Leaving Common Isolation

[Connor Harrison]

He couldn’t quite believe what she said and had to lean in.

"Sorry – tents? Tents? Goodness me I’ll end up in the Unknown Regions if the wind picks up and catapults me across the galaxy."

Still, it would be different and a total distance from the normal hustle and bustle.

"I think I can survive that, if you have anything you can lend me that will be greatly appreciated." He inhaled the sea air one last time. "Why don’t you come with me? One day, two at the most. Take a good book maybe. No contact with the outside world and time to centre yourself and maybe find some inner peace."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked, placing her hands on her hips as [member="Connor Harrison"] seemed to think that tents were flimsy and a mere breeze would blow it and it's contents away. "Have you never gone camping before? Or have you lived a life always in luxury, even during slave raids?" Truth be told she knew next to nothing about his past. Still, she found it hard to believe that he hadn't slept in a tent before.

She blinked in surprise however when he asked her to join him. "Well I..." The words hung in the air as she thought it over. Well she knew the way, knew what to bring and where to set up camp. Plus people kept telling her to take time off, take a day off at least, catch up on some sleep, etc. "...I suppose that I could. But I can't be gone long. I don't want anyone to worry." Of course it wasn't as though they'd be alone. Guards were always on hand. And in this day and age they always will be. That was the feeling that she got, anyways.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor shrugged and looked away, feigning pride in his voice and posture.

"Hey, regardless of my troubles I always make sure I stay in the most luxurious accommodation. You think I look this good sleeping in tents all my days?"

He shot her a look and laughed, waving his hand and starting to walk away.

”I’m kidding. I’ve slept in tents, of course, but around storms? Well I know how the elements work and I’d rather be in a well-built building with deep foundations over a piece of fabric tapped into the ground.”

Looking back, he waited for her and glanced at the guards flanking her.

"It’s totally your choice of course, I just figure I know how it can feel when you step back and find yourself again. I hope to feel better from it. Maybe you will too if you can let some things go and find a new focus?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay had to laugh at his comment, and so she did. A good hearty laugh that lifted her up. Oh it wasn't as though she felt that he wasn't good looking in any respect, it was the visualization of it all. He wasn't really all that pampered.

She followed a few seconds later after [member="Connor Harrison"] began leaving the beach, her guards following suit like ever present shadows. At least they weren't overbearing. But given his description of his idea of storms, he didn't really know about the Valley. "Tents are fine...trust me. I've done it a few times and I'm still here. It's not the kind of storms that you would have here at the beach."

She caught up to him as he waited, mulling over his words. Maybe she could get some practice in. That could help more than reading and drinking tea. "I'll go. Someone has to show you how to pitch a tent properly, afterall. You might end up picking the wrong spot." She smirked to herself as she continued the walk back to the Palace. Was she looking forward to this? Actually, she sort of was.

 

[Connor Harrison]

That sounded like a plan. It was nice seeing her laugh after everything discussed.

”Alright. You show how to pitch a tent in a valley of storms, and I’ll show you how to tap into the more natural aspects of life.”

He turned and glanced back to the guards, affording them a little nod. He wasn’t sure if they appreciated it, cared, or even saw. Also he was wary of them hearing. Something inside him was eating up his imagination.

What if her husband’s reach had crept into the guard that now kept eyes and ears on his wife, the one sitting on the power he wanted?

”May I be so bold?” He asked, a little quieter. ”You’re your guards leave when you do. Don’t let them follow you. Forgive me, but I don’t trust them as far as I could throw them. Especially in these dark times. I fear everything you do, or do not do, may reach ears who would kill for such information.”

Sometimes he could be a party-pooper, but he wasn’t here to party as such. He was here to ensure balance remained, and those seeking to quash it didn’t get a chance. Not on his watch.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

More natural aspects of life? More than likely [member="Connor Harrison"] had meant using the Force. Way out there in the Valley she'd be fine. She had gone out there to practice before. Although with politics and the fact that her duties increased, she hadn't been out there in some time.

She raised a brow at his request, obviously not in his mind to see what it was that he was thinking. "Don't let them..." She looked to her guards, men in uniform that kept to themselves and just stood sentry more than anything else. They were hand picked by [member="Einon"] , and loyal to a fault. Surely they wouldn't be selling information. "Connor, they are Commenori. They wouldn't put me in danger. They only protect me from it." Kay didn't want to start to feel paranoid about them. That would be too much to handle with everything that's been going on. "Don't you think it'd be suspicious if I went off on some trip alone with you? For all they know, you could be trying to kidnap me." She laughed a little to let him know how absurd she figured that was.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor glanced back again. This time they clocked him, so he smiled, and turned back.

”As you wish,” he said quietly, ”but please remember the trust you put in your husband, and how that turned out. I have seen enough to see that not everything can be afforded an unbreakable trust. You are in a vulnerable position, and those closest to you are in a prime position.”

He looked away and spoke a little louder.

”What's that term? Keep your friends close...?”

If they WERE eyes and ears bending to Veiere's whim with promises of riches or new positions of power, then Connor's name would travel and in time he would see just what attention he attracted being so close to the Queen and evidently gaining her trust.

”I mean no disrespect. I just don't want to see you betrayed by those closest to you.”

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay's smile disappeared once [member="Connor Harrison"] took it upon himself to remind her about her husband. How long was it going to hang over her shoulders? Was every decision going to lead people to remind her of what Veiere had done? It wasn't as though she knew it would happen, and it wasn't as though the man had come after her. As far as she knew, he would always watch out for her and keep her safe. It was what he had always done, and she loved him for it.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Oh yes, she knew that saying. But Veiere wasn't her enemy. As far as she knew, she had none. Yet it seemed that others didn't see it that way.

"I'll be fine." Although she really wasn't so sure. Was she too blind right now because of her emotions? Right now she just wanted to run away from it all, and run away from the reminders. So she changed the subject. "Did you come in your own ship? You should pack some of your things to bring with you. Maybe meet me back at the Palace in a couple of hours? That'll give me time to get all of the supplies ready." And give her a chance to have more tea.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Just like he had moved conversation away when it started to get too serious, so did she. And fair play to her. She had a lot to deal with, and he had to know when he had said his part to let her think.

”I do, yes. It’s outside of the capital, on a public bay so I’ll head back and sort out what I need. I can return to the palace is due course and see where we go from there if that sounds ok?”

The huge capital city started to draw them in, and slowly expanded with each footstep forward, growing from the outside in to form a sprawling nexus. It was an awe-inspiring view from the outside, just as it was coming in from above.

”This should be good fun. Hopefully we won’t find slavers milling around to ruin anything.”

He smiled and bounced his brow at her. Trouble seemed to want to follow them, so maybe this would be a chance to catch a break.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded, glad that she had successfully kept the subject changed for now. She wanted to be in a good mood, not a sour one where she only wanted to retreat inside of herself.

"That sounds fine by me." More than likely [member="Connor Harrison"] wouldn't be long. They were just planning on being gone for a couple of days anyways.

She smriked at his comment, at his attempt to lighten the mood. It changed to a gradual smile as she thought of the stupidity of slavers on Commenor. They'd have to be real idiots to attempt that. "I'm sure that the most dangerous thing out there is the lightning. We'll be fine. See you soon, Connor."

And with that they went their seperate ways; she and her guards to the Palace and him to his ship. There was plenty to pack. At least she didn't have to worry about any silly gowns.

 

[Connor Harrison]

There was a bit of a walk from where they were back to where his ship was – if he remembered the right way – but it was a nice day, and there was a weight gone from his shoulders. He wasn’t looking over them for trouble, or worried about what anyone would say or do anymore.

”Sounds good to me. I will be back soon, your Highness.”

He gave a half bow and let the guards move in to escort her back, no doubt keeping the on-lookers at bay and excited fans.

He saw her leave back towards her residence.

”I do hope so,” he said to himself.

Lightning was easy to contend with. Hopefully that would be all they would face. He turned, and watched the guards with her.

Hopefully.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

A couple of hours later Kay was waiting in front of the Palace with not one, but two transports for the journey. And there were more than just a few guards. There were other staff members as well.

As [member="Connor Harrison"] approached, she cleared her throat a bit. "Well, umm...my assistant Olivia has insisted that I go out with more than just a tent and bedroll, so...we'll be comfortable, at least. And not everyone will be staying. These people will just be setting everything up." Or so she thought anyways. Olivia was overprotective at times, but she knew that she had good intentions for everything. It was why she was Head of the House afterall.

"Shall we?" Kay gestured towards one of the transports.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor blinked and looked down at his satchel, slung over his shoulders and down by his side, and then back to the entourage.

”Give a Queen a couple of hours and she gives you the world.”

He walked to her and gave a polite half-bow. Technically she could warrant his execution at anytime. Always good to play safe!

”Well it's certainly more than I expected, but you're the professional so I trust you. Isn't the term for this...glam-ping? There's me thinking we were roughing it and cooking food over a make-shift fire and eating mallow.”

With a little affected sigh, Connor nodded and went to the transport. He slung his satchel in the cargo bay and took a seat. It was certainly comfortable, and a little shift here and there, and he was seated, ready for the ride out.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked a little. "Glamping.. yes...Although we'll still cook over a fire. Not to worry about that. Olivia just...her idea of camping is different..." Much different.

She followed behind [member="Connor Harrison"] and sat beside him in the transport. Soon both of them were on their way to the Valley of the Storm.

**************​

As always, a storm was already in the distance. Lightning flashed and the flowers were in full bloom, some of them already changing their colours as the humidity levels rose. The wind gusts were very small.

The transports soon stopped. Kay got out and stretched a bit. She took a look around while the others got out and began unpacking. Instead of just wandering off though, she rolled up her sleeves and decided to help set up camp. She wasn't helpless, never wanted to be. She prefered to work.

Whether Connor decided to help to or not, it took a couple of hours to get their tent ready. It contained two rooms. One with the living space and cast iron stove, and the other containing the bedroom. Kay wanted their stay to be relaxing and stress free, even if they were going to possibly just sit and read. The storms were good to watch though, and the wide open space wss perfect for training.

When everything was ready, most of the staff, save two guards remained behind. They pitched a smaller tent nearby. Kay took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, letting her hold on her signature fade away, giving her full access to the Force again. It made her feel free, just as the wide open space made her feel less confined. "That's better. Much better..."

 

[Connor Harrison]

What a view.

The mixture of violent and peaceful nature was amazing, both in unison and equal understanding. Without the storms and rain and humidity, the flowers and wildlife wouldn't have the conditions to bloom, eat and understand danger. Without the wildlife and blooming flowers, the storms would have no purpose and never be seen by visitors and travellers.

Perfect balance.

”This is certainly a spot. I like it.”

Connor helped where he could with the erection of the tent, but stood back mostly because he was getting in the way. It was far grander than he expected, and almost like a home from home. For the Queen, anyway. He went to speak with Kay, standing and taking it all in.

”It seems all you needed was a little push to find yourself again.” The calm around them was great. ”How are you feeling?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked a little to herself as [member="Connor Harrison"] stepped up beside her while she was enjoying the view and reconnecting. She wasn't so sure if she rembered what it was like to be herself. It had been far too long.

How was she feeling? Strange for one thing, as though she was rediscovering and old friend or re-reading a favourite book. Still she was an outsider, even to herself. "Like I need some tea."

Without a word, Kay went into the tent to prepare her crutch, her addiction. The iron stove was already heating up with fire, giving the tent some warmth, but also allowing them to cook. She filled up the kettle and set it on top, before gathering her cup and leaves, crumbling a few Sapir leaves between her fingers and letting them fall into the cup.

This could be an easy couple of days, or difficult ones. Either way, she needed to be ready. "Did you want anything, Connor? Some water or...?" She just shouted, not really aware of whether or not he was still outside. Her focus was on getting her tea.

 

[Connor Harrison]

”Water, please.”

The answer was simple, for now. He wanted something to refresh and quench the thirst. Maybe tea once the night drew in. Ah! That's what he forgot! He tutted to himself - the blue milk. Well, he didn't have any on the ship so he needed to stock up soon.

He walked back into the tent and unclipped his crimson cloak, folding it over his arm and laying it on one of the beds. Then, he rolled his sleeves up on the blue tunic.

”If you didn't have tea, what would you drink? I never knew just HOW much you depend on that thing.”

As he talked, he pulled open a cloth sash by the bed to look outside. The clouds in the distance were bursting with thunder and lightning, dancing across the sky. Yet, here, it was rather quiet. The storm must be huge being so far away but so out of ear-shot.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay could have easily guessed that [member="Connor Harrison"] would want water. That was his staple. It was almost as though he figured that everyone was out to poison him. Or maybe he had no taste buds, so drinking anything else wouldn't matter. Regardless, she poured him a glass and set it on the small table.

The water for her tea was boiled by then, so she poured some into her tea cup and took it with her to the little table, the chairs there in full view of the windows to watch the passing storm in the distance.

"When I was abducted, I didn't have tea. Only water ever once in a while. Sapir tea gives me comfort when there's none to be found. It's soothing like a warm hug." And she's needed a lot more of it lately. Too much was blowing up in her face and she was really starting to wonder if she could keep it all together. Once again her grip was slipping due to too many factors. She wasn't quite sure of what to do.

What if her Alliance broke apart? What then? She'd be a failure. And just as people were starting to hold Veiere's actions over her head, so too would they hold this one. It was very disheartening.

 

[Connor Harrison]

With the drinks out, Connor turned and sat on the edge of the back, leg crossed over his thigh and glass of water in hand watching the Queen sit with her tea.

”I enjoy blue milk, but out and about I never seem to find any so water is my thing out of comfort - it's simple and hits the spot.”

He took a sip, as if he was advertising the stuff and gave a little lip smack of satisfaction.

"The abduction is a thing of the past, so don't think about it.” In truth he wanted to ask her about the details and just what happened, but this was not the time nor the place. He didn't need to know nor did she need to bring it up. "How about you tell me about your children? Where are they? What do they do? I have to say for a mother you don't look it at all!”

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay laughed a little as [member="Connor Harrison"] behaved like one of those actors in a holo-advertisement. Maybe that'd be a profession that he could get into? Now that was a thought.

She sipped her tea as he told her not to think about her abduction. That was easier said than done. It still haunted her dreams at times. Veiere had told her that it always would; one of the many marks that it left behind.

The questions of her children brought her out of those thoughts, however. As did the odd compliment that he gave, as though being a mother meant that she would somehow look different. "The twins...They have gone to learn paths of their own. Veiere thought it best, not only for their safety, but so that they wouldn't be trapped in their roles. It took a while...but I finally agreed. Caedyn, my son is away training with the Jed'aii. And Loreena...she is the more spunky of the two. So she's been sent off to train with some of my Mandalorian friends." Kay wasn't sure if Connor knew of her ties to the Mandalorians, of being adopted into their ranks a long time ago in order to save Commenor from being attacked. Veiere wanted her to explore that culture more and insisting that they were her people, yet she didn't believe in that. However her children were deemed to be half in the eyes of other Mandalorians. So it was acceptable for Loreena to receive training by them.

Both paths were a far cry from being a Prince and Princess, bent on learning the ways of politics and ruling over people. Maybe Kay figured that the royalty of Commenor would both start and end with her.