Private Papers Please || Luna

[Abel Denko]

RYLOTH

I'm fracked up, Abel.

The turmoil was as clear as day - one did not need the Force to see as much. Where Luna saw weakness, fear, and a desire to shut the door, Abel saw pain. He could see it all over her features. How she momentarily attempted to retreat before his arms encircled her form. Yet, once she was there, she relented. Her face came to hide upon his chest. And when she spoke again, the brave Smuggler's tone was far different. Once more, the persona she had projected was absent. And when she spoke, Abel listened. His dominant hand rose, gingerly stroking the top of her hair. "You and I both." he began, speaking calmly. Genuinely.

He said as much not to diminish the abyss that had been stirred. Not to minimize the scar that had been pricked open. But rather to tell her, quite simply and firmly, that she wasn't alone. For once, she did not have to tarry inside her vessel, blind and drunk to the world. She could live. She had power. She could do whatever it was she wanted - including ridding herself from this burden. When he spoke again, he told her the truth - the might of her father was indeed hers. He had the means to teach her, to control it, but it was up to her to accept. Abel waited, his azure gaze meeting her emeralds. He could see just how exhausted she was already.

I..I don't know. she began. What if I'm unteachable. I can't be fixed. To this, the Knight simply shook his head. He did not know the ins and outs of her sorrow, of her anguish - what he did know was one simple truth. "When you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up." he remarked. That confident grin once again played upon his lips. "I know you can do this. You learned how to fly, how to Smuggle, how to do it all - on your lonesome. You can do this. I know you can."

His arms gave her form a light squeeze. Confidence. "I'll even throw in a hot tub if you say yes."

Now who was the one being bribed?​

Luna Evanstance

 

[Luna Evanstance]

"You and I both." Luna didn’t move for a few moments as the two of them were there; enjoying his hand on her hair. Both two beings were so seemingly different and yet the same. Luna understood that now and yet she still couldn’t find the words to tell Abel what she had been through. But for now, Luna would do what she could to hold up her end of the bargain. While she was scared to stay put, she found herself curious to know more despite it all. But he seemed to know her better than anyone else.

"When you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up." Luna looked up, seeing the grin forming on the man’s lips at his words. He wasn’t wrong. But the many times she had tried to pull herself out of a drunken and high stupor had only left her to fall back again. "I tend to find rock bottom a lot even when I start climbing out of the pit.” Luna gave her best grin back as her eyes locked onto his once again for a moment. "I know you can do this. You learned how to fly, how to Smuggle, how to do it all - on your lonesome. You can do this. I know you can."

He seemed to believe in her more than Luna herself did. How did he find such confidence? “I suppose it can’t be as bad as the time my hand slipped and got wedged in my ship's guts. Took Happy a whole day to help me get unstuck.” The memory wasn’t a great one as she had cussed and hollered at the droid for hours until he finally started on her hand. But the memory did cause her to go from a tired smirk to a genuine one.

"I'll even throw in a hot tub if you say yes." There was a bribe. Luna didn’t care about the bribe. Her whole being was screaming to turn around and run. But something inwardly firmly pressed her to stay along with Abel’s attempts. If she stayed? She may learn the path to something more. And yet risk getting herself caught. If she went, she could live her life as she had been. Looking back in the direction she came she pondered for a long moment. But the life she had been living had been lonely, piss poor of a life. Is that what she wanted? Or did she want something more? Bringing her hand up to her temple she gave it a good rub before speaking in a firm bit weary voice. “Okay. I’ll learn.”

APPLICATION | SINGLE | HETEROSEXUAL | 33 | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

RYLOTH

I tend to find rock bottom a lot...

The Knight understood why the confidence was absent. While he had managed to scale the mountain, she was yet standing at the base. And from the ground, even the most modest ascent could look daunting. Having made the perilous climb, Abel felt confident in what he said to his friend. Especially because she would have an advantage that he himself did not. As she voiced her response, his dominant hand continued to move along her hair. "Well, this time, you've got a climbing partner." he said. "I won't let you fall back to the bottom. Or your credits back."

He injected his wit into the response, and as they continued a nugget of light returned to the conversation. She remarked about getting her hand stuck in the guts of her ship, causing the Knight to make an exaggerated grimace as a response. "Fortunately, what I have to teach won't involve getting your hand stuck. Or any part of you stuck, for that matter." He ruminated on the tutelage he had endured at the hands of his own mentor. Sure, there were bruises - mostly from falling off of the training posts or being whacked with a training saber. But nothing that would cause a full day of being out of commission.

Ah, there was that smile. Though tired, it was genuine. Luna was back. She raised her hands up to her temples and gave them a rub before responding. Okay, I'll learn.

"Oh frack yes." he said, borrowing from her vocabulary. His arms gave her a light squeeze before he released her. "I think we've done enough in the learning department for today, and we'll take things slow. A lot slower than this evening, mind." There was a nugget of truth in that. One moment he was writing her a ticket, the next, he had found an apprentice. "For now, how would you feel about heading to Naboo? It'll be a bit of a flight, good chance for you to catch some sleep."

After today? He was certain she could use the rest.

Luna Evanstance​

 

[Luna Evanstance]

Abel was confident that he could pull Luna out of the depths of what darkness she had been wallowing in. She still didn’t think he fully understood the depths of the situation but she’d give him a chance. She didn’t know what was to come. She didn’t know if she’d be able to stick it out. But when the young Smuggler promised, she’d meant it. But what worried her the most was that no matter what Abel was able to equip her with, it wouldn’t solve her issues. She wanted Rast dead but she felt like giving her that power to do so would only cause more issues. Not physically by any means; but emotionally and psychologically. Luna had been burning so much anger and fear since she had found out he was still alive and she knew the moment she saw him, despite her fears, she was going to end him. She wanted to see the light leave his eyes; not doing so last time had been a mistake she didn't tend to repeat. Luna didn’t speak of it all, simply leaving her thoughts to her own.

While he was the only friend and solid relationship the young Smuggler had in her life, it scared her how he had managed to start to crack open what she had spent years hiding. She wasn’t ready to share it all and she feared it’d all come loose at the pull of a loose string if he tugged hard enough. "Fortunately, what I have to teach won't involve getting your hand stuck. Or any part of you stuck, for that matter." It had been too good not to comment on. “That’s good to know. Though…” She paused, a bit of deviance radiated in her eyes. “I suppose it all depends on what’s getting stuck and where.”

Luna couldn’t help but give Able another tired smile as he clearly was excited about her giving into his offer. "Oh frack yes.” It was about time he’d picked up on her vocabulary. She couldn’t help but feel a smudge amount of satisfaction at the thought of it. "I think we've done enough in the learning department for today, and we'll take things slow. A lot slower than this evening, mind."

The young woman simply nodded at his words. Slow would be preferred considering that after today she felt like her mind was going to explode. "For now, how would you feel about heading to Naboo? It'll be a bit of a flight, good chance for you to catch some sleep."Sleep. Luna didn’t sleep and when she did it was in fragments. She had been alone on a ship for fifteen years and the thought of sleeping and waking up in sweats and night terrors with others around only made her groan inwardly. “If you’re sure fancy planet like Naboo is ready for all of this.” Luna waved her hand over her unkempt self; her white hair was always messy and her spacer clothes were comfortable and she had no plans to change that. “Just please tell me you don’t fly like an elder person. I’d be highly disappointed in you.”

APPLICATION | SINGLE | HETEROSEXUAL | 33 | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

NABOO

It all depends on what's getting stuck...and where.

A little bit of deviance. A little bit of mischief. That was Luna alright. It seemed that the turmoil from only a few moments' past was truly subsiding. The light was returning to her emerald eyes - and her snark was well within working order. In Abel's case, he was confident in her. Confident that she could cut throught the darkness of her history - just as he had. Every story had its chapters written with nightmare ink. She had her own monsters to confront and put down, in her own way. He would there as her lifeline ascending the mountain. And as the one to utter that's what she said when the moment presented itself. Such as now.

"That's what she said." Each syllable was uttered with sass and a scrunched up nose. It was so absurd that he couldn't keep from chuckling aloud. After this, he had made it plain that they would not be diving into any lessons for the remainder of the day. Rather, he would see after their voyage to Naboo - and more importantly, getting the young woman some rest. When he mentioned this, she motioned to her form. If you're sure fancy pants Naboo is ready for all this. Abel shook his head, chuckling. "You do know that denims are everywhere, right? It's not all prim and proper on Naboo, you'll see."

He gave her forehead a light flick with his pinkie. "I fly like a grown man, thank you very much." he added. "If there's room, we can take your ship. Or we can take mine and I'll have yours towed right behind. Whichever works for you." His gut said they would be taking her own ship, as that was her comfort zone, but one never knew. The options were laid out for her to select, and based on that they would be off.

Luna Evanstance​

 

[Luna Evanstance]

"That's what she said." Luna gave a bit of a snort and an amused look in Abel’s direction as he went along with her crass demeanor. He wasn’t innocent by any means, but it didn’t stop her from teasing him about it. “Well lookit you…Careful now, you’re going to corrupt me.” She stuck her tongue out at him while feigning to be offended before crossing her arms with a grin. She also couldn’t help but find him scrunching his nose rather...cute.

"You do know that denims are everywhere, right? It's not all prim and proper on Naboo, you'll see." The snowy-haired woman didn’t doubt that there was a mix of casual with formal but she had always pictured the planet to be more formal than not. “All those holo movies must have it wrong then.” She didn’t rightly care what people thought of how she dressed, acted, or looked. She was very much a free spirit and she planned on keeping it that way. "I fly like a grown man, thank you very much."

Luna gave her companion a rather playful nudge with her elbow as he tried to defend his flying. “Uh-huh, okay then. I guess you’ll have to prove it some time, Blondie.” She also planned on keeping his nickname, as well. Abel then brought up the fact of taking her ship. The freighter wasn’t in the best condition as far as the insides are gone. Granted, she kept it clean but she recalled having booze bottles piled in a few corners from the previous evening’s drunken bender. But she gave a shrug at her own thought not really concerned with it being an issue. “We can take mine. I’m sure Happy will be thrilled to see you again.” Giving Abel a lopsided grin, she swung her head in the direction they had come from some time before. She thanked the vendor for a delicious meal before giving her lean body a long stretch; the bones in her back cracking some as she did so. "If Happy threatens to kill you in your sleep, just know it's an empty one." As they headed back to her ship, Luna was quiet for a bit as she took in the sights around them as they walked.

“I’m pretty sure the lounge should be clean. I got a few spare bunks as well.”

APPLICATION | SINGLE | HETEROSEXUAL | 33 | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

RYLOTH

Well lookit you...Careful now, you're going to corrupt me.

Oh ho ho, Apprentice had jokes. She stuck out her tongue in retaliation to boot. To this, the Knight raised his hands as if he were shocked. "Who? Me? Why I never. I am a paragon of virtue." They both knew that was a steaming crock of chit, so much so that Abel couldn't keep a straight face for more than three seconds following. He flashed a toothy grin, before describing that Naboo wasn't as stuck up as the holo-vids said it was.

Now, of course, there were plenty of nobles who were pretentious assholes. But there were also plenty of commonfolk as well. A nice balance between column A and column b. All those holo movies must have had it wrong then. "Well yeah, you can't always believe the bull they put on a screen. They're selling a fantasy. Reality is overrated."

When it came time to decide whose ship they were flying, Luna volunteered her own. Abel had expected that, given that it was her comfort zone. She spoke with a playful nudge, dubbing him Blondie. He had received many a moniker in his lifetime, but this was the first that anyone called him Blondie. "Mostly an empty threat? Mostly?" he said, chuckling aloud. With the vendor thanked and stretches made, they were off on their way back to her ship. At the entry ramp, Abel paused to reach into his pocket. A micro-datapad was produced, to which he entered a few key commands. Mainly, advising his subordinates to see his vessel returned to Skywind Estate and informing them that he was recruiting.

That would give him at least some time off the clock.

With work situated, she mentioned the lounge of the vessel. And her spare bunks. To which Abel grinned. "What, is the earlier offer rescinded? And here I thought we were going to have in-flight turbulence." He offered a cocky smile before motioning for her to board first. Spare bunks, of course, were fine. And he didn't give much of a hoot if the lounge was or wasn't clean. Frankly, it would be a nice reminder of home. He was far more comfy in a messy lounge than he was in a pristine one.

Luna Evanstance​

 

[Luna Evanstance]

Luna gave a full laugh this time. It was clearly sarcasm but the young woman hadn’t expected what would come out of Abel’s mouth next. "Who? Me? Why I never. I am a paragon of virtue." She shook her head, making sure to admire the full smile she received; only adding to his handsome features. “You’re such a damn scoundrel, you know that?” It was all that needed to be said as she returned his grin in full.

"Well yeah, you can't always believe the bull they put on a screen. They're selling a fantasy. Reality is overrated." The young Smuggler gave a bit of a shrug as he spoke. It wasn’t one of dismissal but just a natural response to what he had said. As they moved forward, Luna’s long strides kept up easily with his and could only grin at the response about Happy.

"Mostly an empty threat? Mostly?" She ran her fingers through her messy short hair at the last memory she had regarding the topic. “Yeah, I mean… As long as he’s not rolling up to you in the middle of the night and lingering there, you should be good. Last time I had to power him down just to be safe.” Luna had woken up to the droid watching her sleep. And in most cases, she presumed it was an innocent gesture with most droids. But with Happy? One could never tell.

The ship loomed in the distance and as they closed in on it, ramp down, she placed her foot on the base, looking over her shoulder back at Abel. "What, is the earlier offer rescinded? And here I thought we were going to have in-flight turbulence.” For the second or so the time that day, Luna pretended to give a bit of a pout. “Oh, I’d never rescind such an offer. I just wasn’t sure how badly you wanted to accept it.” Giving a wink as she headed up the ramp she still spoke as she stepped inside the cargo bay; the day coming back to full circle once more. “My quarters are always open for you. And I could...as you put it some inflight turbulence right about now.” Luna left her teasing wide open for him as far as sleeping arrangements went. The young Smuggler wasted no time leading him into the belly of the ship, making sure the ramp was sealed up behind them nice and tight.

She kicked a few bottles aside that was sitting idly on the metal floor. Happy made his entrance as she headed to the cockpit to begin the startup sequence as well as punch in the coordinates to Naboo. “I hope you did that workover I asked you to, earlier Happy.” Flipping several switches as she plopped down in the pilot’s seat, she cleared off a few empty bottles that had been on the seat next to her for Abel. Overall, it wasn’t in as bad of a state as she remembered it being. Unless Happy had done his due diligence and had cleaned up at least a handful of them by rolling them out of sight for her to find later. “Make yourself at home. Now she’s pretty smooth. But sometimes she’ll give a few hiccups here and there.” Luna’s ship had never been given a name; despite how much she hated the man, she had stolen his ship and changed what she needed to, to avoid tracking. “Hold onto your backsides.” Luna pulled back on one of the many levers and watched the spaceport grow smaller below them.

APPLICATION | SINGLE | HETEROSEXUAL | 33 | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

HYPERSPACE

You're such a damn scoundrel, you know that?

The quip of the Apprentice made the Knight chuckle. As they strode along, their chatter remained light. To this remark, Abel specifically formed "finger guns" and pointed them dastardly at Luna. Adding: "Former scoundrel, thank you very much." He then mouthed pew pew pew out loud, before shaking his head at his own absurdity. As they moved, the air seemed light between them. And for a second, Luna had shrugged when he spoke regarding the holo vids. Not that she was blowing him off, mind. But a simple reply.

Abel was left with a half-smirk, half-worried expression when she mentioned having to power the droid down. He made a mental note to not fully fall into a deep sleep, lest he fall victim to any probing. And knowing that bucket of bolts, it didn't have any lubricant to spare. "Have you ever asked it why he creeps into your quarters on occasion?" Inquiring minds had to know. Of course, the lightness of their chat returned when the matter of sleeping arrangements came up. With the sort of flair that would put an actual model to shame, Luna stepped upon the ramp, looked back, and pouted her lips.

Damn. The Knight cleared his throat as she kept the door open. Eventually, his hands raised, as if she was the cop and he were the robber. "Alright, alright, you got me this time." he admitted, beaming. "Remind me to have you walk up ramps more often. Sheesh." His strides then followed her up the platform and into the vessel, where he was essentially her shadow. Abel said nothing regarding the bottles she kicked aside as they moved. He did, however, waive politely at Happy as they had their exchange. Better to try and be on the droid's good side, after all. Make yourself at home. Luna advised, settling into the pilot's seat. A shudder erupted underfoot. The roar of engines reached his ears.

And with a well-practiced hand, Luna hoisted the vessel into the air. Abel simply leaned upon the frame leading into the cockpit as she flew, opting to remain quiet until they were well underway. Last time he chatted with someone during takeoff, they had nearly leapt into an asteroid belt. Better to not distract. When the stars themselves became streaks before the glass, the Knight stepped closer. With a smirk, the man simply motioned with his chin. "Show me where the turbulence goes."

She liked to pout. He liked to wink.

Luna Evanstance

 

[Luna Evanstance]

"Former scoundrel, thank you very much." Luna smirked and shook her head. While Abel may not have been living the scoundrel life, she knew that he still was, at heart but in all the good ways. “Yeah, uh-huh.” She stuck her tongue out in his direction. “You may be all mister fancy pants but I still like a little scoundrel in you wanting to come out and play.” Their lives may have been different up until this point but Luna knew that being a scoundrel wasn’t a bad thing. She just knew it meant that someone knew how to have fun.

Luna gave a bit of a shrug as Abel inquired about why Happy did what he did. The woman suspected it was a bit of an intimidation factor but she didn’t quite know. “I think he thinks he’s scary. I like to tease him because he’s a sweet droid and likes to watch over me.” While the two had their differences, the Smuggler knew that deep down that the droid cared. She didn’t want to admit it, but she needed the little fracker.

"Remind me to have you walk up ramps more often. Sheesh." Luna smirked, calling back as she made it to the top of the ramp. “All you gotta do is ask, Handsome.” Taking off went all as planned; The ship behaved and Happy must have done his job because the ship managed to pass all checks and get them into hyperspace without issue. Luna stood, she patted the control panel of the ship, stretched, and gave a small groan as her back gave a few satisfying pops.

"Show me where the turbulence goes." Luna looked over at Able and his smirk; a rather deviant expression flashed her face as she headed over to him. “I can do that.” It seemed that the young smuggler had Luna playfully grabbed at his arm and led him to the Captain's Quarters. She had redone the space once she had taken over the ship from her Uncle and it had been her home for the past fifteen years. “It's no five-star living quarters, but it's home. ” Happy beeped behind her, leaving her to give the droid a rather scolding look, mouthing “Not now!” before slamming the door behind them.

APPLICATION | SINGLE | HETEROSEXUAL | 33 | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

HYPERSPACE

You may be all mister fancy pants...

There was a nugget of truth to what the young woman stated, coupled with sticking out her tongue no less. Though Abel was a Knight Obsidian and a lord of a noble house, there was no taking the man out of Nar Shaddaa. His heritage colored every decision he made, how he carried himself, and all things in between. Luna was a kindred spirit in this, and perhaps that is why they got along so well. "Well, maybe you'll bring the scoundrel outta me." he said, sticking his tongue out right back.

As they drew nearer to the ship, Abel inquired about why Happy acted the way he did. The explanation provided immediately dispelled any notion that the astromech was a murderous robot. Rather, he was the closest thing to a guardian that Luna had. The reality made the Knight smile. "That Droid really cares, huh." he remarked. The sentimental moment waned the second he watched the woman ascend the ramp. And he fully appreciated every step of the way.

Diving into Hyperspace occurred with no hiccups, and once the blur of stars was underway, the pair were left to themselves. Happy beeped a little bit as they flirted, per the usual, but the astromech was quickly sent scurrying on his way. It's no five star living quarters, but it's home. She said, describing her personal quarters. Frankly, after the life they've lived? A good bunk with good company was a five star resort. "Looks like a vacation to me." And what a fun vacation it was.

A bit down the line, the chirping of the astromech roused the Knight from his slumber. Abel blinked, yawned, and found that he had an elbow resting upon his chin. The sight alone made him chuckle, leading him to gingerly sit up. "Happy's yelling. If I had to guess, we've either arrived or he's wondering if the noise was murder." Another laugh. Something was definitely getting killed, that's for sure. "Want to find out which?"

Luna Evanstance

 

[Luna Evanstance]

“Damn right, I will.” Luna would be more than happy to bring out the scoundrel in the man. She had no doubts about being able to, and despite everything that had happened, she hadn’t lost sight of wanting it to happen. "That Droid really cares, huh." Luna gave a slight laugh at the thought of Happy ever actually showing as much affection as a droid possibly could. But she knew, in his own way he did care. “I suppose so. He’s been around long enough and if he hasn’t thrown himself out of the airlock, I think it’s safe to say he’s good. Even if he doesn’t admit it.”



"Happy's yelling. If I had to guess, we've either arrived or he's wondering if the noise was murder." Luna had sprawled out some in bed, hearing Abel’s voice and Happy calling from the other side of the door. Her room wasn’t a five-star place to sleep, but it had been a five-star time. Blowing a strand of her white hair from her face, Luna groaned a bit as she rolled on her side; her hand closest to the elbow that had been in his face playfully patted at where her elbow had been. “THAT wasn’t murder. Simply songs of praise.” Her voice still sleepy but held its usually mischievous notes of playfulness and deviancy. As she got ready to roll off the bed, Luna changed her mind momentarily before rolling towards Abel, leaving him with a sweet, playful kiss; her fingers lingering along the side of his face for a moment before rolling back off the other side.

The young Smuggler pulled out some clean clothes from the drawers that were positioned all around the bed before dressing. Sleeping with someone was in no way new for her. But what was new for her was the fact that next to him, she felt at ease; comfortable. Something she hadn’t experienced for a long, long time, if ever. As she pulled a shirt over her head, she did try to ignore the fact that she had lost count of the collection of scars all over her body from years of training and torment; most of them seemed minuscule next to the one that wrapped around her side to her stomach and back. A parting gift from Rast.

Opening the door, Happy had fervently placed himself outside of the door and when she was visible, he started blurping and chirping before the all too familiar drop out of hyperspace could be felt. “Alright, bud. I hear you.” Running a hand through her messy hair while patting the droid on the head, she peeked in, speaking the obvious; well aware that Abel would have known that after that drop that meant that Naboo would be in sight. “Seems like we’re here.” Leaving him to dress, she headed to the cockpit, taking a seat and guiding the ship towards to the ever-growing planet.

APPLICATION | SINGLE | HETEROSEXUAL | 33 | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

NABOO

THAT wasn't murder.

The scene was straight out of the romance flicks - minus the symphony and sunlight filtering in through a window. Well, okay, maybe not even a romance flick. There were definitely vids to describe what the pair were waking up to, but the sites that hosted them were 18+ and had thousands of pop-ups. Nonetheless, the Knight slowly but surely returned to the world of the living. And as he rose, so too did the excessively pretty student of his. Her voice, though mired with a light edge of tired, still retained that playfulness that had gotten them in this fine "mess." And just as he had opened his mouth to retort, he found his lips quite busy with hers.

"That's one way to shut me up." he said, stroking his chin with his scoundrel's smirk plastered upon his mug. He watched as she rolled out of the bed and fished about for a clean set of clothes. Frankly, his gaze was fixated upon her posterior - as it should - though it was not lost upon him that her back was a patchwork of scars. His own body had its fair share of memories. Scars. Burns. The works. Each was but a chapter in the long novel of surviving the streets. Thats what they had in common, after all. They were a pair of souls who raised their middle fingers in the face of their tragic backstories.

An amusing thought. Abel eventually rose and played "find the boxers" whilst she dressed herself. It didn't take him long to get his own attire on, though she departed the quarters to tend to Happy's chirping in the meantime. When he did find her in the cockpit, the sight of Naboo filled the viewport. "Home sweet home." he remarked, before leaning over the console. "Just gotta make sure we don't get blown outta the sky." Not that Naboo was inherently dangerous, mind. But, flying over his estate, unannounced, in a smuggler's vessel was a prime opportunity to get the security squadron involved. Hard pass. His fingers danced upon the console, hailing the ground personnel at Skywind.

"It's Abel. Prep the southern hangar for a freighter." he began. "...and the guest room."

Now there was a thought, bringing home company. Abel hadn't done so before. He was 'smart' enough to seek the pleasures of the flesh off-world, away from the prying eyes of the nobility. But, in this case, he had a commitment to uphold. An apprentice to educate. Benefits didn't have to be public knowledge. Satisfied, he settled into the co-pilot's seat. "They should be beaming up the coordinates now." he said, before giving her shoulder a nudge. "Nervous?"

Luna Evanstance​

 

[Luna Evanstance]

There had been mention of knowing how to shut Abel up. Well, one of the ways, at least. Luna didn’t say anything about it at first, as she dressed and headed to the door. But before leaving the door, a rather wicked grin came across her face and her emerald orbs catching his with the same look as her lips. “Well… Not the only way.” Leaving Abel to follow when he was ready, Happy didn’t waste any time harassing Luna about their night together; giving what could only be mistaken as sassy beeps and burps she rolled her eyes giving him a dirty look knowing what he was insinuating. Her voice low, Luna gave Happy a warning. “You keep your trap shut You delusional bucket of bolts.”

Settling down in her seat as Naboo loomed closer still, she looked up at the now dressed Abel without saying a word as he spoke up. "Home sweet home." The young smuggler figured that would be the hardest part of all of this other than keeping an eye and ear out for anything about Rast and his whereabouts. Adjusting to living somewhere other than the ship they currently sat on. She had lived on the ship for fifteen years. Always traveling and always on the move. She wasn’t sure what it was like to stay in one place for more than a day or two at this point in her life. "Just gotta make sure we don't get blown outta the sky."

Luna gave a tiny snort at the thought of being shot at. In her line of work if she wasn’t getting shot at or someone attempting to bring her down for one reason or another, she wasn’t doing her job right. “Wouldn’t be the first and most certainly not the last.” Her words held a note of concentration as she flipped a few switches as they slowly began to descend more before waiting for more instructions. Abel mentioned coordinates which promptly showed up and she kept a steady course as they made their way to their destination. "It's Abel. Prep the southern hangar for a freighter and the guest room." Abel was her teacher and foremost her friend. Luna would respect his status and his duties but she’d be lying if she didn’t admit to herself she could at least enjoy the view without causing him a scandal. And if he ever did come knocking on a late-night, she’d never deny him that opportunity. Still, Happy’s bantering hadn’t left her mind but she’d continue to ignore his nosey and obnoxious behavior for the time being.

The young Smuggler could feel the nudge from her company following a question that had left her with mixed feelings. "Nervous?" It was a loaded answer. Was she nervous to be on Naboo? No. Nervous about training? Some. Only because she knew that it would require a clear mind and heart in order to do so and she wasn’t sure she could fulfill that. That twisted her gut more than anything.

Luna remained quiet in her own thoughts for a moment before Happy made himself known behind her again. He was going on about something like he had been last night; it had been a transmission that had been received while she had been away from the ship the prior day. From Gruto. Luna didn’t say anything about that for a moment either as she weighed both things brought to her attention. “I’ll take care of that, later Happy.” Keeping her voice even as she gave a small sigh as the ship descended caused a bit of a stutter throughout its frame. She hadn’t seen Gruto, one of the only people from her childhood that hadn't treated her terribly for over six months with words about her Uncle. Why was he contacting her now? Pushing it aside, for now, she’d worry about that later.

Glancing over at Abel, she gave him a small smile. “Nah, I haven’t been nervous since I got my ass kicked, piss drunk by two Trandoshans who had it out for me for one reason or another.” It had also been the lowest point in her life and she had somehow managed not to kill herself with excessive drinking and pills. As they reached their destination, Luna began the landing cycle, gently leading the ship towards the intended hanger before making a rather smooth landing. "Well..." Ship on solid ground, she flipped off the last of the switches before looking over and giving Abel a lopsided grin. “This is your last chance to get rid of me.”

•••
SINGLE | 33 | HETEROSEXUAL | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

NABOO

Wouldn't be the first and most certainly not the last.

Survivors indeed. As the Knight remarked about the very real possibility of being blown to smithereens, the Smuggler gave a sassy retort. Though, this time they were colored by a touch of concentration. While Abel busied about getting the vessel clearance to land, Luna leaned forward and began flipping a few switches. The controls were within her capable grasp, giving the vessel a clean descent towards their destination. As they flew along, the response from Skywind Estate would sound through the comm. "Acknowledged, Lord Denko."

The voice spoke with an accent that was almost metallic, denoting that the speaker was most certainly a droid. Abel did not respond to being called Lord, though he personally wished that he could be called just by name. He had tried to insist that the workers of the estate do just that - but they wouldn't have it. One maid damn near shed a tear. It was a whole ordeal. Nonetheless, once the directive was given, the Knight settled into the co-pilot's seat. He had reached out, nudged Luna on the arm, and asked if she was nervous.

Abel half expected a snarky reply, but instead he found quiet. At least until Happy began chirping behind them. Ever ignorant to the language of Droids, Abel simply leaned back in the seat whilst she told the automaton later. She then offered a smile smile and recounted a tale about getting her ass handed to her. Fair enough. He thought. "Oh chit, Trandoshans ain't no joke." he began, chuckling. "Compared to that, this is going to be a cakewalk." As the words fell from his lips, the vessel shuddered to a halt upon the landing pad. Luna gave a lopsided grin:

This is your last chance to get rid of me.

The Knight leaned forward and pressed his lips to her brow, almost in a cocky manner. "And this is your last chance to pull the chute. C'mon." Abel rose, rendering a wink before striding off towards the landing ramp. Now extended, the metallic form of a protocol droid awaited them at the bottom...And a crimson carpet which ran the length of the hangar and led into the Estate. Abel sometimes forgot how extra his home was.

"Lord Denko, welcome home." said the droid, rendering a polite bow. Abel raised his hand, as if to protest, but his face said he knew that was a losing battle. "Good to see you Jeeves." he replied. His dominant hand then motioned back towards the ashen-haired woman. "This is Luna. Mind registering her ship under our IFF?"

"Consider it done."

The registration would, at the very least, allow the young smuggler to fly on Naboo without trouble from the local authorities. She'd show up as a local in their systems - the first gift from Master to Apprentice. "Want the tour? Or something to eat? Both?"

Luna Evanstance​

 

[Luna Evanstance]

"Acknowledged, Lord Denko." Luna couldn’t help but smirk at that. It wasn’t the fact she was making fun of his title or anything he’d worked to be a part of, but just simply it sounded...odd for Abel. Raising an eyebrow as she kept her gaze steady in the viewport, she spoke up after the conversation was exchanged. “Should I be bowing or kissing at your feet with that fancy title?” There was a hint of amusement in her voice as she stole a brief glance in his direction.

“You ain’t kidding. I’m lucky I still have my ribs...or my face for that matter.” As Abel responded to her experience with the pair of Trandoshans, Luna shook her head some. "Compared to that, this is going to be a cakewalk." Shifting some in her seat, Luna wasn’t sure about that but she kept herself even as she gave a bit of a laugh. “At least, perhaps a bit less painful.” At least, physically. The young Smuggler had been put through grueling training growing up; she had been trained to withstand interrogations and forced to participate in survival training and taught how to fight not only with many types of weapons but her body as well.

The ship now in its home for the foreseeable future, Luna was glad at least the hunk of metal had made it. "And this is your last chance to pull the chute. C'mon." Giving a deep breath and closing her eyes for a moment with a small grin on her face welcoming the sensation of a pair of lips to her forehead, leaving a tiny warming sensation in the pit her stomach. Dammit, Happy Luna opened her eyes, following Abel out of the cockpit, and into what could only be described as a whole new world. "Lord Denko, welcome home."

There the title was again. It would be something that the young Smuggler would have to get used to. She didn’t say anything, for the moment, still taking in the surroundings. And to think, this was only the hanger and it was somehow nicer than most things she’d come across thus far in her life. “This is Luna. Mind registering her ship under our IFF?" Luna gave a small nod in a greeting to the droid and a bit surprised by the request. But she figured that if Naboo was as strict with airspace as Abel had mentioned, it was better safe than sorry. Not wanting to interrupt what was going on, she gave him a look of thanks before hushing Happy as he went on about the space around them. “Quiet you, don’t wear out your welcome before we’ve been here more than five minutes.”

Giving an exasperated sigh, Luna also made a mental note to check out the transmission that the droid had downloaded later on. Whatever it was, it had gotten Happy worked up and that still lingered in the back of her mind. "Want the tour? Or something to eat? Both?" Luna wasn’t sure if she could eat, at least at the moment so she opted for the latter. “A tour first, seems logical? Does this place come with a map or do I get to wander endlessly until you find my corpse a week later?” She gave Abel a bit of a devious grin but still minding her manners for the most part. If the hangar looked like this, she could only wonder what was in store for her beyond this point.​

•••
SINGLE | 33 | HETEROSEXUAL | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

NABOO

Show I be bowing or kissing at your feet...?

The bemused tone inspired the Knight to chuckle amidst the vessel's descent. Outside of the noble circles, where it absolutely mandatory that he went by his title, Abel was simply Abel. He did not demand his peers to call him Lord. Definitely didn't ask his friends to do so either. Perhaps it was due to his knowing exactly where he came from. Having been born on the mean streets of Nar Shaddaa, it just didn't feel right to lord himself over others. But, when Luna spoke, he couldn't resist quipping right back. "On your knees, at regular intervals, would be the most appropriate." Ah, the implications.

Abel simply laughed along as she remarked about the "ease" of spending time within Skywind Estate. At the very least, she would walk away with her ribs and her face intact. Once the vessel settled, Abel gave a parting gift - one which yielded quite the smile from the smuggler - and disembarked. Jeeves greeted them with a polite bow and welcomed them home. While Abel set about requesting that the vessel be registered with Naboo as a friendly, Luna set about hushing Happy once more. "What's bothering him?" he asked, goaded on by the exasperated sigh she uttered.

He then offered a few options as far as getting settled went. A tour. A meal. Whichever worked for her. Luna took the former option, humorously asking if the estate came with a map. Jeeves, taking things literally as per the usual, stepped forward and offered the woman a holodisc. "You will find that your location is marked with the crimson circle. If you need directions to any portion of the estate, you can simply tap on the destination." Abel had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing aloud. He could only imagine what the look on her face was going to be from that lovely offer. Nonetheless, the Knight cleared his throat and placed his hand on Jeeves' shoulder.

"Thank you for the assist, Jeeves." he began. "Why don't you take the afternoon off? I'll personally show our guests around. You've earned it."

Though Jeeves was a droid and an attendant to the estate, it always felt odd to be waited on hand and foot. And thus, Abel was exceedingly kind to those under his care. When he ate, he'd ensure that they did as well. When he rested, he'd make sure they had adequate sleep. None would suffer at his expense. Not even a droid. By now, Jeeves knew enough not to protest when the Lord was giving time off, so he bowed once more. "You have my thanks, Lord Denko. Please alert me if you require anything."

"Will do." came Abel's reply. He then looked to Luna once more. "Come on, we'll start with the Garden. You'll be seeing it a lot for training."

The proceeding walk wouldn't take too long. Abel made sure that the garden was only a stone's throw away from the hangar, as it would allow him to take his mind off of any missions in short order. Less than a minute's walk down the red carpet, a few turns, and bam. It was a scene straight out of the movies. A small creek ran through the river, which was crossable by a pair of bridges. Marble benches and statues were strewn about. And every manner of flower and tree could be seen. In a word, it was stunning. Peaceful. A fitting place to learn.

"What do you think?"

Luna Evanstance​

 

[Luna Evanstance]

“I think I can manage that,” Abel had commented about her being on her knees in a regular fashion and Luna had not a single ounce of issues with this whatsoever. The young Smuggler left it at that with a grin before addressing his question about Happy. Luna shrugged a little bit, looking down at him. “I’m not sure. He’s been like that all day but lookit’ my little droid growing up and acting all concerned!” She teasingly coddled the droid by patting the top of his domed head leaving the droid to pull away giving her a loud blurp. “Hey now, no reason to be rude. You know you love me.” Letting the droid sulk in what seemed to be worse than normal mood, Luna turned her attention to other things.

The young Smuggler turned her attention to the protocol droid that seemingly had an answer for her map question. "You will find that your location is marked with the crimson circle. If you need directions to any portion of the estate, you can simply tap on the destination." Taking the holodisk blinking without saying a word she hadn’t realized that the droid would follow through with her question. Looking up at Abel for a second with the same look, she then looked over at Happy who had finally rolled back up to her side. “See, he’s got it right. Maybe I’ll trade you in for something nicer.” The astromech droid made a sound that Luna could only assume was an exasperated sigh but didn't do anything else but swivel his head away from her.

Abel thanked and conversed with Jeeves and Luna gave it a wave of thanks as well before pocketing the holodisk still a bit taken aback by the immediate assistance. "Come on, we'll start with the Garden. You'll be seeing it a lot for training." The young woman followed her Teacher without question before arriving at what could only be described as the most beautiful garden that she’d ever seen. A bridge, a river, beautiful pieces scattered throughout along with the most serene aura floated about the place. She didn’t say anything for a moment, leaving Happy to acclimate behind her. “You said it, Happy.” Her voice was quiet with a hint of awe in it as her emerald orbs took it all in. Her life had consisted of seedy outposts, ship living, and anything but lush and green and decorated.

"What do you think?" Luna gave a blink at the scene in front of her before looking over at him after a little while. She wasn’t sure what she thought about it other than the fact that it was beautiful. She could smell the fresh scent of water, earth, and greenery around them. “It’s… Green. And very beautiful.” She gave it one more long look taking it in. “I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen anything quite this green before. Most places are brown, gray, and dingy.” She smirked at the thought of Happy being the most color she experienced on a regular basis. “So…” She paused before finishing in her usual grinning, playful self. “I guess skinny dipping here is off-limits, here, huh?” She had to admit, the water looked inviting.

•••
SINGLE | 33 | HETEROSEXUAL | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

NABOO

But lookit' my little droid...

Abel had no reason to suspect that Happy was anything less than his usual, "charming" self. And thus, he simply chuckled as the smuggler patted its head and spoke as if she were addressing a toddler. The remark about extracurricular activities hung over their heads like mistletoe - and frankly, Abel imagined there would be quite a bit of that as time moved ever forward. As the droid slunk away, Jeeves saw fit to provide Luna with a map of the estate. Whilst the roasted Happy yet again, resulting in a noise that sounded like a metallic huff, Abel set about dismissing Jeeves for the day.

A small part of him wondered just what it was that protocol droids did in their off-time. Did they power down in a corner somewhere? Or did they party it up like the world was ending? It was a question that, if he wanted to spare the time, he could have answered. But, for now, he had a tour to conduct. And that meant introducing the young smuggler to one of his favorite locales. Upon rounding the corner and being greeted to its splendor, both she and the astromech had their breaths taken away. Abel was pleased beyond measure. He, of course, asked what she thought. And her reply caused him to chuckle ever so slightly.

Green and beautiful, compared to the usual dismal hues. "It's easily my favorite spot in all of Skywind." he admitted. "Something different. Peaceful. It's a great spot for getting the noise out of my head. I'm sure you'll agree in time." She then smirked - that same devilish grin he had come to expect. "Hmm...I'll save that as a reward if you succeed in training." His tone was a blend of serious and absolutely kidding, complete with a wink. "Did you want to take a few to look around? Or keep going about the Estate?"

Luna Evanstance​

 

[Luna Evanstance]

Abel had mentioned that their current location being a favorite and Luna couldn't say that she blamed him in any way. If she could manage it, the young Smuggler could easily see herself sitting on the bridge on one of her many sleepless nights. "Something different. Peaceful. It's a great spot for getting the noise out of my head. I'm sure you'll agree in time." With the busy life that he seemed to lead, a good spot to clear one’s head was always welcomed. For Luna, it had always been the cockpit of her ship; it didn’t matter if it was loud from travel or quiet at standstill. It was a place she could go and not have to worry about anything.

"Hmm...I'll save that as a reward if you succeed in training.” Training. Despite her ever-growing smirk it still was sinking in that she found herself in a position of learning and growing and doing new things. She had thought she had left that far behind in the past but here she was again, adding to the pile of skills that she really never asked to learn. “I thought I was done with training a long time ago.” Luna shook her head as she ran her fingers through her messy mop of white hair. Abel asked if she wanted to look around more, but she shook her head some. “I’m sure there’s plenty more to see, I don’t doubt I’ll be poking my head back in here, later.”

She also figured that he had other things and responsibilities that were on his plate and Luna knew between the map given to her and her curiosity, she’d find her way to explore when it was appropriate. Letting him lead, she followed, still taking in the decadence and the overwhelming sensation of large spaces. “How long did it take for you to get used to living here?” She was curious, to say the least as it seemed Abel had grown accustomed to the beautiful estate. “As decadent as it seems to be waited on hand and foot, I would think it feels like a loss of freedom.”

•••
SINGLE | 33 | HETEROSEXUAL | BLASTER PISTOL • VIBROBLADE | Abel Denko ​