"Dinner With The Devil, Part 1"
By: Kaysa Zenarr- Owner of Zenarr Systems Inc.
Rennor Karradas- Owner of Karradas Industries

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Saris 14, 3 ABY

***

Kaysa propped her legs up on Rennor's desk as she watched him make a conference call. She had been forced to sit in his office for hours, never once being allowed to leave his sight. She actually enjoyed watching him work, especially since he was so easy on the eyes. His eyes held an innocence Kaysa hadn't seen for a long time, and his smile was soft and inviting.

Kaysa sighed as she leaned her chair back, balancing it on its two hind legs as she rocked it back and forth while she watched Rennor intently. His looks suited her just fine but it was his money she was really after, even though seducing him would be just as exciting as actually seeing the funds piling up in her account.

She smiled and placed her hands behind her head as she thought of all the opportunities that would open up for her when she became rich. She would be able to buy two modified starships, a penthouse apartment, a new wardrobe... Kaysa giggled quietly to herself before biting her tongue and suppressing her laughter. Can't go getting him suspicious, Kaysa, she thought to herself as she slid her feet off the desk and set them flat down on the floor. She was beginning to get restless as she waited for Rennor to finish his call. She couldn't wait to get dinner started, as well as gain Rennor's trust; she would have to if he was going to even consider sharing his vast wealth with her, and that was the goal, after all. She would win his heart, then steal his money. A perfect plan, if Rennor would get off that damn vidlink, Kaysa thought as her impatience grew.

She began tapping her foot while staring at Rennor and sighing loudly for effect. "Are you almost done? I'm a little hungry," she said aloud, not caring what important business she was interrupting.

Behind the desk, the small man motioned for another moment. After ten more minutes, he finally disconnected the call and turned to face his guest. "Day is now over," he said with a wide grin. "I've reserved a table at the Sky Glide Café, very posh. Will you require a dress, or do you already have one? Where do you live by the way?"

Kaysa stood up quickly to stretch her arms. She yawned loudly as she made her way towards Rennor. "Well," she breathed, her shirt-tails becoming untucked as she continued to stretch, "I guess we can leave as soon as I change. I have a little outfit I think you might like."

Kaysa smiled as she stalked up to Rennor and stopped directly in front of him to tuck her shirt back into her pants. She could see his eyes following the motions of her hands and she smiled mischievously. He would prove rather easy to seduce and if he wasn't, she would try even harder to have him melting in her hands.

"I bet you wish it was your hands down my pants right now," Kaysa said. She pulled her hands out of her pants slowly and smoothed out her shirt with her hands lingering over her crotch for effect.

Rennor swallowed hard as he stared, stunned. A part of him wanted to ask if she needed help, but he couldn't bring himself to make such a lewd comment to her. The Morality Guard would certainly frown on such a statement by one of their staunchest supporters. "I don't know," he said, his voice coming out as a whimpering stammer, "you look like you're doing very well on your own there. And, besides, I'm a gentleman. And, since we're not dating, I couldn't just stick my hands down your pants, now could I?" He sighed and swallowed again, glad to have the desk obscuring his current predicament. "Now, where would you like to change?"

"Well, I could change right here, but I haven't a thing to wear," Kaysa answered playfully. "Actually, I have a few things in my apartment. I can go and grab them then run back here..."

"Well, I'll take you there," Rennor said with a grin. "Where are you staying?"

"My apartment?" Kaysa asked. She raised her eyebrows and tapped her chin with her index finger as she looked at him pensively. "Hmm, I don't think you'd like it there. It's not exactly a place someone like you would be used to. Let's just say it's in one of the seedier parts of New Plouton. Besides, I don't think a man of your status should be seen wandering around the Yallder district with a woman such as myself."

"Well, we have a few options," Rennor said with a nod. "We can just go, and not worry about the dress code. Or, we could brave the scum of Yallder. Or, I can have my protocol droid get a new dress for you. Yes, you will need a dress for dinner, Miss Zenarr."

"Kaysa," she corrected quickly. "Call me Kaysa. After all, by the end of this evening, I'm certain you and I will know each other very...intimately," she said with suggestive smile as she peered up at him. "At any rate, I always feel out of place, but I want to at least look good for you, so I guess you should get that droid of yours off to get my dress," Kaysa added with a grin.

"Very well," Rennor said, and summoned a green enameled protocol droid into the room. "Now," he continued, "tell See Threedeefive what you would like to wear, and I'll have her retrieve it immediately. We don't have much time, and we don't want to be late. So..."

Kaysa rolled her eyes playfully at Rennor's impatience and strolled over to the droid, giving it a derisive smile as she placed her hands on her hips and studied its face. "I want you to get me the shortest, tightest dress you can find and one with a dramatically plunging neckline if possible." Kaysa turned back to Rennor, smiling emphatically and motioning back towards him. "Now send that droid of yours along so we can get this evening started. Besides, I would think you'd be anxious to see me in as little clothing as possible."

"As a gentleman, I cannot truthfully answer that question without slandering myself," Rennor said. "You are a very attractive woman, Miss-- Kaysa. However, since I am a man of honour, I must give you the respect you deserve. I cannot, in good conscience, objectify you as a man in my position would be prone to do. Whichever you wish to wear shall be fine, as long as it falls within the standard dress requirements for the restaurant."

"Respect? If you knew me, Mr. Karradas, you'd realize that a woman of my background doesn't gain respect very easily. Unlike you, I have to work at it. That is, if I yearn for it, which I don't." Kaysa placed her arm through Rennor's and grinned at him as she led him towards the door. "We can go to my place, if you like, and we can pick out something together...something suitable."

"Whatever background you have made for yourself, Kaysa, it does not preclude you from the respect a woman deserves. You are a woman, and therefore deserving of respect. That is the way of our culture here on Tae'Karada. Women are revered and honoured, placed above where they can be respected and admired." Oh so admired, his thoughts added. "Respect does not need to be earned, not for you in any event." He sighed. "I suppose that a man of my wealth would be terribly out of place showing up in the Yallder district. Perhaps it's not a good idea for me to--"

"What? Are you saying that Yallder isn't good enough for a man of your stature? My aren't we arrogant," Kaysa answered playfully. "You're right though, wouldn't want you to get hurt or killed before we've had a little fun." And before I've got you right where I want you, Kaysa added in her head as she tried to force back a mischievous grin. "Fine, your droid can pick out something suitable while I help you change. What do you say?" Kaysa asked. She gave Rennor a sidelong glance and ran her fingers along his arm lightly.

"Well, yes," Rennor said, "we'd already agreed to that. I would prefer that you be dressed comfortably, yet elegantly."

"I think you've missed the little addendum to the arrangement, Rennor," Kaysa said as she stopped Rennor and pushed him gently against the nearest wall. She smiled up at him as she made certain to lightly brush up against his groin, hoping to elicit a reaction from him. "Once I finish dressing, I can help you dress, or undress as the case may be," she said seductively as she let her hand slide down his chest and towards his pants. She liked to give a man a taste of what she could give them, but she never let them know they couldn't have it. That always spoiled the fun.

"You are a very beautiful woman, Kaysa Zenarr," Rennor stammered. "Oh my." He glanced down at his crotch and blushed profusely. "I'm sorry...that's, uh...I'm so sorry...it wasn't supposed to happen like that."

"Why, Mr. Karradas," Kaysa said coyly. "If I weren't so naive, I'd say that you were getting aroused by me." Kaysa gave a high-pitched laugh as she ran her finger across Rennor's cheek and let her other hand gently rub against his crotch. "So, are you still interested in dinner?"

"Why, Miss Zenarr, are you trying to seduce me? What is it that you want from me?" He looked at the large lump being constrained by his pants and sighed. "As you can see, you do arouse me... Please, I don't wish to offend you, but you are a very beautiful woman and..."

"Offend me?" Kaysa said with a small laugh. "Normally a woman is flattered when a man becomes aroused by her." Kaysa looked at Rennor, a queer expression forming on her face and a smile creeping at the corners of her lips. "Ah, I think I'm beginning to understand. You haven't been with very many women, have you, Rennor?"

"A gentleman never reveals that sort of thing, Kaysa," Rennor said, straightening his spine and trying to appear more confident. "All you need to know is that you do something magical to me. Your lips, so kissable, your body, so perfect and inviting, your..." He let his gaze lower to her crotch and he licked his lips. "Oh Kaysa, gods yes I'm aroused. But, I am a gentleman. So, I must ask, what are your intentions? What do you plan to do about this predicament?"

"Mr. Karradas, we have only just met and we haven't even had dinner yet. I haven't decided what I want to do with you yet, although I do have a pretty good idea." Kaysa batted her lashes at Rennor and smiled haughtily as she stepped back, increasing their distance from each other. "I say we have dinner first, then decide whether we want to hop in bed together. How does that sound to you?"

"Yes, yes," Rennor said with a grin, "that sounds very good. We will see what happens as we go. Yes, indeed very good."

Kaysa tilted her head to one side, searching Rennor's face for any sign that he was being less than genuine. She had trouble believing a man as handsome and wealthy as he could be so timid when it came to women. Men liked to be in control, liked to have their hands on the reins when it came to relationships. Kaysa actually liked the idea of her being the dominant one in this whole charade. She needed to be if she was going to be able to manipulate Rennor into giving her what she was after. She was beginning to realize she could get used to having an account full of credits.

"Alright then," Kaysa answered finally as she backed away completely, "Dinner then. And I'll wear a conservative dress, but I can't promise that I'll be able to behave myself, not if you look as handsome as you do now."

"Really?" Rennor blushed again, and he let his eyes hungrily feast on her body, before reasserting his more gentlemanly personality. "Now, come come, get into your dress, and we can be going."

"Well, come on then," Kaysa replied as she took Rennor by the hand and jerked him along. "This is gonna be the night of your life, Rennor Karradas. You won't be disappointed, in more ways than one," Kaysa said.

She gave him a sly grin as the two of them strolled along with the setting Tae'Karadan sun beating against their backs and Kaysa certain, more than ever, that she would have Rennor eating out of her hands even before the sun hit the horizon.

---

"Dinner With The Devil, Part 2"
By: Kaysa Zenarr- Owner of Zenarr Systems Inc.
Rennor Karradas- Karradas Industries and Owner New Plouton Spaceport

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Saris 14, 3 ABY

***

"So, what's this place called again?" Kaysa asked as she hung off of Rennor's arm with her long, red dress swaying in the gentle breeze. Night had begun to fall as she and Rennor approached the restaurant; Kaysa shivered as the wind caressed her leg, exposed by the large slit running up the left side of her dress. She pressed herself closer to Rennor, trying to absorb some of the heat his body was radiating. She noticed he became even warmer once her body touched his. Kaysa tried to suppress a laugh at Rennor's apparent bashfulness, thinking, once again, how easy he was going to be to manipulate.

Rennor smiled and then indicated the sign next to the door. Sky Glide Café. He grinned at her and tried not to stumble when he found himself unable to think of the two of them doing anything other than getting sweaty together. He cleared his throat and led the way to the maitre d', who then led them to a very nice table near the live band that seemed to be playing a slow Jizz number, and then handed them each a durasheet card.

"You may order whatever you like, Kaysa," Rennor said with a smile, promptly focusing his whole attention on the menu in front of him.

Kaysa scanned through the menu, chewing on her lower lip as she looked for the most expensive dish on the list. She smiled upon deciding on a dish, holding her menu up to the maitre d' and pointing to the one she wanted. "I'll have that...whatever it is. What about you, Rennor?" Kaysa asked as she shifted her eyes to her date and smiled. "Just remember to save room for dessert."

Rennor smiled. "Kadryl fillet steak with the Saigra glaze and a side of Tubro, baked please. Oh, and a bottle of your best wine, preferably a white Revrei." The man nodded and took Rennor's menu. Once he was gone, Rennor smiled at Kaysa. "Revrei is one of the most expensive wines you can buy on this planet. It sells for two hundred credits a bottle. I hope you're trying something with a Saigra glaze. It takes most people a month of hard work to afford it, but it's well worth it. By the way, have I mentioned how ravishing you look? Simply breathtaking."

"Well you seem to be breathing just fine, Rennor, which leads me to believe that my appearance isn't as pleasing to you as you are alluding to," Kaysa answered with a sly grin as she slipped off her shoe underneath the table. "Am I not showing enough cleavage?" Kaysa asked, pouting playfully as she began running her barefoot up and down Rennor's leg sensuously.

"It was a metaphor, Kaysa," Rennor said with a laugh. "Just an expression of how beautiful you look tonight. And, now that you mention it, more cleavage would be delightful."

Kaysa laughed silkily as she leaned forward just enough to give Rennor a perfect view down the top of her dress. She was getting to him, she could see that just by the look on his face. He was on the verge of salivating, which made Kaysa even more enthusiastic. She slid her foot between his legs and her eyes locked with his as she began massaging his groin. "My, it's hot in here, isn't it?"

Rennor nearly dropped the fork he'd started nervously playing with. "Oh yes," he stammered. "Quite hot. Very hot indeed." His eyes were locked onto her smooth, round, supple, tender, delicious looking breasts. "Oh!"

Kaysa smiled mischievously as she looked at Rennor with those bedroom eyes she had always been famous for in the seedier parts of New Plouton. The waiter arrived, their meals in hand, but Kaysa barely noticed; she was far too preoccupied with seducing Rennor until his defenses crumbled, defenses which seemed to be tumbling down as her foot continued to press against his now hard phallus.

His fingers worked their way up and down her lower leg, and for a moment, it almost felt good, until she reminded herself not to get too subdued or she could make a mistake. She needed all her wits about her if she was to succeed, and allowing herself to become entranced by him would numb those wits she so heavily relied upon.

The waiter set down their plates before them, looking back and forth between them with a furrowed brow. He popped the cork off the wine bottle which startled Kaysa. She gasped quietly and pulled her foot away from Rennor's gentle grip. The waiter had given Kaysa the jolt she needed to return to her senses, as well as giving her the opportunity to curse herself for being so lax in restraining her own emotions.

She cleared her throat and straightened her back so that her cleavage was no longer visible to Rennor, while she placed her napkin across her lap. "I think we should save some fun for later, don't you, Rennor?" Kaysa said, winking at him and laughing.

Rennor nodded vigourously. "Oh, definitely. Fun. Later. Without the table." He laughed. "I do hope you're enjoying your evening, Kaysa."

"Of course I'm enjoying myself," Kaysa answered. Her interest moved immediately to the plate of food sitting before her. She picked up her fork, piling food on it and licking her lips sensuously as she brought the fork to her mouth. "So tell me, Rennor, how did you get where you are? How did you build up such a profitable business?" she asked as she wrapped her moist lips around the fork and moaned quietly as she tasted the sumptuous meal.

"I inherited fifty million credits from my father," he said. "I used that in investments, and it all expanded from there. I managed to acquire a forty percent share of the spaceport. It's been quite lucrative, I assure you."

"Well, you're quite the smart businessman, aren't you? I wish I had your business savvy. I mean, my business is going well, but it could be better," Kaysa said as she moved her food around in her plate. She smiled mischievously as she looked up at Rennor, an idea springing forth in her mind. "Would you mind at all, Rennor, if we went back to your place and, well, maybe you can show me a few things? Ways to help my business thrive, I mean."

"You've hardly touched your meal," Rennor said in an admonishing tone. "Are you really certain you wish to leave so soon? This is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city."

Kaysa sighed and feigned disappointment as she sat back in her chair and pouted. "Well, I guess you're right. We should stay here and finish our meal." Kaysa knew she had to tread carefully. She wasn't quite certain yet what kind of woman Rennor liked. If she was too persistent, she might push him away, but if he liked persistent, she might not be able to fight him off when they went back to his place. "So tell me, Rennor, have you got a woman waiting for you at home?"

Rennor nearly choked on a piece of bread. "Oh, I have women I see...casually," he lied. "But, no one serious in my life. What about you? Is there a special boy in your life?"

Kaysa tossed her head back and gave a loud, resonating laugh. "A boy? I don't deal in boys. If I did, I wouldn't be sitting here eating dinner with you, Rennor. I mean, you are hardly a boy, although I've yet to discover how much of a man you truly are." Kaysa looked at Rennor intensely, a smile curling her lips. "Are you really that hungry Rennor?"

Rennor smiled. "Oh, I'm hungry," he said. "But, the real question, my dear, is if you're ready to handle a real man."

Kaysa suppressed a grimace and fought back the urge to throw her drink into his face, but she couldn't risk ruining everything because she was beginning to get bored with the game she had chosen to play. Rennor was beginning to show his true colours; he was like every other man she had ever met, which only convinced her that he deserved exactly what was coming to him. He was arrogant and overconfident, which meant he wouldn't see her closing her fingers around his throat until it was too late. All the better for her; it would make her job much easier.

"I haven't met a real man in all my life, Mr. Karradas, not one worthy of wasting my time on at least." Kaysa took a sip of her wine, swishing it around her mouth and swallowing it as her eyes remained locked with Rennor's. "Now, have you had enough of this foreplay or are you willing to take me home with you? We can always continue this tiresome charade if you like."

"I think we can return to my home now," Rennor said. "I've never really had much use for foreplay anyway."

---

"Dinner With The Devil, Part 3"
By: Kaysa Zenarr- Owner of Zenarr Systems Inc.
Rennor Karradas - Karradas Industries and Owner of the New Plouton Spaceport

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Saris 14, 3 ABY

***

The trip back to his home was quiet, neither uttering a sound. Finally, the driver of Rennor's air speeder announced that they were on final approach to his building. Rennor kept his focus out the window, on anything other than his date. When the speeder finally came to a rest, he let Kaysa go ahead of him.

"So, which one's your place?" Kaysa said, finally breaking the awkward silence as she approached the entrance to the high-rise. She noticed the tension in the air, one that arose during dinner and had gotten thicker the longer they remained quiet. Kaysa wrapped her arms around her as the night air began to chill her exposed flesh. "Don't tell me they're all yours."

"The top four floors are mine," Rennor said. With a sigh, he pulled off his coat, and wrapped her in it. He led the way to the small lift that would take them from the rooftop speeder landing to his front door. The foyer outside the front door was large, and ornately decorated. He swiped a keycard in the doorlock, and the door slid open. He stepped inside first, and then motioned Kaysa inside.

The moment Kaysa saw Rennor's extravagant living space, she knew she had chosen wisely. Despite the cloak she wore around her now, Kaysa was still chilled to the bone, but it was more from Rennor's indifferent expression rather than the fall in temperature of the night air outside. Her last statement at dinner did not go down well at all, she knew that now. She had to make amends, for if she didn't, her plans would turn to dust.

"It's a lovely home. You certainly have good taste," Kaysa said as she turned to face him. She stepped forward just close enough for him to catch a whiff of her subtle perfume.

"Thank you," Rennor said. "So...what now? I can take you to the room you will occupy for the night. The whole place will be locked up when I go to sleep. But, feel free to make yourself at home. Would you care to see your room?"

Kaysa was standing only inches from Rennor, and she could feel the cold emanating from him. She had made a grave error at dinner and if the situation wasn't rectified, she would lose the perfect prey for her scheme. How could she explain away her hesitancy at dinner? She had to play to his emotions, play to the honourable side of him, the one that respected and cherished women as living beings and not sex objects...if there was that side to him. Kaysa had to put on a show, and a good one. She only hoped Rennor would fall for it.

Kaysa sighed and stepped back, her head hung low for effect. "I know my actions at dinner were a bit confusing. I realize I led you on, but I truly do like you, Rennor," she said as she looked up with the sincerest look in her eyes she could muster.

"Really? You could have fooled me. I was only kidding with you, but you reacted as if I had just insulted you in the worst possible way." His eyes went suddenly cold. "You were playing with me, but you couldn't handle it when I played back." He shook his head. "I like you, Kaysa, but that display at dinner. That was scary. You don't have a sense of humour, do you?"

Kaysa let her voice drop and closed her eyes tightly. She didn't think a little trembling would hurt either, so she let her body shake gently and made sure her voice sounded subtly unsteady. "I...I may put on the appearance that I'm a confident, experienced woman, Rennor, but I'm no seductress. I...I just thought that's what you wanted, but when you started reacting and playing along, I got scared. I began to realize I was getting in way over my head." Kaysa opened her eyes and looked at Rennor timidly as she wrapped her arms around herself in a protective manner. "I'm still a little naive about that sort of thing...sex, I mean. I knew that's what you wanted, but I wasn't so certain if that's what I could give you yet." I'm good, Kaysa thought, even now fighting the urge to burst out with laughter. She was getting to him again, she could sense that, which was precisely what she wanted.

"That's it? Naive?" He barked out a laugh. "I'm not a bad man, and you have no reason to feel threatened. I was only flirting back to you." He sighed and took her hand in his. He gazed into her eyes for a long moment before placing a kiss on the hand. "Would you care for a drink?"

She drew her hand back slowly as she smiled at him uneasily and nodded her head. "I think a drink will do me good. Maybe it will calm me a little."

"Calm you?"

"You...you do things to me I'm not used to. You make me feel things I am not sure I want to feel," Kaysa said. She took a seat on one of the large couches and clasped her hands together in her lap. "I'm not really used to this sort of thing. I guess that's what's scaring me."

"What sort of thing? I don't want to drive you away. Please, I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Kaysa held the drink Rennor had proffered her and drank it down in one gulp. "It's nothing, Rennor. I think I just tried to move things along too quickly and I wasn't ready. Frankly, I expected you to resist me much longer than you did," Kaysa said with a smile.

"Resist you? Why ever for? You thought I was going to play hard-to-get, didn't you? You're a beautiful woman, Kaysa. Of course, I'm not going to play that silly game." He took a seat next to her. Right next to her.

Kaysa smiled and turned her head to look at Rennor. "That drink certainly hit the spot! It really fought off the chill of the night air," she said as she removed the cloak from around her shoulders.

Rennor quickly snatched up her drink. "Let me refill that for you," he said. "Will you require something to sleep in?"

"As you can tell at dinner, I wasn't thinking too clearly at all. I only have what I'm barely wearing now," Kaysa replied, looking down at her dress, then back up at Rennor as he handed her a second drink. "Don't you have anything appropriate for me to wear?"

"I have a robe, some shirts, and...well, my unmentionables. And, all the local stores have closed for the night." Oh, she'll just have to sleep in the nude, he thought.

"It's alright. I can sleep as I am," Kaysa replied. Her eyes began growing heavy as she forced back a yawn. "These drinks are certainly strong," she quipped as she smiled at Rennor wearily. "Thank you for dinner. It's been a long time since a man took me out."

"Here, let me show you to your room," he said, and then took the glass and led her away. "The room has a marvelous view, and the bed is splendid. I'd sleep in that room myself if my bed weren't nicer and more expensive."

He finally opened a door that led into the room that would be hers for the night. "I hope it's to your liking," he said. "Good night, Kaysa. Sleep well."

Kaysa waited until Rennor had enough time to walk down the hallway and away from her room before cursing under her breath. She had almost ruined everything tonight, all because of her stubborn, defiant nature. Rennor was eating out of her hands and she turned around figuratively and kneed him in the groin. The timid, shy damsel seemed to be working well for her. Rennor had once again warmed up to her after an hour of awkward silence, but the silence had terrified Kaysa. She desperately needed this to work out, desperately needed things to, just once, go her way.

She pulled off the straps of her dress, unzipped the back and let the red gown fall to the ground. She stepped out of it and walked over to the enormous, definitely comfortable bed and slid beneath the silk sheets. The smooth covers felt sensual against her naked flesh and the sound made was almost like whispers as they brushed against her body when she moved.

For a moment, she heard Rennor's voice in the whisper from the sheets, her tired head imagining him by her side, his hands instead of the sheets running along her body. She quickly pushed the thought aside, knowing it would do her no good. She would never share herself with him, not as long as she was after only his money.

Kaysa clenched her eyes shut and tried to let sleep take her. She had found a way to get to Rennor, one that seemed to work well. Tomorrow would be a new day and she was determined, then not to make another mistake like she had tonight.

---

"The Guardian"
By: Elisia Melouet
Kylas Thoamis

Location: Bimmissaari
Date: Saris 14, 3 ABY

***

Kylas moved to Elisia's window and slid it open. As he stepped into the room, he spoke. "This has been a long time coming young one. I am the Guardian." He looked at her from under a cowled hood, brown eyes clear and dark.

Elisia spun and her saber leapt to her hand, igniting as she did so. She dropped to a ready stance surveying this 'guardian.' "What do you want?" she said warily.

"Relax young one, I am here at the request of a royal friend of yours. I am here to watch and protect you from corruption," he replied. "You need not your lightsaber, but if you wish to talk at a distance and armed, then you should allow us both to be on equal terms." The cloaked figure pulled a double saber from his belt and activated both ends.

"I don't have a royal friend and you are a little late," she said sarcastically. Her eyes were large. She had never seen a double saber. Kace had always used two separate ones.

"Come now, child." The man sat down and settled Indian style on the floor. He idly balanced the saber. "If I wanted you dead, I would have taken your head by now. You must come to the understanding of where the Force has lead you, but still remain master of your destiny. It is a constant struggle between the light and the dark."

"I don't need a guardian and I don't want your help. I definitely don't want anymore training." She wondered if Dargus had set this up. Her temper flared at the thought. "I have had enough of Jedi's and Sith's to last me a life time."

"But they are not done with you, young one." He nodded and deactivated his lightsaber. "Perhaps a cup of tea to calm the nerves," he said and lightly waved his hand sending his saber to her. It remained floating in front of her.

Elisia snatched it and then deactivated her own saber. She took them both with her to the kitchen area. "I don't have any tea. Just Bimmisaari wine and water." She was watching him closely. However, she knew that he had spoken truly. If he wanted her dead, she would have been by now. She felt the same intensity from him as she had Kace, but his colors were lighter and more constant.

"You really should be more trusting of people, if you try to delve into their depths like that young one. Some people don't like others poking around the way you are," he replied to her. Some things should not be explored, his voiced echoed in her head.

She looked up, surprised. "What is that supposed to mean? And I see no reason to trust anyone. They all want something." She refused to answer him telepathically. She had no idea what he meant by poking around.

"You're trying to see where I stood with the force. You may be sensitive to the force, but you should try to work on controlling that." He stood up. "You never know where it may lead." He waved his hands and pulled both his and her saber to him. He placed both down on the table and walked into the kitchen area.

Elisia was frightened. She didn't know what this man wanted and she didn't want him here. "I didn't know that was what I was doing. I see colors surrounding everyone. Some people are vivid and others barely show, but they all have color that surround them."

"And you can learn to control that somewhat," he added. He sat down at her table. "And regardless of your fear, I will not harm you. I am here at the request of royalty to train you and give you a chance to not fall into the arms of the darkside."

"What if I like the darkside?" she quipped. She sat two glasses and the wine on the table. She also sat a glass of water since he never answered which he wanted to drink. She poured herself a glass of wine as he answered.

"You are an innocent still. For all you have suffered, the darkside would be the easy way out. From what I have seen, you don't like the easy way out." He looked up. "You like to fight for more than survival, you like to be the one in control."

Her eyes widened at his assessment. "And what makes you think you know me so well? You know nothing about me." She wanted to know what he knew but had already figured out that any attempt to find out could not go undetected.

"I have been asked to observe and make sure you are protected these past weeks, and if you lost your guidance to step in," he added. "You like to have a helping hand. You've just had that hand yanked out from under you too many times."

"Then you know I have no reason to accept another anonymous helping hand," she pointed out, sipping the wine.

"Very well. My name is Kylas Thoamis. I am known as the guardian. I help people, regardless of what the outcome. I will remain until that help has been rendered. You need help, whether you want it right now is irrelevant." He looked up.

Elisia laughed a little too cheerfully. "You can't make me accept help." She drank down the wine, needing something to take the edge of panic she was beginning to feel.

He remained silent. His eyes looked deeply into hers.

Elisia shifted uncomfortably. "Well, you can't," she muttered. Her eyes filled with unexplained tears. "Please leave," she asked, no almost begged.

"Come." He took the glass of water and offered his hand. "We must talk, we have much to discuss." He looked at her, his gaze softened and his facial features showed concern. "And please drink this water, it will be easier than intoxicating yourself."

"I like intoxicating myself," she defended. But for some unexplained reason she gave him her hand. She didn't know what to do. A strange land, then a sister and now this?

He took her hand and led her back into her livingroom area. He sat her on the couch and gave her the water. "Perhaps, but it affects your serenity. Did not your mentor teach about the Code?"

"My mentor..." She swallowed hard. "I doubt he had a Code," she said choking out the words. The images of Kace's betrayal flashed through her mind.

He gently placed his hand over her eyes. "Calm your mind and push that anger and hatred aside." He pushed the memory from her thoughts. "You must try to push past that." He removed his hand and pulled back his cowl.

Elisia felt a minor easing of the pain that wracked her heart. "Why should I push past it? He deserves my anger and my hatred." Elisia was surprised to see a younger man of maybe thirty, if that. His dark brown eyes held a compassion that made her catch her breath. They were not the eyes of a man his age. His long, dark hair fell about his shoulders. He was not bad looking, but she had expected someone much older by the way he spoke.

"Young one, anger leads to the darkside, and believe me, that path is not one you want to walk." He looked at her. "Your heart feels more empty than anything and it will consume you. The pain alone if not its own destruction." He handed her the glass of water. "Here drink this. All your concerns will be washed away and it will help you to relax." He waved his hand before her.

He felt a surge of mental resistance from her. "Stop that. I am not some child you can manipulate mentally. I know that trick, I grew up using it and that is how Kace found me in the first place." She took the water however and drank it down. "Why would I not want to be on the darkside? You can do what you want, have what you want," she said. It wasn't greed that made her speak so, but pure emotional pain.

"True, but what would it get, vengeance? When that is gone, what would it give you, satisfaction? For what, taking a life or causing harm to another? Should your gift be used that way?" he asked her back in kind. He looked into her eyes. "For one so angry, you would think a chance to try and feel less pain would be welcome."

"I can't forget a betrayal so grievous," she snapped.

"You do not have to forget, nor do you have to forgive," he added. "But you must learn to live beyond the events of the present, to be wary of all but accepting of all," he added.

"I haven't seen anything worthy of a single person. Why should I be accepting?" Elisia realized he was worming his way in. "I think you should go back to your royal friend and tell her thanks but no thanks." Kylas could feel the sudden surge of panic.

"Relax." He shook his head and sat on the floor Indian style. I will remain to train you, and help you. At anytime, we can leave. I have a vessel we can use. He looked at her. "You look like you could use a friend right now."

She sat staring at him for the longest time. "Didn't anyone ever teach you what no meant?" She sighed. "I have to deal with this new thing. I have a sister and I didn't know she even existed till today. I can't just leave her now," she pointed out.

"I would not so readily accept a viper into your nest," he replied. "I felt something dark about her."

"I know she is dark. He is having her trained by a Sith Lord," she said sadly. "Which is another reason I can't desert her."

"Some cannot be saved, once darkness has hold of them." He looked at her. "I know this better than most, but as you wish. But I will not leave. You should have a clear head with you, and yours is clearly not looking at all aspects of this."

"How do you know that I don't fall in the 'can't be saved' category?" she asked, watching him closely. "What if I want you to leave? You will ignore my wishes completely?"

"No, I will leave, but remain close by." He looked into her eyes. "The fact that you have not attacked me shows you still have a chance."

Elisia laughed. "That was merely because I am not suicidal." She looked up at him, the pain not hidden in her eyes. "Where would we go if I did go with you?"

"We would wander. The best way to learn the force, is to learn from it, follow where it leads and make your decisions as you go." He smiled.

Elisia sighed. "I am tired of wandering. I am tired of no home, no family. I am tired of..." Tears filled her eyes. "I am just tired." She was tired of not knowing who she could trust. She had trusted Kace, believed him when he had said he loved her and wanted to be only with her. Yet in less than twenty-four hours he had betrayed those words. He had said he would never hurt her.

"I cannot promise these things, nor can I promise I will not hurt you. This is part of life." He looked down. "But I promise that I will show you what you need to know and help you find a place where you really belong." He looked back up and stood; he dried her tears.

She wanted to believe him. But the reminder of Kace's promises were still too fresh. "I need to think about this, okay? I have had a lot handed to me tonight and it is all running together." She pushed his hand away from her cheek gently.

"Very well." He smiled. "At least do not reject this mind trick. Relax and sleep well." He smiled and touched her forehead. He walked for the door holding out his hand summoning his lightsaber to him. "Good night."

"Good night Kylas Thoamis, Guardian of those who do not wish guarding." She smiled trying to sound light of heart.

As he exited her apartment he sat down outside the door pulling his cowl over his head.

Elisia was suddenly very tired. She locked the door and sought out her bed. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. It would be the first real sleep she had since leaving Corellia.

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