"Reuniting With Old Friends"
By: Keeve Zenarr
Talara Sorenne
Master Koran Darr
Master Laedra Vorrel
Orn Gham [NPC+]

Location: Jedi Sanctuary, Unknown Location
Date: Vadris 9, 5 ABY

***

They arrived together. The speeder was parked three blocks away, and the route they used to reach the front door of the safehouse was as circuitous as possible without drawing attention to themselves. Each wore clothing that both protected against the frigid weather and to conceal their identities.

The door opened, and a gust of cold air blasted over the figure standing within.

"Come in."

The two, bundled humans stepped through the doorway. With a clang, the door closed and warm air washed over the pair.

The smaller of the two pulled back her hood, revealing herself as Talara Sorenne, Jedi Padawan. She bowed to the third person standing in the doorway. "Thank you, Master Darr."

The Jedi Master returned the bow, then turned to the other. He could sense no Force sensitivity in the man, but he did detect a potential that was not often found in those who were not in tune with the mystical energy field that surrounded all things. He bowed again, this time to the man now pushing back the hood of the heavy parka he wore.

"Welcome to our safehouse," he said. "I am Jedi Master Koran Darr. You must be Keeve Zenarr."

Scrubbing a hand through his matted hair, Keeve muttered a "Yeah...that's me." Frowning at Koran, Keeve asked, "Are you the one who demanded Talara come back?"

"I am one of them," Koran answered. "Master Brael has indicated that you are somewhat willing to help us in ridding this planet of the Jau and restoring our hard-fought peace. Though, I don't need the Force to tell that your agreement is not without some reluctance. Padawan Sorenne is one of our most accomplished and skilled students."

"Ex-student," Keeve amended. "She's only here to help out, and once the Jau are gone, so is she."

Talara flushed and looked away from Master Darr.

"Of course," Koran said. "Will you be helping us as well, Mr. Zenarr, or are you only here as a chaperone?"

Keeve squared his shoulders and puffed up his chest as he declared, "A little of both."

"Keeve is a very capable fighter," Talara said. "I saw him sparring with Master Brael and he was quite good."

Koran nodded sagely. "Come with me," he said. "I would like to stage a little demonstration for Mr. Zenarr. I have a suspicion that he is not aware of your aptitude as a Jedi."

Tala went pale at the suggestion and looked up at Keeve. "Do we really need to, Master?"

With a glance to Keeve, Koran smiled. "Would you like to see a demonstration of Talara's fighting prowess, Keeve?"

Keeve shrugged stubbornly. "If it'll make you feel better..."

"And it might enlighten you as to why we feel that Talara's assistance is so important in this crisis."

Koran led the way into one of the training rooms and directed Keeve to take a seat on one of the benches to the side of the room.

Talara removed her parka and set it aside, followed by her gloves, earmuffs, and the heavy shirt she'd been wearing. She moved into the center of the room wearing her thermally insulated pants, a tank top, and her boots. From one of the pockets in her pants, she withdrew her lightsaber, and took a casual stance opposite of where Master Darr now stood.

With a flick of his thumb, the verdant shaft of his lightsaber filled the room with a soft hum. He shifted into a ready stance, blade crossed across his body. The stance was purposefully aggressive.

Shifting her weight onto her back leg, Talara adopted a high guard stance, her blade angled down before her to protect her body. She opened her senses to the Force, allowing it to fill her. Before Koran had even moved, she sensed the impending attack. Guided by the Force, her blade jumped and caught his. Blue clashed against his green. The flurry of attacks sought to penetrate her defenses, but at each strike her blade was there.

Talara's movements were fluid and graceful. She allowed Koran to back her away from the center of the room, giving ground by not letting him through to score a hit against her. She waited for her moment, patiently letting him tire himself as he sought to beat her.

Blades continued to clash, filling the air with a static hum. The shift in the fight was lightning fast when it happened. In one moment, Talara found the opening and took advantage of it. Had the fight been real, had the blades been live, Koran would have lost a hand. Instead, where the blade hit, his hand went numb. The lightsaber clattered to the ground. Talara whipped her blade around, stopping it just before it touched his throat.

After a moment, she stepped back and shut down her lightsaber. Koran bowed to her and she returned it.

"Nicely fought," he said, then turned to Keeve. "Impressive display?"

Keeve's jaw was clenched tightly. "Somewhat," he grunted. "As talented as she may be, if remaining in the Order is not what she wants, then you can't force her."

"Of course," Koran said. "While we would be happy to have Talara as one of us, to eventually become a Jedi Master and teach others, we would never hold her or anyone here against their will."

"Then," he admitted grudgingly, "yes, Talara is good. And we're both here to help. But I don't take orders from anyone. Will that be a problem?"

"It will be if not following an order gets you killed," Koran said. "I hope we can find an equitable arrangement to see us through this time, but I do hope you will not fight us at every step. Your attitude is highly combative, but I hope you will focus your aggression against our enemies, instead of your allies."

Keeve smirked. "I'll try. Now, can we see our room?"

"Certainly," Koran said, gesturing toward the door. "I trust you will want to share a room?"

"Good observation," Keeve quipped. "No need to bring in another bed, either." He gave Koran a suggestive wink.

"Of course," Koran said with a knowing smile. "I'll set you in a room in a wing to yourselves. Though, if one of the others who will be helping us with additional fighting techniques chooses to reside with us, she may occupy one of the rooms a few doors down from you."

"That won't be a problem. I'm not modest," Keeve informed him.

Unable to control the reaction, Tala snickered. When Keeve glared at her, she gave him an innocent look.

"Very well," Koran said, hiding a smile of his own. He stopped before a door, indicating it with a flourish. "Your new home away from home." He pushed the door open to allow them to venture inside.

The room was quaint, if not spacious, and although the bed was a small fit for two people, Keeve imagined they could manage. Set upon the mattress were their meager belongings contained within two duffels. They would live a minimalist lifestyle while staying with the Jedi, but Keeve planned to make frequent visits home when he was able. He had promised Kim. "It'll suffice," Keeve commented, assessing their surroundings. "And the refresher is nearby?"

"Across the hall," Koran said. "There is a lock on the door if you need privacy. If you require food, you can find Orn in the kitchen. Back the way we came, straight down the hall, and then left just past the training room." He pulled out a comlink and set it on the small table next to the door. "If you have questions, you can contact me on that."

"Thank you, Master Darr," Talara said.

"Yeah, thanks," Keeve echoed less than sincerely.

With a look that said he thought the next several weeks would be a trial, Koran nodded, then turned from the room and retreated back to the hall to meet with the Council.

Alone at last, Talara turned to Keeve and slipped into his arms. "You definitely weren't hiding our relationship from him," she said with a mischievous smile.

"Should we have?" He grinned. "I want to see just what it takes to make him uncomfortable. Aren't Jedi supposed to be prudes?"

"No," Talara said with a laugh. "Master Darr and Master Vorrel are in a relationship. In general, the Jedi are fairly accepting of differences in others. They're very strict in their own lives, and expect a lot of the Padawans. I don't know what it'll take to make him uncomfortable, unless maybe you kissed him. But, I'd much rather you save your kisses for me. And, I don't want to hide our relationship, Keeve. I love you, and I want everyone to know it."

"Well, that might be difficult," he mentioned seriously, "if you get yourself killed. You're...you're amazing, Tala, and that means the Jedi will use your talents to fight the Jau. Which means you might get hurt or worse."

"And I might not," Talara said. "Besides, that's why you're here. So you can watch my back and I can watch yours, right? I've been in some rough spots before, and I know I can get through this, Keeve. Especially with you at my side."

"Not sure how much help I can be," he admitted, "but I will watch out for you, no matter what. At any rate" -- Keeve sighed heavily and pulled Tala closer-- "at least we get to share a bed all to ourselves."

"Yes we do," Talara said as she leaned up and kissed him on the chin. "It will be strange not sharing the bed with you and Kim, but I think I can get used to it."

"We won't do anything," he assured her to allay any fears. "So if you wanted to sleep naked...I promise not to touch."

"Okay," Talara said. "But, if it feels right to touch, it's okay. I just want you to know. Are you hungry at all? Orn is the best cook ever."

"You and the food," he muttered affectionately. "If you're hungry, then so am I. Besides, I'd like to get a look around...scope out the place. You know...intel."

"Before we go," she said, "there's something I think you should see." Before he could respond, she lifted her shirt to give him a view of her bare chest. With that, she sauntered toward the door.

Frozen in place by bewilderment and awe, Keeve could only gape at Talara. "Wha-- What'd you do that for!?" he finally sputtered. "That was low, Talara Sorenne. Low!"

"Maybe," Tala said, stopping at the door. "I hope it wasn't too bad. It was just a preview of me sleeping naked tonight, that's all. Ready for that food?"

Marching to the door with a peevish smile that masked his desire, Keeve replied, "I'm ready for something, that's for sure." Hooking his arm about her waist, Keeve steered her hastily through the door before the impulse to haul her off to bed became too overwhelming.

Talara couldn't help her giggle, but managed to get herself to Keeve's side with her hand clasped in his. "I promise I will make it up to you when I can," she said.

"That's not soon enough," he grumbled while preparing to nuzzle his lips against Talara's earlobe. He was distracted by a young red-haired girl passing them in the corridor. She grinned facetiously at Keeve, then poked her tongue out at him. Keeve performed a double take, following the tittering child with his eyes as she strode further away. "Did you see that?" he asked Talara in shock. "This whole place is full of evil little women!"

"I swear I had nothing to do with that," Tala said. "Besides, she was probably about ten years old, and that's the tongue-sticking-out age."

"Were you like that at her age?" Keeve snorted dryly. "Oh, I'm sure you were."

"I'm sure I was," Talara said. "But, I didn't have cute boys to stick my tongue out at and flirt with."

"From underexposure to men, all the way to overexposure." Keeve smiled wanly. "Not exactly the way things should have turned out...for both of us. If things had been different, I'd still be a ten year old boy living out his childhood. Though," he reminisced with a mischievous smile, "I was just as rotten then as I am now."

"Oh I believe it," Talara said. "Which is why I think we go together so very well. Though, I'm very different than I was at ten years old, and not just...in bed."

Keeve chuckled lowly. "And how were you different, my eager reisacat?"

"Well, I was shorter, and my hair was longer," she said. "And, I led a very sheltered life. I was a Jedi Padawan living on Naboo with very little company but Master Andro. I think I was still very naive about a lot of things. I knew about the Empire and that they were bad though."

"I didn't get out much either," Keeve admitted. "I was sick for a long time in my youth, and when I did get well enough to venture outside, I was so angry and bitter, that I wouldn't allow myself to enjoy life."

"So is that where all of your grumpiness comes from," Talara asked. "I like it when you laugh, and you have been laughing a lot more lately. It's nice."

"I guess I just didn't know how to interact with others after being in isolation so long." He smiled, as he knew Talara would appreciate. "I'm surprised, though, that I learned to laugh at all. My grandparents were crabby, barely spoke to me... My mother's lucky I still speak to her."

"I don't know your mother very well, but she seems like an interesting woman," Talara said. "I haven't seen my family for nearly five years. Someday I'd like to go back, especially now that the Empire is gone. Maybe you could come with me. If you wanted, of course. Naboo is such a beautiful place."

"I haven't travelled much," Keeve reasoned, "so...yeah, I'll come." Pausing to deliberate briefly, Keeve wasn't certain what came over him when he finally asked, "Did you...want to meet my mother? We could, you know...go to dinner, I mean, and see her...."

"I'd like that very much, Keeve," Talara said. Her face clearly showed the shifting emotions warring for dominance. Most of all, above the shock and surprise, was a deep joy. Her eyes glittered briefly with unshed tears, as she flung her arms around him. "It means a lot to me, Keeve. Thank you." She recovered quickly, but didn't disengage from his embrace. "Whenever you want, we can. I'm sure our training will be during the day, so we should have our nights free."

"Don't get too excited," he counselled, though he was grinning. "She's not that nice. You'll probably hate her, and she'll likely pretend to hate you." Glancing around the hallway to confirm they were alone, Keeve relaxed his arms around Talara's waist and drew her close. "It doesn't matter," he said, his lips brushing against hers, "it won't change my opinion of you."

"Good," she said. "And, I guess I'm not all that excited about meeting her. It's that you would want me to go with you, to have dinner with her. That seems important, for us I mean. It seems like a big step. It feels good to know that you want to do that with me."

"I want to do a lot of things with you," he confessed. "Even," Keeve added as his hands travelled over the slope of her backside, "some things we probably shouldn't do out here...."

"Oh, like that," she said with an impish grin. "That's why they put a door on our room, and we'll have to try it later."

"Later," a voice not matching Keeve's affirmed. "And certainly not in this corridor."

Keeve detached himself from Talara and sought to appear casual as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. He and Talara both faced Master Laedra Vorrel, who was approaching them. "She started it," he muttered, smiling briefly at Talara.

Talara bowed to Master Vorrel. "We were going to find Orn for a bite to eat before preparing for the first training sessions," she said. "It is good to see you, Master."

"You as well," Laedra replied. "This must be Mr. Zenarr." Keeve nodded. "Master Brael mentioned you were joining us." She watched Talara knowingly as she added, "Now I see why."

"Keeve will also be an asset in our fight against the Jau, Master," Talara said. "I don't know if Master Brael also mentioned that she and Keeve sparred, and he held himself admirably against her."

"She did...but it was you we truly wanted. Mr. Zenarr simply came with the package, shall we say." Laedra smiled genially as she continued, "I imagine you have not been made aware of the rules, which include no displays of intimacy in public view."

"Master Darr did not mention that," Talara said. "But thank you for letting me know, Master. We will keep our affections out of the public eye."

Laedra smiled wanly at Talara. "I suppose I cannot expect that to be common knowledge...even though it would seem to be intuitive enough, especially to a Jedi."

"Many things have changed, Master," Talara said. "I have been away from the Jedi for some time after the attack on the Temple, and I guess it is a combination of having become used to showing affection to Keeve, not knowing what to expect here, and my level of comfort around Keeve perhaps allows some of my discipline to slip. It will not affect my focus while we are fighting against the Jau, Master."

"Why are you calling her 'Master'?" Keeve asked snarkily. "You're here as a favour to them. They should be letting you do whatever the hells you want."

"Master Vorrel is a Jedi Master, Keeve," Talara answered. "And before the problems with the Jau and the Jedi went into hiding, she was my teacher. Even if she is no longer teaching me the ways of the Jedi, she has earned the right to the title and respect due a Jedi Master and a member of the Jedi High Council. And, while there is appeal in doing what I want, I will not be an effective teacher to the Jedi if they see that I am undisciplined and do not respect their ways. And, I do respect them. Very much."

"Them?" Keeve snorted derisively. "They're hypocrites, Tala. She shares a bed with another Jedi Master - who is she to talk to you about intimacy!"

"She is only talking to me about intimacy in public where the Padawans can witness our actions," Talara said. "What we do behind closed doors, as adults, is our business. How we behave in front of the young we are teaching and guiding is very important."

"You hugged me!" he informed her petulantly.

"And she has apologized," Laedra reminded him. "Now please, the both of you...it really is alright. We expect there to be a transition period for you both. We are just glad you are here."

"Thank you, Master," Talara said with a smile. "It is nice to be able to see everyone again."

"Yeah, it's a blast," Keeve retorted, as was customary for him.

Laedra ignored and gestured for them to walk with her. "I gather you were headed for Orn?"

"Yes," Talara said. "We figured it was best to grab something now before we begin the training."

"Have you compiled a curriculum yet? If not," Laedra offered, "I would be glad to help."

"We don't need help," Keeve told her rather ineloquently.

"I haven't begun to put one together," Talara said with a frown toward Keeve. "I will try to put something together after we've eaten. If I have any questions or need any assistance, I will be happy for the help."

"I am truly glad you've returned to us, Talara," Laedra told her warmly. "Master Andro would be overjoyed that you have not wasted your talents."

"Thank you, Master," Talara said with a smile. Behind the expression, there was a flicker of hidden pain at the memories of her lost master. "It means very much to hear you say that. I will see you soon. We should get that food before we run out of time."

"Orn is always open, no matter the hour." With a tip of her head at the two, Laedra continued down the corridor while Talara and Keeve slipped inside the mess. Keeve shook his head in disbelief. "These Jedi really are arrogant, aren't they?"

"They are," Talara said. "But, I guess in some ways, it's somewhat warranted. Though, I think the situation with the Jau is an eye opener for them. And, in many ways, they have to be very strict. It is very easy for a Jedi to fall to the dark side, especially when young. They have to instill very strict discipline and control in their students, or they are very likely to run into problems later. Does that make sense?"

"I suppose... But if it's so easy to go bad, then why are you able to live the way you do without succumbing to it?"

"I did succumb to it for a time," Talara said. "In a way, I think the experience did help me. But, I don't think everyone will learn from it the way I did. It was the Jedi and the situation that eventually helped pull me out of it. And you. In the palace, you helped me see there was more to me and more to life than I was living."

Keeve smiled proudly. "I helped?" At Talara's nod, he shrugged dismissively. "You would've figured it out sooner or later. Though, I'm glad you're not evil. I could never sleep with you if you were."

"Well, we still have to get to that part," she said. "And, I'm very happy with who I am now. I think that's what helped me get back on this path. It helped me to become a better Jedi and a better person."

"Maybe I'll follow your lead and do the same, one day. Though, I think you like me a little...unwholesome." He grinned impishly, but was halted from further suggestive comments by a bellow of greeting from the back of the mess. A stout man wearing an apron smeared with stains of various colours lumbered towards them, chuckling heartily. "It's hard to tell, but is it really little Talara?"

"Orn!" Talara rushed into his open arms. She hugged him fiercely just as he did her. "I missed you so much, and your wonderful cooking!" She stepped back to look up at him and grinned. "Yes, it is really me. Orn, this is Keeve. He's my boyfriend."

The friendly cook assessed Keeve, and as with all the Padawans he considered his own brood, Orn was wary of Talara's beau. Still, he extended a hand to Keeve. He accepted, shaking it briefly. "You've been taking care of her, I hope?"

Keeve nodded stiffly. "I wouldn't do anything else."

Satisfied, Orn wrapped his arm around Talara's shoulders and led her away to the kitchen. Keeve tagged along, trailing behind them. "So, you're back? For good, I hope," Orn said.

"For a time at least," Talara said. "My relationship with Keeve is a point of contention, I think, and I will not end the relationship. So, we'll have to see what happens, I guess. So how has everything been here? How are you?"

"Comfortable," he allowed. "It's tense, being in hiding, but with all the little ones around, how can I not be happy?"

"I'm going to have to stop by and say hello," Tala said. "It feels like I've been away forever. Did you hear? Zari had a baby. I've got a holo in my bag; I'll bring it by next time I'm here."

Orn sighed, a mixture of shock and pleasant surprise. "I didn't know... A girl or boy?"

"A little boy," Talara said. "He's so adorable. Isn't he Keeve? And, other than one incident that is thankfully behind us now, she's a very good mommy."

"And with me watching over them," Keeve added, "I'll make sure they stay safe."

"You'd better," Orn warned, "or you'll have me to answer to." He smiled, but was only partially joking.

"After everything with Zari, the Council said no more civilians living at the Temple, but they allowed Orn to stay because he's such a wonderful cook and is amazing with all the Padawans. Do you have anything special made, Orn? We don't need something big, just something to get us by until after the first training sessions."

Orn looked wounded as he declared, "Everything I make is special." He winked and detached from Talara to spy something in the convection unit. He chuckled in delight as he reached inside and pulled out a thermal resistance dish with steaming pie nestled within. Turning he presented the masterpiece to Talara. "Just in time. It's done to perfection. Pull up some stools and I'll plate it up."

Talara pulled over a stool and grinned at Keeve. "You're in for a treat. Everything Orn makes is amazing."

"Better than my cooking?" Keeve challenged. "I bet you even think he's better looking."

"Better than your cooking," Tala said then lowered her voice for only Keeve to hear, "but you're the best looking man I've ever seen."

"I should hope so," he muttered as Orn approached, and watched Talara furtively as, beneath the cover of the counter's overhang, Keeve slid his hand onto Talara's thigh.

"Here we go!" Orn announced and deposited the plates before them. Each had an impressive helping of Orn's Coruscant Game Fowl pie. The hearty filling of vegetables, shreds of fowl, and thick, steaming sauce oozed from the flaky crust, tempting even a stubborn Keeve. "Go on," Orn urged eagerly, "take a bite."

Talara gave Keeve a smile as she took her first forkful of the pie. With her other hand, she slipped it over the one on her thigh, caressing it gently. "It's delicious, Orn," she said after swallowing and quickly reached for a second mouthful.

All expectant eyes were on Keeve now as he chewed his first bite. Under such scrutiny, Keeve had no choice but to nod his approval. "It's...good," he admitted. "Never tasted anything like it."

Orn scowled briefly, but smiled again for Talara. "Now that you're back, there'll be plenty more where that came from."

"Thank you, Orn," Talara said. "I can't wait, Orn." She grinned up at Keeve as she happily filled her fork again.

The two of them finished up their meal - Talara having seconds - with Orn hovering about them the entire time. Keeve cleaned his plate quickly, anxious to leave behind the intrusive man, and stepped off his stool. "Well...thanks for the meal, Orn. We'd better get to bed. We have a busy day ahead of us."

Talara finally pushed her plate away and slid off the stool. "Thank you again, Orn," she said. "It was delicious as always. We'll see you again at the next meal." She brushed her hand against Keeve's and smiled. "Let's head on back to our room."

Orn, after some protests, emitted a resigned sigh and waved them off. "Go on. I'll let you get settled, but just remember where breakfast is being served tomorrow."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that," Tala said. "Keeve will tell you I love to eat too much to forget that. I'll see you at breakfast, Orn." With that, she started off out of the mess hall with Keeve to return to their room.

On their way there, Keeve remained silent for a time, then reluctantly admitted, "The man is tiresome, but he really can cook."

"He's very protective," Talara said. "I think he approves of you though, otherwise I would have to have a talk with him. Don't worry, nothing anyone ever says is going to break us up. You're stuck with me."

He grinned crookedly. "You sure about that?"

"Oh, I'm positive," Talara said with a grin that spoke volumes.

Chuckling, Keeve gave a shake of his head and continued towards their room with his arm around her waist. And having Talara pressed up against him in an ardent embrace, Keeve developed a little of Talara's confidence and began to believe in them nearly as much as she did.

They finally reached their room, and Talara led the way in. She looked at the pack she'd brought that contained her notes and other materials for the training she'd be giving to the Jedi, then glanced back at Keeve. "So, prepare or occupy our time in other ways?"

"There's not much of an option there," he answered, snaking his arms around her from behind. "How about...straight to bed?"

"That sounds like a good plan," Talara said. "I am very sleepy. So very tired." She started over to the bed, stripping off her clothes as she went.

"Yes," Keeve murmured sarcastically as he followed, lured by Talara's nakedness, "sleeping is exactly what I had in mind...."

Talara glanced back at him over her shoulder, and the look in her eye indicated that she felt much the same.

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