open rp post.

[umbraeternam]

action | prose | picture prompts | holos | force connections | etc

Comments

- for @happybeeps ; reunion.

[umbraeternam]

It was an utterly uneventful day when it happened. Brianna woke up and she just knew. The decision had been made, she just hadn't yet put it in motion, telling herself the time needed to be right. Looking out at the stars with the idle sounds of the ship in the background, she knew she had to stop making excuses or accept that she was going to let herself remain in this glossy prison that ate away at her a little each day.

Kylo went through the usual morning briefing, barely listening. Once she was alone she sent off the transmission she'd been composing, waiting only long enough to confirm its delivery before erasing any trace of it from her datapad. It was simple and direct; a set of coordinates — the ship's current coordinates — and a message:
In one standard hour the destroyer stationed here will be disabled. Most of high command is aboard. Do with that what you will.

Just to be safe she threw the datapad down a garbage chute on her way to keep her plan moving. No, she and Poe hadn't spoken about how she might leave, but Kylo had been involved in all of this long enough to know she couldn't simply walk out and do nothing. Not if she truly cared about some of the people still fighting.

Before at last heading to the hangar where her silencer was, she tracked Hux down in his private quarters. She didn't give him a chance for any last remarks or acts against her. Yes, it was to keep him from taking her place, but it was also for herself. Maybe it wasn't the Jedi thing to do but she hadn't been that in a very long time and had never wanted to be in the first place.

No one batted an eye at Kylo readying her ship. The Knights had left a few days prior to hunt a vital target, it was assumed she was going to check on the progress and assist if necessary. When she was out of range she reached down in the bag she'd brought with her for the remote detonator, hitting the trigger and setting off the explosives she'd placed in the engine rooms. She didn't stick around for the show, or to see if Poe and the Resistance took advantage of the message she sent him, initiating a jump to hyperspace and finally turning her back on the First Order.


----


It was a little over a week later when she reached out to Poe on an encrypted frequency, as much for her safety as his. If you still want to see me, I'm here, followed by a set of coordinates. The location was a sleepy system in the Mid Rim off one of the trade routes, relatively unremarkable and unimportant.

A risk, she knew, telling anyone exactly where to find her. But she trusted him, even after everything. If it proved to be misplaced trust, well, it would serve her right.

The planet was temperate but Brianna still wore her black cloak, the only familiar piece she still wore. She'd acquired some civilian clothes, nothing fancy and more just to suffice for now. Though it'd been painful to part with it she'd sold her silencer, knowing it too distinctive to keep, but she'd taken a shuttle to the current planet as she hadn't yet decided what to spend the credits on. That was dangerous too, not having immediate transportation, but... well, other things were on her mind increasingly demanding her attention.

She sat on a rocky outcropping overlooking the nearby town, not meditating so much as just. Waiting. And when she sensed him — at least, she hoped it was him — her posture straightened and she turned her head slightly, listening. Wondering if hope was something she was still allowed to feel or if she should instead be expecting the worst, expecting someone else to have found her.

[happybeeps]

The first message had been meet with uncertainty from the rest of the Resistance. Not that Poe could blame them, there was every chance it was a trap. But it was an opportunity they couldn't pass up, and a small band of them led by Poe had flown out to see if there was any truth to Kylo's message.

It had been the start of a real turning point for the Resistance, and a week later, when Poe received her next message, Poe made his excuses, finding an opportunity to slip away and make his way to the coordinates.

There was still a small part of him that worried about what he was walking into. If he'd find Bri or Kylo waiting for him. Hell, maybe the whole of what was left of the First Order would be waiting with blasters drawn.

"...Nice view," Poe greeted, coming up on the outcropping, wary, but hopeful.

[umbraeternam]

The sound of Poe's voice was what made her turn fully to look, a part of her surprised to actually see him. It was far from the only emotion she felt, though it was the easiest and most painless one to put a name to. "It is," she agreed quietly though her gaze was now on him.

After another moment she moved to stand, her motions careful, as if she was weary of startling him. Her hands were empty and bare, no weapon to be seen, though she was about as likely to be unarmed as he was.

"It's good to see you, Poe." And she meant it. Even if he hated her now or wanted nothing to do with her, neither of which she would fault him for, Brianna felt a little relief at seeing him and that he didn't seem too worse for wear. "I wasn't sure if you would come."

[happybeeps]

He allowed himself a moment to drop his worries and bask in the hope that hearing her voice prompted. No mask, no threats, just Brianna. Poe wants so badly to believe it's really her.

He smiled, relief plain on his features, but he kept his distance, still wary as she moved.

"I wasn't sure I would either, if we're being honest." But he had to know. "What are you doing out here, Bri? Why'd you call me here?"

[umbraeternam]

"Honesty is always better than the alternative."

Brianna didn't have the same concern — or desire for — distance but his caution was obvious enough and so she didn't make to move closer, loosely clasping her hands in front of her for the time being. "I wanted to see you. Somewhere ordinary, not tied to the war, seemed the best choice for a place to meet. I didn't want you to think I had ill intent." Of course, considering what she'd done he might always think that about her.

"I don't have any plans, if that's what else you want to know. My only plan was in how I would leave. I trust you got that message." She hadn't paid attention to what was or wasn't currently being said on the Holonet. If she wasn't going to be a part of things any longer then it didn't matter, at least that was what she'd been telling herself.

[happybeeps]

"Have I ever lied to you?"

Withheld the truth, definitely, but outright lied? Poe wasn't great with lies. His squadron always said they could see right through them.

There was a definite underlying desire to rush forward and close the distance, though it only manifested in a few short steps forward.

"We did," he confirmed, though he was reluctant to share any more details about what may or may not be happening with the war. "...You're really done with it all?"

- for @followhim ; a/b/o ; when bonds cross battle lines.

[umbraeternam]

[ She's been restless, irritable, discontent for weeks. Easy to blame on the Resistance's refusal to lay down and die. The First Order wasn't losing but they weren't always winning by large margins, surely that had their new Leader cross and frustrated. Brianna — Kylo — let them think what they wanted. Whatever kept them doing their jobs and not asking her questions she couldn't answer.

Restful sleep was evasive as ever, though not due to nightmares. Not usually. Visions, yes. New ones. At first she thought it was Rey, that at least made easy sense to her in light of what Snoke had done, but their connection seemed to fade (at least to her senses) more each day. When she woke abruptly one night soaked with sweat and a very different name on her lips, Brianna wondered if she was going crazy. That her mind was so hungry for something different that it was latching on to anyone vaguely desirable.

Then she started to worry it was something else entirely. Something that, to this point, she'd been able to avoid mostly out of sheer willpower and refusal to take the slightest interest in anyone.

It all comes to a head when an unexpected battle breaks out, Kylo having no real interest until someone mentions that Dameron's ship has been sighted. She's thankful for her mask so no one sees the way her expression shifts from utter boredom to full interest in moments. This is a sign from the Force, she thinks. A chance to determine why she's been feeling... off; if it's nothing, or something she's been right to be concerned about.

Something that could potentially change everything.

She's in her silencer in record time and joining the fray, her attention on one ship and one ship only. More than once she lines up a shot only to hesitate, her emotions all wound up and elevated. When she does finally take a shot she ignores the kill shot and simply aims to disable Dameron's ship. ]

I'll retrieve the pilot. Keep with the fight. [ Kylo orders gruffly over the comms as she follows the wounded x-wing planetside.

It's Brianna that's ripping off her helm once she lands though, feeling a peculiar mix of tension and concern. She makes for where she saw Dameron's ship land at a quickened pace but no weapon drawn. A pace that comes to an abrupt halt when she sees him at last, and she has a fleeting moment of wondering whether this was the best idea, or the worst. ]

ONE YEAR LATER I AM SO SORRY kgsfl;dGF

[followhim]

[ just because poe is an expert at crash landings doesn't mean that he enjoys them. the x-wing ? not totaled, just in a state of extreme disrepair (and in need of a space fire extinguisher, judging by all the smoke.) he knows he has maybe five seconds to grab his blaster and get the heck out the cockpit —

but when he's out, staring down kylo ren with said (useless, shit) blaster, he's frozen. not out of fear, but because of the scent that immediately overwhelms him, mouth dry and head dizzy from it. it's not the smoke; it cuts right through.

kylo ren is an omega? how did he not notice?

oh, right, the torture. the torture made it hard for any alpha urges to overpower him on that day, even if all his adrenaline probably tinged the air with his scent. ]

If you wanted to see me so bad, you didn't have to go to all this trouble. You could've just asked over the comm.

[ he's trying to be his own special brand of witty, but he's too distracted for it to land properly. it might have something to do with alpha brain whispering "oh no she's hot" to the rest of his body. ]

shhhhh ilu

[umbraeternam]

I'll remember that for next time. [ Her own attempt at a quip falls short. It's only belatedly that it occurs to her she didn't rush to deny wanting to see him.

But the truth is that for all the things she most definitely is, a liar isn't one of them. She might skirt the truth or lie by omission when necessary, but lying has never been her preference, or something she's good at for that matter. And the truth is that, yes, she had wanted to see the Resistance pilot, albeit so she could prove to herself that there was nothing she needed to be concerned about. There's nothing she needs to be concerned about, right?

Brianna swallows as she stands there, trying to ignore his scent. Some of her dreams had held a ghost of it but nothing close to how clear it is to her right now, even with the smell of smoke from his damaged ship also in the air. It throws her just how strong his presence is; she's used to those with the Force perking her senses, or being able to pick up on family or others she once held close, and the pilot obviously didn't fall into either of those categories. ]

You're... [ An alpha. She hadn't exactly been focused on him so much as his knowledge the last they saw each other.

This was such a bad idea. She's had more than a few but this had to be near the top of the list.

Her brow furrows slightly and she takes a step closer as she maintains a firm grip on her curiosity, much as curiosity had led some of her interactions with Rey. If she stays focused on that, nothing else will distract her, hopefully. ]

So it wasn't simply my mind playing tricks. Do you feel it too?

what do you mean you don't want a brand new xtra spicy hostage/prisoner au

[kingperfect]

[ sturmhond had made his way onto the casino floor of canto bight with the utmost confidence — which really is a mark of either the utmost bravery or utmost foolishness.

why? because he and his crew had taken a bounty to bring a Very Special Force Sensitive Girl to the first order, after having the luck of stumbling upon her on some outer rim planet — only to let her escape after the resistance paid him more. that's what bounty hunting is all about??? which is why a) he had no scruples, and b) because of said lack of scruples, he'd already switched ships and headed out to cantonica.

this is routine, more or less. canto bight is a great place to do "fund raising" — either via gambling or arranging deals with the similarly morality-free.

before he can get too far doing either, however, he notes first order soldiers near the entrance. chatting, but not in a way that seemed casual. interrogating might have been a better word. and that is precisely when he knows it's time to call it an early fuckin night.

(generally, he uses a holographic disguise matrix — a personal hologram projector to make him look and sound like someone else. the watch-looking devices had a history of being used by bounty hunters and other sketchy people aiming to avoid detection. his was on the higher end of things, but the result still made him look sort of off. handsome — reddish hair and murky green eyes, a nose that had apparently been broken then set poorly — but off.

(no doubt it would be less useful against someone with the force.

under disguise, was a clean-cut, golden haired, hazel-eyed prince that would no doubt fetch a handsome bounty of his own, if the first order cared enough to not kill him outright. and who is named nikolai lantsov from ravka idk why i forgot that important part))

running is a great way to look suspicious, so instead he is going to play it Cool and disappear into a crowd near the bar. nobody will notice him, he is 100% sure. well, maybe 99% sure. ]

let me just add a dash of extra AU to this bc canon is whatever we make of it

[umbraeternam]

[ There was always a risk when relying on certain types of people for certain tasks that they would wind up failing, either due to having talked up their skills too much or purposely not completing the task. Money could be a powerful motivator and most everyone had a price (and everyone did have a price, it just wasn't always monetary). It's one reason Kylo didn't tend to "outsource" things if not absolutely necessary.

Quite frankly she was surprised when she discovered the former Emperor had, though she supposed options may have been limited, with his attempting to remain hidden until the time was right. In a round about way it worked out... for her. Peculiar rumors had led Kylo to the hidden Sith world and truly she did the galaxy a favor by returning the former Emperor to a deceased status, not that they were likely to know it. When she was informed of the bounty, its apparent completion and then sudden change — well, she couldn't say she cared about some random Force sensitive girl (though probably a matter worth absently keeping an eye on). However someone taking a job for them and then not simply bailing but turning the prize over to the enemy? That couldn't be ignored lest it set a dangerous standard.

Unfortunately for the bounty hunter, hunting was precisely the sort of job that her Knights — and herself to a degree — excelled at. In this case she let the Knights sniff out the hunter while she tended to other matters.

Canto Bight isn't a surprising place for the trail to lead. Kylo had never bothered with the place herself; there were others within the First Order who handled the sort of deals made in those realms. It's not exactly her style either, but there's enough politics in her blood that she can stand it for a brief period of time.

While some soldiers made their way to start narrowing down exactly where the bounty hunter in question was hiding, she's busy assuring the casino's owners that this isn't any manner of shakedown and quite frankly she doesn't care about who's making deals with whom. They're only after one individual and they'll be on their way once that individual is in their custody.

When Kylo enters the room she scans the space but not with her eyes. There's plenty of emotional input, as the First Order troops — and her appearance, even without her helm — have more than a couple people slightly on edge. A thread of anxiety catches her attention and as she follows it she does search the room with her gaze, not 100% certain of what she's looking for but trusting she'll know it when she sees it. Drifting toward the bar, her eyes narrow as a face among the crowd seems somewhat off. She makes a gesture toward a couple soldiers on that side of the room, half expecting someone to try and make a run for it. ]

💃 it sure is

[kingperfect]

[ nikolai's attention is immediately diverted from tending to the unattended drink he swiped to the woman in his peripheral, who is both a) attractive in a vaguely threatening way and b) gesturing to soldiers on the other side of the room? is she trying to tip him off? probably. honor among thieves and all that. ]

Hello. [ after giving her a (strategic) appreciative once-over, he tilts his head, and with a mischievous smile — ]

I don't suppose you were thinking about getting out of here? Heading somewhere more private, perhaps?

[ either she is also some kind of criminal and they are in on an escape plan together, or he is on his way to evading suspicion by making out with some girl in a refresher. feels like a win-win, honestly.

(her actually being part of the first order doesn't cross his mind. is it sloppiness? thirst? maybelline? maybe all of the above.) ]

[umbraeternam]

[ While Kylo isn't immune to being surprised, this is not at all an outcome she was considering. And it's difficult for her to keep from arching an eyebrow at being... hit on? Kind of? but she manages if barely. Perhaps in part because the little flare of surprise she feels quickly shifts to a dark sort of amusement, which has her lips curling into a slight smirk.

She's not 100% sure yet of her hunch paying off, but it shouldn't take long to find out. ]

Funny enough, I was considering just that. Soldiers kind of cramp my style.

[ Not entirely a lie, despite how much she's been forced to deal with them for years, so the remark comes easily.

After a similar but quick once-over, just sizing him up against what she's been told about the bounty hunter, she's more convinced that there's something here that doesn't quite add up. She could take the forceful approach, however it might actually pay off if she can at least get him out of such a public place. It would give more credence to her words about not being at the casino to specifically cause a disturbance or interfere in any above- or below-board deals that might or might not be taking place.

She steps a little closer as she turns toward him, as if she were trying to keep the roaming soldiers from getting a good look at her face, and she delicately rests a hand on his forearm. ]

Care to be my escort? It doesn't seem like they're paying much attention to couples.

[webbs]

i could feel your dreams last night.

[ specifically, the ones where brianna two fingers knuckle-deep in penny's mouth, with the fingers on her other hand buried in her cunt. ]

[umbraeternam]

I would apologize, but that doesn't remedy the sleep you no doubt didn't get.

[ Not that Brianna had done it on purpose. Though still, she should know better than anyone how thin the mental walls can be when sleeping. ]

[webbs]

you don't have to.

[ because it wasn't just brianna's pleasure she was feeling. ]

i just took a long shower this morning.

[umbraeternam]

Still, it wasn't done purposefully. I'll be more careful with my dreams tonight.

If I were going to keep you awake there are better ways of doing so, I'm sure we would both agree.

[webbs]

yeah, i know.

[ deep breaths. make a choice. ]

it'd involve your fingers.

[umbraeternam]

Mm, that would certainly be one way.

I gather you've thought of such things as well? Or would fantasize be a better word to use.

- for @desertpowered ; old rituals and new powers.

[umbraeternam]

[ As Brianna sets the ship down in the grassy field, the ruins of an old temple in the near-distance and clearly visible through the viewports, her gaze may have been on the panels in front of her but her mind is focused on her dear companion in the copilot's seat. ]

Are you sure you want to do this?

[ It may have seemed silly at this point, with as much time and effort as they both had put into the path that lead them here, but she had to ask, one last time. For herself, to be utterly certain she had only guided and not pushed. For his sake, because the chance for unknown dangers couldn't be helped. He wasn't her apprentice, and he definitely wouldn't be her padawan, but — it was her responsibility. In this, he was her responsibility, and she refused to fail him in that.

Whatever words she does or doesn't use, and aside from everything else they are to each other, the fact of the matter is that Paul is her student when it came to matters of the Force and related studies. And she would not, will not, repeat the mistakes and peculiarities of her own teachers.

With the sound of the ship's engine spinning down in the background, Brianna turns her seat to finally look at Paul, her gaze running over his face. ]

There are ways to close one's self off from the Force if you should decide to later, but if what we suspect might happen does happen... bonds are more tricky to sever. You might be stuck with me for an indefinite amount of time. [ She adds the latter with a lighter tone and a slight smile, trying to temper the seriousness, though perhaps more for her own benefit than his. ]

[desertpowered]

[Paul gets out of his own seat, landing squarely on the grass. He's enjoyed co-piloting with Bri during their travels - the two of them are expert pilots, and he's enjoyed getting back in the swing of flying a ship. Even just the experience is one he missed sorely. He's always at her side in the copilot's seat so he can warn Brianna of any possible danger at a moment's notice, his calculating, machine-like thought patterns tuned into a cold, hard focus.]

As ready as I'll ever be. And I've got all I need right here.

[A smile as he beams in her direction. Paul's trust in Brianna is absolute, and she's his guide into this. He feels something drawing him to the Force. He's alien to it, but perhaps less than he thought he was. After all, Brianna had told him that Paul's sense in the Force, though more-or-less completely untested, is very strong. Whatever Paul was in his home universe is reflected here. His old power is waiting, ready for him to tap into it, and this time he'll be ready so as not to be overwhelmed.

Paul knows that their approach with this is unconventional, certainly. He's far older than the typical Jedi trainee. But neither of them are the kind to go by convention, and the dynamic they have is more than a master and an apprentice. While Paul is a newcomer to Force matters he's certainly not wet behind the ears.

He's wearing his formal clothes, simply because it felt appropriate. This is a special moment for both of them and he wishes to treat it as such. Besides, the planet Brianna chose is one where visitors are rare. Paul isn't afraid of being identified.]

The concern is appreciated, but I don't think I'll want to close myself off. [There's a click as Paul slips goggles to his side. His own abilities manifest in a way that let him help plan safe pathways through space, making him a skilled copilot.] If I'm bonded to you, I wouldn't mind at all. You know this territory better than I do, Brianna, and I trust you to lead me there.

[umbraeternam]

[ His smile does settle the twinge of anxiety she's feeling, at least in terms of making absolutely certain. Maybe it's because there was so much in her own life that she hadn't gotten to make choices about that had her wanting to be extra certain here, that he was certain. They both know how precious choice can be, and she never wants to take such away.

Brianna's own smile brightens a little and she reaches out to touch Paul's cheek as she leans in to kiss him, just a quick brush of her lips against his. ]

I just... needed to make sure.

[ She makes one last check of things on the ship before closing the hatch behind them. There shouldn't be any risk of unpleasant surprises, but even if the local wildlife was said to be relatively harmless she wasn't keen on coming back to any stowaways. ]

And you say that, but... [ Brianna shakes her head at herself. ] Sorry, I know. I know you wouldn't mind. I guess I can't help but be a little paranoid, after the last time I wound up bound to someone.

[ Starting toward the old Jedi temple, she takes a better look around as she walks. The area had looked pretty calm as they made their approach, but— ] I think I can see why they wanted to build a temple here. It's beautiful.

[desertpowered]

[Paul's smile broadens into a grin. His wish is to reassure Brianna's fears, since he knows that she has good reasons to worry about this. But he's not afraid of any kind of bond, especially since this is one he would be walking into rather than one imposed on them against their will. He also knows how to wield telepathic powers, even if the ones he's used to aren't exactly the same. He at least expects the ability to regain the ability to talk to Brianna telepathically, an asset on the kinds of jobs they do.

He blushes a little when she kisses him, then secures the goggles in the satchel he carries. Then the satchel is slipped onto his back. Paul brought water, food, and other necessities for them to use.]

I know. If you're ready to go and everything's prepared, I am too.

[Paul would agree on keeping out stowaways. He's become increasingly familiar with more annoying lifeforms native to this galaxy, like mynocks. Not directly threatening, especially to two people as powerful as Brianna and Paul, but certainly irritating.]

That was forced on you and the other bondee without the permission of either side, as I understand it. This is different, since it would be a bond that I choose and welcome. [Paul offers a hand, to let Brianna know that he's with her.]

You're right, it is beautiful. No better spot for me to tune myself to the greater universe. [A friendly wink, then Paul looks to the temple.] I'll need you to guide me, but I'm a quick learner and should be able to keep up. Lead the way.

[umbraeternam]

The Force doesn't exactly ask permission sometimes. [ She can't help but remark wryly, thinking as much on the bond she'd had with Rey as on her unique connection to the Force. Neither had the one who enhanced that bond, and sought to use it, but Brianna cuts off that train of thought before it starts. This isn't the time for that. Or for her issues.

There's no hesitation as Brianna slips her hand into Paul's, giving a light squeeze. The gesture is appreciated, and she knows he knows that. ]

Hopefully the greater universe is ready for you. [ She flashes a grin at his wink, taking comfort in Paul's presence and the calm he so often provides her, consciously and not. And though her tone was light, almost joking, it's a remark she knows to be true in the ways that it needs to be. The only entity that hadn't seemed to be ready was her.

As they walk Brianna extends her senses, wanting to make sure the area is safe and they won't be finding any unpleasant surprises. She expects some of the usual kinds of things from an abandoned site like this, but traps or dangerous creatures are things that thankfully won't be a concern. There were easier-to-find places and planets but Brianna held to her intent of taking him somewhere strong in the lighter side of the Force. Not for her own sake but for his. And, regardless of her personal feelings on the two primary sects of Force users through the ages, an old Jedi temple made for a perfect place to open one's self to the Force.

Her steps slow as they come up on one of the open stone entryways and she pauses to run her fingers over a set of carvings in the stone wall. ]

This place feels older than where I was trained, but the carvings are near the same. I wonder how many once passed through these halls.

[ As they stand there the wind momentarily picks up, a gentle breeze at their backs that brushes past them into the temple and makes the dust sparkle in the rays of sunlight that reach into the structure. Brianna finds herself smiling softly and looks over at Paul. ]

We're welcome here.

[ A part of her hadn't been so certain about herself, but she really should have known better. ]

[desertpowered]

I've felt it in me, especially when I'm around you. The curiosity is probably mutual by now. [Paul doesn't have the same kind of power as he did back in his home universe, but he's growing and learning. He thinks the Force will let him in - Paul Atreides is hard to keep out when his curiosity needs to be satisfied. His appetite for learning and study is voracious.

He gently squeezes her hand back to return the signal. They're doing this together, and she has his firm and unwavering support.]

It had better be. I'm not going anywhere after all. [Paul gives Brianna a warm smile, with a hint of brashness. He wants to reassure her as best he can, and in any way he can. If he can help give her that little extra push of confidence, make things a bit easier for her, that'll make him happy. They're equals in what they've set out to be. Paul won't ask anything more of her that he wouldn't do.

As he follows her, Paul, too, is always watchful. His methodical, calculating way of approaching things makes him good at spotting danger before it actually comes up, whether in the copilot's seat of a spacecraft or on the ground. The fact that the Force offers powers that were associated with spice in his home universe isn't lost on Paul, and that carries interesting implications for what exactly he can do here once he unlocks those capabilities. It might mean that he's able to learn more quickly, since they're abilities he already had. He gently reaches out with his mind, since he also feels safe here.

When Brianna reaches out, Paul leans over to examine the carvings himself. He doesn't touch them, but he hums as he takes a closer look and absorbs details.]

I imagine this temple is grateful to have new visitors. It wants us here. The Force welcomes us, I think you're right.

[The wind at their backs is a positive sign, Paul thinks, and he gives Brianna a reassuring grin. This is a beautiful planet. The fact that it's welcoming them, both a former darksider and someone completely alien to the galaxy, is a reassuring thing. He gives her a gentle pat on the back as he follows her deeper in.]

Do you feel lighter on the inside, too?