Behind Walls of Stone

satinekryze:

knightobiwan:

Wren followed her lead and turned toward the greenhouse. “I would like that very much. I have a weakness for green things— they are so very rare on Pantora.” He smiled briefly. “Most of the year it is too cold for most plants. Only during the wet summer months do they emerge.”

As they approached the greenhouse, Wren spotted a figure leaning easily in the crook of an ancient, twisted tree. He wore plain brown robes, like the older guardian who was following them, but this one was much younger and even relatively attractive by most standards. His brow was furrowed as he spoke into a comlink, his thoughts obviously deeply preoccupied. As they drew closer, however, the young man looked up and seemed to lose hold of whatever he was talking about on the comlink. He stared at the Pantoran and the Duchess for a long moment, and then, as though suddenly remembering his place, shifted and turned his attention back to the comlink. He continued to pay close attention, however, and his interest was not lost on Wren.

“Ah, purple saxifrage,” he remarked with a smile, stooping to admire a bed of delicate star-shaped flowers. “One of the few precious flora native to Pantora.”

Satine didn’t see Obi-Wan, her mind was occupied with her new…friend.  She reached out to touch one of the flowers and it curled in on itself, as if in fear.  ”They’re one of my favorite flowers,” she said softly.  ”When I was a girl I thought them shy.”  She laughed a little at her own folly.  ”But they aren’t.  It’s a defense mechanism, but you know that.  I’m rambling, aren’t I?” her cheeks colored a bit and she stood up strait, rubbing at her own arm, a bit uncertain.

Wren chuckled and watched as she struggled with casual conversation. “Not at all. I find it interesting.” He got the impression that she wasn’t accustomed to just talking to people— especially about anything that wasn’t related to politics. He didn’t mind. She would learn.

“When I was a boy, I read a story about a legendary botanist who prized his daughter above all other things. He had a plant which produced a toxin so deadly, so much as a touch could kill a man. So when his daughter was born, he very slowly weaned her onto this poison, enabling her to build an incredible tolerance. He fed her this poison, kept it steadily flowing through her veins, to the extent that if she touched another living thing, it would instantly die. The story illustrated how, when she reached out to touch one of her father’s flowers, it immediately wilted under her touch.”

He smiled down at the saxifrage. “As a child, I too had my fantasies about this flower. I pondered what it would like to have such a deadly touch. Such ponderings taught me many things about myself and my life.”

Behind Walls of Stone

satinekryze:

knightobiwan:

He gave her his arm and led her through the grand entrance of the hall, a small entourage falling into step a respectful distance behind him. It included his personal secretary and two of his guards, as well as Qui-Gon and two more of her guards. He paid the followers little heed— he had grown accustomed to never being alone, and he was certain she had as well.

Leading her out one of the side entrances of the palace into the gardens— he had studied the layout of the place before his arrival— he pondered the beautiful city of Sundari. “This place does not have the looks of a world at war,” he remarked, letting the sun warm his face. “The New Mandalorians must be truly dedicated to the cause of peace.” And he meant every word as a compliment. Many worlds chased after the fleeting dream of pacifism, only to fall victim to the ugly reality of war.

“We are dedicated, but dedication does not always yield results and there are always those who would seek to upend what we have done here,” she said softly.  ”The green-house is this way if you’d like to see some of our flowers.  We have a very good gardener,” she said, trying to change the subject.  If they were to be friends, they would have to find common ground on something other than politics and catering to what her well-known opinion was didn’t really interest her.

Wren followed her lead and turned toward the greenhouse. “I would like that very much. I have a weakness for green things— they are so very rare on Pantora.” He smiled briefly. “Most of the year it is too cold for most plants. Only during the wet summer months do they emerge.”

As they approached the greenhouse, Wren spotted a figure leaning easily in the crook of an ancient, twisted tree. He wore plain brown robes, like the older guardian who was following them, but this one was much younger and even relatively attractive by most standards. His brow was furrowed as he spoke into a comlink, his thoughts obviously deeply preoccupied. As they drew closer, however, the young man looked up and seemed to lose hold of whatever he was talking about on the comlink. He stared at the Pantoran and the Duchess for a long moment, and then, as though suddenly remembering his place, shifted and turned his attention back to the comlink. He continued to pay close attention, however, and his interest was not lost on Wren.

“Ah, purple saxifrage,” he remarked with a smile, stooping to admire a bed of delicate star-shaped flowers. “One of the few precious flora native to Pantora.”

Behind Walls of Stone

satinekryze:

knightobiwan:

Wren smiled softly at her. Politics were ruthless, and politics on Mandalore not the least so. He could understand her confusion— years of cutthroat competition for power had shaped her into a calculating woman accustomed to using others and being used, all in the name of a wicked game. And that was precisely why she needed him, even more than he desired her. She needed to find out what it meant to have someone who wasn’t a part of any of that.

“If I may be so bold, Duchess, might I ask that we continue this discussion on a walk? It has been a long trip, and I could use a bit of air.” He offered his hand with a bow.

She had no reason to believe the Pantoran man would try to hurt her.  Pantora had no quarrel with Mandalore.  Still, she passed a look to Qui-Gon who stood near the door and he gave her a nod.  There was no deception coming from him.  He meant what he said.  She rose and slipped her small, pale hand into his large, gentle blue one.  ”A walk would do me good.  Thank you.”

He gave her his arm and led her through the grand entrance of the hall, a small entourage falling into step a respectful distance behind him. It included his personal secretary and two of his guards, as well as Qui-Gon and two more of her guards. He paid the followers little heed— he had grown accustomed to never being alone, and he was certain she had as well.

Leading her out one of the side entrances of the palace into the gardens— he had studied the layout of the place before his arrival— he pondered the beautiful city of Sundari. “This place does not have the looks of a world at war,” he remarked, letting the sun warm his face. “The New Mandalorians must be truly dedicated to the cause of peace.” And he meant every word as a compliment. Many worlds chased after the fleeting dream of pacifism, only to fall victim to the ugly reality of war.

Behind Walls of Stone

satinekryze:

knightobiwan:

The Pantoran’s smile dimmed just a little, his expression taking on a sad note. So it was true what they said about the woman. She was ruthless and cold, and the prospect of romance held no appeal to her whatsoever. He would have to tread carefully to gain her approval.

His gaze dropped for a moment as he considered his response, and when he looked up again, his gaze was full of honesty. “A friend,” he said with a shrug, uncertain what else to say. “We got along very well during the conference, I had merely hoped to foster the seeds that had been sewn… but if you think my presence is a waste of time, do not hesitate to tell me now, Duchess.”

Her brow furrowed as her brain struggled to compute this and not turn it into some bizarre power play.  ”I’m sorry?” was what came out of her mouth.  A friend?  That was never the answer.  He came all this way to make a friend?  He heard of the attack and just happened to stop in to check on her?  That…was… well, it was moving, was what it was.  She felt something melt in her chest towards the man, though she did not trust him yet.

Wren smiled softly at her. Politics were ruthless, and politics on Mandalore not the least so. He could understand her confusion— years of cutthroat competition for power had shaped her into a calculating woman accustomed to using others and being used, all in the name of a wicked game. And that was precisely why she needed him, even more than he desired her. She needed to find out what it meant to have someone who wasn’t a part of any of that.

“If I may be so bold, Duchess, might I ask that we continue this discussion on a walk? It has been a long trip, and I could use a bit of air.” He offered his hand with a bow.

Behind Walls of Stone

satinekryze:

knightobiwan:

He smiled as he crossed the room toward her, then swept into a low, flourishing bow. “Ah, but we are in need of Mandalorian aid more than ever,” he answered with a wry smile before straightening. “You see, upon the throne of Mandalore sits a beautiful Duchess who has captured the heart of a wishful Representative…”

He stopped himself and chuckled. “Forgive me, perhaps the theatrics are too much. Suffice to say, I heard about the solemn turn your duties have taken, and I am here to offer my company to lighten the burden. If you will have me.” He bowed his head, offering his deepest respect.

That brought her suspicion back fully.  Wanted to offer her company?  In exchange for what?  The comment about ‘capturing his heart’ was brushed aside.  Many had said so.  Many more had lied.  She looked down upon him and raised one eyebrow.  ”And what do you acquire if I acquiesce?”  She said this bluntly and coldly because she did not like being toyed with.  This was a waste of time.

The Pantoran’s smile dimmed just a little, his expression taking on a sad note. So it was true what they said about the woman. She was ruthless and cold, and the prospect of romance held no appeal to her whatsoever. He would have to tread carefully to gain her approval.

His gaze dropped for a moment as he considered his response, and when he looked up again, his gaze was full of honesty. “A friend,” he said with a shrug, uncertain what else to say. “We got along very well during the conference, I had merely hoped to foster the seeds that had been sewn… but if you think my presence is a waste of time, do not hesitate to tell me now, Duchess.”

Behind Walls of Stone

satinekryze:

knightobiwan:

[Note: for this thread I will be playing two characters. Obi-Wan, of course, and Satine’s new suitor. ;)]

Wren Chenoira had traveled a long way to visit Sundari, the domed New Mandalorian capitol. He had never actually visited the system before, and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of the city. After thousands of years of brutal warmongering, and hundreds of years of civil war, Mandalore didn’t have the most pleasant reputation in the Republic. The Duchess Satine, however, had struck him as quite opposite of all of that. And here, in this majestic city of polished glass and steel, littered with parks and gardens and lovingly kept by its pacifist citizens, he couldn’t imagine such outrageous tall-tales having any foothold.

He had heard about the unfortunate incident at the ball just prior to his departure for the system. It was a tarnishing black mark against the peaceful ideals of the New Mandalorians, and his heart went out to the Duchess and her people in its aftermath. Times were tenuous at best, and though his agenda was somewhat departed from offering moral support, he would lend her whatever strength he could.

The Duchess. He had met her once before, at a Senate conference on Coruscant. He had been cool-headed and professional, then, as was expected at a political function. But the lovely young creature had warmed his blood, and it was those feelings which had prompted his visit to Mandalore. He’d heard stories about the way she treated suitors, but he didn’t care. He had every intention of breaking the ice.

Upon arrival, he was escorted to her throne room. It was a high-ceiling place built from generous amounts of glass, with a vaulted ceiling that drew his eye to the beautiful young Duchess seated on a glowing amber throne. The Pantoran himself had assured he looked his best before departing his ship. He wore a dark blue tunic with loose trousers that tucked into high, polished boots, and a long cloak of white fur that was better suited to the cool temperament of his homeworld, Pantora. His light blue skin shone beautifully under the sunlight that streamed through the high windows, while his smooth black hair had been combed back from his face. All in all, he made for a very attractive young suitor— and unlike a certain Padawan, he knew it.

Satine sat up a little straighter when he entered the room.  ”Representative Chenoira, this is a surprise…” but not an unpleasant one.  He was learned and respectful and had appeared to share many of her concerns when she’d met him.  What was he doing here, she wondered.  ”I was not aware that the system of Pantora was in need of Mandalorian aid…or is this not why you came?”

For the life of her she couldn’t make sense of it.  What did he want?  The Pantorans were well able to take care of themselves, and Satine could promise no military aid…

He smiled as he crossed the room toward her, then swept into a low, flourishing bow. “Ah, but we are in need of Mandalorian aid more than ever,” he answered with a wry smile before straightening. “You see, upon the throne of Mandalore sits a beautiful Duchess who has captured the heart of a wishful Representative…”

He stopped himself and chuckled. “Forgive me, perhaps the theatrics are too much. Suffice to say, I heard about the solemn turn your duties have taken, and I am here to offer my company to lighten the burden. If you will have me.” He bowed his head, offering his deepest respect.

Behind Walls of Stone

satinekryze:

It had been days since Qui-Gon had caught Satine and Obi-Wan with their lips almost touching and the two young people had barely said a word to one another.  Satine, for her part, could barely look at the padawan without feeling shame well in her stomach.  He had vows and she did too (however informal they were).  Qui-Gon often stood guard over the throne room now, though he was a quiet man and kept to himself, usually staying near the door where he’d occasionally say something to one of her security team, but she never knew what it was.

Her days were spent in a flurry of activity.  Repairs had to be arranged, the funerals for the men and women who had died in her service…the thought made her sick.  The Death Watch had to be stopped.  She buried herself in bureaucracy trying to forget the state of her heart and the pain of her loss.  It was working, except at night, when the anxieties would knot in her stomach again.

She slept very poorly the night before, and expected this night would be no better.  The funerals were today, and though she knew she had to be there as the Duchess…Satine, however wished she could avoid the matter entirely.  Her heart was a little broken, and things were in turmoil in her mind and heart, but ceremony brought normalcy, and not just to her.  Her people needed this, and maybe so did she; to remind her of the price they all paid for peace…of the terror it rained upon their heads.

[Note: for this thread I will be playing two characters. Obi-Wan, of course, and Satine’s new suitor. ;)]

Wren Chenoira had traveled a long way to visit Sundari, the domed New Mandalorian capitol. He had never actually visited the system before, and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere of the city. After thousands of years of brutal warmongering, and hundreds of years of civil war, Mandalore didn’t have the most pleasant reputation in the Republic. The Duchess Satine, however, had struck him as quite opposite of all of that. And here, in this majestic city of polished glass and steel, littered with parks and gardens and lovingly kept by its pacifist citizens, he couldn’t imagine such outrageous tall-tales having any foothold.

He had heard about the unfortunate incident at the ball just prior to his departure for the system. It was a tarnishing black mark against the peaceful ideals of the New Mandalorians, and his heart went out to the Duchess and her people in its aftermath. Times were tenuous at best, and though his agenda was somewhat departed from offering moral support, he would lend her whatever strength he could.

The Duchess. He had met her once before, at a Senate conference on Coruscant. He had been cool-headed and professional, then, as was expected at a political function. But the lovely young creature had warmed his blood, and it was those feelings which had prompted his visit to Mandalore. He’d heard stories about the way she treated suitors, but he didn’t care. He had every intention of breaking the ice.

Upon arrival, he was escorted to her throne room. It was a high-ceiling place built from generous amounts of glass, with a vaulted ceiling that drew his eye to the beautiful young Duchess seated on a glowing amber throne. The Pantoran himself had assured he looked his best before departing his ship. He wore a dark blue tunic with loose trousers that tucked into high, polished boots, and a long cloak of white fur that was better suited to the cool temperament of his homeworld, Pantora. His light blue skin shone beautifully under the sunlight that streamed through the high windows, while his smooth black hair had been combed back from his face. All in all, he made for a very attractive young suitor— and unlike a certain Padawan, he knew it.

satinekryze:

masterquigon:

knightobiwan:

She leaned closer, her lips drawing closer toward him. They were only inches apart. The whisper of her voice was enticing, intoxicating even— and he was fairly certain he’d never quite felt this way before. Her request for a kiss surprised him, but even in the face of the Jedi Code, he found himself eager. And suddenly, he let all of his training slip through his fingers and he leaned down to kiss her, his eyes closing as his lips brushed hers.

Qui-Gon was tired and bruised.  He was sporting a laser burn on his right shoulder but before he got it treated he wanted to make sure his Padawan and the Duchess were safe.  He opened the door and his eyes widened slightly at their compromising position.  So much for them hating each other…

“When I told you to protect the Duchess…this is not what I had in mind.”  He crossed his arms and smiled a little, but only a bit, at the corner of his mouth.  Obi-Wan would see it. He wasn’t angry or disappointed, though they would have to have a talk about attachment…. “But it’s a more creative way, I’ll give you that.”  

Satine jerked away and put a hand over her mouth.  If she’d gotten the Padawan in trouble, she’d be very upset with herself.  It hadn’t been her intention.  ”M-Master Qui-Gon I…” she looked at Obi-Wan helplessly.  What did they say?  What did they do?  This was a great point in the ‘don’t get involved with people’ column.

He put an arm on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring look before moving to clean up the med kit. He didn’t say anything to Qui-Gon, because there was nothing to say. Excuses and lies were no good against his Master; they both knew the truth— that he had been caught red handed— and there was no sense in trying to improve it.

He gathered the medical supplies and replaced the kit behind its panel, then moved to stand at attention before his Master. “Assuming the palace has been secured, I will hand over the Duchess to her personal security now.” He looked over his shoulder at her where she was sitting on his bed, and his face was unreadable.

satinekryze:

knightobiwan:

He met her gaze, his bright blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight as he smiled at her. “I appreciate that,” he replied, and after a moment’s hesitation added— “Milady.” He licked his lips before continuing. “And you are… quite beautiful. Though I’m certain you’re aware of the fact.” Most were aware of the fact. She had a reputation for giving the cold shoulder to droves of would-be suitors.

Perhaps now wasn’t the time for such conversations. But on the other hand, perhaps it was better to get her mind off of the attack and keep her calm.

Yes, she was aware that she was beautiful, but it had never mattered until it fell from his lips just then.  His lips… She attributed it to the head wound (and his kindness), but she had the sudden urge to kiss him.  It wasn’t an urge she ever had felt in her life, but there it was.  Her grey eyes went heavy lidded and she leaned in a little closer.  ”I would very much like to kiss you,” she whispered headily, not even sure she said it out loud.

She leaned closer, her lips drawing closer toward him. They were only inches apart. The whisper of her voice was enticing, intoxicating even— and he was fairly certain he’d never quite felt this way before. Her request for a kiss surprised him, but even in the face of the Jedi Code, he found himself eager. And suddenly, he let all of his training slip through his fingers and he leaned down to kiss her, his eyes closing as his lips brushed hers.

satinekryze:

knightobiwan:

Her cool hand was refreshing on his hot skin, and the sensation distracted him for a moment until she asked her question. It took him aback and he blinked at her, rendered speechless. Then he cleared his throat and searched for an appropriate response, but nothing was coming to mind. 

“Er,” he finally managed, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Do you really think so?” He dodged the question just a little, but he didn’t have any better answer.

She couldn’t help the laugh that sprung up out of her heart and into her throat.  She covered her mouth with her hands.  ”I’m sorry.  I don’t mean to laugh, you’re just…”  She couldn’t finish that sentence.  What was he?  Pure?  Sheltered?  Humble?  All of these things, certainly, but that was his definite appeal.  ”You’re very handsome, Obi-Wan.  You have wise eyes.”

He met her gaze, his bright blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight as he smiled at her. “I appreciate that,” he replied, and after a moment’s hesitation added— “Milady.” He licked his lips before continuing. “And you are… quite beautiful. Though I’m certain you’re aware of the fact.” Most were aware of the fact. She had a reputation for giving the cold shoulder to droves of would-be suitors.

Perhaps now wasn’t the time for such conversations. But on the other hand, perhaps it was better to get her mind off of the attack and keep her calm.