The Water of the Way

[Laira Darkhold]

That wasn't exactly what Laira was hoping to hear about relationships. She had hoped, as someone who was considering aspiring to become a Jedi and as a Princess who had a duty to settle down and produce a legitimate heir, as her mother reminded her of every now and again, she had hoped to hear something positive about the combination.

She continued eating the peach, taking another bite from it and drinking in some of the juice before she spoke again. "So, be a Jedi or experience love." Laira mused in a somber tone. The redhead wasn't pleased at all with that summation, though it wasn't the only opinion in the galaxy it was one that would hang over her in the years to come. She had so many questions about what if this scenario in regards to relationships. Laira already knew that she was going to have difficulty with finding someone given her adventurous nature, how her responsibilities as Princess of Alderaan would eventually catch up to her, and how her aspirations to be a Jedi would cause tension.

Maybe she'd never find love with all those obstacles in the way, maybe she'd just have to bite the bullet. So the redhead's next question was effectively whether that was a good idea. "So you would prefer just casual sex over a relationship?"

[member="Phylis Alince"]

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]
Phylis choked on her drink.

As she spluttered and coughed, turning red from the question and from breathing wrong, she looked up at Laira.

“Hmmph, I am not someone given to flights of sexual fancy, not with anyone. It is not that I am ignorant of attraction and sex, but it is not something which interests me, and always confuses me the amount to which it obsesses others. So for me, I choose neither. In a general sense, if you cannot maintain chastity, it is better to have attachment free dalliances, yes. That is purely physical needs.”

She looked at Laira and smiled slightly, almost cunningly. “Hmm, what with all your flirting I’d almost think you’re seeking me out. I don’t like to spoil your dreams, but I think you are a bit too young for me, dear.”

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The redhead laughed as the Jedi Master sputtered from the question. Laira had to admit it was rather awkward and personal, but given the discussion about refraining from love and meaningful relationships it was the next logical step for the flirty redhead to take. With a few tears from laughter in her eyes, Laira wiped her face. "I'm sorry Master Alince, that was just hilarious." However the hilarity had also come with a bitterness as the Jedi Master seemed to detest meaningful relationships at all, to the point of only pursuing companionship for physical need. The Princess had a responsibility to provide an heir for herself in the future, and it didn't sit well with her to go out and have a child with someone that she didn't even like. And what would that mean for the child.

As the Jedi Master drew a few conclusions, the princess raised an eyebrow and cocked an alluring smile, "Now Master Jedi, age is just a number." She said with a deep purr in her voice, maintaining the illusion for only a few seconds pause before cracking and beginning laughing again. "No, no. I'm not pursuing you, not seriously at least. If I was, I'm confident I could break your resolve." It was a joke for certain, but the Redhead was pretty sure if she really wanted someone even as chaste as the Jedi Master she could manage to some degree. "I mean, I spent some time on Zeltros, learned a few dances that might enthrall you."

"What of children. Say you were to accidentally conceive? Could you love your own kid?" Her tone was probably not the best, sounding almost as though the redhead was accusing the Jedi of being unable to truly love even though it wasn't her intention.

[member="Phylis Alince"]

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]
“Of course I would love them!” Phylis said, horrified at there being any question of that. “However, I would stop being a Jedi to give them my full attention. That is my point; being a Jedi is a fulltime pursuit, so if something else important takes its place you necessarily stop being a Jedi. To do otherwise would put your focus in doubt, as well as your ability to care.”

Laira’s confidence amused and even impressed her a little.
“Well, best spare me from your seductive wiles then,” she said with a small smile. “We wouldn’t want me to fall head over heels for you.”

She rose to pack the food away. As she did she looked back at Laira. “You have a lightsabre? What form do you use?”

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira seemed to take that explanation with a nod of approval and an agreeable expression. If she were to adopt Master Alince's mindset she would never be able to be a Jedi. Her responsibilities required her to fulfill certain obligations to the people of Alderaan that would forever stand in the way of the Jedi Path in that regard. Laira had read about romantic Jedi Knight-Errants who would rescue the damsel and then have a struggling relationship with her for the next several years while he tried to balance his path with his love for her.

Her predicament was much more difficult since she not only wanted to balance a love life, the Jedi Path, her potential to sit upon the throne, and raising a family. All very difficult to maintain, and several pulling her in different directions.

Laira grinned, wiggling in her seat, licking her lips slowly. "I mean, I wouldn't necessarily mind if you did." She certainly wouldn't mind having a Jedi Master who could make her cool toys wrapped around her little finger, and just to prove it she put her elbows up on the table and leaned forward enough that Phylis would be able to peer down her shirt just a little if she turned around.

"Um, no I don't have a Lightsaber. I've never found a need for one yet."

[member="Phylis Alince"]

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]
“Hmmph, I’m sure you wouldn’t! I am interested that you have not used a lightsabre yet. Is it that you’ve never had a need, or never had an opportunity? That is the difference, because it seems like you are no stranger to conflict and danger.”

She did turn to pick up one last thing and saw the enticing hint of cleavage. She snorted. “My dear girl, why do you even assume I am attracted to you, leaving aside my duty.”

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The redhead shrugged her shoulders, not bothering to sit back straight. "Most people are attracted to me, why would I assume you to be different?" It was a simple, truthful answer given without hesitation or remorse and said as a matter of fact rather than an opinion. "I don't mean any harm by it, just a little hint to let you know I might be interested too."

"But to answer your other question, a little of both. Resources aren't the easiest to come by and I'm not very knowledgeable about what I would need, and I've never found myself in a situation where I would need to buckle down and find more information on Lightsabers." She'd had a few opportunities from the likes of Joza Perl and the Enclave on Alderaan, however she had never found a strong desire to construct her own as of yet.

[member="Phylis Alince"]

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]
“Hmm, a fair explanation,” Phylis said with a nod. “Well, if you ever needed assistance, I am able to provide it.”

She rose. “I have a guest room downstairs if you’d like to stay. Alternatively if you have accommodation on the station we can meet again tomorrow if you wish.”

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Hmmm, I don't know," Laira started, wiggling in her seat as she faux mulled over whether or not to stay. The redhead didn't mind either way, though she wouldn't be able to return once her supplies were readied she'd be leaving to rejoin the Resistance with whatever the Mon Cala could give her. The Jedi Master hadn't been extremely accepting of her slight advances, and even if she had been spending the night wouldn't lead to much.

"Do you have any dessert? I could stay for some sugar, but we'll have to discuss when our second date should be. I have places to go tomorrow, so fill up on me as best you can, you might have to go awhile without me." She once again ruffled Nibbles fur and scratched his chin, still leaning over so that her robes could be seen down by the Jedi if she wanted to.

[member="Phylis Alince"]

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]
Surprisingly, Phylis chuckled, and went to a cupboard. Nibble’s ears pricked up as she opened it.
“I have a little treat for us. Oh yes, I sense Nibbles looking this way. Hmmph, he’s a devil for sweets.”

She produced a small metal box which she put on the table. It had strange electronics on the top, which she pressed. The box opened, and then folded flat revealing a loaf-like object which had some slices cut away from one end.

“I’m not much for indulging, but I do like a slice of this every so often. I learned the recipe from a Devaronian I helped out with a Sith ghost infestation. The box seals it and keeps it from going off.”

Nibbles gave cute eyes to Laira, using all his adorableness to try and convince her he’d like a treat.
“Can I cut you a slice? It’s quite sweet, but I think you’ll like it.”

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira grinned, "Well, its not quite the sugar I had in mind sweetie, but I appreciate it." She was still being quite playful with the Jedi Master and didn't intend to break the woman's resolve with such simple teases, but it was finally becoming fun now that Phylis was playing back.

She accepted the treat and daintily plucked a fork, petting Nibbles with one hand. "I didn't forget about you precious. I get to try it first." If Laira was quite honest, Nibbles was her favorite thing about Phylis, though the Jedi had plenty of other favorable qualities.

She bit into the loaf like substance and savored its taste, chewing on it slowly and letting its flavors sit in her mouth with a wide smile until it was consumed. Then, she took a small pinch of what she had left and offered it to Nibbles. "Here you go precious." She said in a high pitched voice, showering the little rat with affection and treats.

[member="Phylis Alince"]

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]
Nibbles let out a little vocalisation; something rats rarely did unless they were very happy or very scared. He was in rodent heaven, and nuzzled up into Laira’s arms.
“Hmmph, I see you’ve made one conquest today at least,” Phylis said as she put the dessert away.

“I’m sure Nibbles would love to see you again next time you are here. But call me when you are free and I’ll be able to tell you where I am.”

She rose and offered her hand to Laira. “It’s been nice to meet you, to get some different views on things. Do look me up like I said and perhaps we can meet again sometime.”

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Yes Master Alince." Laira said, putting the sentient rat down on the seat as she stood and adjusted herself. "Its been lovely, maybe next time we can go dancing or out to a restaurant in fancy dresses." Laira said as she took Phylis's offered hand and gave it a soft squeeze and subtle shake before closing in for another hug. Laira was a hugger anyway.

After embracing the Jedi, the redhead peeled herself away and gathered her things. "You've got my number, I expect a call in three days to tell me how great a time you had. Bye Nibbles, I'll miss you!" She called as the princess made her leave of the Jedi Master's ship. She had an errand to run, and even though she could have stayed on the ship with the pair it might have been awkward, and Laira liked her own comfortable bed with satin sheets.

Later she had to pick up the weapons and supplies the Mon Cal could spare and ferry them back to the Resistance Fleet. It wouldn't be much but it would help. Every little bit helped.

[member="Phylis Alince"]

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]
Phylis smiled. “Thank you, Laira, I will be in touch. If nothing else it has been interesting, educating and amusing.”

As Laira headed for the exit Nibbles ran up Phylis’ back and looked mournfully at her new friend as she departed.

“Come on, Nibbles, let’s get packed up,” Phylis said once the hatch was sealed.