freedomliveson

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Trying to work in some Soto stuff as we go just to have her set up in a position where we can use her in whatever capacity we need her

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Bloody bantha, she heard the call.

He gave her a smile, shaking his head and telling her:
"No, not at all. My parents just wanted to check in. You know, seeing as we were on the news again." A chuckle followed by:
"Mom thinks I lost too much weight." He pointed to his cheeks as she mimicked his mother's "concerned" tone:
" 'Honey, it looks like you forgot how to eat!' I quickly informed her that we were, indeed, eating; however, fighting off threats to the galaxy burns off a LOT of calories. Speaking of calories, I dare say that we order dinner." Yerbol rose somewhat before plopping back down, his mind resolving to float the idea to her now rather than attempting to procrastinate and tell her when it might have been too late.
"But I HAVE been thinking, as my cheek can attest to." He turned to face her as he continued;
"Thinking about a lot of things, actually. The other 'stuff' you mentioned have been floating through my head, but more importantly, I think I know where our next stop should be." His chair scooted a bit closer to Aria.
"You talked about your mother, the memories you guys shared and I think...I think it might be kinda cool to go back to Onderon. See the planet through the eyes of someone who has been through a whole lot since she was last there. I'm not suggesting that we relive all the bad memories, but I wouldn't mind you showing me around where you spent some of your childhood. Besides, there are also some really awesome sights that I've heard about, including a newly built capital building that apparently walks you through the ENTIRE history of the planet in some kind of virtual reality simulator." Pausing, he took one of her hands in his.
"Of course, all those sights would pale in comparison to you walking me through some of your more cherished memories...and embarrassing moments. Because it would NOT be fair for my parents to show you those vids of me digging through mud with my dogs as a kid and not getting some insight into some of your more...intriguing moments." He laughed slightly, running a thumb over her knuckles.
"So what do you think? We've got the house for a couple of more days, but we can head out tomorrow if you want. The dogs might object to leaving the shore behind, but I'm sure Onderon would feature wide open plains for them to frolic...and chase things."

______

Biting down on the cloth, she managed to tighten the wrap around her bleeding upper arm with enough force to secure it in place. Cursing at another wave of pain that shot down her arm and into her fingers, she scanned the dimly lit corridor with satisfaction. Whatever resistance had been placed there was gone, the word of those communicated with her only a week earlier coming to fruition. There had been two guards posted at the exit of the first hallway that she hadn't expected, but that appeared to be an anomaly. That sentiment was only confirmed even more when she walked ahead through another set of automatic double doors into a drab, square shaped room that featured a few scattered chairs and doors that led to other parts of the complex. Chuckling loudly, she walked forward through the exit, taking a sharp inhale of the sewage tinged air.

Freedom never smelled so good.

Brushing away a stray lock of golden blonde hair, she reached into the pocket of her prison uniform, retrieving a pocket sized datapad that, upon activation, displayed a compass that would lead her to the benefactors that sprung her free. A small part of her wanted to abandon the datapad and forge her own course, but something nagged at her to pursue the identities of those who were willing to risk themselves for her sake. With datapad in hand, she ascended up a nearby metal staircase, kicking open a steel door that led onto an abandoned street.

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

They're too cute for their own good at this point. Seriously, it's almost unbearable xD.

Sounds good! I'll be posting later in the afternoon. Probably will leave it open for you to take them to Onderon, seeing as this would be a jaunt through Ari's past.

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

There we go!

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Playing with the children, eating some of the best steak sandwiches he had ever consumed(rapidly) and catching up with an old friend. It all just felt so...well, the words wouldn't come to describe the nearly overwhelming warmth and comfort that came from their hilariously fun excursion. When it came to the subject of excursions, Neta had some fantastic ideas that she floated for them before and during their meal, most of which sounded much more appealing than crawling through dark tombs in Wild Space. However, in Yerbol's mind, the gentle cascade of tides bubbling up against the shore and a small cabin replete with a luxurious interior sounded too wonderful to pass up. He was sure that the Selkath could forgive the duo for causing such a ruckus the first time they came to the planet; after all, Manaan was now a proud Alliance world. It was interesting that the Selkath would pledge themselves to the Alliance now that there was no conflict to speak of between Republic and Empire, but the political ramifications of their decision would be fodder for thought another time. At the moment, Yervobl was having too much fun watching Taral attempt to not accidentally hit the poor children with his sweeping tail. Chwuq seemed to be a bit more cautious with the children, but Taral was playing with a bit more...enthusiasm, which prompted the Champion to dismiss him outside.
"Getting restless. We should probably get going ourselves so we can hit the falls. Sounds like a nice jaunt through the wilderness without fearing for my life."
"Oh come on! It wasn't THAT bad! There was a wide enough berth so that your head would stay attached to those shoulders of yours."
"You can't pilot a speeder the same way you do a ship, Neta."
"Wimp."

It was good to see her.

___

They enjoyed their trek up through the forested area behind Neta's home, the path naturally snaking back down towards a more populated path that, when explored further, led to a trail that allowed a perfect view of the cascading falls that poured into a bubbling pool below flanked by more wilderness. While taking in the sights, the duo managed to blend in once again to their surroundings. A few onlookers managed to peg them for who they were, but for the most part, they just looked like a very happy couple that seemed to be levitating in each other's presence. To think that the Jedi would have wanted their relationship to be broken apart on the grounds of "forming attachments", to even contemplate that the deep love they shared for each other would be an obstacle was...well, for lack of a better term, moronic. He could not have felt more in harmony with the Force than right now.

After returning to Neta's place for some more food("I want another sandwich!" to which Neta rolled her eyes), the pilot suggested that they stay the night, which they complied with to the children's approval and subsequent whining, seeing as their bedtime was soon after dinner. The children were issued upstairs before Neta showed them to a modestly appointed bedroom on the first floor.
"Didn't think I'd ever get to use this...not after Vivi died anyhow. Consider this a home away from home if you ever need it." It was comforting to know that they did indeed have a haven on Alderaan that was away from the more populous areas.

Early the next morning, Yerbol awoke to find his partner still asleep, sheets tangled up all around her.
"Goodness gracious you're adorable." He mumbled, kissing her still cheek before getting dressed and emerging into the living area to find Neta sitting on one of the two couches, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke at the device:
"I don't know if I'm gonna be able to keep waiting." A deeper voice came from the datapad, Yerbol able to see from where he was standing that there was a face on the other end of this exchange:
"I'm almost done out here. Just a few more days."
"The kids...they haven't seen you in weeks."
"I know. But this is going to turn out fine. I promise you."
"Don't..." She sniffled.
"Don't make a girl a promise you know you can't keep." The voice sighed deeply.
"I love you. This is for you. It always has been." Another sniffle.
"I know, I know...just..." Her normal bravado returned.
"Just come back to me in one piece, ok? I know what it's like to have someone not come back home."
"One piece and a few boxes of candy."
"Deal." She paused, then added:
"I love you so much, Dun."
"And I love you. Always." The voice signed off, leaving Yerbol to tiptoe past the couch only for Neta to tell him:
"He's a good man, you know."
"I don't doubt it." With his presence exposed, Yerbol decided to plant himself on the opposite end of the couch, noting her reddened eyes and even more flushed nose and cheeks.
"I can't help falling in love with the military types, I guess." She chuckled, prompting Yerbol to move a bit closer.
"Who is he?"
"Dun Mansal. I met him my second week here while at the spaceport for supplies. used to be a Republic trooper stationed at the port, but got picked by his Lieutenant for a newly formed squadron of Alliance troopers that were sent the very next day to Nar Shaddaa to deal with the 'blue people'."
"But things have calmed down since then, haven't they?"
"Not from what he's told me. Gangs have been trying to fight off Alliance troopers, attempting to gain back territory. Three of the people he was sent out with were killed and I...I can't lose someone else in the field." She wiped her eyes with a nearby tissue as she continued:
"But he's stubbornly confident. Like me." She laughed a bit, eyes beginning to clear up.
"And he'll be home before you know it. Because if he's anything like you, he's not going to let himself die until he's good and ready to." Another laugh, the former pilot blowing her nose before telling her adopted sibling:
"Just made me realize how much we need to value being around the people we love, you know? To not take for granted when they're around because this galaxy can be an unforgiving place."
"Yeah...yeah that makes sense." Yerbol gulped down a painful recollection as Neta continued:
"Don't let this go to waste, kid."
"What?"
"What you have with her."
"Neta..."
"No, just shut up and let me make my point without you cutting me off." The normal playfulness in her tone was absent, leading Yerbol to comply with the directive.
"It's rare to find someone you just 'click' with. Someone that understands you on a level that you can't even...understand." She took a sharp breath in, brushing away a couple of tears that had formed at the corner of her eyelids.
"When that person comes into your life, you hang on, honey. You hang on with every ounce of strength you've got. Because when they're gone, you can at least know that you did all you could to be with them." Silence passed between the two of them, which was broken by Yerbol quietly asking:
"You think I should ask, then, huh?"
"You bet your big head I do. I wouldn't be this insistent if I didn't believe I was right." He nodded, clearing his throat.
"I haven't been able to stop thinking about the question since we got back from the falls, to be honest."
"Told you it was a romantic." A shared chuckle.
"Thank you, Neta."
"Someone has to be around to set you straight."
"I think Ari does a good enough job of that."
"Bah. She needs all the help she can get."
"You are SO supportive sometimes, you know that?" She rose, kissing him on the head as he told him with a twinkle in her eye:
"For you? Always."

____

The sun was just now setting, rays cascading onto the pearl white sands stretching out into seeming infinity. He reached for the drink beside him on the wooden table, taking a sip and sighing contentedly from the second story balcony of their rented beachfront property.
"I hate it when you're right all the time." He mumbled to the non-existent Neta, smiling as he set the beverage down and crossed his arms over his chest, eyes closing. When they had settled on Manaan for the first leg of their trip and made reservations on a site provided by their bubbly host, he had no idea they would be renting an elaborate two story home that featured every possible amenity and feature one could ask for from a vacation spot. The alabaster white building was one of the few homes on this part of the beach that had such a great view, most of the other dwellings farther back towards the path up to Ahto City, contributing to a sense of isolation from the rest of the world, yet allowing the duo to explore the vast gardens, aquariums and surprisingly bustling markets that peddled wares from all corners of the galaxy. Their exploration was complimented by lazy periods of laying around, talking and making sure the hounds got their exercise on the beach, which didn't attract too much attention considering there were few beach combers. They had spent a week in this state of bliss, enjoying each other and what the galaxy had to offer. It was, in a word, marvelous.

Something else that was more than marvelous came to him their sixth day on the planet, before they went to bed. They were laying there, eyes cast up at the ceiling, her head on his chest, breathing gently synced and a confirmation of something that had been floating through his mind came to him:

He wanted her to be his wife.

Yerbol didn't breath a word of this to her, suppressing the feeling as much as he could in order to ensure that their bond didn't give anything away. The next day he did talk to someone, however. Multiple someones to be exact. While Aria was in the shower, his parents exuded the best kind of joy upon his confession, Yerbol urging them to keep the sentiment to themselves while he figured out a way to propose. After the call, he had felt a slight nagging that he had to tell someone else, but it passed, allowing him to focus on their planned journey to the Ahto City Market. They had spent most of the day there and returned about an hour ago, Yerbol slipping out onto their balcony and mixing a drink before contemplating ways to surprise his partner with his proposal. He had an idea of where to go, but he would need to see if she would be favorable to the idea. Speaking of...

"No matter how hard you try, I'll still be able to hear you sneaking up on me. Your tiny feet are still audible."

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Aw man, this is so nice to see. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love our action-y bits, but this is SUCH a nice change of pace.

"Baby I've got standards."
Heh. Almost made me laugh out loud. Senator's daughter, right? xD

Mind if we traipse around Alderaan for a bit longer? I'd like to get in a scene with Yerbol and Neta before they leave. Maybe spend the night at her place before leaving for Manaan, then Onderon? I think it might neat to have them relax at a seaside resort type thing for a few days before Yerbol has an epiphany about Aria and...well, he's going to want to propose somewhere special, which would be Onderon. So I see the posting order like this:

-I can take care of Alderaan/beginning of Manaan
-You can finish Manaan/begin discussion of Onderon
-I can finish discussion/get us there/Yerbol realizing that he's not letting Aria be anyone elses ever xD
-We can do some exploration of Onderon if you like before Yerbol proposes(which I'm working on in my head as I type)
-After the proposal, we end Act II and have an "interlude" of sorts where we write out the marriage and then...

Well, Act III, right? What do you think?

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Sorry about server trouble! Things are working fine here, so post is up. Feel free to have them catch up/Neta suggesting vacation spots on Alderaan and other core worlds. I can get us started on the vacation/Yerbol planning to propose in post after?

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

"A balcony, you say? That sounds promising. I've always wanted to look down at all the commoners while drinking alcoholic beverages." When she mentioned saving some of the wine Neta had left them, he nodded with a chuckle, responding:
"Well, I suppose we can just get some of our own, eh? Start making this a home?" When the words came out, a slightly pleasant jolt of nervousness flicked across his mind. Home was a concept that he had wanted to share with her for a few months now, but he realized now, with her head on his chest, bodies close together in embrace, that home wasn't ever going to be narrowed to a place. It was wherever she was.

He drew her closer, kissing her on the forehead before he suggested:
"I say we watch the sunset...and then afterward ensure that the dogs haven't gotten into too much trouble without us."

______

It wasn't the dogs that he had to worry about, as he soon realized the following day.

It was clothing "stylists" located in the higher end shopping district of Coruscant that had been recommended to them by one of Saresh's aides upon Yerbol soliciting some advice on where to purchase attire for the evening's ceremonies. He had faced down some of the toughest threats that the galaxy had ever seen, been tortured, wounded, stabbed, shot at and almost frozen to death...and yet these stylists would be the death of him. He knew it the moment they walked into the shop the aide told them about("Galactic Style"), the duo separated quickly so that Aria could try to be convinced to purchase clothing while he would be fitted with vestments. The stylist he received could've been a Sith Lord:

"Try this on! No, not that close to the chest, let's remeasure!"
"Your back is just too big to pull that off! Try this!"
"Ugh! Your style is atrocious! Come, undress and try this on instead!"

After the barrage of outfit choices, Yerbol managed to find a simple three piece suit with aqua blue shirt and tie that complimented his eye color almost perfectly, prompting the Champion to begrudgingly acknowledge the "skill" of the stylist. Thankfully they were able to get out of the shop with enough time to casually stroll around this wealthier part of Coruscant arm in arm, the duo managing to blend in rather well with the other couples that occupied the shopping district.
"This is so...normal." He quietly remarked, looking down at his partner with a smirk.
"I could get used to normal."

Their streak of normalcy continued well into the evening as they got ready for the signing ceremony, Yerbol almost forgetting the magnitude of the event until he overheard the Galactic News Network proclaim that there would be a "private signing event that will herald a new era for relations between government and Force users." He adjusted his tie as he walked into the living room and turned the monitor off that he had left on for some reason that didn't come to mind, gulping back some anxiety that formed in his throat. That anxiety quickly melted away when he saw his lover appear in the doorway, her ensemble making her...
"You're practically glowing." Taking her arm, they found a taxi to the tower and chuckled at political customs, Yerbol saying after a brief interlude in their laughter filled conversation:
"Let's hope I too can live up to those standards. Your mother may not have approved of you falling in love with a guy raised on a rebuilding planet with little to no political customs or decorum...although I think I could've won her over."

___

The atrium had been crammed with politicians, reporters, media personalities and others who Yerbol assumed were powerful enough to attend a closed signing ceremony where the Chancellor would make a personal appearance, but thankfully he and Aria were seated just far enough away from the podium and table in front of it that the Elders and Saresh sat at to sign the treaty. As the evening began, Saresh commented on the gravity of the agreement, the new chapter that was being written in galactic history that would herald new and welcomed changes benefiting all peoples. Both Matt and Aliel echoed those sentiments along with the Champions, who spoke in similar terms(although much shorter in length) before the treaty was signed and clapping thundered through the atrium, the tower itself seeming to rumble in approval. After one of the aides announced the closure of the evening, Matt and Aliel approached the Champions, the former telling them:
"We'll hope to see you both on Zinuthra as soon as you're ready." He then added with a teasing smile:
"Which will hopefully be soon. The younglings could use role models to look up to that aren't...well, my age, anyway."

___

"Oh come on, you didn't like getting your picture taken after every five words that came out of your mouth?" He jested, patting the hounds on the head as he walked to their bedroom and began to shed his apparel, asking as he did so:
"So why don't we head out to Alderaan tomorrow? We got put on mandatory vacation and I can't think of a better place to go to than Alderaan. I don't think the place ever has a bad day climate-wise. Even when house Ulgo was trying to rip the planet apart, it was still so bloody gorgeous...well, minus the bodies. And the killiks." He glanced at Aria as she came in, clearing his throat a bit before he said with a small smirk:
"There are a few places on the planet where we can actually get away, where no one can hear us do...things. Of a noisy nature."

_____

Alderaan was just a few short hours away, which was good, considering that when they called Neta on their way there, she excitedly told them that she would meet them at the newly minted Organa Spaceport the MOMENT they landed. It was amusing to the Champion how at one point she had tried to get rid of them and desired nothing more than to wash her hands of their existences, but now she was EAGER to see them. That eagerness was visualized upon their docking into the spaceport and walking down the ramp to find a red-headed woman just a few feet away, clad in a simple green short sleeved shirt and beige shorts, smile beaming with excitement.
"It took you THIS long?!" She nearly shouted as she threw her arms around Aria, squeezing her tightly before applying the same gesture to Yerbol.
"Man alive I've missed you two...and I know you've missed me. Obviously."
"Well..."
"Just say yes. Don't start with me right now, sweet cheeks. I'm not afraid of you, Mister Champion." He chuckled, placing a hand on her arm.
"We've missed you far more than I think you realize. Really. It's good to see you." She wedged herself between the two and linked one arm with Aria and the other with Yerbol.
"I think it's high time we caught up. And we'll do it at my place. Got great views of the mountains, nice trails to walk on and not a neighbor in sight for at least half a mile...paradise manifested into reality, kiddos."

The angular passenger vehicle that Neta brought was much wider than a speeder, able to accommodate up to four people rather easily. Although there wasn't a roof, the sides were just high enough to where one didn't feel like they would be jolted out upon the slightest bump, which was nice considering that Neta drove off the main path after a few minutes and up through a winding trail that cut through dense thickets of trees. To Yerbol's relief, they made it out("Oh come on, honey, that was nothing!") to the other side and found themselves on a soft slope that led upwards. On their left the slope extended into the distance and downward again, putting a snow-capped mountain range on display. At the top of the slope was a two story home made of solid brick, windows allowing a glimpse into the warmly colored interior. At the doorway stood a boy and girl, their hair color betraying them as Neta's children.
"Vivi, Iris, come here and say hi!" The boy came forward as they got out of the vehicle, his face cracking into a smile as he pointed at Yerbol:
"You're way bigger than on tv!"
"Well...hello?"
"Vivi, introduce yourself like a normal human being please." He coughed a moment before extending a small hand outward.
"My name is Vivi Orso! What's yours?" He then whispered to Neta: "I know his name already!", prompting a shushing from his mother.
"I'm Yerbol. It's nice to meet you, Vivi." Iris trailed along hesitantly, looking at the male Champion with caution before spotting Aria and smiling.
"You're Aria, aren't you?" She skipped ahead, looking up at the female Champion.
"Mommy says you're wicked awesome. That you can...use the Force?"

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

I resurface to tell you that life has been...difficult as of late. Will post tomorrow for sure though!

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Oh no! Sorry to hear about the laptop :/

Newegg.com has some pretty sweet deals on laptops, so maybe try there?

Also, sorry for leaving off so...abruptly, but I had to for work reasons. Let me know if you want me to adjust anything and I'll be more than happy to do so :)