Lessons Learned From The Mist-Walkers

[Kay-Larr]

Kay found herself up early, though she made no move to disturb [member="Ghorua the Shark"] and Minna. For all she knew, they were probably just sleeping as they no doubt would have chatted and played until late in the night. Instead her time was spent going over paperwork, signing contracts and going through some holo-conference calls after breakfast. More construction was going on, which meant more pipes for water, sewage and power. An extensive series of tunnels lay underneath Chasin city, so it was paramount that crews knew where they were. New constructs always took longer than rebuilds. But at least they were efficiant.

It wasn't until it was nearly mid-day that Kay finally went to check on her two guests. She approached the door, listening quietly to hear what was going on on the other side, just in case they were sleeping. But hearing Minna laugh and shout was enough to let her know that they were both wide awake.

She smiled as she just listened for a moment longer before knocking. After a second or two, she opened the door, glancing around for Bones before spotting Ghorua and Minna playing. "And how did we sleep? Are you hungry? Was breakfast brought in for you?"

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

As soon as the door opened, Ghorua and Minna looked over, as if they were sharing a secret. Minna immediately lit up, hopping off of the bed, and grasping the Lady's fingers. Ghorua tried his go-to bombastic greeting, but was interrupted by his child.

"Ah, Lady Ka-"

"Hi! Come in, come in, sit by me!" Without waiting for confirmation, Minna pulled Kay over to the bed, clambered up to her previous position, and patted the sheets next to her, indicating where she wanted Kay to go. Ghorua smiled, not able to muster anything else at her insistence.

"Yes, we had breakfast. It was delicious. The palace really does have excell-"

"It was good! We had bread, and paste-trees, and I had some fishies, but Daddy didn't have any, but..." The little girl continued, her jumbled sentences slurring together into one thought, and the Herglic grinned again.

"Can I please finish my sentences, Minna? Thank you." Ghorua suppressed a giddy giggle, looking to Kay. "She's been doing this to me all morning."

Ghorua noticed Kay's glancing around, and crossed his arms. "I let Bones explore the place, I hope you don't mind." Ghorua smiled, expecting the Lady to offer her disapproval. "She's well trained. At least, she won't go attacking people. Between you and me," he leaned in, as if he were about to tell a grand secret, "you may want to purify your house plants. They may get an... unexpected watering."

"Ew!" Minna broke out into fits of laughter.

"Oh, be quiet," Ghorua said, lovingly. "Anyways, what's on your agenda today? I hope our visit isn't mucking things up too badly."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Before Kay could even close the door, she was being dragged over to the bed. She couldn't help but smile at Minna's enthusiasm. Kay sat down beside her, looking over their game. Her eyes were then drawn up to [member="Ghorua the Shark"] as he began to speak, only to be interrupted by Minna. Still, Ghorua put his foot down, so to speak. "Well, I'm glad that you've had a nice meal together."

The very idea of Bones wandering the Palace gave her some cause of concern and not just for the plants. But...she trusted Ghorua and he knew Bones better than everyone. So if he wasn't worried, then she shouldn't be either.

As to Ghorua's inquiry, Kay just shrugged her shoulders a bit and smiled. "My schedule for the rest of the day is free. I did some work this morning. I have Ministers that can handle the rest. What were you thinking that we should do?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Before Kay could even close the door, she was being dragged over to the bed. She couldn't help but smile at Minna's enthusiasm. Kay sat down beside her, looking over their game. Her eyes were then drawn up to [member="Ghorua the Shark"] as he began to speak, only to be interrupted by Minna. Still, Ghorua put his foot down, so to speak. "Well, I'm glad that you've had a nice meal together."

The very idea of Bones wandering the Palace gave her some cause of concern and not just for the plants. But...she trusted Ghorua and he knew Bones better than everyone. So if he wasn't worried, then she shouldn't be either.

As to Ghorua's inquiry, Kay just shrugged her shoulders a bit and smiled. "My schedule for the rest of the day is free. I did some work this morning. I have Ministers that can handle the rest. What were you thinking that we should do?"

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua restarted the Dejarik board, the various holographic monsters reassembling themselves on the flat surface. Minna wasted no time in examining the little beasts, obvious calculations firing off in her brain. Ghorua smiled slightly, looking to Kay.

"Well, I figured we could maybe go to some of the monuments in town, y'know? Maybe visit those glowing flowers you were talking about." Ghorua glanced down as a spindly-looking beast arched it's way forward. "I don't know what she's seen, but it'll still be fun, even if she has seen them, yeah?"

"Your go!" Minna giggled, planting her head on her hands, kicking her feet behind her.

"Alright, alright." Ghorua tapped a few buttons, lips pursing. "Of course, if you have any specific suggestions, I'd be down for anything." Ghorua let a sly smirk escape him. "Although, if it's a cantina, we may want to leave Minna behind."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched Minna while she mulled over different moves to make in their game. She had a strategic mind and that was good, especially with [member="Ghorua the Shark"] 's line of work. She could help him when she was old enough. Provided Ghorua let her out of their home.

"The Valley of the Storm would be a great idea. It's late enough in the morning, so we don't have to worry about fog. Or we could go to the beach, go exploring and she could pick out a flower crystal. I know of a cave where they can be found."

Going to a cantina was the last thing on her mind. Ghorua and Minna shouldn't be seperated for a while, at least. Bones would probably like to go for a run as well. If she did that sort of thing...For all Kay knew, she only ran when she was chasing someone.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Minna perked up when she heard the word flower.

"Ooh! Can we go do that! I like flowers!" Minna flopped onto her back, looking at Kay in wonder.

Ghorua felt a smile bubble up onto his lips, casually flipping off the Dejarik game. "Well, I suppose our choice has been made for us." The large being rose up from the bed, helping Minna down. He flipped on his comm, glancing at Kay smugly. "Bones, come."

The clattering of claws against floor greeted their ears, and the Massiff trotted in, not a care in the world. Minna ran a hand along her broken spine, and nodded. "Hi, there, friend!" The little girl and her new companion walked up next to Ghorua, her also putting a hand on his leg. "I want a flower crystal!"

Ghorua placed his hand gently on Minna's head, purposefully covering her eyes with his giant fingers, making her squeal in surprise. "I guess we should go to that cave, then. Before she riots." Ghorua laughed, a deep, bubbly sound.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay slid off the bed, taking note that Minna liked flowers. It was always good to know the details, if not for herself but for [member="Ghorua the Shark"] . If he ever got the girl upset or if she was really sad, then giving her a little something that she loves would help.

She chewed the inside of her cheek as Bones was called in. Yes, Kay was still a bit nervous around the Massiff. Maybe one day she won't be, but not right now. And it wasn't as though Bones would forget their first encounter either. Yet she had done nothing to cause the beast harm, Bones had not allowed her to escape.

Kay shook her head a little, forcing the memories of that awful time to fade away. Today was a new day and they were going to the beach. "The tide should be good for it. We have a while yet before it's unsafe." She grinned. The element of danger always made an adventure a little more enticing. "Shall we?" She led the three out of their chamber and into the hall, almost in a march. The feelings of her own youth were returning as the stresses of being President faded away. Once they reached the main doors, they were opened for them. The sunlight came pouring in and she had to squint her eyes a bit before they adjusted to the brighter light. Kay pointed ahead in a comical fashion. "Adventure awaits us! Let's go find the treasure!" She looked over her shoulder to Minna with a playful grin and then continued her 'march' of sorts towards Rock Point Bay.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

"Yeah! Let's go!"

Ghorua rubbed Bones' neck, feeling the rough scales underneath. He could see Kay's hesitation at seeing the Massiff, and felt his grin weaken a bit. She had every right to feel uncomfortable around his pet.

To be fair, she had every right to feel uncomfortable around him.

"Adventure!"

"You know," he stated easily as they marched out of the large palace doors, and into the blinding sun, "If you can forgive me for what I've done, I'm sure you can forgive Bones." At hearing her name, the animal perked up, and Minna giggled, shielding her eyes for a moment. "After all, she is much more adorable than I am."

Realizing the adults were talking about her new friend, Minna sidled up next to Bones. "C'mon. Let's go ahead!" Child and Massiff bounded ahead a few meters, leaving Ghorua and Kay with slightly less noise to disturb their conversation.

Referencing the past always with the Lady always left Ghorua with a slightly bitter taste in his mouth. "She was only doing what I asked, after all." Ghorua instantly regretted bringing up the sore point. They had already talked through their past during this visit, anyways. He didn't need to pick at that scab anymore.

Despite the small hiccup in his bravado, he pushed forward again, regaining his jolly disposition. "Surely, you can find it in your old, shriveled-up heart to forgive such a... helpless animal." Ghorua performed his best 'Jedi Master' impression, dropping his tone, giving it the texture of gravel. "Only then will you truly find peace with her."

Ghorua snorted, crossing his arms.

He would have made quite the amusing Jedi.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay's pace slowed down a bit as [member="Ghorua the Shark"] spoke to her about Bones. Her eyes kept to the Massif and Minna as they strode on ahead. It may have seemed as though Ghorua was being ignored, but he wasn't. She was just in her own thoughts.

Ghorua then changed his tone, and that caused her to look up at him with a small smile. "She's hardly a helpless animal...But...alright. I'll forgive her, for yours and Minna's sake. I just don't think that she likes me very much."

Bone's growl still haunted her dreams at times. There was nothing worse than the threat of being torn limb from limb by her. The very thought of it, the imagery that went along with it....It was the very cause of nightmares.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua wasn't Force Sensitive, so he couldn't sense Kay's fear of the Massiff, but he may as well have been able to. Something about the way she spoke, the way her face changed whenever Bones was around, plus the scent of her adrenaline gave it away. Ghorua simply smiled, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I don't think she cares for you all that much, either, but she won't hurt you. She's really a sweetheart. Just a little rough on the outside."

They kept walking, and once again, he felt the blatantly obvious stares of those around him. A few well-dressed individuals pointed with smiles, waving. Ghorua waved back, remembering their faces from the gala held not too long ago. Ghorua had sang at that, under the moniker of 'Fish Lips'. It had been the first time he had sang in front of that many people, and he had enjoyed it. Ghorua nodded to them, and continued walking with Kay, truly happy.

Minna and Bones eventually fell back, pacing with the pair of adults. The Shark looked over the area, perusing the various shops and snack carts as they passed. "So, how far from these Flower Crystals, Madam President?"

Minna began to hum to herself, a jolly little tune Ghorua didn't recognize. Perhaps it was a local song? The Herglic picked up the little girl, hoisting her onto his shoulder, and she squirmed, laughing. "Wow! I'm so tall!"

"Yeah, you are." He grinned from ear to ear, looking to Kay with the question.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay leaned against Ghorua's arm a little as he reassured her. It was good to know that Bones was going to be well behaved around her. She just had to find a way to let herself trust the Massif. Food was usually a good way to do it, and play as well.

She looked up at Minna as [member="Ghorua the Shark"] lifted her to sit on her shoulders. The view from way up there must be incredible. "Hey Minna? Can you see the ocean from there?" The beach itself was another ten minutes away. "It won't be long now. Then we'll have to go into one of the caves. But we'll find them. Not to worry."

Once again her eyes dropped to Bones as the Massif paced them. However she was looking upon the creature in wonder. "Ghorua...how did you come across Bones anyways? Did you buy her?" Surely there had to be an interesting story in there.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua felt squirming on his shoulders as Minna craned her neck to see ahead of them, following the Lady's direction with zeal. She squinted against the sun, smilng. "I see... Food. I see... buildings... I see sand!" Minna leaned on Ghorua's smooth head, taking in the almost white beaches.

Ghorua chuckled again, staying silent. When Kay brought up the Massiff, she perked up, trotting up between the friends, tongue lolling. Ghorua smiled down at the beast, happy memories flooding his face. There was quite the story behind Bones.

"I got Bones, oh... five years ago? Six? Something like that." He could picture the first time he saw her now, but the memory was dwarfed compared to his first experience with Minna. "I'd just joined the Bounty Hunter's Guild. My broker was still searching for something for me to do when I got a message. An old Geonosian my parents dealed with, I couldn't even try to pronounce his name, had to sell the last of a batch of Massiff pups, and figured I could use one. So, I took a trip down there, and picked her up."

Ghorua looked down at Bones, who was casually sniffing at the ground. "She was the runt, and I suppose she still is a bit small for a Massiff, but I love her anyways." Ghorua reached up, patting Minna's legs. "Friends and acquaintances come and go, but a pet stays forever."

Ghorua had gone through a lot in his foray into the galaxy. He'd stepped in the way of his fair share of Jedi and Sith, survived being hunted, and hunted in return, and the only one that had been through it all with him was Bones. A bond like that wasn't easily broken.

"You ever had any pets, Kay? Perhaps a fish in a tank, or a Blarth? I hear those are popular with the kids."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched Bones trot along between them as [member="Ghorua the Shark"] told his story. It was no wonder that the two of them were so close, with having so much time spent together. Not to mention he had her since she was a pup.

She shook her head. "No, I never had a pet. There was a Gwaii cat that hung around for a bit, but he's gone now. They aren't really domesticated anyways."

Kay had a droid once, but it was crushed by one of her enemies. So she vowed to never give another chance like that to her enemies again. The best way to do that was to not get too close to anyone or anything. It might be a lonely existance, but it was a safer one for those around her.

The beach was soon quite visible. And given the time of year, it wasn't too busy either. Kay smiled as she saw that the tide wasn't very high yet.

"We're here." Yup, she was stating the obvious.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua watched Minna run forward into the crystal water, not caring about getting her dress wet. Ghorua watched her vigilantly, making sure she wasn't swept away by the waves. They walked along the beach, Minna splashing beside them. Bones tentatively sniffed at the water, but opted to stay dry.

"I see that," Ghorua said, with a grin. He could feel the sands below his feet, and the pull of the sea on his lineage. Something about the salt in the air, and the gentle lapping of the waves called to the Herglic. He looked across the waves fondly, imagining Giju. He had never been to the Herglic homeworld, for personal reasons, but he couldn't deny the sway the ocean had on him.

Even if he had never been in one before.

"It's... beautiful," he appreciated, placing his hands on his waist. "Is that it? The cave?" He pointed ahead of him, to a triangular opening in the cliff face. The ground was partially covered in water at the opening, so Ghorua removed his shoes, tossing them further up the beach.

"Is it? Let's go!" Minna began to surge forward, but was caught by Ghorua, reaching out with impressive reflexes.

"Hold on, little Minnow," he said, laughing. "Wait for the adults."

Minna reluctantly agreed, waiting for Ghorua and Kay to get ready. Ghorua didn't quite know what to expect, so he looked to Kay expectantly.

"After you, mi'lady."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

While [member="Ghorua the Shark"] was looking around, Kay was already removing her shoes and stockings. "Yup, that's the place. Looks like the tide is perfect too."

She waited for Minna to walk along beside them as she led the trio into the cave. It was just as pretty inside as it was out. Towards the back of the cave, a glint of the crystal flowers could be seen sparking and glowing in the water.


http://ediary.deviantart.com/art/Noctilucent-Bay-629600967


"There they are. Careful, some might have sharp edges. But you can pick them up. They aren't alive, just special creations known only to this bay. Which is your favourite colour, Minna?" Kay's has always been blue, like in the Commenori flag.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

The three beings, one small, one taller, one tallest, edged their way into the cave. Ghorua stepped softly, his large feet creating deep impressions in the cool sand of the cave. Minna's own small footsteps sunk into the earth, and she had a little trouble trudging along. The cave darkened slightly, and the subtle accents of multicolored lights greeted Ghorua's eyes.

"Pretty!" Minna's voice echoed across the walls, and she began to walk faster. Ghorua simply widened his stride to keep up.

They stopped at the edge of the water, and Kay explained the flower crystals. Ghorua listened intently, but Minna apparently couldn't be bothered, too mesmerized by the softly-glowing colors.

"Well, Minna? Go ahead."

The little girl examined the colors cascading off of the walls, then stepped into the water. Ghorua watched on as the stuck her hands into the water, pulling up a brightly-glowing object. Crystalline petals, a warm, light golden brown.

Minna held the bronze flower ahead of her displaying it for Ghorua and Kay to see. Ghorua smiled, his teeth glimmering with a rainbow of colors.

It was easy to miss amid the blues and greens and reds and pinks of the flowers, but the warm dancing of light across the bronze was unmistakably beautiful.

"I like this one!"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled at [member="Ghorua the Shark"] , especially when noticing the variety of colours that were bouncing off his teeth. It was almost a comical sight. She wondered of Minna would notice it too.

The young girl picked out what was probably one of the prettiest of the crystal flowers. Kay knelt down in the sand to get a closer look. "Oh it's gorgeous Minna. You've found youself a good one. You can keep it if you'd like. Use it as a nightlight in your room. You only need the sunlight to charge it."

She got back to her feet and wiggled her toes in the sand. It was a lovely feeling to have it ooze between her toes. The warmth of the water helped too. Kay quietly pondered on how long the two would be staying on Commenor before they headed home. She was happy for them.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Minna looked up to Kay in wonder, holding the softly-glowing flower in her tiny palms. "Really? Thank you!" She rushed towards the Lady, enveloping her into a tiny hug.

Ghorua watched on, smiling quietly to himself. The entire experience seemed surreal, as if it were happening in a dream. Ghorua had originally come to Commenor because of a dream. He had been afraid of the Mist-Walkers, afraid for his own life, and Kay's. Now, he had taken on another life, to care for and be afraid for.

And strangely, he felt all the safer because of it, because he wasn't just fighting for himself anymore.

Ghorua would be fighting for both himself and Minna, until she was old enough to fight for herself. Knowing the galaxy they found themselves in, that would probably have to be sooner rather than later.

Eventually, Minna released Kay, and pattered past Ghorua, kicking up granules of sand behind her as she exited the cave. Ghorua was quick on her heels, trying to keep her in sight.

They walked along the beach for a while, Minna staring at her flower crystal, and Ghorua the never-ending expanse of ocean. They were quiet for a while, simply enjoying their separate pleasures. Every so often, Ghorua would throw a rock or stick ahead of them, and Bones would fetch it.

Finally, Ghorua broke the silence. "We'll have to leave soon."

It was a simple sentence, but it held a lot of weight. "I've got a meeting to get to, and I need to get to it on time." Ghorua looked down to Kay, enjoying the sun on his skin. "But I suppose we have an hour. So... Any last places you want to take us?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled as Minna hugged her and she of course hugged her back. "You're welcome, Minna." She held her, memories flooding to her of a time gone by, when she had her own adopted children to look after. It made her sad too, but she pushed all of that away.

Minna let her go and run off ahead. Kay trailed behind [member="Ghorua the Shark"] and Bones. Her eyes were on the ocean, as well as the trio ahead of her. They would be good for eachother. It was funny how much Ghorua had changed from when they had first met and even from his first day here in this visit. Hopefully he'd be able to control his frenzy in the mist, now that he had a daughter.

His words took her out of her thoughts. Kay looked at him and thought about it. An hour wasn't much time. "Hmm...How about we have some icecream?"