Private A Breath of Fresh Air

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte

​

The afternoon sun warmed Lorn's face as he sat on the porch of the Porte Homestead. Here, the air smelled of freshly turned dirt and blooming wildflowers, a welcome change from the sweat filled sand of Shiraya's Rest.

He'd travelled from the mountains for the day, a brief respite from his responsibilities. His duties were… demanding, to say the least. And the weight of his own past, a tangled mess of loss and regret, often felt heavier within the compound of the Vanguard. He needed a change of scenery, a breath of fresh air, and perhaps, a little wisdom.

He'd come to see Kahne. The older Jedi was the only Master Lorn truly knew, and Lorn respected the man's experience and perspective. He hoped Kahne would offer some guidance, some insight into how he could better navigate the tumultuous waters of being a Jedi, a teacher, and, most importantly, a protector.

He wanted to be better. He needed to be better. The friends he'd made, the second chance they had given him, the glimmer of hope he had found in the faces of the young students, they deserved the best he could offer. They had pulled him from the abyss of his grief, offering him a purpose, a reason to keep fighting. He would move mountains, if necessary, to ensure their safety, to ensure that the Republic and Shiraya's Order, could persevere.

Lorn closed his eyes, tilting his face towards the sun. For a moment, he let the warmth chase away the shadows that clung to his mind. He felt a gentle breeze rustle the leaves of the nearby trees, a soothing melody that calmed the restless energy within him. He hoped Kahne would be amenable to a conversation. He had so much to ask, so much to learn. But for now, he would simply enjoy the peace of the afternoon, the quiet anticipation of a much-needed conversation, and the simple beauty of the spring day.

 

[Kahne Porte]

The atmosphere at the homestead was rather comforting and peaceful. It was something that he and his wife had create together, and well the vineyard.....Alexandra took that much farther than he ever thought it would go. There were several workers, people that had entered their lives through their travels and such. And of course the Jedi's old Alliance buddies from many years ago. The Knightfall alliance had fracture many worlds, but it also brought many people together. And there was a large group of people that would follow Kahne to the bitter end. Although as things slowed down, and peace returned. Kahne didn't want them to be sacrificing their lives just for him.....

Kahne wasn't important here, if anyone thought that....they had been mislead. The important thing was Naboo, her people and hope. Kahne looked the epitome of hope and light. And he would pass that along to all that needed it. Some would stick around and work security for the vineyard and the homestead. The Jedi Master had constructed a secondary home....barracks of sorts for those that chose to stay here. While others lived in Theed, they were welcome anytime here.

Today he had been graced with the presence of Lorn Reingard the commander of the Vanguard and someone Kahne had come to have incredible faith in. They hadn't known each other long, however actions spoke true in the face of fear and chaos. And Lorn's actions, bravery, selflessness showed beyond his years.

"Good day, Lorn Reingard." The Jedi Master made his way towards Lorn, extending his hand towards his friend and Commander. "I hope this place wasn't too hard to find. What brings you out today my friend?"

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte

​

Lorn rose as Kahne approached, a genuine smile touching his lips. He clasped Kahne's offered hand, a firm, respectful grip. "Good day to you too, Kahne." He released Kahne's hand, letting his gaze sweep over the homestead. "Not at all, the directions were more than adequate. And… it truly is a beautiful place. A welcome change of pace." He gestured vaguely, taking in the vibrant blossoms and the neatly tilled earth. "You and Alexandra have built something… special here."

He paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. He wasn't usually one for idle chatter. He preferred directness, efficiency. But with Kahne, he felt a strange sense of ease, a permission to simply be.

"I came… hoping for a bit of your time, actually." Lorn admitted, his voice dropping slightly. "For some guidance, perhaps." He looked at Kahne, his expression earnest. "You're the only Master I truly know, and… well, everyone seems to respect your wisdom."

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the words suddenly feeling heavy in his mouth. "I've always been… a weapon. A tool for war. That's all I knew for a long time." He gestured towards the vineyard then back at himself "But now, with the students, with the Vanguard… I want to be more. I need to be more."

His gaze met Kahne's, pleading for understanding. "I'm trying to understand the nuances of the Force, the subtler currents, beyond simply deflecting blaster fire or crushing a durasteel door."

Lorn took a deep breath before finally asking what was on his mind. "What should I be striving for? What should I be focusing on to become a... a great Jedi Master like you?" The thought of measuring up to someone like Kahne was a tall order, but he desperately wanted to be worthy of the faith that had been placed in him. He wanted to be someone the young Jedi could look up to, someone who could guide them through the darkness and into the light. He wanted to be better.

 

[Kahne Porte]

"I'm glad it wasn't too much trouble." He smiled as he listened attentively to what Lorn Reingard was speaking off and he appreciated most of it, but there was some that he had a small issues with.

Kahne laughed heartily and he shook his head. "Your words do me a great honor Lorn, truly. But I am far, from a great Jedi Master." He said with a small smile as he placed a gentle hand on his shoulder as he beckoned him to walk with him along the Villa's path.

"I can understand your want, or need to know more. To be more as you say. And truth be told, that comes in time. Some sooner and others it comes at a later time." The Jedi Master knew that wasn't per se what he wanted to hear. "I wasn't always like this, Lorn. I didn't become who I was truly meant to be until I'd say around the time Aiden and Addison were around thirteen or fourteen years old. It was just after the very first Cataclysm here on Naboo." Kahne led them closer to his home, while the Jedi Master was indeed in need of a drink.

"Do you drink?" The Jedi inquired as he looked over to Lorn. "I always keep a stock of Corellian whiskey on hand, it's been a favorite of mine for over three decades." Kahne chuckled at the first time he ever had that particular beverage before.

That was a very good night.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte

​

Lorn followed Kahne along the villa path, his boots crunching softly on the gravel. He frowned slightly at Kahne's self-deprecation. "With all due respect, Master Kahne, I find that difficult to believe. You are everything a Jedi should aspire to be." He hesitated, unsure if he was overstepping, but the sincerity of his observation wouldn't allow him to remain silent.

As they entered the villa, a warm and inviting space filled with the scent of polished wood and something faintly floral, Lorn's eyes scanned the room. He accepted the offered Corellian whiskey with a nod of thanks. "I do, thank you." He took the glass carefully, the amber liquid gleaming in the light. He hadn't tried Corellian whiskey before, but he trusted Kahne's judgment.

Taking a small sip, Lorn savored the taste, a warmth spreading through him. It was smoother than he expected, with a hint of spice that lingered on his tongue. He lowered the glass slightly, his brow furrowed in thought. "You said you only became who you were meant to be later in life… what were you like before? What changed after the first Cataclysm that allowed you to… figure it out?" He looked at Kahne intently, genuinely curious. He couldn't imagine Kahne being anything other than the calm, wise Master he knew. Understanding Kahne's journey might just hold the key to figuring out his own.

 

[Kahne Porte]

"Well thank you Lorn." Kahne said with a smile as he beckoned him to follow, to have a seat out in the front of the house. There was a nice cool wind today, providing the perfect mix. The Jedi Master raised the glass to his lips and took a small sip. He let out a satisfied sigh, that taste could never get old. Kahne was by no means an alcoholic, but he did enjoy a glass or two of whiskey every other day or so.

So maybe so, but he was older and he had to have some fun.

"I lost my parent's at an incredibly young age. I was barely four years of age. Luckily I had a savior, my mentor....Tiberias Jinn. He was everything that I hoped to be. He was a lot like I was now, he hit that stride early on in his life. When I was Knighted, all I did was fight. I was on the frontlines, every chance I could get. I thought perhaps through sheer will and Justice that my blade only could even the playing field. After years of fighting all that was shown for it was the fall of a Republic, the first Galactic Alliance."

The Jedi Master took another drink and couldn't help but smile, this was good. But it wasn't just the drink, it was present company, family, home and Naboo. It was all of those things that provided him with ability to hope and be strong as he was.

"One person cannot change the way of things, is what I realized. You have to be able to protect, comfort, acknowledge, teach and have patience most of all. And of course you have to know that hope above all thing isn't a fools gambit. I have heard that too many times in my life and I have defied those odds."

"Hope is real and true. That is what I teach here, on this ground." The Jedi Master said with a nod of his head as he took a small drink once more.

"Do you believe in hope?" The Jedi Master inquired as he looked over to him, curious as to what his answer would be.


Lorn Reingard

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte

​

Lorn listened intently as Kahne recounted his past. He swirled the amber liquid in his glass, the light catching the subtle patterns within. Kahne's story resonated with him, the echoes of his own experiences humming within his chest. The loss of parents, the dedication to the blade, the disillusionment, it was a path Lorn recognized, a mirror reflecting his own struggles.

He'd always seen himself as a shield, a protector. From the earliest days of his training, his focus had been on combat, on being strong enough to defend those he cared about. He'd thrown himself into battles, convinced that his skill with a lightsaber could make a difference, could prevent suffering. But all it seemed to bring him was more pain, more loss. The faces of those he failed to save haunted his dreams, a constant reminder of his limitations.

When Kahne posed the question, "Do you believe in hope?" Lorn hesitated, his gaze drifting towards the serene landscape surrounding the villa. It was a simple question, yet it felt like a monumental one, requiring a depth of introspection he hadn't allowed himself in years. He furrowed his brow, the weight of past failures pressing down on him.

He didn't have much hope for himself, not really. A cynical voice whispered in the back of his mind, telling him he was destined for a life of loss, that anyone he cared for would inevitably suffer. He'd almost resigned himself to that fate. But the galaxy... the galaxy was a different story.

"I… I believe there is hope for the galaxy." he finally said, his voice a little rough around the edges. "For Naboo, for the Republic, for the Jedi. There are good people out there, Kahne. People who deserve a better future. They are better than me. More capable of creating hope than I am."

He paused, searching for the right words. "I believe in hope for them. I fight for that hope. Train the Shirayan Jedi to be bastions of it. What I believe about myself is perhaps another question entirely." He offered a small, self-deprecating smile, the movement barely reaching his eyes. "Perhaps I am merely a protector of that hope, never truly believing I can fully embrace it myself."

 

[Kahne Porte]

What I believe about myself is perhaps another question entirely."

"That's just the thing, isn't it?" Kahne said with a smile as he gave his friend a small tap on the arm. "You have to find it within yourself to believe. Believe in yourself most of all. If not, what are you really passing down. A sense of false hope?" The Jedi Master spoke, not in a way to deter him, but more so to further explain. The Jedi then took another sip from the glass. "You can be so much more, you have put your life on the line for many people. Just as you have defended them. They will in turn defend you, they will defend all you can be."

Kahne took a deep breath as he settled back into the chair, resting his head back against the headrest.

"It will come to you in time my friend. You will wake up someday soon with a renewed sense of purpose. When that day comes you will do many great things for so many people. I foresee you will become a wise and strong Jedi Master my friend."

That will be needed in the days to come. The Jedi thought as he showed a small smile as he looked out over the land before them. It was serene and peaceful, it was something he wished he could live out till the end of his days here.


"Are you hungry?" Kahne asked with a small smirk. "I've got some steaks I plan on cooking today, if you want to partake?"

Lorn Reingard

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte

​

A warmth flickered in Lorn's chest at Kahne's words, the idea of him, Lorn, becoming a wise and strong Jedi Master. He'd spent so long looking up to Kahne, picturing himself as the older, knowing figure someday. But after decades of war, each battle a close call, he'd started to believe his time was limited. He'd cheated death so many times, it felt like borrowed time, a waiting game.

He offered a smile that felt genuine this time, the kind that tugged at the corners of his eyes. "Steaks sound amazing, Kahne. Thanks. I really appreciate the company... and the, uh, the pep talk." He let the word hang in the air, a small acknowledgement of the truth buried within Kahne's words. "Maybe," he said, a touch of raw vulnerability creeping into his voice, "maybe you're right. Maybe that day will come." He gazed out at the peaceful landscape, letting the quiet wash over him.

A sigh escaped him. "I just… I don't know how to find that hope anymore, you know? That purpose. The reason."

He turned back to Kahne, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "You have this beautiful family, this incredible home. You have so much to fight for."

His smile faded, replaced by a shadow of sadness. "But me? I fight... because that's just all I know how to do."

 

[Kahne Porte]

"Steaks sound amazing, Kahne. Thanks. I really appreciate the company... and the, uh, the pep talk."

"Good, and that is no problem. I try not to spout my ere of wisdom upon those too often. Simply because the hopeful side of me begin to show and it might be a bit of an annoyance to some." The Jedi shrugged his shoulders. "We are, who we are." Kahne chuckled lightly as he clinked his glass lightly against Lorn's.

"For Naboo." He showed him a smiled.

"I just… I don't know how to find that hope anymore, you know? That purpose. The reason."

"You have this beautiful family, this incredible home. You have so much to fight for."

"But me? I fight... because that's just all I know how to do."

"I understand....truly." Kahne said as he leaned back in his chair. "First, I thank you for you kind words my friend. But just know that something like this, it isn't out of your reach. You don't fight hundreds of battles and after, this is bestowed upon you. It takes work, love and nourishment. It's a gift, I can't quite put it into words. I just know that I am grateful."

The Jedi raised the glass to his lips and he took another small drink.

"I wasn't always like this Lorn." The Jedi sighed, as he appeared a bit disappointed in himself, however he was young, and did not have the cares that he carried now. "There was a time that I didn't believe as well as I do now. A time that my path treaded heavily between light and dark. Somewhere along the way a path was shown forward and you have to choose what your going to keep and what you are going to let go."

The Jedi Master smiled as he looked out in front of them, at passing members of Shiraya's Hope, and those that were working the vineyard.

"I thank the force everyday that the path I chose was bathed in light." The Jedi Master placed a hand on Lorn's shoulder and gave it a small squeeze. "I know you are looking for answers my friend. And they will come to you in time, but they are for you to uncover. And when you find those answers, you will feel in your heart and in your mind that the right choice was made. You must have trust and faith in yourself."

Lorn Reingard

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte

​

Lorn clinked glasses with Kahne, the soft sound resonating between them like a promise. "For Naboo." he echoed, a flicker of warmth igniting in his chest as he watched Kahne's smile. There was something reassuring in the familiarity of their friendship, a steady anchor in the chaotic seas of his mind.

As Kahne spoke, Lorn leaned in slightly, allowing the Jedi's words to wash over him like a gentle tide. The way Kahne articulated the struggle between light and dark struck a chord deep within Lorn, resonating with the unspoken doubts that clung to him like shadows. He nodded slowly, feeling the tension in his shoulders begin to melt away, his heart opening just a little to the possibilities Kahne presented. "I will do my best to trust myself and have faith," he replied, his voice steady but laced with vulnerability. "I'm ready for all of this to make sense, to be more... to have more to fight for, something with a higher purpose."

A moment of silence lingered between them, filled only with the soft sounds of the vineyard, rustling leaves and distant laughter. Lorn inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of the vineyard and the warmth of the sun on his skin, grounding him further in the present. Yet, a flicker of uncertainty still lingered in his mind. He knew he was fighting more than just external battles, the struggle within him was just as fierce.

Desiring a change of pace, he shifted the conversation. "How's Aiden doing? Is he ready for knighthood, you think?" He took a sip of his drink, the cool liquid momentarily distracting him from the weight of his own thoughts. Lorn's expression softened as he spoke of the young padawan. "I've done my best to guide him, but something tells me he has to decide for himself that he is ready."

His eyes searched Kahne's for understanding, hoping to see the same light he admired in his friend reflected back at him. Lorn felt a swell of pride for Aiden, mixed with a flicker of anxiety. The responsibility of mentorship weighed heavily on him, but he couldn't help but hope that he had instilled a bit of that same faith Kahne had shared, both in himself and in the Force.

 

[Kahne Porte]

Kahne couldn't help but smile at Lorn's words. The power of belief and faith was an incredible thing. It would come in time and patience. Lorn would soon realize that he is stronger than he could ever know.

"How's Aiden doing? Is he ready for knighthood, you think?"

"I've done my best to guide him, but something tells me he has to decide for himself that he is ready."

"He is doing well to my knowledge, I want to take this time to thank you for helping him out as much as you have. He has grown quite a lot since he's been with your vanguard." The Jedi Master chuckled lightly at the mention of Aiden's Knighthood, not out of disrespect or anything of that sort. But Kahne knew that Aiden himself seemed to doubt his abilities even though others have seen far greater in him.

"I believe he is more ready than he thinks. He in all aspects, is his own worst enemy. He will break through that barrier soon I feel. He must learn to let the past go, and that all things that happen are sometimes beyond his control."

The Master took another drink before he sat up more in the chair. "I do have a request though, I want to present him with a small token of appreciation and congratulations when he does make that next step to Knighthood. A armor set suited for his talents and his abilities when that time comes. I could use your help in the planning and creation if time is available."

Lorn Reingard

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte

​

Lorn's lips curved into a faint smile, one that hinted at both gratitude and relief. Hearing Kahne's affirmation of Aiden's growth eased some of the self-doubt he'd carried about his role as a mentor. He tilted his head, considering the Master's words, and nodded with quiet agreement.

"He is his own worst enemy." he murmured, almost to himself, a trace of familiarity in the observation. Maybe that was why he'd grown so fond of the kid, he saw echoes of his younger self in Aiden's struggle for self-belief, the gnawing need to prove oneself worthy.

The mention of the armor set caught Lorn off guard, but in a good way. His brow lifted slightly as he regarded Kahne with a renewed sense of respect. There was a kindness in that gesture, something deeply personal. "That's… a hell of a gift." Lorn said, voice touched with something soft and genuine beneath the gruff exterior. "He'll carry that with him, more than you know."

He leaned back, eyes drifting toward the vineyards for a moment before returning to Kahne, a flicker of excitement cutting through the usual weariness in his gaze. "I'd be honored to help. We'll make something worthy of him. Functional, sleek, and something that reminds him he's not alone when things get heavy."

A pause, then a quieter addition, "He'll need that. We all do, sometimes."

 

[Kahne Porte]

"He is his own worst enemy."

Kahne nodded, and he couldn't help but chuckle a bit. As the statement was all too true, once he learned to free his mind a bit more and that things are more grounded than he sees. He will truly be on his way to becoming the Jedi he is meant to be.

"He'll carry that with him, more than you know."

"He'll need that. We all do, sometimes."

"The help is greatly appreciated my friend. And yes, we all need that sometimes. Even I do believe it or not." Kahne added with a small laugh as he stood up, in mind to get the fire going, let it ease and start the cooking. With just the two of them it wouldn't take to long.

"Don't worry Lorn, everything always turns out okay." Kahne said with a laugh as he patted his friend on the shoulder.


Lorn Reingard