Reflection of Fire

Part III Chapter 6

"Miss Rey, you're doing it again," B.B.'s annoyed voice cut through her thoughts.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I'll stop," she promised.

B.B. raised an eyebrow. "That's what you said last time."

Rey managed to suppress a sigh. B.B. was right, of course. It was very difficult to keep her thoughts on the lessons, and the girl was getting impatient. "Alright. Why don't we take a break for a little while?"

The idea was clearly a surprising one to B.B., but she brightened at the prospect. "Can we go for a ride?"

Riding lessons had not been picked up after they had come to this house, given the closeness of the neighbors and the likelihood of traffic. But perhaps someone who knew the area could go with them. "Let's go see if Rose is around," Rey conceded.

They headed for the stables and B.B. ran ahead exuberantly. Rey smiled and wished the morning's conversation hadn't seemed to have exhausted her. "She's here!" B.B. called back triumphantly.

"Good morning, Rose," Rey said with dignity when she caught up with her charge.

"What can I do for you ladies?" Rose asked, smiling at B.B.

"We thought we might take some air and give the horses some exercise. Do you want to join us? We don't really know where to go," Rey added when Rose looked surprised.

Considering this, Rose gave a decisive nod. "Sounds like fun. Perhaps we could pack a lunch?"

Rey and B.B. agreed heartily with this statement, making Rose smile.

"Alright, let's get ready. Come along, B.B., let me show you how to tack a horse."

This was apparently to be the day's lesson, and Rey found herself having to learn it as well after she'd sent their request to the cook. Her fingers felt clumsy and overlarge compared to the deft way Rose buckled everything, but she managed. B.B. was very proud of her ability to get her own horse ready, though of course Rose checked it over before they left.

The streets were not as busy as feared and they moved at a leisurely pace. Rose led the way, with B.B. behind her and Rey bringing up the rear. She remembered Master Dameron's concerns about his daughter being in danger if they left the house, even if she thought they might be unfounded. Snoke was gone, after all, and it did not appear that Ben – Kylo Ren – intended to do anything with her.

Rose took them to a park a good distance away from home and they tied the horses loosely to a tree, so that they might have their own lunch while the ladies had theirs. They spread out a blanket and unpacked the things the cook had sent, which included several more treats for B.B. than her father would appreciate. After a companionable lunch, Rey and Rose sat back and watched the girl play.

"We went on a picnic like this when I was up north," Rey said suddenly, not quite sure what prompted her to speak.

"Did you? Was it pleasant?"

"It was. We were by a lake and B.B. ran in the water with Mr. Bacca."

Rose laughed. "Did he really join her? I can't imagine that."

Smiling, Rey nodded. "I was rather surprised myself." Her smile faded as she considered her conversation with Master Skywalker. And her decision to return home alone. She glanced around, almost expecting Ben to suddenly appear. But, no, there were only ladies and children with the occasional manservant enjoying the nice day.

"I'm glad you brought her here," Rose offered, watching her and no doubt wondering at her expression.

"Yes, me too. It's good for her to be closer to her father."