Cedrian Terrace

[Darth Metus]

BOTHAN SECTOR, BOTHAWUI​

DREV'STARN, CEDRIAN TERRACE​

Promotions and appointments were the sort of time that vastly shook up one's schedule and eagerly consumed the concept of free time. Whilst an honor in of themselves, these elevations posed to be quite the challenge for the young Master known as Josiah Denko to overcome. This was not due to an inability to meet the demands of acting as Justiciar of the Templar Rangers, but due to the fact that he simply did not have enough time to spend with his apprentice, Sophia Walsh. The others under his tutelage, namely Trevin Neros and Seth Lockheart, were fortunate enough to either have additional teachers overseeing their training, or in the case of Trevin, to be apart of the Rangers. However, Sophia had, in recent weeks, been elevated to the mantle of Viceroy over District 2.

And with that elevation, Josiah was met with the fact that he did not have enough time to spend with the woman he had come to grow rather close to. Sure, they kept in touch via holo-call and made time to meet for training sessions on Roon, but the free time to simply aimlessly wander about the halls of the Sanctum, or the streets of Bothawui, was simply gone. As such, Josiah decided to take an evening off from the demanding role of Justiciar and invited his dear apprentice to do the same. Tonight, they would make time and catch up with one another; and Josiah had the perfect place in mind! He had heard rave reviews about the Cedrian Terrace. The multi-storied establishment was famous across Confederate space for its exceptional cuisine (and exceptional price) and seemed the perfect place to spend an evening on the town with the beautiful Miss Walsh.

As such, reservations were set, a holo-call was sent out, and the two had agreed to meet up at the Cedrian Terrace for dinner. Being the first to arrive on the scene, Josiah was free to make his selection of tables for the evening; and so he chose the thirteenth floor. The atmosphere of this particular level was calm, serene, and fit the occassion quite nicely. Beautifully set and adorned tables spanned the entire space, and the young Master selected the single table situated on the balcony for their meal. This allowed for them to enjoy the view of the skyline of Bothawui's capital as the sunset above: breathtaking stuff apparently. A Bothan waiter by the name of Is'ep was presiding over their meal this evening and took it upon himself to escort the sharply-dressed and freshly-groomed male to his seat.

At a glance, Josiah did not even look like his typical self. The fuzzy mane that he had been growing on his face had been cultivated and trimmed into a neat beard; and he sported a shorter haircut to boot. His standard, Templar attire was gone and replaced with a crisp, button down shirt of white and a pair of slacks. His sleeves were casually rolled up, his shoes were shined to perfection, and the only parts of work that he had brought along was the small badge affixed to his belt and the lightsaber, Sterling, which was clipped beside it. After all, one could never be unprepared, even on an occasion such as this. "Sir," came the accented voice of the Bothan waiter, "might I interest you in a glass of water?" To this, Josiah chuckled and said, "No thank you, I'll wait until she arrives."

@[member="Sophia Walsh"].

 

[Sophia Walsh]

As of late Sophia had zero time to herself. Her days were spent taking care of her responsibilities to her district which as of late seemed to be nothing more than going to meeting after meeting. It was difficult dealing with everyone's problems as she wished to make everyone happy and Sophia was finding out that sometimes that just couldn't happen. The decisions she made though were the ones she thought were in the best interest of all citizens. Things were progressing however it was a slow, tedious process and very stressful. The precious moments she did have to herself were spent chatting with her master on a holo-call instead of sleeping.

The young woman didn't wish to admit it to herself but the times they got together on Roon for training were not enough for her. She missed spending quality time with Josiah outside training just hanging out. Since he had begun training her they had gotten rather close always kept their relationship professional of course. He was at the end of the day still her master. She still considered him one of her closest friend even now that their duties had forced them apart.

When Josiah brought up the idea of a night out together Sophia was a little surprised. She would have thought him to busy to take a night off. She had thought about saying no as she had a million and one things to attend to for her district but than decided to push those items off to the side once again just for the night. Josiah was important to her and if she had learned anything over the past year it was not to take those you care for granted. There was nothing wrong with taking the night to just laugh and talk with Josiah again face to face it would be a nice change of pace.

Sophia arrived at Cedrian Terrace around ten minutes after Josiah to be told her party had already arrived and was on the thirteen floor. She had opted for a short sleeved, knee length green dress for the night. The color of the dress so happened to match the color of her eyes. Sophia had spent the better half of the trip here coming to the conclusion to wear this dress. She wanted to dress nicely but she didn't want to dress overly sexy. This seemed to be a good in between.

A huge smile appeared on her face as Josiah came into view. He was ever more handsome out of his normal Templar attire which was what she was accustomed to seeing him in. Sophia admittedly had developed a sort of crush on Josiah. One which she kept to herself and told herself was nothing more than a silly school girl crush. She had which she had hoped during her time away would have dissipated. Seeing him again however brought all those feelings back causing Sophia to pause for a second twirling a strand of her long brown hair between her finger. Remembering this was just Josiah her best friend she began walking forward again her heeling clicking on the floor as she did. "You didn't have to get all dressed up for me but I must say you look very handsome."

@[member="Josiah Denko"]

 

[Darth Metus]

When Sophia entered the scarcely populated room, the young Master had his attention affixed to the city skyline that was open for his enjoyment. After all, what better way to pass the time than to appreciate the natural beauty of the city and nature all at once? This changed when the click of heels sounded across the floor, Josiah turned and was greeted by the sight of beauty personified. 'Whoa.' he thought, in awe; and if not for the fact that tact was one of the many instincts which ran through his mind, he would have simply gaped. However, as opposed to sitting there, dumbstruck, the young Master's lips curved into his signature smile that was filled with warmth and he rose from his seat in order to meet her. "My goodness," he began, "I should say the same to you. You look...stunning!"

Josiah spoke the absolute truth. Typically-speaking, Sophia was absolutely beautiful; whether she was wearing her Templar Armor or a pilot's uniform. However, tonight, the young Master was seeing a completely different side of the woman he had come to all but adore. During their general interactions, she had ensnared his attention with a combination of personality and charm, but he had never made this attraction known. After all, he felt that saying as much would only prove as a distraction; especially since they were both in prominent positions of leadership within the Confederacy. But...this evening, he made the consious decision to pretend that the positions of Justiciar and Viceroy did not exist. Tonight, they were simply Josiah and Sophia, out to enjoy the pleasure of each other's company.

He stepped alongside her, borne by his typical, confident strides until they arrived at the balcony. He then stood behind her seat and pulled it out, so that she might sit down, and once seated returned to his own chair. It was then that the Bothan waiter made his appearance to the table and wordlessly began doing that which he did best. Two glasses were already set on the table, and both were promptly filled half-way with a sweet, red wine. Once the bottle had been re-corked, a pair of menus were laid out upon the plates and the Bothan rendered a polite bow. "I shall give the both of you a few moments to browse the menu and will return to take your orders. I hope you both enjoy the wonderful view, and if you require anything, my name is Is'ep."

"Thank you, Is'ep," began the young Master as the Bothan strode off to give them privacy and to tend to the other patrons. Josiah then took a small breath, beaming, and continued. "I'm so glad you could make it tonight. For a second there, I thought you might have said no and chosen a mountain of paperwork over time with me." This was, of course a joke; the young Master was always known to crack one, two, or twelve over the course of a conversation. "In any case, you look absolutely lovely tonight...and to tell you the truth, I've missed you quite a bit. How are things going in District 2?" Though the sentence was punctuated by a standard question, the truth of his words were flat out obvious. He missed her, more than he let on to express, but his tone of voice was a dead giveaway.

@[member="Sophia Walsh"].

 

[Sophia Walsh]

She had to force herself to not turn a bright red as he complimented her. Sophia was no stranger to compliments as at least once a day she had what seemed to be a new suitor at her district trying to buy her affection. Coming from Josiah it was different and actually meant something. She would never admit it but she had dressed up for him.

As Sophia took her seat she briefly took note of the beautiful city skyline turning her attention back to Josiah. The menu could wait too as for the real reason she was here was to catch up with him as she had missed him too. "Hanging out with you beats paperwork any day of the week," she grinned. There was no way in the galaxy she would have said no to him. It would have had to have been an attack on the district to keep her away.

He missed her too? Well, of course he missed her but the sound of his voice made it sound as if there was something else there. Sophia, instead of paying any mind to it, ignored it for now believing her mind was playing tricks on her. "I have really missed you to it's not the same without you. When you get a chance you'll have to come out to District 2. Chroma Zed is so beautiful this time of year and you wouldn't believe all the amazing sites. I could give you a tour of the hottest vacation spot around."

There was so much actual political stuff going on she didn't even know where to begin. She didn't want to bore him with all the details either or talk about work the whole time though in honestly that was all she had anymore. "Beyond fighting with a few people that think they know everything things are shaping up. Most of the citizens are receptive of my ideas and my plans as I am of theirs. I certainly don't know everything. It's nice to see my vision taking shape even if it is just the beginning. There is a lot more to be hammered out." She was even missing a meeting to be here with him but he didn't need to know that. "The adjustment hasn't been too bad. The citizens are so kind. I dare say they treat me like their queen. I still miss it here though. I could go on for hours but I don't want to bore you besides I much rather hear about what you have been up to."

She was hoping by the end of this she could get him to come visit her sometime. It hadn't hit her how much she had had actually missed him until now. They would have to do this more often. They owed at least that to themselves. She didn't want to wake up one day and regret not inviting him for a visit at least.

@[member="Josiah Denko"]

 

[Darth Metus]

When the young Master heard that Sophia had missed him as well, despite figuring that was the case...his heart drummed away with a hint of excitement. He was uncertain if this missing his presence matched up with that which he felt for her, but he elected not to comment on it...not yet at least. Instead, whilst she informed him of all that transpired on Chroma Zed and how the people loved her, he smiled and indulged himself in a sip of the sweet wine which was provided for them. It was a rarity for him to be able to have such things, and having grown up in the slums of Nar Shaddaa, there was a part of him truly glad that he was now able to enjoy the "finer things in life"...But then again, he'd have settled for a puffcake and a walk in the park if it meant spending time with Sophia.

Then came time for Josiah to share that which he was up to, and in order to save face he decided to leave out the more...gruesome details. The life of a Ranger was not always "glamorous", and sometimes it required the taking of life. "Well," he began, setting the glass upon the table gently, "things have been going...slowly, but are progressing all the same. The vast majority of the Districts are adjusting to our presence just fine, and we barely have issues...but it's Tatooine and Ryloth that have been the thorn in my side as of late. Pirates and slavers just love attempting to set up shop again, and I cannot count how many arrests I've had to do." An exhale escaped his lips; no doubt this was a source of heaps of stress upon his shoulders.

"In any case, if you're interested, I may have to take you up on that offer of showing me around Chroma Zed...You see, the Rangers need an official Headquarters and well..." he inhaled a breath, deciding now was the perfect opportunity to be brutally honest, "Being perfectly blunt, I'd like to put the HQ there so that I'm closer to you. Truth is, I feel for you more than what the typical master does for his student, or what typical friends feel for one another. When I'm in the dark corners of Tatooine, with a blaster pointed between my eyes, it's not dying that I'm worried about...It's not being able to see you again."

A literal swarm of butterflies assaulted his stomach, and the simple fact was he was staring a fear in the face. Josiah was not exactly the type of person to reveal holes in his "armor", and right now he had cast the entire suit off and left himself entirely vulnerable. All he could do was hope for the best. "So...being perfectly honest here...I have feelings for you, and I'm curious if you feel...anything towards me?"

@[member="Sophia Walsh"].

 

[Sophia Walsh]

Sophia literally almost chocked on her wine as he finished barring his heart and soul out to her leaving it all on the line. She didn't answer right away but instead sat there speechless for a moment to compose herself. To know he felt the same for her left her heart all a flutter. It was beating a million miles a minute and wouldn't stop. The young woman was overjoyed to hear he too had feeling for her.

The last thing on the young Viceroy's mind ought to be men. She had a district to run, no time for such luxuries as romance. That would be just a distraction from her duties and training. She was supposed to be learning how to be a Templar so she could better serve her people not making googly eyes at Josiah. Still even with that in mind Sophia couldn't help the way she felt when she was around him. The way he always seemed to lift her spirits and brighten her day. She deserved to be happy and they could be happy together. She always worked better after seeing him.

Taking a deep breath once again tried to compose herself as she placed her hands clasped together on the table looking down at them for a moment before brining her emerald green eyes up to meet his. "I have similar feelings for you. I have tried to hide them, brush them off but I catch myself drifting off at meetings wondering how you are hoping that your alright. I count the days till I get to see you again or if I will." She paused for a moment again. She hated wondering if she would be able to see him again.

"I do wish we were closer so placing the HQ on Chroma Zed would be wonderful. Chroma Zed can be kind of flashy being a tourist place but I'm sure we can find somewhere and if not there is always Thokosia and Shador. I want to see more of you and explore these feelings. If you were there we could make a real go at it and I would like that."

@[member="Josiah Denko"]

 

[Darth Metus]

The initial reaction of sputtering on wine, followed immediately by a small eternity of silence, was almost maddening to the young Master. He did not know what was going on in her mind, and because of that he felt his heart plummet ever so slightly. However, Josiah's fears were laid to rest when Sophia finally composed herself and bore her heart as well. Relief and sheer joy washed over him like a mighty flood, and he could not keep himself from smiling. When those emerald eyes of hers met his gaze, his heart drummed away all the more. "You've no idea how happy I am right now..." he managed to say, grinning like a love-struck fool. But then again, that's exactly what he was at this very moment...and Josiah was perfectly fine with that fact.

"I will," he continued, leaning forward in his seat, "first thing tomorrow make the arrangements. I hear that there's a Sanctuary opening up on Chroma Zed at some point, so if it's too difficult to find a suitable establishment, I could simply volunteer to act as Marquess over it and set the Rangers up there." This notion caused a slight chuckle to escape him as he came to a sudden realization. "And if I do that, then you won't be just daydreaming of me in your meetings...I'll actually have a reason, aside from popping in to surprise the woman I cherish, to sit in and keep you moderately entertained." The prospect was indeed an amusing one, but business end aside, the young Master felt there was more to express. As such, he reached across the table, and took her hand in his.

"There is nothing more that I'd rather do than see where this takes us...So if you're willing to be mine, I'll be yours. I'll be committed and faithful to you, this I promise with my whole heart." There was a pause, when reality settled in and he had to address something vastly important. "However, if we are going to be together, we have to decide how we shall go about it. If we are public with our relationship, it could pose a threat on your life; as there are plenty of slavers and other undesirables who are not exactly happy with the Templar Rangers at the moment. Despite this, I'd love nothing more than to scream it from the rooftop that we are together...and I can promise you that not a single hair on your head will come to harm. I will protect you; but the choice about how we display our feelings is in your hand. I'm fine with either."

@[member="Sophia Walsh"].

 

[Sophia Walsh]

Sophia couldn't help but giggle a little at the thought of sitting at meetings by his side. She couldn't only imagine herself staring dreamily at him the whole time instead of paying attention. That is of course not what would happen as they both did know how to pull themselves together and act professionally. She imagined that they had both done that for quite awhile now. It was a breath of fresh air to know that they would no longer have to do that. Sophia would no longer have to hide her feelings for him from him. She felt as giddy as a school girl who just found out that the guy she liked also liked her. She was so happy, nothing could ruin this night. It was perfect. "There is and I couldn't think of a better Marquess of that Sanctuary than you. You could even decide upon it's location when you come back with me. I'm sure I can find reasons to stay here until you get everything in order." She wasn't just saying that because of her feelings for him or because it was a way to spend more time with him. He was a great leader and Sophia very much respected his opinions and ideas. They worked well together and she wanted him by her side.

Smiling she gently squeezed his hand still gazing into his eyes. It was like a fairy tale dream come true, he wanted to be hers and not only that he wished to commit himself to her. Sophia wanted nothing else but to be his. "I'm yours for as long as you'll have me. I promise to be faithful and committed to only you." She would be there for him through whatever he needed even if that was just someone to talk and snuggle with after a long stressful day. Sophia wanted to groan at the thought of how to handle their relationship. Since they were both high profile individuals it sadly something that must be discussed. "I think due to whom we both are it would be best to go public with our relationship. I doubt we would do much good trying to keep it a secret besides I'm sick of keeping my feelings for you bottled up inside. I don't care who knows or what they think. The only thing that matters to me is what you think of me." Sophia had always been a target and this was no different. If people came after her because of whom she cared for bring it on. "I'm not worried about being targeted because I'm with you. Let them come because not only have I been learning from the best but I have a whole army to back me up. We shouldn't let our fears of what could happen keep us from freely expressing our feelings for one another." Not that he needed it but Sophia would do everything in her power to protect him as well.

"I don't mean of broadcasting it over holonews of course but we should be free to be a normal couple despite any title that may say otherwise. I'm excited to show you around. I just know your going to love it here. I'm going to love having you there with me."

@[member="Josiah Denko"]

 

[Darth Metus]

To the young Master, it meant the world to know that Sophia had such confidence in him. After all, as Viceroy, she'd have been exposed to politicians, both seasoned and new, by this point; and as such would know better than most if he was up to the job of Marquess. Due to this, Josiah genuinely felt confident that he had what it took to oversee the construction and operation of the Sanctuary, and made a mental note to begin plans on moving out to Chroma Zed for the long term. "I'm glad that you have such confidence in me...hopefully we can find somewhere close to a beach." he said with a smile.

When she squeezed his hand and continued to bare her heart, his drummed away. The butterflies returned to his stomach and heat rushed to his face. She was willing to be just as committed to him as he was to her, and was more than willing to have their relationship be public. Both of these things brought him immense joy...but in the back of his mind an ugly fact reared its head. There was a loss that still marred him, one that hindered him at points and was directly responsible for his leaving the Jedi. This loss was, at least in his own mind, due to the fact that he was not able to protect the one he cherished most...However, gazing into those emerald eyes, feeling the confidence that she had in him, and coming to terms with the fact that he was stronger than in the past spurned him to accept a simple fact.

He would protect her. No ifs. No ands. No buts.

As she finished speaking, Josiah took a moment to scoot his seat closer to her so that they didn't have to reach across the table and could simply hold each other's hands with ease. With his heart drumming away, and his stomach aflutter with nervousness, he managed to continue to smile. "I'm sure that it'll be lovely. I'm absolutely going to love spending each day with you...and since we're on one accord about being a normal couple in public..." he said, relying upon every shred of confidence in his being. Then, he seized boldness by the horns and leaned forward, gently introducing his lips to hers. There was an affectionate sweetness to the kiss, and he did not linger there long as he was sure it would be quite the surprise. After a moment or so, he leaned back and touched his fingertips to her cheek and his brow to hers.

"Can't tell you how long I've been waiting to do that..."

@[member="Sophia Walsh"].

 

[Sophia Walsh]

It wouldn't be hard to find them a beach on Chroma Zed where he could build a sanctuary. The planet was full of natural beauty with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and mountains. It literally was a paradise and one she would be able to more fully enjoy with Josiah. He had his mind set on moving here to be closer with her so they could be together. It was still hard to wrap her head around the notion that he wanted her as much as she wanted him even though he had just said he wanted to be hers. Everything was falling into place it seemed which couldn't help but make her remember the last time that happened. Her whole galaxy had come crashing down and it left her nothing but heartbroken and with night terrors. Things were different now though she was less native and Sophia had been training against another such attack. She wouldn't allow anything like that to ever happen again. "I'll find you a beach with a beautiful waterfall that's right outside your window."

The kiss, their first kiss left her breathless. Her mind was spinning from all the different emotions running through her. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. The kiss had been short but oh so sweet making her wish for more. In her opinion it had been more like their lips just brushed up against each other's. It was still bold of him to once again make the first move. "I know and your better in real life than my dreams."

Sophia had dreamt of a moment like this but never thought it would actually come to pass. It was better than she could have possibly imagined. She didn't want this here with him to end or this night. It would be torture having to wait to see him again until they could get things situated so they could be closer. Tonight however she wasn't going to worry about that and just have a good time. Smiling still she leaned in to kiss him but this time their lips would stay locked longer. This was no simple brush of the lips but a real kiss with passion behind it. She wanted to show him she meant what she said. Sophia had felt this way for a long time about him just never had the guts to tell him that she honestly she was scared of being hurt again. She couldn't deny her feelings for him though nor did she want to. He was well worth the risk and she couldn't wait to spend her days with him. She wouldn't suggest that they move in together right off the bat of course those things took time just like building a sanctuary but she did admittedly like the idea of coming home to him after a long day and not being alone.



@[member="Josiah Denko"]

 

[Darth Metus]

The young Master wanted to respond with something witty, or affectionate, in response to her statement about the room with a view on Chroma Zed. He also wanted to share something equally as sweet as what Sophia had said in regards to their first kiss. However, his mind was quite literally on cloud nine and all he could clearly think about was how much he did not believe reality in this moment. There was a moment of quiet between them before Sophia moved and set off fireworks with the kiss she laid upon his lips. She bled passion, so much so that Josiah's eyes widened ever so slightly in surprise...yet after only a second, he succumbed to her touch and returned the kiss in earnest.

He leaned forward, instinctively wrapping his arms around her waist in order to guide her closer, and deepened the kiss. His lips danced upon hers, sweetly, yet passionately all the same time. There was the same boldness in his touch that had led to the first kiss and the confession of his feelings, but at the same time that boldness paled in comparison to the sheer affection he was displaying. This was simply...Josiah being himself; and to be perfectly honest, he was completely fine with sharing this moment of intimacy for quite some time. However, as a small, affectionate grunt rumbled in his throat, Josiah felt the need to come up for air and gingerly broke the kiss. He then teased her lips with a sweet peck in parting before leaning back in his seat, beaming.

"A room with a view...Honestly, so long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter if the room is a shack." he began, lacing his fingers through hers, "Also...This is better than my dreams. I couldn't have imagined this night being any more perfect than it already has." Josiah paused, leaning forward in order to steal a kiss before continuing. "If you want, I can come with you to Chroma Zed today. All it takes is a message back to Roon and they'll start making the arrangements immediately." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and offered a warm smile. "What do you say?"

@[member="Sophia Walsh"].

 

[Sophia Walsh]

The pure raw passion and emotion Sophia felt in that second kiss was unlike anything she felt before. Sparks were indeed flinging and she could feel chills going up her spin. He was purely amazing and she had to be the luckiest girl on the planet. Sophia hadn't expected it, however it was more than welcomed and her eyes closed as she fell into the deeper more passionate kiss. She literally felt as if she would melt from his touch. It was so gently and loving yet full of passion and boldness. The kiss mimicked what he had told her and it made her feel safe. She literately could have just melted right there in his arms. As their lips parted again a tingling feeling was left on her lips. Leaning a little back in her seat as well Sophia couldn't help but just sit there and smile. She was elated at this turn of events. Never had she thought in a million years would Josiah have feelings towards her nor did she think it would cause this much of a stir in her. She was rather smitten with him and falling fast in this worldwind of emotions though Sophia wouldn't have it any other way.

The night was perfect and not one she would soon forget. She would cherish her time with him here where they shared their first kiss. "I would love that. I'll admit I was hating the idea of having to wait to see you again until things were arranged. I know I ought to be patient but when it comes to you.. Well, I just simple want to be with you." She paused and shook her head a little realizing how very silly it sounded. It was true though, now that she found him Sophia didn't want to lose out on precious moments they could be spending together. They would be spending plenty of time apart due to their responsibilities so she wanted to capitalize on their time together. "If you would like while your waiting on arrangement you could stay with me. I have a spare room and the apartment is plenty big enough for two." It was a crazy plot but if Sophia was being honest with herself she was lonely by herself. She had even recently thought of getting a cat. "I know it's crazy but I like the idea of having you to come home to at night after a long day. The idea of sitting on the couch together to relax, snuggle and just talk about our day sounds really nice. I'm probably getting ahead of myself but it's a nice thought." She grinned and blushed a little as she looked down to her hands for a moment before back up to him wondering what he thought. Sophia just wished to spend time with him and with their schedules this seemed to be the way that made the most sense. Well, at least to her right now in this moment.

@[member="Josiah Denko"]