Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Beginning Anew: On To Akaphael"
By: Kace Mordin
and Yelara Neerou

Location: Onboard the Vengeance of Corellia
Date: Saris 15, 3 ABY

***

Kace watched the maintenance droid as it moved across the floor of the rear area of the cockpit scouring the surface clean of the dirt and grime that had built up recently. He didn't schedule the small crew of droids for maintenance as often as he should, but, with the recent changes in his and Yelara's lives, he decided it would be a good idea while they still had some time before reaching Akaphael, a small out-of-the-way planet in the Ploorad sector.

He and Yelara had decided that Akaphael would be the best place for their wedding. It would be a small service, and neither of them had anyone they really wanted to invite, and the presence of those whom they had considered would probably have caused problems. Inviting Kalaira would have more than likely gotten back to Dargus somehow, and they'd agreed that they weren't ready for the news to reach Dargus yet.

They'd talked briefly about the upcoming meeting with Dargus. It would be a tricky situation, for certain. Dargus would not likely take Yelara's news that she was leaving him very well. They had discussed some preliminary security precautions, but had formed no definite plans yet. Though, they were both in agreement that the meeting would take place in public on Tae'Karada, and Kace would be in disguise nearby.

Once that had been decided upon, they agreed to put off discussions of the meeting with Dargus until after the wedding. But, neither could wait to see the look on the crimelord's face. They had shared a big laugh at the thought of actually sending an invitation to the wedding to Dargus, and then had promptly made love again.

Kace looked up as the droid moved on to the next deckplate. He looked over to where Yelara was intently reading from the datapad he'd given her that morning. He smiled at the intensity in her eyes as she continued to read.

"I think Turren would be nice," he said when she finally looked up. "I believe it was third on the list there. The waterfalls are amazing. They've got one that's seven kilometers high. You can feel the spray at least four kilometers away. And the natives are supposed to be very friendly too." He moved closer, the short distance even seeming too great. "But, I'm open to wherever you'd like to go."

"Hmm...it sounds very nice and not to mention romantic," Yelara mused as she looked down at the datapad. "But with all those natives running about, are you sure we'll be left alone? After all, a honeymoon is a time for two newlyweds to escape and get to know each other better." Yelara slowly glanced up at Kace, the allusive grin on her face beckoning him to come closer.

Kace slid even closer until they were touching. "I think we can convince the natives we need our time alone," he said with a grin. "And, if we just ignore them, focusing only on each other, I'm sure they'll figure out we want to be alone. Either that or they'll get a surprise as we jump each other right in front of them." He leaned in and kissed her. "So, you want to do Turren?"

"Turren's not the only thing I wanna do," Yelara quipped as she pulled Kace in for another kiss. She felt as if she was in a dream, that her life before that moment had been a nightmare filled with pain, torment, and bitter disappointments. With Kace, it would be a new life; the memories of her old life would still haunt her, but she would create new ones with Kace, happier ones.

As the kiss broke, the realization that one link to her past remained, caused her heart to sink into her stomach. "We have to get rid of the tracking device, Kace. The minute we get back to Tae'Karada, I want it out of me. I don't want anything with even the essence of Dargus imposing on our new life."

Kace smiled and kissed her again. "I've got a surprise for you then," he said. "Before we separated from Dove, I made arrangements with Kalaira. She's going to have a surgeon meet us on Akaphael. We'll have that device out before the wedding."

"It's dangerous," Yelara commented quietly as she embraced Kace. "I don't want all this to end before it's even begun," she whispered in his ear, her body trembling slightly. "If the device goes off..." Yelara's voice trailed off as she buried her head into Kace's shoulder. She wasn't afraid of dying if the tampering mechanism Dargus had installed in the tracking device triggered; she was more afraid that she and Kace wouldn't get a chance to create a history together, experience the joy of being free of the burdens of the lives they were about to leave behind. She wanted their love to reach its full potential and certainly didn't want all they would share together to crumble around them because of Dargus.

Kace nodded slowly as he held Yelara. "The High Princess tells me he's very good, one of the planet's best. And, I'll be there the entire time. I've seen those tracking devices in operation and know how they work. I'm confident I can use the Force to assist in the operation. I'd rather trust someone the High Princess trusts, than to trust that Dargus will allow the device to be removed when you want to leave." He lifted her chin so he could see her eyes. After a moment of silently holding her gaze with his, the depth of his love held in that one look, he kissed her again. "I won't let anything bad happen to you."

"I know, Kace. I've known that since the day we met. I've also known that I fell in love with you that day too." Yelara pulled gently free of the embrace, looking up at Kace and tenderly caressing his cheek. "I always feel safe with you, Kace. Being with you, I'm not even afraid to fly anymore, and that really is saying something," she said with a short laugh.

Kace laughed. "That's right," he said. "With everything that's happened, I hadn't thought of that. And, then with everything else... And, you are doing great. No ill feelings at all?" He paused for a moment as he watched. "Do you think you could live in here, in my ship, with me? There'd have to be a change though." He paused for a moment, then smiled at the slight worry he saw flash through her eyes. "It'd have to be our ship. We're in this together."

"Our ship?" Yelara repeated. "A ship all for me, one I can tinker with and modify?" Yelara rose from her seat, her arms still wrapped around Kace's neck as she grinned slyly. "Of course, I will have to redecorate - add a woman's touch to the place - but I'm certain I can make it livable."

Kace smiled. "I'm sure you can," he said. "And, I can't think of anyone I'd rather trust to modify this thing more than you. And, definitely yes, our ship."

Yelara laughed with excitement at the thought of having a ship all to themselves, a private sanctuary where it was only her and Kace living in bliss and separated from the rest of the universe. Kallia had given her the same offer some months ago, but Yelara was too burdened to accept it then. Now, there was nothing standing in the way. Yelara and Kace could make a home together, even if it was in a starship. "Hmm, since it is now our ship and not just yours, I think a name change is in order, don't you?" she asked as she entwined her fingers through Kace's hair.

A slow grin spread across Kace's face. "I think so too," he said. "Something to indicate our new life together, something...us." He thought about it for a moment, then grinned. "What about the Scarlet Kestrel? It's native to Corellia. One of the deadliest predatory birds in the galaxy, and, unlike most of the rest of the Corellian birds, the Kestrel mates for life." His eyes flashed as he looked at her. "How about the Scarlet Kestrel?"

"Why Kace, I had no idea you had the heart of a poet," Yelara teased. "I think it fits perfectly," she added as she kissed Kace gently on the lips. "I guess this is sort of your wedding gift to me," Yelara said as she moved Kace towards the chair and shoved him into it playfully. "I haven't gotten you a thing, but I think I know something you'd love." Yelara laughed as she jumped into Kace's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. "My gift to you is my soul, which I give to you freely...and if you're a good boy, I'll even throw in my body."

Kace smiled and slipped his arms around her. "You mean I have to be a good boy?" His smile turned mischievous as he leaned close and brushed his lips across hers. "Where's the fun in that? But, I gladly accept your gift, and I feel wrong and empty inside if I were not to give you the same. I give you my heart and soul, and promise to care for yours as I have my own." He laughed. "Well, as I've cared for them after I turned from the dark side of course."

Yelara grinned and ran her hands down Kace's chest, her gaze meeting his. Looking directly into the reflective pool of his eyes, Yelara felt as if she could see into the very depths of his soul, a soul now joined with hers. Through understanding, knowing, and loving Kace, she could do the same for herself. They were one, in mind and spirit, as it seemed almost meant to be. Their wedding would solidify what she felt in her heart, and it would reassure her that Kace truly was hers forever.

Yelara kissed Kace gently on the mouth, her lips still wearing a delicate smile. "Come on, Kace. I wanna give you the second part of your gift." Yelara slipped from Kace's lap and walked slowly towards the door leading out of the cockpit. "Coming?" Yelara called back with a voice as silky as the movements she was making with her hips while she walked.

Kace was out of his seat without a second thought, following along behind Yelara. "How can I not with you moving like that?" He was grinning wide when they crossed the main area of the ship heading off toward their private cabin.

"Beginning Anew: Going Under"
By: Kace Mordin
and Yelara Neerou

Location: Onboard the Vengeance of Corellia
Date: Saris 15, 3 ABY

***

"And you won't leave my side for a moment?" Yelara asked, wringing her hands nervously as she and Kace walked towards the landing ramp of the ship. "I mean, I probably won't be awake at the time, but I'll know if you're not there. And you'll hold my hand through it all?" Yelara had never been under the knife before. Of course, she had been shot at, sliced open by Gin Toran, slapped around by Dargus... But this was different somehow. She had never before felt so afraid of dying, even while Toran was holding the knife to her throat.

Before, life seemed pointless. It was as if it were just a burden upon her soul, a soul waiting to be released through death so that it could soar free. Now, more than anything, Yelara wanted to live. After all, she had found again in Kace what she had once found in Kallia: a reason to live. Yelara felt her legs grow heavy and she stopped in the corridor, Kace moving right past her. "I...I can't do this, Kace. I'm scared."

Kace turned and retreated back to where Yelara stood. He put comforting arms around her, gazing into her eyes as he spoke. "It will be fine. I'll be with you the entire time, holding your hand and making sure you get through this safely. I won't let anything happen to you." He kissed her gently, a slow lingering kiss that he could feel driving out the fears she felt. "Everything will be fine. Come on. Once the operation is complete, you'll have a couple hours of bacta treatment, then an hour of recovery. I won't leave your side the entire time. You're stuck with me for life now. Besides, once you've recovered, we have to go find you a wedding dress."

Yelara let out a quiet whimper as she pulled herself tightly against Kace. Her hands gripped his cloak and she felt the urge to shroud it over herself and hide away in the darkness of it. "I hate bacta tanks," Yelara whined as she pressed her face into Kace's chest and groaned, resisting the urge to throw a tantrum. "I hate Dargus for putting me through this, more than I've ever hated him before."

Kace felt his insides turn frosty, the anger at Dargus' actions filling him. He let it go immediately, swearing to seek the vengeance later. Once he and Yelara were wed, the war upon Dargus Kandran and the Kandran Syndicate would begin. "There is an alternative then," he said. "It will tax me a little, but I will recover quickly. But, I have some skill in healing with the Force. I won't make you go into Bacta." He thought about it for a moment and smiled. "But, I think this way might even be quicker than a bacta tank."

Yelara looked up at Kace, grinning jovially. "Well, having a Jedi for a fiancé certainly has its perks," Yelara quipped as she disentangled her fingers from his cloak. "And if you really can keep me out of that bloody bacta, I'll love you for all of eternity...not that I already don't." Yelara reached up and kissed Kace on the lips gently, though her teeth still chattered and her body trembled with the fear. "I guess we should go now. We don't want to keep the doctor waiting."

Kace smiled and gave Yelara another reassuring kiss. "It'll be done before you know it," he said. "And, that tie to Dargus will be gone forever. We will soon be rid of him, my love, and then we can begin our quest to rid the universe of him." He kissed her again. "Let's go meet this doctor."

He led the way, holding her hand, out of the ship and down a narrow path. They were met by a smallish man with a large case slung over his shoulder. He smiled when he noticed their approach, at least Kace thought that was a smile he was seeing from below one of the largest mustaches he'd ever seen.

Once they were close enough, the doctor stepped forward and took Kace's hand. "Good afternoon," he said, "I am Dr. Gram Everell. I have been briefed on your situation, and I assure you that there is no need for worry. I have removed one hundred three such devices without a single casualty." He grinned at Yelara, his eyes flashing in the docking bay lighting. "And, there won't even be any scarring. If you'll follow me, I have set up a surgical suite across the street in one of the rooms of the hotel. I am certain it will serve our purposes."

As he began leading them away, he glanced back again to Yelara. "Do you have any questions before the procedure begins?"

Yelara looked at Kace, then shifted her gaze back to the doctor as she dug her fingers into Kace's wrist. "Well, now that you mention it, I do have one question...Doc. I don't want to sound as if I lack confidence in your abilities, but what if the device detonates? Just how powerful is one of those explosions?"

The doctor looked at her and nodded. "You have every right to ask the question," he said. "And, I imagine if it went off, the explosion would kill the three of us and destroy the surgical area, along with most of that particular wing of the hotel. It's not a device to be tampered with lightly. I hope you won't think me too conceited for saying so, but I am the best at this sort of operation."

Yelara clawed at Kace's arm, using all her willpower to stop herself from turning back and running into the ship. She swallowed hard as she looked up at Kace, her eyes expressive of the concern that was creeping up into her throat, bringing with it another whimper. "Kace, you don't have to be there. If anything happens, I want you to at least make it out alive...no offense, Doc."

Before the doctor could respond, Kace held up a hand. "I'm not stepping out on this now," he said. "We will get through this safely; I can feel it. You need not fear. You and I will walk out of here very much alive, and then we will get married." He squeezed Yelara's hand.

The doctor nodded, but offered no further comments. He lead them into the hotel, and up through an elevator and down a long hallway. Doors were spaced evenly along each side, but any signs of habitation were missing. "Right this way," he said, leading to one of the doors. He used a passcard to get them inside.

The room was stark white with a large table surrounded by surgical gear in the centre. It smelled of antiseptic and rubbing alcohol. All around the room, various types of machinery were humming softly as the doctor moved to ready the operating table.

Kace turned to face Yelara. "You're going to be okay," he said. "I won't let anything happen to you, not after what we've been through and what we still have ahead of us. I will marry you tomorrow, and you will be the most beautiful bride that ever lived. The doctor will be better than he's ever been in his life. I will make sure the Force is with him today, and I will be with you."

Yelara buried her face into Kace's arm, clenching her eyes shut and swallowing hard as the task ahead approached. She knew Kace would be there every step of the way and she knew getting rid of the tracking device was necessary for them to find freedom and happiness together, yet still, she was terrified. "I swear, Kace," Yelara said in a raspy voice, "if you let me die today, I'll...I'll kill you." Yelara looked up at Kace, managing a smile, but still trembling as she clung to him. "You'll make a handsome groom, Kace. You could do with a haircut, but other than that..."

He laughed and pulled Yelara into an embrace. "Then I shall get myself a haircut," he said. "And, I should probably find something a little nicer to wear for the wedding. Unless you think we should wear leather for our wedding."

From the center of the room, the doctor turned. "We are ready to begin."

Yelara's smile turned into a grimace as she tightened her hold on Kace. "Will it hurt?" she asked quietly, desperately as the doctor stood by the operating table, motioning for Yelara to come forward. "Don't leave me."

"You'll be fine," Kace whispered as he walked with her toward the table. "I'll be with you the entire time. I won't let go of your hand."

The doctor gave her an encouraging smile as they approached him. "You won't feel a thing," he said. "You will be asleep for the entire procedure, and with Mr. Mordin's help, you should feel no pain afterwards. Now, disrobe and climb up on the table, then I shall free you from the bonds holding you to Dargus Kandran."

Yelara shakily unbuttoned her shirt. Her body trembled as she handed, one by one, each piece of her clothing to Kace. Free of Dargus? It sounded like a good idea, but what of the future? They would have to always be on their guard, always watching. The next stranger could be someone hired by Dargus. To let their defenses falter could mean death...or worse. Suspicion and paranoia would take root in their lives, and spread like the weeds from her grandfather's garden. Their happiness was a fragile thing, as had been so painfully brought into crystal clear focus while they were on Corellia; they almost lost each other not once, but twice. It could very easily happen again.

They were so suited to each other, Yelara knew that, could feel it with every fibre of her being. Kace was just as stubborn and passionate, to a fault, as she was. It would make for some very intense arguments, and some even more intense and enthusiastic lovemaking afterwards.

Then there was the quest to bring down Dargus. They would cling to their rage, using it to fuel the revenge they sought. That rage would have to balance out against the bliss their union brought. Their war against Dargus could consume them both, a thought that made Yelara shiver once more. Their stubborn determination would drive them forward, shrouding themselves in darkness and casting a sinister shadow over any good they could possibly accomplish together.

They could go through with their quest to bring down Dargus Kandran, but they would need to tread carefully along that path. If they let their lust for vengeance consume them, and failed to punish Dargus, would they begin to resent each other? Would they turn the blame on each other? If they couldn't hurt Dargus, would they take out the aggression and frustration against the closest available person: each other?

Justice against Dargus would be a sweet victory, but not if it meant they would lose each other in the end.

They would never be able to begin anew while Dargus still held Yelara on a leash. The tracking device had to go. One final tie, and a very dangerous one, that Dargus had to her. To cut that away would leave them only to face whatever forces Dargus would bring to bear against them. Yelara didn't want Kace to see Dargus hovering in the shadows when he looked at her, just as she had once seen Kallia in his. She wanted to look into his eyes, and see her own reflection there, drowning in a sea of blue.

They had to succeed in taking Dargus down, or else they had to just walk away. Leave the quest for vengeance behind, and live for only each other, dealing with whatever Dargus sent after them as it came. She knew, whatever path she followed would be one she walked with Kace. She could not bear to lose him again.

Yelara gripped Kace's forearm as she hopped onto the operating table, the cold metal sending a shiver through her body. "Am I going to be awake the whole time?" Yelara asked as she lay back on the bed, her nails biting into his arm.

Kace drew his eyes up Yelara's naked form, finally stopping at her eyes. She was a beautiful woman, but her eyes were what he was always drawn to. He brushed a hand along the tattoo on her hip. He did not need to look at it to know it; he'd spent a good deal of time over the last few days getting to know that tattoo, along with every other centimeter of Yelara's body. "If you want to be awake for it, I'm sure you can."

"That's correct," the doctor said. "I can keep you conscious and use a local anesthetic if you'd like. There won't be much blood at all, and you will be anesthetized, so you shouldn't feel anything."

Yelara shook her head vigourously with her hair whipping against her face. "I don't want to be awake. If anything happens, I don't want to be awake to feel it."

The doctor nodded, and moved to a machine. "Then I will make sure you are not awake. Lie back, and put this mask over your nose and mouth. That will put you to sleep for the duration of the operation." He moved to a tray of instruments, and began arranging them.

Kace took Yelara's hand into his as she used the other with the mask. He looked into her eyes as her shaking hand brought the mask closer to her face. He stopped it with his other hand and held her gaze with his own. "I love you," he said, his eyes seeing only her. Through his eyes, he had no doubts that she would be able to see everything he felt for her, a love greater than anything he'd ever felt before in his life. "I won't let anything happen to you."

"I know. I trust you, Kace," Yelara answered in a muffled voice. Her eyes grew heavy and her breathing slow and deep as the anesthesia took effect. Yelara's grip on Kace's arm weakened as her tense body relaxed and her senses went numb. A darkness seemed to sweep across the room; the sounds of the equipment and hissing of the mask faded into the background, leaving Yelara focused on Kace's voice and his mesmerizing eyes. "Kace," she heard herself saying, not certain if the words forming in her mind were actually being vocalized, "I love you..." Yelara's hand fell away from Kace's arm and hung limp off the side of the table.

Darkness consumed her vision, but against the backdrop of the blackness, Yelara could distinctly make out two luminous orbs of blue light. They burned in her mind like two beacons, imprints of Kace's incandescent blue eyes, showing Yelara the way home if she ever got lost. Yelara gave a heavy sigh as her body completely relaxed and the outside world became only a distant memory. All she focused on now were the blue pools of light, her link to the conscious world and to Kace, who she knew would be there for her when she awakened...if she awakened.

"Beginning Anew: Freedom"
By: Kace Mordin
and Yelara Neerou

Location: Akaphael
Date: Saris 15, 3 ABY

***

Kace looked up from Yelara's hand, the one he'd been holding since the start of the operation, as he felt her consciousness begin to ebb back into her mind, as if it were a slow rolling tide creeping up the shore of a sandy beach. His other hand rested over where the doctor had removed the tracking device. He continued concentrating on transferring his life's energy into her body. He could feel that her strength had mostly returned, though he himself felt quite weak. He looked to her eyes and smiled, wanting her to see his eyes and smile when she awoke.

Yelara felt a weary smile tug at her lips as a warm sensation rose up from her stomach, tickling her senses. She squinted as the light from the room stabbed at her half opened eyes, the discomfort it caused competing with the tranquility sweeping through her. She was becoming more aware of her surroundings as her eyes adjusted to the light, and her senses began to reawaken. Yelara took a deep cleansing breath, her body tingling from the warmth originating from her midsection. She felt almost euphoric and her body felt as if it were floating. Yelara reached out with her hand, grasping for anything that would keep her tethered to where she lay and keep her from drifting too far away. Her hand brushed against something warm hovering above her abdomen...a hand, but not one of her own.

Yelara's eyelids flickered open; the light of the room was almost shocking at first and her body flinched slightly in reaction to it. She gasped quietly as the light brought with it the realization that she was alive. "Kace," she mumbled incoherently, her tongue feeling like a weight in her mouth. She fumbled for the hand she felt moments ago, frightened that if she didn't find it -- her link to the world of the living -- she would vanish into oblivion. Yelara realized that she could have died, that life truly was fleeting and that she was not quite alive or dead at that point, but hanging in the delicate balance.

Her hand searched frantically for something to keep her from being pulled back into the depths of the darkness from which she had just returned. Her body felt as if it were being pressed down by some unseen force; she couldn't lift her head or move anything but her one arm. She finally wrapped her fingers around the wrist attached to the hand. A great sigh escaped her lips as she felt her body relaxing and her mind returning to reality and the conscious world. She felt the darkness looming behind her, retreating to the furthest recesses of her mind, and as her eyes scanned the room, they fell upon Kace's form.

He was sitting by her bed, his hand placed over her stomach with an intense, yet soothing heat radiating from it. His body looked ragged and lines had formed on his brow, but his eyes were focused on hers, intense and they too radiated a warmth. He looked deep in concentration, his arm rigid as she clung to it and shook it gently. "Kace," she whispered, her voice hoarse and her mouth parched.

Kace allowed himself to relax when he heard his name from Yelara. His smile was warm as he stopped the transfer of his life energy into her body. He took her hand in his, and moved himself even closer. He felt ready to burst. Seeing her eyes open and looking at him, seeing the love there, it filled him with such great joy, he didn't know if he could contain himself. Even though he was exhausted, seeing her awake, filled him with energy. "You made it," he said gently. "The operation was a success." He moved forward and kissed her gently.

Yelara looked around the room and noticed they were no longer in the operating room. It was a smaller room with the same whitewashed walls as the surgery, but the light was softer here. It formed an almost ethereal glow around Kace's body and, combined with his piercing blue eyes, he looked like...an angel. "If you're lying and I truly am dead, Kace, then I don't think death is as bad as I thought it would be."

Kace laughed, tension dropping away from his body as he did. "Well, this is still life, and you're still with me." He kissed her again, a longer, deeper kiss. When their lips finally parted, a part of him cried out against the sudden separation, not wanting to stop. He looked at her and felt a warmth within, her eyes and smile, the way she looked at him, it was intoxicating. He had never felt anything as powerful as what he felt for her and knew he would do anything to be with her forever. "I love you, Yelara. And, tomorrow morning, as early as we can, I want to marry you."

Yelara laughed softly as she placed her hand on the back of Kace's neck, pulling him in closer, no longer feeling weak or tired. "Tomorrow? I'm feeling good as new. Let's get out of this place and go...now."

The grin that crept across Kace's face held an air of mischievousness as he helped her sit. The sheet that had been covering her fell away as she swung her legs to the side. She wore only the gown that Kace had put on her after the operation. He slid a hand up her thigh as he kissed her. "I never thought anyone could make these things look good, but you do."

"Trying to take advantage of me while in my weakened condition? Why Kace, you scoundrel!" Yelara laughed as she helped guide Kace's hand up her leg, nuzzling against his cheek and blowing gently on the sensitive part of his neck. She could feel him shiver and see the goosebumps forming on his skin as her breath fell upon his face and neck. She missed being near him, even though he had been by her side throughout the entire operation and her recovery. She felt his presence even when her mind was in it's deepest state of unconsciousness; memories of his voice echoing in her mind as she slept were beginning to surface and she knew he had been with her through it all.

He promised he wouldn't leave her, and he didn't. Yelara thought, after Kallia abandoned her, that she wouldn't be able to fully trust Kace, that the nagging memory of Kallia's departure would prevent her from fully giving herself to Kace. She knew now that that wasn't so. Kace wouldn't leave her; he hadn't left her yet and she didn't think she would let him even if he tried. "You're stuck with me, Kace. I hope you know that," Yelara whispered in his ear, blowing gently into it and feeling his body tingle in response.

Kace smiled. "I know that," he said softly, "and I wouldn't have it any other way."

He pushed the gown up and out of the way with one hand, and started pleasuring Yelara with the other. Her face was against his, her breathing getting heavier in his ear. He closed his eyes as a low moan escaped Yelara's lips. He kissed her neck, gently biting and sucking and kissing where it met her shoulder. He could feel her tense, and another shiver went down his spine as once again she blew into his ear. He was glad they had their privacy, but even if the doctor walked in just then, he didn't think he could stop. "When we're done here," he said, "we should go find something to wear, and then we can be married. And, start our honeymoon, even though I think we're already starting."

Yelara smiled as she nibbled on Kace's ear, her hand clinging tightly to Kace's as he worked his fingers inside of her. She tried not to bite down hard on his earlobe as the sensations rising from her cunt sent waves of ecstasy through her. The feelings coursing through her were pain mingled with pleasure; her body yearning to reach orgasm caused her cunt to almost ache, but a sensuous joy was accompanied with it, knowing that it was Kace's touch that was causing that pain.

Yelara's body jerked forward against Kace's, her breasts pressed against his chest, as her crotch throbbed and the blood rushed to her head. Kace's fingers worked deliberately and adeptly, causing the floodwaters inside of her cunt to break loose and a loud cry to escape her lips. She wasn't certain what she cried out as she climaxed, but she knew it had something to do with her rewarding him later for his skill and talent.

Yelara held Kace's hand still, making certain his fingers stayed inside of her. She didn't want him to release her, his hand feeling so comfortable and natural resting inside of her. It was an intimate experience, his fingers exploring every crevice and hollow within her, mapping out every inch of her just as he did with his tongue every time they kissed. She wanted nothing about her to remain a secret to him, no part of her to seem foreign or alien to him. Only in knowing every part of her completely, would they truly become one being, her body as familiar to him as his own. Yelara rested her head upon Kace's shoulder, her body still warm and trembling as the wave of ecstasy within her subsided.

Yelara laughed quietly to herself as Kace rocked her gently with her eyes closed as she nestled against him. "I can only imagine what you did to me while I was asleep."

Kace smiled and found himself laughing too, a gentle laugh filled with love. "It wouldn't have been anything special if you weren't awake to experience it," he said. "There's a part of me that wants to crawl up into bed and make love to you; but I also want to marry you as soon as we can."

"Then let's leave now. Let's go, find me a real gown to wear and not some itchy hospital one, and get married so the next time we make love, we'll do it as Kace and Yelara Mordin. How does that sound?" Yelara asked, finally releasing Kace's hand and embracing him.

Kace laughed. "Oh," he said, "I thought you would have been very cute getting married in that hospital gown. But, perhaps something a little nicer, a little more appropriate would be best. I'll get your clothes." He kissed her, and then moved a short distance away to grab her clothing from the trolly shelf he'd place them in. "That box on top has the tracking device in it. The doctor managed to get it out intact, and it's still broadcasting."

Yelara's gaze turned to the small box on the metal trolley across the room. Her body tensed and she felt a shiver crawling up and down her spine. It was so small and insignificant-looking, yet it carried with it the power to control and destroy, both physically and moreso, emotionally. It had lain dormant inside of her, violating her more than Dargus had ever done so when he had forced himself upon her. However, she was free of it now and wanted to take back all the power it had tried to take from her. She wanted to make certain her final tie to Dargus was severed for good. "Destroy it," she said curtly, her voice cold and distant.

Kace smiled. "Gladly," he said. He handed Yelara her clothes and then moved to the trolley again. As he picked the box up, he paused. "I wonder if he knows it's been removed. The doctor said there was no change in the transmission. There is no difference now than there was when it was inside you. I wonder if he can tell. The box is shielding it so the signal to self-destruct is blocked out, but it's still functioning as it was. I wonder if he's watching it now, will see it as it suddenly goes dead." He pulled out a lightsaber, his smile carrying into his eyes and showing the joy he took in taking actions that would thwart Dargus.

Yelara gritted her teeth as she prepared to revel in the sight of the hold Dargus had had over her finally coming to an end. The tracking device would be destroyed, no longer transmitting, leaving Dargus to wonder whether she had been killed in an attempt to remove it, or whether she had defied him and escaped his grasp. Either way, he would know that she was lost to him forever and that his dominion over her was no more. Yelara could feel her heart leaping into her chest with excitement as she anticipated Kace bringing the blade of his lightsaber down upon the box, and as she pictured the astonishment and shock on Dargus' face as the transmission suddenly stopped.

Yelara wrapped her arms around herself, trying to stop the trembling that suddenly enveloped her body. She wanted to see it decimated, but thoughts kept rising in the back of her mind, nagging her. It was something Kace had said that just stuck in her head, something that made her leap off the bed and run towards him, shrieking, "Kace! No!" Yelara grabbed the hand he had his lightsaber in and held it firmly, breathing heavily and shaking her head. "No, don't do it."

The blade vanished into the hilt, and Kace turned. "What is it?" He had difficulty reading the look in her eyes, but was very satisfied when he found himself not panicking about her not wanting to destroy Dargus' device. She wanted him to stop for another reason. "Is there something wrong?"

Yelara looked at the box. Her lips curled into a smile and her head felt feverish with the mounting excitement building within her at that moment. She picked it up and held it in her palm as she eyed it with a morbid curiousity and delight. She slowly turned her gaze towards Kace, bringing the box closer to him and speaking in a low, conspiratorial whisper. "There's nothing wrong, my love. In fact, there's something very right. You're brilliant Kace, brilliant. So brilliant that you've inspired me to think up something so fiendish, so perfect that there's no way we can fail. My dear," Yelara said, bringing her lips close to Kace's ear, "I have a wonderful idea."

Kace smiled a smile that matched Yelara's. He slipped an arm around her waist. "I'm all ears."

"A Second Master"
By: Elisia Melouet - Padawan
Kylas Thoamis - Jedi Master

Location: Bimmissaari
Date: Saris 15, 3 ABY

***

Kylas stood at the door to Elisia's Apartment. "How are you this morning young one?" he inquired, seeing her return.

"I am fine thank you, Kylas. I see you are still hanging about. Would you care to have breakfast with me?" Elisia had a small bag in hand and held it up for inspection.

"Very Well." He bowed and stood aside, waving his hand to allow her to go in first. "So I am to assume your decision is somewhat in favor of what I asked last night."

"I have decided not to go with Evie and Dargus. Anything else is still up for decision," she said somewhat distantly. She opened the door and sat the bag on the table and went to fetch plates.

He entered in behind her. "Perhaps, but the Force works wonders for your soul if learned how to be used properly." He added, "It can give you purpose and guidance."

"It gives pain and agony," she replied promptly, slapping the plates on the table. "It is something others wish to manipulate because you have it and they don't."

"Or it can be joy, used to help those not born with the gift to make their lives better and in return receive the simple joy of having helped another's life improve through your actions."

"Right." Elisia served up the food she had purchased on two plates and handed him one. "What do you really want?" she asked softly as she sat down with her plate.

"To set things right, to redeem what should be saved and help those in need." He nodded. "You're in need of help and I am here to help you. Simple, why must you look for the conflict in all things for yourself?"

"Because there has always been one, even when I was unprepared for it," she answered not looking up from her food.

"Come, ready your saber," he announced and drew his. He activated one end. "I wish to show you something."

She looked at him uncertainly. But then, she pushed her plate away. She tossed her cloak off and pulled out her saber. It was a single blade that Kace had given her. They had never finished hers. She, without thinking, dropped into a readied stance. It had become second nature in a very short period of time. Though, she still held it a little far out.

Kylas stood there. He took a step closer and simply tapped his saber off hers to test her reaction.

Elisia had spent so much time practicing with the spheres, especially the three days on the trip to Corellia. She had nothing at the time better to do. Her reactions had not been dulled, even by the heartsick sensation in her chest. She reacted quickly and without thought.

Kylas activated the other blade of his saber and spun it around, pulling his blade aside and one blade close to her face. "Like the unbending oak, you can be snapped in a strong wind. Your teacher, has not taught you what you need to know. You need to be more like the ironclaw, bending and able to twist in the wind."

Elisia's eyes were wide. She shut off her saber. "I know I did not complete my training. I barely started it," she whispered. "I cannot train with you. I know what you are and what you represent. I cannot put away my anger or my hate. I have killed and enjoyed it," she said almost in defiance. "Even if it was originally in defense."

"That is why I was sent to train you," he replied. "I understand better than anyone what you feel inside, what it means to feel the power of the Darkside. I was once a Sith," he replied. He withdrew and disarmed himself. "That is why you must - to keep from walking a similar path."

She tossed her saber aside. "Why is it I keep attracting you people? The ones who have walked both sides." He could hear the frustration and fear in her voice.

"Because you are the one who walks both sides, but never chooses." He looked at her. "I want to give you that choice, before the choice is made for you," he answered calmly.

"Made for me? I don't understand." She watched him warily. "Why do I have to choose? I like walking both sides. It is the best of both."

"You cannot walk that line forever. The Force will make you choose one way or the other. The balance is maintained this way, but many misread what the force tells them and choose wrong. You must be enlightened to the facts then make the choice free of will." He smiled and touched her shoulder. "You need proper guidance."

Elisia didn't know whether he spoke truly and unconsciously reached out. She could sense his desire to help. She also touched his desire to help a "child" and immediately tensed. "Shouldn't I receive enlightenment from both sides to make such a decision?" she asked trying to hide her resentment.

"I have been both sides, that is why I can help. Not a neutral, not a light or Dark but one who has been both. I will train you and the decision is yours to make afterwards free and clear."

She was quiet for a moment. "Kace was - a neutral. If the force will make me choose, how can he be a gray Jedi?"

"There are no true Gray Jedi. If he was, his heart would be cold and have no show of Light or Dark. He betrayed you, correct?" He looked at her. "He has chosen to hide behind a lie."

She paled. "Yes, he betrayed me," she whispered, her eyes dropping to the floor in pain and mortification. "I did not think he would lie to me. I thought I would sense if he had. But now I know there is no truth in him."

"A lie is the path of the darkside. I will show you what to know of that, but you must let me train you." He sat down.

"How can I train if do not trust? I don't trust you," she said honestly. She knew she had much to learn. Here was a second chance and yet she was afraid to take it. The most Kace had taught her was to use the saber and to read. But even those two things still had a long way to go.

"Trust is foundation. Foundations need to be built slowly and solidly, and a good foundation could take time to build. Train and build your foundation as it goes." He looked at her.

She sat down across from him. "Okay," she said, giving in to her desire to know more. It was more overwhelming than her fear of being betrayed again.

"First, you must understand the force is around us in all things." He stood up. "Close your eyes," he told her. "Concentrate on the oblivion around. Concentrate on everything and nothing all at once."

"Now? Did it ever occur to you that it might take me a moment to adjust to the idea?" she said with a chuckle. Nevertheless, she closed her eyes. She could sense things around her now, but sensing nothing at the same time.

He walked behind her and held his hands on either side of her head. "Your mind remains with the body, but the Force allows you to move beyond the confines of your normal understanding." He concentrated and using telepathy and farseeing, showed her what he meant. He took her senses and stretched them beyond the room, experiencing the various color and sensations in a new light.

Elisia was amazed. It was as if the force was everywhere. She had always believed it to be only in some people. She remained still and then relaxed, opening herself to his guidance further. Elisia was not aware of her own strength or intellect. By relaxing, she allowed him to assess both.

He felt her great potential. "You need to learn this and many other things, but first you need to be retaught the basics." He pulled his hands away and let her come back. "What you have learned has hindered your control."

"Some things I learned on my own. I used to make wishes and then people would make them come true. I didn't know at the time that I was using a power of the force," she said, her eyes still closed. "But how does what I have learned hinder?"

"You have been taught to restrict certain parts of the force to show neutrality. You have been taught to deflect blasters before you truly know the movements. This will hinder you."

She wanted to bristle at the condemnation of Kace's methods and yet deep down, she knew that he was probably right. Even though betrayed, a first love held deep, and it was hard not to defend him. "I am just learning to read too," she admitted quietly, opting for a change of topic.

"Then learn the basics of life as well as the Force." He added, "I can teach you mathematics and basic social skills if you wish."

"You know nothing of me. I could be a street rat or a princess." It was a test. She was really both, but she was curious as to how much he knew about her.

"You will know what you need to know to survive. That is what you have always done, and nothing more. Don't you think it is time you learned more simply for the sake of learning?" he responded.

"I suppose. I have never had that opportunity until the last few months. If I accept you as my master, what would you expect from me as your padawan?" Elisia knew she was being cautious, but she couldn't help it.

"To learn, to watch, to accept your own decisions with trust and heed the counsel of friends when need be," he answered. "You must be diligent in your studies and help those in need."

She was quiet for a long moment. "I can agree to that," she finally answered.

"Very well. Would you feel safer moved to a more isolated place to learn, such as Landro IV, a jungle world with a few small settlements? It would help with your training or to remain in a more urban area."

"I defer to your judgement. Thus far, I have been training in the Drogen shipyards or on Kace's ship," she admitted. She had a feeling he would not approve.

"Very well. We will head for Landro IV when you are ready to leave. I do not approve of the closeness of such quarters, but I suppose... I have a small farm, though it is not large, but in the swamps and forests are safe and quiet." He shook his head. "And please be rid of that saber. I will loan you this one until we have made yours." He pulled a silver double saber from his belt with a red pattern inlaid.

"I like my saber," she said looking up at him wide-eyed. "It was a gift freely given to me. I will not use it if you wish, but I would like to keep it." It was the only thing other than the credits that she had from Kace.

"Very well, as you wish. Gather your things and call me when you are ready to depart. Simply say my name and I will come. When you are ready." He turned and departed to ready the ship to leave.

Elisa watched him leave. How was it she still didn't feel in control?

"Beginning Anew: Confessions"
By: Kace Mordin
and Yelara Neerou

Location: Akaphael
Date: Saris 15, 3 ABY

***

The two of them walked along the main street of the merchants' quarter. They stopped occasionally to look in windows, but they were looking specifically for a shop that would sell Yelara a dress. Just after they'd left the hotel where the doctor had removed the tracking device, they'd located the place where they could be married.

"It looks like there may be a shop ahead selling dresses and gowns," Kace said, pointing up the street. "Let's go see if they have one you like in your size."

Yelara walked hand in hand with Kace towards the small shop. She couldn't help but stare at the man who was, in a matter of hours, to be her husband. She had never imagined herself committed to one person for life. In her youth, which wasn't too far in the past, Yelara enjoyed having flings with just about every charming man she met. Kace had no idea of her past conquests and she was beginning to feel guilty about keeping it from him. She couldn't, in good conscience, marry him without telling him. After all, it wasn't something she wanted to come up somewhere down the line when they were trying to build a life together.

Yelara cleared her throat, looking down at the ground as they neared the shop. "Kace, there's...I want you to know a few things about me before we go through with this."

Kace stopped and looked at her, trying to gauge her mood and feelings. He wasn't sure if he should be worried or not, though there was something about Yelara's posture and the look in her eyes that told him there was something to worry about. It was good to say some things now, he guessed, and he had a few he needed to tell her. "Sure," he said. "Did you want to go have a seat on a bench or is here okay?"

"No, I wanna do this here." Yelara took a deep breath, gathering her nerve and daring to look into Kace's eyes. As she did, they showed only concern and anxiety, which caused her heart to sink and a knot to form in her throat. "I feel you should know some things about me before we get too far into this, even though we're already way past the point of no return." Yelara swallowed hard. Her fingers became tangled as she fidgeted with them nervously. "Well, it may or may not come as a surprise to you, Kace, but..." Yelara sighed heavily, closing her eyes and trying to hide the shame that washed over her expression. "I don't wanna lose you Kace, and if I tell you this, I just might," Yelara whispered. Her voice became unsteady and thick with the freshly forming tears.

Kace couldn't hide his own worry. "You're not going to lose me," he said gently. His eyes, despite the growing concern, showed the great love he had for her. He took her hands in his. "Now, what is it my love?"

"I'm so ashamed, Kace, but I had no choice..." Yelara wriggled her hands free from Kace's and crossed her arms, gripping her forearms tightly as the trembling started again. "I was just a kid, I had just left Corellia, I was on my own and I was...desperate," she began. She squeezed her eyes shut tight as she looked reluctantly to the past. "It was hard, being a girl and trying to compete for jobs with the men. They don't readily hire female mechanics, and repairing ships really was the only thing I knew how to do. I'd been living with my grandparents for years; I wasn't street smart, I didn't know how to survive on my own. If I hadn't done it, I wouldn't have lasted a week out there."

Yelara's features became hard, her mouth pursed shut as she collected her thoughts, shuffling through the events of her past and trying to determine really how much of it she should reveal to Kace. All of it, she told herself, he has to know everything. Yelara dispelled a sharp breath as she willed herself to go on. Kace hadn't hidden anything from her. He told her all about his past as a Dark Jedi, all the atrocities he had committed and had spared no detail. He trusted her enough to confide in her and loved her enough to risk losing her by doing so; she owed him the same courtesy. She loved him far too much to let the past impose upon the future they would build together.

Yelara opened her eyes, fixing them on somewhere in the distance as the memories played themselves out in her mind, every sound, every smell present as they had been when the memories were first formed.

"The first time was on Tatooine. I was headstrong, as all teenagers are, and stubborn, so damn stubborn. I had only just stepped foot onto the desert sands and I walked into the first repair shop I saw. I was cocky, I knew I was a good mechanic and thought they would hire me on the spot." Yelara laughed ruefully to herself as she remembered the owner of the shop laughing in her face. "I had never felt so embarrassed in my life. He said I was just a girl and that he didn't know of any girls who liked to work up a sweat and get dirty. He told me to get out of his shop and try the brothel next door. I was about ready to slug him, but I hadn't expected his reaction and was unprepared to do anything but turn around, my face red with shame, and walk away." Yelara placed her hand upon her cheek as she felt her face becoming hot, as it had that day. She was beginning to recall why she never looked to the past often, for it was far too vivid and real, despite the years between then and now.

Yelara took a deep breath, her eyes slowly shifting to Kace's. She could see the understanding, the curiousity emanating from them, but she was worried the next part of her story would cause them to turn cold and disapproving. Of all the things she feared the most, she feared Kace would be disgusted with her, yet she struggled on, forcing back the tears of shame the were stinging her eyes. "It was about a week after I arrived on Tatooine that it first happened. I was out of money, I was hungry and cold...I managed to get a job serving drinks at a bar on the second day, but they fired me for kneeing one of the customers in the groin for grabbing my ass. I thought about leaving and hitching a ride off Tatooine, but I was afraid of getting caught and thrown into prison, so I saw no other choice."

Yelara swallowed hard, even though her throat was completely dry now. She tried to look at Kace's eyes again, but her own were still glued steadfastly to something far off in the distance as she gathered the courage to go on. "I mean, I'm not saying I was naive about that sort of thing before I arrived there; I'd been with men before... In the middle of the second week, I decided to take the shop owner's advice about the brothel." Yelara shuddered and rubbed her arms as a chill seemed to sweep through the air.

She felt her voice catch in her throat and was truly afraid now to look at Kace's face. She knew the thought of her being with Dargus almost tore him apart, and she could only imagine now what he would think about her selling her body to strange men. "I didn't enjoy it, you must believe that Kace. I detested every moment of it, and the minute I saved up enough creds, I got the hell off of Tatooine and moved on. Even so, I ended up in the same predicament everywhere I went. No one wanted to give me a chance, and the only other thing I knew how to do at that point was to pleasure men for money. So, that's what I did."

Kace remained silent, and Yelara was so caught up in her story, that she had no idea whether he was still standing before her, or whether he had left, her revelation too much for him to bear. "I'm sorry, Kace. I didn't know what else to do. I was young and stupid. The ironic part of this whole thing is that if it weren't for Dargus, if he hadn't given me a job on the shipyards, I would probably still be heading down that self destructive path. No matter how much I hate him, there's a part of me that is grateful to him for taking me away from all that."

Yelara blinked away the tears, breaking the trance-like state she had entered while she told the story. She hung her head low now, shaking it slowly as she attempted to push away the memories, supressing them again as she had done for so long. "Kace, I don't blame you if you're too disgusted to ever touch me again, but please believe me when I tell you that none of those men ever meant anything to me."

Kace watched Yelara, his eyes and features unreadable. The pain had been stamped down hard inside, out of the way. He didn't want her to see it, he didn't know if she could bear to see that. He took a step closer to her, and in one swift graceful move, pulled her into a deep kiss. He closed his eyes and put all his love, every gram of passion and desire, into the kiss. Long moments later, when the kiss finally broke, Kace pulled back slightly and looked into Yelara's eyes. "I am sorry you had to live through something like that," he said. "To be forced to something like that..." He shook his head. "And, I don't know if I'd agree about Dargus. I think it was the same as before, you just didn't get paid, and he let you work on ships from time to time. But, you have me and the Kestrel now. You will never have to go back to that life again.

"Most people have elements from their past that bring them shame, but we don't have to live our lives in those elements. We can become more than our past. And, now, today, we're moving forward together, into a new life, different from the ones we live now, and very different from those behind us. I love you, Yelara, and I still want to marry you."

Yelara crumpled into Kace's arms, taking in a staggering deep breath as she felt all the shame and tension wash away. Kace loved her, she didn't doubt that now; his words had reinforced that. His eyes were expressionless, but Yelara thought nothing of it; the warmth of his embrace was all the indication she needed of his love for her. "I'm glad I told you, Kace. You don't know how relieved I am. I wasn't certain how you'd react and... Let's just go find me a dress now. I don't wanna wait another minute."

Kace smiled as he held her in his arms. He let the look he'd been holding in his eyes melt away. As soon as she'd started telling him the story of her past, Kace had to put his defenses in place to keep from crumbling against her words. To have been put through something like that, to have to sink to where you had no other options other than selling your body, it was like being run through by a blade. He felt that his emotions were under control now, so the defenses came down.

"How about one more minute," he said. "I have something too, though nothing really about my past. Well, partly about my past, but not anything I've done. I've told you everything about my dark times. You see, I wasn't born with this name, Kace Mordin. I took the name when I turned down the dark path."

"Oh no, not this again," Yelara quipped as she looked at Kace with a smile. "Why is it that everyone I fall in love with always has an alias? I guess that's what I get for falling for Jedis. So, my love, what shall I call myself, then. If not Mrs. Mordin, then what?"

Kace laughed. "Well, you've been through this before," he said, "so this should be easy. I was born Liam Zaneth. And, I'd like to take that name again. And, that would make you Mrs. Yelara Zaneth."

"Liam..." Yelara said, testing out the name, letting her mouth get a feel for saying it. "It's a lot less threatening than Kace Mordin. I like it," Yelara answered as she leaned in and kissed Kace...Liam on the lips. "Now, Mr. Zaneth, let's go find your wife-to-be a wedding dress. Oh, and you're paying, of course," Yelara added with a laugh.

Kace patted the section of his belt that held his credit chip. No, not Kace, Liam now. He would have to get used to that. You're Liam again, he told himself. Liam the street rat became Liam the Padawan became...a dark mess that found redemption through love. He was Liam again. "I'll buy you whichever dress you like best. And, if you find anything else in there you think you'd like, or anywhere. We're starting a new life together, if we need new stuff for that, we should get it. But, first is your dress, my love."

Liam Zaneth pulled Yelara into another embrace and kissed her, nearly losing himself there as they stood before the shop where Yelara would buy her wedding gown.

"Beginning Anew: Private Thoughts"
By: Liam Zaneth
and Yelara Neerou

Location: Akaphael
Date: Saris 15, 3 ABY

***

Yelara reached behind, zipping the back of her dress closed, and smiled at herself in the mirror. Her silky, black hair hung just below her ears now; a sweet smelling white flower sat on the left side of her head, resting among the thick mass of curls. Yelara smoothed the dress with her hands as her fingers traced over the soft, white fabric. The dress was sleeveless and fell just below her knees, and exposed only a conservative portion of her chest. The shop had a large selection of dresses, many of them more elegant than the one she wore, all of them more appropriate for a wedding, but this one appealed to her for some reason.

The light, airy fabric felt like a gentle breeze against her flesh and was unrestrictive, unlike the leather she was accustomed to wearing. It wasn't form fitting, like the other dresses she'd tried on, and merely traced the natural curves of her body without being too revealing. Yelara narrowed her eyes as she spun around slowly in front of the mirror, watching as the dress billowed and swayed. It gave Yelara the illusion of an updraft of wind picking her up from the ground, and carrying her high above the clouds.

She closed her eyes, spinning around faster, laughing as she became dizzy and her head grew light with the euphoric feeling of flying through the air. Yelara finally opened her eyes and stopped spinning, overcome with laughter and feeling a touch nauseous from her flight. Her laughter began to slowly die down as she knelt on the ground, her chest heaving as she tried to steady her breathing. She was beginning to realize that she had subconsciously chosen the dress, just as she had unwittingly styled her hair just as she wore it when she was a child. She was trying to regain a piece of herself -- more accurately, her childlike innocence and naiveté.

Having to delve into the past that day, with Liam, bore yet another a hole into her heart, one that would join the already numerous voids that had developed over the years. Just as on Corellia when she yearned to recapture her youth, now she yearned to somehow regain the innocence she gave up on Tatooine when she sold her body for the first time.

The gleaming, white dress, similar to the one she would have worn as a little girl, made the past seem irrelevant now. The pure white of the dress would not dull against her flesh as the past attempted to encroach on her new life. It was only a dress; yet it was also somewhat symbolic. It would be symbolic of a clean slate upon which she and Liam could write a new history, one in which the lives they lived before their union acted only as a reminder of how empty their existence had been. It was a manifestation of her need to get back in touch with the naive eighteen year old who had departed reluctantly and teary-eyed from her grandparents' home, setting off on a journey that ended with her meeting Dargus, and then the new beginning with Liam and herself conquering the galaxy together.

Yelara regained her breath and her mesmerizing violet eyes stared back at her as she stared into the mirror with a youthful glow emanating from her. She had come full circle and had a chance to unwind the wheel of fate and shape it to fit with her own vision of the future. She would marry Liam with her soul cleansed and once again pure, free to give to the man she loved without the weight of the past keeping it from soaring to the heights their love could raise it to.

Yelara moved her legs from beneath her and sat on the ground with her knees pulled close to her chest as she rocked back and forth. She rested her cheek on her knees as she hummed a lullaby she remembered from her youth, one she scarcely remembered before that day. She let the haunting melody drift through the air as she smiled with elation, every note ringing out with perfect clarity in her mind; the lullaby became as familiar to her as it had been when she first heard it being hummed to her by her mother.

This was her new start, the one she didn't know she wanted until it had been handed to her. She knew now which steps led to disaster, and which would lead her further down the path of happiness. She would take those steps with Liam and even if they did falter, she knew they would not fall. She was no longer ashamed of her past, knowing Liam loved her despite it. If that didn't bring a smile to her face, she didn't think anything could.

***

Liam Zaneth stared back from the mirror, his unblinking gaze taking in everything. Black fitted pants were tucked into a pair of black boots shined to spotlessness. He'd chosen loose-fitting pale violet shirt, and a long coat to go over that. He liked the cut of the coat, and realised he wanted a few more in a similar style, but that could wait for another time.

As Liam watched himself in the mirror, he ran a hand through his freshly trimmed hair. It was much shorter than it had been. He figured, new look to go with the new name and the new life. It would take a little getting used to, but Yelara seemed very pleased with it. He smiled and dropped his hands to his sides. He gave an approving nod to the mirror, and then straightened the jacket again.

As he turned toward the door of the small room he'd been using to change, Liam stopped. Every once in awhile, his mind would manage to get a grasp of everything that had happened to him recently. Since his youth, barely into his teens, Liam Zaneth had been Kace Mordin, a dark jedi student, and then dark jedi. He had committed acts that, when he thought of them now, turned his stomach.

His training had been brutal and demeaning. He had learned to do things, forced to do things that were designed solely to inflict pain and kill. He had been a weapon, an instrument of destruction. He'd nearly lost count of the number of times he'd been sent out by the Emperor or Vader to kill or worse. He could still remember each and every time in his mind's eye, could see each time with vivid clarity.

But, that was all behind him now. A new life was starting today, a new life with the woman he loved. Their life together would outshine their lives before. They each shared dark pasts, and they each were more than willing to move on from that. Their love for each other was far stronger than whatever had come before.

There was a gentle knock at the door breaking Liam out of his thoughts.

"Yes," he said.

"We are ready to begin, Mr. Zaneth," a voice beyond the door said.

Liam smiled. Yes, he thought, time to begin.

"Beginning Anew: Scarlet Kestrel"
By: Liam Zaneth
and Yelara Neerou

Location: Akaphael
Date: Saris 15, 3 ABY

***

A pair of clouds scudded across the clear sky as four humans climbed to the top of a small hill down on the planet's surface. It was easy to feel insignificant with the natural world rising up on all sides. They were surrounded by forest and mountain, river and ocean, and above, there was nothing but clear sky.

In the technologically advanced age they lived in, it was quite something to stand in an area untouched by technology, the Empire, and many of the other blights that seemed to spread through the galaxy with humanity and its kin.

The figure in the lead, wearing a robe of lightweight fabric and carrying a small book, held up a hand to stop once they reached the top of the hill. She turned to the others and smiled. "Liam and Yelara, we have arrived at our destination, though for you this is hardly a destination. From this point, your new life will start together. If you will stand in front of me there. Yes, that's right. And, Gharet, to my side please." She smiled with a warmth seldom seen in the galaxy in the dark times.

The gangly man who'd accompanied them stepped to Freah Preth's side as instructed. Neither Liam nor Yelara knew him, but he would be witness to their joining.

Freah smiled and positioned herself to where she stood in front of and between them. She indicated that they should face each other and then take each other's hands. Once satisfied with their positions, she nodded her approval.

"When man and woman join," she began, "it is indeed a joyous occasion. There is nothing more powerful in life than love, and no event more powerful than the joining of two who love each other deeply in that love. Liam Zaneth and Yelara Neerou, you have chosen to join in mind and body, and to make your joining official and binding for all to see. Your marriage will stand as a testament to the power of your love for each other, and for the life you share." She paused again, and took in both of them. The smile grew even wider as she continued. "I understand you have prepared vows of your own. Yelara, would you care to go first?"

Yelara smiled at Freah nervously, brushing aside a curl that the breeze had pushed into her face. She placed her hand back in Liam's, the warmth of his flesh heating her own. She wished they could have just kissed and gotten the whole thing over with, but reciting the vows she had written comprised an important part of the ceremony. "Well...I-I..." Yelara stammered, surprised at how shakey her own voice was. She hadn't been nervous up until the point where all eyes focused on her, awaiting the recitation of her vows. She enjoyed being the centre of attention, but today was different, today she was getting married and didn't want to risk doing or saying anything to turn the whole thing into a complete disaster. Liam was too important to her; she couldn't let that happen.

Yelara looked up, her eyes met by Liam's who had a gentle smile on his face encouraging her to continue, even though she had hardly even begun. Clearing her throat and smiling sheepishly, Yelara closed her eyes and gathered her thoughts. She had practised everything she was going to say before the ceremony, but now she remembered only fragments of her speech, the words seeming to be swept away by the wind as it whistled through her ears. "It appears as if I've forgotten what I was going to say," Yelara began, laughing at herself and garnering a smile from Freah, who obviously had encountered one or two nervous brides in her life and regarded Yelara with nothing but genuine understanding. She nodded at Yelara, the warm smile still present on her face, and motioned for her to begin.

Yelara turned her gaze back to Liam, this time finding inspiration in his eyes and finding the words that had, moments ago, been lost to her. "I first met Liam as Kace Mordin when he arrived on my flight deck...well the one I worked on. Anyway, the first time we met, I was saving his butt from being beaten by a group of my workers, but he paid back that debt in full long ago." Yelara winked at Liam, one accompanied by a sly grin and a gentle squeeze of his hands. "I immediately felt my heart being pulled in by those breathtaking eyes of his, but it was his kindness, his understanding, and his unconditional love that completely won me over."

The wind began to pick up around them, causing the tails of Liam's jacket to whip against his legs. Yelara's dress was blown tightly against her body, every curve now exposed beneath the thin fabric. Yelara closed her eyes again, letting the wind carry the words from her lips as she spoke. "All the odds were against us, even then. I kept pushing him away, but he refused to let that discourage him. He was with me through all my struggles, picking me up when I faltered and helping me plant my feet securely on the ground again. Without him, I wouldn't have made it to this day."

Yelara swallowed back a bitter taste that rose in her throat, just as the past began to surface in her mind. Kallia, Dargus, her parents... Yelara pushed it all away. There was no room for all that inside of her now; she was already filled to the brim with an immense passion and love for Liam. "But we are here now," Yelara continued, opening her eyes and letting the warmth radiating from them encompass Liam. "The love I feel for him is difficult to express with words alone. I know that I only wish others could feel as I do, could feel as if nothing, no matter how horrible, will ever be able to darken my days again. As long as I have Liam, my days will always be filled with a light formed entirely of the love emanating from his heart. That light shall guide our souls - two souls which are now one - to that plane where no one else exists and nothing could ever interfere in our search for happiness."

Yelara's smile seemed to transform her entire face; her features became almost ethereal as every feature softened and submitted to the happiness bursting from within her. "I seem to be rambling," she said bashfully as she turned to look at Freah and their witness who looked almost near tears. "To sum it all up, I love you, Liam," Yelara said, turning back to him. "I love you with all of my being and I give myself completely to you, for now and until the universe ceases to exist. Forever, Liam."

Freah smiled at Yelara, nodding her approval. She turned her attention to Liam and gave him a nod to begin.

Liam Zaneth took a deep breath and let it out. He closed his eyes momentarily, centring himself with another breath. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself looking deep into Yelara's violet eyes. "As I stand here today, I am filled with a happiness I've never felt before. My life has been filled with darkness, more than any one being should ever have to endure. I turned away from that darkness, and began a search for the light, for a redemption from what I had been before. I never knew love...until I came to the shipyards of Tae'Karada.

"When we met, Yelara and I, I knew there was something between us, something powerful. With each moment we spent together, that power grew. And, as we stand here today, I can still feel it growing. It hasn't all been easy. We've almost lost each other a few times, but each time our love for each other brought us back together. It only feels right that we be together in every sense."

Liam took a breath and smiled. "My heart, I share with you, completely and unconditionally. My soul is joined with yours now and forever. My body and mind, I give to you for the rest of our days. The darkness of my past is gone forever, banished by the light you bring to my life. Through the Force, I bind myself to you. I am your guardian, your lover, your companion, your husband. I am, to you, everything you wish of me. I love you with all my being, and give myself completely to you, for now and until the universe ceases to exist. Forever, Yelara."

Freah nodded approval again, her countenance showing her overwhelming excitement at what was happening. From beneath her robe, she produced a small carved box. She opened it, revealing the pair of stylised falcons within. She passed the box toward Liam, who removed one of the falcons and then faced Yelara. "I offer this as a symbol of my love and devotion to you," he said gently. "I ask that you wear it as a sign of your love for me, and the life bond we share." At Yelara's accepting nod, he stepped close to her -- a truly intoxicating moment -- and placed the small earring into the empty hole in Yelara's left ear.

Yelara carressed Liam's hand as it lingered by her ear, then gently brushed her cheek against it before he placed it at his side again. She smiled and took the matching earring from the box, her eyes never leaving Liam's as she brought it to his ear. "A wise man told me once about the Kestrel," Yelara began, winking at Liam as she remembered their conversation on the Vengeance that day. "He said that once a Kestrel mates, it's for life. Today and for eternity, it shall be a symbol of our everlasting love for each other," Yelara said passionately as she slipped the earring into Liam's earlobe. "Wear it and remember I am yours always, Liam."

Freah dabbed at a tear with the corner of her sleeve. "I'm sorry," she said. "I usually don't get emotional at these ceremonies." She took a breath and made a gesture that looked like it was designed to settle and calm. "With the powers vested in me by the regional director of the Ploorad Sector and the marriage counsel of Akaphael, I am happy to pronounce you husband and wife, joined from now until the end of time. This union is legal and binding, witnessed, and will carry the official seal of the Akaphael Marriage Board. May your lives be full of happiness and joy, and any dark times whither before your love for one another. And, the moment I can see you both waiting for, you may kiss."

Liam Zaneth took Yelara into his arms and pulled her close. When their lips touched, it was like an explosion of white fire consumed them both. It was as if the ground dropped away and they were flying. It had to be the most beautiful moment of Liam's entire life.

Yelara let her lips linger on Liam's, her eyes burning as tears escaped and rolled down her cheeks. For the first time in a long time, she was crying tears of joy, ones that didn't sear her flesh and leave a mark forever on her soul. She pulled away from the kiss, her arms wrapped firmly around Liam's neck, and began to laugh uncontrollably. "We're married, Liam. What the hell are we thinking?!"

Liam laughed along with Yelara. "We're crazy," he said, kissing away her tears. "I guess everything starts new from here. I never thought I'd see myself here, but now I can't see myself anywhere else." He hugged her tight. Then, he leaned in conspiratorially, and whispered. "I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the honeymoon to start."