preferred to avoid conversation until it proved inevitable. Visual cues gave Taataani frustratingly little to use. Evidently Loklorien had adapted to Taataani's talent at pulling the truth out of a glance.

"Sspeakjing of rromantjic arrrangement..." Taataani chummed the water, speaking to her daughter as Lyaster moved to a far door, pausing at the threshold to check the pulse of the dinner, "...jI jinvjited the Captajin herre wjith the jintentjion of makjing good on an object of herr affectjion."

""Oh?"" Aleeha glanced to the Lupine, ears raised slightly.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"An exaggeration," came the careful clarification as she finally reached for her own glass. She would never be used to Taataani's forward and direct method of approach to things of this nature. It seemed so awkward to her, and though she knew that it was perfectly acceptable among the Cizerack, it was something that she held much closer to her chest, as though afraid to show those around her that she had any image other than that of an officer of the line.

Bringing it to her nose, s'Il let the delicate scents swirl up and out, taking them in with a long inhale. It was gentle, yet complex all the same.

A tentative first sip, and the Lupine held the liquid on her tongue for a scant moment before swallowing. A delicate melange that was tantalizing and satisfying all in the same taste.

"Your mother has simply taken it upon herself to engage in," a pause, as she found herself unable to fully hide the ghost of a crooked smile. The glass was once more raised to her nose so that she could bring in the enticing aroma, and her next words were the very same that she had spoken to Zem, earlier in the day, and they were heartfelt.

"... surprisingly welcome meddling."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Welcome meddling. What a turn of phrase for someone so frequently disdainful of the arts of rhetoric. Taataani's eyes met Loklorien's for a moment, the corners of her mouth turning the faintest of degrees upward after a few seconds.

"Wjisse women know thejirr enemjiess. Wjisserr oness alsso know thejirr frrjiendss. Ssometjimess a change of perrsspectjive helpss them ssee what'ss rrjight jin frront of them. jI haven't done sso much, assjide frrom ssettjing the venue and accentuatjing what'ss alrreadjy therre. jYou rrealljy sshould take crredjit forr jyourr vjictorrjiess, mjy dearr."

A glance was cast to Lyaster, who disappeared through the door he'd previously stood against.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro was busy running a hand over Master Vymes' chest, smoothing the fabric down with a practiced hand. Everything had to be perfect, as had been the express order from his wife. Lifting his head, he ran a critical eye over the Jedi's hair, making sure that each strand was in just the right place. Nothing was errant. No unruly lock making trouble. A serious look then, as his eyes took on a sudden critical glint.

"jYess," he murmured, obviously satisfied with the earlier evening's efforts, "jYou'll turrn everrjy woman'ss head, jI'd wagerr."

He smiled.

A bare cough from behind, and the Cizerack squared his shoulders as he pivoted to send an eye to Lyaster. The Zeltron simply raised a single eyebrow, and Kirro answered with a smirk as he half-stepped back, placing him at Master Vymes' side.

An arm went out to gesture towards Lyaster and the door to the dining room.

"Sshall we?"

[Zem Vymes]

There was the door, and the mystery beyond. Strange that Zem had been to so many worlds and seen sights enough for multiple lifetimes, but there was a feeling deep within him that what lay beyond held fantastic potential enough to make those adventures of yesterday seem somehow more dim. It was beyond the overly-satisfied smirk on Kirro's face. Beyond the effort put into turning him into a genteel guest. It lay somewhere in the words he'd said, and those he waited to hear in reply. Zem could feel her just beyond those obfuscating doors, and it was that hidden knowledge that made the unknown so much sweeter.

The heavy Kaa'aiaamfa wood doors pushed open in full, surrendering their hidden mystery and revealing a dining room fit for a Metalorn pasha. Subtlety was trodden underfoot in a proud display of opulence, and like so many things seen in Senator Meorrrei's Hai'raathee villa, it commanded one to stop and take notice. The Jedi Master was hardly so arrogant as to not give such effort it's due, and he allowed himself the opportunity to look. Yet, before he could complete the feast of the eyes, Zem's gaze settled upon their dessert. Loklorien s'Ilancy, whom it seemed had herself not been spared the Rrou'fai's penchant for makeovers, seemed to brighten the room around her in a dress that made her seem like royalty.

Zem's slow footsteps came to a stop, cemented to the floor by enchantment. Taataani and Aleeha rose from their seats in a bit of genteel chivalry theater, but the had drifted far to the periphery of the Jedi's narrowing tunnel vision. When Loklorien herself took the cue to rise to her feet, it only gave him a better view of her, turning him into a statue from his awe. Only a polite prod to the back from Lyaster allowed Zem some temporary control of his wits, as both he and Kirro approached the chairs arranged at Taataani's left hand.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

As with so many things in Cizeri life, dinner carried an array of rules. A proper dinner was never the place to bring a gai'chee or some other casual fancy. Dinner amongst professional peers was likewise off-limits for male diners (forrda guests notwithstanding), married or otherwise - though the host's husbands were typically expected to serve the guests. Once the venue became more intimate, men got their seat at the table. A woman could accompany a single spouse to her table. More than that was generally considered tacky. A host's remaining spouses typically attended to the needs of the guests.

At an intimate dinner such as this one, it was customary for the women to rise for the procession of men to their table. It was an ancient display of genteel manners, but it also served to put each woman of quality's favored companion for the evening in the spotlight. And for as handsome as darling Kirro was, he'd certainly put good work into Zem Vymes, allowing the Jedi Master to peek out of the younger man's shadow enough to be a splendid sight in his own right. Taataani relished the metamorphosis, but even more than that, she took delight in seeing the effect Zem would have upon Loklorien, and the sway that she evidently held over him.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She had risen slowly, her gaze held effortlessly by the man that now walked through those elegant, massive double doors. Zem-El Vymes seemed an entirely different man from the humble Jedi Master that she was used to. Instead of robes, he wore a bespoke suit, tailored it seemed just for him. Her breath caught in her throat then, the fingertips of her left hand grazing the table as she stood. In her eye, he was unchanged from those years long ago, when they'd both been so much younger. She was captivated, having never seen him in such a new light.

And as her thoughts danced around him in awestruck tendrils of fascination, her own eyes wide, the Lupine finally pulled in a long breath through her nose. Even over the perfumes and hair products that the others in the room exuded, his scent overrode all others.

It caused a barely seen smile to pull at the edges of her lips.

She blinked then, almost worried that the act of doing so would shatter the illusion and she would be back aboard her ship, alone. But, he did not vanish.

Rather, his presence in the Force only seemed to shine brighter, and s'Il could hear his words repeated in her mind. Were it not for decorum, and the fact that she was a guest in Taataani's home, she would've blurted out the answer that he sought after so patiently.

From those early days of their companionship to the new grounds they'd forged through with their growing closeness. To their separation, and then reunion. And now?

Now she simply had to make it through dinner.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Loklorien held her affections in check like a sabacc player. Pushing brinksmanship into the discourse, Taataani displayed her appreciation more openly.

"Haa'urra jaihaarri e'hii, ass handssome asss Nomaani'ss sstag!" she exclaimed, a hand upon her breast to drive the point home. "Massterr Vjymess, jyourr beautjy jiss the Huntssman God'ss ssjilverr arrrow."

Her grin widening enough to reveal fangs, Taataani turned a glance to her friend.

"Doessn't he appearr sso? No wonderr he'ss sspent sso long jin thosse rrobess. A ssjight ljike thjiss on Osssuss mjight causse a monssoon jin the desserrt."

The Rrou'fai pursed her lips, stealing a glance back to Kirro to give an instant of her approval before she again drank from the cup of Vymes.

"Massterr Jedji, jif jyou everr fjind jyourrsself burrdened bjy jyourr oath and dutjy, rrememberr mjy name, and thjink how jit mjight look arround jyourr neck."

Taataani relented her cheeky assault with a laconic flip of her tail. Oh she did love to tease so.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She resisted the urge to give an invisible tug to the tuft of Taataani's tail, but only just barely. As it was, she found herself unable to immediately take her eyes from him, and the Lupine couldn't help but allow her ghostly smile to finally grow. And then she bowed her head, eyes closing and letting out a long breath. A scant moment passed before she finally angled her head up slightly, peeling her eye from Zem to glance sideways at their host.

For as close that she held her own feelings on the matter, Taataani more than made up for it in her own boisterous way.

The knowing look did not last long however, as she straightened back to look at the Jedi Master; so far removed from how she had always seen him, there was a growing sense of wonderment at this different man he had seemingly become. It was certainly not an unwelcome sight. Initially shocking yes, but the more she looked at him, the more she found it difficult to keep the others in the room within her sense of awareness.

Finally, she spoke.

"Not much I can say to follow that," came the rueful half-laugh.

[Zem Vymes]

"I am honored, Rrou'fai. Deeply."

The words tumbled haltingly from Zem, who wasn't a particularly bashful person, yet now found himself assailed with purple prose like never before. His cheeks flushed slightly as he stole glances back to the real cause of his awe. He'd never seen Loklorien cast in such a light. She'd always been a natural beauty. A diamond in the rough that never diminished no matter what dirt or hardship was thrown on it. Yet now that she actually revealed herself in polish and splendor on a pedestal, she looked to the Jedi Master like a dream. And much like in a dream, he wasn't aware of drawing breath. He didn't want to look away and give the possibility of waking up.

"You're beautiful."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Both hands came up then, slender fingers twining together as she bowed her head in silent thanks.

Of course, it was not long at all before her eye returned to him, and the Lupine allowed a long, slow breath to escape her lips. With Taataani on one side, and Aleeha on the other, s'Il felt more than a small bit self-conscious. Her voice, though it had found volume only seconds before, seemed to fail her once more. She willed herself to press onward through the initial surprise however, and her smile took on a softness.

"And you do not look yourself."

A mischievous glint in her eye, as her smile took on a slightly crooked bent.

"I must admit that you wear a suit... exceedingly well."

Her gaze of course punctuated the remark with earnest honesty. She had never even considered the thought of seeing him like this, here. The sight of him had sent a jolt of firing neurons down her spine, and the Lupine felt her nerves begin to slowly recede as both her mind and her tongue once more regained control.

"You should wear them more often."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Pleased at the electricity of the encounter, Taataani said nothing further, and simply reclined slightly against the backing of her seat to take in this slice of theater with all it's flavor. Lyaster materialized at the periphery, dispensing wine for Kirro and Vymes, but disappearing to the background like a ghost to not interrupt the spark of it all. The Zeltron glanced to his mistress, and Taataani flipped up her tail, allowing the tuft to sign a semicircle in the air before it lay back down across her lap. He'd take that as a sign to commence with the first offerings: An array of fish roe on cured belly skins, fatty jo'korribee livers in reduced wine, and oysters. The latter she'd chosen deliberately out of consideration that they were an exception in raw foods that even humans seemed to eat. It also helped that they were considered powerful aphrodisiacs. Even food was a battle tactic, carefully marshaled to coax these two creatures out of their shells.

"jIt doess ssujit jyou, Massterr Jedji. jI can't jimagjine anjyone jin a fjightjing mood jif a Jedji came to negotjiate peace lookjing asss jyou do."

Aleeha offered her own praise as Irraaithaa started to fuss in her bassinet. She retrieved her daughter, cradling her in her right hand as the left pushed the spaghetti strap of her dress over her shoulder. A milk-swollen breast came free, and it didn't take long for Irraithaa to find it. The baby's fussing sounds disappeared as she began to suckle contentedly.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

The fruits of his and Lyaster's labors was bearing the sweetest of fruits, and as he sat, Kirro could not help but send a sly look to his Wife. Even as Aleeha tended to her own little one, Kirro leaned back in his chair, letting his eyes drift to Master Vymes, then to the Captain. For as thorough as Taataani's husbands had been with the Jedi, she too had been merciless in bringing out the natural beauty of Captain s'Ilancy and augmenting it, allowing it to shine brightly. He smiled.

"And jif the Alljiance ssent jyou to deal wjith itss' matterrss drresssed ass ssuch, jI do not know of anjy who would be able to put up adequate defensse."

His wine glass full, Kirro lifted the thin-stemmed crystal in a gesture of acknowledgment, his eyes shifting once more to Vymes.

"To precjiouss djiamondss that have had thejirr rough edgess rremoved."

[Zem Vymes]

Of course, negotiation was a subtle art. One had to be wary of misdirection held in flattery. Of course, there were few times that flattery had been so wanted.

Vymes returned the salutation in half measure, raising his drink as the Cizeri women followed a more wholesome salute.

"I have rarely had the honor of such gracious company. The Captain and I have shared a lot of time together, and I think shed agree with that."

A return of his glass to his lips gave Zem some time to think about their history. Born in the fires of the Clone Wars, back when he was an ace pilot and she was a daring padawan. Through the inferno of the sacking of the temple and their flight. All of the uncertainty and hidden threat surrounding every port of call. So many days spent making the best in humble surroundings, knowing that they were marking finite time. He'd taught her all he knew then, but it had been more than that, hadn't it? Hadn't he always known in some way?

The agonies of the dark times had caused him to turn away out of an attempt to protect her. Her undiminished heart had pulled him from destruction at the last moment. Even as the shroud of the dark side nearly swallowed her, she'd protected the ember she held from him against the tempest. Their duel on Hoth. Zem hadn't gone to destroy her. He'd faced her because he knew that not all was lost.

Even with Decepis's end, she'd still held distance. It was the distance Zem remembered he'd imposed on her before. A distance dictated by fear in love's name. He was so close to bringing down the wall. So close to removing what kept him from her.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani drank at her husband's proposed toast, easing her glass aside as she daubed her upper lip with the corner of her napkin.

"And what prroud sspecjimenss to be sso beautjiful, ne? jYou've both honorred me grreatljy wjith jyourr prressence. Herroess the both of jyou, frrom the dajyss of the Rrepubljic and thrrough to the prressent. jYou know, jI thjink that'ss a sstorrjy worrth telljing. People need herroess. Not jusst thosse that wjin the warr, but thosse brrave enough to keep the peace."

Lyaster returned with another man of the house, each with an array of early offerings and amuse bouches for the diners. Colorful presentations were placed in easy reach for each person.

"The Alljiance jiss jyoung, and herr herroess larrgeljy sstjill ljive to tell the taless themsselvess. The tassk of prresserrvjing all thjiss harrd worrk now fallss to..."

She offered a bit of a lopsided smirk in pause.

"...well, ssoft-handed people ljike me."

A subtle correction was needed.

"And otherrss jin the Ssenate, of courrsse. Thosse who can sspeak, wrrjite lawss...wrrjite checkss, but that drrudgerrjy jiss rrarreljy the sstuff of jinsspjirratjion. Forr that, jI thjink jyou majy fjind jyou sstjill have a grreat manjy ejyess upon jyou."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her own glass was set to the side as s'Il turned a level gaze to Taataani. There was poignant truth to her words, though at the mention of herself and Zem being heroes the Lupine cast her eye downward. But it was only a moment that lasted for a scant few breaths.

"Master Vymes and myself only do what we must. We have each worked too hard to simply step away and let others carry on."

A rueful smile, as she couldn't help a slight chuckle.

"Though, that is not to say that each of us hasn't tried, in the past."

There was no condemnation in her voice, merely a statement of truth. For whatever each of their reasons were for trying to escape, eventuality had led them back, and the Force was not denied in its' efforts to return them to where they needed to be.

"I must be honest though, there are times that I wish our service was more... quiet."

Manaan stuck out like a sore thumb, as did many other instances that had proven to be problematic. But she was here now, and so was he.

A thankful smile graced her lips.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"jI ssee no rreasson whjy jit sshouldn't be."

Taataani cupped an oyster in one hand as she worked with an extended claw on the other to reach beneath the raw mollusk and sever the fleshy foot that kept it tethered to the half shell.

"jIssolated jincjidentss assjide. The warr jiss overr. Therre mjight be the occassjional djissagrreement, and perrhapss ssome ssmall annojyance wjith the Zjygerrrjianss or Huttss or whateverr ssuch degenerratess, but our ssjide of the galaxjy sstandss rreadjy to enjojy peace the ljikess of whjich hassn't been seeen jin nearrljy thjirrtjy-fjive jyearrss."

The Rrou'fai slurped her oyster down, still clasping the shell in one hand as she chewed. She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table as she pointed with her off hand.

"jYou both have pajid well enough. Don't be sso hasstjy to sspend the rresst of jyourr good jyearrss mannjing the rramparrtss ljike ssome Gowrraatji Centurrjion. jYou need to learrn how to ljive, becausse the galaxjy needss to ssee that jyou can."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro offered a thin-lipped smirk, his eyes upon his wife before shifting his gaze to Master Vymes.

"jI am ssurre that ass a Jedji, jyou have found jyourrsself wjith verry few jinsstancess of peace and qujiet ass of late, ne?"

His smile seemed to grow a shade gentler, understanding almost, even. With his own wine glass still in hand, Kirro waited until the Captain and Aleeha sample the starting offerings that had been placed out before he himself would reach for anything. Each plate was a work of art; from soft boiled Kalloo Wallo eggs resting in a wine bath to brilliant blue Rokothee cuts, artfully arranged upon the top a chilled, pink Calannic salt block. Even the oysters had been dressed with an eye for detail, and the cook had made sure to weave strips of Lossaa'rri eel meat around the rough shells like the most delectable of ribbons. A plate of small, perfectly round balls of honeyed Jai'othee waterfowl, no doubt stuffed with kopaa berries that'd been soaked in brandy inhabited the plate between himself and the Jedi Master.

"jIf nothjing elsse, perrhapss a ljittle bjit of a rresst wjill be good forr jyourr ssoul. Gjive jyou a chance to rreplenjissh jyourr enerrgjiess."

A single finger tapped at the table in idle musing, and Kirro inhaled a breath through his nose.

"Afterr all, what good jiss a ljife jif jyou do not ljive; and actually enjojy the act of dojing sso?"

[Zem Vymes]

"That's a notion I'm just coming around to."

Zem inspected the spread before him, settling on a poached egg in a ramekin. A probing spear with a spoon rewarded the Jedi with the release of a custard-like yolk into the reduced wine.

"For Jedi, we're raised our entire lives in service. We maintain modest lives of selflessness, not simply out of duty, but because our passions must be governed."

He paused, taking a mouthful of egg. It didn't require chewing so much as it came apart in his mouth, with the wine giving it a brightness to complement the luxuriant complexity in the yolk.

"Hm. Good egg, this."

Zem dispatched the mouthful, taking a moment to consider how to explain this. Honestly, this may have been the first time he'd discussed the matter around those who weren't force sensitive.

"The order of old forbade things like attachment. I used to be certain about a Jedi's duty and self-imposed isolation. I'm less certain of it as I get older. But even if there is room to evolve on that point, the force works in ways that are difficult to explain to those who don't feel it. Innocent temptations can quickly grow into something they shouldn't."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro listened intently; his education on Jedi had been minimal at best, and gaining knowledge of the Order of old had piqued his interest from the moment that Taataani had told him of her intentions for the two guests. He'd been unable to truly pick at Master Vymes, for the simple matter that he'd been tasked with making him less of a Jedi in appearance and more of simply a man. It'd been rather easy, all things told, and the Cizerack had been thankful that the Jedi Master seemed to have some sort of previous knowledge of what it was like to carry himself without those all-too-familiar robes.

Spearing a Rokothee cut with an extended claw, Kirro lazily brought it to the small plate in front of him.

"jI have hearrd telljingss of that naturre," he started with a curious rumble, "... and jI ssupposse jI can parrtjially underrsstand jit, but jit sstjill sstrrjikess me ass odd. That the old Orrderr prrjized ljife, yet rremajined cut awajy frrom one of the thjingss that made ljife sso vjibrrant and worrth ljivjing."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"jI wonderr jif that rrjigjid clojissterrjing left the Jedji ssomewhat aloof."

Taataani pressed the observation, curious as to where her guests stood on the issue.

"To the wantss and needss and rrealjitjiess of thejirr galactjic peerrss. That jissn't to condemn bjy anjy meanss, but love jiss too larrge an experrjience to sshut one'ss sself awajy frrom and expect to majintajin a foundatjion of prrobjitjy. Wouldn't a denjial of that experrjience jinto a rretrreat of dogma be ssomethjing of an arrrogant possjitjion to take?"

Pausing before taking a sip of wine, Taataani glanced at both Vymes and s'Ilancy.

"No offensse meant, of courrsse."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"None taken."

She could understand the curiosity sent both her way and Zem's. She herself had pushed back against that maddening tenet as time had gone forward after the Purge, sending both her and Zem from relative safety on Pakuuni to Dan's Rebel cell. And on Hoth, when the loneliness had run its' full course, driving her into a desperation. She had harbored feelings for him for a long while by that point, and though it'd taken a fair amount of inner searching on his part, he'd moved past that old law. But, as all things do, their time had come to an abrupt end."

"I admit that I am not the one to ask about such things," s'Il reached out to pluck a thin ribbon of Lossaarri meat from around an oyster.

"But, I do know that the old Masters held enough concerns over such things that they forbade it entirely. There is wisdom in it, but at the same time there is a certain level of detachment, I think, that results."

A knife sliced away a small portion of the delicate white meat, and the Lupine took it up between two fingers, bringing it up to peer closely at the pattern that'd been left by each needle-thin rib bone.

"So much good can be done in the name of love," she started, then let her eye track to Taataani, "... but so can much evil."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

If anyone ought to know, it would be Loklorien s'Ilancy. Her man prior had seemed decent enough to Taataani on cursory meeting, but he'd cleverly hidden what a deceitful monster he truly was. And in that deception, he had nearly dragged s'Ilancy along with him. Perhaps it was simply good blessings or a blinkered existence, but Taataani had no such reference level for lover's embraces gone bad.

Dispatching a bite of Jai'othee, the Rrou'fai considered her rebuttal.

"Love jin name onljy, perrhapss. But when love jis wejighed wjith an open and acceptjing hearrt, jit sshould burrn awajy the drrosss. jIf anjythjing a hearrt sstarrved forr the feeljing jiss compelled to leap at what lookss and ssoundss ljike the trrue feeljing. The Jedji sspend sso much tjime ljisstenjing to thejir feeljingss. jIf thejy focussed half of thejir enerrgjy onto the mjyssterrjiess of love, jI thjink thejy'd know morre than anjy how to sseparrate fool'ss gold frrom the rreal thjing."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

The color of discussion during the beginning stages of dinner varied, traveling from one hue to the next in fluid symphony. Like everything else in life, conversation was an art to cherish and engage in with the same level of passion that one brought with them to the bedchamber. Kirro found himself just as happy to listen to those around him as offering his own words, and so things went. He plucked a soft-boiled Kalloo wallo egg from its' ramekin, relishing the delicately flavored delight as it fell across his tongue and softly tickled the insides of his mouth with gentle flavors that - by themselves were unassuming - but together created a wonderful and delicately balanced flavor. An oyster followed, then a Jai'othee. Each plate that had been brought out was slowly picked at as the talk shifted seamlessly from one subject to the next.

Leaning back a small bit, Kirro dabbed at the corners of his lips, giving a subtle, sideways look to Lyaster who stood at the periphery. A single index finger tapped silently on the polished surface of the table, and the Zeltron set to work with a ghostly smile pulling impishly at his features. He maintained control however, directing the noiseless retinue tending to the diners. Like wraiths, they took up the polished platters, whether empty or still containing a small amount of their culinary wonders. It did not matter, as the next course was ready to be displayed.

Small plates were set down, matching their main settings, to one side of each attendee. Three small and perfectly round balls of fruit were arranged on the dishes; one a light green, another a pale lavender, and the last a periwinkle blue. All were topped with a dollop of pinkish whipped fluff. A garnish of artfully arranged tiny spiderfish fins adorned one side of the small plate. These small spherical delights would be taken only at the change of each course, one for each shift in meals.

And as the first decadent offering was brought out, Kirro allowed himself a smug inner grin. The covered platter was wheeled in on a trolley that was as elegant as the dining area itself; intricate metalwork and inlaid silver etchings made the whole thing a work of art rather than an item of every day use.

Lyaster pushed the trolley almost to the edge of the table, slowing to a stop and bringing his hands together in front of him. His eyes fell on Taataani, waiting for the word that she and her guests were ready to receive.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Finishing the last of her wine for the first course, Taataani gestured with a tail flip to signal the second.

"jI trrusst everrjythjing sso farr hass met wjith jyourr apprroval?" She asked, mostly to Master Vymes, who the Senator guessed had the more finicky tastes of the two guests. "jI hjirred an Orrtolan chef a few monthss ago to handle matterrss of forrejign tasste. Everrjythjing jiss local, of courrsse, though jit'ss jusst about asss new forr me asss jit jiss jyou."

[Zem Vymes]

Zem tested the colorful amuse bouche presented between courses with a prodding fork. The flesh of the bright fruit gave away, cleaving in a clean mark that made portioning a bite an effortless experience. Sampling the offering, he took in the combination of sweet and savory from the offered garnish and foam, and followed it in turn with wine.

"New is an understatement. I can't think of a time I've eaten better than I am now. Give my thanks to your chef."

He smiled at his host, then traversed his eyes to Loklorien, who also seemed to be enjoying the moment.

"Jedi are never ones to pursue the lavish, but we're not so aloof to avoid appreciating it."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"It is much more appreciated than my normal fare," the Lupine offered as she swallowed.

Her usual meals, always taken in solitude within the confines of her quarters, were at the best of times tasteless. Or at least they often times seemed to be. Every so often there was a light flavor to the dressed-up ration packs, but more often than not it was a displeasing taste that she suffered through in stoic silence. But the meal now, provided by Taataani, was so far above. Each offering so far had been a delicate dance of flavor that she relished.

She met Zem's own gaze, a steady and level stare that seemed to transport the both of them away from the dining area and into an existence populated by just the two of them. He held her with ease, and she eventually allowed a slight upturn to pull at one corner of her lips.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Good. jI'd want nothjing lesss forr mjy guesstss."

The aroma beneath the silver dome at the table's center was creeping out by degrees, betraying a scent almost totally unfamiliar to Taataani, but one that did not at all seem repellent. Lyaster waited for the interlude to finish before revealing the secret, but the Rrou'fai's nose was already causing a bit of culinary wanderlust, which she diverted by moving on to something else equally interesting.

"Tell me, Captajin. jYou and Massterr Vjymess have known each otherr forr qujite a long tjime, ne? Tell me how jyou met."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

It was a question that pulled her back to the others around her, and blinking, s'Il turned slowly to look at Taa. Blinking owlishly, the Lupine considered her next words with thoughtful care. Not out of any sort of fear of reprisal or anger, but rather respect.

"It was here, in the Cluster."

The scents dancing their way through the air around them were enticing and curious, but her attentions remained fixed upon the Meorrrei matron.

"During the Sieges."

A small amount of levity laced her next words, as her eye shifted to glance sidelong to the Jedi.

"I did not much care for him back then."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"jYou fought jin the ssjiegess herre?" Aleeha replied with a bit of surprise as she returned her milk-stupored daughter to the bassinet.

This was something new. It was one thing to know someone from the other side, and another to know that they'd played a more-or-less direct hand in bringing war to your own doorstep.

"Aleeha, na'isaa e'ihe kauuraahi." Taataani replied in Cizeri with an equivalent of what of it? A speared morsel of fruit was momentarily set aside as the matron laced her fingers together in her lap.

"jYou werre jusst a cub."

Now finally able to eat for herself, Aleeha carved into one of the fruit arrangements herself.

"jI mean no offensse, jI'm jusst currjiouss. jIt'ss not ljike we werre bombed herre. jI'd hearrd sstorrjiess frrom mjy sschoolmatess. Ssome of thejirr motherrss had fought."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il fixed Aleeha with a reassuring glance, allaying any worry over offense. On the contrary it had been s'Il herself who had been cautious to not do the same to her hosts.

"It was a chaotic time for us all," she started, "... and one that I am glad is behind us."

There was a certain tiredness that seemed to trickle into her words at mention of the civil war. The time before the Empire's rise had been just as fraught with danger, though from her position it was more sanctioned than where she had found herself afterwards. Afterwards, it had been a panicked rush to simply survive.

But the turn of this conversation was not about the time after, but the time during.

"I was still just a padawan then; Master Vymes was a knight."

[Zem Vymes]

"You didn't care for me much then?"

Zem replied, somewhat cheekily, to add a bit of levity to the matter. No one was much interested in picking at the scabs of the clone wars. He half-smiled, taking a bite of fruit.

"Can't imagine why."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"I found Master Vymes to be impulsive and reckless, upon our first meeting."

Words spoken to assuage to harsher stage of this telling.

"I'd spent a large amount of time with my own master, and was not used to this notion of actions done away from the order. Not that they were out of line with the old tenets... just that, war has a way of coloring men in a light that was a shade off."

A sly glance to Zem.

"Then again, perhaps not. I was young, and new to so many things."

[Zem Vymes]

Zem's smile broadened a bit at her retelling. Now with the benefit of time and relatively-happy outcomes, there were no ill feelings in it.

"I flew as a fighter ace at the start of the sieges. I first met her with the fleet at the beginning of the campaign. She spent a bit of time living in the shadow of her master - a Jedi named Mace Windu."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

At the mention of the infamous Jedi Master, Taataani's eyes widened a bit.

"Generral Wjindu? He wass one of the hjighesst rrankjing leaderrss of the arrmjy, ne?"

There had been no shortage of unflattering propaganda spread about him, leaving the opinion on the confederate side of the line that he was a cruel warlord.

"Wassn't therre a sstorrjy of hjim desstrrojyjing an arrmjy on Dantoojine all bjy hjimsself?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Zem's naming of Master Windu was not surprising, though neither was Taataani's reaction. It was no real stretch of the imagination to surmise that the Confederacy had done their best to paint her old master with an angry brush. It would have been surprising if they'd not.

"Master Windu was one of the old Order's best," she conceded with a nod.

"His time on Dantooine was ended in victory, though not without loss. I was with him, though he'd had me stay with a squadron of clones that had been sent to help fortify the main staging area."

In her memories she could still feel the earth shake every time the droids had activated the seismic tank, and the almost helpless feeling that engulfed her as the reports began to filter back, of the massive devastation that had been caused to the clone ranks. Master Windu had won the battle, but the price paid had been terribly high.

"He was a patient man, in his own right," she went on, "... though not without his limits."

A small chuckle escaped her lips then.

"I must admit that I found those limits a few times myself."

[Zem Vymes]

"I'm shocked to hear that." Vymes commented dryly, not fully concealing a grin before it hid behind his wine glass.

"I've seen banthas pulled away from water that are less stubborn than you."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

A bit of an amused smirk showed on his features as Kirro gave a sideways look to the Jedi Master. The fondness that the man spoke with was plain to both see and hear, and in a way it reminded him of Taataani when they were alone. To hear such talk gave him a small amount of enjoyment, that this little venture of Taa's was on the way to bearing fruit. Lifting his own glass, he allowed himself the barest of sips. He couldn't help but nudge the two further along.

"Forr all of the rrjight rreassonss, jI hope."

[Zem Vymes]

Zem made a show of skewering Lok with an appraising glance that lasted a bit long. He couldn't quite keep a straight face, instead falling into a half smile that would have blown a sabacc player's career.

"For the most part, Kirro. She gives on the little things, and when she doesn't give, she makes me want to be a better person."

It was odd talking about this dynamic in the company of friends, mainly because Zem had never managed to find the words to explain it to himself. For all the arguments they'd ever had, he couldn't think of a single one where they'd come away from it without the chance to reconcile. With so much time between them, who else could say the same?

"When we first met, I guess some of that was happening. We were both behind the cause, doing whatever we could to give our all. I took risks she didn't like. She seemed severe. Then..."

The Jedi Master glanced at his wine glass.

"...during the purge, we were doing it all over again. Only it was just us. We sanded down each other's rough edges where we could, and adapted to fit where we couldn't."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

To hear such words from him was a curiosity. She had always pondered those old times, sending herself back into the recesses of her memory to rediscover the things that they each did to draw themselves closer to one another. Whether unintentional or not, it never failed to give her pause. To wonder why things happened as they did. She dared not question the will of the Force; inf act she thanked it almost every day.

"Master Vymes was much more knowledgeable of the galaxy than I was at the time," she picked up with a sense of slowness, as though she was reliving those old times.

"I wasn't completely ignorant, but my time until the Civil War had been spent mostly on Coruscant. There was so much that I didn't know."

She exhaled.

"But it is as he said; we adapted and grew. We had to."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani listened to the two soon-to-be lovers sharing their story of togetherness. The circumstances bringing them together seemed so severe and alien to her, but the fundamentals were no stranger to the first woman of the house.

"jI can't jimagjine how djiffjicult thosse jyearrss musst have been."

Pain. Sacrifice. Deprivation. Fear. One of the first things Taataani remembered about Loklorien s'Ilancy was that she had a face that had seen many stories. And while not all of them were bound to be happy, the fact that they were here spoke to the virtue of perseverence. And in that lens she too examined Zem Vymes. As handsome as he was, it was almost haunting. The Rrou'fai was careful not to project her own assumptions of masculine vulnerability here. He was in his own way as much of a romantic hero as s'Ilancy. Maybe that was what made these two so alluring? Each had their strength and their wounds.

"jI don't mean to make cassual talk of the sstrruggle, but do jyou thjink jit makess the rrewarrd morre ssweet?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

A bit of thought descended upon her, masked in silence as she considered Taataani's question. It was one that merited considering, she felt, and mulling over each word, the Lupine sent her eye across the table to Zem.

Finally, she spoke.

"There is a deeper measure of understanding and satisfaction, I think. I suppose there is a sweeter note to the whole thing, but there is also something more. Something... beyond words."

Was there any way to truly quantify a correct answer? Was there even a correct answer? It was all so dependent on interpretations. On what was said and what wasn't said. Another moment passed before she let her gaze track to Taa.

"That is about the only answer that I can give you."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"jI am not sspeakjing of anjythjing terrrjibljy hjigh-mjinded."

Taataani daubed her lower lip with the corner of a napkin, having dispensed with the last of her interlude dish. No-doubt Lyaster was waiting in the wings to present the next course as everyone else was ready to move on.

"Put assjide forr a moment the warr, the state of the Jedji, and whateverr phjilossophjy drrove jyou there. Therre'ss jyou..."

She pointed to Lok.

"And jyou."

And then to Zem.

"When djid jyou know?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

At that she frowned. She looked to Zem again, sending him a questioning look. But, it was quickly replaced with a strange sort of tacked-on curiosity, driven by the sudden desire to know when it was that he'd come to the realization. She'd known after Hoth, and perhaps he knew that as well, but s'Il wished to know when that moment for him occurred. It was the more unknown quantity for all parties involved.

"I am curious of that as well," she spoke in a low, probing tone.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

"Gentlemen fjirrsst? jI'd thjink jyou exceedjingly good mannerred jif jI djidn't know betterr."

The Rrou'fai needled at will, feigning interest in the status of her claws. So shy. Didn't the Jedi have anything speaking to fortune favoring the bold?

Her blues rose to meet Zem's expression.

"And a prroperr Cizeri man mjight demurr. jI'm hopjing forr jimprroprrjietjy. jI'm told wjith forrejign forrda prreparratjion, the trrjick jiss to eat beforre the djissh becomess cold."

If these two rabbits did little more than preen and stare at each other, Taataani would be horribly put-out by this endeavor.

[Zem Vymes]

"I don't mind at all, Senator." Vymes ventured, sating the Rrou'fai's hungry curiosity before it could get off it's leash.

"At our lowest point on the run, we traveled to a planet called Boz Pity. It's...you might remember it..."

"jIt wass a battlegrround jin the warr, wassn't jit?" Aleeha queried, to which the Jedi Master nodded.

"We were cut off from our friends. Out of fuel. Out of options. During that time, I..."

It was painful to recount, but there was something previously unsaid in the retelling.

"I parted ways with her, for what I figured would be for good. I'd seen what happened to good Jedi who had given in to despair and anger. I'd seen what they'd become. I could feel something inside me that I didn't know how to stop. The last thing I wanted was to pass that poison to Loklorien."

He looked to his reunited companion.

"That wasn't the only reason. I wasn't a Jedi, trying to protect his student. We used to be taught that love was forbidden. Even when you don't go looking for it, it can look for you. I knew that I had to do what was right for her, even if it hurt us terribly."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

There was a level look that met his eyes, and s'Il listened in silence. It was a silence that grew after he'd finished speaking, and blinking, the Lupine realized that she was the one expected to speak next. She couldn't help but balk slightly. Such talk, in such a public atmosphere, ran against everything that she felt was... right. Inner thoughts and confessions were just that; inner. She was hesitant to delve too deeply in the company of others, but gamely spoke up, if not in a slightly stilted voice.

"It was... on Hoth; when I knew."

Her brow knit.

"I am not good with colorful words or speaking deeper thoughts, I apologize."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Sensing that perhaps she'd ventured too far, Taataani relented with a slightly-raised hand.

"No matterr, dearr."

The emotion was the sauce, after all. She'd heard Zem pour his heart out, and saw how it moved Loklorien.

"jI'm ssjimpljy currjiouss to the cjirrcumsstancess. Sstarr-crrosssed Jedji loverrss, jinsseperrable bjy warr and harrdsshjip. Even jincomplete, the sstorrjy jiss beautjiful jin jit'ss potentjial."

Lyaster still hovered, and with her appetite for story momentarily stymied, the Senator permitted her Zeltron husband to raise the dish and move on to other appetites. The silver bell raised, and for a moment, Taataani leaned back in confusion at the sight.

"A standing rib roast of Kaatho." Lyaster offered, repeating the chef's description for the diners.

The Rrou'fai leaned closer, eyeing the browned thing. It was so alien and yet so familiar, from the strange colors to the unknown scents. And despite it's foreign appearance, it did not appear at all unpleasant. Ears raised, Taataani reached a hand out, only to be politely turned back by Lyaster, who raised a prong and a knife for emphasis.

"Taataani, a roast is to be carved."

Stymied, the Rrou-fai sank back in her chair. Carved, how queer. Statues were to be carved.

"Farr be jit frrom me to djimjinjissh the sspectacle." she quipped with a glib tone.

[Kirro Meorrrei]

His hands primly nestled in his lap, Kirro watched and listened, though his attentions were equally taken by their next course as much as his wife's. This notion of cutting up meat before eating was certainly queer, but he was determined to see this dinner through to the end. After all, he had a lot riding on the happiness of their guests, and much of that was on his own evening's charge sitting beside him. The Master Jedi had seemed thus far entirely game for everything presented to him, from the new suit of clothes he now wore to the haircut. Even the meal up until now had been enjoyed; that much Kirro could tell.

Looking to the Captain, he gave a deferential nod as Lyaster went about carving their food with the same expertise that he afforded Taataani when applying her makeup.

"We arre currjious, Captajin. jIt jissn't often that we have the opporrtunjity to peek jinto the ljivess of otherrss jin ssuch a fasshjion," a smile as he went on, "... sso pleasse forrgjive ourr excjitement. jYourr ljivess arre fasscjinatjing, and... "

A sideways glance to Master Vymes before he let his eyes return to Loklorien, "... ssome would ssajy only jusst begjinnjing, ne?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Now that was a strange way of looking at things. 'Only just beginning'? There was a small amount of confusion that clouded her features at the effort of parsing such a phrase. But, it was a look that she wrestled back into a neutral line, telling herself that she would ask Zem about it at a later time. The way that Kirro looked at the Jedi Master made it seem as though this sentiment was universally known.

The Lupine instead focused on the meal that Lyaster was placing on each of their plates, beginning of course with Taataani's. Even the way that he lay each slice down upon delicate porcelain was like some grand art exhibition.

[Zem Vymes]

"Oh, thank you."

Zem leaned away from his plate, allowing Lyaster enough room to carefully array a few sliced portions of kaatho. He had time enough to wait, looking at Lok as she seemed somewhat stymied by Kirro's question.

"Lifelong commitment is something I think most Jedi are familiar with. We pledge ourselves to the Order, forever. Of course, some of us much younger than others."

Lok had come into the Jedi at a much older age than Zem had, that was certain. Unlike Zem, she had knowledge of the life she was leaving, even if just a glimpse of youth.

"I had no life to leave behind when I joined the Jedi, but I've chosen what I want now."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She couldn't wrap her mind around Kirro's question, but Zem's last words were infinitely clear. She blinked, staring at the Jedi Master quietly and letting his words sink in. Taataani's own words from before echoed through her thoughts, then.

"He'ss gjiven a ljife of sserrvjice to hjiss orrderr, and jit sseemss to me therre jiss but one thjing he'ss assked forr hjimsself. Not money, norr fame, norr accoladess orr honorr. One thjing."

One thing he'd asked for himself... it made her heart skip a beat to see what Taa had spoken of displayed before her, hearing it with her own ears and seeing with her own eye the man that sat across from her. Again she fell into recent memory, so fresh and vibrant.

The meal that had been placed so delicately on her plate was almost entirely ignored until the last possible moment. Licking lips that had suddenly gone dry, the Lupine finally cast a fleeting gaze to the kaatho, then to Taataani. Decorum at least still reigned - for the time being - and s'Il waited until their host had her first bite before even venturing a hand to her fork.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

Taataani plied the use of foreign utensils against the sliced kaatho on her plate. The brown of the exterior had given away to a deep and rosy hue of flesh beneath. It couldn't be mistaken for proper kaatho, but there was something still appealing in the transformation. She prodded with the tines of her fork, holding steady while her other hand slid a knife carefully along the grain, shearing a portion with the barest effort. How unusual. The Rrou'fai dredged the first morsel in a trail of sanguine leavings, holding it aloft for a moment before it passed between lips.

It would do little good to appear the braggart and openly sing the praise of her own hired cook. Taataani merely daubed her lips with a napkin, gave an approving nod to Lyaster, and addressed Master Vymes's revelation.

"jI commend jyou, Massterr Vjymess. Forr one who gjivess of hjimsself sso frreeljy, jit would be wrrong werre the galaxjy to ssee generrossjitjy unbalanced. That jissn't to ssajy one jiss entjitled, but therre'ss rromance jin balance jI thjink."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro mimicked his wife, waiting of course until she had swallowed. A cunning smile peeked through only barely as he watched her; he knew that immediate expression, that need to begin extolling the virtues of her masterful choice in cooks. He'd seen her make that very same expression so many times, and each time she would always lean in, whispering some mention of her prowess in his ear, her breath warm and teasing against the whisper-thin , delicately manicured furninshings. It was almost always an act that caused an inward shudder of pleasure to run through his body.

But now, in the company of others, he merely reciprocated the look with an understanding expression of his own, a twinkle glittering in his eyes.

And when she gave her nod to Lyaster, Kirro carefully returned his gaze to his own plate, taking up the utensils with grace before slicing off a small bite. Like Taataani, he passed it through the delicate jus, then brought it up to his mouth. It was divine, despite everything. Certainly not enough to turn him from the normal fair he usually partook in, but it was certainly nothing to turn one's nose up at either. He chewed, then swallowed.

A smile, and he looked across the table to the Captain.

"jI trrusst thjiss meetss wjith jyourr apprroval?"?"

[Zem Vymes]

Taataani's words had given Zem food for thought to pair with his actual food, and as he swallowed a bite of his main course, the Jedi Master carefully set aside his utensils.

"That is, I think, the most nuanced way of explaining it that I've heard, Madame Senator. The Jedi have traditionally been concerned over these feelings. Any feeling, really, that could bind a Jedi to anything else. Attachment, they see as a gateway to possession. I don't disagree with their caution, but in finding myself open to those feelings, I feel the difference."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

The kaatho had fairly dissolved in her mouth, releasing a myriad of taste and flavor that she could not remember experiencing in a very long while. It was delicate, yet held a savory note that was firm in its' presence. Her eyes, half-lidded, stared across the table's expanse at Kirro, and swallowing, the Lupine could only afford him a simple nod. It was exquisite, this meal. Zem's words brought her awareness back however, eyes shifting up to settle on him.

What he spoke of was far more weighty than the meal they all shared. It seemed strange to her, in this moment, to speak of such things in their current company. Oh, she and Taataani had had many conversations of somber topics before, but that was when she was still living aboard Layla. Now they all seemed centuries beyond those times. Stepped into a new field of interaction that - at times - left her behind and struggling to catch up.

"It was forbidden. I asked Master Windu about it once, and he was very firm on the matter. It was unallowed, and that was that. No questions."

A moment later, she couldn't help the henh that escaped.

"Not the first time a Padawan has disobeyed their Master."

[Taataani Meorrrei]

It was a curious schism to the outside observer, and Taataani dwelled upon Loklorien's words through her next bite.

"Mjy brrjief sstajy amongsst the Jedji fleet jin hjidjing gave me an jintjimate jinssjight mosst don't get. jI sstjill rrememberr mjy perrceptjionss of the orrderr asss a jyoung woman. Rrjigjid, aussterre, and dogmatjic. Rressjisstant to change."

The Senator's ears fell a measure.

"Don't mjisstake what jI am about to ssajy asss callouss, but the Orrderr'ss fall at the end of the Clone Warrss, jI thjink jit gave the Jedji ljicensse to fjinalljy conssjiderr thejirr fundamentalss. jI ssaw jit then, and jI ssee jit now."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

Kirro watched in silence, punctuated only by a few bites here and there of his main course. It was delightful, and while not what he normally preferred, he would not turn it away if it was ever offered again. His wife's words arrested his attentions however, and he let his eyes settle on her gently. Her words rang true, in as much as he was aware of the more recent times, at least. The Clone Wars were a bit before him, and so his knowledge was not so thorough as Taataani's. But he could understand the notions that she was pulling away the layers of, and to an extent, his studies had at least instilled knowledge of the old Jedi Order in him to a degree.

Swallowing a last bite, Kirro took his eyes from Taa, letting them fall to Master Vymes.

"A unjique opporrtunjitjy, jyess?" He smiled wrapping fingers slowly around the stem of his wine glass.

"To sstand at ssuch a crrosssrroadss, to begjin a frressh chapterr of the Jedji."

[Zem Vymes]

An opportunity, certainly.

Zem considered the words of his Cizerack hosts. The matron of the family was an entrepreneur. It was her nature to sense opportunity. But she also dealt in risk. What did risk mean for one such as her, compared to that of the Jedi?

"I think..."

Zem began as he swirled the wine in his glass.

"...that no matter what, we cannot return to the Order that was. Where that takes us as a group, and where that takes those around us..."

His eyes met those of Lok's.

"...the will of the Force guides it. It always will."

It was the best he could offer. Trust in something unseen was as risky as anything the Matron could throw at him. But it was all he'd ever known.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

"...the will of the Force guides it. It always will."

From across the table, she stared at him. His voice had arrested her attentions so thoroughly that for the moment, her meal forgotten as the two locked eyes. Time seemed to freeze... and yet, it continued to march on without awaiting for any chance at regrouping.



* * *


The rest of their dinner, and indeed the dessert provided had been nothing short of wondrous. A feast for both the eyes and the tongue, it seemed every bit a meal fit for the highest of royalties. Artful arrangements, delicate garnishes, brilliant colors, everything was lavish and opulent. Everything was the epitome of elegance. It confounded and delighted all at once, and the Lupine soaked in what she could while still maintaining as much of a hold on her own wits as possible. Everything was just... it was beyond her, simply put. Even as the last of their dessert dishes were removed she had to wonder if there was some sort of other delicacy.

Thankfully, it did not come, and she felt spared. Spared the fate of further waiting.

Even as their hosts filtered away, Aleeha excusing herself to tend to her youngling, and Lyaster and Kirro bowing out, everything seemed to move as Ithorian tree sap; slow and methodical.

Taataani had insisted on escorting her two guests to the entrance of the gardens once more, but after the barest measure of smalltalk, she herself bid her goodnights and farewells. The Lupine couldn't help but watch her leave. Whatever it was the Matron was intent on, s'Il found herself equally frustrated and elated. She now found herself in that moment of limbo; a moment that she felt helpless from. Never before had she been so cast from solid ground. And turning back to Zem, she couldn't help the instinctive motions of her hands, folding together in front of her.

She stared at him, blinked, and bit her lip.

Finally.

"I... it is still strange. Seeing you like this."

Well that was certainly a way to start. Not the best by any measure.

[Zem Vymes]

Seemingly conscious of the change in his appearance for the first time, Zem traced fingers along the lines of his jacket. It had been a considerable visual transformation that Arr Meorrrei had put into play. Yet, how much of it was artifice?

"Have I changed so much? Have you?"

Taataani's handiwork likewise lay in every stitch that adorned Loklorien. She looked every bit as dazzling as the plumed birds in the arboretum. But he'd never been led astray by illusion. Nothing she wore or carried with her distracted what he truly had eyes for.

"I've thought about how this moment would pass. The places, the circumstances, they were always changeable. The only thing I saw for certain was you'd be with me, wherever that might be."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

She smiled at that, one hand moving down to take his.

"You've not changed, no." There was a soft chuckle then, as she finally broke her eye away to stare skyward, taking in the glittering stars. They glittered like jewels.

"Or perhaps you have. Perhaps we both have. It is not so bad of a thing though, I think. I suspect that the both of us needed to change."

She gave his hand a squeeze.

"And it is a possibility that those changes made us stronger; made us the people we needed to be."

She let her head angle back down, giving a ghostly smile.

"Ask me again," came the whispered words.

[Zem Vymes]

Zem took a moment to gather himself for the refrain. She was ready to hear it. He was ready to say it. Now, he wanted to live fully in this moment. In this place, with all of it's intentional beauty. Amid the gardens and the topiaries, with their path lit by lanterns and fireflies, and the bright brilliant moon above. The Carshoulis night gave the moment the dreamlike glow of his imagination. It shone on her dress, on her skin, and in her eyes.

"Loklorien s'Ilancy,"

Zem's hand clasped over her own. For all the beauty around him faded away. It was as he'd always seen it. He only saw her.

"Will you marry me?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Her bare smile grew by a fraction. His words filled her world. She felt separated from the earth they both now stood upon, but where she felt transported to now, it was an existence that she found herself desperately craving. They had seen so much together, and so much apart. Now, they had joined once more, and everything here, now, felt as how it was supposed to feel.

She stepped forward then, lifting herself higher on her toes and placing a soft kiss to his cheek before her lips slid to his ear.

"Yes."

[Zem Vymes]

Zem took the whispered word, and the kiss to his cheek. Small, and yet, profound in ways that he'd been searching for so long to find. For all their storied history and shared moments, this was the true beginning of their road. The paths they'd walked had always been so close. Occasionally with one set of steps straying from the other. From here on, there were only a single set of steps to be forseen.

Vymes leaned close, his lips meeting Loklorien's in the tender embrace of lovers. There was no discord in feeling; no conflict. It was as if it was meant to be.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

She watched two become one from the comfort of her bedchambers. The holograms of Loklorien s'Ilancy and Zem Vymes committed themselves to each other, seemingly alone to the galaxy. Taataani smiled at the sight.

"Hologrram off."

The image of lovers evaporated into mist, leaving Taataani in the company of her two attentive husbands, already dressed down and laying in bed. The Rrou'fai turned, her night gown catching the moonlight in the nearest bay window. She doubted her innocent spying went any less unobserved than before, but her two guests were here to play by her rules, more or less. And the spying was innocent enough.

Taataani slipped into the covers between her husbands, giving each man a kiss on the cheek.

"We've done a wonderrfulljy good deed forr the njight, mjy loveljiess."

[Kirro Meorrrei]

The luxurious, two thousand threadcount Calanic silk sheets were like heaven upon his skin, and Kirro let his tail shift smoothly between them. Like an emerald eel in the Crystal Lakes, the tufted appendage slipped lazily to wrap around Taataani's ankle as she made herself comfortable.

Propping himself up on one elbow, he looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"All at jyourr jinssjisstence, Taataani."

He smiled knowingly.

[Taataani Meorrrei]

With Lyaster's arm draped over her shoulder, Taataani turned to face Kirro. Gone for the evening was her fine hairpiece, in it's place was the plain tuft of thin grey hair that no one beyond her innermost circle ever saw. It made her look older and more plain than she'd ever outwardly betray.

"All of the jinssjisstence jin the worrld can't command love. jYou could bankrrupt the galaxjy and neverr bujy jit, darrljing Kirro. jIt obejyss no massterrss, heedss no boundarrjiess."

The Rrou'fai's hand cradled her younger spouse's cheek.

"All we djid wass sset the table, dangljing hope frrom a thrread. jI've neverr trreated love wjith anjythjing lesss than the rresspect jit'ss due."