“Do you mind the support or the audience, Ben?”
River took that moment to let loose a quiet gust of air that, were he a more dramatic man, might have constituted a very put upon sigh.
“I’m sorry Ben, but Ari is being oddly insistent. Do you mind if I step out?”
That caught everyone’s attention.
River casually waved off Garen’s question and met Ben’s eyes with an exaggerated tiredness about him that reminded Feemor vaguely of a Master who’s padawan had just shared another bright idea that would more than likely both entertain and exhaust in equal measure. The visual had the whole room relaxing, as it was likely intended.
“Nothing serious. She’s going on about souvenirs.”
The Force gave the slightest indication of a giggle and Feemor decided he was perfectly happy to hear how that bit of chaos unfolded later and from a third party.
His little brother had the nerve to giggle at River alongside the Force.
Garen met River’s eyes following Ben’s response, as they clearly worked something out between them silently. “Right,” Garen concluded, then settled himself back into his seat with his cleaning supplies. “You have fun with that.”
River was less than impressed with his response, but set about gathering items here and there all the same.
“The South Market has many choice craft pieces on offer,” Guardian Kiro added with a wide smile when River went to press a hand of reassurance to Ben’s head.
Hmm, so this Guardian was well informed. Still.
Ben’s smile was genuine when he assented to the presence of both Garen and Guardian Kiro, and the three of them made themselves more comfortable as River silently left the room. As the lock clicked back into place, Feemor began speaking the ritual guidance for lightsaber construction:
