Private From Caves to Forests

[Seren Gwyn]

The wedding had been a tapestry of soft lantern light and quiet, heartfelt vows that lingered in the air long after the ceremony concluded.

Seren remembered Kallous standing slightly apart from the festive celebration, remaining as observant as ever and appearing perfectly content to witness the joy of others rather than occupy the center of it himself. It was a role that had always suited him well, as he carried a kind of thoughtful distance that allowed him to be fully present without ever needing to dominate the physical space around him. In the wake of that night, however, there had been nothing but a growing and persistent silence that eventually became impossible for her to ignore.

There were no more brief exchanges between them, no quiet debates regarding the shifting nature of the Force, and no contemplative musings arriving at those odd hours when the rest of the galaxy seemed to sleep. The lapse in communication had lasted long enough for the absence to become a tangible thing, a missing rhythm in the usual conduct of her days.

The holoprojector in her quarters hummed softly to life as she activated it, allowing the pale blue light to spill outward in gentle, flickering arcs across the darkened room. Seren stood with a composed posture but remained unarmored, her hands loosely clasped before her in a gesture of openness that lacked her typical guarded edge. There were no shadows drawn close to her tonight and no defensive shielding of her presence as the transmission request was finally sent across the stars.

A moment later, his image resolved within the light, showing his long hair tied back and his beard neatly trimmed, while his uniform remained as crisp as the lightsaber resting at his hip as naturally as his own breath.

"Kallous," she began, her voice carrying genuine warmth underpinned by a quiet, focused intention. "It has been quite some time since we last spoke, hasn't it?"

A small, knowing smile touched her lips as she looked at the flickering blue ghost of the man she had once known so well.

"The last time I saw you was during the celebration of Iandre and Rellik's wedding, but almost immediately after that day, you seemed to disappear entirely from my view." Her words were not meant to be accusatory, but were spoken with a simple, grounded factuality that demanded an honest accounting. "I have not heard a single word from you in the time since, and I find that such a prolonged silence is highly unusual for someone of your character."

She studied his features through the soft distortion of the holographic light, her eyes searching for any sign of weariness or hidden burdens.

"So rather than letting my mind wander toward complicated theories, I decided it was better to ask you directly instead of continuing to speculate in the dark."

She allowed a brief, heavy pause to settle between them before she continued, her voice dropping into a more serious register.

"What exactly has been keeping you so occupied that you could not reach out, especially considering the unsettling rumors I have heard regarding Rellik's own disappearance?"

Her expression softened just slightly, the professional mask slipping away to reveal the friend underneath.

"And more importantly, Kallous, are you truly well?"

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

It had been a long couple of weeks since the wedding. It had been such a joyous day too. In the wake of the Sack of Bastion it had been a moment of hope. That in spite of recent setbacks, things were good, they were getting better, and that there was a future for them all that looked bright. But that hope was short lived, as only a few days later an immense tradgedy struck, and a massive shift in power took place quietly and quickly at the same time to keep order and prevent total pandemonium.

Only a few days after the Diarch wedded the woman he loved, he vanished along with his brother. Kallous had been told by his Mentor, the Diarch Rellik, that he and his brother would be attempting a ritual of arcane and uncertain nature. Perhaps in an attempt to quickly rebuild the Diarchy's strength, but ultimately Kallous did not know the details. All he knew, is that when they began the force swirled in a maelstrom, then suddenly stopped, and was disquietingly still. Immediately Kallous had known something was wrong, and discovered along with a few others that the Diarchs were nowhere to be found. Both brothers gone, and Rellik's newlywed wife Iandre was left without her husband.

Things had been chaotic since then. Laphisto of the Lilaste Order had stepped in to keep the Diarchy from falling apart altogether, several people left however. And Iandre was one of them. As the wife to his late Mentor and also a friend of his Kallous took it upon himself to escort the grieving widow to Veradune, where a friend of hers could give her shelter while she grieved.

And Kallous had remained there ever since, mostly spending his time meditating, and contemplating what the future held. He was no augur, he couldn't see the future the way some powerful Jedi could. And frustratingly the force was incredibly still, he couldn't extract answers or direction from his meditations the way he used to. Where normally he would find a strong current to carry him somewhere all he found was water that was utterly still. Eerily still.

His communicator beeped, something that caught him by surprise. But when he answered it and saw who it was, the surprise melted away into relief. He could tell by her tone and expression that she was irked with him, but at the moment he was simply too pleased to see her to think about that. He truly regretted not calling her sooner.

"Hello Seren." He said quietly, his usual demeanor giving way to composed uncertainty. "I'm sorry, truly. It wasn't my intention to neglect you, things have simply been... complicated."

He took a second to consider what he should tell her, then after that moment passed he began to explain. "Well... to start those unsettling rumors you've been hearing are true, at least in large part. The Diarchs are both gone. Vanished. They attempted some sort of ritual, I don't know the nature of it, and midway through the force just became still, and when I went to see what had happened there was nothing to be found. Laphisto has had to take over in their stead, I've had to purge a few bad actors to nip any Sepratist movements in the bud. And I've escorted Rellik's widow, Iandre, to Veradune. She has a friend here who's willing to shelter her. Needless to say it has been a long couple of weeks."

He paused again, thinking about how to answer her final question. "I'm unharmed, I'm safe and I don't think anyone except me, Iandre and now you knows where I am. Apart from that... I really couldn't tell you. The force has been... frustratingly silent with me these past few days. I've received no guidance on how to proceed. So... there's that."

He was pausing a lot more in his sentences than he usually did. Picking his words carefully in an effort to both be honest with Seren and also not to worry her too much. He despised lying more than just about anything else, so he absolutely refused to tell her an untruth. But he also didn't like it when he couldn't handle his own problems, and was loathe to rely on other people for anything. And worst of all he hated it when he made people who cared about him worry.

Though he supposed it was a little too late for that.

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

The cave held the echo of his silence long after he finished speaking.

Seren did not rush to fill it. Instead, she studied him through the holographic flicker. Noticing the way his composure held, yet lacked its usual iron. She saw the carefulness in his posture and the fatigue tucked between his words.

When she finally spoke, her tone was a low, steady anchor.

"That is not a small thing to carry," she murmured, her gaze unwavering. "The Diarchs vanishing, the Force going still, a widow sent into exile...you seem to find yourself where the weight is heaviest."

There was no criticism in her voice, only a quiet recognition of his nature. She stepped closer to the projector, her silhouette dim against the cave light as she bridged the distance between them.

"You do not have to explain your absence to me, Kallous. But you also do not have to carry the aftermath alone."

She paused, her expression shifting from distant scholar to something gently resolute.

"If you must remain in Veradune, then remain. But if you would rather not sit in still water by yourself… come here."

The words were simple, offered without the tang of politics or expectation.

"Stay for a time. No obligations, no pressure. Just space to think. Or," she added, her voice softening further, "I can come to you, if the journey is a burden you'd rather not take."

She let the offer hang in the quiet air between them.

"Tell me what you need."

It wasn't a command, and it wasn't mere comfort. It was a doorway.

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

Kallous allowed Seren's offer to remain in the air for a few moments as he considered it. He wanted to, the offer was attractive, to be sure. But on the other hand he wasn't sure if he should. Iandre was safe now, and she was able to process things, but he also didn't want to abandon her when she might still need someone close. At the same time he had nothing to offer Seren as gratitude for her help. He knew at his core that she wouldn't expect anything, and was making an offer out of kindness and concern for her friend. However there was little that stung Kallous quite like pity, especially if it was pity for his perceived helplessness.

So he took a second to consider it, to think it over. But what ultimately made up his mind was that he felt a pull. After several days of silence, he felt that current in the Force that had been still for some time. And it told him to go. Ian was in good hands. She was in the care of a friend who would protect her. And Kallous himself was of no further use, if anything with the Diarchy gone it was entirely possible that some of the enemies he'd made would come looking for him, and Ian could get caught up in it all while she was grieving. And he couldn't allow that.

Seren, however, was in territory not easily reached by his enemies, and was not burdened like Ian was. If trouble came he'd certainly fight to keep her out of it, but he also knew that she'd have an easier time escaping harm's way than Ian would. So it seemed like the wisest course of action.

After a few moments he finally spoke. "I will take you up on that." He finally said, swallowing his pride to do so. "Thank you Seren, for checking on me. It's deeply appreciated."

He went silent for another few moments, thinking further on what he should say next. Soon enough he began to speak again. "I'll make my way to Malachor. I'm not sure exactly when I will get there, but it shouldn't be too long. And I promise I'll keep in touch better too."

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

For a long moment after he agreed, Seren simply looked at him, her expression devoid of triumph but softened by a quiet, steadying presence. The tension she had been holding behind her eyes finally began to ebb, replaced by a look that was more than just relief.

"Good," she said, the single word carrying a resonant warmth that felt like a bridge crossing the distance between them. "Malachor is far from a retreat world, but it offers a particular kind of silence. One that I think you'll find remarkably useful."

She shifted slightly within the dim mouth of the cave, her silhouette framed by the faint, melodic echo of the wind threading through the ancient stone behind her.

"You aren't abandoning Iandre by choosing to breathe for a moment, Kallous. Grief doesn't ease simply because a shadow stands nearby in silence, and you cannot anchor your own spirit in someone else's sorrow indefinitely without losing yourself to the tide."

Her tone remained gentle, yet it was laced with a clear-eyed steel that sought to protect him from his own sense of duty.

"If your enemies are truly looking for you, I would much rather they look toward the edges of the galaxy, far away from her—and further still from where you are most vulnerable."

She paused, her voice dropping into a register that felt almost like a secret shared in the dark.

"Beyond that…I simply find that I would rather you didn't have to face whatever comes next alone."

She tilted her head, her amber eyes studying his features through the blue flicker of the holoprojection with an intensity that bordered on a caress.

"There is a space waiting for you here where you will never be an obligation or a burden, but a choice."

She let that thought linger, ensuring the weight of it reached him before she continued.

"Travel carefully and send word the moment you depart so that I can be waiting for you at the landing shelf when you arrive."

A faint, genuine curve touched her lips. It was a rare display of softness that transformed her entire composure.

"And Kallous…please do not think you owe me gratitude for this. Friendship is too small a word for what this is, and debt has no place in the way I feel for you."

Her gaze held his for a heartbeat longer, as if she were trying to reach through the light to touch him.

"I will be counting the hours until I see you."

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

Kallous couldn't stop a smile from coming to his face at what Seren was telling him. Both of them were quite reserved people most often. They made themselves known to one another sure, but it was always mild, always reserved and always cordial. Neither of them seemed to care much for grand declarations made loudly for all to hear. But in a way that added a sincerity and understanding between them that felt good to have. When she said something, he knew she meant it.

And as such, coming from her, a declaration such as "Counting the Hours until I see you" was very grand indeed.

He couldn't help but smile at that, a moment later he even let out a soft chuckle. "You're going to make me blush, saying things like that."

A moment more of silence and he nodded. "Very well. I'll go make the arrangements straightaway. I'll try not to keep you counting for too long."

With a few more exchanged pleasantries the two would bid farewell for now. And Kallous would make his way to the spaceport to arrange for the trip. And the following morning he was on a transport ship. He called Seren again over the holo to tell her he was on his way, and give her his estimated time of arrival. Clad in common clothes to hide who he was, including a poncho so he could carry his lightsaber with him without it being easily seen, he would board the transport and be off. A long trip was ahead of him, and a little over a day and a half later he would land on Malachor.

It had been some time since last he'd been on such a dark planet. It wasn't unfamiliar, but it always put him on his guard. Such places didn't usually lend themselves well to peaceful existence. He was no stranger to excessive violence of course, but he didn't want to see things get ugly when he was trying to lay low.

He would step off the ramp of the transport and onto the landing platform, before pulling out his holocommunicator to tell Seren he had arrived.

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

The holocomm flickered to life, the blue-tinted light of the projection struggling against a backdrop of oppressive dark stone and a sky stained the color of bruised plums and ash.

Seren answered almost immediately, as if she had been standing by, waiting for the signal to catch.

The biting wind of Malachor swept around her, tugging at her dark robes and whipping a few stray strands of hair across her face, but she didn't seem to notice. Her posture was relaxed, her shoulders dropped, a rare, unguarded ease that felt like a quiet defiance against the jagged world behind her.

"You made good time," she said. The distortion of the comm-link couldn't mask the sudden, genuine warmth in her voice.

She stepped slightly to the side, adjusting the projector with a steady hand so he could see her surroundings. Behind her lay the landing shelf, a massive tongue of blackened rock reaching out over a canyon. In the distance, the horizon was a serrated edge of obsidian, lit from below by the rhythmic, arterial glow of volcanic fissures pulsing deep within.

"I am glad you are here."

The words were simple, unadorned by the usual riddles of the Sith, carrying a weight of sincerity that felt almost heavy in the air between them. Her amber eyes searched the projection, finding his, and the corner of her mouth curved into a soft, private smile.

"Welcome to Malachor, Kallous."

There was a lingering softness to the way she spoke his name, not as a title or a tool, but as a destination. She watched him for a beat longer than necessary, as if making sure he was truly there.

"You do not need to be on guard here," she added, her voice dropping a fraction in pitch, turning intimate. "Not with me."

The wind howled through the canyon behind her, a lonely, mourning sound, but Seren didn't flinch. She turned her head slightly, her gaze drifting toward the path he would soon take, already anticipating the moment the projection would be replaced by his physical presence.

"I am at the upper landing shelf. Take the eastern stair cut into the rock; it looks narrow and less stable than it is, but it will hold you. I've made sure of it."

A faint, amused exhale escaped her, a sound of relief she didn't try to hide.

"And Kallous…I am genuinely happy you came."

The transmission held for a second longer, a quiet, shared heartbeat of light and shadow, before the flicker of her smile vanished into the dark.

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

Kallous didn't have to wait long for Seren to answer. And soon enough she was showing him where she was, though that was hardly necessary. By then he'd been familiarized with her presence in the force enough to identify her. He knew where she was and began making his way there, even as the two of them spoke on the holo. And she expressed that she was glad he was there, and reassured him of the structural integrity of the stairway, earning an amused chuckle from the man, her concern for him was amusing because it seemed almost out of character for her to worry so much, and likewise amusing that she felt the need to reassure him about a staircase of all things. She knew he'd probably be able to jump from where he was up to where she waited with relative ease.

Though strangely that just made her concern all the more heartwarming.

"I'm glad to be here Seren, I look forward to seeing you again." He told her as he walked, making his way to the staircase she'd indicated for him. "It will be a much needed reprieve from the chaos of the past few weeks."

He made his way up the staircase as directed until he came to the upper landing shelf where Seren waited for him. And once he spied her he made his way over straightaway. She would see he was in far simpler attire than he normally was, a set of simple, dark robes and a humble sack slung over his shoulder. Black leather boots that reached his knee with loose pants tucked into them that were tied shut at the waist, and an open front shirt that was secured by knots at one side, with his belt overtop to hold his lightsaber. Over that was a hooded poncho, with the hood kept down so his face was visible. If glanced at by anyone who didn't know him, he would appear to be a simple hermit with good hygeine.

When he reached her stopped only a pace or two from her and smiled gently. He gave her a shallow bow at the waist in greeting, "My Lady."

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

For a long moment, Seren simply looked at him, her gaze ignoring the traveler's dust on his boots or the anonymous simplicity of his robes to focus entirely on the man beneath. The quiet relief in her expression said more than any words could have, revealing a depth of feeling she usually kept carefully guarded.

When he bowed, the corner of her mouth lifted with a touch of restrained amusement that reached her eyes. "If you continue that, I may begin expecting courtly poetry to follow," she replied softly, her voice filled with a rare, pretense-free warmth.

She stepped closer to close the small space between them, her gaze sweeping over him in an open assessment that felt more like a caress than an inspection. "You look…lighter," she noted, referring not to his physical form but to the invisible burdens he had seemingly left behind on the landing ramp.

Pausing for a more thoughtful moment, she added, "Before we head in, I should ask if there is anything special you would like for your first night here." Her tone became practical yet deeply attentive as she continued, "I cannot offer the decadent luxuries of Coruscant, but I can prepare something proper—perhaps a meal that is familiar to you, or simply something warm to take the chill off the journey."

She hesitated for only a heartbeat before gently slipping her arm through his, the gesture feeling remarkably steady and natural rather than possessive or dramatic. "Come," she murmured, guiding him toward the carved path that wound away from the landing shelf and into the ancient cavern network beyond.

"You have not seen where I truly live yet, and I think you will find my home to be far less severe than the rest of this planet suggests."

As they walked, the howling wind of the canyon dulled into a distant hum within the stone corridor, and she kept her arm lightly threaded with his, grounding them both in the quiet of the moment. She offered him a small, lingering glance, her voice dropping to a near-whisper.

"You are safe here, Kallous...and you are very welcome."

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

"Ask and ye shall receive." He responded in good humor as she stepped closer and began to look him over. He was certainly more humbly clad than the last time he'd seen her, gone were the black boots polished to a mirror shine, gone was a uniform pressed perfectly until it was sharp as a knife's edge. But the one thing that did remain was how he carried himself. He felt relieved of a burden, and that let him stand tall and proud the way he did before the past few weeks' events. In spite of his humble attire, he still had the bearing of a powerful man. She made her comment and he answered, "I feel lighter. I must confess coming here to see you has lifted much from me, someting I am deeply grateful for."

She slipped her arm through his and he gladly opened it up for her. It felt right, to be arm-in-arm with her, it was as grounding as she intended it to be. She became an anchor for him, keeping his mind in the present and off of the past where it had been dwelling. Even in this tumultuous place, where the force was chaotic and violent, she was providing him an island of calm where he could remain entirely untouched by the maelstrom.

Her mention that she couldn't offer the luxuries that the core worlds might offer earned an amused smile from him. "I didn't come here expecting you to coddle me Seren. I need nothing more than a place to sleep for a time. Though since you're offering..." He considered for a moment, her offer of a meal seemed quite good. He wasn't some spoiled nobleman who demanded every privilege be afforded him, but neither was he a Jedi who denied himself all worldly things, and he found himself looking forward to what she had in mind. "Surprise me. I'd like to see what you have in mind, I trust I'll enjoy whatever it is you prepare. And I likewise look forward to seeing your home."

They walked a short ways, and she reassured him of his safety, which again earned a smile from him. Her concern was palpable, which he considered unecessary, but very endearing nevertheless. "Thank you Seren. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren listened to him in a thoughtful, heavy silence as they walked, the faint echo of their footsteps seemingly swallowed by the ancient, carved stone path that wound its way deeper along the jagged cliffside. The violent winds that tore across the canyon above could no longer reach them within this sanctuary, leaving only the rhythmic, distant hum of Malachor's restless earth, vibrating like a low warning beneath their feet.

When he offered his thanks, the gesture prompted her to glance up at him with a brief, searching look that seemed to weigh the man standing beside her.

There was a newfound softness settling into her expression. One that held no trace of surprise, but rather a quiet, profound acceptance of exactly what his words were meant to convey in this flickering light.

"You do not need to thank me with such earnestness," she said, her voice dropping to a gentle, steady murmur. "But since the sentiment is offered, I will accept it."

Her arm remained comfortably looped through his as they pressed onward, her steady presence guiding him around a sharp bend where the narrow path gradually widened into a sheltered stone corridor. Deep within the passage, a series of faint lanterns began to glow, casting a warm, flickering amber light that danced against the jagged, unforgiving surface of the dark rock.

When he challenged her to surprise him, the corner of her mouth curved into a slight, knowing smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Something homey then, I think," she replied with quiet certainty, her mind already drifting toward the specific preparations she had made within the heart of the sanctum. "Something that possesses the rare, necessary power to bring a measure of true comfort."

Her gaze flicked toward him once more, a brief but deeply thoughtful look that seemed to read the layers of shadow he carried with him.

"I suspect you stand in need of such things far more than you would ever be willing to admit to me, Kallous."

The tone of her voice carried the faintest, playful thread of teasing, yet it was woven seamlessly into the underlying warmth of her words. She gave his arm a small, reassuring squeeze as they drew closer to the inviting, faint glow of her dwelling just ahead, the shadows of the corridor stretching out to meet them.

"And besides," she added in a soft, melodic tone, "a proper welcome deserves something far more substantial than the bitter draft of a cold cave and a thin, worn blanket."

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

The woman beside him would give him her appraising glance, and she would see him as he was. He wasn't one to hide anything from her, he knew better than to think that any truth could remain hidden from her. That and he wasn't a deceptive man in the first place. She would see that his appreciation was sincere, and he wanted her to know how truly sincere it was. She'd lifted a huge weight from him, and he refused to be ungrateful for what she'd already done for him.

The pair walked along the path as Seren directed, entering darker places illuminated by lamps then finally around a few more corners before seeing the entrance to her home ahead of them. And Kallous couldn't help but glance at Seren as she considered the preparations she needed to make. Truth be told he wasn't sure what to expect of her home, she described it as a cave, though he could hardly believe that was a wholly accurate description. He doubted she was lying, though he also had a feeling that the description she'd given him was a little misleading.

She mentioned his unwillingness to confess to the vulnerability he was feeling, and he nodded, "You always see the truth straightaway don't you? I suppose my pride is a beast I've yet to truly master, clearly not enough to be fully honest with myself or you."

"Believe you me, I've stayed in far worse conditions." He told her with a chuckle, remembering with some fondness the many times he'd stayed in less than comfortable places. Outright sleeping directly on bare rock at times. The many warzones and outings he'd been on coming to mind, so many to remember, so many different places. The reminiscing brought a small smile to his face. "Though they were always worth it. I'm sure that my short time in your care will be doubly so."

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren listened quietly as they walked, her arm still comfortably linked with his. The stone corridor gradually widened, the rough volcanic passage giving way to something far more deliberate. Warm light spilled from recessed lamps set into the rock, softening the harshness of Malachor's stone into something almost welcoming.

When he admitted she saw through him too easily, a faint smile touched the corner of her mouth.

"It is not difficult to see the truth in someone who does not hide from it," she said gently. "Your pride is not your enemy, Kallous. It simply needs the right place to rest."

They rounded the final bend.

The entrance opened into a broad cavern space that had clearly been shaped over time. The natural stone ceiling arched overhead, textured with flowing mineral patterns that caught the warm light. The floor had been leveled and fitted with smooth stonework. Lamps and lanterns cast a golden glow that chased away the cold shadows of the outer tunnels.

To the right sat a circular bed built into the stone alcove, layered with soft blankets and pillows. A small table and chairs rested nearby, their metal frames simple but sturdy. Across the room, a carved desk and chair faced a section of wall where the stone opened into a window-like cut overlooking the canyon beyond.

Further inside, another chamber revealed a curved dining nook set directly into the rock. A wooden table sat surrounded by cushioned benches, and a modest kitchen space had been arranged nearby with shelves, cookware, and storage carved into the natural walls.

The space felt lived in. Quiet. Intentional.

Seren finally released his arm, stepping slightly ahead of him as she turned back to watch his reaction.

"You see," she said softly, a hint of quiet amusement in her voice, "not entirely a cave."

Her gaze lingered on him a moment before she moved toward the kitchen area, setting aside the shawl she had worn outside.

"Sit wherever you like," she added. "You are my guest."

She paused briefly, glancing back over her shoulder.

"And tonight, I will make something simple. Warm bread, stew, and tea."

A small smile returned.

"Homey, as promised."

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

The two would step into Seren's home, and his suspicions were proven partially correct. It was indeed a cave, but it was one made to be homey and comfortable. It was a decent home even by what he could see just stepping in. And Seren would walk ahead to see Kallous looking her home over with rapt attention. It was honestly, exactly what he expected in many ways. A home. It wasn't some palace bedecked with jewels and silks and luxuries that screamed wealth. Nor was it a hermit's hovel with a pile of straw for a bed and a firepit for cooking insects and weeds. No, this was precisely what he thought her home would be like. Simple, Cozy and everything it needed to be, but nothing more.

In simple terms, he liked it.

"It's a delightful place you have." He would tell her. "Calling it a cave doesn't do it any true justice. This is... honestly even more comfortable than my old quarters on Bastion."

He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought, how he'd lived in a single ten by ten cubicle with a bed and a bathroom. He got his food in one of the many cafeterias for the logest time, though eventually after Lady Athlea had taught him how to grill he'd been preparing his own meals. Though he was curious to taste Seren's own cooking now that he was here.

"That sounds excellent, Seren." He told her, a smile on his own face to match hers. "Thank you."

Though she'd invited him to sit he took a second to wander around the main room first, see if there was anything else of interest about her home. This was his first time here, so he figured a little exploration of the immediate area was a good idea.

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren watched him quietly as he stepped farther into the cavern, his attention moving slowly across the space. There was no tension in her posture as he wandered. If anything, she seemed quietly pleased to see him taking the time to look.

"I am glad you think so," she said softly.

She moved past him toward the kitchen alcove, setting a small bundle of herbs and a loaf of bread onto the counter carved directly from the stone.

"Malachor does not offer comfort easily. I had to persuade it a little."

The soft sound of cookware followed as she placed a pot over a recessed flame.

Meanwhile, Kallous was free to wander.

The chamber opened wider the farther in he stepped. The floor had been leveled and fitted with smooth stonework, the natural rock ceiling arching above like a protective shell. Warm lanterns and small lamps filled the space with a soft golden light that chased away the harsh shadows of the outside world.

To one side sat the bed, large and sturdy with a carved wooden frame set against the curved rock wall. Thick blankets and layered pillows softened it, the kind meant for deep, restful sleep rather than display. A smaller daybed rested nearby beneath a stone arch, positioned closer to a small fireplace where a steady flame burned inside a compact iron stove.

A low table and rug filled the center of the space, worn but carefully kept, with a few comfortable chairs arranged around it. Nothing was extravagant, but everything felt deliberate and lived in.

Across the room, shelves carved directly into the rock held datapads, a few worn books, jars of dried herbs, and several small artifacts that hinted at Seren's quiet curiosities.

Behind him, the rhythm of meal preparation continued.

Water poured into the pot. Vegetables were chopped with calm precision. Soon, the scent of herbs warming in oil drifted through the cave.

"You may explore," she added lightly without turning. "Nothing here will bite you."

A faint note of humor touched her voice.

"I made certain of that."

She stirred the pot, glancing over her shoulder briefly as the first real scent of something warm and comforting began to fill the cavern.

"Dinner will not take long."

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

"It would seem then that you are exceptional diplomat." Kallous complimented as he looked around, seeing the fruits of her doubtlessly meticulous and difficult work. He was curious by what method she actually did this. He doubted she used a hammer and chisel or other such industrial mining gear, though the picture of Seren in a set of overalls brought an amused smile to his face. No, rather he assumed she had used some technique of the force to make this place what it was. A technique that, if it existed and she did indeed know it, he would be most interested in learning.

He found the space to be an absolute delight. He was never one for extravagance or the trappings of high society, however he certainly appreciated comfort, and this place she'd made for herself was exactly the kind of place that spoke to him. And he wondered if perhaps some day he would have a place like this himself. Not necessarily a cave, but a home.

Her comment that nothing was going to bite him caused him to chuckle again, "You seem awfully protective of me Seren. I hope I didn't make you think I'd suddenly lost my edge."

The comment was made in jest, but inwardly he began to wonder. How weak had he appeared to be when she'd called him on Veradune? Had he seemed as weak as he'd been when he first left the Sith behind? A lost boy with nowhere to go, no purpose and no direction? Little more than a hunk of driftwood on the sea?

That thought didn't sit well with him. When he'd joined the Diarchy, he had vowed he would never be so weak as that again. But now it seemed he was, barely able to protect those people closest to him long enough for them to get to someone who actually could keep them safe long term. He found a pit forming in his stomach, and a feeling of disgust with himself for being this... pathetic.

He pushed those thoughts aside, he knew Seren was sharp, and well attuned to the force around her, and he knew how such feelings and thoughts, especially when unguarded, sent ripples through the force that even the untrained could sense. He didn't want to burden her with these troubles, not when she invited him here out of the goodness of her heart to give him a place where he could stay for a few days while he figured things out.

"There's no rush, Seren." He assured her. "In fact, let me know if you need any help. Even if it's just setting the table for us."

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren worked quietly at the counter, the steady rhythm of her preparation filling the comfortable silence between them. The knife moved with practiced ease through the vegetables she had gathered, the soft scrape of the blade against the board blending with the low, rhythmic simmer of the pot.

When he joked about losing his edge, she paused, glancing over her shoulder at him.

Her amber eyes lingered on him, tracking the way he carried himself in this new space. Through the Force, she felt a shift—not a disturbance, but a ripple. Doubt had a particular texture: quiet, heavy, and inward-turning. It was a stark contrast to the sharp, cold stone of the sanctum around them.

She did not comment on it. Not yet. Instead, a soft, genuine smile touched her lips, warmer than any light Malachor's suns could provide.

"I do not think you have lost your edge," she said gently.

She turned back to her work, reaching for a small cut of meat she had prepared earlier. The knife shifted in her hand as she trimmed it, her movements fluid and inviting, before she added it to the pot. As the herbs hit the oil, a rich, savory scent began to fill the small kitchen, wrapping around them like a blanket.

She reached for several potatoes next, setting them beside the cutting board. With calm efficiency, she began peeling them, the thin strips of skin curling away and falling aside.

"And I am not worried about you defending yourself," she added lightly, her voice dropping to a more intimate, playful register. "I am simply making certain my guest is comfortable for his first night under my roof."

The peeled potatoes were cut into thick pieces and dropped into the pot. The quiet simmer deepened into the richer, heartier scent of a stew slowly taking shape—a smell of home in a place built on shadows. She stirred the pot once before turning fully to lean against the counter, watching him.

The warmth in her expression remained, steady and grounding.

"When dinner gets closer to being finished, I will have you set the table," she murmured, her gaze inviting him to settle in. "For now, you are allowed to explore. My home is quite different from the ruins you've grown used to."

She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued by his presence in her private world.

"Tell me, Kallous...now that you are finally inside, does my home feel like what you expected?"

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

The smell began to reach his nose, and he couldn't help but inhale deeply. The scent was rich and strong, and promised a meal that he would remember. He was no master chef, he'd only just recently begun to explore the art of meal prep. He'd gotten decent enough, but he could tell that Seren had been perfecting the art for far longer than he had.

He spent a few more moments exploring the immediate surroundings, seeing what other curiosities there were to find in Seren's dwelling without getting hands on. He still wished to respect the sanctity of her home after all. Though once he'd seen most of what there was to see he made his way over to the kitchen area, staying out of her way as best he could observing what she was doing. He hadn't prepared too many stews himself, at least not yet, so he was curious what all could go into such a dish. And he studied her methods with genuine curiosity.

"It certainly suits you." He told her in answer to her question. "Whether it's what I expected, I can't really say. I was not sure what exactly to expect your home to be like, but this certainly fits the bill. Simple and humble, but comfortable and sturdy with all the necessities of a dwelling. It's... cozy. I like what you have here."

Again he found himself considering what sort of home he might make for himself if he ever did something like this. Would he carve a home out of rock like she had? Would he coax a tree into shape with the force? Would he construct a home for himself like the people of old? Honestly he wasn't sure. He supposed he would build a place where he could have absolute solitude and absolute silence. A place where he could meditate as deeply as his mental fortitude allowed.

Certainly not somewhere so tumultuous as Malachor, but definitely a place like Seren's own home. Safe, secure, simple, comfortable and well out of the way.

Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren glanced over her shoulder as Kallous approached the kitchen area, the soft glow of the cooking lamps catching the quiet curiosity in his expression. The scent filling the cave had grown richer as the pot continued to simmer, the savory warmth of it spreading gently through the living space like a familiar embrace.

His words about her home brought a small, genuine smile to her face.

"I am glad you like it," she murmured, her voice carrying a warmth that mirrored the hearth.

She turned slightly to grant him a better view of her work, one hand lifting the wooden spoon as she stirred the pot with slow, practiced movements. Inside, chunks of meat had begun to brown beautifully in a deep, aromatic broth alongside onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs she had dried herself. The potatoes he had watched her peel earlier were now neatly cubed and waiting on a small board beside the stove.

"It took a great deal of time and effort to make it feel this way," she explained, adding the potatoes to the pot and letting them slide gently into the simmering liquid. "First the stone had to be carved from the earth, and then the space had to be truly lived in before it began to soften."

Her eyes flicked to him briefly, sparkling with a faint hint of amusement. "I've found that a cave only truly becomes a home after it has had the chance to gather a few stories."

She stepped aside a little so he could see the contents of the pot more clearly, gesturing toward the simmering stew with a tilt of her head. "The meat is always seared first to ensure the flavor stays locked within the broth rather than boiling away. After that, the vegetables and herbs are left to simmer just long enough for everything to soften and meld together. There is nothing particularly complicated about the process; it simply requires a bit of patience."

After a moment, she reached for a kettle that had been warming near the edge of the stove and set it properly over the heat to boil. "Would you like something to drink while we wait for the meal to finish?"

Her tone remained easy and welcoming as she offered the choice. "I have a few different teas available, or I can get you some fresh water if you would prefer that instead."

As she spoke, Seren studied him quietly for a moment longer than she strictly needed to. Watching him stand there, comfortably observing her world rather than withdrawing into the cave's shadowed corners, she felt something subtle shift in the very atmosphere of the room.

It had always been a quiet, peaceful sanctuary, but now, with his presence filling the space, the stone walls seemed to hold a new kind of heat. The realization softened her expression, bringing a more reflective smile as she returned her attention to the bubbling stove.

"It seems my cave has decided for itself that it quite likes having a guest," she said, the gentle bubbling of the stew filling the comfortable silence between them. "I suppose it feels much more like a proper home when there is actually someone else here to share it with."

Kallous

 

[Kallous]

He stepped in to observe her work, and she stepped to the side by a small margine to give him a clearer view of what exactly she was doing, and what exactly she was cooking. Before he'd caught a few whiffs of the aroma, but now as he stepped in a little closer to see what had gone into the stew he was struck his nostrils more directly, and the effect was immediate. Without any sort of warning or pretense, a low rumble would be audible in the room as Kallous' stomach voiced its appreciation for Seren's cooking.

Kallous had the good grace to appear sheepish when this happened.

Hastening to move on from this before it made things too awkward he moved to agree with her assessment. "It takes a while for a house to become a home. Simply laying one's head down to rest for a while doesn't mean they're home, home is something far more personal. And this place certainly seems to have been made a proper home."

He listened to her brief explanation on how the meat was prepared ahead of time before being added to the broth, and he nodded. It made sense to him that one would want the meat to have its flavor preserved, though he also wondered if perhaps the broth absorbing some of that flavor was really such a bad thing. He'd need to experiment with this at some point later, but for now he trusted her skill and experience, and likewise very much looked forward to tasting the food she'd so graciously prepared for them.

"Some tea sounds excellent." He told her. "Thank you."

Her final comment seemed like it had some undertone he couldn't quite identify, but he decided not to think about it too much. And his answer was suitably humble, "I'm glad that your home finds my presence so pleasing. I will try not to cause too much of a mess while I'm here."

Seren Gwyn