crack
The wood split and fell to the side. A shirtless, scarred, musclebound Zabrak set the next piece of firewood on the splitting log and set his axe to swing again.
crack
Again, the wood gave way under the splitting force of his axe. Karran pulled a handkerchief from where it was tucked in the side of his belt and wiped the sweat from his brow. He took a moment to survey his work and let out a content sigh. Though they lived on a tropical paradise, the nights could carry a damp chill, especially when Southbound winds were blowing through from the North. He would pick through some of the product of his labors and select the ones best suited for cooking over. He had found that several of Selen’s trees had incredibly fragrant woods that added dynamic flavors when used properly. Others still would be used for projects. ‘Idle hands are Bogan’s plaything.’ Had it been Ruka that had told him that?
It was almost eerily quiet on the homestead today. The last family that Zujenia had placed under his care had moved on the previous week, and Diyrian was supposed to be studying for a final. Baby the reek was off foraging for her favorite roots and burrowing insects. River and Inara, his hounds napped peacefully under the house, forming a perfect circle where a spot of sunlight shone through the supports.
The Zabrak was lost in a moment of reverie until he remembered he had an appointment that day and checked the time.
As if summoned by his recollection of his upcoming appointment, a rare gentle breeze brushed against him, offering a momentary respite from the tropical humidity. It carried with it a slight hint of roses, a flower that did not grow on the island.
A glance behind him told him that he was not alone. A familiar redhead stood upon the path that led to his homestead, observing him quietly. For this particular meeting, Lucine had chosen a simple black sun dress, decorated in a red and green floral pattern, and a pair of delicate sandals. Her hair was piled on top of her head, red curls that seemed impervious to the humidity. She carried a sizeable wicker basket on her arm.
Seeing that he had noticed her, Lucine allowed a small smile to touch her lips. “I do hope I am not too early,” she said. Her gaze drifted over his sculpted form, before finally meetting his gaze.
“Not at all. It would seem I am the one behind on time.”
He stepped to the side where he had kept a bowl a fresh water drawn from the nearby stream. He cupped his hands and splashed the water over his face and neck. He dried with a clean towel and hung it from the same low-hanging branch that his fresh robes had hung from. He pulled the robes over his form to ensure his own modesty and gestured to a small table in the garden. In the center there hung a decorated metal teapot suspended over a bed of coals that smoldered in a basin. Two settings had been placed, accompanied by a variety of cushions for seating. The entire table was attended by the Zabrak’s IG-100 droid.
“Apologies, I have neither servants nor server droids. But my guard should have adequate capacity for this process.”
“There is nothing wrong with being fashionable late,” Lucine replied as he washed himself up, though she did allow herself a small moue of disappointment when he donned his robe.
She followed him toward the small table in the garden, and rolled her shoulders in a shrug at his words. “I have no doubt your droid will prove equal to the task,” she said as she set her burden down next to the table.
She flipped open the lid to retrieve a small, linen wrapped box. “I brought a selection of tea cakes for our meeting. Tabriss made them this afternoon.” The clarification was important, to make it clear she had not made them. Her lack of culinary ability was rather infamous, after all.
“Tabriss? I have heard good things. By all accounts he is one hell of a butler.”
The droid lifted the teapot and poured, starting, of course, with the guest and then the host before disappearing into the house. It was an intense herbal brew, but not without its complexities. Notes of honey and lemon, balanced by a delicate floral bouquet of flavors. Soothing to both body and mind.
“I also have my own contributions, which my droid is now fetching. Most of it came from here, but not all.”
“He is definitely talented,” Lucine said. “While I admire your industrious nature in not utilizing servants, I have found that having a good butler can literally save lives.”
She unwrapped the package, revealing a colorful array of artfully decorated cakes. She set it between them, careful to leave plenty of room for Karran’s aforementioned contribution.
She then took a long sip of the tea, closing her eyes as she savored it. “What a delightful choice. Is it a Corellian blend?”
Karran smiled at his guest’s reaction. “Homemade, actually. Grown here, dried here. If you truly enjoy it that much, I will have to send you with a box to take home when you leave.
The droid returned with a wooden board laden with an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, a small loaf of bread that was just barely giving off steam, and an assortment of jams that seemed to match their fresh counterparts.
"My industrious nature, as you called it, has been…fruitful. my father taught me that anyone can do anything themselves. I have chosen to test that.”
“I just may rake you up on that. It seems you have a talent for creating interesting blends,” Lucine said as she took another sip of the steaming beverage.
She raised an eyebrow as the Zabrak quoted his father, more out of interest than scorn or disdain. In a way, she could understand the way a parent’s hand could shape the life and philosophy of a child. “And what does that look like?”
Karran took a long, slow drink, considering the best way to answer, “For example, in the small scale, if the refresher breaks, I learn how to fix it myself. On the larger scale, I find the Krayt Dragon that destroyed my childhood home, kill it, skin it, pry the pearl from its gullet, and wear its hide.”
The Sith smiled and nodded his head to the side, “Extreme, I know, but my parents taught me to never give up. There is no such thing as an insurmountable obstacle, my chosen route is just typically ‘through’.”
He took a bite of bread and savored the lavender he had added to the dough before swallowing.
“Now, if you don’t mind me asking, between what I have spoken about and what I must assume are vast and effective information networks, you have to know quite a bit about me and my background, but I know next to nothing about you and yours.”
“It sounds as if your parents played an integral role in shaping your personality,” Lucine said, as she took a slice of the freshly baked bread and spread a thin layer of blackberry preserve over it. She took a delicate bite, allowing herself a few moments of consideration at his words.
The simple fact was that she did not like talking about or even thinking about her past. There was too much despair and humiliation there. Her present was all that truly mattered, as she worked toward building her future.
But this was a rapprochement, which meant some concessions would need to be made. “Alas, I am afraid my story is not a terribly exciting one. What do you wish to know?”
“Family, perhaps? How did your parents shape your development?”
He took another sip of the tea.
“You’re from… Coruscant? At least that is what I can gather. It is an exciting place, at least it was when I visited.”
“Unfortunately, I did not really know my mother. She died when I was very young. There was an… incident, that resulted in her death and that of my younger brother. It also robbed my father of his health, and resulted in my family’s bankruptcy.” She realized that she was staring down into her teacup. Smoothing her expression, she lifted her gaze to meet his. Her tone became neutral, as if she were merely discussing the weather. “Despite his poor health, my father did his best to provide my sister and me with the tools to succeed in Coruscanti high society.”
Food or dresses in the latest fashion? Life saving medication, or etiquette lessons? Repairing the leaky roof, or bribes for invitations to the biggest party of the season? Basic needs in the present sacrificed for a potential future. In a way, it was embarrassing how long it had taken her to realize that her father was dying a slow death to ensure his daughters’ survival.
“My father taught me a great deal about the importance of hard work and sacrifice. But in the end, his dedication resulted in his death, and my sister used the tools he gave her to secure a marriage for herself. I, meanwhile, set out to see what I could make of myself elsewhere.”
She gave a quiet laugh. “Yes, Coruscant is an exciting place. Violence in the lower levels, intrigue and betrayal in the upper levels, with this in the middle being crushed between the two. I confess, I do not particularly miss it.”
Karran listened to the story, trying to discern whether or not it was wholly the truth. He so badly wanted to believe her, but Lucine was renowned for her inscrutability. And no matter how convincing she was, he heard the words of friends who had shared their own unsavory opinions of her, riddled with names and expletives he dare not repeat. But she was so believable, so seemingly earnest.
Karran my boy, a used bantha salesman will make up all sorts of poodoo, but within his lies are grains of truth, look for those.
The words of his father drifted across his mind. Grains of truth.
Karran did not have the talent for concealing his thoughts as Lucine did. His face easily betrayed the wheels turning in his head. But he remained silent for a moment longer and placed his hand palm down on the table. Not extending so as to imply presumption, but gentle. His good eye softened .
“It would seem, despite any and all outward appearances, you and I have far more in common than I thought. I appreciate you sharing your past, and I am sorry to hear of your struggles.”
There was nothing in Lucine’s bearing or demeanor that would indicate that she was lying. There was no point. He family’s degradation was a matter of public record, and the gossip rags had gleefully relayed every detail of it. There had been no better story that the downfall of the villainous family, whose negligence and malfeasance had resulted in the deaths of so many. She had omitted details for the sake of brevity, but every word of her tale was the truth.
But she had observed him carefully as she reappointed her story, and was not surprised that she could almost see the wheels of his mind turning. She had no illusions about her reputation, and though she would not apologize for it, she understood his skepticism.
His extended hand was met with a faint smile. “I appreciate your sympathy, Karran. But I am not overly troubled by my past struggles. After all, they are what define us, almost as much as the guidance of our parents. It is my hope that in finding some commonality, we can find a way to achieve some sort of agreement.”
“Of course. I have been thinking, a dangerous prospect, I know, that I have found myself short on like-minded allies. I now believe that you and I both know the true relationship of suffering to the Force. It is a stepping stone to greater things. It has clearly taken you places. Places I would like to go. I believe that together our vision could extend beyond the Clan. With our talents combined, we could make a formidable team. The entourage you currently keep is useful, but the one thing that makes them safe to keep around also limits their potential as an ally.”
Karran breathed. He did not think himself one for lengthy speeches or pleas, but Lucine was powerful. He was as well, though he knew he had further to go. But together, was there a limit to how far they could go?
Ever since the fall of the dragon on Tatooine, Karran had enjoyed his peace, but he was beginning to feel himself grow restless again.
This was better than Lucine could have imagined. She had come here hoping simply to end the petty rivalry that had grown between them, so that she could better focus on her own ends. But an outright alliance would be far more beneficial.
She tilted her head slightly as she studied him. There was a calculating look in her eyes as she considered the ways their individual strengths could be consolidated.
“It seems that you and I are of similar mind. I concur that we would make a formidable team if we were to work together. What goals are you currently working toward?”
Karran’s eye went from soft and diplomatic to hungry and focused. His eye focused in on his tea, but his chin did not drop. He focused again on his guest.
“Truthfully? At the moment, power. Raw power. In all its forms. Allies, knowledge, resources. Once all of that is in place, a push for position with Arcona.”
He took a deep breath once again and sipped the tea. “After that, who knows? Opportunities may open that we did not anticipate.”
Lucine’s eyes sparkled with amusement at the raw hunger in the Zabrak’s gaze. This was familiar territory. Ambition was something she admired in a person. She noted his use of ‘we’ in his statement. Yes, he was definitely someone she could work with.
“Power is a lovely currency, but it comes I’m many forms. I have found that it is best to focus on one particular form of power. Otherwise your efforts may be scattered and unfocused as you pursue multiple goals.” She leaned forward slightly. “What sort of power do yoi seek first, Karran? Political power? Physical power? Mastery within the Force?”
The Zabrak considered for only a second.
“The only thing I’m truly lacking in is political power. Especially given my…behavior after the incident. I lost standing with some. My reclusiveness since my recovery has not helped either. There are many new faces that do not know me.”
Karran leaned back, realizing that he had matched Lucine’s position.
“And you? What are your aspirations?”
Her smile took on a sympathetic quality. “I am sorry to hear of your difficulties with your friends. It is a delicate balancing act, being true to yourself while seeing to the needs of others.” She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “No matter how you behave, the moment you toe the line of someone’s precious morals, they turn on you. They have no issue coming to me when they want something, especially if it means they will not have to get their own hands dirty, but it does not stop them from whispering behind my back. Personally, I find that I am less interested in the opinions of others these days. Of course, friendship matters greatly to some. You may decide that yourrelationships are more important than your goals. I suppose there is no wrong answer, so longbas you are honest about your motivations.”
At his question, she took a deep breath and leaned back as she considered her answer. “Like you, I have many. My primary goal at this juncture is power within the Force. The alleged gods seem to have discovered the secret of immortality, and I want it. That and so much more.” She opened her eyes and gave him a sly smile. “My research has carried me down exciting avenues, and I am looking forward to seeing what more I can discover.”
This gave Karran pause. There were many stories, folk tales, and cautionary lessons that advised against seeking immortality. This was not a folksy fear of witchcraft, but a healthy respect of the mistakes of the past.
But he swallowed all of that. He would not stand against his new ally in her goals.
“Have you looked into Dathomir? They had many rites, rituals, and elixirs. Alaisy and I once worked together to recreate one. I’m sure you know I was not always what I am. She mimicked a ritual that enhanced my own vitality and strength, perhaps they had access to something akin to immortality as well?”
“Perhaps. It is something that bears looking into,” Lucine said as she inclined her head. She had noted his reaction, and tilted her head to the side. “I understand your reservations. Truthfully, I am not even certain that my research will pan out. But you cannot deny that if offers some intriguing options.”
“As of this moment I have no desire to live forever in the physical sense. I would rather achieve something that keeps my memory alive forever. However, I do understand the appeal.”
Karran took a moment to refill his own tea and offer the same to Lucine.
“I do have a project that may be of interest to you. A small temple that I am building here. Various materials from various places. Obsidian from Malachor. Sandstone from Korriban. Wood harvested from the shadowlands of Kashyyk. Terra cotta from Dathomir. I have also begun to collect a few relics of various Dark Side origins. If you are interested, it may make a suitable place of study for our eandevors.”
“An admirable goal,” she murmured as she took a sip from her freshly refilled tea cup, leaning back to savor the complex bouquet.
She raised her eyebrows as he spoke of the temple he had been working on, an intrigued expression on her face. “Well, that does sound interesting. I too have a small temple, but it sounds as if yours is more like a work of art.” Her smile turned mischievous. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”
The corner of Karran’s mouth twitched in amusement. Then he narrowed his eyes. This was why he preferred fighting. You always knew exactly where you stood with your opponent. Was this a joke? Or was it something else?
“It is a work in progress at the moment. But be assured, you’ll be the first one I call once it is erected.”
The corner of his mouth that had twitched now fully curled up into a smile.
She chuckled quietly, low and melodious. “Well, I have nothing but respect for a man who takes his time,” she purred.
She leaned back against the cushions, and took a long sip of her tea. For her part, she had achieved her goals for the meeting. There was nothing left but to enjoy the company and the tea. “So. We have plotted nefarious plans and you have promised to show me your… impressive edifice in the near future. But I am curious. What do you plan to do once your temple is completed? What areas of the Force are you planning to explore?”
Karran took his time to answer. It bought him a little time to think about how much he wanted to reveal. Not that he thought he could conceal much from a practiced socialite whose bread and butter was reading people. Speaking of which he helped himself to another slice of bread.
“Truthfully, I was building it simply because I wanted a dedicated place to meditate and submerge myself in the Dark Side. The amount of detail I have put into it is because if I want to do something, I will do it in the most earnest way. But as I consider the possibilities, I cannot help but ponder the Cosmic Force. That which all things must rejoin in death. The knowledge of millenia of masters. If one could reach in and focus on a single person, what could we learn? If it is even possible, that is.”
Total honesty. Anything else would be pointless
She nodded thoughtfully as she selected one of the tea cakes. This one was vanilla, with a thin layer of vanilla icing and decorated with a pattern of delicate red flowers. She tasted it, taking a moment to savor its sweetness. As always, Tabriss has done excellent work. Perhaps it was time to discuss giving him a raise.
She ate carefully, not letting a single crumb fall. Some might have ascribed it to simple fastidiousness, but anyone who had experienced starvation would recognize the behavior.
“I can see why the topic fascinates you,” she said at last. “It is a shame that those who delve into the secrets of the Force tend to hoard their secrets. The idea of such valuable knowledge being lost to the ages is such a waste. Is there anyone in particular that you would focus on to start?”
He studied the redhead. She was poised. Precise. Karran noted the lack of wasted crumbs. It reminded him of his time as an urchin, hitching rides, stowing away. Desperate for a few credits to buy his next meal, which always ended too soon.
He also availed himself to one of the cakes. Chocolate. He was rarely one for overly sweet foods, but the balance of flavors made all the difference. A light glaze of caramel and a sprinkling of sea salt. In the back of his mind, he made a note to inquire for the recipe.
“You have, of course, studied the histories of the Sith. I believe that the Rule of Two was our greatest failing. It removed competition from our order. I seek the wisdom of the ancient Sith masters. Ragnos. Hord. Sadow. They held secrets, both Mystical and Martial, that would make a modern master look like a child playing with their imagination.”
“While a certain degree of secrecy is necessary, I agree that the Rule of Two was excessive. Competition inspires growth, after all.”
Her lips curved upward which she hid behind a long sip of tea. “I am quite familiar with those names. One could learn much from them. Of late, I have taken to financing certain archeologists to see if perhaps they can uncover some of their secrets. The results so far have been quite exciting.”
Karran tried his best to hide the excitement that glimmered in his good eye, but it was no use. He took a breath to compose himself.
“Fascinating. Every word you speak makes me happier that we decided to do this. Frankly, I cannot even recall what our as you called it, petty rivalry was about.”
The redhead nodded slightly in approval at the Zabrak’s enthusiasm. “While I prefer to leave the experts to their work, there have been a few expeditions that have required a more personal touch. If you are interested, I think I would enjoy your company on such a foray.”
“It is natural for those with strong personalities to clash,” Lucine replied with a shrug. “And, as far as I am concerned, it is water under the bridge. I see no point in dwelling in the past, when the future has so much potential.” She selected another tea cake, chocolate with a thick layer of fudge icing. As she inspected the single violet bloom that had been rendered in icing on top of the cake, she added, “Though I am curious as to what your friends might think, if they were to learn of our alliance. I suspect I am not very popular with some of them.”
“I don’t foresee many issues on that front. The only friend that might have a… violent reaction would likely be Satsi, and I have not seen much of her lately. Anyone else would simply advise me to be cautious. Which is a fair piece of advice when working with any Sith.”
He smiled earnestly. Never fully trust another Sith. It was the rule. He anticipated the day that his value to Lucine would expire. But in the meantime, they could do groundbreaking work together. And who knows, when the time for backstabbing comes, perhaps he could come out one step ahead.
There was little in way of reaction at the mention of Satsi, beyond a slight twitch of a single slender eyebrow. “Wise advice indeed,” she murmured into her teacup.
Trust no one. It was a rule she tried her best to live by. Even now, she was paying careful attention to the reactions of her body, in case Karran had put something other than tea into the brew.
“Still, it is my hope that we will be able to work together, without such inconveniences arising. Despite my reputation, I am loathe to kill, as you never know when someone might prove invaluable in the future. I do despise unnecessary waste.”
“Wasteful people have never gone without. Food, money, material. Whatever the resource is, it is potentially valuable.”
Karran looked down into his teacup. Memories flooded across his mind faster than he could pick them out.
“Always leave your plate empty, and always fill your neighbor’s cup. My father used to tell me that, as well. He grew up with the tribes of Iridonia. Ever since the Empire rose, even before, during the Clone Wars, the tribes struggled. So much so that wastefulness was adopted as a cardinal sin within a generation.”
Lucine tilted her head to one side, observing the play of emotions on Karran’s face. She wondered if he was aware just how much he was giving away right now.
His words drew a small nod, as she recalled the glittering decadence inherent within the upper levels of Coruscant. So much wealth and power accumulated in one place, it bred cruelty and corruption, and desperation for those who were not part of the glittering elite.
She felt a familiar spark of anger, but she was accustomed to it. After so many years, it was more like an old friend. And so her mask remained firmly in place, an expression of sympathy and interest.
“It seems your father had many wise sayings,” she said at last. “It is strange, is it not? To grow up with so little, and yet to suddenly find yourself surrounded by so much. It might cause one to lose themselves.”
He nodded slowly. He had never had this degree of security in his life.
“It is another reason I take so many steps to do as much as possible with my own hands. Of course I have the resources to live in luxury, but my hands would grow soft and my body would grow complacent.”
He let out a deep chuckle, “Of course I do allow myself a few luxuries. I have grown very fond of holodramas.”
“That is understandable. For my part, I prefer to let experts handle things that I have to expertise in, but I make sure to pursue activities to keep my mind and body active.” A lascivious smile gave a hint as to the sort of physical activities she enjoyed.
His final statement drew a gasp from her. “Really? That is excellent! I also love watching my stories. Well, all except Geonosian Hospital. Rhylance absolutely hates that one, as it is not medically accurate. I have to catch that one when I can.”
There it was again. He took a breath. Best not to act unwise. Especially not after seemingly cementing a valuable, mutually beneficial alliance. If the redhead wanted to play games, she would make all of the moves.
“As Coruscant Turns was a favorite of mine for awhile, but frankly it got too…silly for my taste. I still watch to keep up, though.”
He found it pleasant to see their conversation shift into the direction of hobbies.
She raised an eyebrow as her attempts at flirtation once again met a brick wall, but did not comment on it. It would seem that Karran was not the type to give in to seduction so easily. Good. It made things interesting.
She waved a hand almost dismissively. “Honestly, I think the silliness is the point. The acting is so overdramatic all the time, and the storylines so over the top, that it cannot be accidental. It is almost like satire. I fear I am losing interest in it.” She shook her head slightly. “Now, The Bold and the Beautiful Jedi? That is likely my favorite. When Allyson awoke from her coma and was reunited with Javier? Ah, it was so deliciously heartwarming.”
“And Javier’s identical twin was working with the Hutts to try and intercept him on his way to the hospital to take his place? Kessel was canceled way too soon. I needed to know what happened to the E'wing family and their spice mines.”
Karran smiled wider than he had in a while. It stretched some long-ignored muscles in his cheeks, and even pulled at the tightened burn scars on the left side of his face. Uncomfortable, but not painful.
“Yes, exactly! Although I am still uncertain what the twins motives were for that particular plot. Allyson is wealthy, yes, having inherited all that wealth when her parents died in the freak speeder accident, but it seems like a lot of effort for very little reward.” She gave a tragic sigh, and shook her head. “It was a shame about Kessel, yes. Pure mismanagement on the part of the showrunners. They knew the studio was cutting funding, and could have at least given us some closure instead of ending on a cliffhanger.”
She laughed softly at the sight of Karran’s rare smile. “It is amazing how holo-novelas can bring people together. Truly a marvelous art form.”
“Indeed. In fact, I believe the new season of All My Chandrilans comes out next week, if ice cream and holos is interesting to you.”
It was Karran’s turn for a devious glint to sparkle in his eye.
“Perhaps some light sparring afterwards? I always need to burn the calories I stress-eat during my stories.”
“Well now, that does sound delightful!” Lucine replied with a laugh. “I would not mind a bit of sparring. Although, admittedly, being able to directly influence my metabolism comes in handy when new episodes come out.” She picked up another tea cake, as if to emphasize her point
The Zabrak shrugged.
“I won’t say it does not help. But the physical activity is still good. My metabolism has always naturally favored me though.”
He smiled as he prepared another slice of bread.
“Perhaps,” Lucine said. She took another sip of her tea, and gave a contented sigh as she leaned back against the cushions. “At any rate. Yes, a watch party for All My Chandrilans sounds delightful, with or without the sparring. Personally, I prefer… other methods of cardio, but I will never turn down the chance to spar.”
“I am always happy to take recommendations for exercise. What are your preferred methods?”
Karran refilled his tea and signaled to the droid to come reset the pot
Lucine waited until Karran was mid sip, before replying. “Oh, you know. Yoga, parkour, vigorous sexual activity, that sort of thing.”
Sometimes, it was just so much fun to poke at people.
Karran was very happy that he was not currently facing Lucine as he began to sip his tea. Because as soon as Lucine said the words ‘vigorous sexual activity’ the warm liquid sprayed from between his lips as he coughed.
“Ahem Apologies. The tea was very hot.” He lied, poorly, as he patted his lips with a convenient linen napkin.
Well, if nothing else he’d finally gotten a direct statement from the woman. His suspicions about her subtle quips and double entendres had been seemingly confirmed.
Lucine’s expression was the very picture of innocence as Karran composed himself. “Oh yes, I understand. While tea is best consumed while hot, and can be very surprising,” she replied as she daintily selected one last tea cake, leaving the final few for Karran.
“But getting back to the subject at hand, sparring sounds lovely. Do you usually spar with or without the benefit of the Force?”
He took another moment to regain himself before answering. He’d expected mindgames, but this was…something else. Fun? But frustrating? She was also…something else.
“It depends on my opponent. If I am training with my droid, I avoid it. With people, I am more likely to do so. If they also wield the Force it is likely, but when Ruka and I trained consistently, we always chose one day a week to go without as much as we could. Many things are instinctive. Others who are not gifted with the Force have requested that I use it, to challenge themselves. If we were to spar, what would you prefer?”
Karran took extra care to blow on the tea, as if cooling it before taking another sip.
“Have you studied any Echani teachings? Their philosophy on combat and communication is fascinating.”
“If we were to spar, I would prefer to do so without additional aid of the Force. It helps prevent over-reliance on one’s power, and makes things more interesting. Besides,” she added with a wink, “a good magician does not reveal all of their secrets.”
She waited as Karran blew on his tea, casually taking a sip of her own. It was hot, but if the temperature bothered her, she gave no indication. “I am afraid I have not. Please, enlighten me.”
“The Echani believe that the only true way to know someone is to fight them. Without restraint. In a desperate fight, it is the time when a person’s truest, innermost nature is revealed. Everyone has a point at which their mask shatters.”
Unfortunately for Lucine, she had fallen for his trap and this was a topic of particular interest to him.
“Which is remarkably similar to the writings of Shan-Yu. Who said, ‘Live with a man for a year. Share all of your meals and speak on every subject at length. On the final day, hold the man over a volcano. It is on that final day that you will finally meet him.’”
The redhead listened, her expression one of interest as he spoke on a matter that he was clearly interested in. “Interesting. Remind me never to go near a volcano with you,” she replied, only partially in jest.
“I suppose it should be no surprise that you are so well versed on the subject of combat.”
“And I was just about to invite you to go jewel hunting on Mustafar.”
Karran smiled, he took that as a compliment. He had dedicated likely hundreds, if not thousands, of hours to the topic.
“I consider it an art form when appropriate. And any student of any art medium knows that there is no such thing as perfecting your craft, only the pursuit of it.”
“Well, you certainly know how to tempt me,” Lucine murmured with a small smile.
“Well then, I sincerely do hope that we do have the opportunity to spar in the future. It sounds as if I could learn a lot from you.”
Karran chuckled. Now he knew she was trying to stroke his ego.
“I know by the way you walk that you are no slouch. With or without your saber. In fact I don’t doubt you are capable of putting me on my back if we sparred hand to hand.”
With a glance at his chrono, Karran’s eyes widened.
“I’m very sorry, if you have other plans I don’t wish to keep you. But, if you are interested, I was about start cooking dinner, would you care to join me? For dinner, not the cooking.”
“Well, I do try to be full of surprises. There truly is only one way to find out,” Lucine replied as she finished her tea.
When Karran glanced at his chrono, she did the same, looking down at the delicate gold watch that encircled her wrist. She smiled at the invitation, and shook her head. “That sounds absolutely delightful, but I am afraid I already have a dinner appointment. Perhaps a raincheck?”
He nodded and smiled.
“That sounds like an excellent plan. I look forward to it. And the things this partnership will bring.”