Star Wars - Shadows Of The Outer Rim

6. | The Docks

Most of the walk was met with silence. Kiera could tell that Rynn's quietness wasn't just due to mistrust but because she was naturally reserved, a thoughtful, observant person who seemed to analyze and reflect on every situation.

Kiera kept her hand close to her lightsaber as she and Rynn slipped into one of the most dangerous districts in Korath's capital. She was surprised Rynn would venture down here without the protection of palace guards, but then again she had a Jedi with her. The narrow alleys and market stalls were thick with the stench of decaying goods, a feeling of desperation lurking on the streets. Here, shadows clung to every corner, giving just enough cover to the criminals, vagabonds, and informants that lurked, ever-watchful of newcomers.

Around them, vendors shouted in harsh voices, trying to draw attention to their illicit wares displayed on patched-up tables and tattered blankets. Kiera noted the faces of the men and women who lingered by stalls: scarred, hardened, and suspicious, each one sizing her and Rynn up as potential threats or prey. Or perhaps curious at the presence of nobility in the otherwise beautiful city's underbelly.

She stole a quick glance at her companion. Rynn, though clearly out of place in her royal attire, held her head high. Despite the narrow streets and grime-streaked buildings, she walked with a calm resilience that impressed Kiera.

"Have you been to areas like this before?" Rynn asked, keeping her voice low but her gaze steady on the road ahead.

"Places like this, yes," Kiera replied, her eyes scanning the shadows for movement. "On other assignments, I often found myself in districts like these. Places untouched by the Republic's sense of order. Must feel far from the palace halls you're used to."

Rynn gave a small, determined smile. "For what we're here to do, I can manage."

They pressed on through the crowded street, both of them on edge. Somewhere in this chaotic maze of vendors and alleyways was their contact. A man with a reputation for knowing everything that happened in Korath's underworld.

As they wove through the stalls, Kiera noticed a young boy watching them from the edge of a crumbling wall, his clothes worn and dirty, a hollow look in his eyes that came from too many days spent hungry. Suddenly, he darted forward, snatching a piece of fruit from a nearby vendor's stall. But before he could escape, the vendor lunged, grabbing the boy's arm in a firm grip.

The boy cried out, twisting and hitting the vendor's hand in a panicked attempt to free himself. Before Kiera could intervene, Rynn stepped forward.

"Let him go," she commanded, her voice steady and unwavering.

The vendor scowled, tightening his grip. "Why should I? These little thieves are always stealing from us. Can't spare the fruit, not that a palace-dweller like you would understand."

Ignoring the insult, Rynn reached into her pouch and handed the vendor a generous handful of credits, worth far more than the stolen fruit. "This should cover your losses. Now, leave him be."

With a grumble, the vendor released the boy, muttering under his breath as he pocketed the credits. Rynn knelt down, holding the boy's gaze with a warm expression as he tried to pull away, uncertain. "What's your name?" she asked, her tone soft, as if speaking to an old friend.

The boy looked at her, eyes wide with surprise. "T-Torryn, ma'am," he stammered, his gaze flickering between Rynn and the pouch at her side.

Rynn smiled softly, holding out a smaller handful of credits to him. "Torryn, I need some help. I'm looking for Jovar. Can you tell me where to find him?"

Torryn's gaze lingered on the credits, though he hesitated. "I'm a friend," Rynn added.

"Yeah through there by the alcove." said, eyes locked on the credits. Rynn placed them into his hand, gently resting her own on top. "Take these. Keep warm," she said, adding with a soft sincerity, "And may you find light everlasting in the stars of Vandor."