"Full Circle, Part 1"
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Kallia Brael
Yelara Brael
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 14, 4ABY

***

The days had passed quickly for Liam and Yelara once they'd moved into their apartment. It was very large, much larger than they were used to. Three of the four bedrooms had been put to use. One of them was already set up as a workshop for Yelara, and another they'd converted into a training room for Liam. The master bedroom was their bedroom. For now, the last room contained nearly a thousand liters of carbosyrup.

Liam left the remotes and new lightsaber in the training room and walked to Yelara's workshop. She was bent over a screen as robotic arms worked behind her on the microcircuity that would serve as the device they'd use against the crimelord. She'd projected having it completed by the eighteenth, and appeared to be on-track to that goal as far as he could tell. They'd contact Oot on the seventeenth, and arrange a meeting with the person who would insert it.

He stood there in the door watching her, a gentle smile on his face. Finally, she looked up and glanced in his direction. Upon seeing him there, her face lit up with a smile. "I just finished testing my new lightsaber," he said. "So, I thought I'd come in and say hello."

"Well, perfect timing. I was just beginning to miss you," Yelara replied. She waved Liam over to the worktable and glanced down at the schematics she'd been working on. "I think it's going really well. My initial tests ran smoothly. The only problem now is I just have to stop revising the plans and trying to make it more perfect than it already is. I don't think I could ever be absolutely satisfied with my work."

Liam slipped his arms around Yelara's waist, careful of her belly. "Well," he said, "perhaps I can distract you from tinkering some more. Would you like to join me in the kitchen while I make us something to eat?"

"For once, Liam, I have to say that I'm not hungry." Yelara laughed as Liam's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Yes, you heard me correctly. I've been so consumed with work that I guess it's just driven the hunger away. But I do so love watching you cook..." She kissed Liam quickly on the tip of his nose and diverted her attention away from the schematics for the time being. She took his hand in hers and led him away from the workshop. "So, have you decided on a colour for your new lightsaber?"

As they walked out into the main room of the apartment, he smiled. "Cobalt," he said. "Of the crystals I had available, I think it was the one I liked the best."

As they got to the kitchen, Liam quickly busied himself with preparing himself some lunch. Something light since it would only be him.

"If you get the device done and ready by the middle of next week, I imagine Oot should have it in place by the end of the week. We'll then only have to worry about collecting the data from the thing. If it's as good as we're hoping, we should be out of here in only a month. Maybe less. Though, so far it hasn't seemed all that bad here. I think we should find a place like this on the other side of the--"

Without warning, a knock sounded at the door. Liam glanced up and frowned. Who would be knocking on their door. He wondered if it was Elgryde down the hall again. The woman had brought them a basket of fruit when she saw them moving in, and on their second day in the apartment had stopped by nearly ten times with various things. Good places to shop, advice on how to make the kitchen more efficient, and on and on. It was funny to watch, but it seemed like she was always dropping by unannounced. He glanced at Yelara and grinned. "You want to see what she wants?"

Yelara groaned, but couldn't help laugh at the woman's tenacity. "She probably has advice on what I should be feeding the baby already." She shook her head as she continued to laugh, then sighed deeply. "Fine. Let's hear what piece of wisdom she has to bestow upon us today."

Liam laughed. "If you need to, let her know we're about to eat, and we don't have enough for three," he said. "Just as long as she...doesn't stay. If you have to, tell her we're going to have sex. I don't think she could have any additional advice on that. I mean, we successfully made a baby. We're doing something right."

"I doubt she even remembers what goes where, Liam." Yelara struggled to get to her feet with the weight of her stomach bearing down upon her. Once in a vertical position she leaned on the counter for a moment to catch her breath. "I didn't know carrying a child required so much stamina."

Liam laughed softly, and put down the bread he'd been slicing. "Stay where you are," he said. "I'll get it. I mean, you'll just have to sit back down again, and then you'll need a nap." He started off toward the door. "And, I don't think not knowing which parts end up in which parts would stop her from being an expert."

He reached the door, opened it and was about to say hello to Ms. Elgryde, but quickly shifted gears when he realized she wasn't the person standing on the other side of the door. A young woman stood looking at him. She had a pack slung over one shoulder and a baby cradled in her arms. She wore a long, plain dress and wore her hair pulled back. She looked up at Liam and smiled.

"Hello," she said. "I hope I have the right apartment. The woman down the hall said I would find Yelara Neerou here."

Liam regarded her for a moment, not sure. She was hiding something, he could feel it. There was a sense of something about her, something he couldn't quite place. Finally, he nodded. "Sure," he said. "She'll be here in just a moment."

"Thank you," the woman said, and shifted the baby against her hip.

Liam backed away cautiously, closing the door part way as he did. Yelara looked up as he came into the room. "There's someone at the door for you," he said. "A woman. I didn't get her name." He stretched his mind to one of the lightsabers resting out of sight at the edge of the room and it jumped into his hand. "She asked for you though by the name Yelara...Neerou."

Yelara's eyes were fixed to the lightsaber in Liam's hand for a moment. If it warranted Liam to arm himself, whoever was at the door must have given him an ominous feeling. She looked up into Liam's eyes, which were now glowing an icy blue that only made Yelara more nervous. They'd asked for her by her old name, which was peculiar to her. If the woman was with the Imps, their intel would have known that she'd been married and now went by another name.

She placed her hand upon Liam's cheek and tried to give him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. It's probably no one. If there's any sign of trouble, I'll holler." She kissed him gently and didn't let her smile fade, for his sake, until she had turned away and was heading out of the kitchen. After that, she frowned worriedly. She could have still been wanted by the Imps for her connections to the alliance, but that seemed like a lifetime ago to her.

She supported her back with her hands as she walked. The closer she got to the partially opened door, the less anxious she felt. She no longer felt the tightening in her stomach, and even the child within her womb seemed less restless now. Yelara placed a hand upon her swollen belly as she finally reached the door, and took a moment to put on her most inviting smile before reaching for the door handle and pulling it open.

The first thing her gaze caught was the two most beautiful brown eyes, ones she'd seen in her dreams everyday for almost six months. There was a sadness mingled with a glimmer of joy swimming in them now, but they were just as she remembered them. As what seemed an eternity spent looking into those eyes passed, Yelara let her own eyes wander to the rest of the beautiful face before her. Her vision became blurred by the tears welling up, and no matter how distorted they made the sight before her, every feature of the face still looked the same when compared to the memory of it she had seared into her mind. She wanted to reach out and let her fingers trail across the soft, white flesh, just to make certain she wouldn't disappear as if a figment of one of her dreams and greatest imaginings.

A soft cooing noise broke the prolonged silence and Yelara's attention was drawn down to a small bundle in the woman's arms. The eyes, the nose, the gentle smile were all a perfect likeness of the woman standing before her. Yelara's gaze swept back up to the woman's eyes, and in a voice choked with tears and a tinge of excitement, she said, "Kallia?" She took a moment to let the tears dissipate, then spoke again. "If this is a dream, please don't let it ever end."

Kallia Brael wiped her own tears away and nodded. "Yes," she said, a sob choking the word in her throat. "It's me, Yelara. Something drew me back here, and here you are. I've thought about you every waking moment since I left. I'm so sorry for what happened. I never meant to hurt you. I couldn't bear knowing I'd hurt you so much, the look in your eyes that night... But, when I came back, I felt you here. I had to come see you, to say I was sorry." She swallowed hard and wiped away a few more tears, but it really did no good. "And, to tell you that I still love you."

Yelara's smile broke through the tears as she reached out and ran her fingers along Kallia's lips. She was real, and hearing her voice convinced her of that. The sadness in Kallia's gentle, sweet voice was plainly clear, but her words were ones Yelara knew she should have been speaking to Kallia. She was the one who regretted pushing Kallia away, the one who was sorry for all the harsh words she'd spoken. She refused to accept Kallia's apology, for it was misplaced; she could, however, accept her profession of love.

She wanted to reach out and hold Kallia, but she feared she'd crush the child in her arms with the force of her desperate embrace. She brought her hand to Kallia's cheek and gently wiped away the salty tears. "You've nothing to be sorry for, Kallia. I was the one who pushed you away, the one who said the hurtful words that tore us apart. It was me, Kallia, not you. I'm the one who's sorry, the one who's always regretted what I did." She forced back the sobs that were seizing her voice, ones that became more persistent the longer she stood there and allowed the reality of the situation to sink in. Kallia was back. Kallia was back with a child cradled in her arms. She looked down once more at the child, who was burbling and making noises she knew her own baby would be making soon enough. A warm smile enveloped her lips as she reached down and pressed her hand to the child's forehead. "She's beautiful..." Yelara whispered tenderly. "Just as beautiful as her mother," she hazarded as she looked back up at Kallia.

Kallia smiled again and felt another tear slip down her cheek. "She's very beautiful," she said. "I never expected-- I never thought it would happen. I mean, I was protected and it happened anyway. And, she's the most beautiful thing in my life." She looked into Yelara's eyes. "Though, now she's got competition. Yelara," she said with a grin, and then turned her attention to the infant in her arms, "I want you to meet Yelara Brael."

The sobs she'd been trying to force back refused to be silenced any longer and broke through with a fierce intensity. Yelara looked at Kallia in surprise and gave a laugh that was more a sob than anything. She forced her eyes back to the child in Kallia's arms and wept even louder. Kallia's love for her was expressed succinctly by the fact that she'd named her own child in her sake. She leaned over and kissed Yelara, the other Yelara, then hastily wrapped her arms around Kallia. "Oh gods...gods thank you for coming back to me. I've never stopped loving you, Kal. I never will."

From back in the other room, the muffled sounds of Yelara's sobbing reached Liam. He looked up and wondered why she hadn't called to him. He quickly crossed the distance to the front entryway and stopped suddenly at the sight in front of him. Yelara and the woman were embracing each other awkwardly due to the baby in Yelara's belly, and the one in the other woman's arms. He found himself somewhat bewildered as he looked at them. He stepped closer as they murmured to each other in low tones that his Jedi-enhanced hearing couldn't pick up.

"Is everything alright?" he asked.

The woman looked up in surprise at him, and then back to Yelara. She looked at Yelara with a sad smile. "Would it be presuming too much to assume this is the father of the child you're carrying, Yel?"

Yelara pulled away from Kallia slowly and gave a half nod. Now wasn't the time to go into detail about the child she was carrying. Now wasn't the time to tell her that they might not yet be rid of Dargus Kandran. She glanced back at Liam for a moment, noting the curiousity and concern in his features, then looked at Kallia again. "This is Liam, Kal. My husband." She almost tripped over the last word and looked down at baby Yelara. She couldn't bear to see the anguish in Kallia's face.

Kallia smiled and stepped forward and held a hand out to him. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Liam," she said. "I'm Kallia Brael."

Liam's eyes drifted between Yelara and Kallia, and then to the baby and back. He took Kallia's offered hand. "It is good to finally meet you," he said. "I have heard much about you."

Kallia stepped back from him and glanced to Yelara. "A Jedi Knight," she said with a grin. And, then she shifted her gaze back to Liam. "And a student of Tal Dan."

Liam's eyes glittered with a mixture of joy and remorse. "That is correct," he said. "I never finished my trials with Tal Dan, but that is a long story and not one to be told right now. You two should come inside. Yelara shouldn't spend so much time on her feet. Do you have a bag, Kallia?"

She shook her head. "No," she said. "I have a hotel room a few kilometers away. We got in late last night. But, sitting down would be very nice."

Liam stepped out of the way so the women could move further into the apartment, and then he shut the door.

As Kallia walked, she glanced over at Yelara and grinned. "You still look beautiful," she said. "And, you look very healthy. How far along are you?"

"I'm six months now. Oh gods, Kal, there's so much I have to tell you, so much that's happened." She carefully sat down onto the couch with a soft grunt and smiled up at Kallia as she joined her. "How old's Yelara? She's so beautiful, Kal! Those eyes...definitely yours."

Kallia was beaming as she sat with Yelara again. Her smile wouldn't go away, and she didn't want it to. "She's three months old," she said. "She was a little fussy on the trip back to Tae'Karada, but for the most part she's been a very good little girl. It's such an amazing feeling." She looked up at Yelara and sighed happily. "I never expected her, and at first I wasn't sure. But now? Now I love her with all my heart, and will do everything I can to keep her safe. She's a dream."

"She is... Oh, she's wonderful." Yelara couldn't help but fawn over the child and almost cried with joy as the baby emitted an infectious laugh when Yelara began tickling her stomach. The tears fell again, but they were overshadowed by the happiness Yelara felt. For once, she had everything she'd ever wanted all in the same room. She looked at Kallia with a tender smile conveying the love she still felt for her, a love she didn't feel comfortable expressing in words while Liam was around. He knew of their past relationship, and a part of her worried that he would feel somewhat threatened by her return. She would just have to reiterate to him later tonight while in their bed that her love for him would never wane.

Yelara couldn't tear her gaze from baby Yelara. She truly was as beautiful as her mother. "The trip must have been hard with her," she said quietly. "Is the father with you? Or..."

Kallia glanced down at her child, sighed heavily and then looked up at Yelara. "Dargus was the father," she said. "At least he's gone now. And, even if he weren't, I would do everything in my power, use all of the Force and all my strength to keep Yelara away from him." She traced her fingers over her baby's cheeks and brow. "She's the only good he ever brought into this galaxy."

Yelara's smile diminished quickly and she could feel the blood draining from her face. Without even looking at Liam, she knew the icy glow in his eyes had returned and that he was using all his willpower to keep from punching a hole through the wall. The silence in the room lingered. She and Kallia shared something else, other than their bond, and it was that Dargus may have had a hand in the conception of their children. Unfortunately for Kallia, he had, but for her, there was still a chance her child would be free of Dargus' touch. For Liam's sake and her own, she hoped the child was Liam's.

Yelara looked back at her husband for a moment, and his anger was apparent in the tightening of his jaw. She pushed herself up from the couch and made her way towards him with a gentle smile. "It's ok, Liam," she said softly as she placed her hand upon his cheek. "It's ok."

Liam forced himself to relax. "Every turn we take, and he's back in front of us," he said. "Even in death, we can't escape him." He sighed heavily and leaned back against the counter. "I'm sorry. She's a good person. She'll raise her daughter well, and without Kandran's influence, she'll be a good person too. At least when you look at her, you see none of him there. It is good that she has her mother's beauty."

"And our child will have his father's blue eyes, Liam. I know it." Yelara kissed Liam tenderly and tried to ease his remaining tension with a smile. "You don't have to be here if this is too much for you. You should take a walk, Liam...somewhere isolated preferably with no one around to aggravate you. Do you wanna do that? Kallia and I will be safe here on our own."

Liam looked past Yelara to Kallia, and then back to meet Yelara's eyes. He knew that they needed some time together, and they'd want it without the pressure he would bring. "I'll go walk for a bit," he said. "I saw a place up the street I want to check out. They have the plating I'll need to convert the second cabin in the Kestrel to a room for the baby." He kissed her. "And, when I'm out, I'll cool down."

"Good idea." Yelara led Liam to the door and once out of earshot of Kallia, she looked into his eyes with a loving gaze and said with as much feeling as she could pour into her words, "I love you, Liam. You're my soul." She kissed him deeply and passionately to reinforce that no matter what, her love for him would never pale against the love she still felt for Kallia, a love he no doubt felt emanating from her, especially when Kallia walked through the door.

"Whatever happens," he said, holding her gaze with his own, "we'll be okay." He brushed his fingers against her cheek, and then kissed her again before stepping into the hallway. "I'll bring something back to make for the three of us for dinner. If you find out there's anything that Kallia can't eat or doesn't want to eat"--he tapped the wrist communicator he wore--"let me know." With that, he turned and headed toward the elevators. He glanced back once and smiled at Yelara, a genuine smile filled with is love for her, and the future they would share together, even if it was also shared with Kallia Brael.

---

"Full Circle, Part 2"
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Kallia Brael
Yelara Brael
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 14, 4ABY

***

Yelara watched the door of the lift close with Liam inside. With a heavy sigh she turned back into the room and back to the small living area. "Sorry about that. He gets a little upset whenever mention of Dargus comes up." Yelara took a seat on the small sofa across from Kallia and gave her a tight smile. She looked down at her distended stomach then back at Kallia with a steady gaze. "We're not sure if the child's Liam's. I was with them both before I got pregnant."

Kallia nodded. "I understand," she said. "And, I imagine my sudden appearance hasn't lessened the stresses of your pregnancy any. I gather he knows of our past relationship?" At Yelara's nod, Kallia sighed. "I hope my being here won't be a problem, but I couldn't stay away once I felt your presence here. I had to come see you, and find out for myself if what we shared was ended, or if it was gone for good." She watched Yelara's eyes for a moment, beautiful violet eyes she'd dreamed of for all the time she'd been away. "But, I know now that coming back was the right thing, and our feelings are still strong."

Yelara reached over and placed her hand atop Kallia's. Her smile brightened immediately. "My feelings for you have never changed. I've hated myself every day for what I did to you. I was so blinded by all Dargus offerred me: revenge, money...all those things I thought I needed, but now, I realize all I ever wanted really was to be with you." She squeezed Kallia's hand and, looking into her eyes and at her beautiful smile, she could barely resist flying into her arms and kissing her tenderly. "I love you so much, Kal. I love Liam too, which is going to make things very difficult for the three of us. I'm not sure exactly how all this is going to work, but I do want it to. I want you in my life, Kallia. I can't live without you."

Kallia nodded slowly, keeping her eyes fixed to Yelara's. "Whatever it takes to make it work," she said. "I need you, Yelara. My time away was torture to think about you and to think I could never have you again. Only the hope that someday I would be able to see you, to touch you, to share myself with you again, only thinking of being back with you got me by. I don't know how your husband will take our relationship, but whatever needs to be done to make it work, I'll do it."

"We'll make it work, Kal. I won't lose you again and this time, I am going to fight to keep you. I love you." Her gaze dropped into the yawning bundle in Kallia's arms and she laughed softly. "She is a tiny double of you, Kal." Her smile turned into a small frown as she looked back up to Kallia. "I'm sorry you had to go through that alone, Kal. I'm sorry you had to carry the child within you for months without someone to comfort and take care of you. I should have been there...I would have wanted to be." Yelara moved to the couch and sat down beside Kallia with her hand gently caressing her cheek. "I want you here with me while I have my child. I want you here by my side through everything."

"I never want to go away again," Kallia said softly, looking up into Yelara's eyes. "I missed you so much, Yelara." She found herself drawn closer, until finally her lips brushed Yelara's. The touch sent a warm shiver through her body. "I want to be with you always, in any way I can. In every way I can."

"I love you so much, Kallia, and I've ached for your touch for so long, that I don't think I could live without you now." Yelara couldn't resist the pull Kallia's lips had on her own, nor did she want to. She let them touch Kallia's again, and once they did, everything finally fell into place. The missing piece of happiness Yelara had sought finally came to light when their lips touched and her tongue mingled with Kallia's. She felt almost complete now, and when her child was born, she knew she would be fully so.

In Kallia's arms, baby Yelara gurgled, bringing a giggle out of Kallia. She slowly pulled her lips from Yelara's. "Don't want to crush the baby," she said. "I've got something I can put her in for a bit." She opened her bag, and pulled out a small bundle. She set it on the floor and it expanded into a small carrier. She smiled and glanced up at Yel. "I found this yesterday morning. It's the most amazing thing." She placed baby Yelara into the seat and then sat up again once she was sure the baby was okay. "Now," she said, "where were we?"

Yelara smiled expectantly at Kallia and shifted closer. Her fingers meshed with Kallia's thick, brown hair and she leaned over with her eyes closed to take in her sweet scent. She buried her nose into Kallia's hair and smiled as she remembered the day she woke up, after a night of drinking, in Kallia's room. There would be no more drinking for her now, but she knew she wanted to wake up with Kallia's face being the first she saw in the morning... But Liam... Yelara felt her heart being pulled in two directions but being with Kallia now, she didn't want to think about that. She wanted to reacquaint herself with the woman she loved and wanted to make up for all the time they'd missed. "You still smell beautiful," Yelara said softly. She kissed Kallia's forehead gently as she continued taking in her scent. "Your hair is still as beautiful as I remember it...you are still as beautiful."

"You are too," Kallia said as she brought her hands up to caress Yelara's body. She raised her lips again to Yelara's and kissed her lovingly. "You can sniff me as much as you want, though people may wonder...not that I really care." She kissed down Yelara's jaw and then to her throat. "I don't know how I survived without being near you."

"I only survived because I had Liam...and your lightsaber." Yelara cradled Kallia's face in her hands and brought her face up so she could gaze into her eyes. "I felt you...somehow. When I held that lightsaber, I felt you near. But now that I have you, now that I can touch you, I realize nothing could compare to this, to having you here." Yelara kissed Kallia again, clinging to her with trembling hands. She'd yearned to hold Kallia in her arms for so long that being there with her now she realized how foolish she'd been for driving her away. "Oh gods, I'm so sorry, Kal," Yelara whispered as she moved her kisses to Kallia's neck. "I was so stupid... I didn't mean to hurt you."

"You're forgiven," Kallia whispered as her breathing grew heavy. "With all my heart, you're forgiven and more. I shouldn't have left you. I should have fought harder to keep you in my life. I shouldn't have run away. But, with everything, I didn't know what else to do. But we have each other now, and we'll never be apart again. We can start over, or start again." With a little trepidation, Kallia let her fingers brush over Yelara's breasts. She heard herself gasp at the touch, almost as if the touch were too much for her. But Yelara was everything she wanted. She knew they shouldn't go too far, but she couldn't stop herself. She needed Yelara more than anything in life.

The touch seemed almost foreign and startling to Yelara, but once the warmth of Kallia's hands seeped through her clothing and radiated across her breasts, the caress was familiar again and more than welcomed. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to heighten the sensations Kallia's simple touch was evoking. She placed her hands over Kallia's and pushed her breasts forward into them. She moaned quietly, but smiled as she remembered their first time together and how truly spiritual it felt giving her body for the first time to someone she actually loved. It was the same way she felt everytime she was with Liam.

Yelara opened her eyes as a pang of guilt brought her inhibitions to the forefront. She couldn't take this step, not behind Liam's back, not without discussing it with him first. She couldn't do that to him. Yelara took Kallia's hands into her own and brought them to her lips. She kissed them tenderly, then pressed them to her heart. "I love you Kallia...I want to be with you, but I can't, not yet. Liam..."

Kallia nodded and then leaned forward and kissed Yelara's forehead. "I understand," she said with a smile. "I think that's best. If the three of us are going to be involved in this, then we should make sure to do it honestly and openly. I guess I got ahead of myself. It's been over five months since I've been with anyone, and being here with you now... Your touch is still magic, Yelara. We should go slowly though. We don't want to go too fast and have everything unravel on us. When I go back to my hotel tonight, if the time is good, maybe you can talk to him then. I don't know if it would be good for both of us to be there when you talk to him. He might feel like he's being ganged up on."

"But I want you here, with me, Kallia," Yelara said almost imploringly. "Can't you...can't you stay the night? Please, Kallia, I don't want to be without you again, not even for a moment." Yelara embraced Kallia and kissed her neck and cheek desperately. "Please, stay the night. I can talk to Liam and...and you two can get acquainted with each other... This has to work, Kallia. Please do this for me."

Kallia gazed at Yelara with bright eyes. "How can I refuse? I don't want to be away, and as long as you and Liam are okay with Yelara and I staying here, then we'll do so gladly. I can sleep out here on the couch, unless you have a spare bed. I'd like to get acquainted with Liam. He captured your heart completely, so I am very interested in getting to know him better." She grinned. "And perhaps before you have your baby, I can help you with the tips and tricks to motherhood I've picked up. I think it could all work out."

Yelara pulled away and looked up at Kallia with an excited grin. "Oh would you?! I have absolutely no idea what to do, Kal, and I doubt Liam does either." Yelara embraced Kallia quickly and stood up with some effort. She held out her hands and when Kallia took them, she pulled her up gently. She glanced sideways to the soundly sleeping Yelara and looked back to Kallia with a smile. "Do you think... Can I hold her? I've never held a baby before."

Kallia smiled and then crouched down next to the sleeping infant. She picked her up from the carrier and held her for a moment before standing again. "I think the trip from Tatooine wore her out," she said. "Here, Yelara really meet Yelara." She carefully put the baby into Yelara's arms and took a half step back while she got used to holding her.

Yel's heart raced as she held the small, almost fragile looking child in her arms. It felt awkward at first but after she relaxed a little and stopped worrying about dropping her, Yel actually felt comfortable with Yelara in her arms. She gazed into Yelara's face with complete amazement. She could scarcely believe something so precious and innocent could have come from Dargus' seed. Yel then reminded herself that the baby was also Kallia's, and for everyone's sake, looked everything like her and nothing like Dargus.

She rocked Yelara gently in her arms and could do nothing to wipe the smile from her face. Holding her in her arms, Yel knew she definitely wanted that child she'd been nurturing in her body for the past six months. Day by day, she was beginning to care less whether the child was Dargus' or not, but her fears and anxieties still existed. Now, though, all that mattered to her was that she would be able to see her child's face and hold him in her arms. "She's perfect," Yel said softly. Yel gazed at the perfect bundle in her arms, then looked up worriedly at Kallia. "Did it...did it hurt much coming out?"

Kallia brushed a finger over Yelara's tiny brow. She smiled at her daughter, seemingly lost in fascination. "You're the first person other than me and the nurses at the hospital who've held her." She shifted her gaze to Yel again, her smile still present. "And, it was painful. I didn't use any drugs or anything though. I tried to use the Force to dampen the pain, but toward the end it was more pain than I'm used to dealing with, and a different kind of pain. It was painful. But worth it." She kissed Yelara and Yel both on their foreheads and smiled. "My two wonderful girls. The real test will be to see how she reacts to you holding her when she's awake." Kallia smiled and kissed Yel on the lips, savouring the taste she'd missed so much. "I think she'll love you though."

"Of course you'd say that, your opinion is quite biased." Yel laughed quietly and stroked Yelara's hair. "Did you want to put her in the spare room? When Liam comes home, I can ask him to go to your place with you and pick up things for the baby. I want you here with me, Kal. You and Yelara."

"I want to be here too," Kallia said. "And, I guess if you could watch after Yelara while I'm gone, I could go with Liam and bring some things over. I don't have very much. Money's been very tight since I moved away here. I did get some when I sold my home on Tatooine. You can barely get ten percent of what you pay for it back though. You don't think he'd have a problem with me staying, do you? I mean, I don't want to cause any problems."

"No, of course it won't be a problem! Liam understands our relationship and with the baby, I'm sure he won't mind if you stay here. It would be good for you. I mean, if I watch the baby, maybe you can take a break, go do something fun. I'm sure taking care of a child all on your own must be tiring. You need to relax, Kal." Yel secured the baby in her one arm and brushed her hand along Kal's cheek. "You look so tired, Kal. You need a break."

Kallia closed her eyes at Yel's soft touch. She sighed as she gave herself over to the gentle caress and wished she could curl up with both Yelaras and sleep the beautiful sleep she'd missed for the last six months of her life. When they were together, their time had been too short. They would make up for it now though. "Well, I could use a little sleep," she said. "She sleeps a lot of the time, but she wakes up every couple hours to be fed, sometimes every hour."

"Oh gods, my poor Kallia." Yel kissed Kallia upon the cheek and continued caressing her cheek to soothe away some of the mounting stresses that were definitely weighing down upon her. "You need some sleep, my love. Does Yelara take a bottle? If she does, you can have mine and Liam's bed for a nap and I can watch the baby. If she wakes up hungry, I can feed her. I'm sure it shouldn't be too much for me to handle."

Kallia laughed. "Little Yelara takes a breast," she said. "Which means the being kept up and awake all the time is probably my fault anyway. Even so, I fed her before coming over here, so I think I should have a little while longer before she's hungry. I could lie down for a bit if that won't be any trouble."

"Not at all." Yel carefully lay Yelara back in her carrier and paused a moment to look at the beautiful child again before taking Kallia's hand. "Come on. The bedroom's this way." Yelara glanced at Kallia with a smile as she led her from the living area and through the kitchen. It was tempting, going to a bedroom with the woman she loved, but she'd waited six months for Kallia to return and would wait until she'd spoken to Liam before taking the next step. But oh, was it tempting. "When Liam agrees to you and Yelara moving in, you'll have a bed just as comfortable in the spare room. It's going to be so wonderful having you around all the time."

Kallia smiled as she looked at Yel. "It's going to be wonderful to be here," she said. "I've been dreaming about this since before I left. Now that the time is here, it's better than I ever imagined. I never want to be away from you again, Yelara. And, if anything ever separates us again, I will do everything and anything to get back to you, even if it's only one of us saying or doing something silly."

"Well, I'll make sure I'm not the one to separate us ever again. I was stupid to be suspicious of you, to think you were trying to run my life. The fact was, Dargus was the one doing that all along. The way he manipulated me, Kal..." Yel sighed sharply and pulled Kallia into the bedroom. "I'm so glad Liam and I succeeded in destroying that bastard."

Kallia's eyes went wide at Yel's admission. "You and Liam? The two of you killed him?" She shook her head, obviously awestruck. "That's...that's amazing. How did you manage to get close enough? His security always seemed diligent and paranoid of any threat."

Yelara gave Kallia a sly grin as she sat down on the bed, pulling Kal down next to her. "You're intrigued, I can tell." As Kallia took her place beside Yel, she slipped her fingers through Kallia's and shifted closer to her. "It was an ingenious plan devised by me, of course," Yel said playfully. "The bastard Dargus had me implanted with a tracking device, which I used against him once we managed to have it removed..." Yelara continued the tale, not leaving out anything, not even her honeymoon with Liam on Turren where they most likely set a record for the most sex had during a two week span. She told her about Oot's aid and even went so far as to divulge to her the real reason she and Liam were now back on Tae'Karada. "Quite the adventure wasn't it?"

Kallia laughed. "It sure is," she said. "I'm a Jedi Knight and that's more adventure than I've ever had. Then I guess I owe being able to come back here to you. I heard that Dargus was dead, but no one knew who did it. But when I knew he wasn't here anymore, I decided to come back since this is the only place I've ever felt at home."

"Well, this is your home now, Kal. Liam might not appear akin to the idea at first, but once he gets used to having to share his wife with her female lover, you'll actually find him to be quite pleasant...well as far as dark jedis go." Yelara leaned in and kissed Kallia upon the lips as the urge once again overwhelmed her. She laughed sheepishly as she pulled away. "I've missed those lips. They always did taste so deliciously sweet."

Before Yel could kiss her again, Kallia put up a hand. "Dark Jedi? Liam's a Dark Jedi? He doesn't feel... I mean, his aura isn't typical for one of darkness. I mean, it's fairly bright at that." She looked around and could get no sense of darkness anywhere in the apartment. It made no sense.

"Well, he's not one anymore. I guess he's more of a grey jedi now. But yes, Liam has walked the path of darkness before, but he's changed, Kal." Yelara furrowed her brow at Kallia's uneasiness and squeezed her hand for reassurance. "Kal...don't worry. He's a good man. You believe me, don't you?"

Kallia smiled and then nodded. "Of course, I do," she said. "I mean, I wouldn't think you'd be with a guy that was dark. Especially after Dargus. He seems like a very nice man, and if you married him, he must be even better than that. Turren sounds like it was very nice, and eventful. I'll never think of waterfalls the same again."

Yelara laughed and pulled Kallia into an embrace. "I am so glad to have you back, Kal. And who knows? Maybe someday all three of us can take a trip to Turren and I can show you those waterfalls." Yel's eyes shot open as she quickly remembered something, something she knew Kallia would enjoy. "Wait here." Yel kissed Kallia quickly and rose from the bed. She moved towards the closet at the far end of the room and pushed the racked clothing out of the way. "Don't look!" she called back with her head still in the closet.

As she finally grasped what she was looking for in the darkened closet, she pulled herself out, almost in one piece except for her now dishevelled hair. She turned around to face Kallia with her hands behind her back, concealing the object. "Are you ready?"

Eyes shut tight, Kallia grinned. "I'm ready," she said, not sure what Yel could possibly have for her.

She started forward with the cold, smooth metal resting in her hands. She wasn't certain how Kallia would react to seeing it again, whether it would dredge up unwanted memories or not, but she wanted Kallia to know she'd kept it and cherished it as anyone would a gift from the woman they loved. Yel stood before Kallia with a large smile on her face. She removed her hands from behind her back and held them in front of her with the saber resting in her open palms. "Open your eyes, my love," she said softly.

Slowly Kallia opened her eyes. When she saw the hilt from her lightsaber in Yel's hands, she looked up with a smile. "You kept it," she said. "Oh wow." She ran her hand over the smooth surface. Even after the time away, the touch was familiar, just as Yelara's had been. She took a step closer and brushed her lips against Yel's. "I can be your protector again."

"Two protectors? I'll be untouchable now." She looked into Kallia's eyes and saw vividly the heartfelt joy in them. Yel laughed then kissed Kal lightly upon the lips. "Of course I kept it," she said softly. "It was the only thing of yours I had left, besides the memories, but not all those were good." She looked down at the lightsaber and studied it for a moment. "Will you be using it again?" Her eyes drifted up to Kal's again. "Will you be a Jedi again? Liam does need a training partner. I mean, even if I weren't in my present condition, I am definitely not a worthy training partner for Liam. He tried to train me to use a pike and...well...let's just say everyone's alot safer if I never pick up one again."

Kallia laughed. "Well, I haven't had much training other than getting back in shape after Yelara was born. So, it'd be nice to have someone to train with." She looked at the lightsaber and brushed her fingers across the cold metal of the hilt. "I wouldn't mind being a Jedi Knight again, but with Yelara, I don't know if I can."

"Well, what's stopping you? I mean, if you need someone to take care of her, I'm sure with a little guidance from her mother I would be a good babysitter. Your life doesn't have to be put on hold because of the baby, no matter how much you love her and want to spend time with her." Yel smiled and thrust her hands gently towards Kallia. "Take it. It's yours. You were a good Jedi, Kal. We need people like you, especially now."

Kallia reached out again and took the lightsaber into her hand. She glanced up into Yel's eyes and then smiled. "Then I'll take it," she said with conviction. "As long as I can do both, okay. And, as long as you're in my life I can do anything."

Yel smiled and sighed deeply. "I can't believe you're back, Kal. I never thought... I'm just so glad to have you back. I feel such an immense joy and...it's just so hard to express how I'm feeling right now." She wrapped her arms around Kallia and embraced her tenderly. "Love," she whispered. "Love is definitely what I'm feeling."

Kallia felt her body melt against Yel's. "Me too," she said. "I really hope this works out. For all of us, I mean. I don't want to come between you and Liam. But, I really hope he'll be okay with you and I."

"He has to be, Kal, because I know I can't live without you." Yelara kissed Kallia on the cheek, then tightened her embrace. "Even if Liam doesn't approve of us having a physical relationship, as long as I can be near you, see your face, hear your voice, I'll still be happy."

"Though I really hope he does," Kallia said, "because I need you. It's been far too long. If Liam doesn't approve, we'll have to find a way to convince him." She pulled Yel with her toward the bed. "Will you lie with me for a bit?"

A slow smile spread across Yel's face as she allowed Kallia to lead her; if Kallia asked, Yel would follow her anywhere. As Kallia slipped onto the bed, Yel carefully sat down next to her and reclined back with a sigh. "I didn't realize carrying a child would be so physically exhausting." Yelara shifted onto her side and slid her arms around Kallia. She nestled her head against Kallia's chest and closed her eyes as the familiar sensation of lying in her lover's arms returned. "I want to lay here forever with you, Kal. I almost feel guilty feeling that way. I mean...I'm afraid I'll feel torn between you and Liam, but I know I could never choose. I refuse to."

Kallia smiled. "And, I'll never ask you to choose," she said. "As long as I have part of you, I'll be happy. I don't know how it will work, but we'll have to figure it out. Though, we'll need to talk to Liam. Do you have any idea what his feelings on it will be? I can feel that he loves you, but is sharing you something he would be able to accept?"

Yel thought back to how Liam reacted when he realized he'd have to share her with Dargus. She almost lost him forever because of that. Yel sighed and pulled closer to Kallia. "If it were anyone else, I don't think he'd be able to accept it. But he knows about you and how I feel for you. Maybe because of that, he'd be more...amenable to the idea."

Kallia kissed Yel again and smiled. "I hope so," she said. She stopped for a moment, not sure if she should ask the next question or not. "What about...what about Liam and I, Yelara? I'm not saying that anything will happen, but would that bother you? Or do you think it would lessen any problems or make them worse?"

Yelara raised her head and propped herself up onto her elbow. "What do you mean you and Liam? I don't understand. Are you...are you suggesting that you and he... I mean...I don't understand."

Kallia shook her head and sighed. "I'm not really sure how to say it," she said. "I'm not saying I want to, but if the three of us are living together. And, you have me. What if Liam...what if Liam wants the relationship to be more open than you and me and you and him? I don't know. It's possible he might see something in the relationship as unfair...with you being able to have two loves and with him limited to only one. Maybe we don't even have to worry about it. But, I guess to look at things from his side, you have to think about that too. How would you feel if Liam wanted to sleep with me?"

Yelara tried to keep the apparent shock she was feeling from being physically conveyed to Kallia through her facial expression. She had to admit, she'd never considered such an idea. She remembered how it felt knowing Liam had slept with his student, but it only hurt because he'd done it without her knowledge. This would be with her consent...if she gave it. She turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling while she contemplated the situation. How would she feel if she knew Liam was sleeping with another woman? She wouldn't know until that happened.

Yel turned her head to face Kallia again and smiled gently. "If it comes to that, Kal, I...I guess it wouldn't bother me. But I can't really know for certain unless I'm faced with it. I know he loves me and I know that wouldn't change. I guess it would just be awkward. But I know I wouldn't be jealous because I know that I love you and Liam, and that you both love me."

"We do," Kallia said. "And, I don't want you to try to bury your feelings if it does bother you. Most likely, it won't ever be something we'll have to worry about; but it is good to think about it before." Finally, Kallia sighed and snuggled closer to Yelara. "There's no point thinking more about it now without Liam here, so we should just enjoy each other's company."

They were both quiet for a long moment before, from the other room, the baby started to cry. Kallia sat up and kissed Yel's forehead. "You stay here," she whispered. "I'll bring her in."

"Ok." Yel smiled as she watched Kallia slip off the bed and rush out into the hallway. She hadn't realized Kallia's presence would cause such a change in how she and Liam lived their lives. Yel never thought before about having to share her husband with Kallia, but what if he did want to be shared? Yel sighed and turned onto her side, curling up into the smallest ball she could manage with the load she was carrying in her stomach. Would they all share a single bed? Would Liam want to be with Kallia alone, together in their room, making l-- Yel clenched her eyes shut and shuddered for a moment. The decision would be a harder one to make than she thought even though it concerned Kallia, the woman she loved and not some stranger. She knew she had no reason to feel threatened, but there was a part of her that just couldn't bear to picture her husband with another. Now she knew how Liam must have been feeling when Kallia showed up at their door.

She opened her eyes while awaiting Kallia's return. She did so enjoy being in her arms again and although she knew it might create tension in her and Liam's marriage, she couldn't deny that she wanted Kallia in her life again.

---

"Full Circle, Part 3"
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Kallia Brael
Yelara Brael
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 14, 4ABY

***

Kallia returned a few moments later with Yelara in her arms. She smiled at Yel curled up on the bed and watching her approach. "I think she's hungry," she said as she moved back to the bed. She slid to the head of the bed where she could prop herself up. "Do you mind?"

Yel sat up and shook her head. "No, not at all." Yel smiled and stroked the top of Yelara's head gently. She looked up at Kallia with a longing that she knew Kallia was feeling as well. "Can I help?" she asked quietly. Before Kallia could answer, Yel began undoing the top of Kallia's dress, slowly unbuttoning it while keeping her eyes on Kallia's. "I really hope Liam will give us his blessing," she said softly as the final button came undone and Kallia's dress hung loosely open. Her eyes remained fixed to Kallia's as she pushed the thin fabric off of her right shoulder to expose one of Kallia's swollen breasts. She was hesitant at first and searched Kallia's eyes for any sign she was reluctant, but her trepidations quickly faded as she lightly trailed her fingers along Kallia's breast. "You're beautiful, Kallia."

Kallia sighed at Yel's touch. "Thank you," she said. "When you look at me like that, I can't help but feel beautiful." She shifted Yelara in her arms and pulled the fabric of her dress away from the other breast. With a soft moan, she gathered her will and brought her daughter to her breast as Yel's fingers sent shivers through the other. "I don't think she'll mind."

Yel laughed quietly. "I remember a time when I could barely fit into your shirts. I think now, we're about the same size." Yel began feeling less apprehensive and instead was filled with a boldness she'd been wary about allowing herself to feel with Kallia. She knew she still needed to discuss the arrangement with Liam, but she couldn't resist touching Kallia's soft, resilient flesh. Yel covered Kal's breast entirely with her hand and massaged it tenderly. "Do they get sore? I mean...mine already are but, does it get worse?" Yel leaned in closer and brushed her lips against Kal's ear. "Is this helping?" she whispered.

"I don't know if it's helping Yelara at all," Kallia said, "but it's making me nice and warm." She sighed happily. "Sometimes they're more sore than others. None of my old clothes fit me anymore. After she was born, I gave myself a regular work-out regimen and was able to get back in shape quickly; but my breasts are so...so much bigger than I'm used to. There was this man on the transport over who had a conversation with them. I don't think he made eye contact with me once. You should have seen him when I moved them left and right. He was like a trained pet almost." She laughed and brought a hand up to cover Yelara's. "I missed your touch. No one has ever been able to touch me the way you do."

"So you weren't completely alone then?" Yel nibbled gently on Kallia's earlobe while her hand continued cradling her breast. "The weeks following your departure, I had daydreams about you," Yel said quietly. "I dreamed that you were standing in front of me with a gentle smile on your face, but when I reached out to caress your cheek, you were gone again. After a time, I decided the stop trying to think about you altogether, just to save myself some of the pain that came with dreaming of you within reach, but so far out of reach at the same time."

"I was alone most of the time," Kallia said. "The only people I saw regularly were my doctor and then my boss for the fruit stand I was running. And, I wish I hadn't gone, to save you from having to go through that. Well, at least we're back together now."

"And for that, I shall be forever grateful." Yelara moved her lips to Kallia's neck and suckled it while her chin brushed against baby Yelara's soft hair. She laughed quietly and looked down at the child staring up at her with the deepest brown eyes, comparable only to those of her mother. "I didn't think there could ever be anyone as beautiful as you...but looking at her now, I know you'll definitely have to keep your eye on her."

Kallia brushed a finger through her daughter's hair and smiled. "I think she'll have to fend the boys off with a lightsaber," she said. She closed her eyes and slipped an arm around Yel. "If I could spend the rest of my life like this here, I think I would be very happy. My two favourite girls in all the galaxy. I love you, Yelara. Both of you."

Yel's hand slid beneath Kallia's dress to her bare waist. She pulled Kallia closer, careful not to smother the child in her arms, and answered her profession with an emphatic one of her own. "You're the missing part of my soul, Kal." Unable to suppress her desires any longer, she kissed Kallia deeply on the lips. She pryed her mouth open with her tongue and moaned quietly as Kallia's entangled with her own. Touching Kallia again, being with her, brought back all the memories of their happy times together, all the memories she'd been repressing for fear it would tear her heart in two with grief. "I want you, Kal," she whispered breathlessly before her tongue plunged back into the depths of Kallia's mouth.

Careful of the child still nursing at her breast, Kallia returned Yel's kisses with equal desire and need. The feelings of being with her one-time (and hopefully future) lover slammed against her like the tide against a beach. She wasn't sure if it was herself or Yelara, but she heard a moan. It was both of them, she realized. And, it was pure bliss to be with Yelara again. And, where it had all seemed disjointed and awkward, now that she was with Yel again, everything seemed right.

Her lips were aflame with the dormant longing for Kallia she'd been harbouring for so long. The same fire was quickly growing between her thighs and she imagined the same was happening to Kallia. "Is the baby done eating yet?" she asked with an urgency apparent in the heaving of her chest. "I want to lay with you and touch you and kiss you...I just want to be with you, Kal."

"Just a little longer," she said. True to Kallia's word, Yelara finished just a moment later. Once she was finished, she started drifting right back to sleep. "Let me go put her back in her carrier." Kallia quickly rushed out of the room with the baby. She came back only a few minutes later, holding the front of her dress closed with on hand and the skirt up with the other. She climbed back up onto the bed to where Yelara was watching her. She slipped into Yelara's arms and kissed her greedily. "I want to be with you too, Yelara."

"We have to be gentle. The baby..." Yel pushed the thick straps of Kallia's dress completely off her shoulders and began kissing the smooth flesh slowly and tenderly. "Liam and I always joke about traumatizing the baby by having so much sex..." Yelara's cheeks became warm and she looked away from Kallia as she giggled. "I think our children are going to be very confused, having two mothers like that."

"Two mothers who love them and each other very, very much," Kallia whispered. "And, we'll be very gentle. Oh Yelara, I haven't been touched like this since I left. You have no idea how wonderful it feels to be touched again after so long, especially by someone who loves me." She looked into Yelara's eyes and sighed. "Hopefully our children won't be cursed with our sex drives. At least not to where we find out about it."

"Who says it's a curse?" Yelara smiled mischievously as her hands drifted along Kallia's stomach and one dipped into her panties. "We haven't done this in so long. I do miss this, Kallia. I've missed you." She pressed her lips to Kallia's again as her fingers caressed Kal's warm nether lips, which were quivering and begging for her touch.

At the touch, Kallia moaned. "I've missed you too," she murmured. "You have no idea how many times I've lain awake at night dreaming about this moment right now. Your touch is magical, Yelara." She reached down the front of the dress and deftly unbuttoned the remaining couple buttons. Her body was starting to writhe with the gentle touch of Yelara's fingers. "There's a surprise down there for you. Take a look."

"A surprise? My love, I already know what's down there, remember?" Yelara laughed and kissed Kallia again, finally daring to edge her fingers inside of Kal.

Kallia gasped and closed her eyes, her hips rocking downward onto Kaysa's fingers. It had been so long since she'd felt pleasure like what Yelara was giving her that it was nearly too much. "Oh of all the gods, yes," she whispered. "But, there's a new surprise, Yel. Just...just if you look...if you do...don't stop. Oh I love you."

No matter how impassioned Yel was, she was still intrigued by Kallia's surprise. Without ceasing the motions of her fingers within Kal, Yelara pushed her dress open until Kallia's body was fully exposed. Yel smiled upon seeing the most enchanting sight she'd seen in a long while and felt the tears welling up. She stared deeply into Kallia's eyes as she ran her free hand between Kallia's breasts and down to her stomach. "Lower?" she asked softly.

Kallia bit her lip, and cried out softly. "Yes," she said. "Lower." She slipped her hand out and trailed a finger across the swell of Yelara's belly. "Oh gods, Yelara. I don't know how I survived without your touch. I'm never leaving again. I'm yours forever."

"You always were," Yelara replied tenderly. She leaned forward and kissed Kallia's trembling lips. Her free hand slipped between Kal's thighs and eased them apart to give her a view of Kallia's surprise. When Yelara reluctantly pulled her lips away from Kallia's, she glanced down at the luminous flesh of Kal's inner thigh and gasped quietly. The tears she'd been holding back spilled from her eyes as she beheld the small sign of Kallia's love for her. It brought Yelara back to one morning after they'd spent the night with eachother, when they discussed tattoos. Yelara suggested in passing that Kal place one in precisely the spot she was staring at now. What affected Yel the most was the nature of the tattoo: a newly blossomed flower with its petals delicately unfurled. The flower was an ardanian rose - a violet-coloured ardanian rose, violet like her eyes. "Oh...Kal." Yelara whimpered quietly and pulled her hand from Kallia's panties before she embraced her. "I know I wasn't supposed to stop," she said in a thick voice, "but I just needed to hold you."

Kallia wrapped her arms tightly around Yelara and sighed. "That's perfectly okay," she said. "This is good too. I got it shortly after I got to Tatooine, and every time I looked at it I was reminded of you. Though, once I got really pregnant, I couldn't see it very well. But, it was like you were always with me in a way...or a physical sign of you being with me."

"I was with you, Kal. My heart was always with you." Yelara laughed quietly as she settled against Kallia's naked form. "If my movement weren't so hindered by my enormous stomach, I'd be honoured to kiss your rose. Maybe after the child's born, I'll have to do just that." She kissed Kallia lightly upon the lips as her hands freely wandered along her bare flesh. Her breasts, her stomach, her thighs...no place was spared of Yelara's gentle caresses.

Kallia's body writhed languidly against Yel's touch. It felt so beautiful to be caressed and attended. "I wish we could just spend the rest of our lives exploring each other's bodies." She opened her eyes and looked up at Yelara. "I like your hair that length." She let her fingers entwine themselves in Yelara's hair. "I like doing that. You are so beautiful, my rose."

"Remember I told you I didn't think I could get my hair to grow as beautifully as yours?" Yelara pulled her hair fully loose of the tie wrapped around it and let the black curls fall around her shoulders. "I think I managed alright, don't you?"

Kallia nodded. "I think you did," she said. "Your hair is beautiful. It was when it was short, but it is now too. You're beautiful, Yel. I think a lot of it is because you're so happy. I can see it in your eyes and your face, and I can feel it. And, it makes being with you that much more special."

Yelara emitted a short laugh and reclined onto her back. "I am happy, moreso now that you're here. I thought, when I was with Dargus, if I submitted to him, I could find some semblance of happiness with him, but..." Yelara sighed. She'd been foolish then, blinded by her search for vengeance, but she'd abandoned that now, just as she had Dargus; she knew it was the best decision she could have ever made, besides proposing to Liam. "Those times he said he loved me, Kal...I almost believed him. I did so because I desperately wanted it to be true. I mean, I had to give myself some reason for wanting to stay with the brute. I guess I told myself that if I truly believed he loved me, that was reason enough for staying with him as long as I did. I realize how stupid that was, but...that was long ago and I was still just a child. I think I've grown since then."

Kallia shifted onto her side and smoothed the hair from Yelara's forehead. "I think you have," she said. "You're with a man who is good to you and who loves you very much. You don't experience that sort of love and stay unchanged. I think it's a very good thing. And, now that we're free of Dargus, we can breathe easier. Happiness doesn't seem so hard at all now, and I'm definitely happier now than I've been for a long time. Though, every moment since Yelara was born has been filled with the happiness of having her in my life. But, it's much more complete and full now."

"I suppose I'll feel the same way when our child's born...no matter whose blood he carries within him." Yelara held onto Kallia with trembling arms and sobbed quietly. "I couldn't bear it if my child were Dargus'. After everything he put me through...everything he's put us through, Kallia. He doesn't deserve to live in any form."

"I'm sure your baby will be Liam's," Kallia said, putting aside Yel's comment. She knew she didn't mean it entirely, not for Yelara sleeping in the other room. Most days, Kal wasn't consciously aware that her daughter had been conceived with Dargus Kandran. And, if she could help it, Yelara would never know who her father was. "Your child will be as beautiful as his parents, you and Liam."

"I hope so, Kal, I really do." Yelara wiped away the fallen tears and nestled her head into Kallia's bare chest. "It's funny. I mean, I always refer to the child as a 'he', yet Liam and I haven't learned the sex yet. I don't know...I just feel him sometimes. I've even dreamt of him, Kallia and in my dreams, I know that I loved him dearly already. I don't want that to change even if he turns out to be Dargus'."

Yelara yawned and closed her eyes as she listened closely to Kallia's heart beating within her chest. It was a sound familiar to her, whispering to her professions of love. She loved that sound. "Are you tired, Kal? You can have a nap if you like. I think I could use one myself."

"I am," Kallia murmured. "Just closing our eyes and lying here together asleep sounds very nice. Sleeping in your arms will be the nicest sleep I've had in a very long time."

"Oh, but..." Yelara looked up at Kallia and motioned her eyes towards Kallia's very exposed body. "I don't know that Liam would react very well to that."

Kallia laughed. "Good point," she said, and started buttoning the front of her dress up. Once she was decent for Liam's eyes again, she snuggled herself against Yelara. "How's this?"

Yelara wrinkled her nose and shrugged her shoulders. "I kinda liked you all...sexy and nude like that." Yelara laughed gently. The anticipation of finally being able to sleep in Kal's arms again was making it difficult for her to actually fall asleep, but Kallia's soothing touch as she stroked her loose hair was calming her completely. "He has to be ok with this, Kal. He just has to be. I need to be with you."

"I know," Kallia said softly. "If he is okay with us, you and me, I hope we can be open about it. I'd rather openly show my affection for you, and not hide it for when no one is watching. But if that is what we have to do, I can do that." She slowly and sensuously kissed Yelara's throat. "I think it'll all work out. We all want the same thing basically. It'll work out, and we will have each other again."

"What if he doesn't approve of us being together, Kallia? What will we do then? Go behind his back?" Yelara gripped Kallia tightly and shook her head. "I...I don't know if I could do that, Kal. I couldn't betray one person I love to be with the other."

"I know," Kallia said softly. "If he didn't approve, I don't think I could... It wouldn't feel right. When he gets back, you can talk to him. Or we can, if you don't think that would be a problem. And, we'll find out what he thinks. But, he has to. We have to be together."

"I know, Kal," Yelara whispered soothingly. "I know. Let's not think about it now, though. We'll have to wait until her returns. For now, just hold me until we're asleep in each other's arms. Don't let me go, Kal."

Kallia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'll never let you go, Yelara," she said. "Now close your eyes, my love. I hope you can fall asleep on your own; I haven't learned any lullabies yet."

---

"Renewed Union, Part 1"
by Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
and Kallia Brael
with Yelara Brael
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 14, 4ABY

***

When Liam finally returned home, the apartment was quiet. The bag Kallia had been carrying was resting next to the couch. He glanced into the darkened spare room and saw the baby sleeping soundly. The training room and Yelara's workshop were both empty. He smiled and moved to the main bedroom that he and Yelara shared. As he neared, a sense of foreboding descended on him. With each step, the dread deepened and he wondered if he really wanted to see what lay beyond the half-closed door.

As he reached out a hand and gently pushed the door open, his heart ached at the visions plaguing his mind. As his eyes moved to the bed, relief swept through him when he saw Kallia curled around Yelara, both sound asleep and fully clothed. The dread and fear passed and he knew he hadn't lost his wife in an afternoon of bliss with her former lover.

He moved to the edge of the bed and sat nearest Yelara. He reached out and brushed a hand along her brow, then bent to kiss her lips.

Barely conscious but with an awareness beginning to gnaw at her senses, Yelara encircled her arms around the shadowy figure looming over her. She'd scarcely opened her eyes, and for a moment, she wanted to whisper Kallia's name, but the familiar caress of her lips, even the inexplicable wave of emotions the form was eliciting in her indicated it wasn't Kallia in her arms. Yelara smiled and opened her eyes to see the bright, blue orbs of her husband staring back at her, just as she'd anticipated. "Liam...did you just get back?"

Liam grinned. "Just now," he said. "Looks like the two of you were tired. Did you get all caught up?"

"A little." She glanced over at Kallia peacefully sleeping and smiled warmly. She couldn't believe how she survived so long without her, but holding Liam in her arms now, she knew exactly how she managed that. The true test now, would be arranging a way for all three of them to be together. Yelara looked back towards him slowly and whispered, "Liam, I have to discuss something with you. Can we go into the other room?"

"Sure," he said, offering her help off the bed. He wrapped an arm around her as they moved into the other room together. Once Yelara was comfortably seated on the couch, he took a seat next to her. He had a feeling what was coming next, and it filled him with the same dread he'd felt earlier. "What did you want to talk about," he asked.

Yelara held Liam's hand in order to exude some sort of comfort that would make what she had to say carry less emotional impact than she knew it would. She shifted closer to him and offerred a gentle smile. "I think you know what this is about, Liam. I want Kallia back in my life and...I know we should have her here while we discuss this, but I wanted to hear your thoughts on the matter before we brought her in."

Liam nodded; it was as he suspected. "It's difficult," he said. "As soon as I knew who she was, I knew what was coming. I guess my question is how will this work between the three of us? I am assuming that you and I will still be together."

"Liam, of course we'll still be together! You're my husband, my soul. I love you just as much as I love Kallia and I would never abandon you." Yelara kissed him tenderly, trying to assuage any fears he might still have. "My love, I want Kallia included in my life, but not with the exclusion of you," she said softly. "I merely want to ask you if you could accept Kallia into our lives."

Liam nodded slowly. "I don't know," he said softly. "I can try to see how it will go, but I can't say how I'll feel when I see you and Kallia together. I know I offered this if it ever came to it, but now that the time is here... I will try to be as accepting as I can."

"Liam, I don't want you to be unhappy. Please, tell me the truth. What are you feeling? I have to know."

Liam forced a smile and looked into her eyes. "I don't really know," he said. "I don't think I'll be unhappy. It'll just be strange seeing you happy with someone else, in addition to me. I guess if we can make this work, and there won't be any difficulties with you being with both of us...I guess it will all work out. It's a little difficult to realize that it's actually happening now. How will it work? With the three of us? Logistically."

"Well...you and I will be together...and Kallia and I will be together..." Yelara looked away and blushed as she forced back a smile. "Kallia has expressed...well, she's mentioned something about you and she being together. Well, only if that is something you desire. I mean, we wouldn't want to leave you out of anything and if you wish to be with her..." Yelara laughed nervously. "I guess that's something you and she should discuss."

Liam laughed. "Well, I barely know her, so I think it's too early to say if I want to sleep with her. I guess we can just see what happens, and go from there. Who knows what path this will lead us down or what will happen along it." He brought a hand to her cheek and brushed it gently. "So, how good were you at restraining yourself in Kallia's presence?"

Yelara stifled a giggle. "Not very. I had to remind her to close up her dress before you came home and...well..." Yelara cleared her throat and sobered her laughter, figuring Liam wouldn't appreciate it. "Don't worry. We didn't do anything. It wouldn't have felt right being together behind your back. She opened her dress to feed Yelara. That's all. Shall I go get Kallia so we can talk?"

Liam nodded. "If she's up to talking," he said. "Hopefully the whole conversation will be as easy as ours was."

"Don't worry, Liam, she's a very reasonable woman." Yelara kissed Liam upon the forehead, then labouriously got to her feet. She started towards the main bedroom, looking back at Liam for only a moment before continuing. He appeared superficially to have no real qualms about the entire arrangement, but from the tension in his jaw and the tightness of his smiles, she knew he wasn't exactly excited about having Kallia in their lives. Hopefully once they conversed, Kallia could change his mind.

She quietly made her way to the bed and laughed quietly at Kallia. It was a moment she wished she could have captured forever on a durasheet photograph. As she watched her sleep, Kallia embodied beauty and serenity entirely. She remembered why she fell in love with her now. Yelara could no longer resist and leaned over to press her lips to Kallia's. She was certain, then, that she would do everything to convince Liam to accept their arrangement; she wouldn't rest until he had. "Kallia," Yelara whispered softly. She nibbled gently on her earlobe and giggled. "My love...wake up."

Kallia's eyes opened slowly and she smiled as she saw Yelara hovering over her. "Hi," she said sleepily. "Did you know you look beautiful there like that?" She looked around and noted that the room was darker. How long had they been asleep? "What time is it?" She brushed a hand over Yelara's belly and felt a tingling from the life within. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," she said softly. "I'm not sure how long we've been asleep, but... Kallia, Liam's home and I've mentioned what we talked about..." Yelara sighed and tried not to look nervous. "We should talk to him together."

Kalllia sat up a little at that. She felt a wave of tension rise up within her, then drain away. "It's best to do it as soon as possible," she said. "With both of us. You've talked a little to him already? How do you think he was taking it so far?"

"Well, he tried to appear alright with everything, but I could tell he still had some apprehensions. Maybe if you talk with him, you would be in a better position to convince him. He hasn't said no, for my sake, but I know he's not too happy."

Kallia kissed Yelara gently. "I'm sure it'll be alright," she said. "We'll talk to him together, and when he sees the love that we have for each other, and the love you feel for him...he'll want it. And, I guess if we need to, the three of us can get closer." She slid from the bed and held Yelara in her arms for a moment before glancing at the door. "Shall we?"

"I think we'd better." Yelara slipped her hand into Kallia's and pulled her gently along. She led her down the hallway, and for a moment, she almost stopped and turned back. She smiled at Kallia tightly and once they entered the living area, she took a deep breath. "Liam?" she called out gently.

Liam had been sitting on one of the couches staring at his hands while he waited. As his name was called he looked up and stood. He started to open his mouth to speak, but wasn't quite sure what to say. Finally he nodded, and motioned for them to sit while he pulled a chair closer for himself. "I don't really know what to say," he finally said. "It's kind of a...a shock to be put into a position like this. I'm not sure what to think or feel. I know that Yelara still loves me, and her feelings won't change. But, it's not easy to accept that she will be sharing her heart with another. It shouldn't bother me. I knew that you were in her heart first, but...I fear what may happen in sharing her."

Yelara took a seat on the couch, near to where he had pulled up the chair. She wanted to be near him for this; she had to comfort him as best she could through this. She motioned for Kallia to take a seat next to her then peered up at Liam. "You have nothing to fear, Liam. It won't change how much I love you. I wish I could assure you of that."

Kallia took the seat next to Yelara. "Liam, I know this is difficult. I'm in the same position as you. I have to share the one I love with another as well. But if Yelara loves you as much as I feel she does, then that makes the pain of not having her completely to yourself easier to bear. That she loves both of us will not dilute her love, only the time she can share with us expressing that love. But, I'm sure that she will give each of us as much time as she can, and show neither of us more favour than the other. I love her with all my heart, and I couldn't bear to lose her from my heart a second time now that I have her. And, I would not ask you to give up your love for her or her presence in your life. I don't know what the future will hold for our relationship, but I only hope that we both can continue to express our love for her and see where things may lead."

Liam nodded. "I know," he said slowly. "Still, it's difficult. I nearly lost her to Dargus Kandran, and it's hard to shake the fear of losing her here now."

"Liam, we would all be living together. It's not as if you and I would be separated for long periods of time. Even if that did happen, my love for you could never diminish. We're bonded, my love, like the Kestrels. How could I ever bear to be without you?" Yelara sighed and looked to her hands for some inspiration. What could she say to convince him, to reassure him? "I think..." she began slowly, "I think you and Kallia should spend some time alone. Would you like to talk? I mean, I've told you how I feel, Liam and I can find no words that will be able to assuage your fears. Maybe Kallia can."

Liam shook his head and smiled. "I don't think we need to," he said. "But I do think she and I should get to know each other. I don't want to stand in the way of your heart. I think the only way to see if this is going to work is if we just do it." The doubts still lingered in the back of his mind, but Liam recognized them for what they were. Yelara wanted this out of love, and out of love he would accept it. And, through it he would love her more than he ever thought he could before. They would make it work, and through his love for Yelara he knew that to be certain.

Yelara smiled and for a moment, allowed herself to feel some relief. "Good. Um...maybe I should go check on Yelara for a moment and you two can just start breaking the ice with eachother. But I'll only be a moment, not long enough for you two to get at eachother's throats." Yelara laughed nervously and pushed herself to her feet. "You two will be ok, right?"

Liam laughed. "We'll be alright," he said. "Go check on the baby. The practice will do you good."

Yelara stuck her tongue out at Liam playfully, then looked down at Kallia. She ran her hand along her cheek softly, then promptly moved away, leaving them to discuss the future.

Liam and Kallia looked at each other and laughed. "Yelara said that we might be able to train together," Liam said.

Kallia nodded. "I haven't had someone to train with for...well, for a very long time. And, it'll be nice to have someone who can keep up with me."

Liam laughed. "We'll have to see about that," he said. "We can set up the extra room for you and your baby."

"Thank you," Kallia said. "I know it'll be awkward for a bit. If you'd like, Yelara and I can keep our affections less public."

Liam shook his head. "No," he said. "I'd prefer that you didn't. I mean, I don't want you to try to hide it. I think it'll be easier for me to adjust if I see it. When the two of you are intimate...that's different, but affection, you can do that anywhere."

"It's okay, Liam," she said with a laugh. "We won't make love with you in the room. I don't know how we'll work the sleeping arrangements, but I'm certain we'll figure something out."

"We could get a larger bed," he said. "You can have one side, I'll take the other, and we put Yelara in the middle. Then we can share her during the night."

Kallia laughed, but then turned at the sound of a gentle gurgling as Yelara entered with the baby. She smiled as she watched them together. "The ice," she said, "appears to be broken, my love."

Yelara rocked baby Yelara gently in her arms and smiled at the good news. "I'm glad. You can't believe how happy I am to hear that." Yelara moved into the room and held the baby out to Kallia. As an afterthought, Yelara glanced at Liam, then back at Kallia. "Can Liam hold the baby?"

Kallia glanced between Yel and Liam and then grinned. "Of course he can," she said.

Liam's face suddenly went pale as he looked at the baby that would soon be in his arms. "I've never...I mean, I...uh, I've never held a baby before."

Kallia grinned even wider. "Time to learn," she said. "You're gonna have one of your own soon."

Yelara approached Liam with the baby and urged him to take the child into his arms. "It's ok, Liam. I've never held one before today and I'm doing fine. Come on."

He finally nodded and reached out his arms to take the baby. Once he was holding her as Yel had been, he laughed softly. He looked down into Yelara's eyes as Yel and Kal watched on. Without realizing he was doing it, he started rocking her gently just stared in fascination as Yelara looked around with her large brown eyes. Finally she looked up at him and her eyes grew even wider, then she burbled and smiled.

Yelara covered her mouth with both hands, and laughed into them. She looked to Kallia and dropping her hands to her sides, took a seat next to her. "He's going to be a wonderful father, I think. And you'll be a wonderful mother to both your children."

Kallia smiled. "And, I think you will be too," she said. "You're already doing great with Yelara. And, we'll have each other. And, Liam can change diapers. Can you imagine the three of us walking down the street together with our babies? With all the conservative Karadans turning their noses up at our unique arrangement."

"Well, Liam and I don't plan to be on Tae'Karada long enough for that to happen. Once our business here is completed, we'll be moving on." Yelara looked to Liam again and laughed as the baby tried to grab at his nose. "Watch out, Liam. I think she's got a crush on you already."

Liam laughed and put a finger out for the baby to grab onto. "Well, you two have your relationship, Yelara and I have ours, don't we?" He smiled as Yelara tried to pull his finger into her mouth. "I think we'll have enough room on the Kestrel for the three of us and the babies, but it'll be tight. We may need to convert some of the space in the cargo hold."

"I can help you with that once I finish...the other project." Yelara didn't expand on what she meant, for Kallia's sake. She didn't see any reason to get her involved in their clandestine affairs, especially with the child around. "So, Liam," Yelara said, changing subjects, "will you and Kallia be training? I think you two would be perfect training companions. Although, she might give you more bruises than you're accustomed to..."

"We discussed that briefly," he said as he managed to get his finger from Yelara's grip. "I think we're going to have to see who has to keep up with whom though."

Kallia laughed. "I'll try not to bang him up too badly," she said. "Though, if I do, he may need a little tender loving care when it's all over."

"Then I think he'll purposefully run in front of your forcepike if that's the case." Yelara sighed as she looked at Liam, then back to Kallia. "Are we ok then? I mean, this arrangement...are we all okay with it?"

"I think we are," Kallia said with a smile.

Liam looked up suddenly from where the baby was sucking on his fingers and laughed. "What? Oh, yes," he said. "I think everything is...everything is okay now."

"I guess the baby won him over after all." Yelara laughed and slipped her hand into Kallia's. She was actually more confident now that things would work out, but only time would tell with Liam, who she knew must have still been holding back some of the apprehensions he had. "We should all go out one day soon. We can bring Yelara too, but I think we should do something together. That would be good for us I think."

"Is she supposed to...um, I think she might be hungry, Kallia."

Kallia laughed and took Yelara from him. "I think she is," she said. She cradled her daughter in her arms and glanced back to Yel. "I think we should. I don't know the city well, but I'm sure there's lots to do here. And, I think I should go into the other room to feed her."

"Why? I mean..." Yelara stopped abruptly and nodded her head with a bashful smile. "Oh. Right." She kissed Kallia lightly upon the cheek and swept her hand across Yelara's forehead to push away a strand of brown hair. "You can use the main bedroom again."

"I won't be gone for too long," Kallia said, and then gave Yelara a kiss. She looked into her eyes and smiled. "I love you," she mouthed, and then quickly departed for the bedroom.

Once she was gone, Liam looked at Yelara and raised an eyebrow. Without another word, he moved over next to her on the couch and took her into his arms.

"Worried I was gonna ask permission to join her in the bedroom?" Yelara laughed and returned Liam's embrace. "Are you worried, Liam? That you'll lose me, I mean. I know I'm worried about losing you in all this."

He shook his head. "Not worried anymore," he said. "There's a small part, in the back, tucked away. But the rest of me is saying this will work out. And, if you wanted to join her in the bedroom, that's fine. I have no illusions that the two of you won't be making love in the future, just as you and I will. And, it sounds like you already got frisky during the last baby feeding. I think Yelara should eat in peace, and then you can go spend that time with Kallia."

"But I haven't seen you all day, Liam. I want to spend time with you too. I mean, you can cook us something and we can all sit down and have a meal together." Yelara nestled her face into Liam's neck and kissed it tenderly. "The only way you'll get comfortable with the situation is if we all spend as much time as possible with each other."

Liam laughed. "Well, I like the idea," he said. "So, I picked some things up for us when I was out. I should be able to have it ready in an hour. And, then we'll have a whole night together. How does that sound?"

"Thank you, Liam," Yelara said sincerely. "Thank you for making an effort. It reminds why I love you as much as I do now." Yelara kissed Liam tenderly and pulled away quickly. "Oh, just wanted to ensure you don't forget the carbosyrup. I haven't had any all day!"

Liam laughed. "There will be plenty of carbosyrup for you, my dear. Do you know if Kallia likes carbosyrup? I don't want to overdo it if she doesn't. Maybe it should just be on the side. And, you can add what you want. We do have that whole dispenser, plus all of what's in the extra room."

Yelara frowned and nodded her head slowly. "Fine, I'll have it as a side. But you know it tastes better when it's cooked into the food. For our guest, though, I'll suffer...only until I can introduce her to the joys of carbosyrup."

Liam laughed. "Just as long as she doesn't have to apologize to the carbosyrup," he said with a smile.

"I'm sure she will have more respect for it than you appear to have, my love." Yelara laughed and ruffled Liam's hair. "Still hasn't come out, has it?"

"Almost," he said. "I think a few more days. From now on, I will respect the carbosyrup. It deserves better than what it got from me."

"I'm glad you realize that now." Yelara pulled Liam into a kiss and played with the kestrel earring dangling from his earlobe. She pressed her forehead to his and gazed into his eyes. "Forever, Liam. That's what I vowed the day I married you. Nothing will ever stand in the way of us being with each other until the end of time. I just wanted to make sure you knew that."

Liam kissed Yelara firmly and then gazed back into her eyes. "I feel it in my heart," he said. "Forever. I think we can make it work with the three of us, though Kallia and I will need to coordinate when we get you to ourselves."

"Hmm...I think I like being in such great demand." Yelara kissed Liam tenderly, not wanting to pull away, but her stomach had other ideas. "Oh, dear. I think you should get cooking. The baby wants some carbosyrup."

"I'm on it," Liam said with a salute as he slipped off the couch and into the kitchen. "I'm trying something new tonight, so we'll see how it goes. It's supposed to be great with carbosyrup though. And, I was actually thinking of doing a light carbosyrup glaze. It's treban wingsnippers with the glaze, and all of it seasoned with crushed balic and hebre salt."

"Mmm... I am truly glad I married you." Yelara smiled as she pushed herself to her feet. She massaged her lower back for a moment as she began moving towards the hallway. "I'm going to check on Kallia while you cook. I'll ask her if there's anything specific she wants." Yelara blew Liam a kiss as she moved through the hallway and into the master bedroom. She stood in the doorway for a moment watching as little Yelara suckled on Kallia's breast while Kallia wore the most serene smile on her face. She truly was absolutely beautiful. "She seems hungry," Yelara called out gently from the doorway.

Kallia looked up and her eyes brightened at the sight of Yelara. "She is," she said. "I think we rushed her a little earlier, so she's taking her time now. I also checked the time and we were asleep for about three hours, so that could be part of it too." She motioned Yel forward. "How's Liam doing?"

"He actually seems less tense," Yelara replied as she made her way towards the bed. "I think seeing Yelara and holding her helped him make up his mind. He adores her already, I can tell."

Kallia grinned. "I noticed that," she said. "They were getting along really well. We're gonna have to be careful my daughter doesn't steal your husband away. Though, if she does, that'll leave more time for us."

Yelara laughed and sat down heavily upon the bed. "Well, that will still have to be worked out. I mean...it's gonna be all so strange. I think though, in time, it'll all become so natural. You and Liam might turn out to be very good friends, I think. He needs a friend besides me."

"I'd like that," Kallia said. "And, I think everyone needs friends. I will try to be a really good friend to him, Yelara. I like him, even though he hasn't seemed entirely enthusiastic. And, I don't think I exactly blame him. This is a big step, and who knows how it will turn out. But, I think we all care enough for each other that we'll do all we can to make sure it does work out."

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see. We can't force anything, but in time, I think he will come to accept you and Yelara as family." Yel laughed as the tiny baby emitted a belch worthy of a person four times her size. She looked at Kallia with surprise, then back down at Yelara with a gentle smile. "My...that was just... She's quite a girl."

Kallia laughed. "You should hear her when she really gets going," she said. "I think she gets that from Dargus. Though, with her, it's very cute."

"For now... She won't be a hit with the boys if she keeps that up." Yel gently caressed Yelara's head and leaned in to kiss Kallia upon the cheek. "I like having you here. I'm so much happier now, not that Liam wasn't doing a good job of keeping me happy... It's just...I needed you here, Kallia. It makes everything complete."

Kallia looked into Yel's eyes and smiled. "Everything does feel more complete now," she said. "It's like a part of me's been missing since I went away, and it feels like it's back now. When you and Liam leave, there is room for me on your ship, right?"

"Even if there isn't we'll make room, Kallia. We're not going anywhere without you and Yelara." Yel ran her hand through Kallia's hair and gazed into her eyes. Nothing would ever stand in their way again; she would make certain of that. She feared, however, that the obstacle standing in their way might turn out to be Liam. If that happened, she wasn't certain what she would do. "So," Yel said after taking a deep breath, "do you want Liam to fix you anything special?"

"I'm pretty much okay with anything," Kallia said. "Though, really spicy foods seem to upset Yelara a little. So easy spices would make her night, and by extension mine, more pleasant."

"What about...carbosyrup?" Yelara asked casually enough. "I mean, for some reason we have a big supply of it that we're trying to get rid of."

"When I was pregnant, I would have loved carbosyrup, but they don't have much of a supply on Tatooine. Endwa meat stew though, I lived off that. I think I'd like carbosyrup." She laughed. "I guess I'll let you know at the end of the meal."

"Ever tried Endwa meat stew with carbosyrup? I can't get enough of that!" Yelara's stomach began protesting and she looked at Kallia expectantly. "Liam should be done with the preparation soon. Is Yelara done eating yet? We can move into the kitchen and watch him. Liam is a really talented cook. I love watching him."

Kallia glanced down and Yelara had stopped suckling. Her large brown eyes were staring up and Kallia couldn't help a soft laugh. "I think she is," she said. "Maybe we can go watch some big people food being made." Kallia handed Yelara over to Yel and started buttoning up her dress. "Every moment I'm with her, I love her a little more."

"I've only been with her for a part of the day and I already feel myself falling completely in love with her." Yelara rose from the bed with baby Yelara cradled in her arms and walked with Kallia by her side, towards the door. "I hope it's like that with my child... I want to love it more than anything - I already do - but I'm just afraid of...resenting it."

Kallia brushed a hand over Yelara's swollen belly. "No matter what," she said. "I don't think it's possible not to love your own child more than anything, no matter who the biological father was. When she looks up at me like she does, it's impossible to not forget about everything else and just love her. I think it'll be the same way with yours."

"Will you ever tell her?" Yelara asked. "Will you ever tell her who her father is?"

Kallia sighed. "I don't know," she said. "I know my first desire is to say nothing about him. I don't know if that's wrong of me or not, but I think she'll be better off not knowing."

"I...I don't think I could tell our child either if he was the father. However..." Yel paused, gathering her thoughts and realizing how difficult it was to say what she had to say. "I would like him to know. I want him to know what a vile person his father was, if only to prevent him from becoming just like Dargus. I think he has a right to know. It was my mistake, not his and I don't think I could lie to him. It would be a difficult secret to keep and it would only end up tearing Liam and I up inside. I would have to tell the child, even if it would be the hardest thing I'd ever have to do."

Kallia nodded solemnly. "You're right," she said. "At least he's gone now, and can't hurt us any longer. At least he can no longer claim some paternal right, and try to push his way into our lives anymore. I don't think I could bear it if he were still around."

"He still is, though. No matter how much happiness we find, the memory of Dargus will always cast a shadow upon it." Yelara chided herself for turning the mood suddenly somber, but the topic of Dargus would have come up eventually, and no doubt would so many times over in their future. Yelara forced a smile for Kallia and kissed her lightly upon the cheek as they approached the kitchen. "Don't worry. We'll figure it all out."

Kallia smiled and kissed Yelara back. "I have you in my life again," she said. "There is nothing that could make me worry."

---

"Renewed Union, Part 2"
by Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
and Kallia Brael
with Yelara Brael
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 14, 4ABY

***

Yelara's gaze lingered on Kallia, as did the gentle smile on her face, before she looked back to Liam. The aromas wafting from the kitchen were wonderful, as usual, and it gave her pride being able to boast about having a husband who was a marvelous chef. "It smells delicious, my love. What is that?"

Liam looked up at Yelara and Kallia as they entered. "Treban wingsnippers with a carbosyrup glaze," he said. "I've also got a crushed balic and hebre seasoning. And, I've also added a little bit of rhemgre which should add a nice flavour. I picked up a very nice Karadan wine also; at least, the woman at the store said it was one of the best on the planet."

"Wow. We should have guests over more often. Anything to get you cooking like this again." Yelara walked up behind Liam and kissed his nape. "Baby Yelara will have an even bigger crush on you once she's old enough to eat. Who couldn't fall in love with a man who cooks the way you do?"

Liam laughed. "Well, when she's old enough to fall in love, I'll be...well, old enough. Though, I think if we have a son, we're gonna have to watch the two of them." Then he glanced between Kallia and Yelara and grinned. "We'll probably still have to watch them if we have a daughter."

Yelara couldn't help but laugh, and felt her cheeks warming as she looked at Kallia. "Um...let's put Yelara down and we can prepare the table," Yelara said quickly. She handed Kallia the baby and gave the child a kiss upon the forehead. "Maybe later, the three of us can take her for a walk. What do you think, Liam?"

Liam stirred more of the spices in with the wingsnippers. "A walk sounds nice. It'll give the three of us time to spend together, and to get some fresh air. Not to mention it'll be good to get familiar with the city."

Kallia came back a moment later with the carrier for the baby. She set her on the counter where they could watch her and moved to help Yel with the table. "It's nice to be in a home again."

"I'm glad you feel like our home is yours, because it is. You will sell your apartment, I assume? I mean, Liam and I will be happy to provide for you and the baby. Right, Liam?"

Liam nodded. "Of course," he said. "You and Yelara can have the extra room if you'd like. And, once we get back into space on the Kestrel, we can convert space into a room for you. If that doesn't work out, we may have to look into a new ship."

Kallia smiled and hugged Yel, and then moved into the kitchen and looked up at Liam. She almost shied away and offered him a hand, but instead decided to go through with it and gave him a hug. She stepped back and looked at them. "Thank you both," she said. "The time on Tatooine was hard, but right now it all seems worth it."

Yelara felt a pang of relief and joy flood through her as Liam and Kallia exchanged the friendly embrace. Things were progressing faster than she had imagined they would. It only made the future look brighter. She moved between Kallia and Liam, wrapping one arm around each and kissing them. "My two loves... I don't think I could have dreamed for a better life. If only others were as lucky as we are."

Liam laughed. "Well, I'm sure there's someone out there as happy as this," he said. "Though, I imagine our situation here is somewhat unique."

Kallia kissed Yelara as Liam turned his attention back to the food before it burned. "I don't know about anyone else," she said. "But I know I've never been happier than right now."

"There will be many happier times, if you can imagine that." Yelara laughed softly and took Kallia's hand. "Come on. I'll show you where all the plates and utensils are."

Kallia moved off with Yelara. "I guess I can sleep on the couch tonight, and we can get a bed for the other room tomorrow. And, whatever other furnishings I'll need in there. Fortunately, Yelara doesn't need her own space yet, so she can just stay with me for now."

"Perhaps while we're out walking, we can purchase another bed. I want you to get as settled in as you can as soon as possible." Yelara opened the cupboard and pulled out a small stack of plates, handing them to Kallia. "It'll be fun bunking with you again. Remember those late night chats we used to have? Those were fun."

"Just as long as we hold off on all the alcohol," Kallia said. "I remember a few nights that I should remember a lot more than I do." She carried the plates over to the table. Once Yelara was near enough again, Kal lowered her voice. "So, how do we work the sleeping arrangements between the three of us?"

Yelara furrowed her brow and sighed. "I'm not sure," she whispered back. "I think we'll have to take it a little slow. Start with displays of affection in front of Liam - kissing, hugging, caressing - then we can ease into the sleeping together thing. It might be the best way."

Kallia nodded, and then pulled Yelara into a hug. "Like this," she whispered. She slowly planted kisses from Yelara's cheek to her lips and smiled. "And, that?" She hugged Yel close and felt tears welling in her eyes. "I'm so glad I found you again, Yel. Everything's gonna be good now."

"Exactly like that," Yelara said softly as she held Kallia tenderly. "Always like this. Forever." She looked into Kallia's eyes and ran her hand along her cheek gently. She pressed her lips to Kallia's, but didn't kiss her too deeply for Liam's sake. She didn't think he would be ready for that yet.

Kallia pressed her lips to Yelara's ear. "I'm going to need to find time when you and I can spend time together without Liam around," she whispered. "Because I don't know how long I can hold off touching you."

"I guess the swollen stomach doesn't bother you then." Yelara laughed and kissed Kallia again before pulling away to search for utensils. "How's the wingsnipper coming, Liam?"

"Only two more minutes," Liam said, "and then it's on the table. You want to get the wine, Yelara? And, there's a salad in the refrigeration unit if you want to grab it." He pulled the pan from the range and started putting the wingsnipper on plates, making sure that each had a healthy coating of the sauce it was cooked in.

Yelara was somewhat surprised that Liam seemed unbothered by their display of affection. Maybe he was coming around faster than she thought he would. "I'll grab the wine and Kallia, you can grab the salad." Yelara moved to the refrigeration unit and pulled out the salad, handing it to Kallia. "Hey, Liam. Maybe Kallia can help you make dressing for the salad. I mean you can tell her what to do and...well...she can do it." Anyway she could, Yelara was going to make sure Liam and Kallia interacted. It was the only way to get them comfortable around eachother.

Liam smiled and then glanced over at Kallia who was watching them. "We should have everything to make the dressing in the refrigeration unit." He gave her the instructions on how to make the reambra dressing.

Kallia laughed and moved around the counter into the kitchen. "I think I can manage that," she said. "You didn't last as a student of Tal Dan without learning your way around a kitchen. Tal Dan never cooked. He expected his student to do that. Something about discipline, and also choosing a path of health."

"Kallia, how long were you with Tal Dan? I mean, Liam trained with him too and I doubt he trained the both of you at the same time or else you would have already met." Yelara set the wine onto the table and pulled out a chair to take a seat. "What was he like? Was he nice?"

"He was a good teacher, and a very nice man," Kallia said as she brought the dressing to the table. "He was strict when he needed to be and always expected the best out of his student. He died nearly four years ago now. One day, he just never returned. It was strange because I felt his death, knew it happened. I trained with him for nearly eight years. I had to sell my ship when I got to Tatooine; it was named after him. It was difficult, but I think he would have approved. Though he probably would have thought me silly for naming a ship after him in the first place."

"I bet he would have thought it a wonderful idea," Yelara replied in a comforting whisper. She looked to Liam, knowing he was struggling to contain his emotions. The truth would have to come out eventually about what he'd done to Tal Dan, but only he could decide when the time was right. Yelara focused her gaze on Kallia again and smiled. "Did you have fun with him? When did you start training with him?"

"I guess you could say it was fun," Kallia said. "I was thirteen when I started training with him. It was difficult, but it was rewarding. The fun was always when we got to leave our home to go get supplies. The planet we lived on had no supplies, at least not what we needed, so we had to go to a nearby planet to stock up. It was a good time in my life. Though, I never really got the childhood many children get."

"It doesn't mean the one you had wasn't any less of one. I doubt many children in the galaxy nowadays get the ideal childhood." Yelara sighed and placed her hand atop Kallia's. "He sounded like a good man. I mean, Liam doesn't talk about him much, but from what I've heard, it sounded as if you were lucky to have someone like him around."

Liam looked away and realized his appetite had disappeared. "I try not to think about those times much anymore," he said. "Because the memories usually lead to...to the time I spent in darkness. He was a very good man, and one of the best Jedi Masters to exist. I, uh, I think I put a little too much balic on this... I'm feeling a little queasy. I think I should go walk for a bit."

Yelara closed her eyes and hung her head low. She knew it wasn't the balic that induced the nausea. She cursed herself for pursuing conversation about Tal Dan. She knew what Liam had done to his master and should have realized any mention of him would have dredged up unsettling memories. Yelara opened her eyes and rose from her chair. "I'm sorry, Liam. I didn't mean to..."

Liam moved to Yelara and took her into his arms. "It's okay," he said softly. "It's something I need to deal with, and you helped me to realize that I'll need to do that soon since Kallia will be living with us from now on. I just need some time to think and sort things through in my mind. It's okay." He kissed her. "You can use this time to get to know Kallia even better if you'd like. I should only be gone a short while."

"I'm still sorry, my love. But if you need time alone, I won't stop you." Yelara held Liam for a moment longer, the pain he was feeling evident in the dimming glow of his blue eyes. "I'll keep Kallia company. I promise I won't say a word," she whispered to keep her words from gracing Kallia's ears. "Only when you're ready."

"Thank you," he said, and then kissed her again. "It's still all going to be alright. It just may be a little difficult when I have to actually talk about this. But, we'll make it. You bind us together, and we'll make this work to be able to stay with you." After another kiss, he smiled. "I'll be back soon."

Yelara nodded solemnly as Liam slipped from her embrace and started across the room. She turned away quickly and damned herself for bringing up the topic. "I'm such a fool," she said in an angry whisper. "I know he has trouble talking about Tal Dan, yet still I..." Yelara sighed and sank into one of the chairs. She looked up at Kallia and forced a smile. "He'll be fine. He just needs...some time."

Kallia nodded slowly and slid her chair closer to Yelara. "Is everything alright? Was it something I said? I could feel his conflicted emotions." She looked closer at Yel and sighed softly. "Are you alright, my love?"

"I'm fine. I just hate seeing him upset like that." She looked to Kallia and reached out to embrace her. "He's done some things in his past he's not proud of. I guess all that talk just brought up some painful memories."

Kallia nodded. "I understand," she said. "Do you want to keep eating, or do you want a little comforting?" She took Yel's hand in hers and smiled warmly.

"I think we should eat. I promised to show you what an amazing cook Liam was and I will." Yelara gently pulled her hand free of Kallia's and rose. She made her way towards the range and stopped short before turning around again. "There's a lot about Liam I still don't know, things he won't tell even me. Hopefully, if he finds a friend in you, he can confide in you and maybe tell you those secrets he keeps so guarded. It might ease his suffering somewhat."

Kallia nodded. "I hope that I am able to help somehow. I don't want to cause a rift with Liam. He's a good man, and you and he are very good together. I'll do everything I can to make this work."

"I know, Kallia. I know. I just can't help feeling discouraged when he gets into one of his subdued, self-pity moods. It hasn't happened a lot, but they're there." Yelara held out her arms towards Kallia and smiled wanly. "When he gets this way, it's hard. Now that you're here though, I think it will be easier."

Without hesitation, Kallia moved to Yelara and took her into her arms. "Well, I'm glad to be able to help however I can," she said. "If that's as someone for Liam to talk to, or as a supportive shoulder for you in emotionally trying times, I'm happy to be here. And, for now, why don't we eat, and then we can go on that walk with me, you, and Yelara."

Yel rested her head upon Kallia's shoulder and tried to force the somber feelings from ruining their happy reunion. "That sounds nice." She moved her lips to Kallia's neck and kissed the soft flesh as she wound her arms around Kallia's waist. "I love you, dear Kallia. I remember all the happiness we shared on the shipyards and now I realize that was only the beginning."

Kallia smiled. "There's much more where that came from," she said softly. "Many years of our love continuing to grow and thrive. Wherever our paths may go, they'll be together, bound in love for all time."

Yelara looked up at Kallia with a smile filled with exuberance and intense joy. She caressed Kallia's cheek softly. "That was beautiful. I want to make love to you, Kallia. I want to be bound with you through body, heart, and my soul. I'm afraid though, you'll have to share all that with Liam."

"For even a small part of your heart, I would be glad," Kallia said softly as she planted gentle kisses along the line of Yelara's jaw. "Liam's a good man, so I don't mind sharing you with him. I love you, Yelara. And, I'm never leaving again."

Yelara pulled away from Kallia, laughing as they yet again were beginning to get far too impassioned. "We have no self discipline, Kallia. I'm disappointed in you! You're a Jedi. You should be able to resist me," Yelara said playfully.

Kallia laughed. "Well, if I wanted to resist you, I think I could be pretty good," she said. "But I don't want to resist you. If you want to hold off for a while, we can though."

"I think we have to, Kal. If Liam were to find us... He'd just be more upset than he already is. He and I...we have a bond, like the one you and I share. Even now, I get glimpses of his suffering." Yelara smiled ruefully and pressed her hand to Kallia's cheek. "It pains me to admit this, but I can't help him end that suffering. I'm afraid only you can. I can't go into details yet, but you really are the only one."

Kallia nodded. "It has to do with Master Tal Dan," she said. "I understand. When he is ready, I will be happy to help him in any way I can. I'm not really hungry any longer. What do you say we get Yelara and go for that walk?"

"Yes, I think I could use one to clear my mind." Yelara held Kallia for a moment longer, content being in her embrace. "It's wonderful how your life can just change in moments, especially when that change is a good one, like you showing up at my doorstep."

"Seeing you again after so long was the happiest moment I've had in my life since the day I met you." Kallia closed her eyes and let the rest of the world slip away for a moment as only she and Yelara in her arms existed.

"Seems all we've being doing lately is expressing how happy we are to have found eachother again. I like that..." Yelara brought her hands up to cradle Kallia's face, then gave her the kiss she'd been yearning to deliver. The tender moment was cut off by baby Yelara's cries, and Yel pulled her lips away and laughed softly. "Seems someone else is in need of your tender caresses and love."

Kallia smiled. "Do you need to do anything to get ready for that walk," she asked as she moved over to where the baby was. She pulled her from the carrier and started walking back away. Yelara liked being carried and usually calmed down immediately. And, it worked for the most part this time. "I think she wants that walk too."

"Then let's get going now. Just..." Yelara smiled and sneaked over to the range. She dipped into the pan Liam left lying on the cooking surface and snatched up a morsel of food. She placed a bite into her mouth and approached Kallia with the remaining piece. "Open wide now."

Kallia savoured the small taste of food. "Oh," she said after a moment, "he is good. You struck it rich with him, didn't you? I think I'm going to like life with you and Liam." She grinned as she picked up the carrier for the baby. When they got into the hall, she pressed a small button on the handle and a series of wheeled struts extended from the base. "This thing is amazing, and I can show you exactly where I got it if you want one of your own."

"Maybe during our walk, you can show me. I've never seen anything like that before until now." Yel watched as Kallia placed Yelara gently into the carrier, and once she was settled in, Yel moved to Kallia's side. She slipped her arm through Kallia's and kissed her quickly upon the cheek. "Shall we? I've never actually taken a stroll through New Plouton. I'm interested to see more of the city."

As they started toward the elevator, Kallia smiled. "I've never strolled through the city either, so this will be an adventure for both of us. And, I saw this beautiful dress on the way here. I think it would go beautifully with your eyes."

Yelara smiled almost bashfully and looked down demurely. "I think I'll have to wait until I'm back to my normal size. I can't believe how large I am already. It seems as if I only found out yesterday that I was pregnant. I haven't seen a doctor on New Plouton yet, but the one we visited on Turren said it'd take around 9 standard months. I just hope we get off this planet before that happens."

Kallia nodded. "You should probably see a doctor though," she said. "Just to make sure everything is going well. And, how long do you think you'll be here?"

"I'll see one once we get you settled in, but I doubt we'll be here that long anyway so I'm sure it can wait until we travel to the next planet. Liam and I aren't certain how long we'll have to stay here, but once our work here is done, we'll be leaving. There are too many bad memories associated with this place to be able to truly call it a home."

Kallia nodded. "I understand," she said. "I have some of the same feelings." As they walked out into the courtyard of the apartment building, they could smell the fresh fragrances of the nearby park drifting toward them. It was nice to have that in a city of New Plouton's size. "So, what is the work you and Liam are doing here?"

Yelara cleared her throat and shook her head regretfully. "I can't tell you, Kal, especially not out here. It's classified. Perhaps when we return home, I can give you all the details, but for your safety and mine, I'd prefer not to dicuss it. We owed a friend a favour and we're just trying to pay back that debt."

Kallia laughed. "Well, my love," she said, "I'm pretty good at protecting myself, but I understand. And, I do thank you for considering my safety, and Yelara's. If you don't want to tell me, I won't press the matter. If there's anything I can do to help, you know that I'll do whatever I can to help you out."

"Thank you, my love. I don't mean to keep this a secret from you, but it's for the best. Once Liam and I have completed our mission, though, we can leave it all behind and the four of us - soon to be five - can find a nice planet to settle on."

"That sounds very nice," she said. "I haven't actually seen a lot of planets. I think it'd be fun to just go searching, to find one. The three of us and our babies. When I was young, I had dreams of being an explorer."

"Well, you sort of did do some exploring with Tal Dan, didn't you?" Yelara moved closer to Kallia and sighed as a sense of comfort settled within her. "Was he like a father to you? I mean, I know nothing about your family, but I'm sure spending all that time with one person, you can't help but gain a sense of love for them. I know Liam has no family, so Tal Dan was, in a way, the only family he had. Which makes it all the more difficult for him..."

"He was like a father," she said. "And, like a good friend. He and I did very little exploring. Most of our time was in the same place. I did more travelling once I left, and that was usually to escape Imperial agents."

"You'll be with him again someday, as I will be with my parents and grandmother. In the end, we'll all be together." Yelara slipped her hand into Kallia's and squeezed it gently. "For now, though, you have me, and Liam, and little Yelara."

"And, soon...well, your little one whatever his or her name shall be. Do you and Liam have ideas yet? For Yelara the choice was very simple. Yelara if she was a girl, and Taldan if she was a boy. I'm glad she was a girl." She looked up into Yelara's eyes and smiled. "I really wanted her to have your name."

"I didn't tell Liam this," Yelara said softly, "but if our child is a female, I want it to be named Kallia. Now, I feel the same way. If the child is a girl, her name will be Kallia Zaneth. It will be a bit odd, your child named Yelara and mine, Kallia. It's a nice sentiment though, I think."

Kallia squeezed Yel's hand. "It is," she said. "Though, I think eventually it may become a little difficult. With Yelara it'll be hard, if both of our kids were named after each other... We may need to find her a nickname to keep you two separate." Kallia's eyes brightened as she looked ahead of them. "There's that store I was mentioning. The one with all the baby stuff."

"Well, considering I'm having a baby, and you already have one, we should go in and peruse. I'll need to start finding furniture for the baby's room." Yelara and Kallia strolled towards the shop and she laughed. "You know, my grandfather calls me Yara. Liam's actually met him and...well...my grandfather said something along the lines of him not trusting Liam and that he was bad for me. I can't wait to introduce Liam again as my husband. My grandpa will have a fit!"

Kallia laughed. "I can imagine," she said. "Well, who knows how he'll react to me. And, I like Yara. Do you think she'd like Yara? I like it better than Yela. Do you mind if we call her the name your grandfather calls you?" They entered the store with Yelara holding the door open while Kallia pushed the stroller inside. "I think they have everything in here."

"Looks like it." Yelara smiled and caught up to Kallia. She kissed her upon the cheek and whispered into her ear. "You can call her Yara. I think it's a beautiful name for a beautiful child." Yelara's eyes shot open and she moved towards an odd looking device. "What's this...thing?"

Kallia frowned as she looked at the thing Yelara had picked up. "I think it's supposed to change the baby's diapers for you."

"Really? Well there's no way I'm letting this thing anywhere near my child." Yelara smiled and moved to Kallia's side again. She began remembering old times, just she and Kallia sharing in common their relationship with Dargus, then sharing in common their love for each other. Yelara sighed as she remembered one of their many conversations. "Do you recall that time you and I went back to your apartment and I was talking to you about being a free spirit? I said we can't bear to be tied down, but what about now, Kallia? You have a child, and I'm married...do you feel tied down at all?"

Kallia sighed and nodded. "Maybe a little tied down," she said. "But, I think the spirit is still there. Maybe together, we can keep that alive for each other. I think our spirits are tied together, and now that we're together again, they can soar regardless of whatever bindings we've made in life."

"Now that you're back, it feels as if I'm soaring again. It's not as if I feel tied down with Liam, it's just that you understand me more, Kal. You're a kindred spirit. You know precisely who I am inside." Yelara saw an adorable stuffed animal sitting alone on a shelf and took in a sharp breath as she rushed over to it. "Oh, Kallia, isn't this so precious?" she asked with a bright smile. She displayed the toy to Yelara, who began laughing and cooing as Yel made the toy perform a little dance. "Oh, I have to buy this for her. She loves it!"

"I don't think I've ever heard her laugh like that," Kallia said. "You can buy that for her, but only if I can get something for you and your baby." Kallia glanced behind her to where the carriers like the one she got for her daughter were, and then back to Yelara. "So, what do you say?"

Yelara studied the carriers for a moment with a smile, then shook her head. "You're just trying to get back on your feet. It wouldn't be right, Kal. You should keep your money for Yara. Thank you for the offer, though, Kal. I love you for it." Yelara pressed her hand to Kallia's cheek and kissed her softly. "You can spoil me when Liam finally gives us his blessing to share a bed," she whispered.

Kallia kissed Yel softly. "I'll remember that," she said. She looked around and then back to Yel. "I think I'm going to have to get a job soon. I don't have much left anymore."

"I said Liam and I would take care of the financial matters. Our employer pays for everything. But I guess once in a while, you need a break from being a mother. I'm sure if you did get a job, I could take care of Yara. I think she likes me." Yelara bent down and began tickling Yara's stomach. "You like your auntie Yelara, don't you. Don't you, you little Feyla monkey, you." Yelara laughed sheepishly and looked up at Kallia with a shrug. "Sorry. I don't know where that came from"

"You're gonna be a wonderful mother," Kallia said with a grin. "I don't want to work. But, I'm nearly out of money. I'd hate the idea of spending so much time away from you or Yara though. I feel like I'd never see either of you."

"Well then don't work. Stay home with both of us. You don't have to worry about creds. Liam and I have plenty." Yelara placed the stuffed toy she'd been holding into Yara's hands and embraced Kallia. "You never have to worry about anything, my love. Everything can only go right from now on."

Kal smiled, feeling suddenly secure where she hadn't a moment ago. "I can feel it," she said. "Everything will be perfect for us, and our children, and Liam. There's nothing that can stop it." She took Yelara's hand and they moved down the aisle together looking at the various things waiting for them to purchase. "I think I could spend all day here, just looking for things to spoil her with."

"I wonder if motherhood will change me much. I look at you, and you just seem...different somehow. I mean, you're truly a woman now - not that you weren't one before. I guess there's a kind of maturity about you." Yelara shrugged her shoulders and laughed. "I could also just be a very silly girl who has no idea what she's talking about. All I'm saying is that I hope I'm as good a mother as you are."

"Thank you," Kallia said with a smile. "I think you will be. You've been doing good with Yara so far, and I think the maturity comes from knowing that you have a responsibility to your child, and you'll do anything for her. And, I'll be here to help you if you need it, Yelara. Every step of the way. I want to be there when you give birth, if that's okay."

"Oh, I would love you to be there! I know I'm going to be so frightened, Kal. I'll need you there for support." Yelara embraced Kallia again and smiled down at Yara. "She likes her new toy. We should get it paid for and maybe go. I think I'm getting fatigued."

Kallia brushed her fingers over Yel's cheek and smiled. "You do look a little tired," she said. "I think the three of us are going to need a nap together." She started toward the cashier and smiled down at her daughter. She was partially hidden behind her new toy, and her brown eyes seemed even larger as she stared up at Kal and Yel. Kallia felt a tear slip from her eyes and she looked up at Yelara with a smile that wouldn't leave. "It's so perfect," she said, trying not to sob. "She's so beautiful, and here with you. I never thought I could be this happy again."

Yelara was handing her credit chip to the cashier when she looked at Kallia's bitter-sweet expression and her quivering bottom lip. She laughed softly and pulled her into her arms. "I guess having a child has made you far too sensitive. But I don't mind. It's so comforting to be able to feel again and not have to suppress your emotions. When you left, I rejected complete happiness. I refused to feel it as a way of punishing myself for losing you. Now though, I'm free to feel it again, and it definitely feels wonderful."

Kallia smiled. "Definitely wonderful," she said. "And, how can you look into those eyes as she clings to her new toy and not feel all quivery? It's just moments like this that it all just hits me. She's so beautiful and precious, and I couldn't have asked for anything more beautiful in life." Kal looked up into Yel's eyes. "And, I get to share her with you." After Yelara got her credit chip back and they were leaving the store, Kallia smiled. "So, should we deal with the bed tomorrow? I can sleep on the couch tonight, I don't mind. Unless you want to convince Liam to let me sleep on the other side of the bed with you in the middle."

"I think he can be persuaded," Yelara said with a slow smile. "But I think he'll more likely suggest that he take the couch, or even the ship. I get a feeling he thinks he's in the way. I don't want him to feel that way, but Liam is very sensitive and always jumps to erroneous conclusions." Yelara laughed as she slid her arm through Kallia's. "I think, though, one night soon, I'll have to prove him wrong."

---

"Renewed Union, Part 3"
by Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
and Kallia Brael
with Yelara Brael
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 14, 4ABY

***

Kallia laughed with Yel as they moved back slowly toward the apartment. "Well, I think you should be with him tonight," she said. "I think after today, he needs some of his wife's tender care. I'll be fine on the couch for a night, and we can get a bed for the other room tomorrow."

"I think you're right. I need to reinforce that he won't lose me and that he has free rein of my body...until the need to be with you becomes far too unbearable." Yelara walked with Kallia for a long while, just being near her and staring at her face to examine the gentle curve of her jaw and cheeks, the softness of her smiles and the brightness in her eyes. She found herself quickly falling in love with Kallia all over again, and even moreso than the first time. She imagined that every morning she awoke to look upon Kallia's, she'd fall in love with her again as if it were the first time.

"I hope that's really soon," Kallia said with a grin. "I don't know how long I can hold out. You are very enticing, and I have to remind myself to keep my hands to myself before they start frisking their way over to you." She smiled and took Yel's hand. "But, it's very important for you to let Liam know that his importance in your life has not diminished."

"I will try and do my best with that, but I can identify with what you're feeling. I have the same need and even now I'm tempted to drag you into the bedroom and make love to you. I just don't think Liam would react well to seeing us lying naked in each other's arms." Yelara