Reflection of Fire

Part II Chapter 7

The long walk in the rain did little to cool her temper, despite leaving Ben's cloak behind, and she was shaking with more than the cold when she finally arrived. Cursing the lack of servants apparently employed here, she headed toward the stables in search of Mr. Bacca. He wasn't there. She found him in the main house, keeping BB company in the dining room.

"Miss Rey! What's happened?" B.B. wanted to know, concerned.

"We're leaving. Start packing. Mr. Bacca, if you could give me a ride before helping B.B., I'd appreciate it." He nodded, looking as startled as the child did, and Rey headed up to her room.

She was soaked through and had been shivering for some time, so a bath was very tempting. No time for such luxury, though. Hastily, she dried herself as much as possible and changed into new clothes. Then she packed up the rest of her few belongings. Master Skywalker might be back by now, she thought in distress, and hurried to B.B.'s room. The girl was alone, carefully arranging her things in her trunk.

"What is it? What happened to Uncle Luke?"

"He's fine. Everything's fine, sweetie. We just need to go see your papa," Rey told her soothingly, drawing her close for a hug.

B.B. was unconvinced but Rey did not linger to explain it to her further. She just hoped Luke would do nothing to interfere with her plans. He had seemed quite defeated by his admission, and she doubted he would want her to stay here longer, in any case. Her own cloak was hanging by the door and she put it on, thinking longingly of Ben's warm one, before heading to the stables.

To her relief, Mr. Bacca was there, waiting. "Prepare the carriage, please. I've finished packing my trunk and B.B. should be done with hers shortly." She chewed on her lip, thinking. "Perhaps you could pick me up?"

"From where?"

She hadn't expected him to be so inquisitive and she might have smiled to see that his face was as curious as B.B.'s had been upstairs, if she weren't so worried about what she was planning. "I'm going next door."

His brow furrowed. "You're going to see young Master Ben?"

"Yes," she whispered, staring at him.

He nodded sagely. "Be careful, young miss. I imagine you'll need some time there?"

Surprised, she could only nod in affirmation.

"Very well, miss. I will drop you off in the curricle and then get the carriage ready with the little mistress. We'll be along shortly."

"Thank you." He gave a small smile at her heartfelt expression, and she helped him prepare a team of horses. This would go well. It had to. There was nothing to be afraid of. Wrapping her cloak tightly around her, she climbed up beside him, and they set off at a brisk pace. The rain was no longer a deluge and she was relieved to consider that she might not arrive soaked through.

The road was more well-kept than much of Master Skywalker's property, and Mr. Bacca clearly knew where he was going even in the dark. He slowed down as they approached and she was somewhat dismayed to see several carriages in the front of the house. Would Ben's guests complicate things? She thought of the way he had looked at her and decided it wouldn't.

There were a few guards milling about, a strange fixture for someone's home, and one of them went inside after spotting her. She climbed down when they stopped some ways from the front door, giving Mr. Bacca a wave as she left. He smiled encouragingly as he continued on, and she turned to look dubiously as the two men who approached. Then the door opened and Ben stepped out. She started to smile but faltered. It couldn't have been long since she'd last seen him, but his expression was completely different. Back to how it was when Finn had been around. Still, he offered his arm to help her up the stairs and she flushed at the contact. He moved away all too soon and led the way inside.