They approached the ship, their arms carrying food and clothing they purchased. Ren murmured "Check to make sure there are no tracking devices. The Resistance has one internally aboard the ship." He entered the ship and placed the food and the clothes they purchased securely in the cargo bin under the bunk. Rey arrived a few moments later.
"I found one, it was small, I almost didn't see it. I threw it to the jungle below. I didn't think that they'd do that here." Rey frowned.
"It's a nice ship, it could be assumed whomever owns it may have some money. This is the official capital of Cularin however the other cities on this planet have seedier reputations." Ren murmured as he followed her to the cockpit. She arched an eyebrow at him. "While you were sleeping earlier, and decided to read the information the ship had on the planet."
Rey obtained clearance from the port officials and disembarked, heading toward their destination. "Rey, do you feel better being further away?" He asked quietly. She knew what he meant by the question.
She let the ship gain altitude before turning to him and responding "Now that you mention it, yes. I think being with you, just you, helps. Being so close before, it was like heavy weight over my shoulders." Rey grasped his hand and squeezed it. She turned her attention back to their route, tall trees with broad leaves created a blanket of green over the jungle. Various birds and flying reptiles took flight at their approach. Just as Sabaal said, they arrived four hours later and Rey landed the Radiance near the dwelling on the shore.
They gathered their belongings and headed inside. It was a simple abode with a full bathroom, two bedrooms, lounge and kitchen. Ren activated the hologram on the table that provided some basic directions, there were no cooling units here. Ren sighed, annoyed. It was humid on this planet. Rey came into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around him and hugged him from behind. "What was that for?"
"No cooling unit, I am not sure if it'd be cooler with windows open or not" He said, threading his fingers through hers. She shrugged. He felt she was content with the heat and the humidity, this is what she was used to.
"Well the water is calm now but we can open the windows that face the ocean. The winds could pick up later." She said and moved towards the windows. Beyond the ship, a few distant islands emerged from the turquoise water. The smell of salt and surf permeated the dwelling and Rey took a deep breath sighing contentedly.
"Rey, when do you want to meditate? Luke said you need to do it alone, and away from others. I cannot help you with it." He knew she felt his concern through the bond, he withheld the information that Luke provided regarding her possible demise if she failed. Rey turned to him and bit her lip, her brows furrowed.
"I want to rest today and tonight. It feels so peaceful here, I feel better every moment. Tomorrow, I will go. We'll walk together where I plan to fight them tomorrow so you know where I am." Her voice was calm, but within he felt her worry and the Dark Side threatened to stir. "I am still confused as to what I should do." It was barely a whisper that escaped her mouth, her brows furrowed. She looked up to him, her eyes large "Ren, did you do anything like this?"
"I'm afraid not. Luke said to meditate and to face them as you face your fears. He said you cannot succumb to the Dark Side during it. I personally have not done anything of that nature as part of my prior training." He murmured. Ren moved towards her "We know what you have to do. Lets relax and enjoy today so you can focus tomorrow."
Rey nodded and they left the small villa and walked toward the beach. He shed his boots and rolled up his pants, and Rey mirrored him. They walked along the shore, idly commenting on the scenery and enjoying the warm water that lapped at their feet. It was a clear turquoise against the ivory sand, and further out the ocean deepened to darker hues. The breeze from the ocean was weak, so the humidity and his sweat soaked their clothes quickly. They started to walk back towards the villa, and small near-translucent fish darted and retreated with the waves. Ren convinced her to swim with him.
Ren started to remove his pants and undergarments and he sensed Rey slightly abashed. He left his pants partially unbuttoned and removed his shirt and walked towards her, tossing his black shirt on the sand. "What are you embarrassed about? It's just us..." She had faced away from him and if he had to guess, she was blushing. Rey turned and he was right.
"I know..." She said quietly. He reached and lifted the shirt over her head, and her hands reached out and rested on his waist. Her fingers and eyes caressed his stomach, his scars, his chest and finally she wrapped her hands around his neck. Ren could sense she was feeling enamored for him and he leaned to kiss her. Her lips were soft and she pressed herself against him. His hands met hers and they removed the rest of the clothing and he picked her up in his arms, she blushed slightly, her arms around his neck. He waded into the water and she tensed in his arms as the water touched her skin. Ren sensed the fear, a small and tight knot in his mind.
"I have you. I won't let you go."
Rey's deep jade lightsaber hummed as she cut the thick jungle foliage in front of her. Ferns and broad palms with their dark green leaves provided contrast to the bright oranges, yellows and reds of the flowering vegetation. The native animals and birds called out their presence, and their escape from the intruders became known over rustling leaves and detritus. Ren and Rey had awaken early in the morning but spent time in each other's embrace until she finally deemed it was time to prepare. The prior day and evening was pure bliss, spending time together, relaxing with him. She almost felt as if there was no one else in her mind, but she knew the Nightsisters were lurking. Ren had mentioned Luke the prior evening and felt Kailiss's rage and hate towards the Jedi Master flare before she suppressed the feelings. They prepared some rations for her in the morning, and she donned her black boots with dark grey pants, and a long sleeved grey woven top. It would protect her from any thing in the jungle, while being breathable for the hot and humid air. Ren walked behind her cutting additional foliage, and mentally he was pensive.
"Ren, something about this place... makes me feel calm." She inhaled the humid air and held it before exhaling. Rey enjoyed the warmth, and the humidity. The broken leaves and branches from the path she made crunched under her boots.
"I know you mentioned something earlier, and maybe you're right. I do not enjoy the humidity but besides that, there is a peace here. I think it will help you." His low voice said behind her.
A single large tree emerged in front of them, vines with yellow and white flowers extended on the bark reaching towards the jungle canopy. Few ferns grew under the tree and the surrounding area, the tree's roots broke through the soil, expanding the tree's presence. She looked to Ren, his eyes were studying the tree's leaves high above. "I think I want to meditate here."
Ren said nothing but closed his eyes, inhaling. "I think you should too. It is difficult to fall prey to Dark Side urges here." He opened his dark eyes and gazed at all of her. Ren set down the pack he was carrying for her and stepped toward her. Rey felt his arms around her and he rested his head on hers. She listened to his heart beat, and his lungs inhale. "Be calm and patient. Think of all the things Luke taught you. Feel everything around you, everything alive. Know... Know that I love you and I want you to succeed." She felt his worry within him, and he tilted her chin to him gazing in her eyes. Rey looked at his face, his intense eyes, the dark thick hair she loved to run her fingers through. He kissed her lightly and took a step back, their hands holding onto each other.
"I love you. Don't worry." She turned and sat next to the tree's trunk, her rations nearby and lightsaber within arm's reach. Ren said nothing, but turned and followed the half-league path back to the villa. Rey felt him almost subdue his concern, he was thinking calm thoughts... for him and her. He discussed on the way he would be meditating as well to remain peaceful for her.
Rey closed her eyes and started to feel for the Force. The Dark Side made a feeble attempt to grasp hold but she felt content, it had nothing to latch onto. She breathed in the hot humid air of the jungle, and exhaled. She remembered the first time she meditated with Luke, to feel the Force around her. She felt resistance, within herself. She breathed again and tried to focus on the living trees and the jungle wildlife that she sensed nearby, and again felt the resistance within her. Rey refused to give in to agitation, she would need to relearn how to attune to the Light Side again.
Ren sat and stared at the words on the holobook without reading them. The villa had a small library available but he found it hard to concentrate. He had taken several long walks along the shore earlier and practiced his sword forms. He masked his bond to Rey to prevent his worry and Dark Side tendencies from affecting her meditation. He sat on the overstuffed beige sofa, the lights were dimmed except for the light on the end table closest to him. The night had cooled reasonably, the wind had picked up and waves crashed against the shore. Ren ate some fruit for dinner but his appetite was lacking. He sighed and stretched out, placing the holobook on the table behind him.
Rey had supplies for several days, he had no idea how long she'd be. He dwelled on her emotions right then, she was determined and he sensed a small fear within her. Ren frowned, were their distractions that she had to overcome? Maybe she finished meditating for the day. Earlier he sensed some frustration from her under the calm she felt. He figured it may be from relearning how to attune to the Light Side. Ren felt her determination grow and he felt tense, yet still masked his bond to her. He turned to his side and stared at the direction she was in, eagerly anticipating to see her again unharmed.