Lessons Learned From The Mist-Walkers

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked as [member="Ghorua the Shark"] poked her shoulder and then laughed at his comment. It would be quite the sight to see her chasing him down in a rage. Perhaps they could do that as a joke. The tabloids would have a field day.

As she prepared her own plate of food, she could hear Ghorua's confidence drop, even feel it, when she had mentioned them trying again. That kind of dread was something that they needed to work on.

She brought her plate and tea with her, seating herself on one of the big comfy chairs. After having a few bites and washing it down with some tea, the question on what she was afraid of came up. Kay shifted a little in her seat, almost trying to make herself more comfortable. "No...no I'm not fearless. I wish I was, but I'm not. What I'm afraid of is...of running into the Sith Lord that killed my husband. He was so powerful. I hated being under his boot and forced to do what he wanted. We all hated it. But breaking out of his control came with such a huge cost. And he's still out there, somewhere....Trouble usually comes to me like a magnet, but for some strange reason it's usually trouble that is backed by a lot of power. I don't know why that is... She had another couple of small bites. "I'm afraid of needles too, doctors with white coats, small spaces...and operating rooms. I try to heal myself whenever I can, so that I don't have to face those things....I used to be fine...but then Mayhem and Thraxis had me in their clutches. I just...feel so small...like a youngling when Thraxis insists that he's trying to help me. But he knows full well that he's acting out my fears in a bad way." She sipped her tea, staring at nothing in particular. Thraxis just saw her as some toy that he was determined to break and she knew that. But she was too stubborn to fold.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua listened respectfully as Kay detailed her fears, only breaking his self-imposed silence for a few sips of tea. He wasn't surprised to hear that Kay feared the Sith, or the doctor stuff. From what he had researched, and what she had told him today, she had good reason to be afraid of those things. Sith were definitely not beings to be trifled with. To be fair, Ghorua had trifled with a few Sith in his lifetime, and he was still breathing, so perhaps he was an exception to that rule.

"Well, I'm no Sith, obviously..." Ghorua popped a whole jogan in his mouth, and continued, "But if I were, I know you'd be a valuable acquisition. You're so pure, so innocent, yet so forceful. I'm sure anyone would like to have you on their side, even if they had to force you." Ghorua chuckled, dwelling in his land of make-believe. He would make quite the terrifying Sith.

"I've never heard of this 'Mayhem', but if he's anything like Thraxis, I can only assume it was terrible, if the madman's personality is anything to go by..." The Shark really had no idea what to think of the Cartel gangster. Definitely an enemy of Kay's, yet they seemed to be shoved together often. They were almost antitheses of each other.

Ghorua noticed Kay staring into nothingness, and quickly realized the conversation had immediately drifted somewhere dark. The Herglic waved his hand where the Lady was staring, and laughed curtly. "Ha, aren't we just the cheeriest bunch. Let's not talk about fears and breaking anymore. There will be time for that in the future. Tell me about your people! How fares Commenor?"

Under his jolly smile, a bit of a nervous twinge hit his belly. Play it cool, Shark.

"Any sights worth seeing? Embassies? Parks?... Orphanages?" Ghorua lingered on that word too long. He quickly moved on, hoping the Lady wouldn't seach for meaning where there definitely was. "You know, anything worth my while?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked a little when [member="Ghorua the Shark"] quipped about not being a Sith. That was obvious. He was too good of a person. She raised a brow as he mentioned that she'd be valuable. Maybe on a political end, but other than that, she had nothing else to offer. To his words on Thraxis, she nodded in agreement. Both Mayhem and Thraxis are insane, each in their own unique ways.

As Ghorua waved his hand in front of her line of sight, she broke from her thoughts and smiled a little, taking a sip from her tea. "Sorry about that..." Kay took another sip from her tea and leaned back in her chair as he changed the subject. The mention of orphanages was an odd one that she didn't expect was anything for a tourist to want to see. "Oh...well there's plenty to see. There's the University of course. And after the celebrations, we raised enough money for nearly a thousand students to gain admittance tuition free. That'll help many of the lower classes and even the orphans. There's the Twin Canyons, of which you've seen some of. Oh and the Valley of the Storm...The flowers there change colour, depending on how much moisture is in the air. Sometimes they glow...It's really quite beautiful."

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua took a sip, trying to hide his temporary awkwardness. It had been ill-timed, asking about an orphanage. It seemed Kay hadn't put two and two together, which half-relieved him, yet saddened him slightly. Thankfully, it seemed there were a few other places worth seeing, but Ghorua hadn't gotten the information he sought.

Who would guess the Shark wanted to adopt?

Ghorua knew he probably would have no biological children, due to his genetic modifications. He wanted to pass something along if he were to die, at least save the life of one person. A child, who if he did not save, would grow up on the streets. As a child, the Shark had lived on the lap of luxury, but had made plenty of friends from a nearby orphanage. They all either grew up to die on the streets homeless, were lucky enough to be adopted, or sold into slavery.

If he could save at least one life from a fate like that, his destructive existence might spawn something worth-while. It may also be therapeutic to have an intelligent being depending on him.

"Interesting. Glowing flowers would certainly be a sight to see. Reminds me of Felucia. You know, without all the giant monsters lurking around the corner." Ghorua grinned, getting back into the flow of conversation. "I don't suppose we could go see that tonight? If you aren't too tired, that is." The Shark relished the opportunity to relax with his friend. It wasn't often he got to spend time with a friendly face. "I also wish to stop at the University. I've got my eye on a few talented musicians from there. I performed with them at the Celebrations, and they were groovy, to say the least."

Speaking of adoption and orphanages would have to wait.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay shook her head. "I'm not too tired. We can take a look tonight." Hopefully the air would be dry enough so that there wasn't any fog developing. And speaking of today's misadventures, "We can pop by the University too. I'll have to get your measurements for your new suit. You'll be able to pick out your fabrics too."

She had another bite to eat, sipping her tea to wash it down. Her mind wandered on many different topics, most especially on Veiere and her idea of stepping away from public life once her term was up, and living with him in the mountains. It would be very peaceful and quiet. No wars. No governments. Nothing but themselves. It was a promising future.

Her focus drifted back to [member="Ghorua the Shark"] . She had necer seen or heard of the Herglic being with anyone. That didn't mean anything of course and wasn't much to judge on, for she hadn't been with anyone for well over a decade. But still, at this moment Kay found herself curious. "Have you ever thought of settling down and what that'd be like?" Did she mean to pry? Just a little.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua smiled happily when Kay affirmed their trip, and her promise on getting him a new suit. He had quite enjoyed it, and it had been rather expensive, but Ghorua was always a sucker for shopping. He debated in his mind what he'd get.

All black again? No. Baby blue might work Or a white one-piece...

Her next question caught him completely off-guard.

Ghorua had been drinking his tea when she popped the question. He had been so surprised, he almost did a spit-take, a small puff of condensation rising from his blowhole.

He hadn't thought of romance often. He hadn't gotten any true partners since... ever. Just as he was cautious in hunts, the Shark was also cautious in love. When he was younger, girls had came and went, dismissed if Ghorua had any suspicious they were out only for his family's fortune. Even when he lost that, a few had taken bites, no pun intended. Their motivations were often all too clear. Either they wanted him for his fame, for his credits, or to see what a night with the Shark was like.

He didn't want anyone like that.

"Well, yes..." he started, trying to relax on his cushion. "I've thought about stopping all this, raising a family on Alderaan or something." He took another piece of fruit into his mouth, thinking hard. "But I couldn't do that."

Ghorua thought back to his own family, and where they could possibly be. He shook his head softly, smiling again. "Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have a family to come back to, or even take with me. I've got a thing for adventurous types, you know." The Shark winked. "But if I were forced to stay in one place, peacefully? I'd lose my mind."

Here it was. The moment of truth. He felt as if he were about to charge through a barrage of laser-fire.

"I've, ah, actually been thinking of starting a family. Adoption, I mean." The Shark quickly retraced his words. "I know, it's dumb. I probably shouldn't, right?"

"Eh, forget I said anything. It's not important."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay caught the surprise in [member="Ghorua the Shark"] when it came to her question on settling down. One would almost think that he was caught doing something bad. But no. She just merely caught her friend off guard. It was almost comical.

After a moment he finally relaxed and began to speak. She smirked a little as he spoke of Alderaan. It certainly wouldn't of been her first choice. No doubt she wouldn't last long there. The whole Alderaan/Mandalorian issue was still a sore spot for her. Just being in that region of space made her uncomfortable, no matter what protection she had.

What Ghorua said next had caught her off guard. Adoption? She blinked as she thought about it. Did he have the time? Was his life too dangerous? Could he handle it?....Yes he could. She saw how the youth took a liking to him during the Celebrations. He was endearing.

Kay smiled. "You'd make a great father. My late husband and I adopted two younglings. Or rather, they adopted us. They were brother and sister. And let me tell you that those were the best years of our lives. They brought us such joy and laughter. They kept me company while Shaw was away for work....After his death, they were hidden away from me for their own protection. Not a day goes by when I don't think about what has become of them..." She sipped her tea. "Yes, you'll be a great father. I highly reccomend it. So is that why you mentioned seeing orphanages earlier? We could go look tomorrow if you'd like."

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

"You... think so?"

Ghorua knew they were friends. He knew Kay cared deeply about people. So he expected her to tear him down, tell him he was too dangerous, too large to be around children. So when she affirmed his dreams of being a father, he couldn't help but look surprised.

"That... would be great!" Ghorua guffawed deeply, feeling the table shake with his merriment. "If I'm not mistaken, adoptions take a while, yes? What are the laws on Commenor for such things? Oh, who cares!" He laughed curtly, propping his elbows on his knees. "I've always wanted children, you know. But I had no idea you adopted yourself! I guess that shows how much I knew about you before we met."

Ghorua could relate to the feeling of missing family. But he was also deeply excited for starting anew. So excited, in fact, that he lost his appetite.

"After you're finished, we should go! Well, I guess I should get a new suit first..." Ghorua chugged his tea, letting the smooth taste overtake his senses.

He was more than excited, and perhaps a little terrified as well.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled. She was quite surprised at his surprise over her support of his decision. In a way this could help him with his frenzy too. It would give him more reason to gain control as well as gain [member="Ghorua the Shark"] more confidence in himself. He needed that if he was to make it work.

She finished off her little meal and drank her tea while he blurried out a miriad of questions. "There is some paperwork, yes. And it does take a bit of time as you have to be sure that you've chosen the right one. Or...did you already have someone in mind?" Kay raised a brow as she looked at him. He could have been shopping for an orphan already without her knowledge. "I can quicken the process for you if that's the case. But yes, we should get you a new suit first."

Kay set her dishes down and then got to her feet. If she had told him to wait until tomorrow, well she just knew that he wouldn't be able to get any sleep. So it was better to get started now. "Shall we?"

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua couldn't keep his smile off his face as he gazed at his food, plopping a few more fruits into his mouth. He listened as Kay layed out the terms of Commenori adoption. He had done his research on various planets, to see where would be the best place to adopt. In his heart, however, he knew Commenor would be the perfect place. It was kind of poetic; the home of the one that changed his life for the better would be where he changed the life of another.

"I haven't, no. I wanted your blessing first. And I wanted someone to go with me for it. I'm... kinda scared to go by myself." Ghorua blushed slightly. He didn't know why he was nervous to go to an orphanage alone. Perhaps he was scared of being judged by the children, before they knew him. "Moral support would be nice."

The Shark stood, still a bit shaky from their training session. He snuck a jogan in his pocket, and gestured for the Lady to follow as he exited the door, having to bend and squeeze to get through the door.

Ghorua walked outside, tipping an imaginary hat to the two young guards he had terrorized before. He turned back to Kay, a spark of youth in his dark eyes.

"Which way, Mi'lady?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Needed her blessing? Well that certainly wasn't required in order to adopt, but she was certainly there to give him her support. "This way." She led him down the hall and out of the Presidential Palace. No guards followed them. There wasn't a need with [member="Ghorua the Shark"] there to watch over her.

As they exited the building, a landspeeder awaited them. Kay instructed the driver to take them to the Fashion and Fabrics House of the Commenor University. Soon after they boarded, they were well on their way. Kay looked to Ghorua every once in a while to see the eagerness and excitement in his eyes. "What colour of fabric will you pick out? Or maybe something with more than one colour?" She cpuld imagine him in both something flashy and somethung striking. The suit would take at least a day to make, perhaps two. But that didn't mean that he couldn't go and visit the orphanage without it.

Within minutes they were at the University. Kay climbed out of the landspeeder and instructed the driver to wait. She didn't really have to as he would've done it anyways, but she didn't really hold herself above everyone like past Presidents had. She smiled as she led Ghorua to the Fabric house. Inside of the double doors lay a huge workroom with shelves full of different fabrics. There were dress molds everywhere and a handful of students busy working on their projects.

One very short Commenori lady with black shoulder length hair and glasses on her button of a nose hurried towards them. "Dahlings...Madam President..So lovely to see you in our humble establishment. You want a new dress, yes? An elegant gown for a political ball?"

Kay laughed a little. "No, no, not today Lady Zingra. But my friend Ghorua here is in need of a new suit. There is no one else that would be up to such a challenge than you."

Lady Zingra squinted her eyes as she looked way up. She pursed her lips as she zipped around him. "Challenge accepted. Now, dahling, you would look sleek in something with a metallic sheen, yes? No polyester! I will not let that filth touch you!" In seconds the Lady was zipping through the shelves, pulling out various fabrics in shades of blues, purples and greens, yattering to herself. Kay just checkled and gestured for Ghorua to follow the seamstress.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua stepped off of the speeder, glancing up at the University. The Shark had been invited to a few parties by the students he had chosen for the festivities, but had declined them all. He wasn't a college kid. Not anymore, at least. "Quite the place."

The sight reminded him of when he had gone to a university on Coruscant. Even though he had been a slightly smaller Herglic back then, he had still been one of the best blockers on the Huttball team. Seeing the students hustle and bustle around on their way to classes brought back memories of endless studying. He had enjoyed it, nonetheless.

The pair walked to the Fabric house, and they walked inside. Ghorua marveled at the young adults as they worked, pondering again colors and textures, when...

The Shark had to suppress a stupid grin when Zingra made herself known. He stood a bit taller subconsciously when the woman examined him, brushing off his dirtied suit.

"I'll trust your judgement, Mi'lady," he said, copying the title Kay gave the woman. "You are, no doubt, more experienced than me in suit making." Ghorua debated whether or not he should jokingly request a cape, but decided against it. Why he even thought of that in the first place, he wasn't sure.

"Although, something white might be nice. I've had my fill of dreary black."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

"Yes, yes, yes, yes! I will have no black touching you, dahling! But...I have just the thing." Lady Zingra fumbled and dropped all of the fabrics in a comical manner. She hurried up a small ladder, grabbed hold of a white looking fabric and pulled. There were various other fabrics on top, so she really had to tug on it to get it out. But finally she did so, just as one of the students came by to help. "No! Off with you to your work! I will have no students taking part in my magic. Now then!" With the roll of fabric in hand, she quickly zipped back to where [member="Ghorua the Shark"] and Kay were standing. Her eyes widened and her grin went from ear to ear as she held up the sleek white fabric with a pearl sheen."Dahling, this was made for you! So many colours for the trained eye, so full of life! Yes, this fabric lives for you! Come, come, come! I must get your measurements!" She grabbed hold of Ghorua's hand and led him to a platform full of mirrors. From there she zipped around, getting his mearurements with the help of a ladder or two.

Kay just watched and chuckled. "This will take a couple of days. Did you want to head straight to the orphanage after this? Or wait till your suit is ready?"

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua stood slightly awkwardly as the small woman took his measurements. He had removed his currently-ripped suitcoat, and laid it to the side, not quite expecting the pure ferocity of the tiny female's measurement-taking. The action coaxed a grin from the Herglic, and he barely heard the voice of Kay behind him. He looked back, slightly flustered, and nodded.

"As much as I wish I looked my best..." Ghorua glanced to the door, his eagerness to get on their way apparent. "We should get going before then. I've got a time-sensitive job I'm pulling, anyways, and I really should get on that as soon as possible. A slaver, actually. You'd be proud." Ghorua didn't have three days to wait, as much as he wished he did. To be completely honest, he didn't know if he could wait even another second.

Despite his years of training in patience, there were certain aspects of the Shark that would never die.

Ghorua controlled himself enough to let Lady Zingra finish her measurements, then politely stepped away, folding his suitcoat over his arm. His black undershirt was still mostly intact, so at the very least, he wouldn't look like a good-for-nothing Bounty Hunter.

"Thank you very much, Zingra, but we really must be on our way." Ghorua stepped away from the smaller being, and to the side of Kay.

"I've got, ah... Big plans today."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled while she watched. If only some could see them now. It was hard to believe that she was his prey at one point. Now they were the best of friends. Hopefully they always will be.

She smiled as [member="Ghorua the Shark"] spoke of going against a slaver. Oh yes, she was proud. She gave him a thumbs up while Zingra continued fleeting about him like a busy insect.

As Ghorua stepped away and excused himself, Zingra gathered the material and was already getting herself to work with creating the pattern. She waved to them without even looking up from her work desk. "Yes, yes, yes. Big plans. Now off with you, dahlings. I have much to do!"

"Thank you Lady Zingra." She chuckled before taking Ghorua's arm and leading him out of the fabric house towards the landspeeder that awaited them. She climbed in first and instructed the driver to take them to the nearest orphanage. Luckily for them it was only a few miles away. "Are you nervous? It's okay if you are. I'm sure that the orphans will be to. Afterall, who wouldn't want to be adopted by a kind soul like you?"

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua let Kay take his arm, and lead him out to the speeder. He got in the back seat, specifically designed for larger beings, yet it was still slightly small. The uncomfortable sitting situation didn't help his nerves. They were part of his fears, in fact.

The Shark shook his head, frowning suddenly. "Yeah, a kind soul like me. Whatever that means." Ghorua rested his elbows on his knees, clenching his jaw. The sound created by his teeth brought to mind the grating of stone. "I'm sorry, it's just that I know not every person sees me like that." He shrugged his shoulders. "Like you. In fact, I would reckon about ninety-nine percent of the galaxy hates me by now. I've stepped on a few toes... Literally and figuratively."

Ghorua braved a sharp smile, and continued. "Not everyone looks at me, and thinks 'hey, what a great father figure'." Ghorua's smile persisted, but it was plastic, forced. "No, they think 'wow, I bet that fish-man can punch through a wall' or 'hi, do you eat people'?" The Herglic's voice was low, and light-hearted, but the seriousness was brimming below the humor.

"I get it, y'know? I'm a big, scary guy. Not everyone can see through that. What if these kids can't? What if they look at me, and they see..." Ghorua felt a hard stone form in his throat, and swallowed it down.

"What if they see a monster?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay shrugged her shoulders a bit. "I've stepped on people's toes too. How else do you think I've had bounties on my head, been exiled twice and had my family taken from me. The majority of people don't even kniw me, yet of those that do, I'd say that more than half of them want to hurt me in some way."

It pained her to see him feel this way and think of himself as a monster. But it was to be expected too. She placed her hand on his arm, trying to reassure him like always. "If I was a kid, do you know what I'd think? That I would be safe with you from bullies and those that would want to harm me. No one would dare mess with you. They would die if they tried. I wish I had that growing up. Did you know that I was an orphan? I was never adopted either...So I know how those kids think."

Everything that she accomplished, all of her political career has been worked for. It was never handed to her. That made it all the more special to her.

"There'll be some kid out there for you. And we'll find him or her."

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Throughout this trip to Commenor, Ghorua had learned more about Kay than his months of research. Of course, he knew Kay was adopted, yet he hadn't realized the gravity behind her past before she confided in him. This was history. This was changing the life of a child forever.

Any child would like to have a fearless father. Even if he wasn't fearless, at least he looked the part.

Finally, the speeder pulled up in front of a large, cozy-looking building. A knot of nervousness tied itself in his stomach, and it showed on his face.

"Well, let's go see, I guess."

Time to meet my future.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled reassuringly up at [member="Ghorua the Shark"] . Despite his reservations and fears about what could happen, she knew that he wanted this more than anything. "You'll be fine."

She got out of the speeder and looked at the building. It was much nicer than the one she was at. Money earned at the Celebration weekend helped with that.

Kay got out of the speeder and waited for Ghorua to come out before she headed up to the door. She stood back a bit and waited. It wasn't long before the Headmistress opened the door. She was taller than Kay, thinner too, nicely dressed and hair done up in a tight bun. One would probably think that being a teacher was a more suitable occupation for her. But this is where the older lady felt that she belonged.

"Madam President. What a delightful surprise. Please come in."

"Thank you, Headmistress. I've brought along my good friend Ghorua. He's taken a great interest in our way of life, our people. And he's thinking of maybe expanding the size of his family."

The Headmistress studied Ghorua up and down. She was a stern woman and needed to be, not so much for the children, but for the ones that wished to adopt them. Every one of them needed to be properly screened and vetted. "Right this way then, sir." She moved aside to let the two step in before her.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua stepped out of the speeder, looking up and down at the orphanage in mute disbelief. Part of him couldn't believe this was actually happening. This had been a goal of his for a while, and the fact that it was finally coming together was an indescribable feeling.

It felt as if his insides became his outsides, and were simultaneously knitting themselves into complex knots.

Ghorua immediately took note of the older, taller woman, and did a quick psychoanalysis of her. On the outside, she seemed experienced, composed, with a hint of kind respect. Whether any of that kindness would be directed at the Shark would be anyone's guess.

If she had heard of his fearsome reputation, or looked him up in the wrong circles.

This trip could be over quickly.

"Of course, Mi'lady," he said, bowing to the woman he had yet to be introduced to. "Whatever you need of me."

With that, he followed her into the building, not entirely sure what to expect.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -