Confronting Fear

Hapes

He seemed impressed by the way you came in
"Tell us a story, I know you're not boring"
I was afraid that you would not insist
"You sound so sleepy, just take this, now leave me"

Reptilia - The Strokes

Leia held Rey's arm for support as they wandered the Hall of Portraits with its paintings showcasing the many former kings and queens of Naboo. Despite being alone, they chatted quietly about their favorite subject as of late, Ben. Today Leia was sharing stories of his childhood. Apparently he was a troublemaker even then, just like Han. It was good to see Leia so happy; Rey could sense she had been wanting to tell these stories to someone for ages. Footsteps echoing throughout the room alerted them to another presence. Well, two presences. They were being approached by two tall, slender men in vibrant clothing. One was clearly much older than the other as given away by his long mane of silver grey hair. The younger man had hair of a similar length but his blonde hair had a red tint to it. Both men studied the ladies with the same blue eyes. Father and son, she sensed.

"Princess Leia?!" The older man asked in false astonishment.

Rey felt a shift in Leia's Force, one that she had come to associate with her entering "politician mode."

"Prince Isolder, what a pleasant surprise," Leia responded sweetly.

The two men, in unison bowed low to Leia, yet Rey could feel them watching her. The father, Prince Isolder took Leia's hand, kissing the back of it softly. "As beautiful as ever," he crooned. He turned to Rey, eyes taking in her hair wound into two knots in the back of her head, her two-tone green tunic with its flowing sleeves, cinched with a silver leather belt, white leggings and white boots. She didn't like the way his eyes lingered on the twin lightsabers at her belt. "Speaking of beauty, who is this ravishing young woman by your side?"

"This is Rey Berrie, Jedi Knight Sentinel and my very good friend," warmth entered Leia's voice for the first time since the pair had intruded upon them.

The prince reeled in mock surprise, kneeling to kiss the back of Rey's hand as he had Leia's, the warmth of his lips making Rey flush. "Forgive me my lady, I should have known based on your reputation alone. I must confess I didn't believe the rumors as I thought a Jedi couldn't possibly be so lovely. I was clearly very wrong. " His eyes turned to her master, "As Leia is one, I should have known better." His eyes once again settled on the sabers at Rey's waist. "Is that a lightsaber then? May I?" His left hand reached to unclip the saber from Rey's right hip, fingertip brushing up against the smooth emerald green fabric of her tunic.

Quicker than perceptible to the human eye, Rey's hand darted out, seizing Isolder's wrist, her grip firm. She spoke for the first time. "Forgive me, your highness, but a Jedi's weapon is sacred to us, an extension of our selves. I'm sure you understand," she released his wrist.

Isolder shook his wrist, anger briefly flashing in his eyes and red aura. This was not a man used to being told no. He straightened himself regaining composure. "The one asking for forgiveness should be me. I should not have been so bold."

Leia chuckled, "I'm sure Rey wouldn't mind giving a demonstration at a later time?"

Rey forced herself to smile, "Of course not. I'm always happy to demonstrate the skills of a Jedi."

He turned to his son, who had not yet spoken. "Ah, forgive me. The sight of two such beauties made me temporarily forget my manners. This is my son, Prince Kalen."

The younger man bowed again, kissing each Rey and Leia's hand in turn. "I can't say I blame you, Father. I too was awestruck." He pretended to think before exclaiming as though he had the most wonderful idea ever. He led Rey an Leia to the gigantic window overlooking the river and its waterfalls. "We were just about to enjoy a private luncheon on a boat touring the waterfalls around Theed. We would be delighted if you would join us, wouldn't we Father?"