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Romantic Getaway for Two
Outer Rim World of Bilrylbak 7
Date: 2920 AOK (Six months till Chancellorship Elections)
 
Getting used to the Dargonesti way of life was one of the largest challenges that Jaden had ever had to face. Expected to dress and act certain way was only the easy stuff. It was the trivial little things that quickly became nerve racking for him. Statements like, “Oh, Sweetheart, why aren’t you smiling? Is something wrong?” and “Here baby, let me get that door for you.” Were humorous at first, but quickly lost their humor. But it was the touching that got to Jaden the worse. It didn’t matter where he was, or what he was doing. Someone felt the need to touch his rear, or brush up against him a bit too much.
 
Trysta did her best to ease these issues, but even she was forced to endure her own issues. Jaden learned the following morning that having a human boyfriend was a problem. It blew Jaden’s mind because Trysta’s own father was a human. That first night, Jaden seemed like a star. But as he laid in his bed that night, he could hear the whispers of Trysta’s family by the large pool. Drawing upon the Force, it allowed him to hear what was going on. They were mocking him. Making jokes about how Trysta could bring a human in to the household. One of Trysta’s cousins even claimed that it ran in her blood thanks to her mother’s mistake.
 
Jaden did a bit of research in to Trysta’s family that night. He found that Trysta’s mother, Tiadre was a driven woman and expert duelist. Though not Force Sensitive, Jaden figured she was quite good. She had risen in the ranks of the Bilrylbak Parliament. But it wasn’t always this way. She nearly lost everything because she chose to share her life with a human. It wasn’t that the Dargonesti had a thing against humans in general. They looked down on all mixed relationships. Jaden even found that there are parts of Bilrylbak, where honor killings are allowed. Mothers, sisters and cousins were expected to restore the honor of a family when a mix relationship occurs.
 
After breakfast near the end of the first week, Trysta’s cousins took her out shopping for the morning while her mother, Tiadre, was able spend some time alone with Jaden. She explained to Jaden that she had to endure great social hardships because she chose a human mate over a Dargonesti. She didn’t regret that choice, but Trysta was still very young and might not fully understand what she was getting herself in to. She just wanted to make sure that this just wasn’t some weekend thing for Jaden. Because if it was, she would ensure that his body would never be discovered. While to two got a good laugh from the off hand, off colored joke. Something told Jaden that she wasn’t joking.
 
Tiadre explained that in Dargonesti culture, a name is everything. Each Dargonesti has a name given to them by each of the Three Goddess. Because Trysta is still very young, she only has one name. She asked if he knew why she had brought him here to meet her family at this point? When she realized that Jaden didn’t know the answer, she smiled and nodded. “Trysta wanted it to be a surprise. This is a very special time, one that very few off worlders ever get a chance to see. Trysta’s name will be written. Our people will no longer see her as a child. In the days to come, she will become a Maiden of Dargonesti.” She smiled and allowed that to sink in.

Jaden listened to Tiadre's explanation of Dargonesti culture. When she spoke of how Trysta's name will be written and that she will become a Maiden of Dargonesti he was slightly confused. "A Maiden of Dargonesti? So it's rite of passage into adulthood," he asked to seek further clarification.

She nodded slowly, "it is a rite of passage that every female must take." She softly capped her hands and one of the house's male servants entered the room, "bring Mr Jaden something fruity to drink"

She redirected her attraction back to Jaden, "it is more than just a thing. Trysta will have to prove to the Family Crones, like my own mother, that she is worthy of this passage. Which is why it's important for us to have this little talk." She leaned back in her chair as a tall colorful glass was placed next to him. Within the bright liquid were chunks of some kind of local fruit. "Now it is true that her father was a human. But I had made that choice after I had passed from a child to becoming a maiden. I think you see where I am coming from."

"You're saying that in order for her to choose she must first prove herself to the Crones that she is worthy and then become a maiden. Am I on the right track?" He looked at her and the drink that was placed next to him.

"She will have to prove that she can make adult decisions." She slowly rose from her chair and then waved him to remain seated. "You see Jaden, dating you can be see by my mother as a childish move." She walked across the room and poured herself a glass of green liquid, "oh how my mother was so angry with me when I brought Roberto home." There was a slight smile on her face as she remembered the event. "My mother called him a hairless pink buffoon. He meant well but never really understood when to keep his mother shut. Those two would fight like savage Tree Screamers."

She turned and leaned up against a nearby large chair, "good I loved that man. But my mother refused to speak to me until years after his funeral." She turned to him, "I won't cut Trysta out of my life over you. I guess it's a good thing that she gets her rebellious tendencies out of the way when she is young. But my mother on the other hand will chew you up and spit you out. As much as I care for Trysta's happiness, I don't wish to see her put through that.x

She walked over to a nearby bookshelf and picked up a envelope, "I have booked passage for you. First Class, back to that world you came from. What was it? Fray. Your flight leaves in two hours. I can have the servants pack your things for you."

Jaden let out a deep sigh, took a drink from the beverage provided to him, and looked her dead in the eyes. "Ma'am, I realize I am in no position to say this, but I am not leaving your daughter; especially before she undergoes this trial. I haven't known her long and the first time I met her we were on opposite sides of conflict, but despite all that she has become someone very important to me. I feel that we are connected more than we realize and I swear on the family name of Starchaser that I will never abandon her and I will do everything in my power to be her shield against anything that seeks to harm her." At this Jaden rose from his seat; a fire burning strongly in his eyes as he stared down Tiadre. "So your mother and the other Crones can chew me up and spit me out as long as they want, but I will not falter. You can bribe me, but I will not be swayed."

She drew in a deep breath, "just once, I would like the ticket to be taken when I first offer it." She took a drink of her glass, "so you are connected. Trust me when I say this, your not." She walked back over to her chair and took her seat. She didn't bother to direct him to sit. In her mind, he wouldn't be here long enough. "How old is Trysta?" She said softly. She waved off the answer, "she is nearly sixy years old. Just a babe in truth. You are what, twenty thirty? When you are sixty, she won't even be half my age. She will watch you grow old and weak. You will become a burden to her. She will of course never leave your side. I know my daughter. Loyal to her core. She will care for you up until the day you die. And then she will be like me, alone."

She leaned forward as she rested her hands on her knees, "is this the future you want for her? Take the ticket. Sure you two can still play your games off world. I will tell her Grandmother that Trysta is only tasting exotic fruits. That this is only a passing thing. But if she names you to have your name written with hers, she will be bound to you and then alone. So tell me, is this what you want for her?"

"With all due respect ma'am I will not abandon her. I understand your feelings on this, but I shall not." Jaden said.

She leaned back once more as she softly placed her hand to cover her face. "I can see this is going to be difficult." She removed her hand from her face as her gaze fell upon him. "I want you to understand that I am protecting my only surviving daughter's future here."

She drew in a deep breath, "I wouldn't expect you to be following the news, but we hosted a very special guest this week. A human by the name of Farij, I think that's her name. Gave a great speech about the OPA. We are expected to vote on membership in the near future." With ice in her eyes she spoke evenly, "leave my daughter and I assure you we will not join the OPA. Do you understand?"

"You would give your world over to someone who could care less if your world burned just as long as it served it's purpose first? I know what it means to do anything to protect your family, but do you honestly think she's gonna be safe?" Jaden had to take a few breaths to calm himself lest his temper get the best of him. "Forgive me ma'am, but Frija is a puppet to secure worlds to his cause. He doesn't really care about the lives of the people on said worlds. Only their resources. What happens once they serve their purpose? That is the company your daughter is in now."