Private Beyond Price | Private

[Natasi Fortan]

​

The red box stood open and empty on Natasi's desk aboard the Allegro-class stealth corvette. Natasi didn't know why, exactly, she opened it. All the documentation that should have been within it was on a secure computer that sat open on the desk next to the dispatch box. She supposed it was the ritual of it, or perhaps the smell of papers and power that emanated from within the box, but it also served as a signal for anyone who might enter the office: lid open, and the Supreme Leader was working; lid down, and Natasi was off-duty. Natasi wasn't expecting to be disturbed; the ship was all but empty, and Natasi knew that the other occupant of the vessel would not disturb her unless there was an emergency.

The last few days since they had left Naboo had been among the most pleasant in recent memory. Dyrn was easy to be with, and they had repurposed the cargo hold into a training area, and they had spent several hours a day practicing defensive techniques. They took turns cooking meals, and Natasi believed that he had some models to work on when she was handling affairs of state. And of course, they had plenty of time to spend together, getting to know one another better before parting ways in the evening. Naturally, he was sleeping in one of the guest rooms. It was all very above-board, all very proper.

It wasn't easy. Being in close proximity to Captain Grav was a constant trial of the famed Fortan propriety. So it was nice to have some government memos to disappear into. Agriculture reports were as good as a cold shower in most respects. Natasi touched the controls on the computer, digitally initialing the bottom of the memo, and then reached for her teacup as she moved onto the next one. She was almost finished with her work for the time being, and in addition to being necessary to the running of the First Order government, her handling of the paperwork was having its desired effect.

She made a few notes in the margin of the document she was reading. Intelligence reports surrounding potentially misplaced elements of a First Order fleet were troubling, and while it seemed like the Bureau had everything well in hand, Natasi had some additional questions, so she sent it back with those questions before finalizing the rest of the paperwork. Natasi bio-locked the computer and tucked it back into her desk, then shut the lid on the dispatch box and set it on the floor next to her desk. On her way out the door, she paused at the storage cabinet built into the bulkhead and pulled out the box that she had been keeping there since Naboo. She had wrapped the box in simple black paper and a navy blue ribbon, tied in a neat bow.

Natasi left the room and walked around the ship, looking for Dyrn. She'd check the common areas first, to see if Dyrn was in the lounge or the galley -- it was getting close to dinnertime, anyway. If he wasn't there, she'd check the cargo hold-turned-gym, then the service quarters that she had repurposed to give him a private workspace for the journey, then the cockpit. She couldn't imagine there was anywhere else he would be -- one of the 'freshers, perhaps, or in his cabin or one of the other, disused staff cabins. It was perhaps an inefficient way to find her companion, but it let her stretch her legs and get some exercise in after sitting and working for a few hours. "Dyrn?" she called out, her voice slightly raised but not shouting. "Are you down here?"

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

The last month had been trying, but in the best kind of ways.

The Naboo visitation had passed uneventfully, at least professionally for Dyrn, with no attempts on the Supreme Leader's life or complications from other political entities. There had been the abrupt departure of the Grand Moff, but the Supreme Leader and other leadership of the First Order had been quick to handle that situation; and that meant that the trip, which both Lady Fortan and Dyrn were presently on, could happen:

Öetrago.

It was a relief, truth be told. There had been concerns over delays, or the vacation being outright cancelled. Yet, so did the Allegro fly, so too was there the chance for the pair to spend real, tangible time together without escorts or entourages. The pair were headed toward the planet of rain forests and flower plains, where a reputation for the miles and miles of bright multicolored fields was known. The suggestion for visiting the planet had come from Dyrn's observation of Natasi's fondness for blossoms, and thankfully - wonderfully - she had agreed, and it had even become something of a personal voyage for the couple.

Leading up to the trip, the Guard Captain had found a balance in his life. A mixture of professionalism and emotional connection to Natasi. Dyrn cared about her deeply, especially after and during their time at Herevan, and his career as a Royal Guard was maintained through his want to protect and serve. Both sides of himself pursued the same thing: keeping Lady Fortan safe. So far the relationship had been strictly proper, reserved for private moments, with little-to-no displays in public to avoid scandal or reproach. And Dyrn was fine with that - it made sense.

Now, though, aboard the private vessel en route to Öetrago, Dyrn felt some comfort in the capacity to share more intimate moments with Natasi. The foremost being able to speak to her as she was, without the titles and status within the First Order, as someone he cared for and wanted to know more personably. There was also a sense of more openness for the Guard Captain, as they were alone and could share more, speak more freely, without being overheard by the usual retinue that followed Her Grace. And when Natasi was able to relax and just be? That was one of the most enjoyable times for Dyrn.

Still, some habits died hard.

"Yes?" Dyrn called from the port side of the vessel, toward the rear. The summons for his whereabouts was heard once Natasi raised her voice somewhat, but otherwise she would find him inside the escape pod. And it wasn't due to some need to flee, though Dyrn suspected a quip from his partner - he did enjoy them, though, as Natasi had a quick wit. "I'm here. Port side."

Within the opened entry, inside the pod itself, Dyrn furrowed his brow as he finished the last touches to the seals. He looked up, some grease on his hands and forearms, as he inspected the pod sealant one last time. With a nod to himself, the Guardsman crouched and began to pack away the tools he had used from maintenance storage. At the approach of footsteps, Dyrn stood and stepped out of the pod entry, as his bright eyes sought out Natasi's familiar and beautiful self.

"Sorry, I was applying more sealant restorer," Dyrn said with a smile. He wiped at his sweaty brow, his tank top and simple pants clean, even if his hands were a little dirty. As such, a smudge appeared over his eyebrow with the hand movement. "Nothing serious, mind. I just saw a few cracks in the lining on inspection and thought I had time to prevent more erosion before dinner...

"And hello. All finished with the last additions of official work?"

To avoid spreading the few patches of greasy concoction on his hands and forearms to Natasi, Dyrn resisted the urge to reach out and embrace her, and instead leaned forward and kissed her forehead briefly - another aspect of privacy that he appreciated, as he had become a little more liberal with his displays of affection since departure. Still, until he cleaned up, the tall man would let Natasi determine how close she wanted to get to him; but if she wasn't afraid to get grease on her, then Dyrn wouldn't object... though, he did notice the ribbon wrapped package in Natasi's hands, and he raised an eyebrow and asked in a playfully curious manner.

"Hm... what is it you have there?"

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi followed the sound of Dyrn's voice; it hadn't occurred to her to check the escape pod, although in retrospect she supposed she should have. She walked into the escape pod entryway and smiled, clasping her hands around the box behind her back. "You know, when Talbot got sick of me, he enlisted in the Stormtrooper Corps. It was a lot of hassle -- paperwork, documents, proof of vaccinations, allsorts -- and then promptly died. I think your way is easier, frankly."

When Dyrn explained his current state of affairs, Natasi allowed herself an exasperated smile, closing her eyes on a little eye roll. "The concept of a holiday is entirely foreign to you, isn't it?" She took a few more steps in, then leaned over to examine the seals that he had been working on, a look of chagrin on her face. "I suppose I should have had it all checked over by a real mechanic rather than Spratt." Natasi chewed the inside of her cheek thoughtfully. "Although -- he's always done a solid job. Thank you for taking care of it."

Natasi turned her face up to receive Dyrn's kiss on her forehead. Her cheeks flushed and her smile broadened. "I'm done for now," she confirmed, taking her hands around to the front, exposing the wrapped parcel. "Oh, this? Just a little something I got for you. Consider it -- a souvenir, I guess," she said, holding it out to him.

Within the elegantly wrapped parcel, Dyrn would find a rather simple item, purchased by an aide on Natasi's behalf at the First Order embassy opening on Naboo: a build-it-yourself model of a N1 Starfighter circa the early 30s BBY, complete with all the materials needed to construct the scale model and the paints needed to finish its distinctive yellow and chromium exterior. As she handed it over so he could unwrap it, she said: "I was thinking it could be something to do together."

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

The quip had made Dyrn grin like an idiot, as he chuckled under his breath, and shook his head. He didn't want to be disrespectful of Natasi's late husband, but the Guardsman also supposed that if she joked about the circumstance then some degree of comfortability was there. Nonetheless, Dyrn couldn't deny Natasi's wit, though he decided not to respond beyond the manner in which he had.

The concern over the seals wasn't too big an issue, to which Dyrn added after the other's mention of a mechanic and Spratt. "Oh, no, it's nothing like that. I just had time to occupy myself, and thought preventative sealant would be helpful to the few worn parts there." He smiled, as he looked down and adjusted the bag in his hand. "I could have been doing other things, also. I just thought this was productive."

The confirmation that the official work was done, for now, was welcomed. Dyrn knew that Natasi had seemingly endless responsibility to the First Order, which he had accepted, and relished those moments when proverbial stars aligned to give both time for one another, uninterrupted. The whole trip to Öetrago was aimed at doing that, more so, and the Keshian was looking forward to it - very much so. And when the gift was presented, Dyrn put down the tools with a thump beside his boot, then reached out for the wrapped item...

"Ooh, a Naboo starfighter?" Dyrn's eyes lit up as he studied the box, though he didn't completely remove the wrapping, so as to avoid smearing grease on the box itself. "An old era design, by the look of it..."

Dyrn looked to Natasi, smiling.

"I love it. Thank you."

Curse being dirty right now, He thought, with another look down to the model box. She's escaped a hug, for now.

"I... didn't think to get you a gift from Naboo, I apologize. I will make it up to you."

The suggestion to work on the model together was met with a nod, as Dyrn had come to appreciate how willing Natasi was to share in his hobby, even if it wasn't necessarily to her interests. Still, part of being a couple was to share things, and Dyrn approached all of his partner's hobbies with gusto and encouragement - even if they confused him to begin with, such as the non-hovering motorcycle at Herevan.

"Working on this together sounds great," Dyrn added, regarding the model being worked on together, before he considered some of the initial stages that were a bit fiddly. "Let me know when you would like to begin, and I'll make sure the prep is done. Thank you, again."

With another grin, Dyrn crouched and picked up the tools, this time only feeling a faint twinge in his thigh. It had been a time since the incident on Keskin, and the Guardsman was effectively healed, but he had some minor muscle knitting to go. The trip would do him well, in that regard, and the medics expected a full recovery after the downtime. With raised eyebrows, Dyrn looked down the corridor, toward the kitchen:

"Oh, right, dinner," He said, tools in one hand, model box and wrapping in the other. "Would you like me to cook? I would use the 'fresher first, but can handle cooking afterward, if you would like to relax some?"

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

QUOTE AND/OR OBJ HERE

"My dear, you need not defend yourself to me," Natasi said, reaching over to put a hand on Dyrn's chest. "When I said I wanted you to feel at home, I meant it. If you want to replenish the seals or muck about in the engines or what have you, you're more than entitled." She smiled broadly up at him and idly flattened a wrinkle on his shirt before withdrawing her hand.

"I thought it was appropriate," said Natasi, nodding towards the N1. "Something iconic to Naboo. Something to bring back memories of that night. Fond memories, I hope." She remembered being so full of optimism that night. Not just optimism, but hope and excitement. She and Dyrn had plans to go away -- on this trip, as it happened -- but circumstances had intervened, and she had been forced to return to the capital. In some ways, she was relieved to be back in command of the First Order. Being a figurehead had its perks, but the truth was she had trouble trusting anyone with total control of the First Order. Her cousin had lit the spark and carried the torch, and done it beautifully, but Natasi struggled with delegation regardless.

Time and tragedy had intervened between then and now, but they had finally had the opportunity to slip away together. "They're fond for me, anyway," she said after she realized she'd stopped speaking more or less mid-thought. She stood back and watched him pick up his tools, her brows furrowing. He was still recovering from his ordeal on Keskin, and she didn't like to think of him in pain. Natasi put a hand on his back as they turned down the corridor. "Dinner? I'll take care of that while you clean up."

They parted ways at the entry to the galley, though Natasi stayed in the corridor, watching Dyrn walk away.

She supposed they were marking progress, after all. He no longer asked her permission to breathe the same oxygen, and she no longer felt embarrassed to be alone with a man who wasn't her husband. A ways to go, for sure, but so far they had been traveling for some days in close quarters and she hadn't wanted to strangle him, and -- as far as Natasi knew -- he hadn't wanted to strangle her. She even believed his efforts on the escape pod seals were really for the benefit of the ship and not a preparation to abandon ship.

Smiling to herself, Natasi went into the galley and examined their choices for dinner. She settled on something simple and set about to prepare it. When Dyrn returned, if he listened carefully, he would be able to hear her singing idly to herself -- not especially well -- as she prepared the meal: "...that lovely weekend: those two days of heaven you helped me to spend! The thrill of your kiss as you stepped off the train, the smile in your eyes like the sun after rain... mmm... mm, hmm... mm -- oh, that smells good."

The tikka masala was simmering away on the top of the cooker as she tore bread up for the pudding. "Hm-hm-hm-mm-mm... and now you have gone dear, this letter I pen, my heart travels with you until we meet again... hm-hm-mm..." Natasi started when she saw him, putting a hand to her chest. "By the Balance. I'll never understand how someone your size can be so quiet." She grinned sheepishly, the rinsed her hands in the sink and dried them as she came closer, her gaze appraising. "You clean up nicely," Natasi said wryly, standing up on her tip-toes to offer a brief kiss as she embraced him. "It'll be a few minutes before it's ready. Something to drink while we wait?"

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

Dyrn had started to feel more comfortable around Natasi. It wasn't that he had stopped putting in effort, or trying, because he would always; but he was able to be himself, able to drop his own facade of a Guardsman, and finally enjoy another seeing him for him. There were aspects to Dyrn that wouldn't change, and he felt that Natasi knew that, and was okay with that. Things like always being on the lookout for possible risks. By this point, he had developed a protective nature, and it likely wouldn't change, especially when children became a factor in his - their - lives; and George and Reima would be safeguarded for life, there was no doubt in his mind.

Which reminds me, Dyrn thought, as he listened to Natasi begin to speak about the Naboo model. But I will ask later.

The mention of Naboo brought a smile to Dyrn's features. He did recall that trip fondly, of course, especially the small walk through the garden of the embassy. By far one of the most enjoyable moments the Guardsman had spent with Lady Fortan, as he always relished the chance for the pair to be themselves together, away from others, whenever possible. Responsibility to the First Order remained a high priority, how could it not, but those few moments for them were priceless. And now, they were finally away...

"Fond for me, also. Yet I could say all my memories with you, so far, are fond."

When it came time to prepare for the evening, or what would typically be evening by local time standards, Dyrn felt Natasi touch his back as they walked down the corridor of the ship for a moment. He enjoyed her touch. He always did, there was care and comfort. Then he (reluctantly) turned to the personal quarters and smiled to her, before disappearing through a doorway and continuing on his way. It didn't take him long to reach the room that had been made his, and he placed the tools beside the entry to return later, as he inhaled deeply and realized the smile was still on his face.

Refresher, new clothing, dinner. Right.

The Guardsman walked over to the bathroom and turned on the water. He peeled off the tank top, careful not to smear more grease on his face or hair as it was removed, then folded it inside out. Better to keep the mess contained. Dyrn would handle washing the clothing later, as he went about removing the other articles of clothing and cleaning up. And after a thoroughly enjoyably warm - but quick - wash he was out and dried and dressed in simple slacks.

"New scars are healing well." Dyrn muttered, as he looked at his left arm in the mirror. He rotated the limb, which had been healed with bacta after the events of Keskin, where it had been broken and dislocated from a transport crash. "Good."

Dyrn brushed his hair, then pulled on a soft shirt from his small pile of belongings, before he started out of the room. He bent to pick up the tools, then did a circuit through the starship that took him past the storage area, where he returned the bag, then through toward the dining area. From ahead, Dyrn caught the first scents of dinner, and it made his mouth water. It smelled amazing. He also paused a moment, a small smirk on his face, as Natasi's voice flowed from the prep station in a song. The Guardsman listened, enjoying the sing-song moment, before he stepped through into the area and saw the woman he cared for singing - she was perfect.

"And here we are: we meet again," Dyrn said in a low voice, as he inclined his head and looked to the bread being pulled apart in Natasi's hands. "It smells wonderful."

There was a start from her, to which Dyrn grimaced with a hint of humor, then watched as Natasi washed up and walked over. The kiss on her tip-toes was greeted just as warmly, as the tall Keshian leaned down to meet her. He placed his hands on her hips, as her arms wrapped around him. "You're not the first person to say that. Uncannily quiet for my size, it seems... even my old instructor threatened to put a bell on me. A rare moment of humor in training." The compliment about his appearance caused Dyrn to smile. "Why thank you... I admit, I am trying to impress a beautiful young woman, you see, so."

Dyrn leaned forward and kissed Natasi again, before the mention of cooking time and drinks was brought up.

"Of course, allow me," Dyrn said with a nod, as he slipped out of Natasi's embrace - again, reluctantly - and moved over to the cooled storage unit to find what was needed. After the time spent together, it had become important to know more about his partner, and he soon found the drink he felt seemed appropriate. He poured two glasses, then nudged the storage unit door closed with a hip, before he turned and offered one to Natasi. "To pair with the meal, a hearty Riesling, my darling..."

Dyrn held his own glass out, as he offered a small toast:

"To us. And Öetrago."

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"An excellent choice," Natasi acknowledged, accepting the glass of Riesling. She raised it to her face, swirled it gently and took a sniff of the contents of the glass. "Mm... fruity and vibrant, but not overly sweet. Spätlese, if I'm not mistaken." Natasi touched the glass to Dyrn's, enjoying the melodic ping of high-quality crystal against high-quality crystal. "To us indeed." She took a sip and smiled. "Thyferran, I think, late thirties? Am I close?" Natasi set the drink down on the counter and returned to the cooker, where she stirred the tikka masala before she resumed tearing up the bread.

She placed half the buttered bread pieces in the bottom of a casserole dish, then sprinkled in some lemon zest and dried fruit before putting in the rest of the bread and more lemon zest and fruit. "About how long until we arrive at Öetrago, do you think?" she asked over her shoulder as she poured the egg and milk mixture over the whole mess, then crouched and popped the casserole into the oven part of the cooker, the set a timer before turning back to Dyrn, wiping her hands on a towel.

For a moment, Natasi considered her position with Dyrn. She couldn't remember ever sharing a moment like this with Talbot. He was perhaps even more of a stickler for the protocols of Galidraani dining etiquette than she was, if that was even possible. They had shared many meals together aboard the Allegro-class, but they had been Galidraani formal dinners in miniature, fully staffed by a footman at a minimum, but often with Hendersmith in full regalia. It struck her that she had never been alone with Talbot on this ship. Wherever they went, they had been surrounded by the trappings of his position or her own.

"I'm glad we're still doing this," said Natasi, reaching over to put a hand on his free arm. Her smile was genuine and warm. "With everything that's happened, it would have been easy to be overwhelmed and not find the time. But I think it's important." The timer on the cooker dinged and she turned, reluctantly letting him go. She opened the lid and was greeted with a blast of warm, spiced air from the tikka masala. "I think it's ready." She took equipped herself with a pair of heatproof mittens and picked up the pot, then carried it over to the table. She placed it on a trivet and then returned to the counter for the pot of rice, then returned again for her wine and a pair of serving spoons.

"Help yourself," said Natasi, placing the serving spoons in front of Dyrn before she took her seat. As they got themselves served, Natasi smoothed her napkin on her lap. She didn't know why she felt anxious, but she couldn't deny that she did. Part of it were the butterflies she usually had around Captain Grav, but there was something more. Perhaps it was being away from the capital and away from her children. "How are you feeling?" she asked quietly. "Is your leg back to normal, do you think?"

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

"I believe so, yes," The tall Keshian responded, as Natasi showed her knowledge of beverage. No doubt her upbringing, to recognize those details, with the finer things in life. It was certainly a far cry from Dyrn's upbringing, but he found their differences endearing and enjoyed learning more of the smaller details that Natasi shared. As the pair had the toast, and took mutual sips, Dyrn chuckled. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you looked at the bottle before I arrived. You are correct, Thyferran, thirty-six."

The Guardsman regarded the bottle nearby, as he glanced to the label. He wouldn't have been able to gauge that. His understanding of upper-class was mainly actionable, less refined, so he tried to take a moment to taste the flavors and determine what specifically allowed Lady Fortan such an accurate estimate. It didn't take, really, but perhaps in time with more experience of vintages and beverage types?

"According to the navicomp--" Dyrn said slowly, as he glanced down to the small chrono on his wrist. It was hooked up to the cockpit, to allow the pilot - in this case him - opportunity to move about the vessel, without losing awareness of the hyperspace travel time. "--we have several days, about seventy-two hours, until we arrive on-planet. I admit, I'm looking forward to seeing Öetrago in all it's glory. I hope you like it."

When Natasi mentioned she was glad they had taken the vacation, he couldn't disagree. Nor would he want to. Time spent with her was the only time Dyrn enjoyed fully, so he had remained adamant on supporting the trip. It was important to them, for them, and also for Natasi. There had been a lot of developments lately, as Supreme Leader, and time away might allow her an opportunity to unwind and relax.

"I am, also," Dyrn said in a quiet tone, as he looked down to Natasi's hand on his arm. He returned her smile and touch, as he ran his fingers along her arm. "I feel it is very important, especially for you. There has been so much happening in a short period of time, political dynamics... and sometimes I wonder how you keep it all in balance. You--"

The ding of the cooking station cut off the thought, as Dyrn looked over and noted the blinking numbers. Natasi moved to take care of the retrieval of the food pot, while Dyrn carried both their glasses to the nearby table, and placed them appropriately in both prepared places.

"Mouth-watering," Dyrn muttered, as he paused, and offered a smirk to Natasi. "Oh, and dinner looks wonderful too."

With the serving utensils in hands, the Guardsman began to serve both portions, Natasi's first. As she settled and draped the napkin over lap, there seemed to be a small underlying unease. It wasn't alarming, but there did seem something off, though Dyrn presumed it came down to the fact this was their first time - the first real time - away together. He might have been wrong, but inwardly he was comfortable and hoped Natasi was, too. When she spoke, he looked up from the serving pot, and nodded.

"My thigh is a little stiff, but nothing that continual movement and use won't be able to solve," Dyrn said as he dished some of the casserole onto his plate. He put the spoons inside the pot, leaned them to one side, then took his seat and settled in himself. "Everything has been cleared by the medics... I am well. Honest."

For a moment, Dyrn thought back to Keskin, to the crash; and how it had been one of the genuine times when the Guardsman had been prepared to die for the woman across the table. At the time, Natasi's survival had been all that mattered, it had encompassed him in that moment, and in some ways there was concern there. There was a juxtaposition in Dyrn's life now. On one hand, he wanted to keep Natasi safe at all costs, no matter the cost; but on the other, he wanted to thoroughly enjoy a life with her, to grow closer and experience and love...

And I cannot do that if I am dead. But neither can I do that if she is, either.

It was better to not consider those thoughts, he supposed. It wasn't the right way to think about it. Dyrn would enjoy the moments he had with Natasi and whatever else happened, which worked contrary to that, was immaterial. He cared about her, she cared about him, and that was all that mattered. Still, as he lifted the fork and took a mouthful of the dinner, he was immediately distracted from his thoughts by how great the meal was--

"It tastes incredible, have you cooked this before?" Dyrn asked, eyebrows raised. Surely she had. If not, it was uncanny. "I didn't think it wouldn't, of course, but... you continually amaze me, Natasi. I feel like the most fortunate sentient, to get to know you - see you - how I do now."

There was certainly something else Dyrn wanted to express, but he didn't want to appear rash or presumptuous. He reached out and took his glass, as he took the last mouthful, then placed it down at the top end of the plate. "You have so many small, wonderful intricacies that I cannot help but feel fondly about. I..."

Tell her.

Dyrn glanced down for a moment, thinking. Considering. Always considering so many options.

Tell her.

Then his bright eyes stopped on his empty glass.

"...I should probably refresh drinks. Excuse me a moment."

With a smile, Dyrn stood and walked back over to the kitchen area. He was glad his back was turned, as he closed his eyes in a moment of silent annoyance with himself, as he grabbed the Riesling. He could feel heat in his ears, the thump in his chest, and wondered when he had started to second guess himself so often. Perhaps it was that he felt declaring feelings wasn't his place, Natasi was the one who had the social standing and was Supreme Leader... perhaps it was up to her to determine when, if, those expressions of interest were appropriate.

Not a Guardsman's.

"Would you like a refill?" Dyrn asked, as he turned around and grinned. He held the bottle up, as he returned to the table. He poured some more Riesling into his glass, and did the same if Natasi wanted it, before he resumed his seat. "It really is a nice vintage. Have you tried earlier ones? How do they compare to this one?"

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"It's funny you should say that," said Natasi with a wry smirk. "In fact I did know ahead of time -- I did check the manifest before we left. Not for this necessarily, but there you are." She smiled and they settled in. Natasi demurred at his praise, flushing slightly and looking down for modesty's sake. "I've made this a fair few times. A few late nights at Number 10 when I got finished working after the staff had closed down for the day. The nice thing is it can be as spicy as you want it to be."

She took another sip of her wine and looked across the table at Dyrn, offering him a self-deprecating smirk. "I'm afraid it's one of my very few specialties. Perhaps because I'm a toffee-nosed snob, but I never really learned how to do anything terribly complex in the kitchen. Eggs and toast, tikka masala, bread and butter pudding, and coronation chicken are about as far as I'd stretch." Natasi allowed herself to relax against the backrest of the chair and crossed her ankles beneath the table against the leg of her chair. His compliments were enough to make her blush, but she knew better than to think they were flattery. Dyrn didn't operate that way; in her experience, there was nothing political about him.

It was one of the many qualities about him she found attractive.

He shifted, then rose and went to refill their wine. "If you're going," she said, taking another drink from her glass before offering it to him with a smile. "The thirties were a good decade for Thyferran whites, or so Hendersmith tells me. I'm honestly not terribly fussed, but he takes it all very seriously. Bless him... he is a rare breed." Hendersmith's long service to Natasi and her family endeared him to her very much; he was like a kindly old uncle who had always favored Natasi. He was, at long last, all the family Natasi had left outside of her children. "If you have a certain preference, he'll be pleased to look into the best years and bottles."

Natasi waited for Dyrn to return before continuing to eat. As she carefully and daintily cut up the meat, she regarded her guardsman carefully. He seemed to be -- well, she didn't know, exactly. Not upset, exactly, but certainly it seemed there was something weighing on his mind. She didn't want to pry or prompt him if he wasn't ready, but she would keep an eye on him and if he seemed discomfited the she would have no other choice but to insist. Instead, she said: "Dosuun has some lovely vineyards, I think. More suited to pinot noir and chardonnay, if I recall correctly. But as far as earlier vintages of this -- I don't think so, but I'd have to check. Hendersmith would know. Mind like a steel trap where wine is concerned."

She dabbed her lips with her napkin and looked over at him seriously, her dark gaze suddenly solemn. There was something troubling her, and she felt that it was better to come out with it now. She owed it to Dyrn -- and herself -- to be honest about it. After all, Natasi had almost gotten herself killed. "I'm relieved to hear that your recovery is coming along nicely. I can't believe you made that hike in your condition." Her eyes were suddenly an amber honey, shining with unshed tears. "If I never said it before, thank you. If it hadn't been for you, I don't know what might have happened. It was foolish for me to insist on attending." She looked down again, clearly to embarrassed to meet Dyrn's gaze, her fingers flexing in her lap as they did when she was anxious or uncomfortable or unhappy about something. "If it weren't for me, you would never have been in that position, and look at the good it did: none at all. I am so sorry that you were hurt."

Natasi sniffed lightly and pushed her dish away with her fingertips. After a moment she regained her composure, more or less, and looked up again. "I don't mean to put a damper on things. But it has been weighing on me for some time. I want you to know that I don't take your safety lightly. It is very serious to me, perhaps even more serious than my own. It was a stupid, unnecessary risk to take and I should have known better." Her eyes darted across his face, searching for a sign of his reaction. He would be well within his rights to be furious, but knowing Dyrn Grav as she did, Natasi somehow doubted he would be.

That didn't stop Natasi being furious on his behalf.

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

Dyrn should have known.

Of course Natasi checked the stock lists.

He couldn't help but chuckle at the revelation. Still, he listened with a smile, as she went on to explain about the meal itself. And there was no mistaking, the meal was delicious, even as Natasi responded with her self-deprecating remarks about cooking limitations. As far as Dyrn was concerned, having a few amazingly executed meals, over a lot of averages ones, was considerably better. He, himself, was quite limited in the kitchens - mainly meat cooked well, truth be told - so he had no leg to stand on in comparison. And the information about the vintages of the wine were interesting, with Dyrn making sure to take particular note mentally, so as to have some future options to select from should a choice for drinks be his again.

"For certain, I'm happy to hear suggestions from Hendersmith," Dyrn said as he eased back into his chair and continued to eat. Despite the comments from before, the Guardsman absolutely enjoyed the meal. "I wouldn't presume to know of any particular years or bottles, of course. I reluctantly admit that my wine knowledge is very limited, perhaps the Riesling being the peak of my decision making, hah."

With his glass in hand, the Guardsman took a sip, then wondered. There was a quiet. Something existed there, between them, for the moment - something unsaid. Dyrn was aware of it, Natasi probably even more so, because of her keen perception. And after his change in decision from before, where he had elected to distract with a refill, he wondered if maybe it had been too obvious a deviation. Had he let Natasi down, had she expected him to say something, only to be insulted by his reluctance - for concerns over overstepping, not for not having those feelings. Could the situation have been misconstrued?

Should I say something? Can I now, after changing the subject so blatantly?

Yet, it seemed Natasi had something to say, as she became solemn and stopped eating.

Hm?

Dyrn glanced up from the glass when Natasi mentioned his recovery, a smile on his features. But that expression wavered, as her eyes began to shine and tears threatened to fall, to which Dyrn furrowed his eyebrows and listened. The thanks wasn't needed, it was appreciated but not needed, and Natasi continued to on, her gaze dropped and the Guardsman slowly began to put his glass down on the table. There was a mix of emotions and responses in Dyrn's mind, as he thought about the Keskin crash and the circumstances around it, and for a moment he wasn't quite how he wanted to reply.

On one hand, he could agree that taking a shuttle down through a warzone hadn't been the wisest choice; but, Natasi hadn't selected the flight path, the pilot had, and it had been that same pilot's carelessness that had gotten them too low and hit by attacking fire. On the other, Natasi had sought to offer a solution that could help save lives, of both sides, and there was no way Dyrn could say preserving life was not worth risk. But what he didn't agree with, however, was Natasi blaming herself for his injuries and holding onto that guilt...

"Stop," Dyrn said in a firm voice. His bright eyes looked at Natasi, kind but intense. "I appreciate your concern and worry, but I cannot allow you to harbor that guilt. Keskin, the crash, was not your fault. It was a situation that happened because of a range of factors. But, blame aside, your want to save lives - your willingness to put yourself at risk to do that - is part of what I admire the most about you... and also part of what frightens me to the most. Still, as much as those risks cause me to proverbially sprint to keep ahead of the dangers of unknown situations, I also know that that is who you are. You put others first."

Dyrn stood, as he rounded the table and stopped beside Natasi. He bent down, crouched so that he was eye level, close enough that she couldn't look away without physically turning aside. He doubted she would, it would have been quite rude to do so, after all.

"Protecting the Supreme Leader is my job, yes, but that includes anyone in that position - not just you - and I'm expected to do everything I can do preserve the sentient in that role," Dyrn reached out and put his right hand on hers, the one closest. And with his other arm, he reached out and placed his hand on her right shoulder. He rubbed reassuringly. "And I would do my job, I would put myself in harms way and hold the Supreme Leader - any Supreme Leader - securely in crash webbing that time. Because that's my duty." Dyrn inclined his head, as he sought out Natasi's gaze, his voice lowering and becoming kinder. "But... when it comes to you, to Natasi, I would hold you in crash webbing a hundred times. More even. As many times as it took to keep you safe, Royal Guard or not."

He hoped his meaning was clear.

"I do not blame you for my injuries. I never have, and I never will. And I do not want you to blame yourself, either... okay? It happened, I was hurt, and now I'm recovering. It's over. All that I care about is that we can be here - after Keskin - together."

Still, Dyrn could admit he would have knocked some sense into the pilot. But, the Keshian offered a smile, a little mischievous:

"That said... maybe a kiss would help my recovery?"

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi blinked, and the surface tension broke, causing tears to escape from beneath her eyelashes and roll down her face. She raised her napkin and dabbed at her cheeks before opening her eyes again. Her eyes were not their usual unfathomable dark brown, but rather a brilliant topaz. "You cannot allow me to harbor guilt?" she said with a hesitant smile. "We haven't met before, I'm Natasi Fortan."

She shook her head but didn't look away from him. "I feel -- responsible, more than guilty," she amended. "I'm the Supreme Leader. The credit chit stops here. I made the choice to put us in danger. I think it was the right thing to do, to try to stop the bloodshed there. But part of being in this position is understanding the consequences and accepting them. And I think it's important for me to feel the effects. A thirty-thousand foot view of the people under my command is -- it makes them small. And they simply are not."

She sighed and waved a hand before laying it on the table. Dyrn covered it with his own and she smiled. "I don't know what I'm saying. But I just -- I didn't want you to think that I took it lightly. Not anyone's health and well-being, but least of all yours." She squeezed his hand and leaned over the table to kiss him lightly on the lips. "I'd think that if that was therapeutic you'd be fully recovered by now -- and then some."

They had taken advantage of the privacy of the Allegro to indulge in that particular brand of medical treatment -- not to excess, in Natasi's mind, but certainly more than would have been possible under other traveling arrangements. She reached over, laying her cool hand along his cheek and jaw, and smiled fondly at him before leaning over for another lingering kiss, her nose brushing his briefly before she sat back and dropped her hand to the one that was covering her own. "Now -- you'd better eat your dinner before it gets cold."

Natasi took her glass with her free hand and took another drink of the Riesling, then sighed contentedly. "It's nice," she commented as she set her glass down. "To get that off my chest. It was a stormcloud threatening to rain on hour holiday and now?" A broad smile. "Nothing but blue skies. Well, I assume the skies on Öetrago are blue, anyway."

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

For obvious reasons, mainly due to his species, Dyrn's attention went right to Natasi's eyes. In his culture, the eyes were important, they were more than ocular organs, they could help show the person within; the faintest shifts in one's eyes could mean such a broad range, from biological to chemical, from happiness to sadness, and everything in between... and when combined with Dyrn's ability to see throughout the visual spectrum, many hidden truths were revealed. But that wasn't necessary, not at the present, as he watched Natasi's eyes - her deep brown eyes - change in such a way, likely due to the light and tears, into a breathtaking shade of topaz.

There was a mixture of thoughts within Dyrn, the foremost being that Natasi's eyes had never been more beautiful, but at what cost. The others were emotional in nature, as the woman he cared for showed a rare vulnerability, one that Dyrn would treat with all the respect and love he could. He didn't interrupt, he listened and heard and saw; the underlying tension, the sense of responsibility not only for him, but so many others, the weight of that mask Natasi had to wear for so many hours of her life, everyday...

"I would never presume that of you, ever, taking my injuries lightly," Dyrn said in a low voice, as he offered a smile. He kept his hands to her, supportive in warmth and touch, as he continued. "I only respected you more. You helped me in more ways than you know... and I can only hope to do the same for you, whenever you need."

The kiss that followed, with the quip about recovery, made Dyrn chuckle as their lips touched. And when they parted, the Guardsman raised his eyebrows in surprise - "A miracle, I am fully recovered!" - he jested, if only to lighten the mood and to give Natasi something more cheerful to have in the moment. "But really, I am okay. Thank you for helping me, for being there for me."

Dyrn eagerly enjoyed the following kiss, and the touch of Natasi's hand on his face. But she also made a good point: the food would get cold soon. With a reluctance that was expressed with a wry smile, the tall Keshian lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the soft skin of the back of it, before he stood and returned to his seat. Dyrn worried for Natasi, mainly because of all the stress someone in her position was put through daily, and was thankful he could be her anchor in such private moments - there for her support, offered willingly, with no judgment or expectation.

"Good, I'm glad," Dyrn said as he used his fork to take another mouthful of the meal. It had cooled, was now lukewarm, but was as delicious as the first bite. "I want you to know, Natasi, I am here in every way for you. Please do not feel you cannot talk to me, about anything, because I want to be that safe place for you in any respect you need or want..."

Dyrn thought for a moment.

"And yes, I do believe the skies are blue on Öetrago."

The meal continued, the Guardsman enjoyed his portion, and before long the plate was empty. He was tempted to have more, but there was no need to gouge, so instead Dyrn waited until Natasi was finished with her meal also. When she was, he stood, and began to gather the dishes from the table. "That was wonderful," He said, as he piled everything into his hands and started to make his way back to the kitchen. "There is a tradition in my family, that whoever cooks doesn't clean... so I'm quite happy to handle that. Could you bring my wine?"

It took Dyrn a handful of minutes to rinse the plates and pot, then to place them into the hydro-cleaner and begin the cleaning cycle. It might not have been much, modern technologies allowed for rapid cleaning efforts after all, but it was the thought that was important. Dyrn wanted Natasi to know that he would always meet her halfway, always, and to uphold his end in their relationship. And after the time cleaning was done, the tall man turned and took the wine, to which he enjoyed another sip of the liquid within...

"Does it feel odd? Having the choice of what to do, I mean," Dyrn asked, curious. "No lingering tasks, no schedules to keep... we're quite literally free to do as we please right now. We have all the options. So... would you enjoy, perhaps a late night holo-vid, where we could rug up together and enjoy one of those manor mysteries? Or a training session? Or even a training session?"

Dyrn glanced to his chrono.

"Or even going to bed early. That seems quite novel, don't you think?" He chuckled, before he finished the wine and placed the glass onto the counter, and looked to Natasi with kindness in his eyes. "Whatever you want, my dear... let's do that."

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi helped with the cleanup. "Don't forget the pudding. We can save that for later. Or breakfast." She smiled and leaned against the counter, taking a sip of her wine once more before she set it down. "Mm... a holofilm sounds nice. I can't tell you how long it's been since I've just watched a holofilm." When the kitchen and dining area were cleaned up, Natasi followed Dyrn into the lounge. She rifled through the ship's collection of holodiscs. "Murder by Expiration? Murder on the Seoularian Express? The Mysterious Affair at Sterandel? Ahh - A Murder is Declared."

She opened the clamshell and inserted the disc into the holoproj, then went to the sofa. She waited for Dyrn to settle himself before she sat next to him. His larger frame was solid and warm, even through their clothing, and she was instantly comforted. Natasi pulled his arm around her shoulder and nestled into the crook of his shoulder. Her head naturally came to a rest on his upper chest and shoulder.

I could get used to this, Natasi mused with a wry smile as she settled against him. "You smell good," she informed him, her tone matter-of-fact, as if she were reading the headline of a particularly boring newspaper article. She waited for the movie to start before turning out the lamp, and carefully pulled the faux fur throw over and offered one side to Dyrn so they could drape it around them.

This proved a fatal mistake.

Before the first murder could even take place, Natasi's eyelids (already drooping) had settled closed and, lulled by the steady rhythm of Dyrn's breathing, she slipped into quiet sleep.

Suddenly, she was in the library at Herevan Hold.

No.

It was shaped like the library, every detail as Natasi remembered it, from the columned entrance isolating the small library from the rest of the room, to her father's writing desk, to the seating area, each table and lamp and cushion, each blade and petal of each plant and flower arrangement was there, but -- wrong. Covered in a strange, pink-orange rocky texture. Not covered -- exactly. Made out of the stuff.

No, no, no -- it can't be...

She was suddenly aware that she couldn't feel herself breathing. Was she dead? Again? "How?" she demanded, but only a faint breathless gasp escaped her lips. Every detail, exactly as she had left it in the Netherworld, before being rescued and resurrected. But there was something different about it this time. Natasi maneuvered through it without steps, without moving. There was a distorted green fire in the grate, casting the room in a grotesque light. A figure sat upon one of the sofa rocks.

As she maneuvered closer, she could make out the features of her husband cast in the same pink-orange rock. Her mind worked feverishly to process this; she had never encountered another person in the Netherworld, not once, though she could hear the murmurs just outside her cave, the cave that had come to resemble the library. But this wasn't a person, either, was it?

It had to be a statue.

Natasi sat opposite the statue on the other rock sofa. She tried to speak, but she could not force herself to make a noise. Was this a message from Talbot? Was he signaling that he didn't mind that Natasi had developed a romantic entanglement with Dyrn Grav? Or was he there to express his displeasure. Don't be stupid, he's not there at all, Natasi tried to admonish herself, but she couldn't make herself comprehend. It was a statue, without message, without meaning. My subconscious, she guessed.

The statue's face contorted as if in pain, its mouth opening in a silent scream of obvious agony.

Her eyes fixed on the statue's. Suddenly, they flashed open, exposing not the bizarre pink-orange rock or even the placid blue of Talbot Vitalis.

They were deep, dark brown.

Not Talbot's eyes. mine.

George!

The anguished cry of "No!" startled Natasi awake, and she found herself reaching forward towards the holoprojector with such force that she nearly tumbled off the sofa. She panted heavily as she looked around in bewilderment. Natasi wasn't at Herevan at all, nowhere near. She was aboard the Allegro with Dyrn. Natasi glanced over at him, her eyes wild with fear. "I -- " she said, then fell silent, shaking her head. "Must have nodded off." She swallowed and settled back onto the sofa, and after a moment she glanced at Dyrn sheepishly.

"Has the murder happened yet?" she asked.

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

Dyrn loaded the hydro-cleaner, after he rinsed the dishes, and sorted out the placement on the machine racking. He glanced to Natasi every so often, as he washed down the cooking pans and utensils, before he smiled at the musing she shared. Seemed the holofilm was the choice, which sounded nice to Dyrn, and before long he had finished loading the machine and had started the cleaning cycle. He started toward the lounge, as Natasi followed close by, to which he reached out and rubbed her back as they walked; he could see the underlying stress, the perpetually cycling mind as she thought about many things, so he hoped the small things helped.

They parted ways in the room, as Natasi went to the holofilm shelf, to which the Guardsman rounded to the sofa and got comfortable. He adjusted some pillows, made room beside himself, then leaned over and brought a throw close by - Natasi would likely want to use it, to warm up and get comfortable how she did. Dyrn didn't mind, he didn't necessarily need throws since he was bodily hot, though he couldn't deny it was nice to cuddle under covers with her.

The movie was selected, one Dyrn wasn't familiar with, and Natasi joined him on the sofa. He lifted his arm and let Natasi move it over her shoulder, before he smiled down to her nestling against him. With the arm hugged around her smaller frame, her rubbed at her arm, before he thought to himself for a moment, thoroughly enjoying the moment and closeness...

I could get used to this.

When Natasi commented about how he smelled good, he chuckled and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "Thanks?" Before he offered a low laugh and hugged her to him tightly for a moment. "I do try. I'm glad you approve, your Grace." Dyrn said with a hint of teasing. In truth, he had found a refresher wash that she liked, and had started to use it regularly. It was a pleasant smell, generally. The film started, the lamp was turned off, and the pair were left in relative darkness with the bright holo before them. When the throw was moved, Dyrn reached over with his free arm to help spread it over them both.

"I don't believe I've seen this one," Dyrn said in a low voice, as the opening credits began. He inclined his head a bit, to rest the edge of his chin against Natasi's hair, then watched. He added with a smile, his bright eyes catching a plethora of colors in the imagery. "I'll try and guess, try not to give it away okay?"

The movie went on, the characters were introduced slowly, some in menacing fashion and others in dark humor. Dyrn wasn't sure to what extent the director had the actors include micro-expressions or movement, but he used his eye to try and determine suspicious behavior or mannerisms that could help solve the murderer's identity. Before long, he also noticed that Natasi's breathing had changed, and he knew she was asleep.

Ah.

Dyrn reached out and activated the holo motion controls. He turned the movie down, so as to let his partner sleep easier for however long she needed through the movie. Dyrn couldn't deny he was tempted to do the same, but his interest had been piqued by the movie and the problem it presented, so he would--

Oh? She's mumbling...

--Dyrn glanced down as Natasi shifted a little, half-words mumbled in her sleep. He smiled, hoped her dreaming was pleasant, and returned his attention to the movie. He hugged her closer for comfort. On the holo, something caught Dyrn's eye, as he noticed a wide angle of a room that was missing one of the individuals... that was suspect. Perhaps intentional? Perhaps directing oversight. It was hard to tell in the older types of movies, where details could just be camera work errors. Still, it was worth noting, and the Guardsman would keep an eye out for that character, since being absent could mean--

Ah, the murder victim's been found.

--to which Dyrn smirked as one of the support actors burst into the room and announced someone had been killed. The group rushed out the room, down the hallway, and there was still no sign of the missing actress. That seemed intentional, having moved to different scenes and camera work, so the immediate suspicion of the murderer was her at the present.

"I would be surprised if it's not." Dyrn muttered to himself, his eyes narrowed as he watched the actors engage in the murder scene. "Ahh, there she is, in the back. She's returned."

And with his being so engrossed in the old film, Dyrn about jumped to his feet in sudden surprise and shock, when Natasi suddenly shouted out - a resounding no - and reached forward toward the holoprojector with such forward momentum that she almost took a tumble. It was all Dyrn could do to wrap his arm tight and pull her back, but his adrenaline had kicked in, his eyes were wide and he was poised on the sofa in a half-stand, half-sit as though he wasn't sure how to react to the outburst - and he didn't know how, truth be told...

"N-Natasi?" Dyrn's voice was hoarse, as he tried to calm. Startling a sentient trained in instinctual reactions to sudden changes in the environment was... well, it wasn't ideal. Everything had come into hyper-focus, he had thought she was under attack by something he couldn't see. Or, well, he didn't know. What had that been? "Are you...?"

They met stares; Dyrn knew when there was fear in someone's eyes.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Dyrn's mood shifted, as he narrowed his eyes and shifted forward, his hands reached out and checked her over. He made sure there were no, well, wounds? Signs of poison or toxin, checked her skin color, her eyes to see if they were bloodshot. She looked physically fine. Just... scared.

Terribly so.

"And yes, the murder has happened, but that... pause holofilm."

Dyrn held her, hands rubbing and caressing to help calm her down - but she had started to regain composure, the question about the movie a clear deflection. Still, that fear had been real, and Dyrn couldn't let that go. There were bad dreams but this had felt like something else - especially with a full body reaction like that...

"Tell me, what happened?"

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi's eyes darted this way and that, anxiously searching the shadows of the ship's living quarters. She could feel her adrenaline receding like a tide, and incidentally it left her feeling half-drowned. Finally she looked over to Dyrn and her eyes softened, the fear retreating to a mere shadow around the edges of her mind and eyes. "I fell asleep," she said after a moment, and paused for a moment to raise a hand to her forehead. "I had the most peculiar dream. I was -- it's the most ridiculous thing, I hesitate to even mention it, but it felt so real."

She stood and paced away from the sofa, tugging the sleeves of her jumper down to cover her hands.

"When I was... dead," Natasi began cautiously as she glanced at Dyrn. His searching eyes made her feel transparent. "I was in the Netherworld and it was -- peculiar. It was exactly like the library at Herevan Hold. Alike in every way except instead of wood and marble and fabric and books everything was this... strange, ugly rock. Like nothing I've ever seen in life." She frowned gravely, her eyes closing with an exasperated sigh, as if struggling to remember what she had seen and heard.

"Just now, when I fell asleep, it was like I was back there again. It was just exactly like it was. That same rock. The same bizarre smell. Only -- " Natasi looked over at Dyrn, trying not to look as plaintive as she felt. "There was someone else there -- made of that rock. I thought it was a statue at first -- a statue of Talbot. I thought, perhaps, my subconscious was manifesting some sort of guilt because..." Her fingers twisted together. "...because of how close we've become. But it wasn't a statue. When I came around to it, it -- he -- opened his eyes, but they weren't Talbot's eyes. His eyes are -- were -- blue. This person had my eyes."

Natasi closed her eyes, and all she could see were her horrified brown eyes gazing out from that tortured, rocky face. "George," she said softly. "He is exactly like his father when Talbot was young, except that his eyes are dark. Like mine. Fortan eyes." She opened her eyes and looked over to Dyrn again. She was clearly agitated, but even she couldn't explain why. She didn't believe in prophecy; it was just a dream.

Wasn't it?

She gazed at Dyrn, as if he had an answer to the question she hadn't asked.

"It's -- ridiculous," she concluded.

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

Dyrn listened, as Natasi explained what happened. He gave no indication of disbelief or judgment, he was open to all of her thoughts and musings on the nightmare; though he did feel a pang of sadness when she mentioned being dead, a time that had been difficult for Dyrn to comprehend as a Royal Guard recruit, as he - they - had learned so much about Supreme Leader Fortan. Only for her death to be announced, before any protection could be given, it had been like a gut punch. And now, having grown so close to Natasi, having developed emotions and feelings, her death and the possibility of it happening again - as odd as that sounded - had become Dyrn's worst nightmare.

"That sounds like a dreary and sorrowful place," Dyrn said in a mutter, as his forehead creased in concern. "I am sorry you were there alone. Surrounded by that rock-filled reflection."

For his own part, Dyrn had never experienced anything like that. He had not died, yet, and his near-death experiences has been few. So, he listened, tried to understand, and hoped he wasn't failing miserably. The mention of the statue, of Talbot, and the possibility of a subconscious cry of guilt caused Dyrn to glance down. He hoped that wasn't the case. He trusted that Natasi had been willing to start their relationship with a clear conscience - and he still did, truth be told - as he looked back to her and nodded. It was understandable, coming from a marriage, and being widowed. Still, as Natasi described whom she saw, Dyrn inclined his head...

Similar to Talbot in appearance, but with brown eyes? George then?

The same was confirmed moments later, as Natasi mentioned his name. The agitation was clear. This wasn't a simple bad dream, at least not to Natasi, and so it was important to Dyrn to help however he could. He stood, stepped toward Natasi slowly as he reached out his hands for hers, but held back until she wanted to hold them. There was body language for distance shown by her, so Dyrn didn't want to add to the discomfort.

Stay calm. Help her calm. I'm here for you, Natasi.

Dyrn stayed there, nearby within arms reach, as he smiled faintly. His eyes were locked onto Natasi's own, those deep brown depths that he loved so much, and he waited for her to process. Some of the best methods for coping with a frightening event involved a natural internal-to-external vocalization, so he wouldn't interrupt her until he was certain it was time to respond. Then Natasi fell quiet, standing there, and Dyrn inched forward again available to hold if she wanted to...

"Ridiculous? No, not at all," Dyrn said, his voice with an inflection of soothing, as he shook his head. "What would you like to do? Perhaps a holocall, to check in on him?"

Dyrn was supportive, yes, he didn't want Natasi to feel as though something were wrong and to wrestle through a vacation. Even if they both needed it. There was always the option to contact George, after all, but the Keshian wanted his partner to know that he would do whatever she felt was necessary to be put at ease...

"Or... if you need to, we can reroute the vessel and go see George."

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Once her hands found his, Natasi stepped closer to Dyrn and automatically circled his waist with her arms, embracing the guardsman. He was -- comfortable. Her cheek came to rest against his chest and she was silent for a few moments as she considered what he said. For this silent period of reflection it was enough just to stand here, breathing as one. For how wholesome it was, to Natasi it felt intensely intimate. People in her class generally didn't express affection so demonstratively, to say nothing of expressing trust. Placing herself in the arms of a man who could easily crush her if he had the inclination qualified as both in Natasi's view.

Another bizarre artefact of the upbringing of a Galidraani aristocrat.

"No," she said after a moment. "No. This is important." She flexed a little, squeezing him to demonstrate what she meant. "I'm not going to spoil it over a bad dream. Anyway, George is all but an adult. I need to practice letting go, so that when the time comes -- when he goes off to make his fortune, when he marries and has children of his own -- it won't be quite so painful. And -- well, I'd hate for him to think I didn't trust him."

She craned her neck to look up at him at his second suggestion. "An elegant solution," she conceded, then quirked an elegant eyebrow. "You've been watching me diplomatizing, haven't you?" she asked dubiously. "It will delay us a little, but -- if you don't mind -- I think I would like to just call. To say happy birthday to Reima, we'll say. I'll see her for her actual birthday, but she wanted to have some friends to Herevan before the term starts up again."

Natasi disengaged from the embrace only enough to glance at her wristwatch, then frowned. "It's quite early there, still. I think it can wait until we finish the movie. Give them a chance to wake up and have breakfast." She smiled at Dyrn, then cocked her head back towards the sofa, then headed for it, taking hold of Dyrn's hand to tug him along. She settled next to him and, once they had both made themselves comfortable, Natasi leaned over and pressed a light kiss against his jaw.

"Thank you for looking after me," she said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

Natasi's embrace flooded Dyrn with warmth. He immediately returned the hold, his arms wrapped around her, supported her. The silence was comfortable, close, and were time to freeze at that moment Dyrn would be content. Yet, there was the consideration for George and Natasi's nightmare, so the galaxy continued onward. When Natasi opted not to go and check on George, there was a part of Dyrn that was relieved. He had every intention of following that course, had she of wanted to, but another part of him agreed that this vacation was needed.

For them.

Besides, as mentioned, George was essentially an adult, which meant more independence in the family; though thankfully Natasi seemed prepared for that, she always seemed to have the future mapped out in that regard, or perhaps it was simply a parent's knowledge of the inevitable? Either way, Dyrn respected her and the decision she was comfortable with.

"Diplomatizing? Is that the technical term?" Dyrn muttered with a smile, his arms around her smaller frame, hugging firmly. "But yes, perhaps I have, we might never know... and of course, I don't mind at all, call the children as often as you want or need. I'll be here, happily waiting."

The mention of the time caused Dyrn to nod. A call made would have been at an unseemly hour. So it made sense to delay, to which the tall Keshian gladly followed Natasi as she pulled him back to the sofa. He would follow her anywhere, especially back to a waiting lounge with a warm blanket. Dyrn settled in, as he eased back and wrapped his arm around Natasi, and pulled her close. Since the trip had started, there had been an underlying need to check for others, as a habit of maintaining a low key relationship of a highly public figure; yet, as he slowly got more used to the notion of the pair being alone, that caution had started to dim and the Guardsman had started to feel more comfortable expressing his affection.

I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather be.

Natasi's kiss to his jaw was met with an endearing smile from Dyrn, as he nuzzled his cheek against her hair, and then kissed the top of her head. Her words were quiet, but with the silence throughout the ship save for the faint hum of hyperdrive, he caught them easily. They were words mirrored by himself, Dyrn had to admit, and not for the first time did he consider how much his life had changed because of Natasi - all for the better - and there was little doubt in his mind that being without her was... well, unfathomable at this point.

"Always," Dyrn said as he tightened his arm around Natasi. He just wanted to be closer, always closer. "I will always be here, for as long as you want me."

Dyrn enjoyed the moment, the two of them on the sofa, as he reached out with his other arm and moved them under the blanket.

"So, your Grace... shall we see who is the next to fall to the mysterious murderer?" With a grin, his blue-orange eyes taking in every detail of her face, from the gentle curve of her jaw, to the arch of her eyebrows. "I have some suspicions, but more evidence is needed, I think. Holofilm play."

There was something else Dyrn wanted to mention, but the time didn't seem right: he had received Guardsman rotation scheduling. That meant that, once the vacation was over, there would be another Guardsman assigned to the Supreme Leader for a duration. And, depending on his next assignment, Dyrn could be away from Natasi for upwards of a month... and he just didn't feel the time was there to dampen what was - even with a surprising nightmare notwithstanding - an entirely pleasant getaway.

I will tell her later. No need to bring our work with us, not this time.

Meanwhile, the holofilm continued, to which Dyrn's attention shifted back to the mystery. He spoke in a low voice, curious:

"So what do you like most about this mystery film?"

Natasi Fortan​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi shifted somewhat, reaching for her drink to take a sip as she watched the mystery unfolding on the screen.

It was a classic of the genre, featuring a group of loose acquaintances gathered at a secluded country estate at which their host ended up dead. The mystery was shifting and twisting, with red herrings distracting this way and that. And, as Natasi appreciated, it was not without its humor. It was a dry wit, which Natasi rather enjoyed.

"I like to see if I can solve the mystery before the detective," she told Dyrn, her gaze not straying from the screen. "They say the best authors -- and I guess, film-makers -- give you just enough clues to be able to figure it out. Most people only connect the dots after the sleuth reveals it all. It's hard because there are usually so many red herrings along the way that it's not certain which are the authentic clues and which are there to distract."

The Supreme Leader set her drink down and stretched, arching her back to relieve some of the tension there before resuming her position against Dyrn. "The woman who wrote the series of novels that this one is from did the most infuriating change in style with nearly every book. Changed the way her character spoke, changed the way she described things, so that readers couldn't peg patterns. Infuriating woman," Natasi said, her tone switching to an exaggerated seething for comedic effects.

"It worked for her though," Natasi murmured as, on the screen, the detective interrogated a beautiful blonde woman in a sleek evening gown. "She sold more copies than any author of a non-religious text. Must have been rolling in the credits."

Natasi leaned forward and took another sip of her wine, then settled back. She watched in contented silence for a few minutes, then glanced back to Dyrn. "What do you think so far? If you hate it we can switch to something of your choice."

Dyrn Grav​

 

[Dyrn Grav]

"It does have a level of competitiveness I didn't expect," Dyrn admitted, when Natasi mentioned solving the presented scenarios before the detective. "I imagine the novels are more detail orientated? Although, if the author changed the style so drastically... perhaps I might look into reading a book or two."

Dyrn continued to listen with interest, as Natasi explained some of the details about the author and how the method had been adopted by the moviemakers. It was an intriguing notion, and the Guardsman wondered at the accuracy or spirit of the novel being replicated into film format; there were obvious narrative limitations, such as internal dialogue or minute details that were specifically written about, that might otherwise be missed or not focused on in a holo. Still, from the sound of it, the holofilm was good enough in comparison for Natasi to thoroughly enjoy it...

So that was good enough for Dyrn.

"Maybe you should take time to write," Dyrn said as he glanced down to Natasi, somewhat serious. "It sounds like a passion and I don't see why you cannot achieve the same. That said, that is an impressive amount of sold novels."

Dyrn watched Natasi take a sip of her wine, to which he did the same. He had forgotten about it, honestly, especially after the holo had started and the jump scare from before. It was enjoyable, the moment, and he couldn't think of anything else he would rather be doing. When Natasi asked what he thought, and offered to change the film, Dyrn shook his head with a small scoff.

"I am curious and intrigued," He said, as his eyes returned to the display. "I want to solve the mystery well in advance of the ending, so I'm able to admit the holo has sucked me in... and I have some more convincing theories, and I don't believe it is a case of a single suspect anymore. We'll see."

Obviously Natasi knew the ending, but that didn't stop Dyrn from making his guesses and voicing them quietly as the movie continued. Though, it wasn't long before the finale was revealed, with some guesses being right - and others wrong - and the night had gotten away from the pair. So, despite how comfortable it was with Natasi on the sofa, Dyrn cleared up and walked her to her quarters and bid her goodnight. He leaned down and gave her a kiss, his fingers ran gently through her hair, then he considered once he was alone:

I'll do one more sweep of the vessel, then turn in.

​

The remainder of the trip through hyperspace was uneventful, comfortable, and reluctantly over for Dyrn's taste. He could have happily spent several more days in transit, enjoying Natasi's company and sharing time and space with her. Still, it wouldn't be a vacation if they didn't arrive at the destination, and so the vessel dropped out of hyperspace above the planet Öetrago. Clearance was sought, as Dyrn took control of the starship and piloted down toward the somewhat unique planet covered with large flower fields for miles and miles, his gaze shifting every so often to the landscape below.

Vast was an understatement.

With raised eyebrows, Dyrn almost whistled in awe at the sheer expanses of flower fields. Multiple colors, types and patterns for as far as the eye could see. Interspersed across the land masses were small dwellings, most either for those who lived on Öetrago to tend the fields, or tourists who sought a getaway surrounded by a thousand colors. Several larger communities existed, they had the spaceports, and it was to one of these that the Guardsman brought the starship down to land.

"And here we are," Dyrn said as he checked over the console and made sure the systems were powered down. He added with a smile. "Öetrago, finally. Feels as though we planned this an age ago."

Outside, a small crew approached and prepared to meet the arrivals, as a speeder was brought around near the exit ramp of the landed vessel. Dyrn went ahead, in his civvies, with the bags that had been placed earlier near the way out. He glanced to Natasi, the smile still on his face, as he nudged the ramp button with his elbow and waited for it to lower.

"I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of organizing our own speeder," Dyrn said in a low voice. "I thought we might enjoy taking our own pace to the cottage."

Not long after, the bags were packed into the speeder, and the port crew began to go about external checks and refueling. Access within the vessel was strictly off-limits, the dockmaster knew of that stipulation, and had been compensated to keep word of the pair - and their stay - on a low frequency, as it were. Dyrn stood ready beside the speeder, as he looked to Natasi, eyebrows raised:

"Would you care to drive?"

Natasi Fortan​