The palace gardens were
quiet as Alida entered them, taking a moment to breathe in deeply of the
scented, humid air.
Rensime looked up.
"Lady Reineach, morning."
Alida smiled. "Good
morning, Padawan Rensime. How does this day find you?"
"A little warm, the
weather here is a bit different."
"Yes, Shardakour is
warm, even in comparison to Yavin." Alida found a seat. "How are you
enjoying your stay?"
"It is interesting,
just making sure to follow the rules."
Alida chuckled. "Yes,
that is something to keep in mind. How is it interesting?" she asked,
curious about the younger woman's viewpoint.
"Everyone's reactions
and how they differ from what I'm used to seeing."
"Tell me how they
differ," Alida said. She patted the seat next to her. "Here, sit and
talk."
Rensime took a seat.
"It's just that everyone is more ... careful, cautious."
"And
for good reason.
You've noted how important one's word is, I'm sure."
Rensime nodded. "Yes,
more so than I've noticed on Yavin. This is the cause for such tension and
caution?"
"Tension?" Alida frowned.
"I sense it from some,
others are very well shielded."
Alida looked at her.
"You know some of the pressures and threats facing them."
"Only
of those facing the ones on Telos." Rensime answered. "I know that Lord Alderson is
quite pleased he gets to remarry his wife."
Alida smiled. "Yes,
I'm sure he is quite happy about that." She looked at Rensime, gauging the
Padawan's emotions. "You feel uncertain of something?"
"He explained why, but
I still do not understand. Does everyone here have more than one mate?"
"No," Alida
answered, "but it is not unusual."
"I would think one
would be quite enough."
Alida laughed, amused at
the Padawan's declaration. "Perhaps."
"You do not
agree?"
"I wonder what you
would base that on."
"You said perhaps,
would that not lead one to believe you agree with having more than one
mate?"
"If
the situation calls for it."
Rensime looked at her.
"So you would take another husband or allow your husband to take another
wife if the situation called for it?" She couldn't believe what she was
hearing. Just how far had this former Jedi Master fallen?
"If
it was necessary, yes." Alida's voice was even.
Rensime shook her head.
"I don't understand. Why would one agree or want to." She shook her
head. "I am glad that I do not have to worry about relationships, they
seem to be complicated."
"They are," Alida
readily agreed, "but they're worth it."
"Perhaps for you Lady
Reineach, but the Jedi is where I belong and those emotions are a distraction
and serve to draw you away from the will of the Force."
"So I once believed as
well," she said. "But I'm finding that things can be perceived quite
differently."
"I am glad you are
happy, Lady Reineach."
"Are you?" she
asked. "Do you even understand?"
"I do not understand
it, no. I serve and will follow the Force. I am glad you appear to like your
new life."
"Yes, I do,"
Alida said, her features serene. "The Jedi way is
not the only way to serve the Force."
Rensime looked at her for a
moment then nodded. "Perhaps, yet it is the way I know and what I am
trained to and will train to be."
"I will not try to
convince you otherwise." Alida looked beyond Rensime, across the garden.
"Just remain open."
Rensime followed her gaze.
"I am trying to be open, Lady Reineach. That is why my Master sent me
here."
"I was pleased to see
your Master had suggested such a thing."
She nodded. "I don't
fully understand why Lady C'rman had two escorts. I regret that I will not have
the opportunity to speak with her." "Perhaps
in the future." Rensime nodded. "Yes,
one can hope. I see Captain Fer'rer is allowed out of medical," she
stated, rising to her feet. "I will leave you so you can speak with
him." "You are
leaving?" "I do not wish to
intrude." "I see," Alida
said. "And how is greeting the captain and Ms. Adyna intruding?" Rensime looked at her.
"You count them as your friends. I did not wish to intrude upon your time
with them," she explained very calmly. "It is up to
you," Alida said. Before Rensime could answer
Juan approached them. "Lady Reineach, Ms. Rensime," he greeted Alida bowed. "Good
morning, Lord Fer'rer. Ms. Adyna." Drysi gave them a short
bow. "Good morning." "Good morning. It's
good to see you out and moving, Captain," Rensime answered. Juan grinned. "I had
good advice that it was a wonderful day to visit the garden." Alida chuckled. "Yes,
very good advice." She looked at Drysi, who nodded. "It's too nice to stay
inside," Drysi said. "I agree, the weather is very nice." Rensime agreed. Drysi gave a good-natured
shrug. "I'm learning how to be pushy." Alida grinned at that.
"I cannot imagine where you would pick up such behavior, Ms. Adyna." Juan laughed. "I think
between myself and Lady C'rman she's learning all the bad habits," he
teased. "Here, that's not such
a bad habit," Alida said good-naturedly. Juan laughed. "As long as we do not cross lines. What do you think,
Ms. Adyna?" "I think I'll be
careful of what lines I cross," she said with a rueful smile. "Your back will be
most grateful." Juan smiled as he gave Rensime a sideways look. Alida shook her head at
them as Drysi chuckled. "I bet it will be," Drysi said. Juan laughed "You are
not concerned for your hide, Alida?" he asked jokingly. "I am cautious,"
Alida said, smiling. "Usually." "You can joke about
being beaten?" Rensime asked curiously. Juan looked at her.
"You are too young to be so serious, young lady. You Need
to learn to joke and lighten up," Juan said seriously. Drysi looked at Rensime.
"Jedi are allowed to laugh, aren't they?" "We ... I choose to
remain focused. I do not see the humor in joking about having one's back
lashed," she stated simply. Juan shook his head.
"One needs to learn to joke about certain things, young Rensime, elsewise they become depressed or overly concerned about
the slightest thing and in doing so make mistakes," he explained. "I
have given as well as received the lash and still find a way to joke about it.
You will miss much by being so serious. Don't you agree, Lady Reineach?"
"Wholeheartedly, Lord Fer'rer," Alida answered. "Padawan
Rensime, tell me what would be achieved by not discussing the subject lightly now?
Yes, to be taken to task is indeed a serious occurrence, but none here is in
that situation at the moment." "I did not say nothing
would or would not be achieved, Lady Reineach, I was merely stating I did not
see the humor in it. It does appear you three do." Juan shook his head.
"No wonder the Jedi don't date and very few marry." Alida looked at him.
"Now you have me confused, Lord Fer'rer. How does this relate to
marriage?" "You have to be
willing to understand and accept things that you are not used to," he
explained. "It's called growing to accept the little quirks of your
husband or wife. Just ask mine, she has put up with quite a bit." She smiled. "Ah, that
is something I am beginning to understand." Juan nodded. "You
understand, but our young Miss will never understand such things if she remains
so closed minded. In fact I'm sure her attitude will stop many from asking her
to dance." "That is an activity
I'm not too sure of," Rensime answered. "It seems like a waste of
time and energy." Alida turned to her.
"At the very least, you could view it as exercise, Padawan." "Everything I do while
here I view as an exercise, Lady Reineach," Rensime answered evenly. "Then how can it be a
waste of time, young one?" Alida asked, dropping into a long familiar
role. "Think a moment and then tell me in what ways the dances can be
viewed as an exercise." Rensime looked at her. "In coordination with someone else." "Please elaborate and
give me other examples of how this can be viewed as an exercise. Think even
beyond the physical, Padawan Rensime." "I don't understand,
Lady Reineach. Beyond physical?" "You are limiting
yourself," Alida said. She sat down and looked up at Rensime. "What
about interactions with those around you? The dances are a cultural happening,
you can learn much about the culture, about the people and how they act, react
and interact." "One can observe a
culture from the sidelines, Lady Reineach. I observe how couples interact with
one another without looking for a relationship." But can you say you truly
understand it, Padawan Rensime?" Alida questioned. "I can explain the
Force and how we use it to a non-Force sensitive being, but unless they could
actually feel and experience what we do, can they ever truly understand?" "That is something
totally different. You are stating that one has to experience everything to
understand it?" Juan glanced up at Drysi
with a wide grin. Drysi blinked at him.
"What?" Alida shook her head.
"You're being too literal, Padawan. However, yes, to fully comprehend
something, you must be more than just passingly
familiar with it." Juan motioned to the two
talking, his grin widening. "Perhaps, but I have
no desire to fully comprehend everything that yourmasters
stand for." "My masters and what
they stand for?" Alida questioned evenly. She allowed one eyebrow to rise
into an arch as she eyed the younger woman. "Please elaborate for me,
child." Drysi shook her head and
leaned in close to Juan. "I don't get it." "Two
different points of views, a former Jedi teacher and a current Jedi
student."
Juan chuckled. "Oh." Drysi
nodded, watching the two women. She lowered her voice to a near whisper.
"Who's right?" "I merely state I will
not fully experience everything that is of this culture," Rensime told
Alida. "There are limits." "Yes, there are,"
Alida said, "and I am not advocating that you go beyond those limits. My
question to you was simple... in what way can you view the dances as an
exercise." Rensime took a calming
breath. "It is an exercise in meeting people and seeing how they
react." "It is also an
exercise in learning about the culture and the people in a very natural
setting, Padawan." Juan motioned Drysi to come
a bit closer. "My credits are on Alida, she will make the young one so
frustrated she'll be tempted to leave." "I understand that,
Master, and I never said I would not join in the dance, only it was ... just
not needed for me to observe." "Then how did you plan
to observe?" Alida asked, eyeing Rensime. "From a
distance?" "No." Rensime
answered. "Then how did you plan
on 'observing'?" Juan grinned. "She
will either answer or leave or both," he whispered to Drysi. "I will be there, and
if asked will partake of this dance. You should know there are many ways to
observe, Lady Reineach, it does not have to be up close." Alida smiled serenely.
"Yes, I know that quite well, Padawan Rensime. Keep one question in mind, however. . . do you wish to observe or do you wish to
understand?" Drysi made a face.
"Are all Jedi so. . . well, like her?" she
asked Juan, her voice matching his as she indicated Rensime. "Lady Reineach was
formal, but not so ... closed minded, I don't think. The young one is ... too
unbendable." Drysi nodded. "She
is," she agreed. "I will think on this
as well as your statements, Captain Fer'rer. If you will
excuse me." Rensime bowed Alida gave Rensime a bow.
"Oh, young one. . . please do try to remember ...
I have not been a Master for many months now." She smiled at Rensime. "Forgive my slip, Lady
Reineach, for a moment it was easy to forget you were no longer a Master."
Alida chuckled quietly.
"I see." Rensime bowed then turned
and left. Juan couldn't hold his laughter in any longer. "I would have
made a fortune. She did well in holding her place but you did pin her many
times, Lady Reineach." Alida looked at him.
"She's well-trained, Lord Fer'rer. Do you truly believe she is
unbendable?" Juan smiled. "Yes, I
do. She is too young to be acting so old. The girl needs to loosen up." Alida nodded in agreement. "Yet,
that is who she is and how she was trained. She is less rigid than her Master. And the other with her. . . Knight Ultan? He seems rather
laid back. Perhaps he will be an influence on her." "And I have never lost
my temper," Juan joked. "No, that girl will be an image of her master
by the time he's done with her." His voice held a hint of sadness. "Possibly, but she's
been given an opportunity to see another side of Force use, Lord Fer'rer,"
Alida said. "Don't discount just what influence her being here might
have." Juan nodded. "Let's
hope. Maybe she'll find someone who interests her." "You mean
romantically?" Alida chuckled. "That is something I
have a hard time envisioning." "Lady Reineach, the
girl needs something before she dies of old age." Juan winked at Drysi,
"She is simply too young to be so old maid-ish."
"She is a Jedi, Lord
Fer'rer," Alida said. "I should think you'd be familiar with
the Jedi ways by now." She gave him a smile. "Yes, but while she is
here she is a young girl." "No, she's not,"
Alida argued mildly. "She is still a Jedi, regardless of whether or not
you call her Ms. Rensime or Padawan. It is what and who she is." "I will do nothing to
offend her beliefs or her position, but I still see her as a young girl." "I know," Alida
said. "But she's not. For a Jedi raised in the manner she was, youth is
not a factor. She is a Jedi." Juan nodded. "Yes, she
is and she is very good at what she does." Drysi sighed. "I don't
get it. Jedi are just people, aren't they?" Alida shook her head.
"No, Ms. Adyna. A Jedi is one who dedicates their life to serving the
galaxy through service to the Force. Padawan Rensime was trained in the old
ways, as someone for whom there is little room for negotiation when it comes to
ideas and ideals." "So she will never
know love, not the way we do, and she will never see anything than the simple
black and white of any situation. You heard her and Lady Reineach," Juan
elaborated. "But I didn't exactly
understand it," Drysi said. Alida shook her head.
"She's willing to observe, but not partake. It will, most likely, lead to
an incomplete understanding." She looked at Juan. "You may be correct, few may ask her to dance. Hopefully, she will be
asked. It will be an experience for her, I'm sure." "I bet a three day
furlough that she refuses any who ask her." "Initially,"
Alida said. "But do you see her being permitted to refuse?" Juan smiled. "Not with
Lord Alderson around, and I do not wish to think how the queen would
react." "Oh, my," Alida
said. "Nor do I." Drysi frowned. "What
does the queen have to do with it?" Juan looked at her.
"All our actions reflect on us, those we represent and as Lord Alderson's
aide it will reflect on him and his mother, the queen." "And turning down a
dance would reflect badly on them?" Drysi wrinkled her nose. "I think
I'm staying home." "Oh, no, you're not.
You have nothing to worry about, unlike our reluctant teenage Jedi. You are
more relaxed. Besides I need someone to talk to while everyone dances." Drysi sighed. "As long as I don't have to dance." Alida shook her head.
"I only hope the child behaves herself at the dance, Lord Fer'rer." "She will or I will
see how well I can deliver the lash from this chair," Juan said, very
serious. "Force willing, that
won't be necessary," Alida said, as serious as he was. "She has much
to learn and to see and very little time to do it in." "Yes, she has very
little time just as our own do. Yet I believe Lady C'rman will be more ... open
minded, given time. She has more experience with life and the effects." "She should fare well
there," Alida said. "If I know my Nyssa as
well as I think I do. Yes, she will do quite well and make us all proud of
her." Juan grinned "Your
Nyssa?" Alida asked, smiling. "Rather possessive, Lord Fer'rer, is it
not?" Her voice was light. "Slightly, but I am
protective of her." Drysi chuckled. "You
do that a lot, don't you?" He nodded. "Yes, and I
have been known to get into disagreements over it as well." He grinned. Drysi's smile dropped.
"That's not at all funny, Captain Fer'rer." "Of course it
is." He reached for Drysi's hand. "If I cannot laugh about my stubbornness,
who can?" She tensed slightly, then relaxed as he took her hand. "I'm sure you'd find
a couple people." Alida looked from one to
the other, sure she had missed something. "Stubbornness seems to be a
common trait around here, Lord Fer'rer." "Of course, why do you
think you fit in so well, Alida?" She laughed openly.
"Are you accusing me of being stubborn, Lord Fer'rer?" Juan faked a look of
innocence. "I would never insult a Lady such as yourself."
She held a hand to her
chest. "You must have me confused with someone else, sir." "Yes, it must be my
... medication." Juan laughed hard. "Now if we could only get young
Padawan Rensime to laugh." "Your
medication.
Of course." Alida smiled. "As
for the Padawan... it might be possible." "What do you think,
Drysi, can we crack the Padawan's straight face?" Juan asked. Drysi shook her head.
"Not a chance. She's too... sour." "I agree, yet we
have a little over four weeks to add a little sweetness ..." he paused.
".. to the girl." "A
little sweetness?" Alida chuckled. "And just how does one go about adding
sweetness to a Jedi Padawan who will be returning to Yavin?" Juan chuckled. "By exposing her to it. It may be a difficult task, but
I have hopes." She looked at him.
"What does this task entail?" she asked cautiously. "I have no idea. I'm
making this up as I go along." "You seem to be very
good at getting to someone," Alida said. "I do try, though I
admit I am not always successful." Juan stated, looking at her. Alida looked back at
him. "You haven't?" "No,
not everyone. I
have failed a few times, though I am grateful I
succeeded with Ms. Adyna." Drysi ducked her
head. "So'm I." "Padawan Rensime may
learn to enjoy herself. We shall see," Alida noted. "Yes we will see and
it will be interesting." Juan looked at Drysi. "Care to take up my
bet?" "Sure," Drysi
said. "What're we betting?" "That the Padawan will
be as unsociable as possible at the dances and will have a stern talking to by
Lord Alderson." Alida shook her head.
"That's almost a given, Lord Fer'rer. Certainly not a fair
bet." Juan laughed. "Alright.... agreed. I will wait and see how things
develop." Drysi grinned.
"I know... we can bet on how many she'll turn down before Lord Alderson
gets onto her." "There you go."
Juan smiled. "Care to pick a number, Lady Reineach?" "Do I strike you as a
gambling woman, Lord Fer'rer?" Alida asked archly. "No, but no time to
start like the present," he declared. "I say
three." "Two," Drysi
countered. "Come on, Lady Reineach. Pick a number." Alida sighed. "Very well. I do not believe more than one will
be turned down before Lord Alderson intervenes." "You think only
one?" Juan asked. Alida nodded.
"He's very observant." "Yes, he is, though he
may give her the benefit of doubt of a couple before he sees a pattern." She nodded. "It
depends on how she turns them down." "Very politely, I
hope." Juan laughed. Drysi grinned.
"Or she could toss them across the room." "That would be very
bad and she would be handled by the Queen then." Juan stated. "No,
tossing is not allowed." "I'm just
kidding," Drysi said. "I don't think even she would do
something like that." Juan laughed. "No, she
is a Jedi after all and one of them would never do something like that." "Nor, apparently, does
she believe she will dance." Alida smiled. "Perhaps it
would do to remind her that Alidar danced while he was on Telos." Juan nodded. "Yes, but
I'm sure she will have an answer. The Jedi always do ... no offense, Lady
Reineach." "None taken," she
replied. "It is how we train, Lord Fer'rer." "I know and I mean no
offense, but you were not so ... stiff." Alida smiled.
"Some would disagree, Lord Fer'rer. There were even those on Yavin
who competed to see who could make me 'crack a smile'." Juan laughed. "I
lost." "You lost?" Alida
asked, confused. Juan winked at Alida.
"I bet there was no way you'd ever break your stoic air. You not
only smiled, my dear Lady Reineach, you're now married and expecting a child. I
didn't think it possible." Alida chuckled.
"Then perhaps all is not lost for the young Padawan, Lord Fer'rer.
You may get her to laugh before she returns home to Yavin." "I think I will have
better luck getting Lady C'rman married first." "Why do you want her
to get married?" Drysi asked. "It's her duty,
Drysi," he replied soberly. "We value children and Lady C'rman has...
unique qualities we would hate to lose. If not marriage she should bear a child
soon there are many possibilities." Drysi frowned.
"Like what? I know she's unique and all that, but why should she have
to have a child?" "It's so her genetics
will not be lost and they can be added to our people. She can chose from Lord
Du'Cruet, my son Sean, even Lord Alderson or a suitable match can be found for
her," he explained. "But what about her
wishes, don't they matter? What if she doesn't want to have a
child?" Juan glanced at Alida, then looked at Drysi. "Lady C'rman comes from a minor house, her parents were in charge as overseers of a world.
She has a duty to perform and as such sometimes personal feelings have to be
laid aside." "So, she has no say
what happens with her body?" Drysi crossed her arms, looking unhappy
with the idea Juan took in a breath.
"Yes, Drysi, she does, but she knows what is also expected from her from
all of us. Myself included." "From everyone?"
she asked, shaking her head. "Perhaps Lady C'rman's
views will change," Alida said. "It's the way we are,
and Lord Du'Cruet has adopted that part as well. Don't worry Drysi, you will
not be forced into anything, even Lady Reineach was not forced." Drysi looked
relieved. "You weren't?" she asked Alida. Alida's smile was gentle as
she thought of Everard. "No, Ms. Adyna, I wasn't at all
forced. I love my husband and am looking forward to the birth of our
child." "See, but like Lady
Reineach states perhaps Lady C'rman will be ... more open-minded." "Open minded to what
Lord Fer'rer?" Anna asked, joining them. "About her duty and,
one day, marriage," Juan answered. Anna burst out laughing.
"You are joking? Nyssa marry?" Anna shook her head. "She would
be a wonderful wife and mother, I've seen her with her nephew and with Lady
Kyrsk's daughter, but she will never marry until she gets over her ... crush."
"Her
crush?"
Drysi questioned, looking at Juan and Anna. Juan smiled. "Yes, she
believes she is in love with a gentleman but it is ..." he looked up at
Anna and Alida. " ... misplaced affection?" "She is young, Lord
Fer'rer," Alida said. "Perhaps the time on Yavin will temper
such feelings and leave her more open minded." Juan nodded. "Yes,
that is all I hope Yavin does." "What else do you
think it will do?" Alida asked "Sean believes she is
thinking of returning, if not staying," Juan answered. Anna looked at him.
"You've heard from him?" "Yes, his last
transmission was one of concern. She has calmed down, he stated, though
he believes this Knight Maruko is having a very strong influence on her." "She's ... she's just
fitting in and not causing trouble," Anna stated. "She'll be back ...
won't she? I mean you wouldn't let her stay ... or the queen?" Alida tilted her head,
regarding Anna curiously. "That prospect worries you, doesn't
it?" Drysi frowned.
"Why would she want to stay with the Jedi? If they're all like
Rensime..." "Yes it worries
me." Anna admitted. "Her place is here, she is one of us." Anna
turned to Drysi. "I don't know why would want to stay, Ms. Adyna, she is
not one to be as cold as our guest." "Not all Jedi are
cold, Lady Anna," Alida countered. "But those trained in the
old manner do tend to be more reserved." Juan fell silent in
thought. "We have given her the right to choose. We can only hope she
chooses wisely." "You won't forbid
it?" Anna asked. "I will give her my
opinion, Lady Anna, but forbid?" Juan shook his head. "She is not a
child." "Lady C'rman is too
free-spirited for the Jedi, even as they are now," Alida said.
"I believe she would find herself feeling restricted or repressed." "I hope you are right,
Lady Reineach. If you will excuse me, I have an appointment with Medical. It is
good to see you up and moving ,Captain." Anna
bent down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Lady
Anna." Juan said softly. "Is everything
okay?" Drysi asked Anna. Anna smiled. "Yes, Ms.
Adyna. I am just making sure I can have a child." "Oh. Seems to be
the thing to do," Drysi said. Anna smiled. "The
Prince has to have an heir." She looked at her. "And children are
quite precious, don't you think?" "If you say so,"
Drysi said. Anna smiled. "I will
leave you to your visit." She placed a hand on Drysi's shoulder and gave
it a slight squeeze. "Care to work out later?" Drysi looked up at
her. "Sure." Alida smiled. "I
hope all is well, Lady Anna." Anna nodded. "I'm sure
it will be. Just never thought there were so many
tests." "For the Aldersons,
all precautions must be taken, especially with their children," Juan
stated softly. Alida thought to Tara and
Christine during the birth of Xanatos' children. "And for those
giving birth," she noted. Anna nodded. "Yes, I
will see you all at dinner. Enjoy the day and don't let our Captain overtax
himself." "We won't," Drysi
promised. "Ah,
dinner.
Senator Va'Chon will be attending tonight, won't
he?" Alida asked. "Yes, and I hope our
two guests behave themselves. I don't know much of this Senator." "I know very little of
him personally," Alida said. "He was installed on the Alliance
High Council shortly before I left Yavin." "Then he's here to see
what he can find out for them probably. I mean, why Shardakour? We aren't
exactly on the tourist map, and if Lord Du'Cruet wishes to protect his
children, he will do the same for Telos." "Close Telos off, you
mean?" Alida asked. "Yes, or at least make
it more secure. He's starting with the papers and the questions. Yet many see
Telos as an opportunity to make fast money." I'm not sure I see how
Telos is an opportunity to make fast money." Alida frowned.
"You think it's normal to have so many kidnapping attempts, and
assassination attempts?" Juan questioned. "Granted not many like Lord
Du'Cruet, but ..." Alida grimaced. "Of course not. I was thinking in the traditional
sense." "Ah, I'm thinking of
bounty hunters, assassins and the others." Juan shook his head.
"It is his decision, but besides the springs there isn't much for people
to come and see unless it's the dances." "Perhaps that would be
for the best, but I cannot help but wonder how that will be viewed by the rest
of the galaxy," Alida said thoughtfully. Juan nodded. "I think
that is why he won't do it totally. Telos is very opposite Shardakour
technology-wise. And totally closing it off may bring more attention than he
wants." "Both the Alliance and
the Empire would have their curiosity piqued by such a thing," Alida
agreed. Juan nodded. "Yes, and
for now Telos needs to blend into the background of the galaxy. Though with my
son's upcoming wedding. I don't see that happening." "No, that will be an
event that will cause quite a bit of a stir." "Just
a little."
Juan leaned back. "But Sean is in love and he will handle himself
well." "I'm sure he
will," Alida said. "I was thinking more along the lines of
media attention the couple and their planets will have to endure." Juan groaned.
"Things we have to endure." He looked up at Drysi. "You will see
how much of a circus Telos can be." "It gets worse?"
Drysi asked. Juan laughed. "Yes, very much so." "Maybe Shardakour's
not such a bad place to stay," she said. "I'm hurt, Ms.
Adyna." Juan joked. "Besides the wedding is here on Shardakour, and
we will all be present." She laughed.
"Oh, well, that's different." Juan shook his head
"Now that it's on Shardakour, its okay. There will be so many people
present. I will need to start helping Kerri get used to the idea of being
called Lady Connors while she's here." "But not while she's
on Telos? What makes her a Lady now?" Drysi asked. "Her status will
change even on Telos once Sean marries," Juan stated. "She's like me, we don't stand on formality much. On Telos most people
refer to me as Captain, here it's Lord." "So it's all about who
you marry?" She glanced at Alida and then back to Juan.
"And you're a Lord because you've got domains here?" "Yes, I have domains
and at one time I was the Master of Arms here, as my father before me." "Aren't you
still?" Drysi asked. Juan shook his head.
"They have a new Master at Arms, I believe." "Oh?" Alida
questioned. "You have to
remember," he said, "for a long time they
thought me dead." Alida nodded. "Of course. That would preclude you continuing
with those duties, I'm sure." "Just a little,"
Juan chuckled. "So, let me see if
I've got this right," Drysi said, leaning against Juan's repulsor
chair. "You're a Lord, but not a Master, and you're a Captain, too.
Mrs. Connors is going to be Lady Connors because her son is marrying Lady
Amalie. Ms. D'med is a Lady now because she got married. And everyone
is expected to get married and have babies. How's
that?" Juan broke out laughing.
"Then explain Lady C'rman. She's not married, but still a lady." I know this one,"
Drysi said. "She's from a minor family. You said her parents
were overseers of a world. See, I do pay attention now and then." Juan wiped a tear from his
eye from laughter. "So you do." Alida smiled as the captain
laughed and Drysi rolled her eyes. It was good to see Juan in such good
humor after everything that had happened. "You are a very good
student and you catch on better than some would think." he took in a
breath. "Though I think I should return to my room and rest, I'm sure the
doctors think I've run off by now." "And you're not
supposed to overtax yourself," Drysi said. Alida gave him a bow.
"It is good to see you doing so much better, Lord Fer'rer." "Thank you, Lady
Reineach. How can I over tax myself? I'm in a chair not moving, not doing
anything but laughing." "You're definitely
giving your stomach muscles a workout, sir," Alida said dryly. Juan nodded. "Yes, and
they ache from so much laughter." "Will you allow me to
assist with that in some small way?" Alida asked. Juan looked at her and
nodded. "If you can." Alida knelt next to him.
"I'm not a skilled Healer, but I can at least help ease your aches."
She focused on him, pulling the Force around him to help ease and soothe the
sore muscles. He leaned back as the ache
subsided. "Thank you, but I should return and rest." She pulled back and stood,
nodding. "Yes, you should." "Thank you for the
conversation, Alida." Juan looked up at Drysi. "Will you see me back
to my room?" Drysi nodded. "My pleasure, Captain Fer'rer." Alida bowed to the pair.
"Good day to you both." She watched them as they started back inside
before she turned to find some where to begin her own exercises. Go To:
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