Private Upon the Lakeshore

[Makai Dashiell]

ORRON III

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

​

Little legs tried to climb the large rocks and boulders along the lake shore. Giggles echoed across the landscape, breaking through the sounds of a woodland bordering farmland as far as the eye could see. A new growing season had started, the hills a waving ocean of fresh green everywhere the eye could see.

“C’mon Phoebe!” Kellan was on a slightly higher rock, hand outstretched.

“I can do it.” Phoebe didn’t reach for Kellan’s hand, tongue stuck out in determination.

Barely feet away, two nanny biotdroids hovered, keeping an eye on their young charges.

Much further away, Makai stood with Ellie and Thirty-Seven, a sketchbook in hand. The adults were turned towards the two children but engrossed in the next step of their plan. Yet a section of his iced azure gaze stayed on his daughter and nephew.

The scene in front of them was one of the reasons why the decision to build on Orron III came along. Their Slice project would still come to fruition as well. The galaxy had been in turmoil since Phoebe was born and like any father, safety was top of mind. Allowing Phoebe, and by extension Kellan, to act like normal children away from prying eyes. From war and the fear of being kidnapped or exploited.

More than ever having more than one location for the family to retreat to was imperative.

They were on the very edge of Arkhun Farm, a good distance away from the main house but still close enough where little legs could technically walk there. Breathing room and the chance to enjoy the large lake.

“How are you feeling about this section of property?” Like anything in life, Makai was wise enough to know a happy wife made a happy life. “The lake is nice.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra shaded her grey eyes with one hand, watching Phoebe attempt to conquer the boulder like it was the tallest mountain in the galaxy. The determined little tongue sticking out earned a quiet laugh from her.

"That," Myra murmured to Makai, "is either the future CEO of a trade empire… or the future terror of every climbing wall from here to Coruscant."

Phoebe scrambled again, boots slipping for half a second before she caught herself with a triumphant little "Ha!"

Myra clapped once in delight then gave a litle whoop!

"See?!" she called out toward the rocks. "That's my girl. Gravity is merely a suggestion.... or so your father says..." Myra added wryly, considering all the various expeditions Makai had taken part of that had him climbing all sorts of places charting graphs, maps, and some odd new mineral or ore that took his fancy.

Mmhmm... blood showed, that's for sure.

The Heiress shifted her attention back to Makai, leaning lightly into his side while her eyes wandered across the shoreline. The lake glimmered in the sun, wind teasing ripples across the water while the fields beyond swayed in soft green waves.

It was equally nice and odd to be back at home here on the farm. It had a peace and quiet she couldn't find elsewhere, a rare commodity in their line of work. But it still felt like home. With a thoughtful hum, Myra let her fingers slip into Makai's free hand, giving it a thoughtful squeeze.

"I love it," she said simply. "... we had plenty of great memories here. So just a place where Phoebe can scrape her knees and think climbing rocks is the greatest adventure in the galaxy."

She tilted her head toward the water.

"And if we build a little dock right there…" she added with a conspiratorial glint in her eye, "I can absolutely see someone insisting she needs her very first star-skiff by the time she's six."

Behind them, Phoebe finally hauled herself onto the rock beside Kellan, where she threw both hands in the air like a conquering hero.

Myra grinned.

"See?" she said proudly. "Already claiming territory."

Leaning over, she gave Makai a quick kiss on the lips.

"So, what is in your head. You've been thinking a lot."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell
​

"She is very determined." Watching their daughters antics, Makai gave a small shake of his head. "Reminds me of her mother."

He gently nudged in her side with a small smile. Ellie was right though, their daughter was on the way to doing something grand. Makai just hoped it was a trade empire she wanted to conquer and not a star system by force.

His gaze remained on the two children playing on the rocks. While Phoebe was busy celebrating the triumph of her small victory, Kellan was now distracted. A small salamander had darted between the cracks of the boulders. Immediately the boy was down on all fours trying to communicate with the creature. From what Balun had told him, Kellan was equally passionate about nature in the same way he was about ores and minerals.

Makai had considering getting the boy a lothcat or perhaps a small terrarium with a lizard of some sort.

"Not a star-skiff. A sailboat, lakes are a great place to learn. It will be a great activity for her and I because by then her little sister will be born and Phoebe will need some one-on-one time with us." Pulling Ellie closer to his side, he grinned back at her. "She already has great bossy big sister energy, and who am I to deny her a sibling to terrorize."

While Ellie leaned in for a quick kiss, he gently pulled her back to kiss her again, lingering. Teasing her with a wink as they broke apart, hand reached out to squeeze hers.

"I'm always thinking. You act like this is rare." He chuckled before continuing on. "I am thinking a stone mansion on the shore...three stories in the main part on top of an expansive basement. Basement with some our guest rooms. I really want Kellan to have his own dedicated room, Persephone too of course. Then a space for each of our parents. A smaller little wing with our offices and your art studio. Maybe tuck in a small library. We could claim the very top floor for us, some peace and quiet and have the kids rooms right below."

Which would be slightly difficult with younger children but a godsend once they reached school age.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra snorted softly at his comment, elbowing him right back with mock offense.

"Reminds you of her mother?" she repeated, squinting up at him, stormy grey eyes narrowing at her still incredibly hott -- but nerdy -- husband, "Excuse you, Makai, I'll have you know my determination is elegant and refined..."

That eyebrow rose high.

"…hers is more the tiny conqueror of rocks variety."

Out by the boulders Phoebe was still celebrating like she'd just claimed a new world for the Republic, while Kellan had dropped to all fours and was now whispering very seriously to a salamander.

Myra felt the corner of her mouth twitch then she leaned forward slightly, hand over her mouth as if sharing state secrets.

"Is… is he negotiating with it?" she murmured. "Should we be worried he's about to appoint it Minister of Mud?"

The kiss caught her mid-sentence. The second one made her laugh against his lips before she settled back against him, giving his hand a playful squeeze.

"Careful," she teased lightly. "You keep kissing me like that and I'm going to approve every construction project you propose without reading the budget."

Then he mentioned the mansion and her brows lifted slowly as she looked back toward the lake, clearly picturing it.

"Stone on the shore… library… art studio…" she murmured thoughtfully, leaning into him again as if testing how the idea felt in the air. "You realize that's dangerously close to making another dream home for us, right? The only difference is that we now have mama for closer drop offs when I want you all to myself!"

She gave another sigh and thought back to Joiol. It was sad that they had to leave, but she knew that it was for the best. It was too close to the Covenant and they were moving far too aggressively along the Core. A pause, and then Myra continued, gesturing with a hand as the other tucked the wayward strands of dark hair behind the shell of her ear.

"Alright, architect," she said, nudging him again. "If we're building this lakeside kingdom… where exactly are you planning to put the dock?"

She gestured toward the water.

"Because if you think I'm letting our daughter learn to sail without me also dramatically standing on the dock yelling advice she absolutely ignores…"

She smiled wickedly.

"…you don't know her mother nearly as well as you claim."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell
​

"I'm not sure how a child just getting out of the toddler stage is supposed to have 'elegant' and 'refined' conquering instincts when she's just learned to tie her shoes."

Makai enjoyed teasing his wife, even when pointing out the obvious. Phoebe did have a more brash approach to the world but it was to be expected. Finishing school, countless tutors, and time would soften some of her harsher edges and approaches. For now he enjoyed seeing her be the tiny terror in the lives.

Iced azure gaze drifted to Kellan, still deep in attempts on trying to get the little salamander to come out and play.

"Balun tells me he can kind of...do some rudimentary communication with animals. Tend to trust quicker. I won't be surprised to see the little salamander in his hand within the next ten minutes." Makai paused to consider their time here on Arkuhn Farm. "Maybe I can take him down to see the nerf herd one morning."

Arm went around her waist as he listened to her concerns, facing the two still playing on the rocks. Phoebe was now peering down from a rock perch above Kellan, inquiring as to what he was doing in a voice that wasn't conductive to catching salamanders. Bull in a china shop for sure.

"I mentioned the possibility of dropping children off to your mother already. I figure we aren't abandoning Joiol. I've got a mind for three places. Joiol. Here. The Slice. Three little places we can tuck away as needed. Although here on Orron might be more conductive to everyday family life."

As he was musing concerns on family life, his wife was hyper fixated on one thing : the dock. An odd thing for her to focus on but he was getting a loud and clear message that building a dock should be his first step. A step that should be in motion soon.

"Advice she ignores? Sounds like her mother. In fact, her personality is basically Myra Junior."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell


Myra's head whipped toward him in immediate theatrical offense.

"Excuse me?" Her hand went to her chest like he'd just insulted an entire planetary culture.

"Ignored my mama's advice?"

She stared up at him, scandalized.

"Makai Dashiell, I have always been a model daughter."

She paused.

"…mostly."

Those stormy grey eyes narrowed with playful suspicion, then she poked his side.

"Alright, Mister Architect of Three Secret Family Hideouts," she challenged. "You go ahead and provide one example. Just one."

Of course, before he could tout whatever examples, Myra's attention drifted back toward the rocks just as Phoebe leaned over Kellan like a loud supervisory foreman.

"What're you doing?!"

Kellan immediately froze like the salamander had just filed a noise complaint.

Myra winced.

"Oooh. Yeah, that creature's filing for relocation now."

She leaned forward slightly, watching the boy patiently trying again while Phoebe crouched beside him with all the subtlety of a landing freighter.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell
​

"Hmm, I was thinking more of not listening to your incredibly handsome and amazing husband and all his wonderful advice."

Granted, he had zero recent examples. Most were quite old. Older than Phoebe. As a rule he tried not to offer any real advice when it came to business unless asked. Relationship wise they had their system of hashing things out together so nothing could be pointed at in that direction. Maturity from both of them put a damper on any idiotic squabbles disguised as advice.

Watching Phoebe loudly ask what Kellan Dashiell was doing he just shook his head. There were things Phoebe inherited from himself he was proud of. His dark hair, an oddly lanky frame stuck between toddlerhood and schoolage, a singular passionate focus. Then there were others not so much - like a hint of obliviousness.

"You know..." Gaze was still settled on the pair, Kellan scooting a little closer to that crack in the boulders. "I'm well aware Phoebe has no blood relation to your Ma but she somehow inherited the same way Danger rolls in. Like a storm. Although Phoebe is a much less refined storm at this moment."

Makai watched as a hand went inside the boulder cracks and suddenly Kellan lifted his hand out, a little salamander perched, looking around, afraid of the turbulent storm known as Phoebe.

Voice lowered so it wouldn't carry, tipping his head next to Ellie.

"I think Balun is thinking of sending Kellan to a Jedi Temple. To live and study." He gave a small pause. "I worry its going to crush the budding passion for nature I see in him. This kid that's trying to come out of his shell."

Makai was going to tell her later, when they went to the caverns after the kids were asleep. Yet it was weighing heavily on his mind, especially watching his daughter and nephew play together.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra's smile faded immediately.

"…the Jedi?" she repeated sharply, her eyes swirling with disbelief, disappointment, and incredulity. That stormy gaze snapped to Kellan, crouched by the rock, patiently coaxing the salamander, as if the galaxy had narrowed to that tiny creature.

"He's a child, Makai," Myra said, her voice tight, nearly trembling with tension. "Not something to be… handed off because he's different."

She folded her arms, protective instinct flaring hot and immediate.

"He finally starts opening up, finally finds something he loves, and Balun's answer is to send him away?" Myra let out a small, incredulous huff. "That's not guidance. That's outsourcing babysitting.... and being a parent... Again."

"SORRY, LIZARD!" Phoebe's voice rang out again, far too loud in the clearing.

Myra pinched the bridge of her nose, then exhaled.

"…we can't let that happen without talking to him," she said, quieter but firm. "Kellan deserves a say in his own future."

She glanced at Makai, eyes steady.

"And I'd very much like to hear Balun explain that decision to my face."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell
​

"I don't think it has to do with being different."

At least, this was he kept telling himself. Makai had considered the possibilities and he had two theories in mind. Neither made any real sense to himself but his theories tried to follow the line of thought his brother may have. However, he didn't want to voice these theories out loud around Kellan and Phoebe. Salamanders and bouldering were only going to keep them entertained for so long.

Reaching out, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You know I love your passion." He paused, iced azure gaze watching the two children. "Let's shelve this until tonight. Right now we should rescue Kellan and this salamander from Phoebe."

Squeezing her shoulder he valiantly started striding towards the two tiny terrors in their lives.

"It's not a lizard! She's a amphibian!" Kellan had coaxed out the creature, perched in his hand, staring up at the boy.

"HOW D'YOU KNOW HE'S A GIRL?"

Phoebe had definitely entered her wild terrorist crusade era.

---

Two towels on his shoulder, Makai strode confidently down the path away from the main house. Hand raised, waving at a security droid, before taking Ellie's hand in his.

"You know your Ma has known the entire time we go down to the caves? We avoided the droids, forgot about the security cameras." The half-Galan shook his head. "Here I counted on you to be the smart one of this relationship."

Makai bumped her shoulder with his, teasing her. Their feet crunched on the gravel path, headed off towards the bioluminescent caverns located on the property. He prayed the water was warmer than some of their previous visits.

"So, I have two theories on this Kellan situation. One, he's trying to hide him from his mother. Its giving me the same vibes my mother had when she ran off - like we don't have credits. Endless resources, hell more than ever. Look at us with Phoebe. Sure she recently went to the Senate Assembly with me in the High Republic but for the most part, we've kept her well under wraps for her safety. People know of her, but we're not thrusting her into the public eye, you know? A reason why we live in these far-flung places too..."

Makai took a deep breath.

"Or two, Balun thinks the boy is dangerous. Also because of this mother. Frankly I don't see it. Kellan was gentle with the salamander. He wanted three stories tonight. He helped set the table. Begging me to wake him up to feed the nerfs in the morning. As wild as Phoebe is, I've never seen him act out with her. Nothing beyond the usual little kid arguments."

He squeezed her hand.

"I'm sure you have your own theories."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra let herself be pulled along, fingers laced with his, but her stormy grey eyes narrowed immediately at his confession. She stopped mid-step, her dark hair giving a gently swish around her shoulders as she slowly, dramatically, turned her head toward him.

"…the entire time?" She exclaimed quietly with equal dramatics, "You mean to tell me mama has been knowingly letting us sneak off into glowing caves like a pair of teenagers in a holodrama?"

The corner of her mouth twitched.

"…and didn't stop us?"

Myra wasn't sure whether to be embarrassed or incredulous over the fact.

"…I'm almost offended she didn't interrupt at least once."

Either way, she gave a soft laugh and bumped his shoulder back, reclaiming a shred of dignity as they continued down the path, the soft glow of the caverns beginning to bleed through the trees ahead.

Well at least until Makai's theories regarding Balun and Kellan settled in. That stormy expression settled in her face again. And the pinch of her furrowed brow gave plenty of indication she was getting aggrevated again.

"The first one… I could understand," she admitted. "Hiding him. Protecting him. That I won't fault." Her grip tightened slightly in his and she let out a heavy exhale. "But the second?" she shook her head. "No."

Her gaze flicked back toward the house where the kiddos had been settled for bed with their nannies checking in on them.

"He's not dangerous," she said firmly. "He's gentle. Curious and careful in a way most children aren't."

They reached the mouth of the caverns, the air cooling, glowing softly around them like the inside of a living jewel. After a moment, Myra slowed down then looked up at Makai.

"If Balun thinks that boy is dangerous," she added quietly, "then I think Balun's scared of something that has nothing to do with Kellan."

Her lips pursed in her displeasure.

"And I don't like fear making decisions for children."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell ​

Makai had his own theory on why they were never stopped. Mainly to do with Ellie coming out of her sickness and starting to feel well, to act like a normal teenager. If they faced a similar situation with Phoebe he could see himself being permissive in other areas of her life. If one expected their child to die before their teenage years, Makai could easily see how some experiences such as sneaking out at night would be a welcome reprieve of normalcy.

Listening to Ellie bounce off his ideas, his theories, Makai couldn't say if these were fact or fiction. It was mere speculation from a brother he often had a difficult time getting a read on.

Entering the caverns, just at the entrance, Ellie stopped him, looking up to voice her concerns around the dangerous theory. His wife as displeased and while he didn't want to make her upset, this was an issue he was trying to work through and make sense of. Makai valued her insight above all others.

"Yeah, I don't think its Kellan."

Head craned up to look at the cavern ceiling. It was magical and also humbling to know the sight before them was created by worms and their excretions. He appreciated the sight now as much as he did over a decade ago. There was something about having a secret - or perhaps not so secret - tucked away gem to enjoy.

Gaze leveled back to Ellie, her expression stormy and turbulent, as if she could single handedly take on the problem.

"The protection thing I do get. No different than what we're trying to do with Starlight. Just not very convinced Balun is doing it for all the right reasons...more importantly, let's say it was the right reason or intention, is it the right timing? Kellan seems, I don't know, self-conscious or maybe has a low self-esteem about his appearance. Frankly he looks like some aquatic hybrid kid to me, toss him on any ocean world any no one is going to blink an eye."

Pausing, he placed the towels he brought on a rock before drawing Ellie into his arms. Makai kissed her forehead, lost in thought for a moment.

"Using kid logic, I get the feeling Kel would perhaps feel like he's being cast aside, going to live at a Jedi Academy. I think it would be quite different if Balun let the boy live at home. At least until the early teenage years. This just seems like an avoidable disaster."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

"Yeah," Myra finally replied quietly. "That's exactly it."

The Heiress stepped into her husband's arms without hesitation, wrapping them around his waist as she looked up at him.

"It's not just what he's doing… it's when."

There as she stared into the ocean blue eyes of her beloved, Myra's jaw tensed. She couldn't help but think back to when Makai was little. The stories he told and how he felt regarding his own mother's abandonment.

She gave a heavy frustrated exhale and shook her head.

"I don't care if Balun thinks it's safer or smarter," she added, firm again. "If the boy feels unwanted, it's the wrong move. Full stop.

You know exactly how it feels for a kid to be dropped off, even with all the explanations. He'd then have it worse because not only did it happen with his mother, but now with his father as well."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell
​

"I will say, we don't know for sure if Kel feels unwanted or would feel unwanted. However this is more a two plus two equals four situation for myself of guessing how the kid would feel. It was destressing when Dad would drop me off and I felt that way for ages. This whole, is he coming back feeling the entire time."

There was a sigh as he looked down at her, offering a small smile. Makai didn't want her to feel any guilt for bringing up his kid self. It was just coming with the territory.

"Kel didn't see his mother leave though...so it might be different. I know he has questions about her, Bale has told me as much. So I don't know."

Makai went quiet for a long moment.

"It just seems to be a poor decision for someone so young. Even if he does want it, logistics on this would cause it to go sideways."

Did Jedi even comfort the children? Not so distantly Phoebe went through a night terror phase where she ended up in their bedroom countless nights. Makai couldn't imagine not being there for her. Would Kellan have to tough out the times he was sick or scared? It seemed a big burden to place on someone who just learned to tie their shoes.

"I invited Bale to dinner, once we drop Kellan back off. Maybe we get answers then. Or maybe it just becomes more murky. Not that we're going to be able to change his mind."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra listened, quieter now, the fire in her cooling for a moment as she took in what Makai said. When he mentioned how it had felt for him, her hand slid up, resting lightly against his cheek for a second, doing her best to show her support and comfort.

"…you shouldn't have had to carry that," she said softly. "No child should."

Then she exhaled, gaze drifting to the glowing water as she pursed her lips before returning to him.

"No, we don't know for sure," she agreed. "But… kids don't need certainty to feel left behind. Just the possibility of it is enough to plant the idea."

She had seen enough of that growing up on Makai. After a few more seconds, Myra straightened slightly, giving a nod as resolve began settling in.

"Dinner's good," she nodded. "....and find, we won't go in swinging but if it smells even a little like fear making that choice…"

Her brow lifted, just enough edge returning.

"…then I'm going to have opinions. Very well-articulated ones. The sort mama would be keen to make only she'd say it with the kinda tone that will feel as if she just lashed you with a vibroshiv"

The moment held for half a second longer before those grey eyes shot over towards the water again and then back at her beloved with a certain spark.

"But before we go save Kellan from a potentially life-altering decision," she added, already tugging him a step closer to the edge, "you are getting in that water first."

A wicked little smile.

"For scientific purposes."

She gave him a gentle shove toward the glowing pool.

"Go on, Makai. Do what you normally do whenever you see a puddle of water deep enough to swim in."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell
​

"Keep those vibroblades holstered until needed. You're already very articulate and us Dashiell men can't keep up. That alone will scare him half to death."

There was a certain tunnel vision his brother seemed to have. Makai supposed if he was raised in what could be considered a cult then he would have vastly different feelings. Dinner would prove to be interesting to say the very least. The half-Galan expected his brother to shut down and dig his heels in harder.

A gentle tug drew him from his musings. Eyebrow raised as he followed, then caught off guard by a push. A playful one but it caused him to turn his head back to Ellie.

"Pushing me? This is what our marriage has dissolved in to? I always knew I would end up a battered husband but I didn't expect it so soon."

With a grin, he quickly moved away from her and back to where he had dropped the towels. A rustling of clothes as he carefully folded everything before placing the garments next to his towel before carefully advancing to the edge. Iced azure gaze searched for the little rock step down - the water was far to shallow to dive in. Far too rocky in spots.

Finding the spot he needed, he slowly descended into the water. Due to being in a cavern, the temperature was a bit shocking, yet warmer than what he had expected. By high summer a welcomed relief but in early spring a bit of an adjustment. Suddenly dipping under the surface, the half-Galan did a small loop before popping back up in chest deep water, hand running through wet hair.

"Feels fine to me. I know you're going to stay on the shore until you get bored and come join me." Head craned up and looked at the bioluminescence. "We should take a kid-free vacation. Your birthday is coming up. Perfect excuse. Not sure to where though."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

"Battered husband?" Myra echoed, the amusement over her face and within her grey eyes perceptible even in the glowing dim light. "You survived a gentle nudge, Makai. Let's not rewrite history so dramatically."

The Heiress lingered at the edge, watching the Half-Galan surface, the water catching the glow of the cavern like he'd been dipped in starlight.. and maybe her attention and gaze lingered a second longer than strictly necessary.

"…mhmm," she hummed thoughtfully, giving a slow, sarcastic nod, "Tragic. Absolutely tragic. I push you once, and now you're out there looking like a holodrama hero."

At his prediction, her brow lifted.

"Oh, is that what I'm going to do?" she asked, toe testing the water, then pulling back immediately with a soft gasp. "Stay right here all safe and warm, and perfectly dry while you suffer alone?"

Then with a dramatic, but decisive sigh, Myra slipped in -- followed promptly by a sharp inhale at the temperature before she waded closer, quick steps cutting through the water until she reached him.

"Terrible plan," she muttered, shivering once before sliding her arms around him for warmth without hesitation, tipping her face up at him as those bright grey eyes stared up at him.

"…your birthday idea has merit," she admitted with a half smirk. "Somewhere with no droids and no responsibilities and no children loudly apologizing to wildlife."

She was teasing of course, she loved the kids, but some alone time would be nice as her lips curved, just a little.

"Where would you take me, Mister Big Planner?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell
​

“Holodrama hero? Are you sure you can see properly in the dim light? I’m just fixing my hair.”

Makai gave her a skeptical look from across the water, watching as she dipped a toe in. It was always like this and he knew she would grow bored and join him within fifteen minutes or so. Normally he would just paddle around and talk to her while Ellie built up the courage to come in.

Except for today. Today she was clearly trying to prove a point. Pretending he didn’t hear the part about ‘terrible plan’, Makai dream her in close.

Iced azure met stormy gray and he offered a boyish smile.

“That poor salamander is probably deaf now.”

Makai shook his head for a moment, still wondering where their Starlight had got that portion of her personality. He still said it was the Korden side of the genetics showing through, although given neither knew a thing about her biological parents it was all speculation.

“I was hoping Missus Big Planner had some ideas.” He paused, hand running along her upper arm, thinking. “No droids too? Wow you really do want to get away. Let’s see…”

Mentally he ran down a list. They were water people - or at least he was and Ellie was roped into it. Snow was typically out of the question.

“Naboo? We haven’t been there together since…well, since we were dating. I can get the mansion from Harlan’s parents again. Lots to do in the cities and villages….sunny beach resort is an option but something tells me we’ve done those to death….Denon? Penthouse stay and I don’t know, there’s options there.”

Carefully, he started to let them drift through the water, figuring Ellie had acclimated enough.

“Whatever Missus Big Planner decides I’m down for. It will be a welcomed change to get away together.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra narrowed her grey eyes at him, mockingly unimpressed.

"Fixing your hair," she repeated with avid amusement and a slight arch of her eyebrows, "Mmhm.. yeah, very convincing. I'm sure that's exactly what the glowing cavern water is for."

Of course, she couldn't help how her lips twitched anyway.

He could make her laugh with the silliest commentary.

With a dramatic -- slightly dramatic -- sigh, Myra leaned into Makai as he pulled her closer, arms settling easily around his shoulders, still stealing warmth like she had every intention of staying there now.

Funny how in the past they'd done this and she'd been equally thrilled as much as embarassed. A carpenter's delight she had been then.

"I am sure that salamander is filing a formal complaint as we speak," the heiress added. "Against both of our children. I expect paperwork by morning."

At his suggestions, Myra's expression softened into a more thoughtful, expression drifting as she mused as she pictured each one.

"Naboo…" she murmured, a hint of nostalgia in her tone as she thought back to the manor there. "You're playing a dangerous game bringing up where we started."

She let her fingers idly trace along his shoulder, gently enjoying the way the glow shimmered off the iridescent blue scales on that particular patch.

"Denon is rather chaotic," she went on, glancing back at him with a small, grin "Which means we'd absolutely end up doing something irresponsible...which is tempting. Are you up to date on your birthcontrol stim? Should I check just in case? "

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell ​

Completely caught off guard by her last comment, he floundered in the water for a moment, splash echoing throughout the cavern system. He managed not to get her hair wet - or sink them - but his usual graceful movements throughout the water had been easily thrown off. It took a moment to regain his footing before gliding effortless back through the water with her.

"What, you don't want a permanent little memento of a weekend getaway?" Flashing a boyish grin, he continued. "To be fair, I can't really remember if Phoebe was the result of date night or birthday celebrations."

Having another demanding little terrorist underfoot wasn't a bad idea to him. They had spoke about waiting until Phoebe was a bit older to add to the family. Perhaps when their home on Orron III was complete and their first little terror was off at school during the day.

Mirth danced in his eyes, teasing her.

"We could just let the chips fall where they may and see what happens."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra let out a startled laugh as he floundered, instinctively grabbing onto him just enough to steady them both.
"Oh no, no, no," she said, grinning as she moved to help steady him amidst his hilarious floundering. "don't lose your footing.. or fins now."

Course, then Makai's comment registered a second later, and then those grey eyes of hers narrowed upon the Half-Galan with mocking, teasing wariness.

"A permanent memento?" she echoed, although her lips twitched despite herself. "That is a very bold sales pitch for a weekend getaway."

Nonetheless, Myra let her hands slide up to rest lightly on his shoulders, enjoying the slick feel of his patch of irridecent blue scales even as that stormy gaze locked on his with a mix of amusement and warning.

"And the fact that you cannot remember which occasion resulted in Phoebe is not helping your argument," she added, barely holding back a laugh, but at his final suggestion she couldn't help the small huff, giving a slight shake of her head and roll of her eyes.

"'Let the chips fall where they may,' he says," Myra murmured, tilting her head. She leaned in just slightly as her voice dropped with playful suspicion.

"Mmhmm…this sounds less like a plan and more like you trying to sneak past my oversight committee."

A second passed but then the curve of her lips grew wider.

"Bu-uuuut," she added, dribbling her fingers idly along his collar, "I will admit… a little unpredictability does suit us."

Then the Heiress gave a quick light tap of his chest.

"However," she said sweetly, "if we do end up with another tiny storm because of your 'let the chips fall' philosophy…"

She let the words drag, a dark brow arching delicately as she looked up to her beloved's ice blue eyes.

"You are on night duty," she beamed at Makai as she smiled innocently.

"Every night."