Ask [Rattatak] A Desert's Tale

[Celeste Stythani]

City of Barterus, Celeste's estate, one week later

The news had finally settled in, or at least most of it. So far, only Everett knew apart from Lukas and she couldn't wait to finally see the latter again. In fact, she was overly excited since the sun had risen this morning and she had used the early hours to make some final preparations for his arrival. She couldn't wait to show him around on the planet they had conquered a whole while ago, from the Cauldron, where it all started, to all the special places she had discovered in the midst of the wide desert. She was, however, even more excited to show him all the things she had build up so far because the progress was hard to deny anymore, and even though the planet was still rather hostile with the dry terrain and the hot Rattataki sun was a lot to take in, she wanted to let him experience what her current home looked like.

It was a good thing that there were no external signs of her special cirumstances visible yet. Thus, she didn't have to tell anyone about it. All she had to do was staying away from drinks, but they rarely ever had alcohol here anyway and there were no pressing issues on her agenda. She had spent the days tending to her usual business, before she had negotiated some new trade agreements that would sooner or later benefit them. Her people knew that she would expect a guest soon, but she had shared them the details to avoid unnecessary commotion. "You want me to kiss his ass?", Everett had sarcastically asked her but she hadn't given him more than an eye roll as a reply as they had discussed this before and she knew that apart from his regular resentment he had shown himself willing to at least trying to get to know him better so that it would be easier for him to trust the Jedi. "Sure. Actually I've been thinking about giving you two some time tonight...perhaps a men's night out" she had, however, teased him back as it came to her mind and the look on his face was indeed priceless. It was a joke, but Celeste would not lose faith in the case. Perhaps, they'd even become friends sooner or later. Or perhaps it was it was wishful thinking but a truce was okay now anyway. A genuinely happy smile was on her lips as she approached the landing pad where she expected Lukas to land soon while Everett's last growl amused her strongly.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would be in his ship descending down through the atmosphere. His faithful companion Loki sitting in the co pilot seat as the Jedi's blue eyes would be scanning down below at the hot desert surroundings as he spotted the landing pad. Bringing the ship down closer he would start engaging the ship for landing as he did a quick glance to Loki. The dog was excited to get off Endor and just be with Lukas as the Jedi laughed a little. "Big sook." he would smirk a little as getting closer he seen Celeste out waiting for him with Everett and some others there as well. The legs would extend out to land as the ship began to lower vertically in the spot and finally touch the landing pad. A loud hiss would be heard as the ship sat there. Lukas would unbuckle and make his way to the back as he grabbed a bag and with Loki by his side.

Lukas went to the ramp as it began to descend he would make his way out. Wearing his usual robings even though it was still pretty hot but keeping his clothing underneath his robes to nothing to not over heat. His lightsaber would be tucked on his side as he would smile seeing Celeste as he went down the ramp. The heat hitting him as he moved closer to her. Loki would shoot past him and begin to run towards her and begin licking her hand and nuzzling it for attention as Lukas would laugh a little. Closing the distance between the pair as he held her in am embrace and pressed his lips against hers as he hugged her. "Hello you." he smiled softly as he turned to Everett and extended his hand out to shake it. If accepted Lukas would nod softly to him. "Everett. Pleasure." as he would look down to Loki.

Lukas would wait for a moment to take it all in as through all his Jedi travels he had never been to Rattatak. "It is amazing here!" He would keep looking around but found the brightness of the desert and sun hard on his light blue eyes. He would then turn to Celeste with a light laugh. "Sure is hot too." he would tug softly on his robes as small beads of sweat already began to form on his back as Loki seemed toe be loving the heat without issue. Typical charhound.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste didn't have to wait long until Lukas ship finally came into sight and began its descend. She could feel her inner excitement growing while she watched him maneuver the ship down and once he had almost reached the landing pad, she could also spy Loki's ear. She knew that he would thrive in this climate here and she couldn't wait to see him pouncing around in the heat as he would probably enjoy it so much. She was, however, anticipating that Lukas would find it way too hot and when he descended with his robes on, she couldn't help but to chuckle a little.

A huge, happy smile was on her lips as he approached her but Loki was there first, excitedly licking her hands and jumping up and down so she couldn't help but to quickly greet the charhound first before she could welcome Lukas with a long, intense kiss. "Nice to have you back" she replied genuinely grateful, not leaving his embrace for another moment before she let him greet Everett. The broad shouldered man let out a sigh but took his hand nonetheless, even forcing himself to a small smile before he reciprociated the nod. "The pleasure is all mine...", Everett finally said and Celeste noticed that he tried his best to suppress the sarcasm in his voice and Celeste really appreciated that he really tried to be friendly.

However, she was happy that Lukas decided to break the silence but she was immediately chuckling as she couldn't take his remark seriously. "Amazing? I'd call it dry and...bleak. Endor was what I call amazing". She immediately took his hand in hers and gestured towards the city behind them. "And trust me, we should avoid being in the sun for too long. I am, however, very happy to welcome you here" she would add as she would start walking towards her estate. "You must be a little tired and hungry, right? I've got something prepared" she then said to him with a sweet wink as she glanced up to him.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would solemnly as Everett managed to say something back. It sounded cracked and forced as if he was under great duress in saying it. Lukas's blue eyes would shift over to Celeste after their kiss as he laughed a little at the comment. "Every planet is amazing in it's own way." he chuckled a little as she was selling the place short. It truly was beautiful, intense heat or not. Lukas would continue to walk by her side as Loki just ran around and began to sniff everything as Lukas raised an eyebrow softly. "I am happy to be here, of course. I missed you and I'm little beat out but nothing crazy." Lukas would laugh a little as he kept his bag in his other hand while his main hand held hers when they walked. Lukas's eyes would stare at the rather big estate as he spoke softly next to her. "Huge.." he was mesmerized for a moment as he never been in a place this big that was some ones home.

Lukas would continue to follow her as he wondered what she had prepared for him. Not knowing the culture or anything of that sort on the planet he did have a curious nature to him as to what may lay in store. Lukas would get to the front of the estate as he turned to Loki. "Be good for me." as the dog barked back in an excited tone. For a moment, before they went in. Lukas would put his hand softly as he smiled a little. "I am very glad to see you. Even if it's only been a week." he laughed as he would follow her when they went in. The beads of sweat continuing to softly run down his back under his robes as his eyes wandered around at everything and just took it all in.

Back at the ship, it would begin to automatically bring the ramp up and start to close it in as it the robotic voice softly began locking everything and turning any internal batteries off as it went into complete darkness and Lukas wasn't able to be reached by anyone. He was purely Celestes and her company for as long as she needed. Especially after the pregnancy reveal from the Doctor in the Bunduki hospital. Which even now a week later, would be a big shock and adjustment to the Jedi as for the last few days he was up all night thinking on it.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste started leading him into the direction of her estate that was located right on the outer ring of the city of Barterus. She remembered well how they had fought to bring it under their control, but a lot had happened since then. Celeste had worked on establishing an educational system that was not solely relying on what the tribe eldest taught the youngest, but that was supposed to prepare the young ones for a rather progress oriented life in the galaxy. The Rattataki culture was still strong and Celeste was not trying to drive back their influence, but she was hoping to bring in some modern, beneficial ideas and her first step had been a true revolution: She had already abolished slavery and dissolved some tribal structures as she was trying to establish a democratic system here.

The changes were especially visible here in Barterus, but Rattatak was still a rather wild, hostile territory and even if the tribes were not as aggressive anymore, the Rattataki sun could be lethal as well, so it was good that they had soon reached the shadows of her estate. "You wouldn't believe how happy I am to have you back. I know it wasn't a long time this time, but still too long in my eyes" she had softly replied while she had squeezed his hand before she had glanced down at Loki for a moment. "You seem to enjoy this heat, just like I've assumed" she remarked with a smirk while she squatted down to him, scratching him right under the chin for a moment before they entered her house. "Once he's done exploring, my aides will just let him in", Celeste told Lukas before she led him towards her private quarters for now.

"I've prepared breakfast". She gestured towards the big table in her living room with a big smile on her lips before she pointed at the coffee she had prepared just for him. "It was hard to import something in this short period of time but I've managed to order something exquisite", she then added with an amused smirk before she pulled him closer for a moment, softly letting her lips brush against his before she started kissing him as they were all alone for now. Everett and the others had started tending to their own tasks and Celeste had also nothing pressing on her agenda and so the two of them would have more than enough time for themselves.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would follow her inside as he continued to scan around the place. It looked so luxurious and he stuck out like a sore thumb as he smiled a little at Celestes comment with Loki. "I appreciate that a lot, thank you." as he was happy that Loki wouldn't be left alone to his own mischiefs. Further into her private quarters he would spot the big table in her living room as he seen the coffee there. A shit eating grin forming on his face as it was a sweet gesture and he appreciated every last bit of it. He wasn't use to this stuff so it meant a lot to him. Letting his arms wrap around her as he held her gently and let his lips push against hers slowly. His eyes blue eyes looking into hers as he pulled back a little and smirked. "Hm." he thought for a moment as he looked around and noticed they were all alone.


With that he would gently lift her up in his arms making sure he never hurt her as he walked her over to a room. Where did the room lead? Bathroom? Bedroom? Closet? He didn't care as he carried her over. On his way there he would slowly let one hand undo her bra beneath her clothes softly before stepping through the doorway and kicking it closed behind them. After some time he would come out with her. His hair a bit roughed up but a smirk on his face as he held her hand and kissed the top of it softly. He couldn't resist her and every chance he could get he would seize the opportunity in their alone time. As rare and sweet as it was. Lukas would keep a hand held in hers and intwined as he picked the coffee cup up with his other hand and had to reheat it since he took a little detour with her.

Lukas would take a small sip as he smirked after it was reheated. He would look out through one of the windows. It was much cooler inside than outside but that wouldn't stop him from having his coffee as he sat down next to her and softly laid back. His hand still attached to hers. His thumb would softly rub against the side of her hand as he sipped his coffee and spoke. "So tell me, Senator." he teased softly. "What plans do you have? A party tonight? A meeting? What is it you have in mind." He laughed as he knew he was now in her hands. The quiet and boring life style he was accustomed to was now changed and shifted in a good way as now he had time to focus on his partner.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

For a short moment she was surmising that he would find this all a little much, but when a grin crossed his lips again, it immediately infected her. "I thank you for your coming" she replied softly with a sweet smile before she let him pull her closer before she soon found her lips back on his. She had intentionally avoided planning too much, as they still had important matters to discuss and they were both busy enough usually anyway, so that it felt great to have spare time for a change. When he cheekily abducted her she didn't complain at all, and admittedly, one of the guest rooms wasn't the worst place to go. Once they made their way into the living room she was still smoothing her hair while a big grin was on her lips. "You'll get a thorough room tour once we're done with breakfast" she said to him with a cheeky wink after he had explored the first one during their little adventure.

As she had also told him a few moments ago, she loved it when he was the one seizing the initiative and she was more than happy now that they had welcomed each other appropriately. She had once again realized how much she had missed him even though it hadn't been a long time but when he wasn't around a lot was missing. She had never been happier than she was when she was with him and she knew she would have him here for a few days. "I hope the coffee is good. It...smelled like the one you had on Endor but as you know, coffee is not my specialty". Since she wasn't even allowed to taste it, she wasn't sure whether the beans fit his taste, but she was hoping that he would be honest about it since she could always order new ones. The warm, genuinely joyful smile never left her face while she couldn't take her eyes of him at all.

She pretended to consider his question for a moment before she reached out for some bread in front of them. "Well Knight Aurelius, as you surely know my schedule is full as always. So...I've got an hour to spare until my aides will tend to you" she teased back before she slightly started to chukle."No...to be honest we've got all the time we want. I wanted to show you around first. Even though the terrain seems vastly hostile, there surely are some very beautiful places and I can't wait to show you. We can take Loki with us. I guess he'll enjoy some exploring as well" she then explained softly before another thought crossed her mind. "How have you been? Did you encounter any problems on your way here? I've been wondering what you have told the Order. Rattatak isn't exactly the place to be...If they ever notice you stopping by here on a regular basis, they made grow a little suspicious.". She wasn't trying to focus on the worrying, but sooner or later they would have to find solutions to all of their little difficulties. Despite the slight serious turn of their conversation she enjoyed having her hand in his and the smile was still on her lips.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would sip his coffee as he enjoyed every moment he had with her. As they sat there and she made her professional remarks, Lukas couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "The coffee is great and aides tend to me hm? I think me and Loki would do just okay without them." He teased softly with his teeth showing as he laughed a little. The next set of questions were a bit more serious as Lukas's eyes would look at hers as he shook his head softly to her. "No issues coming over here, we're quite far away from any major conflict so thankfully all is well on that front." As he heard the rest he smiled softly. "Well no one checks up on me except two others and they know how to reach me if it is urgent. Other than that I report to no one so no one should be checking up on me in the slightest.". He would shrug a little as he took a long sip of his coffee. The hot black water of goodness running softly down his throat as he set the cup down and softly placed his hand on her stomach.

"I know I will have to mention something but for now I will hold off as long as I can. There is a lot more pressing matters with life and death being made so I'm sure telling them I found the love of my life will be a bit on the back burner in the eyes of importance." he laughed a little as he rubbed her stomach for a moment over her clothes and looked back up to her. "I haven't been told anything but I have a strong hunch big things are coming soon." he had no proof of that what so ever and certainly didn't mind explaining it but he had a strong feeling somewhere down the line it was coming. Regardless he would push past the thought and bring his focus back to her. "I will keep you updated if there is any issues with me or us that are being brought to the surface." he would smile softly and kiss her forehead.

Not long after a knock on the door would be heard as it seemed her aides had brought Loki in to the couple. The char hound happily prancing in and relaxing on the floor with a yawn and just watched the pair. Lukas would smirk a little to the dog as he spoke. "Spoiled.". The Char hound would let out a quick yip in response before snuggling back down all cozy on his feet. Lukas would turn to look at Celeste. "Well my love, I am yours. Take me wherever you desire. I am quite excited to see this planet and lands you call home. Loki is a fan of the heat regardless if it's dangerous or not apparently." as he laughed a little and stood up letting his arm come out for her to hold to raise herself. The gentleman move happening as quickly as his body stood straight and waited.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

His slightly challenging answer immediately made her chuckle before she overdramatically rolled her eyes. "I'm happy that you like the coffee, but how foolish of you to assume I'd let you run around freely...just imagine the damage you could cause. Why else would a Jedi strand on Rattatak after all?!" she quipped amusedly before she passionately kissed him another time, savoring every single second with him. After their teasing, when he answered her rather serious set of questions she listened to him curiosly, but a soft smile was still on her lips as the results were rather positive and even relieving. "That's good...all of it. I'm happy you didn't encounter any difficulties and you're right about our position. Conflicts are all far away and usually if someone watched us, I'd know. We have secured the orbit and I'm usually up to date with everything that's going on in the sector" she paused for a moment to take a sip from her juice while she continued listening. "It's good that you can be reached if there are any issues though. I don't want you to neglect your duties" she then added softly before she gestured to the food in front of them, hoping that he would help himself to more than just coffee.

As he went on she couldn't help but to laugh a little as well as his comment was indeed true. As long as he didn't need to bother them with something so personal, especially if there were many pressing matters at hand, he was better off by remaining silent. She enjoyed his hand on her belly for a moment at smiled at him again before she considered his words for a while. "That sounds...intense. But yes. Always keep me updated and my honest with me. I can handle the ugly truth and I'm well aware of the risky circumstances as well". It was good that they never stopped to openly communicate about everything, but for now everything seemed indeed rather fine and the knock on the door interrupted any possible further conversations anyway. As Loki came in excitedly prancing Celeste knew that he was having a blast already and it just made her smile wider. She happily watched him for a moment until Lukas seemed rather eager to get started after they had finished breakfast and so took his arm with a grateful smile before she however stopped him again to softly press her lips on his. "Oh look at you! Someone seems very excited to explore the desert! I'll grant your wish with pleasure my love. Let us grab some water and head to the speeders and then we can head out". She reached for his hand and quickly call for Loki to follow them before she would head to the storage with him to gather the necessary supplies for their little adventure. She was extremely looking forward to show him around since she hadn't been outside for a while and she was even more delighted to be able to share it with him.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would watch Loki get all the attention when he came in the room. A smirk forming on his lips as he watched the char hound follow them when they stood up and began to move. His lips would meet hers when they stopped for a moment as his hand would hold hers tightly. Making his way alongside her to the storage room as he went through the door he would see all kinds of supplies. Perking a eyebrow the Jedi would look over at her with his light blue eyes as he laughed a little. "My my you got quite the supplies. Reminds me I need to do some supply shopping for the homestead." he would smirk a little as Loki flew past them and began to sniff around and climb over everything in pure curiosity. Lukas laughed a little as he tried to stop Loki but the char hound was to quick as he began to run around the room and enjoy himself.

Lukas would shake his head as he looked over to Celeste for a moment. "Sorry about him, my love." he chuckled a little as he looked at Loki before walking over and getting some supplies. Loading up water as he paused for the moment to look at Loki and wonder what meat substance she would have for him as he continued to sift through the supplies and take only what was needed. After Lukas got supplies and helped her with them he would follow her to the speeders as he stopped for a moment when they approached him. His sudden stop as he looked at her for a moment and let her continue to walk on ahead of him as he just admired her for a moment before picking himself back up to catch up with her.

A smirk forming on his lips as he set the supplies on the saddlebags on the speeder as Loki jumped up on the seat and sit there happily. Tongue hanging out as Lukas would glance over to Celeste with her speeder and supplies as he spoke softly. "I love you." he smirked a little as he straddled the speeder bike. "But just because you have an advantage..doesn't mean I'm going easy on you." He would tease playfully before lightly tapping the speeder bike. Wushi would be having a hoot if he was here as the little Ewok back on Endor seemed to enjoy riding with Celeste...A beautiful woman cradling him..Only wonder why Wushi enjoyed it so much. Lukas smirked as he waited patiently.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Once inside the storage room Celeste did not only grab water to stay hydrated all time, but she also took enough snacks and a small bag of refrigerated meat for Loki to snack on during their trip. They could also to some hunting, that was why she planned on grabbing the necessary equipment as well, but in case they wouldn't encounter any prey, she wanted to be prepared nonetheless."Oh sure. Don't forget to stack up. Running out of supplies can be tough". Not to mention that it could be even fatal in his case, as he was so far off, which almost worried her a little. However she couldn't worry for long as Loki made her chuckle immediately anyway. "Don't be sorry. It's cute!".

After they were done in the storage she led him to another room, this time one of her private rooms again to grab not only her lightsaber, but also two blaster rifles in case they would either hunt or need them for defensive matters. She had learned that one could never be too prepared for anything and so she wanted to play it safe anyway. Once they were fully packed, she also slung a backpack over her shoulder that contained a survival kit with all sorts of necessities before they finally headed outside.

She led them into the direction of their little hangar where they would find the speeder bikes and she wasn't surpised when Lukas immediately started loading their supplies onto the vehicle. "We don't have to take the bikes. The sand can be nasty. I'd rather say we use an enclosed landscaper. Trust me, it can be much for comfortable, especially because of the air-conditioning..." she then mentioned softly before she amusedly shook her head. "If we take the landspeeder we also don't have to race again...not that I wouldn't love to beat you again, but the doctor said I should avoid such things..." she then added with a hint of sadness in her voice before she stepped closer to him. "And I love you more" she softly teased back before she kissed him again before she waited for his reply concerning their transport options.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would stop for a moment as she mentioned the speeder bike being no good. He would put on a fake sad look as he loved his speeder bikes. "Fineee." he would tease softly before laughing and taking his stuff over to her. "Enclosed ? Fancy." he would smirk a little as he helped load their things inside the landspeeder. As they were storing their things he would look at her with a soft smile. "Oh I know. Better to keep you safe and I'll do the dangerous things." he said softly with a smirk as once they had their stuff loaded in. Lukas would turn to kiss her softly as he looked around for Loki. Whistling softly as he waited for the thunderous sounds of paws racing towards them as the char hound made its appearance once more and jumped past the pair and into the enclosed landspeeder. Making himself comfy as Lukas perked an eyebrow and leaned against the side. "We need to work on manners with you my friend." as Lukas laughed a little.

Lukas would wait for Celeste to get inside as he joined her. Closing the door behind them and it locking in as Lukas would lean back in the seat as he looked through the windshield and turned his head over to her. "OH by the way, I am learning how to play the Hallikset, seven string." he smirked a little with a quip. "I actually brought it here in my case. Maybe sometime I will play for you? Go easy on the critiquing." He teased softly as once they begin to go on their way he would tap the side of Loki softly who curled up between two of them. The heat of his body not being so bad as the landspeeder had some air conditioning unit in it to cool them down as it was pleasent. Lukas would watch as once they left the bright raging sun would hit the windshield as it automatically dimmed to protect from the UV rays.

Lukas would look out as he found the brightness a bit hard on his light blue eyes but thankfully the dimming of the windows helped. He would begin to look around at everything. Every shape, every person they seen when they were leaving the estate. Loki would sit happily as the char hound licked them both every so often as Lukas let his arm reach over to Celeste and play with her hair softly as he looked at them both. His family and he could've never been any happier.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She couldn't help but to chuckle amusedly as he slighly pouted over the suggestion she had just made. "Yeah, yeah. I know you love your speeder bikes but I should rather stay away from them even though they are fun" she admitted with a smirk before he made her laugh yet another time. "Is that what you call fancy? I mean...yes, understandable. It's fancier than those bikes but this model is also not the safest and newest on the market any more". She briefly gestured to the landspeeder whose lacquer was already peeling off a little. Perhaps it was about time she ordered a newer one to improve safety, but for now it would definitely do. "And no no no, Mister. Just because I need to be extra careful, doesn't mean that you can risk your life". Even though her tone was still rather light and teasing, there was a serious truth in it. She didn't want him to put himself into danger on missions but she knew that he would always be careful anyway. Speeded bikes might have not been the safest vehicle, but they were alright and the only thing that made sense for Endor anyway.

She entered the landspeeder and adjusted the driver's seat once he and Loki were inside as well, rather concentrated while she readied the speeder until Lukas completely put her off her stride and made her chuckle again. "What? I mean...since when? That's cool! I'd love to hear you play a little and of course. I promise I will go easy on you. Perhaps you can even teach me a little" she then replied softly, throwing him another warm smile before she turned on the air-conditioning and started the engine. Their first stol would be far and so she didn't had to speed. She attentively kept her eyes focused on the road, but she couldn't stop herself from glancing over to him regularly. She was so indescribably happy about him being here with her and about generally having found the love of her life just like that. She hadn't been particularly looking for her special someone, and yet they had so beautifully crossed each other's paths and she truly couldn't have been any happier. "Disclaimer. We're starting off rather slow. I'll first show you around and let you experience the typical landscape before I'll take you towards several highlights" she explained happily, hoping to create at least a little tension with that approach. She was indeed hoping that he would have a great time here, but she was aware that this wasn't Endor.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would sit back and enjoy the ride as he laughed a bit at her remarks. He knew she meant it when she told him to be careful as no matter what she looked super cute worrying over him. Sometimes Lukas would wonder if she forgot the resilience he had but none the less he admired her every much more. As they continued driving, Lukas would listen to her quietly as he smirked a bit. "Yes, and I also need to teach you how to speak Ewok." he said as it reminded him of that as well. Lukas would continue in looking around as he took everything in and tried remembering the route they were taking as safety was always in the back of his mind in case anything happened to them. Though he knew nothing would you could never be too careful and public spaces made Lukas paranoid at times. Lukas would try to relax a bit better as he continued to play with her hair. "Sounds good.".

Lukas would tap his side softly as his hand went through her soft hair still. "Of course, I can't wait to see this place you call home. So far it's been great." He smiled as he looked around inside the speeder. He was quite curious on what he was going to ne shown. He never known Rattatak or been to it. Only hearing of it through passing by to Endor. Knowing it was the same system but never really taking a big chance to visit it. Mostly because when he knew of it, slavery was still fairly big and common and Lukas wasn't a big fan of it. Believing in freedom for all. As Lukas looked out the window, Loki would climb ontop of his lap and stare out the window as Lukas laughed a little. "Get down you." he would put him back between them as his hand went back to softly playing with her hair and scratching her neck lightly as she drove.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

The road ahead was dust-dry and bumpy as always, but the unevenness of the ground was rather subtle as always and so Celeste had no difficulties in maneuvering the landspeeder through the landscape while her gaze rested on Lukas most of the time. "Right, Ewokese. That's not forgotten. Feel free to begin teaching me while we are on our way now. It would be fun to surpise Wushi the next time I'm on Endor" she chuckled softly while she leaned into his hand, enjoying his soft touches while she kept checking on the road. "What you can see right now is representing the typical Rattataki landscape well. However soon we'll reach a vast Canyon. That will give you an idea of how the mountainous territories look like" she explained while she shifted her gaze back on him, throwing him a soft smile.

She was navigating them towards the Cauldron first, the very place where her journey on Rattatak had started quite some time ago. It was almost unbelievable how fast time had passed...since she had set foot on the planet her journey had been one hell of a ride. After the initial fighting pit they had not only taken over the Cauldron, but sooner or later conquered and freed Barterus before Celeste had surely but steadily abolished slavery and modernized the structures. However what was still on the back of her mind were aslo the dark days which she had spent as a captive here on this desert planet. Her smile briefly vanished before she managed to force those thoughts back again. Those chapters were closed and they had only made her stronger in the end anyway. Loki forcing himself on Lukas lap was a nice distraction and the charhound's behavior immediately made her laugh again. "You've never told me how you have met Loki. Was he still a puppy when you found him?" she asked him curiosly, reaching out to scratch the charhound's chin before ehe placed a hand on Lukas thigh, softly running her fingers over his robes.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would smirk a little as he nodded. "Now is a good time as ever." he would shrug softly as she did have a point. His eyes shifted when she began talking about the typical landscape and soon approaching a big canyon as Lukas would continue to look out of the window before his eyes would catch hers a smirk formed on his lips. His hand still playing with her hair softly as he would look at Loki and laugh a little at his display. "Well." Lukas began softly. "I found the Char hound during a mission in Tattooine. He was in a cage and being sold in the market at Anchorhead." he would shake his head softly. "I noticed him barking and crying in distress and it broke my heart..Was rather easy to free him. The stall owner had a weak mind and through the force I told him to hand me him over.".

Lukas would take his free hand and rub the top of Loki's head as he continued. "It took two months for him to trust me. He was shaking the entire time I took him back to Endor. He never left the cabin for two days before he ventured out and he still never trusted me until the two months were up. Now he is my best friend and he has gotten me through a lot. I am lost without him." he smiled softly giving the char hound a scratch as the dog yawned a little and put his head down for a little nap. Lukas would look back up to Celeste. "I never owned any pets growing up. Living on a mining ship, you weren't allowed to have anything, though some kids had pet rats. But usually you just worked, your time off you tried to catch up on getting food or cleaning and back to work. It wasn't much.".

Lukas would switch over to Ewokese. "and dee fratta sheeu story." he smirked a little as he began to explain in English. "And that is my story." he would translate with a laugh as he began to teach her Ewokese little bit by little bit. It was a strange and interesting dialect but if she stuck around the homestead and lived there she wouldn't have trouble going into Bright Tree Village like Lukas does for food and going to the market for supplies. Everything was a barter and trade system which made things a lot easier to deal with.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She almost excitedly smiled back at him, genuinely looking forward to his teaching. She was naturally a fast learner and specifically versed in languages, so she was sure about getting the hang of it rather quickly, but she was just as excited to learn about how he found Loki and so she listened attentively while she continued driving. "Oh that's horrible...I can imagine how that must have looked...the poor charhound in a cage.." she trailed off as his story was truly heart-breaking, quickly glancing down at Loki who now peacefully and happily laid inbetween them. "I'm glad that you found him" she then added with a soft smile before he continued his story on how their tight bond had slowly started to form. "That's so sweet. I'm truly happy that the two of you have found each other" she then concluded, patting the char hound first before her right hand found her way back to Lukas leg.

When he went on, adding a short anecdote of his past and childhood a shiver ran down her spine. She was truly sorry that he had grown up like this so she shot him a rather sympathetic look. "It's hard for me to imagine how that must have looked like. I've never seen a mining ship from the inside, to be honest, but it sounds truly horrible. Working so hard every single day and not getting to enjoy any conveniences of life..." the replied softly, while his story reminded her of the slaves in Rattatak. For her, it sounded like his life had been kind of close to that and she was genuinely sorry that he had to go through something like that. "But this reminds me of something. Your parents. I want to meet your parents. They are still out there and we are going to find them, together". She was completely serious about this sudden idea, but convinced that it was possible even if the endeavor seemed difficult as the galaxy was a vast place, but Celeste was well-connected and so she was confident to find them.

After they had been driving for a whole other while the Cauldron suddenly came into sight in the distance, the enormous mountain unmistakably spreading in front of them. Lukas had used the time to teach her some basic vocabularies and sentences in Ewokese that were mostly useful for trading, but she herself had done some research at home and so before she wanted to introduce him to the place where it all started, she slowed down the landspeeder and looked back at him with a smile. "Meechoo nuv kush" she said to him before slightly starting to chukle as her accent was still terrible but she was sure she would understand what she had said to him. She finally stopped the vehicle and turned off the engine, leaning over Loki before she kissed him again. "And here we are. The Cauldron. The first actual place I've seen on Rattatak since I was thrown into a fighting pit...".

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would nod softly but continue to rub her hair softly as his bright blue eyes would focus on the big canyon coming into view as his eyes scanned it heavily. "Wow." he said almost breathless as it was huge and vast. Endor was mostly hidden in forest and scattered lakes/fields so something of this magnitude was different. His eyes would continue scanning before his focus came back to her for a moment. The mentioning of finding his family and meeting them shocked him a little. "I don't know if they're even alive i'm afraid." he would sigh a little as his hand continued to play with her hair a little. His eyes looking at her as he appreciated her enthusiasm and seriousness to find them. "But we can certainly try, I'm sure it won't be that hard to find a mining ship?". He thought for a moment as he laughed a little.

As they moved through the canyon he would see the Cauldron come into view as the enormous mountain would be looking down on them. His hand would shift down from her hair and onto her arm as he shook his head softly. "Don't be sorry about my life. it was the hand I was dealt and I did the best I could with what I had." He smiled softly to her as he heard her Ewokese back to him. It sounded so tourist like he couldn't help but laugh. "I love you too." he smirked as she was learning quick and he enjoyed it. His eyes would flick back to the Cauldron when she mentioned the fighting pit as the tone seemed to go back into a dark and rather serious mood. His hand would continue to rest on her arm. "And yet here you are. Stronger than ever.". His eyes would look at her.

His hand would stay on hers as they got closer. Once they came to a stop, Lukas would slowly get out and feel the heat hit him as the char hound jumped out and stretched. Lukas would laugh a little as he looked over to the pair. "Sure is warm." he teased softly as he looked around for a moment. The warm wind hitting his face as he spoke softly in Ewokese to her. "Well, time to yuhyi keesh toma have toto store." he laughed a little to brighten the mood as his hand went for hers. He always wanted her to know he was there, whether it was presence or physical touch. She wasn't doing this alone, life, old memories, bad spots or enemies. Lukas was with her always.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She couldn't help but to immediately start laughing softly when he reacted so breathlessly. There was definitely something impressive about it, but she had gotten used to all the dry deserts, vast canyons and tall mountain formations. However this place was still very special to her, as this was exactly the place where her crazy journey had started more than a year ago."It's impressive...just wait until you see the inside though. Let's say it's still rather traditional and the Rattataki wanted to keep it this way as it is even some sort of sacred place, but I can promise you that there are no slave fights in the pits anymore". Before they alighted, she grabbed his hand and gave it a soft squeeze, looking deeply into his beautiful blue eyes as she softly said to him "I'm sure they are still alive and we are going to find them". It was indeed true. It was as though she could sense it, even if it might have sounded a little crazy. "I promise you we will try everything to find them".

When he answered she was filled with this pleasant warmth again that always flooded her when she was next to him. His presence was truly almost addictive. She had never felt this safe and loved before and it was just amazing to know that she would never have to miss this wonderful feeling again. When he was with her it felt like there was no hint of darkness inside her anymore and neither was the cold. Her genuinely joyful smile grew wider before it was time for them to get out and she was excited to show him around. "Stronger? Yes, definitely. Rattatak has taught me so much and I'm happy that I can share this important part of my past with you now". Once they got out, she immediately took his hand again, softly running her thumb across the back of his hand while she led him towards the entrance gates. It didn't take long until they were surrounded with Natives who excitedly greeted their 'warlock' and Celeste didn't even think of hiding her affection for Lukas. The Rattataki could know about it. After all, even if he was wearing Jedi robes they had no idea what the Order was and if Lukas would use the Force they would simply assume he was a 'warlock' just like her. She greeted them all, one by one kindly before the crown started to thin a little. "As you can see, I haven't stopped by in a while, but they are all very happy to see either Kat or me when we return". She loved her people and it genuinely made her happy that they were always so happy to see them, but after all she had put much effort in helping them. "Do you want to see the fighting pit?" she then asked him curiously while she quickly checked on Loki, ensuring that he was not up to any shenanigans.


@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would smirk as he held her hand and followed her up the side to the top. His blue eyes would watch the natives begin to pour out and approach them with happy and excited faces as Lukas shifted his eyes over to Celeste to see her reaction. Okay. Smiling. Good. He would shift his eyes back to them as he smiled softly and looked at them all. "Wow, this is something." he said softly as he watched them all treat her as some sort of goddess. He would continue to move forward with her. "Yeah it seems its been a bit since you have seen them and I am glad the pits aren't put to any fighting use anymore." He laughed a little as he turned to see Loki trying to chase a small insect. Lukas shook his head and whistled softly as the char hound stopped everything it was doing and began to run towards them and join them as the hound was loving the heat.

Lukas couldn't help but the words of her promise echoing through his head of finding his family as he smiled softly. "I hope we find them too." he would say softly as he continued to hold her hand. "I would love to see it." he would smirk as Loki trotted along side them as they went further. His bright blue eyes would turn to look out at the vast lands and canyon behind them as he took it all in for a moment but continued to walk with her. A reminder the sun wasn't their friend for so long out in the open as robes swayed a bit in the wind. His look would glance over to hers as they walked together and a smile forming on his face as he admired her as per usual. His thumb rubbing the inside of her hand as they held them tightly. His blue eyes also looking at the hidden bump beneath her clothes.

"I hope our child can see the entire galaxy and know every bit of love." He would smirk softly as the thoughts of his working and growing up as a child flashed in his mind. Getting home to a small little room in a crowded hallway on the mining ship with everyone's faces and hands black and dirty. Trading food and using what was around them to get by. Like a make shift prison as his fondest memories was going home after work to see his mother and the stories she use to read to him when he lay in bed. Stories of heroes and saving the galaxy and living far far away in distant planets and being away from the ship. Putting himself in another realm of possibility instead of a crammed vast mining ship in the black ocean of space.

@LadyRen