Star Wars: Swords of the Force

[Armphid]

"Planned?" "Irina, you give me far too much credit." Riding would work perfectly though. Away from most other people, entertaining and absorbing, but also giving them plenty of time to talk. He could find out a lot about her...and she about him, of course. That was the nature of things after all.

Ramza looked at his own clothes. He wore an outfit largely of black, with blue trim and accents. Around his waist was a burnt orange sash that hung a little loosely, the swords normally tucked in it being held by the desk downstairs. "Riding sounds wonderful." "It's been too long in cities for me, getting outside for a while will be fantastic." "Perhaps we can also enjoy a scenic outdoor lunch together?"

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina smiled. "That sounds lovely. Let me get my gloves, then." She pulled a pair of simple leather riding gloves from a drawer by the door and smiled up at him. "Shall we ask them to pack us a lunch before we go, or stop somewhere before we leave town?"

This would be an interesting afternoon. Time alone with someone who could help her - unintentional as it may be - with her mission, and who thought she was fascinating. Excellent. Raising an eyebrow, she smiled. "Unless you're rather hunt around my sitting room. Nothing incriminating, I promise." Which was true. All the dangerous stuff was in her bedroom.

 

[Armphid]

"Let's stop on our way out, I've heard of a very good delicatessen that will do nicely." Ramza smiled at her other remarks. Very good. She suspected him in the same way he suspected her, it seemed.

"I"m sure everything here is in place." Of course it was. This would be the most heavily trafficked room. Anything suspect would be placed elsewhere in the suite. The bathroom or the bedroom, most likely. "I'll also admit...this is not the room of yours that I'd like to inspect in greater detail." He winked, then headed to the door, letting it open and 'holding' it for her. "Shall we?"

 

[HookerBoots]

Ducking under his arm, Irina smiled mysteriously. "Well, I'd have to do some cleaning if you needed to use the bathoom," she joked, knowing fully what he meant. She locked the door as he stepped out, tucking the key into a pouch at her waist. "And I'll have to get my chaperone. It won't do for us to be alone." She waited just long enough for his worry to show, then grinned. "Kidding. Let's head to the stables."

She raised an eyebrow. "Unless you've your own stables." She smirked and tipped her head. It was possible, she supposed, but they were probably on another planet.

 

[Armphid]

He grinned broadly at her retort. What a woman! She grew more wonderful the more time he spent with her. Such a pity that the same will he so admired would mean that they would have to be political foes. Her mention of a chaperone though, was interesting. He knew she didn't actually have one, but...was it entirely a joke or was there something to it?

Ramza headed down the hall and into the elevator with her. "My family owns a great many things, on a great many worlds, but nothing here on Filgaia." "But the stables here have a good reputation, I think we'll find they have some extraordinary mounts." Simple question, with a simple answer. But it could tell her a lot about his financial resources. "I have been considering looking to buy a place here, though, I've come to like it during my stay." And you could never have enough back-up safehouses.

 

[HookerBoots]

The ride in the elevator passed with idle chatter, Irina standing straight against the back wall while Ramza leaned against a side wall in what she assumed was the accepted stance for "wealthy young man at his ease". She didn't believe that was all there was to him for a second, of course, but it was amusing watching him play the part. Sort of like a Wookiee trying to act like an Ewok; vaguely related, and the same in basics, but so unalike that the comparison is laughable. No one who could fight and dance the Geru'do like he could was just an idle rich playbpy.

Inside the stables, Irina gravitated directly to a tall, graceful champagne mare, that overtopped her head by half a hand at the withers. Stroking the horse's neck, she cooed softly, "What a beautiful girl you are, darling. Yes, you're a pretty girl, aren't you?" as the mare whickered quietly and turned to nuzzle her hand.

 

[Armphid]

They paused at the front desk for Ramza to retrieve his swords. Apparently even primitive weapons weren't allowed in this building. He wondered how they'd react if they knew that the objects really were. One was short, perhaps two feet in length total, the other about three and a half. He slid the sheathes into the sash at his waist, their bulk tightening and securing it. "Tradition, you know," he said to Irina. "The two swords are a mark of the noble class, from ancient days." "These have been in the family for quite some time."

He watched her in the stables as he went immediately to a tall chestnut gelding. "Hello, friend." He laid a hand on the animal's muzzle, skritching it behind the ears with the other. "You're a handsome fellow." "We'll get on well, I think."

The two lead the horses outside to the vast green of the massive park. Ramza looked around for a moment. "Surprising, isn't it?" "So much life in the middle of this vast city." "So much green." He took a deep breath. Marvelous. He missed Yavin 4 sometimes. This wasn't the same, but it was a lot closer than the cold city. He swung up into the saddle, "Shall we, my dear?"

 

[HookerBoots]

Mounting smoothly, Irina gave him a small smile and guided the mare next to Ramza and his gelding. This mare was clearly a good choice, smooth gait and strong breath. She patted the horse's neck again. "I believe we shall," she said with a whimsical smile. Winking, she added, "And as we ride, we can see if my seat is as good as yours, Ramza."

She shook the reigns, and took off at a canter, laughing. This would be a good day, regardless of what else happened. There was very little better than a ride with a good horse.

 

[Armphid]

"I consider it far better, though that may be from envy." He grinned, following after her. This...this was good. He wished, so badly wished, that it was just a pleasant riding date with a fascinating woman. Not a pleasant riding date with a fascinating woman that he was supposed to gather intelligence on.

He drew his mount up alongside hers. "You ride very well, she responds to you nicely." He quirked an eyebrow at her, "More of your 'little and brief' training?"

 

[HookerBoots]

She coughed into her hand and paused to slip her riding gloves on. "Partially. I worked as a stablehand when I was young. Work for children, you know, and I was scruffy enough to pass as a boy." Grinning at him, she said, "Obviously, I couldn't now." This was almost nice enough to forget what she was supposed to be doing here.

Angling the mare so that the two horses were almost touching, she leaned over to say, teasingly, "I've always liked all sorts of riding, you know. I'm sure we could enjoy them together."

 

[Armphid]

"Too bad," Ramza grinned, "I'm sure you made a fine stable boy." "Though I much prefer you this way." The breeze was warm on his face, and for a moment, they were almost two young people flirting innocently, not political operatives on missions of discovery and exploitation.

At her innuendo laden comment, he let out a low whistle, smiling. "I have no doubt, Irina." "And much hope," he added with a wink. "I would very much like to take you to my estate, show you past the door to my chamber...and into the garden beyond, I have a pair of riding lizards that I'm sure we'd have hours or fun with."

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina blushed slightly. "I'm sure, Ramza, that if you ever got me to your estate and into your chambers, the last thing either of us would be interested in would be your . . . lizards." She raised an eyebrow at him, smiling just a little invitingly. "And even in that highly unlikely circumstance, I'm certain that our skills and vigor would be evenly matched."

God, why did this have to be so difficult for her? She was what she was, and she couldn't let down her Master. But she really did like this man. She had a job to do, however, and so smiled. "And, though it may be overbold, I believe you never collected your prize last evening, while we're on the topic of things we could do together."

 

[Armphid]

Suns, she was awesome! Every comment and innuendo brought him deeper into his rapidly growing affection for her. "Evenly matched just means a greater challenge, and greater joy in the...winning." "Though the struggle would be the best part, I think."

He blinked at her reminder of that. "Indeed?" "You're correct." He grinned roguishly, "I was too much of a gentleman to bring it up...but I have thought of claiming that prize since I woke, even a little while I slept." It was true. How he'd like to kiss those lips...which was the trap for him. Or was it for her? Damn politics. He then smiled a little broader, "But, since you let me win last night, it's hardly fair to claim it as a 'prize,' isn't it?"

He looked ahead at the wide trail. "Another contest seems in order." "If I can beat you to the other side of the field, I earn the sweet kiss that I have thought of." "If you beat me, you kiss me." He grinned, "Sound fair?"

 

[HookerBoots]

"A wager that no one loses, I see. Very well, then, but don't expect me to let you win this time." She grinned and put her heels to the mare's sides without another word, laughing. Behind her, Irina heard him swear and start to follow. Leaning over her horse, she let the mare have her head and held on for dear life.

She heard Ramza closing the distance and realized that it may have been a mistake to think she was a better rider than he was. But evidently, her quick start gave her just enough of an advantage to keep her ahead of him, even if just barely. She didn't waste time looking back, but kept her eyes on the edge of the field as it drew steadily closer.

 

[Armphid]

Interesting. She was willing to cheat in this small thing. It was risky to extrapolate, but it still said much about her. Leaning forward and lunging, Ramza urged the gelding after her. She rode well, very well...but he was better, and his horse was stronger. He was closing fast. He also noted that she didn't look back or check, she focused on what she was doing, on winning. Also very good to know.

He was gaining, gaining, he could overtake her, probably. Should he? He'd seen her win in the battle, but...that was against a vastly inferior foe. How someone was when they won was very important. You could learn a lot about them in those moments. He hated to lose though...damn it all.

Ramza reined in, closing to make it a narrow margin, the nose of her horse just past the nose of his. But it was still her victory. He smiled ruefully, bringing the horse to a halt with a neigh. "Well ran, Irina." "You win."

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina quirked an eyebrow at him. "So it seems." She had a suspicion that he had let her win, and smiled, just a little wickedly. "The agreed stakes were a kiss, no?" He probably wanted to see her attitude when she won, since she'd let him win last night. She smiled, a little shyly, at him. "I believe I was supposed to kiss you, if I won, correct?"

She turned the mare to walk along side of his gelding, facing him. The scenery was beautiful, and she wanted so badly for this whole thing to not be politics that she could almost make herself believe it. But not quite. As a professional, this was nothing but business. Business. She kept repeating that in her head, trying to make sure that, whatever happened, she didn't let herself get caught up in this.

A little smile played around her mouth as she nudged her horse forward another step, their thighs touching. "I suppose I could demand payment now, couldn't I?" She leaned forward a little, the smile widening. "But I think I'll wait for a while to collect my reward." Tapping the mare with her heels, she took off down the field.

 

[Armphid]

Ramza felt his pulse and breath quickening as she drew close. He wanted this more than he should. He was losing his perspective. She might be an enemy. She might be someone he'd have to betray. She was also the single most fascinating and attractive woman he'd ever met. "A kiss was the wager," he agreed, his voice soft.

So close. She leaned forward, and he did as well, then she grinned and declared she'd collect later. He stared for a moment as she galloped away. Then he laughed, and called after her, "Temptress!" What a move! It was brilliant! And such a delightful tease! By the Force, he wanted to kiss her that much more now. "Well played!"

He turned the gelding, urging in forward to pursue her. Grinning broadly, he drove the steed on as he tried to catch up to the swift footed mare. "What happens if I catch you?"

 

[HookerBoots]

"Then you may kiss me instead, Ramza!" she called over her shoulder with a smile. "Or collect whatever forfeit you like," she added, slowing slightly. Grinning at him as he approached, she wondered what he'd claim if and when he won. Just before they were even, she twitched the reigns and the mare turned to one side, veering away from him.

"What time limit shall we set on this competition, then? Your horse is stronger, but mine is carrying a smaller weight! Which of us will win, do you think?" she asked as her horse carried her farther from him.

 

[Armphid]

"Ha!" "Agreed!" Ramza hadn't felt so...happy, and so free in what felt like ages. His steed thundered after her, almost catching her before she veered away. She was amazing. He felt his objectivity, his focus on his mission slipping away, and for now, he didn't give a damn if it did.

"Whichever one of us wants it more, of course," he called back to her. "And ten minutes, or we'll hurt the horses!" With that he tapped his heels into the gelding, spurring him on. Rather than pursue her directly, he swung into an intercept course, roding to where she would be instead of where she was.

 

[HookerBoots]

Giving a little laugh, Irina swung her horse around, changing her course as soon as he started to cut into her path. Was she . . . having fun? It had been so long since there was anything for her besides what she must do, or fear of being punished for failing, or fleeting release with another person, that it made her a little giddy to think that she was having fun. Oh, there were always compensatory pleasures, the feeling of power from watching a plan come together, the feel of the Force when she used it, but nothing as simple and wonderful as just having fun.

Flicking the sides of the mare's neck with the reigns, Irina laughed again, then felt something fall out of her hair. One hand went to base of her braid and she swore, reigning in the mare. "Time out! My hair pin!" She dismounted hurriedly, searching the grass for the tell-tail glint of metal and the small jewels set in the pin.

 

[Armphid]

Ramza brought his steed to a halt at her cry. At first, he suspected another trick, but he could see that the pin that had held her braid in place was no longer there. More importantly, she seemed genuinely concerned that she had lost it. The hairpin was significant to her. Why?

He vaulted off the horse, landing lightly on his feet. "Let me help you find it." It should stand out pretty well, despite it's small size. The Order had taught him the difference between seeing and observing. The eye that observes is far superior to the eye that sees. Rather than begin moving about, he crouched down, eyes slowly scanning as he let his thoughts and emotions quiet.

There it was. He reached out to pluck it up, Irina not yet having spotted him doing so. He took a close look at it. It was well made, and a pretty little thing. A gift from family...or a lover? He felt himself bristle at that thought and frowned. Not the proper reaction.

"I believe I've found it, Irina." He smiled, holding the pin out to her. "Yours, dear lady." He was waiting for her to reach for it. As soon as she did, he'd make his lunge and try to grab her. After all, the contest wasn't over yet...

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you so much!" She started to reach for it, then saw a glint in his eyes that made her pause. There was nothing about his stance that seemed to say he was planning something, but . . . the contest wasn't done, and there was something there.

Take the risk? She could probably get around him, if she had to, but she hated losing. However, the way that Ramza was looking at her, it probably wouldn't be too bad to lose. But he'd get suspicious if she didn't struggle at least a little, and if that struggle got her loose . . . .

She reached out cautiously, staying at arms' length as she did so.

 

[Armphid]

He slid in quickly, one hand pressing the hairpin into hers, the other taking hold of her wrist. "I was going to use this opportunity to win our little wager, Irina." He offered no resistance as she struggled, stepping away and letting her go as he stepped past her. "I still wish I had, but...victory earned is sweeter than victory stolen." "Although..."

He reached out and gave the rear flank of her mare a swat. The beast neighed and bolted away. Grinning, he turned to her. "...I think making a footrace of things is quite fair."

 

[HookerBoots]

"My horse!" She glared at him, and grabbed the reigns of his gelding, turning it in the opposite direction. Then she swatted the horse's flank and sent it going as well. She folded her arms across her chest and stuck out her tongue. "Now we're totally even, since we'll both have to find our horses after we're done."

With a little grin, she slipped the hair pin back in and took off in the direction of her horse, dodging his hands as he grabbed for her. "You'd better hurry, Ramza! Time's half up already, aren't you going to catch me?"

 

[Armphid]

"I am, I just like to appreciate the chase!" Ramza grinned as he raced after her, his longer legs pumping as he strove to overtake her. "Don't tell me you don't like it too," he called, laughing.

Through the field they ran, this way and that. As the sun shone down on them, it was on two people having fun together, playing and romancing each other, for once with no ulterior motives or agendas. Simply a man and a woman who were running and hoping to be caught.

He was running out of time. Ramza had let his advantage go, wanting to win her, win the contest, he meant, honestly. He wasn't about to lost. Charging after her, he threw himself into a slide. Shooting along the ground, he slid under and between her running legs to rise up in front of her, "Got you!"