Ask Setting Down Roots

[Jonathen Baize]

He looked over at her as she offered her county suggestion. It was a good idea; he was a little less enthusiastic about getting out this late and having to set up a tent, start a fire, and get everything set up for the night. "That does sound like the better idea," he admitted. An actual bed, even a starship one, would be a good bit more comfortable. "Sounds perfect." he finally said.

"I'll get the wolves settled, and meet you in a few minutes?" he asked as the ship touched down. He leaned over and kissed her before pushing himself out of the co-pilot's chair. He gathered up the wolf pups and led them outside to burn off energy for a few minutes. Giving the command for them to stay close, he lowered himself down on the ramp of the ship. He watched as they played with one another, running around.

In his own mind, he processed the last couple of days. It all seemed a blur to him. To go from not even expecting her visit to being engaged. He had thought life would slow after he had left the IAF, but it had only seemed to get more busy in the perfect kind of way. He felt incredibly lucky and couldn't wait to see what this path had for them.

He gave the command for them to come, and wolves all dutifully came padding back up the ramp back into the ship. He took a moment to reward the good behavior with praise and scratches behind the ears before he secured the ship once again. He made sure they had water set up in the cargo area before moving to get ready to turn in. A hot shower sounded perfect.

 

[Kalique Baize]

She was glad he agreed and the smile on her lips just warmly widened as she added, "Perfect". He then suggested handling the wolves and she nodded. "Sounds good, I'll prepare the rest" they still hadn't eaten, but they'd have plenty of time to do so after the much needed shower and she had a few other ideas on her mind.

Kali finished up in the cockpit and got the ship ready to host them in the most pleasant way over night. She shifted the lightning into a comfortably lit atmosphere, let the ship keep mildly warm temperatures inside and turned on some relaxing music as backdrop. She'd move into the cargo area while Jon was still outside, fetching some candles she'd then distribute in places neither Luna nor the wolves could reach and lit them with a quick flick of her hand.

She was still barely grasping what had happened here in those two days and she was absolutely looking forward to the rest, so once Jon would move back inside, she was making sure they started their little vacation right. They had plenty of reasons to celebrate after all, so Kalique quickly prepared the spacious refresher unit with just a few more candles and stripped out of her dirty clothes already.

"I'm in the bathroom already" she mentally connect with him to send a telepathic message after she sensed him back in the cargo area, and was excitedly awaiting him there. The pup's seemed all calm now after they had gotten to let out some more energy, but despite the exhausting, long day, Kalique found herself more awake than ever again as she waited for him to join her.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He put down the last water bowl as he felt a prickle at the back of his neck, her words in his mind. There had been a time when that would have deeply disturbed him, someone in his mind, in his thoughts, but there was no one he trusted more than her, and he was used to her gentle touch on his mind. Besides, the implication beyond the message was certainly agreeable to Jon.

As he entered, steam was already filling the room; the candlelight and light music certainly set a mood. He had never seen someone make a refresher unit aboard a ship romantic before, but Kali had surely done it.

He smiled appreciatively as the doors closed behind him, her body cast in the shadows of the flickering candles. He discarded dust-covered clothes and stepped in behind her. "Everyone is tucked in for the night." he spoke quietly with a smile. He put his hands on her waist as he stood behind her, resting his head on the back of hers, kissing the back of her hair as hot water washed over them.

 

[Kalique Baize]

It didn't take long and Jon followed her call, finding a wonderfully romantic mood in the bathroom and steam filling the room already and her undressed shaped illuminated by the firefights. She was already smiling before he entered, but it just widened as he did finally step into the bathroom.

They were soon under the hot water, the deep warmth relaxing the tense muscles. His gentle touches sent electricity through her body as she leaned back against him. "Sounds like we've got some time for us then...". The prospects were very promising for sure.

She turned to face him, pure happiness and love in her eyes as her hands slowly ran over his chest. "How tired are you now?" she gently asked as her hands wandered backwards, softly massaging his back as the water streamed down from above.

They were in no rush to get up super early tomorrow, but knowing them, they'd rise at first light. She hadn't seen this side of the planet before, so she was thrilled to explore the area, but for now her mind solely rested on this tender moment.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

She leaned back against him, tension already releasing from his back and shoulders. "I guess we do.." he said, a small chuckle rumbling in his chest.

He looked into her eyes, firelight dancing in them. As his fingers dug into his back, he just about melted right there. He reached up and pushed a strand of hair back out her face that water had dislodged. "Not even a little bit.." he said with a grin, leaning down to kiss her.

They had no shortage of time or hot water; they could take their time until they had had their fill.

***

He wasn't tired before, but as the water was extinguished, he found himself exhausted, the events of the last several days finally catching up to him. He also found himself more relaxed than he had probably ever been.

Dried off, he kissed her one last time before reaching down and scooping her up to carry her to the sleeping quarters. Lowering her gently down a moment later. Not a bad start to the trip at all...

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique's skin was still glowing after their steamy shower, the hot water having done wonders to the exhaustion in her muscles though while she was more than satisfied. Her mind was still relatively awake, but she was much calmer after the shower as relaxation replaced the prior post-proposal thrills.

As he effortlessly carried her over, she couldn't help but chuckle softly as she gently said, "You know I expect you to do that at our wedding night too...it's good luck, you know" she did find it incredibly sweet, too, and she waited for him to join her on the bed so that she could curl up against him.

More relaxed than ever, she let out a content breath before she tilted her head to meet his gaze again. "We should probably get some sleep...but I have to thank you again...for everything...literally for just being you". There weren't words to express her gratitude towards him, but simply being her favorite human in the whole galaxy, the most loving person there was and how he was hers and she was his.

"I love you" she added quietly, before she rolled around a little and let her lips melt against his again. Her heart was just full and she couldn't wait to explore the rest of Spintir.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He chuckled along with her."Well then, I guess I have to then, for the good luck.." he said, looking down and giving a wink. Truth was, he would carry her to bed every night if it made her happy.

He laid down, and she curled up next to him. He let out a sigh. "We probably should.." he said, smiling. "You make it pretty easy to love you..." he said, putting an arm around her.

As the nights turned out, she shifted slightly. He returned the kiss as it lingered for a moment. "I love you.." he replied before they settled down. Normally, it took Jon a while to fall asleep, but he was out within seconds.

Jon blinked his eyes open the next morning, having woken before Kali, which never happened; she had always been the one to take first. He kissed her on the forehead and slowly slid out of bed, preparing coffee and a light breakfast. He returned a short bit late, cut-up fruit in yogurt and coffee in hand.

"Good Morning!" he said cheerfully as he re-entered the room, sure she would be awake by then. He placed the cup and bowl on the table by her side of the bed before joining her again, his back against the headboard.

 

[Kalique Baize]

"Absolutely...", he drew yet another sweet chuckle from her before her lips spread into a wide, warm smile. "So do you..." she then softly added before their lips met. It was nothing but the truth. She was still thankful for how he had been there for her, always. He had brought immeasurable amount of love and peace into her life and she still couldn't wait for the future with him.

They curled up and fell asleep right away - with Kalique's mind being so perfectly at peace and the love of her life right next to her, it wasn't even difficult at all. As she woke the next morning, she felt perfectly rested despite the busy and eventful days that laid behind them and neither the wolves nor baby Luna had decided to wake them too early. The bed was empty, but it didn't stay for long.

Jon was already up and back at the bed with breakfast and coffee just a moment later. "Good morning" she gently answered, stretching herself for a moment before she sat up. She still couldn't think back to when she had ever been any happier, and the constant smile on her lips was just one effect of that.

"Aww...thank you. I didn't even notice you had left" - which literally proved her mind had been fully relaxed here. "This night was just perfect...how did you sleep?" He looked just as relaxed and happy and she already felt the excitement about the day that awaited them grow.

"Oh no..." she'd however, mumble a moment later with her gaze flicking to the still opened door as she sensed something approach. "Chaos..." the dark wolf popped his head in before he cheekily entered, tail wagging excitedly. Obliviously it didn't take long until the rest of the pack approached as well.

"No no no..." it was hard to suppress a laugh as they tried piling in, but she mananged to keep a firm voice as she said, "Out". Well, that was a glimpse of how morning could look like soon enough. However, their canine companions did at least obey and left reluctantly.

"They want breakfast too it seems...". They could, however, wait for a few minutes. Kalique shook her head, an amused smirk on her lips as she reached for the coffee. "Do I get any spoilers about the hike we're about to take?" she excitedly asked before she took a sip of the perfectly brewed, warm liquid.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"You must be losing your edge." he chuckled quietly and kissed the top of her head. "Never slept better," he said with a wink.

He watched as the first wolf poked his head in before they all trailed into the room. The bed became very crowded very fast. "Hey there, buddy," he said, patting the lead wolf on the side. He shot Kali a quick smile, which was cut off as he let out an "oof" as one of the wolves started to step on him.

Kali quickly took control of the situation and gave the command, and the wolves shot her a sad look and hopped down. He gave a fake sad expression. "They just wanted to get in bed.." he said, letting a chuckle and finally leaning against her.

"Do you want spoilers, or do you want to be surprised?" he asked, looking over at there.

 

[Kalique Baize]

"Wow...must be your terrible influence" she playfully teased, followed by a dramatic scoff. He was right about one thing though - she wondered whether she had ever slept that well before either, but after the best day ever, the sleep that followed could only be amazing.

After the wolf situation was defused, she put her hand in her hips as she threw Jon a glance. "Are you trying to negotiate the no wolves in bed rule?". She took a mental note for sure, before an even better idea formed in her head. "I'll remind you of that when they reach their full size" she amusedly added before she tried the yogurt.

"A bit of both...maybe?" Despite certain impatient tendencies when it came to such things, she loved herself some good surprises. Her eyes already widened in excitement though as she expected him to disclose just a few details at least.

They'd then finish their coffee and light breakfast before she'd set it all back on the nightstand, carefully removing everything he had as well before she leaned in and kissed him softly. "Thank you for the breakfast...and the pleasant start into this wonderful day".

She'd slowly withdraw herself before her lips would already turn into a smirk. Not a second later did she let out a quiet little whistle that was unmistakably a call for the pack. She then sunk into the pillow and prepared herself for the incoming, now overly excited pups.

For once, she wanted to allow them to jump into bed - yes, they had been wanting to do that for a while, but if he hadn't teased her earlier, she would have called the attack off. Now, she simply waited, and not three seconds later did Chaos came bolting in, jumping up there in no time and racing across their legs.

Kalique couldn't help but laugh, especially because Smokey was yanking the blanket off Jon already, the thick fabric eagerly inbetween his teeth just as Ember went in for a full face lick on Kalique. It was chaotic, Lumi let out a high-pitched whimpering sound in the background- but it was an oddly amusing and wonderful kind of chaos.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"If it gets you to sleep in every now and then, I'll gladly accept that charge." he said with a nudge. They would never be a couple that slept in super late, but if, every once in a while, they let the sun beat them up, it could only be a good thing.

"I am not saying that..." he said with a laugh. They would be giant creatures when fully grown, but while they were still large puppies, no one could deny the scene had been adorable. He rolled his eyes slightly. "No problem a bigger bed can't solve." he finally said.

"So you want to be surprised and also know about it now?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "Let's see." he said. "I'll give you a hint. I have told you about this place before.." he said. The story had been given years ago, but he had told her about this place. It was highly unlikely she remembered a small story out of sea's worth of stories they had exchanged over the years.

"You are so welcome." he said with a smile. He let himself be drawn in by her; perhaps they could delay the start of their hike a bit longer...but when he looked back to Kali, she wore an expression that sang she was up to something. He was about to ask when she whistled. Almost instantly, there was a clattering of dog legs and sliding off claws over metal as they rushed towards the room.

He shook his head twice at Kali before the room descended into madness. Wolf pups dashed on and over them. Smokey had taken the opportunity to yank at the covers, which Jon instinctively grabbed, which only cemented the tug-of-war game in the wolf's mind.

Minutes filled with shouts, yelps (both human and wolf), and laughs ensured as madness ensued. Afterward, the room looked a bit like a warzone. Kali's blanket was torn, and things had been topped over. Luna had taken the opportunity in the chaos to dig into some of the yogurt, her snout covered in it as her tail wagged furiously.

The chaos died down, and Jon was left laughing at the absurdity of it all. This was the life he had wanted for so long but hadn't known it. It was absolute perfection. "Maybe the playing is better left outside." he finally said in a lighthearted tone, scanning the destruction.

"We should probably clean up and get ready to head out." he said, hopping up out of bed.

 

[Kalique Baize]

"A bigger bed?!" she knew he was kidding, yet spinning the idea further was amusing. "Well...I mean okay why not. Peaceful sleep is simply overrated when you can get some face sized paws into your face.." it reminded her of how the ship would either need some modification or they'd actually need a pack-friendly ship, but this also meant that for now, they should appreciate the juvenile, bearable size stage even more.

Kalique's eyes widened in excitement as he decided to disclose at least some details about what they were about to see. She didn't even have to rummage through the countless stories they had exchanged, but one talk they once had on Serenno immediately came back to her. "The Waterfall! The cliffs you've told me about! Is that something we'll pass?".

She remembered well how he had shared this fond memory of his childhood...she did also remember that he had told her they had been camping out on Spintir in earlier summers, so she was almost certain she was on the right track. How could she have forgotten? She had literally pictured that scenery in her mind.

The chaos that ensued a few moments later was far bigger than she had first anticipated though, so she couldn't linger on those memories much longer as the pups came rushing in, but while the puppies greatly enjoyed the spontaneous playtime, Kalique couldn't help but to admit it was also fun to watch.

Getting the pups out was much more difficult this time and the room was thoroughly trashed. Some feathers softly danced through the air - remains lf her torn blanket. One laded right on Jon's head and Kalique broke into laughter again before Luna was the last to trot out, snout covered in yogurt remains.

"Well...at least we're all awake now" she still agreed with him, as fun as it was, this wouldn't become a habit. "Sure! I can't wait to get going" she enthusiastically followed him out of bed before she swiped up the killed blanket with its shreds and feathers with the force.

It would take a few minutes to bring order back into the bedroom, but while she opened the drawer to pick some outfits, she glanced back over her shoulder and met his gaze. "Do I need anything specific? The weather looks amazing already though" even through the little viewport, the early morning sun shone from a cloudless horizon.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Perhaps he should have been vaguer, but it was never meant to be much of a surprise. The way her eyes lit up was well worth the price of a spoiled surprise anyway. He finally nodded. "Was planning on camping not too far from there. Figured we could spend some time there," he said.

As the chaos of the room settled, Jon let out a breath. "Very true..." he said, slowly removing the feather from his head, blowing it into the air to rejoin its kind as they all slowly fell to the floor.

The pair cleaned for a moment; the mood was cheery and lighthearted, and soon, the chaos had been tamed just enough for them to be able to head out. "Planning on hiking and swimming. I already have all the camping stuff packed," he said from the other room.

It was not long before they had packed and were leading their small but growing pack out of the ship and into the pleasant morning air. While it was early spring back on the farmstead, in this hemisphere, it was still late summer, and the air was warm but not overly so.

The next few hours were spent hiking, steadily climbing upward. The wolves and Luna stayed close but had room to run as needed. After a while, a low rumbling sound started to grow. Jon shot her a knowing smile as they rounded a corner, and the series of waterfalls came into view. Different ledges and platforms jutted out from the rock below.

Jon let a sigh, nostalgia flooding him. "So, what do you think?" he asked her excitedly. They wouldn't camp here; it would be fairly loud, but they had several options nearby. "Figure we could relax for a while before settling on a campsite," he said, slipping the heavy pack from his back.

 

[Kalique Baize]

After receiving the confirmation, Kalique was even happier and more excited than before. "I can't wait to see it". It had been years since he had told her about that particular spot and now she would finally make it...their pack would love it as well, there were no doubts about that, so this whole trip was already on its way to claim the position of the best short trip they had ever taken.

"Swimming even? That might bring back some really pleasant memories" she beamed at him with a warm smile, thinking back to Serenno and the spring in the forest. It sounded like the perfect spot and occasion to celebrate their engagement for sure and she literally couldn't wait.

They finished up in the ship before they gathered the rest of their supplies and soon enough, they were out in the open. The weather was indeed pleasant and Luna and the wolves incredibly excited to get going. With excited tail wagging and enthusiastic sniffing, they happily circled them as Kali walked alongside Jon, taking in the incredibly mesmerizing landscape all around.

Even if the pack behaved, it wasn't growing boring with so much life around, but it was absolutely perfect. They engaged in pleasant chatter about the house, some early wedding ideas and just general thoughts revolving around their future until they did finally close in on said location.

Kalique sensed the water before she heard the low rushing in the distance. Her spirits were just further heightened as they approached, the sounds of the water growing louder until it did finally show inbetween the trees. Apart from their canine family members and some minor animals, there was not a single soul around, which was even better.

Kalique was literally speechless for a moment as she took in the mesmerizing cascades of water. The water of the pond below was crystal clear and she was flooded with a whole wave of positive emotions. "This place looks so unreal" she remarked quietly, before she sat down her backpack and stretched her back.

She approached him slowly as she dismissed the wolves - they knew they could roam around in the surroundings, go for swim or even try to hunt sometimes down, but they'd be expected to be in calling distance - while Luna started rolling on the fresh grass. "I say we test the waters" she was already slipping out of her shirt as she suggested it, a wide smirk on her lips. "You're still brave enough for some cliff diving, Baize?".

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He knew she would love this place. He smiled as he sat down, pulled off his hiking boots, and quickly changed into swimming attire.

"It's going to be a good bit colder than Serreno, I am afraid." he said with a chuckle. This river came down from the mountains. It would certainly be a shock at first, but the body could grow used to it quickly.

He looked up at her as she issued her challenge. He bore a small scar on his left leg from this very location. "Wouldn't have brought you up here if I wasn't," he said with a laugh, shaking his head. "Come on." he said, pointing in the direction of where he wanted to start climbing up.

They would start making their way towards the cliff to climb up to a ledge a quarter of the way. It wasn't too high, a good warm-up jump. As they were down by the water, he reached down and attempted to fling some of the frigid mountain water on her. It was not a whole unpredictable attack, but he had moved quickly enough that he hoped he would catch her off guard.

 

[Kalique Baize]

While the wolves were milling around nearby, it was Luna who still stayed closed and watched them with great interest. Kalique didn't doubt they'd all go for a swim in a bit and she was more than glad that they'd camp out here today as there would surely be some muddy paws...

"Cold...oh well" she knew the water was coming from the mountains, but that was something she wasn't too thrilled about as she usually freezed easily. With some swimming and movement in general, she was certain it wouldn't be too bad though.

The truth was, her skin was already laced with goosebumps but she enthusiastically followed him after they had changed. The bikini literally didn't help with the inner cold that was already spreading, but there was a wide smirk on her lips still. She knew she could just use the Force, but was more thrilled about the prospects of a fully natural experience.

Kalique was still focused on taking in the mesmerizing impressions all around so that she didn't pay attention to what Jon was doing at all for a moment, which then gave him the perfect opening. The sun was just starting to warm her from the outside as she was suddenly hit by frigid droplets that immediately made her jump.

"Are you serious?!" she screeched, instantly breaking into laughter as she rubbed the cold skin. "That...was a mistake" she then added after a short moment, right before she reached into the water and conjured quite a wave that sloshed over, at least covering him up to waist height.

She could have done far worse, but she had a feeling this playful banter was just about to begin. "You're not planning on breaking something this time, are you?" she couldn't help but ask, a wide smirk on her lips.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Timing had been on his side; he hadn't been looking at her to avoid giving himself away, but she had looked up at the waterfall they were approaching as he made his surprise attack. The handful of water hit her, causing him to laugh as she jumped back. "I'm always serious..." he said, eyes lighting up with joy.

The look she gave him next sent a chill down his spine that the water could only dream of causing. He went to grab her as she reached down, presumably to return the attack. The water collected and surged from the banks, slamming into him. The shock of the icy wall of water caused him to gasp slightly. He was thrown back a couple of feet as the wave crashed against him.

It was a low blow for sure, one he could appreciate. He didn't waste time thinking of the counterattack. She had trained him to fight force users; you had to push hard and fast. As she started to taunt him playfully, he pushed himself up quickly and yelled as he charged her, attempting to wrap her up in his arms and tackle her into the pool of water.

 

[Kalique Baize]

Jon was clearly a force to be reckoned with. She was having fun though, so she was even underestimating his will to just push back with yet another well-timed, precise and strong counter-attack. She was still busy laughing at how the wave had crashed against him, so while she was just about to look for Luna, she suddenly felt Jim rushing in.

There was a split-second to react, but she simply chose not to, however while she expected a less violent response, the full tackle came somewhat unexpected again and they both crashed into the cold, crystal clear pond a moment later. "WHA-" was all that escaped her in pure shock before her voice and body was just swallowed by the formerly almost undisturbed water.

The tackle came with a cost - Jon was coming in with her, but as they were both fully emerged, a jolts of pure adrenaline shot through her veins. If there had been any hints of tiredness left within her, they were now fully exterminated as for a moment, the cold water brought her body into survival mode.

It took a moment until she gained footing and rose from the pond, her body shivering and her eyes widened. "Revenge...will be sweet" was all she said for now before she broke into laughter again, still somewhat incredulous about how he had caught her off guard like that.

"And I think it's safe to say I've trained you well..." she added with a smirk, before she waded over and wrapped her arms around him, leaving him wondering whether she was just being sweet or plotting her counter already. The prior was the case, yet she was hoping he didn't know that just yet. "That was pretty mean but I love you still".

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He laughed as he wrapped arms around her, charging them both into the water. Laughter was cut off as they plunged into the cold water. It stole the breath out of his lungs. They emerged a second later; Jon let out a heavy breath and another laugh. The look on her face was priceless and absolutely terrifying.

He pushed his hair back out of his face as he stayed low in the water. It was cold, but that was the only way to adjust. "Oh, revenge, huh?" he said, trying to keep a straight, brave face, but there was certainly concern there as well. She was not a force to be reckoned with, and he had no doubt that he would pay for this. "I may have learned a thing or two in your lessons. Though it was often difficult to pay attention without getting..distracted." he said with a smirk.

She moved over slowly, wrapping arms around him. He fought the urge to flinch back as she pulled herself to him. She had a sweet, even loving expression on her face, but her eyes told a different story. Her brain was already turning, hatching her revenge plan. He shivered slightly. "Well, maybe...." he admitted with a chuckle. "I love you too." he replied with a smile.

"So we ready to actually climb up?" he asked.

 

[Kalique Baize]

Her trick just worked fine and pure Jon was left in uncertainty about her reply. She had a few ideas, but she wasn't going to act just know. Revenge was best served unexpectedly, so she'd let some time pass first. "Well...you've started" she stated with a smirk before his reply made her chuckle.

"Distracted, huh?" she repeated amusedly as she glanced up at him, an arm wrapped around him. His skin was cold against hers, but the body heat beneath helped a little and so slowly, the shivering faded. "You've always been a hard student to train...a.ways falling for distractions". The distraction topic had also been an ongoing running gag for them and it was funny still.

"And now I'm so distracting you're afraid of me again..." she shook her head slowly, another smirk tugging at her lips as she intentionally moved a little too fast as got on her tiptoes and softly kissed him. "I'm absolutely ready...just don't trip" she added with a devious wink before she moved towards the short. Obviously, she wasn't even a tiniest bit serious, but her gaze had been convincingly warning still.

"When was the last time you've done this risky rock climbing?" she curiously asked, knowing that even though they were very fit, this was something they didn't practice that often.

@Raydo