Author's Note: So it's been a while since I updated this story! Don't worry, I haven't forgotten but life has a way of getting between what we need to do and what we want to do. But I'm back, so on with the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I simply play in their world.

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Chapter 4

"Meeting you was like finding the answer

To a question I had long since forgotten

Asking…"

-Ranata Suzuki

The press of his lips, the warmth seeping into my skin leaves me in a tangled knot of confusion and pleasure. Nothing in my life, not the lesson with Master Kenobi or my interactions with the various men of our rebellion, could prepare me for...him.

Something tremulous flutter deep within my heart, a warmth seeping into the marrow of my bones, thawing out frozen, hidden parts of myself no one should know about.

I snatch my hand back but not before I feel his grip tighten for an instant before releasing me.

As if he...didn't want to let go.

"My lady?"

He lifts his head, the slight curve of his lips and the soft intimacy of his question makes my heart beat a little more frantically, the traitorous creature.

No doubt he's done this before. I wonder how many unwary maids have fallen to his charms.

"Rey, not 'my lady'," I reiterate sharply, "Sir Kylo." I brush back loose strands from my eyes and refuses to acknowledge my shaking hand, "Now if you will excuse me, I have dallied too long."

I side-step him and make for my horse who has cleared a good patch of grass in his waiting.

Well at least one of us is allowed to eat.

I glance at the corpses, the blood-soaked ground, and my stomach turns over. I am no stranger to the battlefield, but this is different.

My arrows and vines strike from a distance, felling my enemies without having to see their face. This however, was no faceless battle.

I can still feel their blood on my hands, the light in their eyes as death takes them...

"Where is your destination?"

His question, the inflection of shadows and silken heat, pull me back to the present and I am grateful for the distraction.

I glance at my tall companion, his unwavering gaze finds mine and for a moment I don't feel so alone. There is something familiar about him, as if I had seen him in a dream long forgotten until now.

"I," idiot, do not let your tongue loosen before a fair face, "...am traveling to a distant village to sell my wares."

"Which one?"

His continued persistence is both an annoyance and oddly charming. He is exasperating and I rake him with a glance.

The cock of his brow tells me is not the least bit intimidated and awaits my response with infuriating patience. The pull to answer him, to reveal my travel plans, grows stronger with each passing second.

How strange. I have never had trouble pretending men do not interest me until this encounter. I must be losing my touch.

"None of your business, good sir."

His knuckles turn white from gripping his weapon, the only sign of annoyance I have seen out of him thus far. It would seem he is not used to being denied. Pity then, he ran into me. Obedience has never been one of my virtues.

"A lady traveling alone is asking for trouble or have you soon forgotten?"

He motions to the corpses lying upon the grass as bloatflies begin to swarm. The sun will soon make their flesh stink and I want to be far away before it happens.

I gather up the reins of my horse and look for a suitable spot to mount. "Then it is well I am not a lady but a merchant," I tap the dagger I shifted from boot to waist, "as you can see I have protection."

"A company of two is less likely to attract unwanted attention." He whistles sharply and I watch as a beautiful stallion trots out of the woods. His coat is the morning mist, a silvery gray with a mane of white, the tack he wears black and silver and he stands at least a full shoulder higher than my own mount.

He is the loveliest creature I have ever seen. A jolt of pure longing makes me wish I owned such a fine horse though I know, if offered, I would never part with my Willow.

The sudden arrival of his mount gives more weight to his earlier words.

He expects to join me.

My heart beats against my rib cage with such force, I fear bruising. Surely what I am feeling is apprehension. It must be. He is a stranger whom I happened upon in a time of need. I am not some silly maiden in a minstrel's ballad wanting a man's protection from the woe's of the world.

"I have no need of an escort."

His horse stops inches from his boots, bobbing his head and I swear the creature is laughing at me. Kylo has already secured his bow and stowed his quiver. The gleam of a sheath catches my attention.

Archer and swordsman it would seem. Having already seen his archery I am more than passing curious about his swordsmanship. I almost regret having to turn away his offer but it cannot be helped.

"I wasn't asking my lady."

His tone brokers no argument and my temper flashes at this attempt to simply order me about. His arrogance is no longer charming or tolerable.

"You are neither my brother nor my lover, you have no right to tell me what I do or do not need."

His hand stills on the curve of his stallion's neck. He turns his head far enough for our eyes to meet.

The slow curve of his lips, the dark light kindling in his gaze makes me regret my sudden choice of words. My all too vivid imagination is more than happy to paint a picture of myself in his arms, bodies pressed together...

"I am not," he agrees with an ease I neither like nor trust, "but my honor demands I accompany you."

I knew he would not give way so quickly.

It seems my penchant for stumbling across stubborn, unyielding males know no bounds.

I snort and turn my back to him as I spy a stump that will serve as my lift, "A man's honor is a mercurial thing. It is only important so long as it suits and easily cast aside when it does not."

"Much like a woman's temperament."

There is no mistaking his mockery and I turn around, ready to tell him exactly what he can do with his so-called honor.

He is next to me, his footsteps so quiet I never heard his approach and I take a step back instinctively, bumping against my gelding. I see amusement dancing in his gaze as he goes to one knee, gloved fingers laced together.

"What are you-"

"Assisting."

"I don't need your-"

My words fall on deaf ears as he catches my foot in his cupped hands and boosts me onto the back of my horse. A lifetime of training takes hold and I swing my leg over my mount, inserting my foot into the stirrup to hold my balance.

His hand is on my other boot, gently inserting my foot into the other stirrup. I swear I can feel his heat through the thick leather.

"Do you ever listen or is it your want to simply impose your will upon others?"

He glances up at me through a fringe of dark hair, I glimpse a teasing smile about his mouth and a lick of fire sears my veins, sending winged butterflies to lighten my head.

"I am but my lady's humble servant."

I feel as if I am being led on a merry chase by this man, knowing neither rules nor endgame.

"You are-"

"Yes?"

"I am-"

"Quite welcome."

"Oh!" I snap my reins and my horse dances out of his reach, "You are vexing, that is what you are! I pray, good sir, to never have the misfortune of seeing your countenance again."

I do not wait for his response but kick my heels into my mount and take off down the dirt path. I did not even thank him for his assistance, unwanted as it was.

Calling myself seven times a fool, I glance over my shoulder.

He is already mounted and a thrill takes hold of my heart.

He would not dare...!

He is giving chase. I can only imagine he thinks to impose his will by escorting me to my destination.

Misfortune to you then, for I know these woods well.

I urge my horse into a gallop, ducking as branches sweep low and grateful I coiled my hair tightly around my head.

I glance back to see him avoid the branches despite his superior height. This one is proving a challenge.

I feel laughter bubbling up and force my lips silent, lest I give him anymore encouragement. Not that he requires such a thing.

Alright, my fine sir, let us see how you handle this.

The path forks just beyond the bend and I give my horse his head.

"Fly my friend," I whisper against his neck, "and give wings to your feet. Let us show our hasty nobleman the meaning of speed."

A mighty snort and I feel his muscles bunch beneath me and hold on for dear life. The wind whips against my face, a stinging cut across my cheek, just as we reach the bend and he veers sharply left.

A chasm lies in front of us and despite knowing it is there, I gasp when he makes the jump, the landing all but rattling my bones as we land safely on the other side. I hear the high whine of a horse and turn to see my erstwhile companion pulling his reins up short before they tumble over the edge.

He has good instincts. The chasm gives the illusion of being shallow but it is deep and treacherous. Taking a blind leap would have been foolhardy.

My horse dances beneath me, eager to be off. I tarry a second longer, unable to resist paying him back for all his earlier teasing.

"Farewell my friend! Better luck with your next quarry, perhaps you should stick to chasing rabbits!"

His dark scowl loosens my laughter. I snap the reins and once more take off for Leese.

Even if he attempts to follow, he will never find me.

The path forks at least three more times and I doubt he knows woodcraft well enough to track me.

I am free of him and his bedamned honor.

So then why with each passing mile does my heart feel heavy and why do I keep glancing behind to see if he is following?

Almost as if I am sorry...to have lost him. I find a token of respect for him nestled deep inside, unaware of its presence until now.

"Never mind," I mutter as we continue onward, "I have no time for such silly games. What matters is the rebellion and toppling Hux from his throne."

I have no room for anything, or anyone, else in my life. There is only war.

There is only victory.

I will forget him, as I have ever other silly, girlish notions.

It doesn't matter how he made my heart feel lighter, and less lonely, in our brief exchange.

"So this is Leese. At last."

The village lies near a desert kingdom and yet I would never have believed it had I not seen for myself the markings on the map.

The forest opens into a sweeping hillside, lush and green with dots of bright yellow and bold orange from the wildflowers. From my advantage I see the fields where crops are already planted. On the main road there is much traffic, horses and wagons alike kicking up clouds of dust. Bright, gay music dances on the wind along with children's laughter.

At the city entrance I note the local guard. I pray I am not mistaken and those are not the king's men but I am too far away to see what standards they fly.

"Time to go my friend."

I pat my horse's neck and lead him down the narrow path connecting to the main road. Other rides, both young and old alike, make room. The women with smiles and side-long glances, the men with a tip of their hats and a slight chuckle.

I tug at my tunic and wonder if I shouldn't have taken the time to change into my gown. I have seen plenty of women in tunics and breeches in other parts of the kingdom. Perhaps Leese is too remote to notice the change in style among the working class.

I will have to find an inn and make certain not to go out and about in my usual garb.

I wanted to draw less attention to myself, not more.

I breathe silent relief when I finally reach the gate. The guardsmen are local, the standards they bear the crest of Leese. Three raindrops falling upon a single, blooming flower.

The Goddess of Gentle Rains is revered here, so close to the desert as they are.

"State your business and have papers at the ready."

I hear the guardsman cry and dig into my satchel for my traveling documents. Well forged traveling documents, that is.

I must thank Beaumont when I return. His forethought has saved me yet again.

It is he who learned of this new law. King Hux now requires all citizens of Alderaan to have travel passes if they wish to visit neighboring cities.

Once upon a time a person could travel freely among the many cities but no longer.

Hux's paranoia grows by the hour. I suppose my friends and I are to thank for these new restrictions regarding travel.

Too bad he did not count on us having a scholar from the halls of the academy within our ranks.

It is my turn and I hand over my papers obligingly to the bored guardsmen.

"State your name and reason for permission to enter Leese."

"Rey, a merchant seller of Aldea, here for the festival."

He hands my papers to the scribe, whom I note is writing down my name and occupation. Yet another new procedure. I have only been here a few minutes and already learned valuable information for Beaumont.

"What wares are you selling?"

Once more I oblige the guard and pull a sample from my pack. Bright ribbons, red and yellow, bound together with a charm at the end. The type of trinket a lady might wear in her hair or give as a token to a favored knight or lover.

The guard glances at it once and the scribe makes another notation.

"Length of stay?"

"Three days."

He nods and the scribe hands in a piece of parchment. "Permit to work inside the city grounds for the length of your visit. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to seek permission from the city council. Welcome to Leese. Next!"

Thank the Force and Lady Lamius that is over with.

I am grateful the festival has brought in such crowds, no doubt if I had come at a less prosperous time I would have been more thoroughly interrogated about my visit. I can feel the hand of King Hux tightening like a noose around our country.

Each day he chips a little more of our freedom away like a mason against stone.

Yet life goes on and so long as commerce continues, the people are content to follow like sheep to a shepherd's flute.

I grimace at my cynical thoughts and wonder what Master Kenobi would have made of them. No doubt he would dispatch some wisdom of the Force and how I should be more compassionate towards others.

I snort as I lead my horse by the reins through the busy city.

Compassion in these times will get one killed. Master Kenobi, you tried to teach me to see the best in all people but right now all I see is potential enemies.

Sometimes I wonder why Master Kenobi decided to teach me the code of Jedi Knight.

Lessons float through my mind as I maneuver through the crowds, looking for the right place I can stay at and still gather information without being too obvious about it.

Peace but not emotion. To maintain calm even in the midst of battle.

Hard to maintain calm when your friends are being pierced by arrows, to see limbs hacked off by swords, forever crippled.

Knowledge not ignorance. To seek the truth within the lies.

My work as a spy is keeping with the knightly code, in a manner of speaking though I doubt Master Kenobi would see it as such.

I glance at an inn with fresh flowers hanging from hooks at the front entrance, a young girl sweeping in a clean gown of russet, her hair neatly tied back with a gold ribbon. She looks up at me and her lip curls into a slight sneer. Neither myself nor my mount look prosperous enough for this type of inn.

Must cater only to wealthy merchants and noblemen. I would imagine she is the innkeeper's daughter or somehow related.

A rider in blue silk with a burgundy cape thrown over her shoulder pushes past me, servants bearing multiple traveling bags trickling in behind her. The woman is already demanding lodging and the girl sweeping the steps hastens to obey without a second glance in my direction.

A place ripe with information I have no doubt yet not somewhere I would be able to enter freely.

I move onward with regret.

My mind wanders back to the Code as I continue my search, the sun beating down on me with merciless cheer.

Harmony, not chaos. To be at one with the world, to see the energy that connects all life.

Easy enough for a monk to attain in meditation, much harder to maintain when trying to simply survive day to day.

I fork left, away from the busy street where I hear other merchants hawking their wares. Time enough to set up my own stall but first I must find shelter.

Serenity not passion. A Knight must remain dedicated to their cause, to their mission without forming attachment. Attachment leads to obsession and with it, the loss of clarity and purpose.

It is this last lesson I have failed to master. No matter how much Master Kenobi taught me not to seek revenge, but justice for the people, I cannot let go of the past.

Every time I think of Armitage Hux and the misery his family has caused...

My gelding snorts and jerks his head back as my fist tightens around the reins, nearly pulling my arm out of joint.

"I am sorry," I murmur trying to calm my temper as I relax the reins, "we'll find rest soon and then you will be well fed."

He rolls his eyes but picks up his feet and allows me to lead him forward.

Enough of this woolgathering, I must-

"Miss, hey miss! You lookin fer a guide?"

I stop abruptly when a boy in a ratty tunic and patched breeches blocks my path. His shoes are in better condition but mismatched. His hair might have been blonde, or it could have been brown, hard to tell with the dirt. Hazel eyes, sharp and intelligent, look at me from a slightly gaunt face.

A street urchin of Leese. No doubt part of a gang and yet I would not put it past this boy to know every building in this city. Most orphans not claimed by relatives soon learn where the best pickings can be found and what places to avoid.

"Perhaps," I tell him as I shift a copper coin into my hand and watch his eyes widen with greed, "I am in need of suitable lodging. Nothing too expensive."

He scratches his head and closes his eyes, thinking hard. "Plenty of places in Leese t'stay. You lookin for company t'work?"

It takes me a moment to wade through his accent and understand his meaning.

Oh for love of the Force he has not just implied...

I growl softly at the boy. "I am not a whore. I am a merchant from Aldea here for the festival. I need lodging for at least four days to conduct my business. Do not think of leading me to a brothel or gambling den."

The boy whose name I have yet to learn opens his eyes and gives me a toothy grin.

"Just asking," he replies unrepentant, "lots of folks here for the festival. Merchant eh? Might know a spot. Come with me!"

He motions for me to follow and I can only sigh. If this doesn't work I can always retrace my steps and start anew.

But the sun is climbing higher and I am in dire need of food and a cooling drink. I pray my young guide earns his copper coin.

"Here miss, just like I promise!"

The inn is not in the heart of the city like I feared but on a quieter street. I stare at it with a practiced eye. The roof is clean and not too badly mended, which means fewer leaks when it rains, the stables are far enough away I won't wake up to horse smell every morning.

The building itself is old, cracks at the base where constant repairs have shown through. I close my eyes and stretch out my senses. I want to 'taste' the energy of this place and its people.

A jumble of impressions, a wash of color and I nearly stagger back from the impact.

Master Kenobi would call this inn 'happy chaos'.

I sense no ill-will, no malicious intent from within or around.

"Miss? You okay? You feelin the heat sick?"

Heat sick? Oh, he must wonder if I feel faint from the sun. I suppose he is used to seeing such things living in Leese.

I have never fainted in my life and am slightly affronted by the remark but I refrain from saying so out loud.

I am a simple merchant from Aldea. A simple merchant.

"All is well," I assure him, "I would like to meet the innkeeper and strike a bargain. Here, "I toss him the copper coin, "for your help my young friend."

"Thank you miss!" It vanishes before I can blink, "you need more help, just ask fer Kit."

"I," he's out of the courtyard and darting between carts, "...will."

Younglings. They are all the same, no matter what village or city my travels take me to.

"You there," I turn and see a man with a kind smile and shrewd eyes watching me, "passing by or in need of lodging?"

"Are you the innkeeper sir?"

"I am."

"Then I am in need of lodging. Where might we talk?"

He opens the door wider for my entry. "This way my lady."

I smile briefly, his proper address reminding me of the archer I left behind some leagues away.

Sir Kylo. I wonder where he might be now?

I mentally shake myself at my wandering thoughts as I listen with half an ear to the innkeeper about the price of a room and what it entails.

I should stop thinking about him, it was only a chance meeting.

Yet even now as I accept my room I can't stop my thoughts from straying back to him.

I wonder if he is rescuing some other maiden in need of saving.

I wonder why my heart aches a little to think of him spending company with another woman. No doubt this imaginary woman will not chase him off as I did but thank him in a most agreeable manner.

I swear the man has cast some spell to make me think of him in such a way.

I press a hand to my chest, willing my heart to settle and roll my eyes. It is well I am away from the watchful eyes of my brothers. I would never live this down if they saw me so distracted...

The gleam of dark fire in midnight eyes, the slight tilt of his mouth, a wicked tease.

"I am my lady's humble servant."

I glance up at the small mirror on the wall, a luxury I had not expected to find, and see my reflection staring back at me.

The woman is a stranger. Surely my cheeks were never so red, nor eyes ever so bright and the curve of her lips is far too wanton to be called a smile. Yet it is my fingers touching said lips.

Distracting indeed.