A/N: So I had to change the reason why H/L are visiting Celeene to make the story work. Instead of just going on vacation, they are attending a diplomatic conference. The conference is about bringing Celeene out of isolation and integrating the planet into intergalactic affairs. Finn and Mina Nobi are representing Chandrila in the stead of Mon Mothma. You can go back and read the section in Chapter 3 if you want to, but this note pretty much sums it up.
Also, I don't know about you guys, but I really don't like it when someone describes a characters clothing and I just can't picture it. So, I modeled Leia's dress on the one Reese Witherspoon wore to the 2010 Golden Globe Awards. I loved it!
Anyway, getting right down to business!
How to Lie Convincingly – Chapter 4
"To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful." --Edward R. Murrow
Leia, awed by the beauty of Celeene, held back a wondrous gasp as she took in the magnificent scenery before her. It was as beautiful as her homeworld, albeit in a different way. Alderaan was home to lush greenlands, alabaster mountains and mirror lakes.
Celeene was more exotic; the greenery and vegetation looked bizarre with its mixed hues and pungent odors. The climate was humid but just bearable enough. Her gaze then traveled to the sky and her mouth dropped open. The sky was a dark purple – so dark it was almost black – there was no opening into the space-field beyond. The planet was choked in the thick purple gas that roiled off as far as the eye could see. Leia noticed several storms within the atmosphere. It was interesting, really: with your gazed fixed straight ahead you saw a beautiful planet, but as soon as you look up you meet with a startling distinction. Leia couldn't help but draw parallels between the planet and she and Han's situation.
Light and dark.
Fire and ice.
Love and hate.
"Eenjoying thee sceneree, ay see?" Leia's pulled her head out of the clouds (Han would appreciate the pun, she thought) and fixed her gaze on the figure before them. She reprimanded herself for her lack of political tact.
"Quite. You live in a beautiful place."
Leia quickly categorized the Ceelinite in front of her. He was at least as tall as Chewbacca, but was blue-skinned and hairless with long, lithe arms and legs and ended in slender taloned hands and feet. His facial features were very similar to those of a human, but his eyes were large, round, and were filled with penetrating yellow irises. They seemed to gaze into your very soul. A small gem hung on a ring that pierced the section of skin between the nostrils, which matched the jewelry he wore around a long neck. The Ceelinite was dressed in silver, flowing robes with a high collar and short train that dragged a few inches behind him, giving him a ethereal look.
"Wee layke to theenk so." He paused briefly for a moment and slowly stretched out his hand to her. "Meena Nobee. Eet ees a pleasure." The hesitation was not lost on Han, although Leia did not acknowledge the slight.
Leia took her hand from Han's and shook the Ceelinite's warmly, a smile gracing her features.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Caetzr. Allow me to present my husband, Finn."
Leia subtly elbowed Han, who immediately held his hand out to the executive.
"Finn Nobi."
"Aahh, Meester Nobee." He bowed. "Pleeased to make your acquaintance. Wee were so deelighted to heear you and your-" again he paused, glancing briefly at Leia –"lifemate could meeet weeth us."
"Not a problem."
Nerfherder through and through.
"Pleease, allow mee to deerect you to your accommodations. They are een our finest hotel."
Caetzr made a point of walking directly in front of the pair, freeing both Han and Leia from forced interaction with the man.
Han and Leia walked in silence, both too caught up in their thoughts to speak them aloud.
When they reached a rocky promontory about four hundred meters from the landing pad, Caetzr pointed a long, bony finger downward to an awaiting shuttle.
"Thee shuttle ees waiting fohr you. Thee pilot weel take you to where you neeed to bee. I await your presence at thee reception this eeveneeng."
"As do we, my lord."
Caetzr bowed and left them alone on the promontory.
"Come on, sweetheart, better get going."
"Wait, Finn. I just want to look at this for a bit. I could get used to it, you know."
"I know," he said, taking her hand. "But we've got to go. The reception is only in a few hours."
"Alright. I'll follow you."
They made their way into the shuttle and proceeded on to their rooms.
"Meester and Meesis Nobee," the droid pilot adopted the same accent as Caetzr when speaking. "Ay weel bee your pilot thees afternoon. Ay am taking you too Neesha B'vai Gardens, home to our most special sueetes. Pleease enjoy thee flight."
Immediately, the shuttle undocked from the platform and made its way away from the cliff and crossed a huge valley. The ride was short and both took the time to admire the passing scenery. The golden twin waterfalls to their left were unlike anything Leia had ever seen, and she eagerly pointed this out to Han.
"Looks like this trip could be fun too, huh, sweetheart?"
"Yes, Finn. Perhaps we'll visit the falls during our stay here."
"I'd like that," he said, grinning.
The droid pilot, who, like most droids, did not pick up on human social cues such as private conversation, interrupted them with an introduction of the twin waterfalls.
"That ees the waterfall of thee Teesha Nai, or thee "golden reever" when translated from Ceelee."
"It's lovely."
"There are manee paths to take. I would bee happee to recommend an excursion for you. Meester Nobee may expect to find information in thee room."
"Thanks," Han said, giving Leia a mournful look. She smiled at him.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothin', I just…" he trailed off and nodded pointedly at the droid. "Tell ya when we get there."
"Eet may bee sooner than you expect, Meester Nobee. Wee have arrived at the Neesha B'vai. Your luggage has beeen deeleevered to your sueete."
"Thank you." Leia nodded courteously to the driod. "Please send our thanks to your lord."
"Eet weell be done. Good eeveneeng."
The driod faced forward again as Han and Leia unbuckled themselves and evacuated the shuttle.
Han let out a satisfied sigh and took a good look at the building.
"Let's see if this is worth what we paid for."
The Neesha B'vai was a beautiful, onyx, pentagonal building with spires coming from the ground near each corner. At the top of each spire, an orb of white light was visible against the dark purple haze of Celeene's sky. I wonder how they have day and night here, Leia thought.
"It will be, Finn. Now let's go. We have little time to prepare."
"Always business with you isn't it? Relax, we've got time yet."
"We obviously haven't been married long, dear. Or you'd know how long it takes your wife to prepare for a formal reception."
"Ooh. Can't wait."
The inside of the building matched the splendor of the outside. The tall vaulted ceilings and statuette reflected the good taste of the buildings' architect. Overhead some paintings were visible detailing Celeene's history.
The inside of the hotel was acrawl with various sentient beings; Leia assumed by their formal dress that they represented other various sectors that would participate in the convention. Leia's eyes were repeatedly drawn to a different Ceelinite, however; they were unlike any being she had ever seen.
Leia wandered over to the huge, angular, cushioned chairs situated across from the reception desk as Han went to retrieve their room keys and check them in. She sank gratefully into the largest one she could find, grateful for a chance to rest her feet and take a deep breath. As she continued to watch the goings-on, Leia's hand absently began to play with the ring on her left hand. It was interesting to see herself appearing like a married woman. The novelty of being married – let alone to Han, Finn, or anyone else – still overwhelmed her. She let her mind wander into fantasies of she and Han. She smiled to herself as she imagined what it would be like to really be with Han and share all that he was; all that he encompassed. The diplomat in her fought back.
You'd better prioritize, Organa. Do not lose sight of the goal.
"Hello preety one. Veree small are you." Leia was startled from her thoughts by the speech and leer of an approaching Ceelinite. He was dressed well and carried himself with an air of regality. Leia felt her gaze draw up to the piercing yellow eyes characteristic of every Ceelinite. The man was certainly intimidating, but Leia Organa was not one easily intimidated.
"Hello," she returned shortly. She did not want to be rude, after all.
"Meena Nobee, I theenk. Have not seeen you beefore. I would have reemembered meeeting one so lovelee."
"I agree. We have not met. It is my first trip here with my—"
"Perhaps I weell show you around our lovelee planet?"
"I'm sorry, but—"
"She has a prior engagement."
Leia turned around to find Han, who was looking down at her with a small smile, but then fixed a hard stare at the Ceelinite.
"Finn Nobi."
"Aahh, thee lifemate of thee lovelee one, I am assumeeng. My name ees Laenrs."
"Quite a pleasure, lord Laenrs. I'm afraid my husband and I must be going. We need to make arrangements."
"Oh, thee reception? I shall seee you both there, I theenk."
"Yeah. You will."
"Finn," Leia whispered harshly.
Han helped Leia from her seat and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. As they walked toward the turbolifts, Han glanced over his shoulder to see Laenrs watching them.
As they stepped into the lift, Leia shrugged his arm off.
"Finn, really. I can handle myself."
"Just trying to help."
"I can do it alone."
"I know. I just wanted to help," He echoed.
Any response Leia may or may not have formulated was cut off when the lift doors opened and two Gungans entered, chattering on in their native tongue. Han and Leia acknowledged each, and the lift doors closed and again they moved upward.
When they reached their floor, Han, Leia, and the pair of Gungans stepped off. As the lift doors began to close, the Gungans quickly changed their mind and squeezed back in before the lift doors closed. Leia chuckled. Han looked at her and couldn't help but smile.
"I know you're independent. But you know you can always come to me."
Leia was unsure if this was Finn or Han speaking.
"Okay," she replied, slightly uncomfortable with the offer.
Han walked down the corridor and Leia followed. When they reached their suite, Han easily unlocked the obsidian door and walked in.
"Wow."
Han's patience was tested over the fifteen minutes he sat waiting for Leia in the hotel's sitting room. Unable to contain himself, he let the hand supporting his hand hit the armrest of the chair and got to his feet. Normally not one to be nervous, Han nevertheless began pacing between the glass coffee table and dark leather furniture.
Han really didn't like the way Leia was being treated by the Ceelinites. Like she was… an object or just a figurehead. Leia had calmly told him about the sexual prejudice that was characteristic of all Ceelinites, but he still didn't like it. What surprised him the most was the fact that Leia seemed to take it without batting an eyelash; she accepted it with such… grace.
How the hell does she do it?
His own mind answered back.
Easily. She took the loss of her planet without batting an eyelash.
Han stopped pacing and threw his hands up in the air in exasperation.
"Having fun, flyboy?"
So, apparently Leia had seen the tail end of his mental rant.
"Uh, sure." He turned to face her and had to force himself to keep his jaw from dropping.
She was beautiful.
Neither of them said anything as Han unabashedly raked his eyes over her. Her dress was a flattering floor-length midnight blue sheath. The sweetheart neckline was embellished with a glimmering strap that went over her right shoulder. The bodice of the dress was fitted, but the skirt tapered loosely to the floor. Her eyes were lined and smoky, emphasizing her large brown irises. Her hair was swept back into a tight chignon.
Leia crossed her arms under is scrutiny. "Finn."
"Wha- oh, sorry, sweetheart." He met her eyes and began to speak, "You look…" but he lost his words.
Leia uncrossed her arms and placed one on her hip. "Well you look nice. I've never seen you in a dress uniform."
"Yeah…"
"Alright, flyboy. Let's get going before you can't speak at all."
Pause.
"We might be too late as it is," she added. She made a quick exit as Han chased her down the hallway to the lift.
"Did you lock the door?"
"Hey, what kind of idiot do you take me for?"
"A real one."
"Alright, alright. Settle down. I don't think the other delegates will be able to handle your charm."
They said nothing until the lift doors opened to reveal the grand ballroom.
Han offered Leia his arm and she took it immediately.
"Nervous?"
"Nah," he lied. He was still a little worried about how the fellow guests would treat the only female representative in the room. The last thing he wanted was for Leia to feel like all her hard work and training meant nothing.
The grand ballroom was nothing short of opulent. The tall obsidian walls and domed ceiling gave one an air of insignificance. The entire ballroom was round and lined with various tables the guests would sit to eat dinner. The dance floor was situated in the middle. Han noticed the light music that filtered in between the various accents and tongues of the other guests. The thing that most grabbed his attention was the giant orb of white light floating in the center of the ceiling, giving light to the otherwise dark room.
"Well, good. There's nothing to be nervous about," she encouraged, squeezing his bicep. She then disengaged from his arm and went to mingle with the other delegates. Han, at a loss for what to do, grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter droid and took a quick sip.
I think this thing's gonna last a lot longer than I want it to.
He was then approached by a rather ostentatious-looking Mon Calamari who engaged him in conversation. Han played his part well.
Bells rang sounding the beginning of the first dinner course. Han took advantage of the moment to disengage from the conversation he had been passively contributed to and made his way over to where Leia was sitting and chatting amicably with a female Togruta.
Sitting down gratefully, Han laid his hand on her shoulder and placed a light kiss on her temple. Her blush was not lost on him.
Leia turned to acknowledge him, then turned back to excuse herself from the conversation with the couple.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"Are you enjoying yourself, then?"
"Not as much as you are."
Leia only smiled.
Any possible questioning on Han's part was interrupted from Lord Caetzr's booming opening remarks.
"Welcome, my fellow friends from neear and far. Tonight wee unite to help breeng my lovelee planet into thee uneeyon that has so benefeeted you all…"
"Meesis Nobee. I do hope ay may not trouble you for a dance weeth mee."
"It would be my honor, Lord Laenrs."
Han coughed and sputtered into his drink as he looked to see Leia awkwardly trying to compensate for her lack of height while dancing with Lord Laenrs. He was a little jealous that Leia had refused his earlier offer of dancing, but for once remembered to stay in-character and not cause a scene.
I'm an engineer for sith's sake. I am calm. I am intelligent. I have never wielded a dangerous hand weapon in my life.
Aw, who am I kiddin'?
Leia had studied the steps of Ceelee tango well and was able to match Lord Laenrs' lead.
"My laydee dances well. Sureh-lee on Chandreela you have learned manee dances."
"I have at that. You are a fine dancer as well, my lord."
"Ay thank you."
Leia did not respond, and Laenrs continued. "Why do you trouble yourself weeth poleeteecks? When you are so beeyouteeful?"
"It is in my blood, my lord. I have worked very hard."
"Ay am sure you have." He almost devoured her with his eyes. "Of thees ay have no doubt. Perhaps you weell 'work' for mee as well?"
Leia was angered at his implication. "Thank you for the dance, my lord, but I really must find my husband. He must wonder where I am."
He bowed formally as the dance ended and politely escorted her to the edge of the dance floor.
"Ay am sure ay weell bee seeeing you een thee future."
Leia ignored him and stalked off to find Han.
It did not take her long.
Leia found him leaning against the edge of an outside pillar and approached him from behind.
"Finn?"
"Mina! I'd wondered where you'd…" He trailed off after seeing the look in her eyes. "Mina? Come on, let's go back--"
Leia shook her head; only pulled on his hand with both of hers.
"Please."
Taking her meaning, Han let her lead him to the dance floor.
It was a slow tune that they danced to. Han and Leia embodied a married couple in every sense of the words. They danced close together, each reveling in the unacknowledged feelings they stirred in one another.
Leia picked her head up from Han's shoulder and looked at him through glassy eyes.
"Is that what people really see when they look at me?" She whispered.
"What?"
Leia pushed on angrily, incredulously: "Do they—do they think that I slept my way to the position I am now?"
"Oh, Mina." He curved his arm further around the smaller of her back and pulled her closer. "Laenrs?" He felt rather than saw her nod.
"He just doesn't know what to say. I mean, look at you: a beautiful woman with so much already accomplished. That's beyond anything these people can imagine. You're successful and smart, funny, bright…"
"Well, go on." She was smiling now.
They both chuckled and Han hugged her to him as the song ended.
As they made their way out of the ballroom, arm and arm, they recognized that the orb above them had turned significantly dimmer without their noticing.
"Ceelinites must get off on really extravagant lights."
"Finn!" She scolded him, but then relented and leaned into his arm as they made their way back to the lift and then to their room.
Oh my! Quite a long chapter for me to write.
Pleease let mee know what you theenk ;)