Compass

[Zesiro]

In asking her not to be saddening, Zesiro just shrugged her shoulders. Her life had been rough, but not as bad as many others. He offered freedom to slaves or a form of it if that was all they had known. Even if he didn't know it, he had helped her break free of her chains. By allowing her and others to stay on Kesh, it had given her a new perspective on things and allowed her to break free from her past and move beyond it.

He spoke on about the fact the surname he had picked then did not apply now, but then again at that time he said his own surname wasn't his original. That memory made her also relive more their previous encounter. It did the same thing for him and what happened at the end.

When he reached the point to near the end of that meeting and the unexpected kiss happened, he attempted to cover up his blush with a fake cough. Acting like he was choking, Zesiro couldn't help but have a grin for him.

If she had been now like she was then, she would have taken advantage of the situation. She had changed though and practically dismissed romance from her life. Back then it hadn't even been romance or love. Then she had used her body to her advantage, even if she didn't want to. By the time they had met, she had started to change, but now it was complete.

While she still moved with that natural grace and had beauty, it wasn't something she focused on or enhanced.

"Yes, we had a first kiss. Somehow I don't think either you or I expected it and that made it all the more fun. That's not why I'm here though...I mean unless you want it to happen again. Not opposed to that."

It would probably make him more uncomfortable, but now it had come up, she went with the flow and decided to play with him a little in fun.

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"] had already caught him off guard, though through a memory rather than her doing anything. That is why when she said the last bit he looked as red as a tomato and his hands could not stay still as he turned and continued to fake a cough. His hands worked at trying to find something to preoccupy his mind as the thought of her kissing him again invaded his mind and he tried to figure out what to say. He was at a complete loss for words and could barely do more than glance in her direction while still trying to hide his face, something that was obviously impossible and consisted of his head constantly turning to her and back away again.

He eventually found something to focus on and bent down, taking in his hand one of the dark blue flowers that his father and him planted so often. This was not one of the ceremonially planted ones though, as it had been mixed into the normal plants. Plucking it from the earth he used it to distract her as he reached out, trying to talk about the flower instead and completely ignorant of what the action would suggest to most people. He himself though started going into a rant about the flower.

"These are a special creation of my fathers, something I enjoy planting and have a deeper meaning when planted alone with the others of their kind. They have a bio luminescient factor to them too, as they glow brightly in the center, creating a sea of blue stars at night. If you cover the center of the flower you will see this fact for yourself." He messed with his hands again, trying to figure out what else to say as he was still unable to so much as look at her at the moment and was back in the ground, tending to the hole that had been left by removing the flower. His hand drawing over the planets to try and grow a new flower in its place.

 

[Zesiro]

Edric blushed further which was the reaction Zesiro was after. Trying very hard not to laugh at him, her eyes were probably twinkling with the humor she was keeping inside. His fake cough continued, but it eventually subsided as he made a motion to bend over and pick a plant from the bed in front of him. Now if he was anybody else, she would have read further into his action. However, she didn't think he knew what it might mean.

From their adventure and the way he reacted to remembering it today, Zesiro gathered he was oblivious to the potential of romance. It wasn't something to rush or push, but that was fine with her. The fact it had been absent from her life since before coming to Kesh probably helped in this instance.

Accepting the flower for what it was, something to distract Edric from the memory, she listened to what he said about it with a smile. He couldn't even look at her and instead he focused on covering up the hole he had made when he picked the flower. Covering up the center, she did gaze at the effect and saw it was beautiful. It wasn't that she didn't believe him, but it was something new to see.

"You're away from your family like we were on that desert world. Open up and relax. Not like I'm going to bite or anything."

Hoping her words put him at least a little more at ease, she attempted to give him a small smile.
​
[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"] was trying to get him to calm down a bit and he knew that, it was a simple matter of how red he had gotten and how embarrassed he was at getting red like that. He knew acting like this was quite irrational, so much so that he should be able to keep it under control but she had caused him to break his composure several times over. It would take a few moments more before he finally glanced up at her. With a small smile touching his face he was speaking again finally, his head nodding with his words.

"Right, right. I'm sorry. Ive been sick lately and the coughing and such, I didn't want to get you sick." He spun the lie and tried to play it off as such, using that as the excuse.

He finished with the flowers, starting to stand up and crossing his hands back behind him and closing his eyes. Edric cleared his throat and started walking again, finally appearing to calm down but still visibly red.

"Shall we uh, continue our walk?" He asked, trying to appear as if nothing is wrong now.

 

[Zesiro]

It took Edric a few moments to gather his wits together before he could speak clearly. While what he said was an almost obvious lie to her, Zesiro went with it for now. Giving him the additional time he needed to fix the flowers, she kept a hold of the one given to her by him. He may not know what it implied, but she certainly did and she returned his smile with one of her own.

When he stood up and crossed his arms again behind his back, Zesiro took an initiative she wouldn't have if they were with other people. Sliding her arm into his so they could walk side by side as equals, there should be no doubt in his mind how she felt about what had previous happened in their conversation. If they were to act like equals when not with others then that is exactly what she was going to do.

There would be no her or him being in front or behind.

"Certainly, my dear."

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"]

He had, mostly recovered, turning to talking about his home rather than focusing on the past to keep himself from breaking down again. He had to admit though that when she had said yes dear, it sparked a bit off warmth in his chest, but he immediately assumed it would cause his face to redden again so he avoided thinking on the feeling for more than a few moments, entertaining it long enough to get a genuine smile to touch his face. He wasn't sure why he liked hearing it, it was just nice and he put it no further into his mind than in that manner.

"Anyways, seeing as you have been on this planet for a few years now, I assume you have heard about numerous things from the people here. Though a great deal of the more interesting locations are more of pilgrimage sites these days, there are still a number of places that I would suggest taking a look at." His hand rubbed at the wrist of the other one, distracting his mind while he thought about it. He would glance at her more often now, though not realize he was doing so.

His tone was more of a mentor's at the moment. He would be telling her about his favorite places on the planet, but that would take a long while, so he chose one.

"A more accessible sight though is one I am unsure if you have taken the chance to see. If you leave the cities and travel away from them, heading out into the open plains and look up, the sight is amazing. I guess its not as clear as one would find out in the wastes of space, but it is still a marvel as it gives you a perspective that you cannot get from out there, no matter how hard you try. Its simply different."

 

[Zesiro]

The smile was not lost on Zesiro and she felt it was one of the first real ones he had given to her. Not trying to hide behind anybody or anything, it lit his features up for as long as it lasted. Hoping she had more opportunities to provide him other reasons to smile like, she listened to what he had to say about Kesh.

She found his tone sweet and cute, but listened to what he said. When she had come here, she had not gone on any tours or sightseeing. So Zesiro was clearly open to going to see these sites, but not alone. Having found Edric again, for some reason, she didn't want to just allow him to disappear again. It wasn't love she felt, she knew that much. This was their second meeting so it was way too early for something so strong to be there.

"You know, in my years I have no really seen the planet. A few excursions to the some of the parks around, but nothing major."

They walked​ with her arm within his and it was quite comfortable and natural. Edric did not seem to pull away or even notice the contact as he spoke. His occasional glance in her, she took as him making sure she was listening. It was clear she was.

"If you're able to get away, maybe you can show me these places."

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"]

He thought about her offer and for a few moments considered it before looking up. There was still a few hours in the day but he suddenly had an idea. At this point he had abandoned all guards on him being himself and his hand went up to scratch at his cheek as he started to speak. It was a nervous tick of his and he was acting and speaking purely on instinct now, not realizing how she might take it and at this point only acting like she was an old friend.

"There is still a few hours before the sun starts to set, but if we head out I do know of a rather comfortable sight not too far away. Its not much of a hike either to get there, even without a speeder or riding one of the animals we use on Kesh. If you want to we could walk out to there and reach the place before the sun goes down."

He continued walking, his face forward now as he thought about how it would be easiest to get to the spot. His brain was purely on that now, completely ignoring that he had just asked the woman to come with him and watch a sunset, not realizing he was walking in step with her and still held her arm with his. He had gone completely into his mind, working out which streets were less crowded, how long it would take to get out of the city, if they should get a speeder if this was to happen. He had completely forgotten his human side, or hers, in that moment.

 

[Zesiro]

Much like he had when they were in the desert, Edric made a hand motion to scratch at his cheek. He had to give some thought to suggestion, but came up with an idea of a sight not too far away.

Unlike when they met though, it was truly just the two of them now. With her around though, Zesiro felt confident that if somebody was going to try anything, they could handle it together. Having seen a small display in that desert, both knew some of what the other could do.

The fact they remained in physical contact was not lost on her and choose not to draw any attention to this. It was the first time for them and seemed to be natural. Having given up as much of her past false pretense of being seductive, Zesiro had become for more human and had much more of a personality. An ability to be herself. However, deep in her core, she still craved simple acceptance. At the moment, Edric was doing just that and she felt happy.

"This sounds like a good place visit and I would love to."

She could tell he was lost in thought, but not about what. Nor did she consider they were essentially going on a first date.

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"]

He nodded and continued to walk with her, remaining silent now as his feet carried him throgh the garden, eyes focused on the open air infront of him as he led her about. They would need to get back to the palace throne room for them to go by the path that he had laid out in his mind and with his mind distracted by that matter he was almost entirely silent. There were still a few non-verbal actions he did as he walked. The first was another scratch at the back of his head and his cheek, thinking as he brought up the mental picture. The second was the rather relaxed nature of his arm, as if feeling natural to him for hers to be looped with his as they walked.

He was simply peaceful for once. He did not have anything to worry about when it came to personal or government affairs. He had no missions or meetings to be scheduled or prepared for. He had for once a moment that was completely to himself in terms of wanting to enjoy himself. That was the biggest change in him though, he was actually enjoying someone's company for once. Sure he enjoyed his sister;s company, but that was because she was blood. Zesiro was not blood, she was not a subordinate, nor a caretaker. She was no advisor or no enemy, she was simply a friend and for once Edric did not know what a friend really was or how to feel about that.

So he relaxed, he let the instinct of what to do carry him on, without consciously deciding that. Instead he let his body move while he retreated into his mind to lead her along the path that he had so chosen. His face still held traces of red and pink, left over from the teasing and mistakes he had thought he made. It would be something that would remain on his face unwavering, unable to vanish considering his closeness to a person he actually trusted and enjoyed the company of.

 

[Zesiro]

As they walked together, Zesiro could tell he was relaxing. He still had some of his odd mannerisms, but he was being very natural. Not the tense and stressed out person she had met in the desert. She strove to keep things natural and move with him and at the pace he set. Not before or behind. If he was empathic he might be able to sense just how in tune she was with him at the moment.

He was silent and lost in thought. She was also silent, but not lost in thought. With an active mind, she looked and watched around them. Even if she hadn't been out to see the sights of Kesh much, she had learned the ebb and flow of its nature. Both of the world and its people. It was a nice afternoon and the people were happy today. Nothing bad would happen or she didn't think so at least.

Turning her head to glance at Edric once in a while, she noticed his blush was still there. Not drawing any attention to it, she smiled lightly to herself. Knowing she caused this sort of reaction from him was amusing and likely something she would do for a while. However, Zesiro made a decision that it wouldn't be something she would exploit.

Since she had come to Kesh, a change in her had been slow and gradual. With the acceptance of Edric, that change might become something permanent and good for her. With his help, maybe she could let the past go more than she had. She had come here to turn over a new leaf and she wanted him to come along with her.

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"]

They would be relatively alone in their little trip. While Edric knew that the woman who was captain of his guard would send people after him, he did not care. They all knew he could look out for himself, and how he had left with Zesiro had put the captain's mind at ease anyways. After all, the woman had been ordered to look after and make sure that Edric grew and was safe until he could fend for himself and make decisions that would drive his life, one of those decisions soon came and that was deciding for himself who he could trust.

He knew it was premature to put a great deal of faith into Zesiro, as they had only met twice up to this point, and even then that was years back that he had met her that first time. But to arrive and expect nothing, only to eventually come with him out on a random adventure to see stars was a tad new. He wanted to help her understand that life had plenty of beauty and plenty to enjoy. It was about relaxing and taking life one step at a time, living in the moment and relaxing, letting things come your way. Sure, it wasn't the best advice, nor was it the worst though. He had lived day by day for a long time, and now he was here, walking beside a potential friend.

After a while he started talking again, only his mind switching off and just letting conversation lead conversation.

"So, What have you been doing these last years on my home if you do not mind my questioning? It is a tad interesting to me that you could live here so long and I not sense anything, which likely means its nothing of the sort that I would peg for you after the show you gave before."

 

[Zesiro]

She may not ben the most intelligent of people, but Zesiro had spent one afternoon with him already and then the additional time today. As time progressed both times, he had relaxed and it seemed Edric was the most at ease than he had been in a long while.

When she had appealed to visit him, she hadn't known what to expect. But now a realization hit her. Zesiro simply wanted acceptance. To not be something she wasn't and allowed to be herself. What exactly that was, she didn't know and needed to figure that out. Maybe that was why she had come today. She needed a compass to guide her. Perhaps their chance meeting years ago wasn't just chance, it had laid the foundation to their meeting today.

As she thought again at that meeting, she smiled. They had walked in silence for a while before he broke that. He asked what she had been doing here and how it was that she escaped his notice. Not allowing the chance to escape to tease him slightly, she turned her head to look at him for a moment with a glint in her eyes.

"I didn't think you had even noticed my show last time."

Taking on a slightly more serious demeanor, she turned to look in front of them and see where they were going. While he steered and controlled where they went, they still walked side by side as equals and friends.

"More or less needed to get away. Not sure what drew me here, maybe the Force for all I know. After I got here, I basically took on being law enforcement. Didn't learn much new, but helped keep things clean in the area I live."

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"]

"I have to admit, I was surprised when I saw you fight. The show was certainly entertaining for all that I saw, and they definitely deserved to be your paint to craft with, that much is certain." He obviously misunderstood what show she meant, more focused on the memory now of what had happened that day. If there was any turmoil or regret, sadness or distaste for what he had done that day, it did not show and there was no hint in his eyes.

"Though I must say I am surprised you chose to bring up that. Generally people wouldn't bring up an event like that while walking through the streets like this. I must say that you are an odd and intriguing individual Zes. Probably the most unique person I have yet to meet in my short life, and that certainly makes you an interesting one among so many similarly boring people." He smiled at her with a kind smile, appreciating her company and looking genuinely happy to have someone to talk to himself.

"I must also thank you if you were working as law enforcement for my home. I am sure there were never really any problems but this world does have its fair share of people who are still stuck in the past and the old ways as well as those who are a tad more justified in their crimes. The old law after all for theft was the loss of a hand, did you know that? Barbaric practice that, instead I am sure to make certain the crime is dealt with far more appropriately dependent on what was stolen and why." He nodded at that, confirming his words in his own mind.

 

[Zesiro]

Even if he totally missed what she was trying to imply with her words, Zesiro went along with what he said. It made her think a little.

"We do work well together. Since that day I learned a little more within the Force. By no means am I anything extraordinary or special. As for talking about it...why not? These people don't know about the subject and may not care. Odd and intriguing huh? So are you, Edric. I like that about you. While some of your day to day might be boring to you, I find it quite interesting. Listening to talking to people, meeting new ones all the time. Being able to go out and help...to what is needed to be done. I'd like to be able to do that."

He then thanked her for doing what she did and it was her turn to blush slightly. Not one used to being given a genuine and real compliment and thanks, Zesiro didn't know how to react very well.

"It seemed only natural for me to find a role here. You're welcome though. Never cut a hand off yet."

She said that with a smile and a small chuckle and it felt right.

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"]

"Not a worries Zes." He continued walking and a thought burrowed its way into his mind as he looked onwards down the road and reached up with his free hand to scratch at his cheek. After a few moments of thought he smile at her and said the only words that could come to his mind. In his head it was only logical to ask this and it made sense if she was so devoted to helping people. With his help she would have far more opportunities to do that and he could help put her in contact with an old friend of his if she was not already with them.

"Hey." He started, still looking at her as he walked without missing a step. "Perhaps you should come on as a retainer of mine. I have been in need of more specialized help since returning to the galactic stage and with hostilities between the CIS and Galactic Empire heating up I could use someone as skilled as you at my side during the rough times. I could set you up near the palace or within it if you so find it necessary, that is barely a trouble at all."

He waited for her reply, almost like her answer determined the mood he was in. It didn't but the young man was excited to have someone who he had seen fight and could grow beside him into becoming someone that could help others when he could not. It was something he had always looked for, someone to help him but it was something he could not really figure out as to who it would be. Now here was a woman who he considered skilled and with her head on straight that could stand and fight better than he could in most instances.

 

[Zesiro]

She quirked half a smile when Edric assured her there wasn't anything to worry about. Life was full of stuff and worry was one that just kind of stuck around. There was still a comfortable silence between them and it looked like he was thinking, so Zesiro remained silent to not disturb him. When he spoke something he said surprised and confused her slightly.

When they met, she had been with the Empire though she may not have told him. Those had been some of the best days of her life. Then she had discovered she had a sister and they had grown up on Tatooine until their parents had been killed. They had been torn apart and didn't remember each other. A reunion had happened and relationship reestablished. Time had passed and they separated, but would never be enemies again. Her sister had married a person from the Empire and maybe now lived there happily. That had been the case the last time they spoke at least.

"I've been out of touch with what has happened outside of Kesh for the last three years, so have heard nothing of this CIS or what's been going on."

​He offered her a position as retainer for him. Or did he mean for the family? No, he had said for himself. That made half smile turn into a real one. Nothing would make her happier than be accepted for herself, what she could bring into play and not for her body. Granted she had moved herself away from that part of her life, the natural grace and beauty Edric didn't notice was still there.

"Edric, I would gladly do this. Thank you."

Giving his arm a squeeze​, she more felt like hugging him, but restrained herself.

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"]

Edric smiled at her as she answered him and her army tightened around his. He could tell when someone was happy without having to even look at them, but the feeling he got from Zes made him smile back at her with more heart behind it then he remembered ever doing so. He wasn't sure why she sparked so much happiness in that moment but he didn't really care why he felt like that. As far as he cared he was happy and rather than dwell on why, he was certainly willing to just let the train of thought go and continue their walk. From that point on he would be rather quiet, just leading them through the streets and smiling with genuine happiness as he looked at the people they passed and spared a few glances at Zesiro.

It wouldn't be until a while after that he started talking again, them leaving the walls of the old city finally and him taking a breath of fresh air as they started out into the fields around the walled city that looked like it came out of ancient history.

"You know Zes, I really dont know what to talk about around you. Its rather nice to just walk with you and I really don't know what to say most of the time. You just seem to have a way of putting me at ease alot of the time." He said, though his tone seemed like he was more talking to the air than actually directing the conversation towards her, his eyes looking up at the clouds above them in thought.

He didn't really even register that she might respond to him, having said it more as a blanket statement rather than a conversation starter.

 

[Zesiro]

Sharking in the smile, the two of them quite likely looked like a happy couple. It was actually something Zesiro had never thought of or considered. At least not for herself. Past relationships hadn't been what was considered normal by regular standards, but they were what she knew. This felt different, but better and more natural to her, something she was enjoying and didn't want to end.

Companionable silence was between them, with the occasional shared glance. Not drawing any unwanted or extra attention from others around them. Eventually they left the city behind and headed into countryside beyond the walls.

Outside the walls, it was calm, peaceful and nice. In the everyday life of this city, this was like day to its night. Not something she expected and turned her head to look at Edric as he spoke. He said he couldn't think of what to speak about around, but that just walking nice. He sounded like he wasn't focusing on the fact she was there, but knew it anyway.

"This is just fine, Edric. A change of the everyday. Instead of being forced to speak at meetings and such, you can be more yourself maybe?"

Not speaking loud, but ​enough to be heard since they were so close. Her tone was soft and gentle. Not loving, but very personal.

"I like it. To just be."

[member="Edric Vanyan"]

 

[Edric Vanyan]

[member="Zesiro"]

He just smiled in return to her comment, thinking about their walk and closing his eyes while they did so. The star had dropped considerably by this point as the sky was painted with so many different colors that it was like a painting. Red and orange blending off into pinks and purples the further from the setting star. It was peaceful and Edric found himself leaning a bit against the woman as they walked, his eyes focused on the sky as it darkened and soon enough he would stop, them standing on a small hill now, a good distance from the city.

"Shall we sit?" He said, looking at the woman before taking a seat himself, waiting for her to join him there.

The night would get a tad colder, but not to the point where they would be cold. The air would be clean and crisp, a small wind blowing over them and carrying the smell of the fields as grass and crops moved like water. The night sky changed from colors into a black expanse before small stars started to appear one by one. Over the course of the next thirty minutes more stars would appear as the sky opened up its wonders. One could see the bands of the galaxy, Kesh being an outlying world after all would be looking into the galaxy and with that fact a collection of stars created what could only be described as an artistic masterpiece.

A blue streak carved its way across the night sky, like a scar had been shown after being hidden by the daylight. It was the galaxy they lived in, shining bright against the night sky and providing a sight that while common for those that traveled through space, was far different for those who had never left the ground. But, Edric enjoyed the sight none the less, it was to him a beautiful sight, one that he appreciated being able to see from the surface of his home, and not needing to stand on the deck of a ship to see. His smile remained there as he sat beside the woman who had shown up earlier in the day.

"So, Zes. What do you think?" He said, looking at her.