Ask Homebound

[Nykoria Tallis]

When alabaster arms wrapped around her waist, and the blonde head rested on her shoulder, Kori responded by resting her head on Alyse's, even if only for a moment. Guided from the kitchen to the sofa, the Zeltron complied and occupied one of the elbows, along with a sizeable chunk of the sitting space. Accepting the kiss and the last glass of wine with an affirmative hum, Nykoria would put her feet up... both figuratively and literally, now lying on the sofa.

The Zeltron wouldn't down the glass outright, instead going for small sips of wine. A pensive smile crossed her lips as she wondered if Alyse even did dishes normally, being a planetary governor and all. The thought that the blonde must've gone against all her normal routines kept tickling Kori's mind. A perfect addition to the wine and the sofa.

The question, however, caught the relaxed Zeltron off guard. Of all the things Alyse could ask about, she inquired about... Wait, what even was Fulcrum and Cosmic Balance? The name rang a bell, somewhat... The reply would come after a dozen of seconds of thinking. "I don't think I know much," Kori finally admitted, after exhausting her memories on the matter. "Just heard the term used on Bakura by one or two people. Probably in a different way than the Jedi understand it. You know, the Balance in the Force and all that."

Nykoria remembered some of the teachings in the matter. There seemed to be no consensus, even among the Jedi. A popular opinion appeared to be that it was a state when the Light (or rather, the Force itself) thrived, and the Darkness (a perversion of the Force) didn't exist. Some argued that it was a state when the Light and the Darkness were on par—the interpretation that Kori found the simplest and most relatable. There were other opinions, of course, but those discussions were above the Zeltron's paygrade.

"Why?" she raised her voice a little, so that Alyse could hear it. Meanwhile, Kori took the last sip from the glass and put it onto the floor next to the sofa.

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

Turning off the water outlet to the Sink, before first dipping a hand to test the temperature, then reaching for the plates and cutlery as well as the cleaning utensils. Her gaze raising up towards the Zeltron, before a thoughtful expression crossed her features before nodding in affirmation of what Kori had heard of Fulcrum and the Cosmic Balance during her time on Bakura. It wasn't much, but it was also expected for an off worlder to not be all to familiar.

"More a matter of curiosity" Alyse spoke out as she removed the first of the plates and placed it onto the drying rack. "The Cosmic Balance is a religion that is mostly native of Bakura, the Fulcrum is the scriptures of our religion" she elaborated before turning her attention back to the next item of crockery. "Belief around the Balance is based on the principle that every action in the universe has an equal and opposite reaction elsewhere. For example If someone had good luck it would mean that at that very time someone elsewhere would have an equal amount of misfortune. Like if someone found three credits, then it would mean that another person would in turn lose those credits" the governor resumed as she continued to tend to the washing up, her gaze periodically looking up in Kori's direction.

Taking the current plate out of the sink and setting it onto the rack, the blonde pursed her lips for a moment, as she thought a little more on the religion. "Typically within most house holds who practice the Equilibrates, their way of demonstrating their belief in the balance, is that they raise two children, both close in age. During their early teens they carry out a ceremony called the Rule of the Feather and Bowl" Alyse resumed before picking up the casserole dish and letting it seep in the water for a moment. "That's why you might have seen a few stores that only stock plain white feathers and bowls of solid gold" she added, though more calling out as she stepped away from the kitchen counter a little moving towards the back of the living space. "One child is given a feather, while the other was given a golden bowl. The child who received the Bowl would leave the home to join the Zanazi order. The child who was gifted with the Feather would stay with the family and receive a prestigious education" the ashen blonde continued as she returned back to the sink.

"But despite the immediate injustice you might perceive" the human continued before starting to scrub at the casserole dish. "Both of their lives would bring balance in the end, the one with the feather despite their prestigious education, would ultimately earn the same amount of wealth as that of the child who was given the golden bowl at the start. Through the hard work of the one who was educated they earn their wealth, whilst through the life of service to the Order the other would spend their wealth" she explained before taking the dish out of the water, giving it a quick rinse and placing it on the rack - and then proceeding to drain the sink to refill it with fresh water.

As the sink refilled Alyse moved closer to where Kori was laying on the couch, leaning against the counter. "One of the more prominent beliefs, and one that has been the subject of a lot of debate at the moment which you will no doubt hear when we get home, is that the return of the Jedi has created a cosmic imbalance, As Jedi become more powerful in the Force, the Balance would inturn increase the malaise and suffering across the galaxy to balance the power of the few. Same does go for the Sith, as those in the Force grow stronger they... oh crap!" the blonde spoke before suddenly cutting her words short to rush over to the sink to turn off the faucet to prevent it from overfilling.

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Nykoria listened.

In a semi-relaxed state, with the wine slowly kicking in, and with Alyse tending to the dishes while the water was refilling, the Zeltron simply listened. Her head turned towards where Alyse was standing, as she tried to contemplate the Bakuran religion. It was simple, in a way. "For something good, there was always something bad."

Sleepily, the Zeltron listened to the second part. The explanation why feathers and bowls stores were out there now actually made sense. Which gained more of Kori's attention as she heard about the tradition of deciding children's fate, rather unevenly at that. She did say "I see" when given the opportunity, just to show Alyse that she was still listening.

The idea of how things got even in the end was a little confusing. As in, was it some sort of "giving the money you would earn in advance" kind of thing? Or would the earner would have to donate money to the Order that accommodated the spender? Something to clarify, but for another time. Especially seeing how the topic moved to the Jedi.

When Darkness rose, so did the Light to meet it. In a way, it mirrored what some of the Jedi thought about the balance of the Force. It almost felt that for the universe to be in balance, people would just have to do everything? But before Kori could process that thought, she sensed a surge of emotion and heard Alyse's exclamation before the blonde rushed to the overfilling sink.

The change made Kori sit up on the couch, an expression of concern on her face: "Need a hand there?"

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

Closing off the faucet, the ashen blonde, rolled her eyes for a brief moment, before turning her attention back towards the Zeltron as she sat up on the couch to ask if Alyse needed a hand. "Close call but its all good" the ashen blonde called back as she returned back to finishing up with the remainder of the washing up. Her brow furrowing in thought for a moment as she recalled where she had gotten to before suddenly cutting things short.

"But yes, the one of the main beliefs of those that believe in the Balance, is that Jedi and Sith are the biggest sources for the cosmic power imbalance over the galaxy. As a Force user becomes more powerful in their connection to the Force, increasing their own personal fortunes as it were. Consequently that results in the increased misfortunes of others, increasing the number of Jedi and Sith there are in the galaxy magnifies the spread of Galaxy's misfortune" Alyse resumed in her explanation from roughly where she had left off, pausing for a moment as she rinsed off a few more items before placing them onto the drying rack.

"And this will be a common topic of conversation when we get home, the people of Bakura already have reason to distrust the Jedi because of the legacy of the Crimson Menace. But also their religious belief" She elaborated, before removing the last of the cleaned items from the sink, placing it on the rack and then proceeding to drain out the sink. "Many of the followers will mark and celebrate the Great Jedi Purge at the end of the Clone wars as being one of the key moments when the Cosmic Balance was almost fully restored, because the cosmic power that had been amassed and harboured by the Jedi was able to return to the Balance" Alyse resumed, as she picked up a towel to dry her hands with before setting it down and leaning against the kitchen counter closest to the couch where Kori was sat.

"And perhaps, in a perverse way, I do believe that some of the Fulcrum's teachings have merit. The more prominent we Force users become, the greater the suffering there is in the Galaxy. Which I suppose that is why at a time, after I had freed myself from Locura's cult, a strong portion of me used to believe that the Galaxy would just be better off without us" Alyse spoke before awkwardly falling silent a pensive expression on her features, that lingered for a few moments only to then pass with a resigned sigh, figuring that given their relationship it was going to be a matter of time until Kori would learn of the doubts and dark thoughts that had once plagued the then young cultist's mind. "But I did come to appreciate the fact that my ties to the Force, much like your own are not by choice - we never got a say in the matter! So I guess that is why I care so much for personal autonomy, free will and the and self determination" the ashen blonde concluded, with perhaps a degree of a forced smile on her features, before pushing herself off from the counter and stepping round into the living space.

Her features pursing in thought for a moment as she stopped mid way. Her eyes looking to Kori for a moment and then towards the bundled cylindrical shapes wrapped in cloth sat on one of the side tables, figuring perhaps it would be best to steer the subject away from that of her darker youth. "I'll be back in a moment" Alyse stated, before turning on her heel and headed into her quarters, from where Kori was sat it would be clear where in the room the ashen blonde was headed. Lifting up the black arcane lock box off of its shelf, the container radiating and dripping with the dark side of the Force - Alyse carried the container out of her quarters, and over towards the seating area, setting it down to the opposing end of the sofa from where Kori was perched, before sitting herself down.

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

"Good," the Zeltron smiled in relief. Picking up her empty glass next to the sofa, she'd stand up and bring it to the sink. "Sorry, I'll add to your workload," she'd briefly put the purple palm on Alyse's shoulder before returning to the sofa and sitting down.

The thought that the Sith and the Jedi causing misfortune by growing more powerful... It had some merit. If only in a sense that both groups possessed the abilities beyond those of ordinary beings. It produced inequality of sorts. Still, the Zeltron didn't want to interrupt Alyse, instead opting to listen to what Else the blonde had to say. The next part though was a little concerning. Although Kori had agreed to go to the ball by the Governor's side, the prospect of celebrating the Jedi Purge felt unnerving. "So, if they were to find out the truth about you or me, we'd be having a 'Burn the Witch' moment. Perfect," Kori interjected, not meaning it quite in a serious sense.

However, the joking mood faded as Alyse proceeded to share her innermost thoughts. And listen to them Kori did. "You said it yourself once: Force users are just the same people who got more than others. It's what we do about it that matters." Nykoria elaborated with a shrug and a faint smile. "From what I've seen, you chose to live less as a Sith, and more as a human."

When the blonde told she'd be right back, Nykoria simply nodded. It was clear that the topic wasn't the most comfortable, even though there was little that Kori would conceal from Alyse at that point; she presumed the sentiment mutual. When the blonde returned with a black box, put it on the sofa, and sat down next to it, the Zeltron looked at her companion curiously:"What's in there?" It didn't seem like an invasion of privacy; after all, Alyse had chosen to bring the container. It only made sense it had something to do with what was to come.

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

Looking up as Kori questioned her, airing her curiosity about what was in the black box, the ashen blonde, smiled lightly for a few moments, as she shifted the container a little on the sofa so she could turn herself to better face Kori more comfortably "A few things you will recognise, but hopefully there's some things that would be of use to you" Alyse spoke, with a slight shrug - the cryptic summary of its contents not exactly the best response anyone who's curiosity has been piqued by the presence of a big black mystery box. But what would hopefully made amends, was Alyse reaching over to to give Kori's hands a gentle squeeze, though it was more for the earlier received reassurance after Alyse had shared one of her more troubling doubts that she carried as a youth. Withdrawing her hands after a few moments, before proceeding to place both of her hands atop the container - summoning the force to her and extending it into the black box, manipulating the flow of her essence in a specific way through the arcane container to open the seals she had infused into the container.

With a sudden and heavy sounding click the container was unlocked, allowing for Alyse to lift the lid for a moment. Only to stop mid way before reaching awkwardly to drag one of the side tables closer. Opening the lid fully, the first layer of the container's contents were revealed, at the top was a leather bound book that looked as if it seen a lifetime of use, and more notably been seen on Alyses person on a few occasions - beside that was the amulet that had been recovered from the tomb on Demir. Picking those objects out of the container first, before placing them on the side table. Followed by a folded black hooded robe that, upon its removal revealed a familiar looking set of Sarrassian armour pieces and a mask.

The very same armour that Alyse had worn when she had met Kori as Darth Ceryx. Reaching into the container, the blonde eased out two leather straps before pulling on them. Lifting out the top tray of the container that the armour set was packed into, and then setting the tray down onto the floor behind the side table. Within the container was a various assortment of tomes, scrolls and datacubes similar to those that littered her study on Bakura - but given that they were stored in the same container as the Sith Armour, eluded to the fact that perhaps the contents of those items were not for general perusal. Even though Alyse openly displayed her volumes of texts subscribing details of the Force in many aspects;, Jedi, Sith, religions and even myths, the information contained within these particular tomes were in her eyes best kept under lock and key, least they fall into the wrong hands and only the Force knows what dangers can be wrought.

"If anything that our recent encounter has taught us, we do need to get your sabers completed" Alyse spoke whilst sifting through the items, occasionally picking up a few various miscellaneous items that looked benign in appearance, looking them over and returning them, as she continued to sift her way through the contents the potentially awkward thought did flash across her mind and emotions that perhaps she should have sorted through the lockbox beforehand, as her gaze fell upon a few personal affects that she did her best to avoid drawing attention towards. "And I'd guess you'd prefer to be wielding ones that are attuned to you, rather than having to use mine again" she added as a slight grin curled on the ashen haired humans lips as she pulled out a couple of boxes sitting them in her lap before closing the lid to the black container, then proceeding to place the two boxes on top.

Her lips pursing as she lifted the first one, shaking it a little before nodding in realisation of its contents. "I had these parts made a good decade or so back, to repair a light foil from my former tournament days" Alyse explained as she opened the box and pulled out a few parts fashioned in gold toned Electrum, holding them out for Kori to see or take off her for a closer inspection. "And this would mean that this box is the other assorted parts" She added before flicking the lid open and pulling out her old lightfoil hilt, which truth be told despite its Electrum body and black leather detailing, it had clearly seen far better days. But despite the random assortment of parts, that looked mostly focused towards her old lightfoil, there were a few odd parts from the Sith's original attempts to fashion her own lightsaber, as well as the broken down parts from the lightsabers that had been recovered from the Cult members that wielded them after Alyse and a few other Sith cleansed Bakura of the remnants of the Cult of Locura.

"Not sure if you'll find all that you need, but hopefully there's some parts that would bring you closer to finishing your new lightsabers" Looking up to Kori for a moment Alyse gestured for her to take a look at the various parts that had been salvaged, before reaching into the second box, her fingers picking up and pulling out a kyber containment chamber that still had a crimson and black hued crystal from one of the cultists she had slain. Her lips pursing in thought for a moment before deciding to pocket the crystal for later. To replace the shattered crystal in her darker lightsaber.

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

As Alyse started unpacking the box of mystery, Kori picked up her feet on the sofa as well, to turn towards the blonde and her box. Alyse's reply only piqued the Zeltron's curiosity. Even more so when she sensed the flow of the Force within Alyse. "A Force lock, huh?" she commented, not even expecting a reply. "Useful stuff."

Curiously, Kori watched what the blonde would produce from the container. The amulet from Demir was familiar. So was the weathered leather-wrapped book, one that despite Alyse had used so often, Kori hadn't had a chance to took into. Then came the robes, armor, and mask that Kori had only seen one one occasion. "I recognize that one," the faint smirk got a little cheekier as she pointed at the robes. "Didn't see it on my best day, but the outfit has style." The Zeltron had to admit it, even if the armor felt slightly off.

The fact that Alyse kept some datacubes, scrolls and other records below her Sith Armor spoke volumes of what could lie within. The smile on the purple lips grew a bit wider: "Can't go anywhere without a little library, huh?" Again, the comment was mostly to tease the blonde, and no reply was expected. After all, showing all that Alyse had kept to herself couldn't be easy; and the lighthearted response was meant to serve as indication that Kori wouldn't invade on her privacy.

What came next was the assortment of personal effects, stored in a seemingly disorganized fashion. The Zeltron couldn't but smirk as she saw the blonde sifting through all that clutter. Never has the hand of a housemaid or a butler reached the depths of this box. But Alyse actually spoke seriously, so Kori could at least do the same... But on second thoughts, nope: "Now you're just talking like my master. And actually, me and your saber got pretty chummy. So yeah, I should complete mine, lest you get all jealous."

Kori was unsure why a feisty mood struck her. Perhaps it was seeing Alyse Ti'Varnus, Governor of Bakura, and a Sith Lord... Going through the lock-box with mementos from her teenage days, like any nostalgic person would. Despite what Alyse had told Kori, and what she had witnessed before, Sith Lords and such purity didn't mix. "Wait, tournament days?" the Zeltron interrupted, looking curiously at what appeared to be an old electrum-coated lightsaber hilt. "You've got to tell me more about those. Or maybe, once we get back on Bakura..." The Zeltron didn't finish her thought. Despite having lost her fighter spirit somewhat, Kori liked a challenge. And just as Sith and nostalgia didn't mix, nor did a scholar Alyse and tournaments. "You've just piqued my curiosity."

"Actually, even if I don't find anything, this is the best continuation of our little Founding," the Zeltron stated definitively, as she finally got a chance to go through Alyse's stuff herself. "I'll try not to peek into the past of those objects... too much," Kori added, like a kid who promised not to eat up all the sweets before the Boonta Eve. True to her promise, the Zeltron would restrain herself—unless her senses caught a significant memory—as she pilfered through the box, oblivious to the crystal that Alyse had taken. Kori's time was spent taking parts, turning them in the air, pattering on them with her nail, as if trying to figure out what the parts were made of. All of it was accompanied by mumbling: "Oh, that'll do... And that... Oh my, did you use that for..." the Zeltron mumbled with a giggle, as she looked up at Alyse. Clever girl.

Soon the raid on the Sith Lord's treasure trove was over, with Kori putting aside the bits an pieces that would come in handy in her work. "Thank you," she'd reply with a smile, plain and simple. "With this, you won't have to worry about your saber soon enough."

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

A wry grin crossed the blonde's features as Kori commented about her tournament days, giving cause for her to raise her gaze up to meet the Zeltron's from rifling through the various items. A light nod offered in confirmation, as her head cocked to the side for a moment, her eyes shifting to the side slightly before looking back to the Zeltron. "It was part of my grooming" Alyse offered initially, before lightly smiling for a brief moment. "Naturally openly training me to wield a lightsaber like a Sith or Jedi in public would draw attention. So my Father and Locura saw that I should be taught how to Fence with a Lightfoil" she elaborated, before her smile warmed as she looked back towards Kori. "There are still the odd tournaments on Bakura, sometimes leading to inter-sector championships. But its been a few years since I last competed" the blonde continued, though more to follow on and in response to Kori's piquing of her curiosity.

Her eyebrow did arch a little as Kori did make light of her possible use of psychometry to peak into the past of the object's history. Her eyes narrowing for a brief moment as she tilted her head to get another look at the contents of what was within the two boxes of spare parts, more to be sure of what was in there. For the most part there was nothing seriously damning or incriminating, perhaps more just reflections of her past frustrations, boiling anger as she was hounded and harassed to construct the initial incarnations of her lightsaber during her life as a cultist, and the ramifications of those subsequent failures. However the mention did elicit an involuntary check, given that whilst searching for those boxes of parts, within the container - there were some items hidden among the miscellaneous personal effects that probably would have lead to an air of embarrassment more than anything.

Nodding and smiling warmly to the thank you, Alyse looked at the zeltron for a moment before rolling her eyes and lightly shaking at the comment regarding her saber. "Well, that's perhaps a good thing" Alyse commented initially, as a wry grin curled on her lips. "Sounding like your master aside" she added before chuckling briefly for a moment, before a slight grin curled on her lips. "Wouldn't want my Kyber crystal to start getting mixed signals now" she added with a quick teasing wiggle of her eyebrows followed by a wink, before leaning back against the arm of the sofa behind her.

As Kori continued to rummage through the spare parts, Alyse's attention wondered back towards the contents of her lock box, her eyes scanning over the miscellaneous items that were in a state of disarray. Her brow furrowing as she lifted out a nutrient capsule container, her eyes cautiously looking over the cylindrical tube for a few moments, before unscrewing the lid of the capsule and easing it off a little - her face contorting in revulsion in reflex to the spoiled scent, before swiftly screwing the container shut again and placing it off to the side, for certain that it was not going to be returned to the lockbox.

Casting a look towards the Zeltron for a moment, the expression on the ashen blonde's features to say that perhaps that might not have been a smart idea. Before turning her attention back round to the extracted tomes and scriptures and starting to pack them back into the container, next in line to be returned back to the container was the Sith Lords armour. Picking up the tray and sliding it back into the container, Alyse's lips pursed in thought as she looked at the mask and the armour for a few pensive moments, her eyes moving up from her armour and then back to Kori lingering there and then back towards the Zeltron. A thoughtful grin curled on her lips as she lifted the helmet and held it inline with Kori's head, eyes narrowing as she visualised the thought running through her mind. "We'll probably need to get you measured and fitted" Alyse spoke as she lowered the mask setting it to the side before reaching down for her robes.

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

"I bet you were quite good at it; with the Force and lightsaber training and all," the Zeltron added with a smile on her face. The prospect of tournaments, balls, and whatnot was actually quite enticing, even though it was very un-Jedi-like to look forward to such things. "I'd actually be down for trying my hand at that... Once we're back on... home." the Zeltron paused abruptly and corrected herself.

The joke about mixed signals elicited a hearty chuckle and a response from Kori: "Yeah, right. It likes me so much it even emulates my skin color already." The Zeltron then returned the wink. "And it's ok that you sound like my master. He was cool. Somewhere inbetween the wool type and the leather type of Jedi."

The Zeltron would go through what she had gathered while Alyse dealt with the nutrient. Her nostrils, however, did catch the musty stench before the blonde screwed the container shut: "Do you keep some blatantly obvious Sith poison in there, or is it some sort of weird delicacy?" The wording of the question itself was much harsher than the warm delivery.

Kori's attention got caught when Alyse pointed the mask at her, as if sizing the Zeltron up. She'd turn her face to the blonde, as if looking through the visor. She'd lean in a little, and even change her voice to a more rasp one for better impression: "I have come to take your precious planet, Governor!" But when the masks would be off, and Alyse would bring up measurements, Kori's expression would once again become a little more serious: "For the ball, you mean? Or are you thinking of some stylish-slash-creepy outfit for your conventions?"

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

Lifting the bundle of her robes and trappings of her Sith Lord attire and placing them on her lap, before picking up her helmeted mask off from the sofa and then placing it back into the container, followed by the robes. Her eyes raising up to meet Kori's as she questioned her about whether Alyse was looking to have the Zeltron measured and fitted for the ball or presumably the armour that the ashen blonde was visualising for Kori - even if it was referred to in the purple skinned woman's usual tongue and cheek style. A slight smirk crossed the blondes features as she looked mischievously at her partner. "Well now you mention it, perhaps for both" Alyse spoke with a slight chuckle, her eyes flashing up and down the Zeltron for a moment. "And maybe for a few things more" she added with a teasing wink.

Though after the moment passed, and as Alyse reached for her acquired pendant and journal, so to pack them back into the case. "Though with the risk of sounding like your master again, but speaking to you as my partner" Alyse spoke as she closed the lid on the container, before getting off the seat briefly to pick up and move the container so it was now sat upon the side table. "I do not want to leave you unprotected, especially if we are to continue taking direct action on certain matters" she resumed, casting the Zelton a serious but warm glance before sitting herself back down on the sofa, taking advantage to the freed up space to spread out a little more comfortably as well as to be seated closer to her companion.

Her lips pursed as she thought back to the earlier comment about the Zeltron's interest on taking part and getting engaged with the Local lightfoil events once they both got home to Bakura. The prospect of facing a life with the Zeltron, not as her Jedi captive, but as her companion and partner - did bring a warm smile to her features. And as much as her mind flashed with the various activities they could engage in together within the various circles of Bakura's society. Her thoughts did lean and wonder towards what role Kori would fill within the society, whether she would be best suited in a diplomatic role perhaps even one tied with the planets military and defence forces - certainly she doubted that a life of leisure would be suited for the Zeltron.

"Though suppose before we get home, we do need to give some thought as to what role you would like to fulfil within Bakura" Alyse spoke out as she worked herself into the sofas cushions, before a light smile crept on her features confirming that she found the sweet spot.

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Kori's face darkened a little, adopting a deeper shade of purple, as the smirk grew wider. "A few things more, huh?" The moment was almost as electric as when Alyse demonstrated her returning powers earlier that day. "Did anyone tell you that you know how to build up anticipation?" Although looking at the blonde before, Kori briefly averted her gaze to look at the things she was packing into the box.

As Alyse closed the container and put it aside, she brought up the need of protection... And set herself up for another joke. "Yes, Master..." Nykoria replied as humbly as she could, lowering her face to conceal a Nexu-wide grin that was forming up. A few moments later, she'd breathe out a chuckle, containing the smile somewhat before raising her head. "I mean... partner."

Meanwhile, Alyse settled in: half-lying and leaning against the sofa's back and towards Kori. She even found room to get one of her ankles on it. Something about an early blonde getting the best spot. There was definitely no room for the Zeltron to put her feet on, if she wanted to rest her head somewhere. With a sigh, she turned around and threw her legs over the armrest, so that her torso and head could rest on "her half" of the sofa. The question about Kori's role on Bakura was not an unexpected one... Just under different circumstances.

"So, from dinner in the morning straight into a job interview, huh?" the Zeltron exhaled through her nostrils with a smile, looking up and behind her at the blonde who had already found her calling just as she found a comfortable position on the sofa. Kori left the thought linger for a moment, as she tried to figure out her response.

"Well, as we agreed on our first day... I'd still be helping you make Bakura a better place... As to in what capacity..." the Zeltron pursed her lips for a few moments, before relaxing a little. "I've only really done this whole Jedi thing last decade. Let's see..." Kori took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying t oclear her mind and think back to everything that could be of use to the Governor.

"So, you already know I was trained to be a Coruscant cop. Almost graduated. Then the whole Jedi thing started." Kori shrugged, as putting her Jedi experiences into a few sentences sounded like a daunting task. "Done lots of stuff with the Order... Dealt with monsters, Tusken Raiders, pirates, and slavers... Explored old temples, as you might already know," she'd arch her neck a little to give Alyse a wink at her reference to Ontotho. "Helped authorities with investigations. Negotiated with officials, sometimes even successfully. Trained initiates in lightsaber combat, and some police academy cadets in confronting Force-sensitives. And encountered Sith on the battlefield on a couple of occasions."

The Zeltron paused again, so that Alyse could think it over and make her conclusions. A faint smile was on Kori's face as she asked: "So, I was hoping there'd already be a position that needed filling and that you'd deem suitable for me?"

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

Turning her gaze and watching as Kori settled herself down and found her own comfort sweet spot, Alyse adjusted herself a little so she could see her companion and likewise without both having to crane their necks uncomfortably. Her lips curling into an amused grin as the Zeltron remarked about how they just sat down for a dinner In the morning, before she was now being subjected to a job interview. As Kori started to run though her initial pledge to help the Governor to make Bakura a better place, Alyse shifted her arm over a little, so that she could lay it over her partner's shoulder, her fingers reaching and coming to a rest over the closest arm.

Pursing her lips as she intensively listened to the history and extents of Koris experience not only as a Jedi but as a Coruscanti police officer. The governor was mentally processing and digesting each and every morsel of information, thinking as to what the Zeltron laying beside her would be best suited for. As Alyses mind went from placing Kori towards perhaps heading up the planets law enforcement operations, to maybe instead overseeing the training of the Bakura's elite infantry - alabaster fingers slowly extended out to their full reach before slowly drawing back into an open fist, the tips of her fingers lightly pushing and pulling at the purple flesh of Koris arm, almost in a similar fashion as Alyse would massage her own temples whilst in deep thought.

Her eyebrow arched a little at the revelation that the Zeltron in her capacity as a Jedi had trained cadets in how to better confront force users. The thought eliciting a light murmur from the ashen blonde, as her mind started to Grind over yet another few options that may be best suited for the Zeltron. Yet the more the new alternative options came to the fore, the more conflicted the Governor's mind became. As on one hand, she wanted that what ever role could find for Kori, it would be one that would challenge her, and give her variety rather than an unfulfilling desk job pushing paper. But consequently unlike a a vocation that tethered Kori to a endless cycle of boredom, the ones that were coming to mind would be potentially dangerous ones that may out her companion into harm's way.

There was just the question of trying to find that happy medium. As silence fell, a light sigh escaped Alyses lips as she still continued to remain inside her mind, mulling over all the options, her fingers still lightly rubbing the Zeltron's arm. "There's a few options" Alyse spoke breaking the silence, as she tilted her head so that her gaze could meet Kori's. "I thought perhaps maybe something along the lines of Diplomatic relations, though even I find some of those duties tedious and boring" she continued, before a light smile curled in her lips. "And I know you are one who prefers to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. I wouldn't want you to take on a roll that is unfulfilling" she added before giving the Zeltron's arm a light squeeze before resuming the light rubbing massage.

"Based on your experiences, I would say I am leaning towards getting you integrated into the security and defence forces. We both know what is out there, and I couldn't trust anyone else to have the skills and the ability to ensure that Bakura is ready to face any threats either from within or beyond her boarders" the governor resumed after a brief pause as she deliberated a bit more in her mind. "Potentially, I would seek to have you be appointed as security services overseer. A position that would give you freedom and jurisdiction to the security enforcement, the infantry forces and the defense fleet to make the changes you see fit. Almost similar to intelligence agencies, you can maintain as much anonymity as you desire, and you would only be answerable to me"

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Kori's eyes followed Alyse's hand as it rested on her shoulder. The Zeltron's head turned towards that arm, and a faint smile flashed though the thoughtful expression. But other than that, Kori continued describing her past experiences. The blonde's touch did change one thing though: it proved that the "job interview" could be even less formal than before. Kori's voice softened a little, and she appeared more relaxed in her recollection.

The Zeltron could almost sense all those thoughts flashing across Alyse's mind; although Kori didn't know the specifics, she felt like any idea that occurred to the blonde and felt great at first, was soon met with a subtle, but unpleasant disadvantage. Some of the feelings—like concern for the fate of someone you care about—were all to familiar to Kori. That's when the purple palm met alabaster on her arm: not holding Alyse or anything, but just being there.

Nykoria listened as the Governor explained her rationale for not appointing the Zeltron to one position or another. A squeeze and a remark about her alleged desire to be in the thick of it evoked a sigh and a wider grin on Kori's face. But otherwise she remained silent, letting Alyse finish her thought. Only then, after a few moments of thinking, would she turn the gaze to meet the blonde's; purple palm now holding the alabaster on her arm tighter.

"I like the sound of that," the Zeltron admitted. It did seem like a good application of what she had learned; and yet Kori felt as though the assignment might've been too big to be given on a whim, or just because the Jedi Master was allegedly suited for that. "So yeah, count me in," she replied, unable to refuse such an offer. And yet, there's one thing she wanted Alyse to know: "Just... Remember that it's not just about me; I'd hate to cast you in a negative light for inventing a position for me. If other officials don't agree with my sudden appointment, or if I somehow end up being bad at the job..."

The Zeltron exhaled, as a faint smile formed on her lips. "I'll be up for whatever job you need done." She said that confidently; knowing with certainty that Alyse couldn't ask her anything that she was uncomfortable with. That certainty and Alyse's belief in her brought confidence.

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

As Kori's palm moved to reach Alyses own, her fingers spread apart a little to allow for thier two hands to interlock with eachother. Though even then it didn't stop the pensive movements of her fingers, instead of rubbing and lightly massaging her partner's arm, Alyse was now caressing the Zeltron's hand. A warm smile curling on her lips as she looked to meet Kori's gaze as she aired her approval of the role and position that the governor was envisioning for her. Naturally accompanying the approval with words of caution, which was initially responded to by the blonde with a quick squeeze of Koris hand. The caution was clearly intended as nothing more than airing a concern over how the Bakuran officials may react or look to use Kori's appointment and her relationship status with the Governor to their advantage - even though the political structure was laced with nothing but nepotism, it was a valid risk to be considerate of.

Despite the pensive and thoughtful expression, a warmth lingered on her features as Alyse returned back to her contemplating for a few silent moments. Before her eyes looked back to meet Kori's gaze. "Well perhaps it won't be made official immediately" Alyse spoke thoughtfully, before giving her partner's hand a reassuring squeeze. "First we'll let the various departments get familiar with you as my representative, and in no time they will get so used to you that they won't even notice the transition" she added casting Kori a bright and knowing glance. Before her expression suddenly teased a wicked devilish air about her, accompanied by a light chuckle. "Alternatively... I can always just reshuffle and restructure the departments. The senate is such a bloated corpse no one would even notice if a few extra cards are snuck into the deck" the blonde explained through a wide grin, as she looked back to meet Kori's gaze.

The devilish grin on the blondes features softened with a chuckle, before she learnt over to lightly kiss her partner on the lips. "However we get you integrated and settled down into the Bakuran home life" Alyse murmured after their lips parted, before resting her forehead against the Zeltron's. "Even if there is some push back. The most important thing is that we're together"

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Somehow, Alyse always knew what to say or do. Or at least Kori's concerns didn't seem to sway her from the chosen path, nor did they detract from the mood. The notion of familiarizing the bureaucrats with the Jedi Master first, and them getting so used to her that they wouldn't even notice the transition even elicited sparks of mischief in the hazel eyes. Sounds like a plan. Tried it on a certain Sith Governor, and it worked like a charm.

The blonde didn't even seem to be dissuaded by the prospect of playing with the government's structure. Just for me? To Kori, the idea felt so wrong, yet alluring on so many levels... To the point where it felt right. The Zeltron's smile got warmer as Alyse leaned in for the kiss. As Kori responded, her other hand reached the back of blonde's head, making it linger just a little longer.

As Alyse made a quiet concluding remark, Nykoria just hummed in agreement. Knowing you, you'll just push back harder. Or just maneuver around. Either way, they don't stand a chance against us. But Kori didn't say anything; she just basked in the warm lake of emotions, both hers and blonde's. With the Force tying them together, and with the Zeltron's innate ability to receive and project emotions, it was hard to say where Kori's thoughts, hopes, and desires ended, and where Alyse's began. The Zeltron had an absent-minded smirk on her face, as her hand slid to the side of Alyse's face, a curl of ashen hair wrapping around a purple finger.

Problems no longer mattered. Even the inevitable talk with the Jedi seemed but a minor obstacle to be tossed aside. Even the Order itself seemed distant; Kori's home was elsewhere, with her heart. Together, they'd find the right words for anyone; but between them, words weren't needed.

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

The following silence that fell between the two although not uncommon, was far from unwelcomed. A warm smile lingering over the ashen blonde's features as she continued to press her head against Kori's, concluding that they had reached a consensus as to how their life together would come together. But the thoughts of where Kori would stand and the role she would play within Bakuran society was quickly eclipsed by the transference of emotions between the two in that intimate moment of silence. A soft murmur escaping Alyse's lips as the Zeltron toyed and curled with an ashen lock of hair, followed by a kind smile as she tiled her head to look into Kori's eyes once again, before leaning in to kiss her on the forehead.

For perhaps the first time in the history of the two Force opposites; there was nothing of any importance or pressing near by, no deception, no apparitions seeking to torment them, no twisted Force leaching abomination, no politics, no crisis's - Nothing, but the dull hum of the ship as it idly tracked its course on autopilot and the soft breathing of the two partners embraced on the couch.

With an almost reluctant sigh, the ashen blonde raised her head away from the Zeltron's, but still choosing to retain the physical contact of their interwoven hands. The reluctance that could be felt was not as if a bombshell of a revelation was about to be dropped, but it was more that for a brief moment, their current embrace would need to draw to a close. Easing herself onto her feet, the ashen blonde rose to her full height, keeping a warm gaze locked with Kori, as she eased and coaxed the Zeltron onto her feet, and then taking a few steps towards her... no their private quarters.

Stopping for a brief moment after Kori stepped through into the room, to turn her attention back to the living quarters, holding out a free hand the Ashen blonde channelled the force through her and reached out - with a quick twist of her hand, the light from the candles was snuffed out, allowing the interior of the ship to just be illuminated by the ambient lighting of the ships systems and controls.

// End Thread